So... first off... HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Today is a HUGE holiday in Korea--Lunar New Year! Basically Korea takes a 5 day holiday and everyone travels back to their hometowns. It's pretty strange because I found myself very excited for an event that I had never thought to celebrate while I was living in America. But it's bigger than Christmas here!
In celebration, we've been eating lots of 떡국 and delicious fruits (the strawberries in Korea are AMAZING!). Also, yesterday one of our investigators 안소희s brought me and my companion a cheesecake when she came to church... It nearly brought tears to my eyes as we were eating it... it's been a while. hahaha. And she is one of the most kind, loving people I have met. There are so many amazing people here--it's hard to even describe my feeling as I write about them-- I realize that the relationships I develop here in Korea will be some of my fondest, tenderest treasures.
This last week, with the Lunar year coming to an end and my year mark fast approaching, I took some time to reflect upon how much I have been blessed this last year! Words, neither in Korean nor English, can describe my feelings thus far. My mission has had its ups and downs, heartbreaks and sweet joys, frustrations and crack-ups, yet I perhaps the greatest thing I have witnessed is the effect of Christ and the power of His atonement in the lives of individuals. This last week there were a few experiences where it hit me... the Atonement is real! I witness evidence of it in my missionary service. And no one is denied access to this opportunity for change and progression. "Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you." (Alma 5:33) God loves His children. Witnessing the change that happens when one of those children turns back to God is the greatest miracle I have seen.
Anywho, I'm just loving life out here with my companion... and the end of our second transfer is coming to a close. We've had all sorts of adventures together, and learned the importance of working together (even if we can't exactly agree on the pronunciation of certain words...). Sister McQueen is awesome, and I love serving in Dunsan and Sunhua Wards. We'll find out tomorrow what the next transfer will bring. :)
Anywho, have a wonderful week!
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매
In celebration, we've been eating lots of 떡국 and delicious fruits (the strawberries in Korea are AMAZING!). Also, yesterday one of our investigators 안소희s brought me and my companion a cheesecake when she came to church... It nearly brought tears to my eyes as we were eating it... it's been a while. hahaha. And she is one of the most kind, loving people I have met. There are so many amazing people here--it's hard to even describe my feeling as I write about them-- I realize that the relationships I develop here in Korea will be some of my fondest, tenderest treasures.
This last week, with the Lunar year coming to an end and my year mark fast approaching, I took some time to reflect upon how much I have been blessed this last year! Words, neither in Korean nor English, can describe my feelings thus far. My mission has had its ups and downs, heartbreaks and sweet joys, frustrations and crack-ups, yet I perhaps the greatest thing I have witnessed is the effect of Christ and the power of His atonement in the lives of individuals. This last week there were a few experiences where it hit me... the Atonement is real! I witness evidence of it in my missionary service. And no one is denied access to this opportunity for change and progression. "Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you." (Alma 5:33) God loves His children. Witnessing the change that happens when one of those children turns back to God is the greatest miracle I have seen.
Anywho, I'm just loving life out here with my companion... and the end of our second transfer is coming to a close. We've had all sorts of adventures together, and learned the importance of working together (even if we can't exactly agree on the pronunciation of certain words...). Sister McQueen is awesome, and I love serving in Dunsan and Sunhua Wards. We'll find out tomorrow what the next transfer will bring. :)
Anywho, have a wonderful week!
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매