CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??  THIS IS MY LAST EMAIL TO YOU ALL!! THIS IS ONE OF THE ONLY THINGS I AM ACTUALLY HAPPY TO LEAVE.:)

Dear Family and friends,

     Can you believe it??  This is my LAST EMAIL to you all!!  This is one of the ONLY things I am actually happy to leave.  haha.  EMAIL TIME is always so stressful.  

     I am excited to see you all!!!  Yes, I am very sad to leave Korea but I have come to realize that its something I can't stop.  I have been thinking back when I came and how different it was.  I have realized how this is my time to really apply everything I have learned in the past 18 months.  I have the strongest testimony I feel I have ever had and now I get to share it with everyone.  Yes I am sad but I am also excited!!  I don't really know how to explain my feelings.

     This past week was such a good week and we worked harder then we ever have.  It was my last full week as a missionary and let me tell you.........we were busy!

     I want to share with you again my feelings regarding this mission, and what I have learned and gained while out here.   The first and most important is my testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know with more of a surety that He lives and He died for you and me.  I know that with all my heart!!  I have also learned the importance of three things,  being obedient , showing faith, and having the spirit of the Holy Ghost with you.  Why is obedience important?  Well as a missionary we have a lot of standards we have to live by, and as I was striving to be obedient my faith increased.  I know that through obedience I saw so many miracles.    I was at a point where I felt very low on my mission, and my faith was tested.  I then started to do everything I could to increase my faith and to show my faith to God.  Through just believing I was able to see miracles and accomplish the impossible.  When I was obedient I also had the spirit with me, and I  felt His guiding influence my whole mission. 

     I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us!!  I can not wait to share my testimony to all the world! :)

     This past week we received two new amazing investigators.  One came from just us saying hi to her, and her parents have worked in the market for two years or so.  They referred her to us when she came back from America.  Now we are teaching her.:)  Little acts of kindness go a long ways.:)

     Today for P day we are going to have our last MTC reunion and I will pack.  Wednesday morning I will go with Sister Johnson who is also leaving the mission.  We will go visit her old investigator and then we will go eat dinner with my favorite Bishop and his wife.  Thursday we go to the temple and then we will go visit some people in my last area.  Then we have a dinner later that night and then the next day I leave.  I am so sad to leave EVERYONE!  I am sad to leave the Korean missionaries too because it will be hard to ever see them all again.

     I am terrified to come home because of the change, but I am trying to exercise my faith.  Now I get to put into practice everything I've learned.  I am excited though to be able to sleep and just take a nap.:)  My first instinct if I could choose would be to stay here just one more week. haha

     I have a lot of writings in my journals that I kept here, and I will treasure those memories.  I gave my final talk in Sacrament Meeting yesterday in Korean and it went well.  A member of the seventy came that day and spoke.  He got up and thanked me personally by name for working hard.  

     I contacted Clyde Bawden who will be playing the piano for me to sing I Know That My Redeemer Lives on March 27th for my home coming talk.   He said he is all ready to go.:)

     My health is doing ok and it could be worse, but it's not......That's a blessing.  I will be fine!!  I just can't wait to SLEEP.:)   I do have those red circles all over my hips and I need to see a doctor about it right away.

     For the first few days I just want to be with my family and visit a few friends, but on March 27th all my friends on FB can come to a homecoming party, because that's the day I speak.

     If you really want to know something I would love to have, and that is a massage.  My Body REALLY HURTS bad.  I also really want to get back singing for Fire Birds and other places again.   I miss it so much!

     The picture that someone posted of me on FB with the Korean girls, are all the young women in our ward.  I love them!!!

     I would love to sign up for the mid term classes at school, so please register me?. 

   I bought you all some special Korean souvenirs that I am bringing home. :)

     I love you all and am READY TO EMBRACE MY NEW LIFE!!!   I will see you on Friday.:)

                                                    LOVE, MICHELLE

THIS MISSION HAS CHANGED MY LIFE, AND I NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE THIS HARD TO COME HOME FROM A MISSION.  I WILL PROBABLY BE BAWLING ON THE PLANE ALL THE WAY HOME.



Dear family and friends,

     Well I hope all of you are doing great.  I have to tell you I feel very anxious, and everything is really starting to hit me.  I almost had a melt down yesterday, and my companion had to tell me all the things I can look forward to in the U.S. because I was so distraught from the fact that I have to leave Korea.  I am fine though but I will probably be bawling all the way home on the plane.  It's a sensitive subject right now to talk about myself leaving so soon, and it's harder than you can even imagine.

     Today for P day I am going to go to my greenie area to go shopping, and I'm buying some last things I want to bring home from Korea.  I got to sing and play my guitar for a beautiful wedding on Saturday.  They first asked me to sing my original song, "Middle of Starting Over," but then they changed it to Bruno Mars's song, "Count on Me."  It went well and I will show you videos when I get home.

     The weather is cold but not too bad.  Yesterday I actually sang my solo, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives,"  in Sacrament Meeting.  I was supposed to sing it next week after my last talk,  but the ward planned another number for that day.  It went really well and don't worry, one of the young women did an audio recording for me.:)  They even had me sing it again during Sunday School for the youth, and the Bishop's daughter played the piano for me.  

     Yesterday was kind of a mess........We had three investigators that said they would come to church.  One didn't wake up, one was cancelled right before, and one was feeling sick.  So no investigators came, but it's ok!   Church was still great.:)

     I have been learning how to cook Korean food a lot lately and the members have reached out to help me as well.  I don't really like the American food here and don't eat any of their food except maybe sometimes some oatmeal.  

     I love speaking in front of people now and I feel a lot more confidence, especially when it comes to the Gospel.  I really want to speak to the youth when I get home because there's so much I would love to tell them.:)

     Do you think that I could have my former stake president release me, Brother Sandstrom?  He set me apart and I would really like it if he could release me?  Is that possible?

     As I look back on my memories of the MTC at the beginning of my mission, I remember I thought learning this difficult Korean language was so hard, and being with a girl suddenly 24/7 and always trying to make her happy was difficult. I loved though the peace I felt at the MTC and the spirit there. The MTC life and actually living in Korea were so different that you can't compare them.   I slowly began to learn patience, and the new way of life was different but so exciting as well.  

     I feel my pronunciation of the Korean language has really improved and I also have loved the challenge of learning it.  At the close of my mission I just want you all to know that I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to serve in this wonderful land of Korea, and for the privilege of representing Jesus Christ as His missionary.  I have learned so many things on my mission that I can't even begin to tell you how I feel at this time.  Every day I feel it's such an honor to be here, and I never thought it would be THIS HARD to come home from a mission.:)    I truly love every part of this work, and I can't  express myself fully in words. The Korean's will always have a special place in my heart.  

     I just want all of you to know how much this mission has changed me.  It means everything to me!!!  If you are serving a mission or have served a mission you know what I am talking about.  I can never ever deny what I taught these  people.  I have learned how to love someone that is hard to get along with, and learned how to be patient with others but also myself.  I have gained the strongest testimony that I have ever had in my entire life, and I know it's only up hill from here.  I am NEVER going back to how I used to be.   I have learned that this mission is about other people and not about me, and that's a lesson I want to take into my marriage as well.  I have learned how to listen to the  Holy Ghost and discern truth when I hear it.  I have learned to be clean and always clean up after myself.:)    I have learned to be more  responsible and more dependable, and I have learned the importance of being on time.  I even learned how to COOK!!!:)  I also learned how to take really FAST SHOWERS, and I developed good study habits.   I could go on and on about things I have learned but the truth is, even though I am learning  it,  I STILL make mistakes and am still trying at all these things.:)  Mistakes are part of life, but we live and we learn right?

    This Gospel is true and if YOU LET IT, it will change you and you will find true happiness.:)  Heavenly Father has helped  me and He has molded me into the person I was meant to become at the end of my mission.  I am not done.  I still have so much more to go, but this mission has blessed me more than I can say.  Now I get to come home and once again share my testimony.  I am so grateful!!!  My mission has truly changed my life.

     I love you all so much and I look forward to seeing you all when I get home.........very soon! :)

                                                            Love, Sister Moyer 

 

MICHELLE WITH HER TWO KOREAN FRIENDS.

                                      

TWO CLOSE SISTER MISSIONARIES WEARING KOREAN OUTFITS GIVEN TO THEM.   

A LITTLE TASTE OF AMERICA IN THE MIDST OF KOREA.

                                      

ALMOST REMINDS US OF THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA BUT A MINIATURE VERSION.

 

THIS WALL IS VERY OLD AND WELL KNOWN IN KOREA.

                                        

THE WALL THE MONKS BUILT TO PROTECT THE FORTRESS, WHICH IS 11 KM LONG. 

  

SOME ELDERS WHO ARE FRIENDS OF MICHELLE'S IN PICTURE.

                               

                 HARBOR IN INCHEON

 

CROWDED CITY IN KOREA

I REMEMBER THERE WAS A TIME I CRIED OUT FOR HELP WHEN I WAS A GREENIE.  I CRIED AND PLEADED TO GOD TO HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT MISSION......... GOD LIVES AND IS AWARE OF EACH ONE OF US!!

Dear family,

     Another week has gone by and here I am not sure what to say.  A lot of things happened this week and I will start out with a funny experience.  We had an appointment with a potential investigator, and she invited us over and wanted to feed us.  We went to her house and she ended up NOT wanting to listen to our message.  As we were getting ready to leave we gave her a card with our picture and a scripture.  She then looked at it and pointed to my companion and said, "Who is this?  Is this a MAN?"  It was so funny because my companion looks NOTHING like a man, and this old lady literally thought she was a man.  My companion wasn't offended and just thought it was so funny, but it took a couple of times to help her understand that she really is a girl and not a man.  When we got out of the lesson we just laughed the whole way home. 

    The next day we met with an investigator and a member.  We gave her the card with our picture on it and we read the scripture for her.  This lady then took the card and pointed to my companion on the card and said, "Is this Jesus?"  We all laughed and said NO.   One thing you should know is that the Korean's are VERY OPEN when it comes to their opinions.  If you look a certain way they will tell you, and if you are fat they will tell you that you are fat. They are interesting people and so funny.  

     Yesterday was Sunday and President and Sister Morrise came to our ward.  We were about to sit down when the 2nd counselor ran up to me and asked if I could translate for Sister Morrise.  I thought I was just going to sit next to her and make sure she understood everything while she spoke.  I willingly accepted and went to the stand.  Sister Morrise started telling me what she was going to say in her talk, and at first I was confused.  Then quickly I figured out the situation that I was in, and honestly it felt like my stomach had just dropped to the floor.  I was asked to translate her talk for the whole ward!!!  AWW I wanted to die........ I knew that I couldn't get myself out of it because the meeting started shortly afterwards.  I stood there on the stand completely terrified, but tried my best and just smiled the whole time as I translated.  Oh.....I was nervous because I wanted my Korean language to be very fluent.  It finally ended and I went to sit down in the audience, and I felt like hiding in a hole.....haha.  The people in the ward were so cute and kind to me afterwards.  Then this morning the 2nd counselor called me and thanked me so much for that sudden request and for doing such a good job.  I knew that I didn't do that great of a job but I was touched by the gratitude he had.    It was a good experience but I hope to never have to do that again........haha

     Today we are not having P day because we are going to the temple on Thursday instead.  It's freezing right now and I am wearing coats, tights, gloves, and scarves.  Hopefully it will warm up soon?:)

     Recently I had an interesting dinner of EEL.   You never know what strange meats and fish you will be served here.  haha  But even though the culture here is so unique, I love the people. I will miss everyone, and especially my three friends, Sister An, Sister Nam He Lee, and Sister Moon Jay Heoun.  It will be really weird having to sleep on a high bed for my first time in a year and a half.  I am used to being 2 inches from the floor.  haha

     I am so glad that my infected bug bites never came back on my feet and that I never took the doctors pills.  Did you set up the appointment for my hair to be done on Saturday?  Please set it up with the lady I went to last time because she is the best.  I am so excited to go to California and especially to go through a session in the San Diego temple.  I would LOVE that!!!!!  LET'S DO IT!!!!  Also I am excited to get back to the gym.:)

     I wanted to tell you all that as I look back on my mission I remember there was a time I cried out for help when I was a greenie.  I couldn't handle it anymore, and all I could do was just cry and cry to God.  I went into another room and cried for a VERY LONG TIME, and pleaded to God to help me make it through this difficult mission.  I knew that I couldn't do it alone.  I also remember crying out for help for our investigator and also for me to be able to say the things I needed to say, and express myself well in the Korean language.  I have REALLY developed a TESTIMONY OF PRAYER.  God does listen to us, and he loves us deeply.  After that hard time and other hard times, I have seen amazing miracles happen.  GOD LIVES, and is aware of each one of us!  I am so grateful to know that He is there for me.

     Yesterday was Valentines Day but it didn't feel like it because we were so busy.  I am not sure yet if I will have a baptism before I go home.......but I don't want to say no because where is the faith right?  It is still possible.:)

     We all sang last night after dinner and it was a very spiritual night for me.  I will be singing in Sacrament meeting soon and that will be my last time in Korea.  I am excited to see all of you soon!  But I have to say I might be a little weird.........just to let you know!!

     I love you all and hope you had a wonderful Valentines Day.:)   LOVE YOU!!!!!!

                                                              Love, Michelle

I AM SURE GOING TO MISS KIMCHI:)  I LOVE IT!  I WILL MISS THE SAUCES, THE SPICES AND JUST EVERYTHING,.......... AND ESPECIALLY EATING MY FOOD ON THE FLOOR:)

Dear family and friends,

     WOW!!  Another week has gone by and time is flying right?  Well I am very excited to see you all,  but I think you are thinking about it more than I am.:)   We are so busy that I don't even have time to think about it.  It's nice to be busy your last transfer because it can get hard being so close to going home.  My companion always says, "Wow you have never been trunky!"  It is true.  I am not trunky at all.:)

     This week was fun because we got to go to MLC with the President and the Assistants and all the zone leaders.  We received training and it was very spiritual and uplifting.  I also got to bear my testimony because I am almost leaving.  I honestly could not think of anything to say.  I got up there and I knew that I had to then rely on the spirit to give me the words.  Sure enough, I felt prompted and I was able to bear a very strong and powerful testimony of my Savior, and share some of the precious things I have learned while on my mission.  I could not have done it without the spirit.

       Then after two days my companion and I had to train the whole zone on what we learned at that meeting.  I was soooooo nervous because you have to translate every single thing you say into Korean.  One of my old companions said that my face was bright red the whole time, but it still went well though.  I then got to bear my testimony again for the zone.  I stood there not knowing what I should leave with all of them.  Thoughts started popping into my head and I got to bear my final testimony to the lovely zone members.  Now this Wednesday our President asked all the returning missionaries to bear their testimony.  I know that as I rely on the spirit to know what to say I will be given the words to say in the very moment I need them.  I am so thankful for the spirit in my life, and I have realized how precious of a gift that the spirit is.  I have learned how to recognize it more and I know when I do or don't have that prompting.  For the rest of my life I will only do things that invite the spirit into my home and my heart.

     This week is going to be kinda slow because it's national holiday today and one of the biggest holidays in Korea.  It's like Christmas in Korea today, and that's how big it is.  There is hardly any one on the streets and everyone can't meet so we will see how it goes.:)

     My health is great and I don't have any ringworm.  We are picking up some things and cleaning up the house, and just relaxing.  My next 3 p days are going to be ALL FUN!!!

     I am sure going to miss kimchi:)  I LOVE IT!!!  I will miss the sauces and the spices and just everything.  I have been making Korean food almost everyday so I am learning how to make it for you all.  I especially am going to miss sitting on the floor while eating food, and even though it's so different I am used to it.  I might actually do it when I get home. haha

To be honest I am not excited to eat American food.  My stomach has adapted to Korean food so when I eat American food here my stomach really hurts.  If I had to pick one food I miss though it's mother's grilled salmon.

     I will be singing at our big conference on Wednesday, and then a wedding next Saturday, and then I get to give my final talk in Sacrament meeting and sing for my last time in Korea.  The mission President has a big dinner then the night before we leave.    I have only 2 more times to go to the beautiful temple here before leaving my mission:(

     Sadly to say the baptism we had scheduled for February 21st is not on any more because she went to Jeju for 2 weeks without telling us.  She won't be ready in time so we are hoping for February 28th, but not sure yet.   She is not buddhist and she really hasn't gone to any other church.  Her father graduated from BYU and went less active.  Her mother did too, and so they never had their daughter baptized.   The reason is because they went less active before she turned eight years old. It's really strange though because her parents are the ONES WHO CALLED US to try and convert and baptize their daughter.  Her parents and family are very nice and the daughter is so cute.

     The girl that was scared to tell her parents is still working on it and she really WANTS to be baptized but she said her parents won't let her until AFTER she is married.  We still have a small chance though, and it's all to do with her heart.

     I try and read a  chapter a day in the KOREAN Book of Mormon.  IT's really fun to try and understand it, and helps me greatly with the language.  I mostly write all my notes and in my planner in Korean.

     The Korean's are mostly thin people and I rarely if ever see someone obese here.  The women hardly ever work out like American's do but the men here do a lot.   The people in Korea are very hard workers and I will miss them so much.  This is the BEST MISSION IN KOREA and I am so glad I went here!

     I really want only my family to meet me at the airport, and of course the nieces and nephews:)  SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU ALL!!!

     I love you and really do miss you, but you should know something.  I am lost in the work or am at least trying to be.  I love love love being a missionary.  It's the greatest privilege I have ever received and the next one is to be wife and mother.  I am not just part of a church.  This church and the gospel of Jesus Christ is intertwined into my veins and bones.  It is true.  I know it!!  Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, live and they live TODAY! I know without any doubt that this is His true church on the earth.  It makes me happy!  I love you all and I hope that you can find a way to share this gospel.  We are all part of a glorious work.

     I love you and will see you all very shortly.

                                                   Love, Michelle

 

THESE MY FRIENDS ARE MICHELLE'S VERY FIRST NOTES TAKEN AT THE MTC WHILE FIRST LEARNING TO WRITE THE DIFFICULT KOREAN LANGUAGE.

 

MICHELLE,  JUST LOVING KOREA AND HER BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS.........

PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS KOREAN LAND?  PRAY FOR ALL THE MISSIONARIES AROUND THE WORLD AND IN YOUR WARD.  THIS WORK IS SO IMPORTANT!

Dear family and friends,

     Well first things first,  I LOVE YOU!!:)    Second, our investigator is getting baptized on February 21st.  We are SO EXCITED for her but we have a lot of work to do to prepare her.  She is 23 years old and is so cute.  Please pray that everything goes smoothly?

     This one is for Dad.  We were riding home with our investigator on the subway and I saw this man who was about your age Dad.  He did not look Korean, and we did start talking to him.  He turns out to be from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and I'm not sure how to spell that.......haha.  I told him that you served a mission in Brazil and he was interested in that.  He knew exactly where our church was, and he was soooooo nice.  I didn't know how to NOT be CREEPY and yet get his email address, but I gave him my card and said to please send me his email address so you can talk to him.  We talked about the Brazillian soccer team, and Later that day he actually texted us.  He works for the Korean Airlines, and lives very close to our house.  He forgot to send his email address but his name is Emillo and his number is 010-8680-3958.  I don't know how you could get in contact with him but I told him you would love to talk to him.  We will try and get the Elders to meet him.

     Tomorrow is a big meeting with the President and the assistants.  We call it MLC (Mission Leadership Council).  It should be good, and all the missionaries going home will have to talk and bear their testimony.  I am a little nervous to be honest.

     Well time has gone by so fast and I am so sorry for the lame email this week.  We are really trying to work hard and to stay focused.  I look forward to coming home and seeing you all, but my heart is tearing inside because I have to leave this beautiful land that I love so much.  Please pray for this Korean land, and please pray for all the missionaries around the world and in your ward.  This work is so important, and I challenge you all to give a referral to the missionaries in your area.  Find someone, and share your testimony.  Give a Book of Mormon to someone or just serve them, and remember it's not about you right?.:)

     Today we are shopping for food and getting some stuff done at home. My companion has a year left and she goes home in December.  She has a boyfriend who is waiting for her.  Oh my goodness I can not tell you how much fun my companion and I have together.  We are so crazy busy but I am not stressed because she constantly makes me laugh, and I couldn't do it without her.  Night time is so fun, because even though we are so exhausted that makes us laugh even more. haha!

     My typical schedule for the day is like this:  I wake up at 6:30 a.m. pray and exercise until 7:00 a.m.  Then we shower, eat breakfast, and at 8:00 am we start personal study.  Then at 9:00 am we do companionship study and 10:00 am we do language study.  then 11:00 am is lunch and12 pm we are out the door.  Every day is different but we usually have investigators, less actives or members to teach.  If not that we are on the  street finding people.  Always always always working.  It's great!   Then we get home at 9:00 pm and plan for the next day.  Then after that  we have to fill out records and get ready for bed, pray and then 10:30 pm we are in bed.  It's a very strict schedule but I wouldn't be able to do it if I wasn't structured.  I know myself too well haha....

     Yesterday after Gospel Principles on Sunday our ward mission leader sat down with us and our investigator, and tried to help her feel more calm about baptism.  She is the one who is scared to tell her parents.  I was very nervous that he was going to terrify her because she is SOOO shy, but it all worked out and was great.  He is a psychologist and he knew what he was doing.  His parents are Buddhist as well and he had a similar experience.  He helped her feel more calm and then suggested that we go over and meet her parents.  We will see what happens with that.  Once we get permission she can get baptized as fast as she wants. 

     I sang with the young women for their New Beginnings yesterday.  That was fun.  

     Justin, I just wanted to say to you,  this work is hard but so fun right?  I know and I understand.  One thing I have learned on my mission is that this is not about you.  You have 2 years to serve the Lord with everything you've got.  When I am on the subway and someone sits next to me and I don't really feel like talking, I think to myself, "Sister Moyer, it's not about you.  This may be THEIR chance to learn.  This is about THEM."  It has helped me open my mouth more, and love my companions more, and work more diligently.  Yeah you are blessed and you grow along the way, but it's still not about you.:)  There is the scripture in Matthew 10:37......not sure?......... "If you lose your life for my sake, ye shall find yourself."  

     Alyssa,  I just want to tell you how much I love you and most importantly how much mother and dad love you.  And MORE importantly how much Heavenly Father and your Savior love you. You have no idea how special you really are.  I just can't wait to help you with anything you need and to be there for you.  I can't wait to have long night talks with you and go on dates together.:)  Don't worry, you will see me in no time and we will have a blast.:)

     As CRAZY as this sounds, I'm going to miss sleeping on the floor.   I don't ever want to use forks again unless I have to.  Seriously I want to buy my own chopsticks and use them where ever I go. haha!  On the last 2 days of my mission we stay at the mission home and we get to go visit the areas we served in and go to the temple.  That will be so fun.

     What ever day you decide to go to California l don't care, but I have been dying to go to the beach with my family.  I'm so excited!

     Well I hope all of you are doing great, and Just know how much I really do love and appreciate all of you.  Thanks for all your support.  Talk to you next week.

                                                      Love, Michelle

 

MICHELLE WITH HER DISTRICT AND FRIENDS HAVING DINNER.

 

A KOREAN GAME CALLED PAD DUKE, WHICH IS LIKE CHESS.

                               

REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS IS?

 

A STATUE OF A GUY THAT MADE HANGUL MAR/KOREAN.

 

VERY INTERESTING LITTLE KOREAN SNACKS..........?

 

A DINNER FOR THE MISSIONARIES AND FRIENDS.

                               

                                                   
                                                               MORE FOOD.................

 

THE FUNNIEST KOREAN FRIENDS OF MICHELLE'S EVER!!!!!

                         

THIS IS IN THE MALL AND IT'S THE KOREAN VERSION OF DISNEY LAND.

THIS WEEK WE HAD PERSONAL TRAINING FROM PRESIDENT AND SISTER MORRISE.  I HAVE NEVER FOCUSED SO MUCH IN MY LIFE!:)

Dear family and friends,  

     Well how you all doing?  Time is flying right?  This week was so great!  I got my new companion and her name is Sister Hayley Killpack, She is originally from Salt Lake City but was living in Draper, Utah before she came out.   She is 20 years old and likes to dance, and is basically an angel.  I already knew her before we became companions so we freaked out when we got together.  If I had to tell you the color code from the personality test, she is all blue.  We get along so well.  As soon as we were put together we went straight to a members house for an appointment and we walked in, and the member immediately said, "Wow, you two are going to get a lot of investigators interested and baptize a lot.  I can just feel your love for each other.  Thank you for coming to my house because you made it brighter and a more heavenly home."  We didn't say a word about anything but she could just feel the love we had.  We have already begun to see miracles, and will continue to see more together.  I just can't tell you how happy I am right now.

     This week we had a personal training from President and Sister Morrise.  I have never focused so much in my life haha.  We are now the Sister Training Leaders and we have a lot of responsibility.  We are trying to be good examples to the sisters and work very hard.  We are already packed with things to do so I have my work cut out for me. haha  After the training President Morrise went on splits with the Zone Leaders who are in our district and Sister Morrise went with us.  We had a very successful night.  We ate dinner together and then we had some appointments, and our last appointment was with an investigator.  She is 78 years old, and her house was SO SMALL that we couldn't fit one more person in the room. haha  We taught her the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We saw the hand of God that night, and the spirit was there in the room and it led us the entire time.  She agreed to be baptized when she feels it's right.  When she stood up she came to my waist, and she is so adorable, and is so willing to accept our message.

     This week we plan to ask our investigator who has been postponing to be baptized, if we could talk to her parents with her.  We haven't seen her for awhile. 

     So my fingers are ice cold now as I am typing this email.  I will probably have to make this short.  We are going shopping today for P day.:)  I also sent my package to you guys and it will get there in 1 week.  It was about $179.00 and I'm sorry, is that too much?  What do I do about that?  I will try and fit everything else in my luggage....... if I can?:)

     The Koreans here love music and video games,   I just love the Korean's and especially their beautiful skin and eyes, and of course their amazing food and all the spices they put into it.  I'm going to miss Korea, but I am NOT DONE with my mission until I take off my tag.  Don't worry about me, but just pray for me and for the people here because they really need this Gospel.  The Christian churches here hate other Christian churches, and I have no idea why.  It's just like Joseph Smith's time, and everyone wants you to join their church and they won't listen easily to your message.  So please pray for them?

     Well besides my little Sister An (greenie) there is a member who is literally the FUNNIEST PERSON I have ever met in my entire life.  We just had dinner with her and her family two nights ago and we were cracking up the whole time.  I will send a picture of the family to you and remind me to tell you about her when I get home ok?

     My feet are still permanently blistered but it's ok...........I've had them my whole mission.:)   I am so excited to sing the week before I leave, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," in Korean. I asked Clyde if he would play for me to sing for my homecoming when I get home.   

      So there are 4 other sister missionaries including me going home the day i do.  When I get home  you asked me if I want to go to Disney Land after we go to Del Coronado.  YES!!  That will be so fun!  I really want to go to Utah to see my grandparents within a few weeks after I get home as well.  And.......... you asked if I want to go directly  home first or to dinner from getting off the plane.........that is so hard.........AWWWWW  I can't decide.  I know I'm arriving late and so it's a hard decision.  haha

     I love you all so much and hope everyone is doing well. 

                                                         Love, Michelle

TRANSFERS ARE ON WEDNESDAY……..MY NEW COMPANION IS ONE OF MY CLOSEST MOST BELOVED SISTERS IN THE MISSION.  SO EXCITED TO GET TO SERVE WITH HER!




Dear family and friends,

     I am sorry for the short letter I sent you last week and hopefully I will try and make this one longer.  I am happy to know that Mother did good on the gospel doctrine lesson.  I don't believe you Mother......... I believe dad and I know you did good.:)

    Mother, I am so sad and heartbroken to hear about the death of your younger brother Richard.  I am devastated,:(    I honestly was surprised he lasted this long but I am still shocked!  I know he is in a better place, and we will be able to see him again someday.   He was so young and had to leave all of his kids, especially the little ones.  Thank goodness for the plan of Salvation.

     Thank you Dad for telling me about the Cardinal's play off game.  It was really exciting and fun to read about.:)  I actually really like football and am excited to watch it with you when I get home.

     Well Saturday night was transfer calls and President Morrise called early to get a head start.  I was terrified when I got the call because I was expecting the AP's.  When the President  calls it's something big.  My companion will be transferring and I will stay for my last transfer.  I have been in the same area now for 11 months.  My new companion is Sister Killpack.  I already know her very well and we went on exchanges a couple of times.  She is one of my closest most beloved sisters in the mission, and is SUCH a good friend to me.  I am so  excited to get to serve with her my last transfer.  She was the only sister I wanted to serve with my last transfer and I got her.   We will also be Sister Training Leaders together, and honestly this was an answer to my prayer.  I am soooooooo excited to be with her, and she is an angel and I know we will see miracles together.

     For P day today we are going to meet with some sisters who are transfers and eat lunch together, and then my companion will pack.  I am going to send stuff home today, but it is sooooo expensive. It is a weird feeling knowing I will be soon coming home, and I honestly don't know how to describe my feelings.  I am really trying to soak in every second while I am here.  I find myself in  church drifting off and thinking about how much I am going to miss attending church with the Korean people, and then I have to snap myself out of it because I get really sad thinking about it.  It's very surreal to me.

     Last week I sang the song, "Where Can I Turn For Peace," in Sacrament Meeting.  I am also going to sing, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" on my last Sunday here, and I already scheduled it.

     Well let me tell you of an experience that happened this week.  We decided to fast this Sunday for our investigators and really just to see a miracle.  No one said they would be getting baptized but let me tell you what happened.  We picked up a college student whose parents are members but are less active.  They requested that we try to baptize their daughter if we could.  She doesn't like church  but she came with her parents anyway.  She was born in Provo and is 23 years old.  We got to church and as soon as Sacrament meeting started she pulled out her college textbook and started diligently studying it, and I was heartbroken.  I just wanted her to listen to the talks.  Then after Sacrament meeting she was standing next to this woman and I found out it was her mother.  The parents drove 3 hours to come visit their daughter and to go to church together.  Things got better as time went on, and now she wants to meet next week.

     Next miracle:  Our other investigator came to church and loved it, and while I watched her coming in, I saw out of the corner of my eye that a whole family that has been less active for years, came back to church.  I recognized them because they had faces I saw on records in our books, and I tried to call them but got no answer.  I caught eye contact with the mother and just smiled at her, and then I talked to the father afterwards and he was so nice.  He had been a Bishop and they used to be a very active family.  Then one day they just stopped coming, and so it was a miracle to see them there.  Then I saw to my left our investigators husband who is a less active member.  He has been coming for four weeks straight now, and he graduated from BYU, and went inactive.  He is FINALLY coming back.  Then I looked to the back of the room and saw another family who is less active come in with all of their children.  Then there was a member who brought her less active sister.  I have NEVER BEEN IN A SACRAMENT MEETING with so many less actives coming back.  To me, my prayers were answered.

     We have 3 investigators so close to being baptized.  One has learned everything, but we are waiting for her to get permission from her parents, and we have been fasting and praying for her  parents hearts to be softened.  She is so close to being baptized.  The other is in the hospital getting surgery, so once she gets out we will baptize her.  The other one is new and we will meet next week, and through our faith and the Lord's will........and her agency......haha we will baptize her!

     My body has really adjusted to the cold weather here and I don't layer much, except one pair of tights, and a sweater and a jacket.  I don't mind the cold, and I actually like it.

     My health is doing good, and my teeth don't hurt any more.  Please set up an appointment with the dermatologist, doctor, and dentist anyways please?  I just want to check things out.

     Every morning I love to eat fruit for breakfast, and the people here are always trying to feed us dinner.  I don't know how to say this in English, but I want to teach you these Korean dishes when I get home.  I love all the Korean food and can't wait to teach you all.:) 

     My last talk is scheduled for me to give in church here on February 28th, and that is when I will sing I Know That My Redeemer Lives.  I bore my testimony the last Fast Sunday that we had.

     I love all of you so much and I will see you all soon!!!

                                                                                                                        Love, Michelle

I WISH I COULD TELL EVERYONE THAT JESUS CHRIST LIVES, AND THAT HE HAS RESTORED HIS CHURCH AGAIN ON THE EARTH!!

Dear family and friends,

     I hope that you all had a great week, and it sounds to me that you are doing well.  Mother, I think you will do great teaching Gospel Doctrine!  I have learned that when I prepare well for something I am less nervous.  Do all you can to prepare well and then when it starts, completely turn it over to the spirit to teach the people, and you will be amazed by what happens.

     It's soooo cold here in Korea but I like the cold so I am ok, but I will be relieved when I don't have to put on so many layers haha. Recently it's been blue skies, but sometimes the people walking around wear masks, because the pollution is pretty bad. The dust from China makes the pollution here worse, and most days are kind of dreary.  Today for P day we are just going to rest……Don't worry I will do SOMETHING fun before I leave.:)

     My health is good and the red rings on my body are slowly fading and going away.  YAY!!

     The Korean sister that previously wanted to be baptized is doing good, but she didn't talk to her parents like she said that she would.  She is so scared and because they are Buddhist it's too scary for her.  She promised us that she will talk to them this week.  If they say yes she will be baptized a week later.:)  Please continue to pray for her?

     The Korean ward members here are sad that I will be leaving home soon and they are really cracking down hard on giving us referrals because they know I'm leaving.  I am going to be heart broken……:(  We are trying to work our hardest.  Our main goal is a baptism, so we are trying to do EVERYTHING we can to see a baptism before I leave.  i also have learned on my mission that having baptisms does not mean complete success.  If the measure of success was your amount of baptisms, then you are basically saying your measure of success is based off of how people choose to use their free agency,  That just isn't fair. haha.  That is why baptisms do not equal success, but success on your mission is if you tried EVERYTHING you could and you did your best.

     I have also learned a valuable lesson on my mission.  You spend your whole mission trying to help others and to convert them to the gospel, but at the same time YOU BECOME CONVERTED to the gospel.  Missions are not about you though right?  What I have learned on my mission has really strengthened me and helped me in so many ways, but now when I return it's time to share that.  It's STILL NOT ABOUT ME.  My goal is to help others become more converted to the gospel and back on the path to happiness.  Missions are not about you…….. but YOU END UP being the most affected……..I LOVE MY MISSION!!!:)

     I'm singing next week in church and I still have no idea what I am going to sing yet.  I will decide next week.:)    My Mission President will be going home this July and the new Mission President already received his call and is from Ogden, Utah.

     Please don't forget to remind the lady from your ward to change the scripture on my mission plaque, to 3 Nephi 5:13.  Can you also put it in English and KOREAN???  That would be awesome!!

     If I could tell the Korean people with all my heart how I felt I would tell EVERYONE HERE that Jesus Christ LIVES and that He has restored His church again on the earth.  I would tell them that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  The reason why I would say these things is because in Korea, from my experience, most people think we don't believe in Christ.  A lot of people here are Buddhist so that's another reason.  They think we worship Joseph Smith or Mormon, and they think the Book of Mormon is just a joke.  No matter what I say to them, they don't believe me, and I wish so badly that I could convince EVERYONE!! ( or at least someone.)

     The hardest part I ever had on my mission looking back at it now was when I was half way through and called to be senior.  It was the hardest time of my mission because I had NO IDEA what I was doing, and I couldn't speak the language very well.   Oh……..that was tough.

     The reason I didn't want you all to come pick me up in Korea when my mission is over is  because I always dreamed of that moment walking off the plane and meeting my family with the big signs and balloons and all that stuff…..hahaha!  We will go back together another time and visit.:)

     Hey dad, I am so proud of you……. and sorry that work has been extra tough lately but if anyone can handle it, it's you. FIGHTING!!! :)  (That's a phrase in Korean that is popular.)

        I am going to keep this letter short because I have to go, but I love you all and hope you have a fabulous week.:)   

                                                       I LOVE YOU, Michelle

                                 
                                            MICHELLE WITH HER KOREAN FRIEND.

I OPENED MY MOUTH AND STARTED TO SPEAK.......AND IT FELT AS IF IT WAS NOT ME SPEAKING........THE SPIRIT GUIDED THE WHOLE LESSON.

Dear family and friends,      Well I love you all so much and always have you in my prayers.  You all sound like you are doing great.  I am glad your New Years went well, and I look forward to what 2016 brings. :)      It's very cold in January here and we walk during the day, and take buses.  My health is doing fairly well and I think I will be good for the rest of my mission.  We are cleaning for P day today because it's the first P day of the year.:)      I want to start out with an amazing experience I actually had yesterday.  We had an investigator a few months ago that had a baptismal date right?  Do you remember that?  Well she took some time off to THINK about everything.  She continued to come to church and the ward parties, and she came to church yesterday and agreed to meet with us after.   We had been thinking for days on what to share with her and how to help her, and we fasted and prayed........... yet still we had no idea.    Yesterday came and we were so worried.  As we sat in Relief Society together I was looking for some scriptures that I could share with her.  I couldn't find one, and then FINALLY the last five minutes I happened to stumble upon a very special scripture, but yet I still didn't know what we were going to teach, and I was worried about that.  Then all of a sudden the Relief Society President started talking about the Priesthood, and she said, "If any of you don't have priesthood holding men in your home, you can always ask the men in our ward. "  I suddenly had this thought, "Maybe she would like a blessing."  I turned to her right away and offered her an opportunity to receive a blessing from a priesthood holder in order to start this new year with strength.  She was SHOCKED that she could receive one and gladly accepted.  After it was finished the Elders and the ward mission leader gave her a blessing of comfort and counsel.  He said, "We bless you that you will be baptized and join the church."  The spirit was SOOOOOOO strong and I knew that she could feel it in the room as well.        Then they left and we met together.  I said the opening prayer, and as I was praying all of the prayers and fasting we did for her strengthened me, and all the love I had for her rushed through me.  By the time I was finished with the prayer, I was completely in tears.  The member with us responded, "Wow the spirit is really strong."  At this point I still did not know what to say to her or what to teach her, and I sat there and just prayed to Heavenly Father to let me know of what to say.  I never have experienced anything like this.  I opened my mouth and started to speak and it felt as if it was not me speaking, and it overtook me and I realized in that moment that the spirit guided the whole lesson.  She told us that she has NEVER RECEIVED a big confirmation that this is all true, but has always felt a good feeling.  (You don't need a BIG confirmation by the way)  She then told us that the blessing was really amazing and it was like her own confirmation.  I knew the spirit worked in her and the power of God is real.  The two members that were there started to bear testimony, and then it even got stronger.  Long story short, we figured out the root of the problem.  She really WANTS to get baptized but she wants her parents permission and approval.  Even though she really doesn't need their permission, she respects her parents, and she doesn't have enough courage.  Her parents are buddhists and are very against other churches.  I know that God can soften their hearts just like He did to many people in the Book of Mormon.    The lesson we gave was JUST what she needed and the testimonies from the members was just enough to give her the courage to talk to her parents.  Then when we finished an hour later our investigators best friend who was there called and thanked us for the lesson and the blessing.  She told us that on the way home they talked together and our investigator told her that she loves this church more then she ever has, and she feels she has so much more courage.  I was relieved to hear that.  This is a very vital week for her, and I'm asking all of you if you could pray for a miracle.:)  I have a burning testimony that God is watching over us and loves all of His children.  "With God, nothing is impossible."  I love this gospel and I know that it's true with ALL OF MY HEART. :)      I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of this Gospel, and the Book of Mormon.  By the way, Korean's make me really happy too.:)  The hardest thing right now for me is teaching.  We have a lot of investigators right now that are VERY DIFFICULT.  Their hearts are very hardened so we have to really focus on teaching well.      The scripture in D&C 121 that says, " Peace be unto thy soul.  Thine afflictions shall be but a small moment, and then if ye endure it well; God shall exalt thee on high," is one of my very favorite scriptures.   I remember when my mission president said that verse to me personally over the phone and I felt as if the Lord was speaking to me.  Also, I love the verse that says, "Peace, peace be unto thy soul.  For your faith in my Beloved whom ye have not seen........." Helaman 5: 46-47.      I am trying to exercise every single morning, because if I didn't I wouldn't be obedient to my mission president.  I can't wait to go on a green juice cleanse as soon as I get home.  These little red circles on my skin some times are itchy and I know I need to get them treated.  But I think I will be fine until I get home.        Justin.........If I had to give advice, not that you want it....haha..........I want to tell you that the more you testify to others, the more your testimony strengthens.  I have found my testimony is strengthened when I study well, plan well, teach well, and testify well.  In the moment of teaching someone else, the spirit testifies to you that what you are teaching IS TRUE.       For those of you who are not on missions yet, i would suggest doing the simple things like search, ponder, and pray.    Along that, you need to apply what you learned.  That is where the growth comes in, and you will feel it and it will fill you with so much joy that you can't even contain.      Next week I will send things back because I have too much stuff.  I will probably bring my pillow with me on the plane, because it's cozy and is my attachment.:)   You should have gotten my flight plans in the mail by now.   I will arrive on Friday, March 4th at around 6:30 pm your time.        I get to sing in church in 2 weeks so I'm excited about that.  I really have loved being able to use my music here in Korea on my mission.  It's brought me a lot of joy.      I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week, and...............don't forget to read the scriptures every day.:)                                                                          Love, Michelle