. . . but CRAZY AWESOME!
Last Monday after Sister Ha left, things were so strange. Not only had I gotten used to being in a tripanionship, but I think I had also forgotten that I am not in fact Korean. Hahaha. This week I've felt more like an American missionary serving in a foreign land than I ever have before. It's been the strangest thing! Had quite a few foreigner moments.
The dynamics of my service has changed dramatically! Without Sister Ha I've learned to rely almost entirely upon the Lord! Sister Sallander and I have had to work quite hard and exercise a lot more faith... but I've realized this week that the Lord truly is guiding His work. So long as we are obedient and are willing to work hard, we always find ways to fulfill our missionary purpose effectively. It's been an incredible experience!
Also, this last Thursday Sister Sallander and I traveled back up to Daejeon for the traditional TNT meeting (Trainers and Trainees). It brought back so many memories of when I was a new missionary (which really I still feel like I am) and all of the excitement and energy that I felt! It was so fun being on the opposite end of things, and also realizing that I have actually progressed in the last five months I've been in Korea. Kinda crazy, but true. Also, I realized just how blessed I am to have been asked to train... this experience has been changing not only my missionary work now, but I know it will have a profound effect upon the rest of my mission and the rest of my life. Despite all of the anxiety and stress that I've felt, the joy and spirit that I've felt far outweighs any negative! I would not trade this experience for the world... nor for any other Korean companions. :)
At conference this last week Elder Choi talked about the importance of simplifying our lives! One thing he said was, "If you don't like something, just like it." I've really been focused on this during the week, seeing as how with so many things to do, I would sometimes find myself feeling quite overwhelmed! "If it's hard, it's not hard." Super simple. One of the best ways to simplify is by truly understanding and embracing an eternal perspective! When we understand why we are here and where we are going, the complicated and difficult things about life tend to fade away. Another simple truth I learned is that miracles and blessings come in direct correlation to the amount of faith we exercise. I've found that this week as I've worked hard, and kept things simple, I've felt a lot more satisfied, happy, and confident than I have at other times of my mission. I love Heavenly Father so much! And am growing ever more thankful for this opportunity I have to serve and do His work.
Love you all!!
Pictures of Chusok to come next week!
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매
Last Monday after Sister Ha left, things were so strange. Not only had I gotten used to being in a tripanionship, but I think I had also forgotten that I am not in fact Korean. Hahaha. This week I've felt more like an American missionary serving in a foreign land than I ever have before. It's been the strangest thing! Had quite a few foreigner moments.
The dynamics of my service has changed dramatically! Without Sister Ha I've learned to rely almost entirely upon the Lord! Sister Sallander and I have had to work quite hard and exercise a lot more faith... but I've realized this week that the Lord truly is guiding His work. So long as we are obedient and are willing to work hard, we always find ways to fulfill our missionary purpose effectively. It's been an incredible experience!
Also, this last Thursday Sister Sallander and I traveled back up to Daejeon for the traditional TNT meeting (Trainers and Trainees). It brought back so many memories of when I was a new missionary (which really I still feel like I am) and all of the excitement and energy that I felt! It was so fun being on the opposite end of things, and also realizing that I have actually progressed in the last five months I've been in Korea. Kinda crazy, but true. Also, I realized just how blessed I am to have been asked to train... this experience has been changing not only my missionary work now, but I know it will have a profound effect upon the rest of my mission and the rest of my life. Despite all of the anxiety and stress that I've felt, the joy and spirit that I've felt far outweighs any negative! I would not trade this experience for the world... nor for any other Korean companions. :)
At conference this last week Elder Choi talked about the importance of simplifying our lives! One thing he said was, "If you don't like something, just like it." I've really been focused on this during the week, seeing as how with so many things to do, I would sometimes find myself feeling quite overwhelmed! "If it's hard, it's not hard." Super simple. One of the best ways to simplify is by truly understanding and embracing an eternal perspective! When we understand why we are here and where we are going, the complicated and difficult things about life tend to fade away. Another simple truth I learned is that miracles and blessings come in direct correlation to the amount of faith we exercise. I've found that this week as I've worked hard, and kept things simple, I've felt a lot more satisfied, happy, and confident than I have at other times of my mission. I love Heavenly Father so much! And am growing ever more thankful for this opportunity I have to serve and do His work.
Love you all!!
Pictures of Chusok to come next week!
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매