Week 55

So transfer calls came, and President Lee said I'd be serving with Kim Hyueng Loc. "Alright! Not training," I thought to myself. I was excited to call my new companion. I'd never heard of him, so I thought we may just not have served around each other yet. I was excited to get another Korean companion, and when I called to say hi, he couldn't speak any English so it felt like an even greater opportunity to immerse myself in the language. But I was most excited because I'd be getting someone with some missionary experience under his belt already. Not that I don't love training,  but sometimes you jut wanna hit the ground running.

So after I talked with Elder Kim i got passed back to his companion. I asked some other questions about him and then I told him that I was excited to not train again. Then he interrupted me and said, "Well you kinda are. He's only been here a few weeks. He had to get surgery in the MTC, so he came in late. Also, when he came, it rained almost everyday, so we couldn't really do much. So you are training again."  5 new missionaries in 10 transfers. 7 Korean companions. It's totally unheard of.

My new companion and I have also been getting acupuncture everyday. For him, his knees, and for me, my back. I don't care what anyone says, those needles hurt. They also did this thing to me where they stab me with a needle a bunch of times and suck out the "bad blood" with a suction cup. It is by far one of the most painful things I've experienced.

But hey, my back is feeling better.

Yesterday, we were updating some records at the church and a less-active I've never met just walks in. Luckily his baptism picture is out on one of our walls so I recognized him right away. He's been way busy with school, but he's going to help with EFY , and he is also preparing himself to serve a mission. He connected with us right away. He even went with us to a conference that night an hour away.

Also, just another side note, Elder Eisenhaur's new companion is Elder Gatlin. We were in the MTC together, and him and I were in the same district for a while as well when i served in Siheung. We're having a great time, and the house is just a really good environment. There's just a lot of trust there, and experience (aside from my new companion, but he's a native so that helps.)

I hope everyone is doing well. I'd love to hear some updates on what everyone has been up to. I'm still waiting on James' package, hopefully I'll get that this week. Getting mail here takes so long. Anyway, send me updates and pics. And tell everyone I say hi. Love you all.

-Elder Reyes

Week 53

Last week, after I got approved to stay in Korea for another year, me and my MTC group got together to celebrate our 1-year-in-country mark. It was pretty amazing to see (mostly) everyone. We went to a big buffet and just shared stories about the experiences we've all been having. Whether it was strange contacting stories or strange former companions... we all could relate and all had a good laugh. There's a lot of young missionaries in our mission, and even though we just hit our year mark, we are among the oldest in the mission. There really aren't too many people above us. As I thought back to my first Zone, everyone but 2 people (both of which I was in the MTC with) and my trainer (currently AP) returned home from their missions already.

I feel like I'm finally getting a grasp of the language. Korean is a beast!!!! Of course I've been able to sound somewhat like a Korean for a while, but actually being able to talk about the infinite number of places a conversation can go will take a lifetime to master. But I've been having some really great experiences with people on the street. I've always been able to understand what's going on in a lesson, the Spirit is just right there, and your understanding is just really enhanced. But when you're on a busy street, or crammed on a Subway, it's not always the best environment to listen to that still small voice. Still, I'm always praying in my heart.

I'm still having a blast teaching the members English classes. The kids are a little outta control sometimes, but they quiet right up when we sing hymns. I'll be doing some more baptismal interviews from my District this week. I'm excited for those. And this next week is already the end of this transfer. Next Monday I may stay or go... we'll see. This transfer went by quick. I don't want to leave this ward, they are really amazing. And there are some of the best places to find out here that I've ever seen in the mission. I'm just having a great time. I've been teaching Elder Eisenhaur guitar, and the whole house is getting along great.

Nothing crazy new yet, I'm sure some big changes in a week.  I'm anxious for all the pics of Adam and Leona's wedding though. Oct 15th! Wow. I will be best man in Spirit. lol. let them know know I say congrats and that there photos come out great!

Ok, love you all.

-Elder Reyes