Sunday, January 25, 2015
Weekly Letter 1/25/2015
Four-Square, Four-Square, Four-Square!!
This week the missionaries put on an event with the youth, where we taught them how to play "Four-Square!" We had good participation from the youth, and, best of all, our potential investigator came, along with his girlfriend! More on them in a bit! It was such a blast to play Four-Square -- the first time since the MTC! And... I've still got it! My favorite moment was when the ball bounced out of my square, behind me and to my left. I turned towards it as it hit the wood floor, then rose out of my square. I continued turning, thought, "Can I really do it?", reached out, caught the ball with the flat of my hand, kept spinning around, and slung shot it back into play! Things like that are great, not for gratifying my pride, but because when people see them, everybody gets excited! Although, yeah, it was pretty cool being cheered on by everybody.
After the activity, we went out to dinner with our potential investigator, and friend, -- English name, Devon! (김도윤), and his girlfriend, J Y (정연수). I was so surprised -- his girlfriend's name is the exact same as my first area! We'd originally met them a couple of weeks ago, walking on the street. I greeted them, and then we talked as we walked together for the next 15 minutes. We were able to become fast friends in that brief time, and he attended our English class that next week! It was there that I gave him his English name, Devon. He's a really funny guy, about 21 years old in American age, and his girlfriend's 19 in American age (I think -- Korean age and American age can be confusing). They were surprised by that when we first met, because it means we're the same age (Koreans count age from birthyear, not specific date)! That instantly made all of us good friends.
We joked about it looking like a double date between the four of us, but it was actually just a really, really fun experience! We were able to introduce the Family English Program, the missionaries' program for meeting with people and teaching both English and practicing their Korean/teaching the gospel. It's one of the most effective ways to meet people in Korea. We'll be starting that with Devon next week.
We had a ward council yesterday, and they discussed seminary for a bit. I wanted to help, and after a brief conversation.... I'll be teaching seminary once a week! I'm really excited about this opportunity. I can serve the ward, become closer to the youth and teachers, and better learn the language, all while honing my teaching abilities!
Before the ward council, we had a ward meal together. We have one about once a month, and it's always lots of fun. As a result though, there's always a ton of dishes! We had a golden opportunity, and I readily took it. Before anybody else even thought about it, my companion and I aproned up, slipped on our dish-doing gloves, and were at it! We must've done dishes for an hour... and I sang songs the entire time, in English and Korean. The members loved that, and they kept commenting as they walked past. Lots of the members thanked us, and it just felt good to do a bit of service for them.
We were also able to go to the temple last week, which is always a splendid experience. It's truly a blessing to be able to attend, even once every six weeks. I hope we don't take for granted what the saints of dispensations past saw and gloried of in vision.
It seems that I've taken on an additional responsibility in our area -- English class planner. Granted, I took it upon myself, but I really just wanted our English class to be the best, and I realized that it would take more than showing up an hour before, at least, thought and planning wise. On the bright side, our English class is getting better! As a bonus, I'm getting better at planning and teaching, things I'll use for the rest of my life.
On a more spiritual note, one significant thought that's lingered in my mind is that one of the main purposes of this life is to learn to care for others, to think outside of ourselves. As always, Christ is our exemplar. What is the character of Christ, but turning outwards, towards others, when we would naturally turn inwards, and be selfish? I believe that's one of the most important things I have learned, am learning, and will continue to learn to the end of my life, and perhaps even beyond.
This week the missionaries put on an event with the youth, where we taught them how to play "Four-Square!" We had good participation from the youth, and, best of all, our potential investigator came, along with his girlfriend! More on them in a bit! It was such a blast to play Four-Square -- the first time since the MTC! And... I've still got it! My favorite moment was when the ball bounced out of my square, behind me and to my left. I turned towards it as it hit the wood floor, then rose out of my square. I continued turning, thought, "Can I really do it?", reached out, caught the ball with the flat of my hand, kept spinning around, and slung shot it back into play! Things like that are great, not for gratifying my pride, but because when people see them, everybody gets excited! Although, yeah, it was pretty cool being cheered on by everybody.
After the activity, we went out to dinner with our potential investigator, and friend, -- English name, Devon! (김도윤), and his girlfriend, J Y (정연수). I was so surprised -- his girlfriend's name is the exact same as my first area! We'd originally met them a couple of weeks ago, walking on the street. I greeted them, and then we talked as we walked together for the next 15 minutes. We were able to become fast friends in that brief time, and he attended our English class that next week! It was there that I gave him his English name, Devon. He's a really funny guy, about 21 years old in American age, and his girlfriend's 19 in American age (I think -- Korean age and American age can be confusing). They were surprised by that when we first met, because it means we're the same age (Koreans count age from birthyear, not specific date)! That instantly made all of us good friends.
We joked about it looking like a double date between the four of us, but it was actually just a really, really fun experience! We were able to introduce the Family English Program, the missionaries' program for meeting with people and teaching both English and practicing their Korean/teaching the gospel. It's one of the most effective ways to meet people in Korea. We'll be starting that with Devon next week.
We had a ward council yesterday, and they discussed seminary for a bit. I wanted to help, and after a brief conversation.... I'll be teaching seminary once a week! I'm really excited about this opportunity. I can serve the ward, become closer to the youth and teachers, and better learn the language, all while honing my teaching abilities!
Before the ward council, we had a ward meal together. We have one about once a month, and it's always lots of fun. As a result though, there's always a ton of dishes! We had a golden opportunity, and I readily took it. Before anybody else even thought about it, my companion and I aproned up, slipped on our dish-doing gloves, and were at it! We must've done dishes for an hour... and I sang songs the entire time, in English and Korean. The members loved that, and they kept commenting as they walked past. Lots of the members thanked us, and it just felt good to do a bit of service for them.
We were also able to go to the temple last week, which is always a splendid experience. It's truly a blessing to be able to attend, even once every six weeks. I hope we don't take for granted what the saints of dispensations past saw and gloried of in vision.
It seems that I've taken on an additional responsibility in our area -- English class planner. Granted, I took it upon myself, but I really just wanted our English class to be the best, and I realized that it would take more than showing up an hour before, at least, thought and planning wise. On the bright side, our English class is getting better! As a bonus, I'm getting better at planning and teaching, things I'll use for the rest of my life.
On a more spiritual note, one significant thought that's lingered in my mind is that one of the main purposes of this life is to learn to care for others, to think outside of ourselves. As always, Christ is our exemplar. What is the character of Christ, but turning outwards, towards others, when we would naturally turn inwards, and be selfish? I believe that's one of the most important things I have learned, am learning, and will continue to learn to the end of my life, and perhaps even beyond.
Best Wishes,
Elder Austin Lynn
Elder Austin Lynn
Weekly Letter 1/18/2015
This week I listened to several speeches by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. I think the idea that had the longest lasting impact on me was when he stated that, "America needs more idealism." I thought about that a lot; I feel the exact same way. If I want to fulfill that dream I have of changing the world, I think the most significant contribution I can make is to increase the amount of idealism in it. If we had more idealism, we would change ourselves and those around us. I suppose I should explain exactly what idealism is. Idealism is a thought or behavior based off of one's conceptions of how things should be. In other words, idealism is when we act and think according to our vision of the future. Our hopes and dreams, and, most significantly, the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's in the Book of Ether, 12th chapter, that we have the significant statement that whosoever has faith hopes for a better world.
This thought has affected my thoughts about career paths. For a while, I considered teaching. That thought had taken the back burner, but after listening to Elder Holland speak (the majority of the time as a dean of religious studies, or president of BYU) I've had the thought that, as a teacher, I can spread that idealism to students and others. I can have a hand in shaping a generation, and that's where significant change takes place in society. Of course, I can express idealism in the other areas of professionalism I'm considering, but I've been able to come to the decision that if I enter education, I will enter in the fields of either English or social studies, with short term goals being high school teaching, with a long term goal of either a position as a professor at a college, or a dean.
Enough about me! We had a zone conference this week, in the which we dwelt extensively on "Stewardship." My personal definition of stewardship is something that we are entrusted with, for which we are accountable. As we discussed stewardship, we thought about the impacts it has on us as missionaries, from the concept that of people being entrusted to us in our areas, to companions, to our agency, then over to the accountability portion of stewardship -- to the concept that we will report to the Lord on our stewardship's, both personal and public. It was quite enlightening; we watched a conference talk together which really impressed me. It was "Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence," and I really liked how the Elder speaking said that self-doubt can chip away at our faith, and rob us of the power to do miracles. That's something to watch out for -- faith in Jesus Christ is incomplete if we lack faith in ourselves.
As a final piece of my week, I had the chance to play a Korean sport called "Choku" (촉구). It's a cross between volleyball and soccer. It's extremely fun, even though I'm terminally uncoordinated. The net is ground level, and you play with your feet, using a soccer ball, as if it was volleyball.
I'm sorry for the short letter, but a lot of my thoughts this week were focused on pondering: a necessary habit, but one boring to share.
With love,
Elder Austin Lynn
Elder Austin Lynn
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Weekly Letter 1/11/15
Good afternoon!"
"No it's not!"
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing's good!"
Jesus Christ is here. He lives; and He loves us. I bear testimony of these things as His authorized representative. He will provide us with everything we need to grow up to be just like our Father -- that is, our Father in Heaven. He loves us with an infinite love, and is prepared to heal us with His infinite atonement. I promise that this is true. Just try it.
"No it's not!"
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing's good!"
"Can we help?"
"How can you help?!"
"How can you help?!"
"Well, we don't know, that's why we asked!"
"You can't help!"
"We're disciples of Jesus Christ, serving here --"
"It's no good, it's no good!"
"You can't help!"
"We're disciples of Jesus Christ, serving here --"
"It's no good, it's no good!"
That was the gist of a conversation the other day. I wanted to look the man in the face and say, "I came here off of my own money, years of my own life, to learn your language -- not an easy task, mind you -- so that I could sacrifice for you, communicate with you, and help you!"
Of course, I didn't. But I wanted to! That was the culmination of a rather frustrating day of trying to find less-active members. Here's a sample of other encounters at real estate offices, where you can stop in for directions:
Of course, I didn't. But I wanted to! That was the culmination of a rather frustrating day of trying to find less-active members. Here's a sample of other encounters at real estate offices, where you can stop in for directions:
Scene 1:
Enter missionaries.
Me: "Good sir, perhaps you could aid us. We are searching for an address in this part of town. Do you happen to know where it is?"
Worker: "Blast you! I don't know where it is! Flee from my presence!"
Worker: "Blast you! I don't know where it is! Flee from my presence!"
Okay, that's an exaggeration. But it was fairly annoying when the man looked at us, said, "Dunno," and turned away. Their job is to know the area; furthermore, their office is covered in maps, from wall to wall! We left without a word, after asking for help.
At the next office, he said the same thing, so this time I got a bit sassy, and said: "Well then, is it okay if we look at these maps on the wall?"
He said yes, so we stood there for a bit, trying to figure out where we were. He came over after a bit, and gave us directions (bad directions, as it turns out).
He said yes, so we stood there for a bit, trying to figure out where we were. He came over after a bit, and gave us directions (bad directions, as it turns out).
The third and final time, the man waved at us to leave as soon as we walked in. Why do they react this way? Because we're missionaries. They assume we're going to try and preach to them, or that we have ulterior motives behind our actions. They mistrust us, both for being foreigners and for having the name of Jesus Christ on our chest.
Anyways, he tells us to leave, as I stand in the doorway. I'd had it. I looked him in the face (he was looking down, not even paying attention to us) and cried out, "Is this, or is this not a real estate office?!"
He looked up. I repeated myself, "This is a real estate office, right?! Well, we need an address."
The man was surprised, and finally responded. We got our directions, and left.
I feel it appropriate to quote the Apostle Paul here:
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2 Cor. 4:8-10)
So yes, those were annoying, but not really a problem. This week was good; I have nothing to complain about. For example, we sang a musical number last Sunday, and the members were really pleased. It was just "Come, Come Ye Saints" with parts, but everybody was really happy, and asked us to do it again. Another instance is I lost my watch (a watch I'd received from my father), and thought it was long gone. Then, while visiting a less-active we hadn't been able to see in a while, he said he had something for me. I'd left my watch in his shop, and he'd recognized it as mine! That was a tender mercy of the Lord.
A final experience before I close this letter.
We give service at a house for children with cerebral palsy. Their ability varies from being unable to move at all, to being able to walk on their own. We clean part of the facility, and then feed them. Many of them require spoon feeding. This week, I fed a boy who was both blind and deaf. He could barely move. To feed him, I had to press the spoon beneath his lip, so he would know the food was there. Then, I would have to wait for him to open his mouth, so that I could place the spoon inside of it. As I slowly fed him, I thought of the Savior and His relationship with us. We are spiritually blind and deaf. We can't make it on our own. We need His nourishment. He can't force us to accept the gospel, lest we choke; He only lets us know that He is there, then waits for us to accept Him.
Jesus Christ is here. He lives; and He loves us. I bear testimony of these things as His authorized representative. He will provide us with everything we need to grow up to be just like our Father -- that is, our Father in Heaven. He loves us with an infinite love, and is prepared to heal us with His infinite atonement. I promise that this is true. Just try it.
Best Wishes,
Elder Austin Lynn
Weekly Letter 1/4/2015
Happy New Year! I think this first new year as a missionary year (which will be my first full year as a missionary) was one of the funnest yet. We got permission to get up extra early, and hike a local mountain (Korean's use that word lightly) with some of the brethren. We hiked up in the dark, through the ice and dirt, and made it to the top, as the sun rose. It was gorgeous! It was also packed. Apparently, it's a Korean tradition. We all sat down in a clearing, and talked about our hopes for the New Year, and said a prayer. It was a wonderful experience.
*A day or two later, I added a verse before that, taking the 3rd and 4th lines from the first one I wrote (the one right above) and moving them to that verse. The one above would be the last verse, and the following would be a hypothetical fourth verse to "Lead, Kindly Light."
Afterwards, we went to the church and ate rice cake soup (떡국), which is actually another Korean tradition. In Korea, everybody changes age at western New Year's (so, I'm 21!), but [traditionally] only after they've eaten the soup. It was super good! If the taste is any sign, this year will be awesome. Afterwards, we played yoot (윳), a traditional Korean game. I've played it once before, on Choo Suk (추석?), so this time around I was able to really figure out how the game worked. That was exciting -- I want to play it at home in the future! It's kind of like a mix between Sorry and Parcheesi. All in all, a fantastic start to 2015. ^.^ So, yeah. We hiked a mountain, to watch the very first sunrise of the new year.
Another fun thing was I tried my hand at songwriting this week, in a really simple way: I wrote another verse to a hymn (Hello, Elder Bruce R. McConkie). Somebody was singing "Lead, Kindly Light," in the morning, and the melody was trapped in my mind as I showered. During personal study, I spent a bit of time writing the words in my head, and this is what came out:
"A thousand suns cannot compare to thee
Lamp of my feet (Ps. 119:105)
Thy lovingkindness shall forever be (Ps. 119:88, 149, 159)
Darkness, retreat!*
Strengthen my hand,
And walk with me in night
Bring thou me home
To the Father of Lights!" (James 1:17; D&C 67:9)
*A day or two later, I added a verse before that, taking the 3rd and 4th lines from the first one I wrote (the one right above) and moving them to that verse. The one above would be the last verse, and the following would be a hypothetical fourth verse to "Lead, Kindly Light."
"My throat is dry, I weary of my tears
Mine eyes do fail (Ps. 69:3)
I am a broken vessel in thy hands (Ps. 31:5)
With love, shape me (Jer. 28:6)*
Carry thou me,
Upon thy tender back (Matt. 11:30)
And give thou me
What I didst always lack!"
I was really happy with what I wrote, and I think I may try it out more in the future. One thing I thought about this week are the instances of Christ stilling tempests. Those are moments I think about a lot; perhaps because we all faces tempests during our mortal journey, and all of us have cried out in the night, wondering, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38) There is so much to learn from thoseepisode, but this time as I pondered I focused on Christ's first words on the water: "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (Matthew 14:27)
There are two instructive principles embodied in this moment: Christ was out there in the midst of the storm, and, further, He gives us the antidote to all fears. He teaches us how we can face adversity with hope, all in a few words. When I read His words to the apostles, I start to see, "Be not afraid, be of good cheer, Because I am with you." Christ is the center of hope. He can tell us to be of good cheer because He's experienced our battles in life, and He's already won them.
If we'll walk with Him, He'll safely carry us through everything we'll ever have to go through. If we're not afraid, we can, like Peter, walk on water. We can walk over the waves of conflict around us, through the whirlwinds of modern disaster. As long as we are centered on Christ, we can come unto Him, regardless of what's around us.
In terms of other work this week, we met with several members to practice teaching, and as a district discussed how to help members fulfill their missionary obligations. The main concept that came out of that discussion is that members want to do missionary work; they just don't know how. Our goal moving forward into 2015 is to train members on how to be excellent member missonaries. To that end, we're all reading Clayton Christensen's The Power of Every Day Missionaries. It's an excellent book, and I'd freely recommend it to anybody.
All in all, a good week. A good start to the new year; a good end to the previous. Here's to missionary work!
Best Wishes,
Elder Austin Lynn
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Weekly Letter 12/28/14
Sorry I (Brandi) am a little behind in posting Ausitn's letters been a little under the weather! Enjoy!!
The highlight of this week was the Ward Christmas Party -- followed by a funeral.
Brother Go Jong Min (고종민) a faithful brother in our ward, passed away at 7:00 a.m. on Christmas morning. I was never actually able to meet him in person, because he'd been hospitalized since I got here. Apparently, he suffered from stomach cancer, then never really fully recovered after the chemotherapy treatments. It was especially disappointing that he died Christmas morning, because we were going to visit him with his 3 daughters that night to try and share some Christmas cheer. We've been able to help his family in a few small ways, but I feel the most significant one was attending his funeral. I won't go into detail right now (most of it's trivial for foreigners), but my favorite part is the tradition of lighting a candle, individually, and placing it in a pot. The candles (more like slow-burning sticks of incense that don't smell, but I don't know what that's even called) represent our thoughts, our prayers, and our hopes for the family, and the deceased. Never, throughout the three-four day funeral, is the pot to be empty. Someone will always watch it to make sure there's at least one candle burning. How cool is that! There will always be somebody thinking about them, as they mourn. I find that a symbolic representation of part of the baptismal covenant, from Mosiah 18: to mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.
The day before, we were able to testify to a man of the reality that we are representatives of Jesus Christ. A Chinese man approached us on the street, and, for the next half hour or so, talked to us about his myriad life experiences, sharing his opinions on a variety of subjects. He talked a lot, and I knew that we would have one chance to say something to him. I didn't figure that out myself -- it was a conviction that the Holy Ghost placed in my heart to prepare me for that moment. He looked at me, and said, "I know that you have a big man behind you. I know that he is very rich, wants to change the world. He probably wants the world to see the bible from his perspective."
I'm not sure exactly what he meant; probably he assumed we'd been sent here by some rich pastor in America. No clue. But when he paused, smiled at me, and looked expectant, I smiled back, my heart just wanting to share the gospel with him, and bring him towards God's light, and responded:
"Yes, we do have a big man behind us. The big man behind us, who wants to change the world, is God. I am a representative of Jesus Christ, and God has placed us here today to offer you the chance to add more truth to your life."
The man was pretty surprised. He literally threw his arms up in the air, and bowed to us a few times, almost laughing. He cried out, "I am humble, I am humble." I just smiled at him, hoping he would accept an invitation to meet with us, or exchange contact information.
Well, he didn't. But I knew that I'd given him that chance, which is all we're here to do. We are offering a gift -- the gift of the restored gospel, the gift of Jesus Christ's atonement, the gift of eternal life.
That night was the Christmas party for our ward. The missionaries participated by performing a skit, and then they asked me to dress up as Santa Claus, and give out the presents to the children! That was so much fun. Our skit was a parody of what goes on in missionary homes, with the Elder's constantly sleeping, not knowing how to cook, having no food, etc, whereas the Sisters are always super energetic, exactly obedient, etc. The members loved it. The highlight of it for me was a lunchtime scene, where we found ramen, but couldn't read Korean, and so didn't know how to make it. I ripped open a package, took a bite out of the uncooked noodles, tore open the package of seasoning, threw my head back and downed it, then topped it off with the small package of vegetables they include in Korean ramen. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (I was kinda terrified...), and everybody went crazy. There were so many people who saw exactly where it was going as soon as I ripped open the ramen, and they were all going, "No~ Don't do it~ Ah~" So much fun. I really enjoy performing.
We spent part of Christmas day at Bishop's house (the part we weren't at Brother Go's funeral). Fun fact: Korean's watch Harry Potter at Christmas too! Of course, they had to turn that off when we got there. A lot of the young adults from the ward were there, so were actually able to have some fun, and take a breath after leaving the funeral center.
Yesterday we met with a recent convert family, and shared the story of the 2,000 Stripling Warriors. As we discussed the importance of parents being gospel teachers, and how important it is to share the gospel with our children, I thought of the inscription on the two pound coin: "Standing on the shoulders of giants." As I thought about it, I thought about how I've come to where I am, riding on the shoulders of giants. From my parents, teachers, and priesthood leaders, to companions and mission leaders, to noble ancestors and relatives, to, ultimately, the Savior Jesus Christ, I've stepped off of, and will in the future, step off of more shoulders, as others ride on mine. That's part of growing up; but I'll never leave the Savior. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. We all ride on His shoulders.
Elder Richard G. Scott has talked about the importance of mentoring others, teaching that as soon as we are in a position, because of experience, where we can mentor somebody else, we should do it. Age doesn't matter; it's our experiences. If we would all share what we've learned and experienced, we could learn and grow at a cumulative, accelerated rate! As I continue to grow up and become an adult, I realize more and more that there will be people riding on my shoulders, who will look up to me, and who will learn from my example. My intention is to stand as tall as possible, so that the next generation can soar even higher, as we continue to improve upon that which has been passed down to us.
Paul H. Dunn said, "We who are older speak of building a better world, but our progress is slow. Real generosity to the future lies, then, in giving all that we have to the present." I want to give my all, now, so there can be a better future. It's my hope that all of us who are older will give our all to build a better tomorrow, starting right now!
Brother Go Jong Min (고종민) a faithful brother in our ward, passed away at 7:00 a.m. on Christmas morning. I was never actually able to meet him in person, because he'd been hospitalized since I got here. Apparently, he suffered from stomach cancer, then never really fully recovered after the chemotherapy treatments. It was especially disappointing that he died Christmas morning, because we were going to visit him with his 3 daughters that night to try and share some Christmas cheer. We've been able to help his family in a few small ways, but I feel the most significant one was attending his funeral. I won't go into detail right now (most of it's trivial for foreigners), but my favorite part is the tradition of lighting a candle, individually, and placing it in a pot. The candles (more like slow-burning sticks of incense that don't smell, but I don't know what that's even called) represent our thoughts, our prayers, and our hopes for the family, and the deceased. Never, throughout the three-four day funeral, is the pot to be empty. Someone will always watch it to make sure there's at least one candle burning. How cool is that! There will always be somebody thinking about them, as they mourn. I find that a symbolic representation of part of the baptismal covenant, from Mosiah 18: to mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.
The day before, we were able to testify to a man of the reality that we are representatives of Jesus Christ. A Chinese man approached us on the street, and, for the next half hour or so, talked to us about his myriad life experiences, sharing his opinions on a variety of subjects. He talked a lot, and I knew that we would have one chance to say something to him. I didn't figure that out myself -- it was a conviction that the Holy Ghost placed in my heart to prepare me for that moment. He looked at me, and said, "I know that you have a big man behind you. I know that he is very rich, wants to change the world. He probably wants the world to see the bible from his perspective."
I'm not sure exactly what he meant; probably he assumed we'd been sent here by some rich pastor in America. No clue. But when he paused, smiled at me, and looked expectant, I smiled back, my heart just wanting to share the gospel with him, and bring him towards God's light, and responded:
"Yes, we do have a big man behind us. The big man behind us, who wants to change the world, is God. I am a representative of Jesus Christ, and God has placed us here today to offer you the chance to add more truth to your life."
The man was pretty surprised. He literally threw his arms up in the air, and bowed to us a few times, almost laughing. He cried out, "I am humble, I am humble." I just smiled at him, hoping he would accept an invitation to meet with us, or exchange contact information.
Well, he didn't. But I knew that I'd given him that chance, which is all we're here to do. We are offering a gift -- the gift of the restored gospel, the gift of Jesus Christ's atonement, the gift of eternal life.
That night was the Christmas party for our ward. The missionaries participated by performing a skit, and then they asked me to dress up as Santa Claus, and give out the presents to the children! That was so much fun. Our skit was a parody of what goes on in missionary homes, with the Elder's constantly sleeping, not knowing how to cook, having no food, etc, whereas the Sisters are always super energetic, exactly obedient, etc. The members loved it. The highlight of it for me was a lunchtime scene, where we found ramen, but couldn't read Korean, and so didn't know how to make it. I ripped open a package, took a bite out of the uncooked noodles, tore open the package of seasoning, threw my head back and downed it, then topped it off with the small package of vegetables they include in Korean ramen. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (I was kinda terrified...), and everybody went crazy. There were so many people who saw exactly where it was going as soon as I ripped open the ramen, and they were all going, "No~ Don't do it~ Ah~" So much fun. I really enjoy performing.
We spent part of Christmas day at Bishop's house (the part we weren't at Brother Go's funeral). Fun fact: Korean's watch Harry Potter at Christmas too! Of course, they had to turn that off when we got there. A lot of the young adults from the ward were there, so were actually able to have some fun, and take a breath after leaving the funeral center.
Yesterday we met with a recent convert family, and shared the story of the 2,000 Stripling Warriors. As we discussed the importance of parents being gospel teachers, and how important it is to share the gospel with our children, I thought of the inscription on the two pound coin: "Standing on the shoulders of giants." As I thought about it, I thought about how I've come to where I am, riding on the shoulders of giants. From my parents, teachers, and priesthood leaders, to companions and mission leaders, to noble ancestors and relatives, to, ultimately, the Savior Jesus Christ, I've stepped off of, and will in the future, step off of more shoulders, as others ride on mine. That's part of growing up; but I'll never leave the Savior. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. We all ride on His shoulders.
Elder Richard G. Scott has talked about the importance of mentoring others, teaching that as soon as we are in a position, because of experience, where we can mentor somebody else, we should do it. Age doesn't matter; it's our experiences. If we would all share what we've learned and experienced, we could learn and grow at a cumulative, accelerated rate! As I continue to grow up and become an adult, I realize more and more that there will be people riding on my shoulders, who will look up to me, and who will learn from my example. My intention is to stand as tall as possible, so that the next generation can soar even higher, as we continue to improve upon that which has been passed down to us.
Paul H. Dunn said, "We who are older speak of building a better world, but our progress is slow. Real generosity to the future lies, then, in giving all that we have to the present." I want to give my all, now, so there can be a better future. It's my hope that all of us who are older will give our all to build a better tomorrow, starting right now!
Best wishes, and with a bright hope,
Elder Austin Lynn
Elder Austin Lynn
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