Monday, January 19, 2015

January 18, 2015 - What Have I Gotten Myself Into?


So one year and four days ago I stepped out of the car, handed my nephew over to my parents (for some reason they wouldn't let me bring him... rude), grabbed my bags, and stepped into that magical land they like to call the "MTC". I remember that first day when all I could think about was,
"What have I gotten myself into?", "Missionary work is hard" and "Wow. This is going to be a long eighteen months."
 
Now here I sit in snowy Korean with my Sri Lankan trainee by my side thinking,
"This is not what I thought I was getting myself into", "Missionary work is hard" and
 
 "Wow. Eighteen months is nothing."
 
I knew then that there was no way I would be able to do this alone and I know now that the only way I've been able to do it is with the Lord. And I can't believe how fast it's gone! But I think the year mark is more of an accomplishment for the parents than it is the missionary. Am I right mom? Way to go girl. You made it to a year! ;)
 
It's been one heck of a year. I don't think any other phrase is as apropo as that. One. heck. of. a. year. A year I wouldn't trade for a lifetime supply of Jamba Juice Peanut Butter Moo'd smoothies. And you'll be happy to know, bros, that my companion and I carried on the tradition and burnt a shirt. Burnt a shirt and roasted a Choco Pie. A worthy celebration, I'd say.
 
I consider myself lucky to have been able to spend my year mark with my trainee. Can I just say that training is the funnest thing? I want to write every little thing Sister Wijethunge says and does down at the end of each day, but we're both totally wiped out we just end up lying on the floor, her head on my stomach, telling stories. It's been so fun teaching her how to speak Korean, cook like a Korean, use chopsticks, and even how to use a toaster. Oh how I wish I could have captured the awestruck look on her face when it popped up, each side crisped, a perfect shade of brown. Along with their lack of toasters I've learned two things: Sri Lankan's do not like the cold, but they do like spicy. So I layer her up every day and our mutual love of spicy results in a little extra chili paste in every meal. It's easy to see this is gonna be a great two transfers. :)
 
This week has been another week full of miracles. I feel like there is a renewed sense of urgency in me that has wiped away my fear. Fear of rejection, fear of saying something that doesn't make sense in Korean, fear of being judged, fear of asking hard questions, fear of inviting people to be baptized. The fear is gone and all that's there now is faith. We did a lot of contacting this week and have had so many cool contacting experiences with a blind man, a North Korean escapee, and a Korean lady who lived next to the MTC for six years. We also had some great lessons with Imma and 홍정은 (our new investigator), to whom we gave invitations for baptism. The hardest thing is just getting all our investigators to keep their commitments. Gah. Imma even comitted to come to church yesterday, but thanks to that happy punctuation marker we use to end declarative sentences, she didn't come. That menstrual cycle's the devil. Ah. Satan. Next time.. next time.
 
I love you and wish you a beautiful week, remember who you are... And make good choices!
 
Love the ever smiling,
Sister McCloskey
 
P.S. Here's my model of a companion and Seoul. Too pretty, right?


And here's me sharing the gospel with a good pal on the bench. Love you all!


 
 

2 comments:

  1. Hi! My daughter is coming to Seoul for a semester abroad in a few weeks. We are hoping to find out Church info before she gets there. She is 19, a member, and super excited to be immersed in Korean culture. Would you be able to send us contact information for a Bishop or Relief Society President? She will be attending Yonsei University. Thanks!!! Dawnmarie kdmlunnen@comcast.net

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    1. I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you, I'm not used to seeing comments on my daughter's blog. If you still need the information, you can go to lds.org, click on "resources", and then click on "locations and schedules" and you will find all of the information you need under "find a meetinghouse.".

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