So... this week was crazy. There is SO MUCH I could write, yet at the same time it's hard to know where to start...
Anywho, so last Monday evening my companion got pretty sick. We spent all of Tuesday at home, which was in a lot of ways a tender mercy for me to get caught up on lessons plans and other things as she rested. Wednesday she still wasn't feeling well, so she went to the hospital with the other Korean sister missionary in our apartment. Meanwhile, Sister Saranquin and I went to meet several investigators. (She's only been here for six weeks more than me... so it was an adventure trying to get around and also teach/understand during lessons! haha.)
Thursday my companion still wasn't feeling well. Our mission president told us to let her stay at the hospital while we went on a trio split, since we have a member of our ward who works at the hospital and could keep an eye on her.
Friday and Saturday I ended up splitting with ward members! It was mostly just one sister, 강애영, who recently returned from serving a mission in Independence, Missouri (how cool is that!?!?). She has been seriously such a blessing! She and her family have helped out us missionaries a lot!! Anywho, it was such an incredible experience to work closely with her... I look up to her a lot--she's like a super senior missionary! We got a ton of work done on Friday and Saturday!
Yesterday I ended up just going with the other sisters! It was crazy though because during the third hour of church we got a call from this girl who said she wanted to come to church that day, and was on her way. Ummm... MIRACLE! We met with her and it turns out she previously investigated the church a couple years ago, and at the time wanted to be baptized. Her father didn't want her to, and she stopped contacting the missionaries. Apparently my companion and I met her at a bus stop about a month ago and gave her our information (I vaguely remember... hahaha... we talk to so many people!)... anyway, we invited her to the baptismal service happening that day and she was so excited to come! We have an appointment set up to meet her this week, and she said she wants to make us cake. Ummm... wow! We all joke that all my companion's fasting paid off (both horrible... but maybe true).
Anywho, my companion is still in the hospital! During this time she's fully functional, but still has some digestive problems. We're not sure what exactly happened, since the rest of us are fine (meaning it wasn't food poisoning... we all ate the same things!). Probably just stress. She's doing a bit better, and will hopefully be released today. It could be a couple more days though... any prayers would be appreciated (Sister Ha). :) In the mean time we're all doing our best to keep the missionary work rolling in Cheomdan.
This week, I've gained a special understanding of God's love. In John 14:18, the Lord promises," I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." Sometimes this comfort comes through messages, like reading verses of scripture, a talk, or a quote. Sometimes it's through feelings brought by the Spirit. And sometimes it is through the actions of others. I know that the Lord will always comfort His children, even in the midst of great struggles and trials. At times like that, I know that as long as we trust in the Lord and exercise our faith in Him, we can not only survive those periods in our lives, but use them to our benefit! Trials are given for our benefit, to strengthen us. Anywho... I can not say it enough! God loves His children. I testify of this truth.
Have a wonderful week!
Sister Hatch
(At a YW activity) and (Investigator and 강애영, the RM who served in the Independence, MO Mission)