(This is last week's letter, which Rachel sent to the wrong email.)
To start off: those who read Scott's letters should write him back and call him a pansy. At least you KNOW what PART of what ANIMAL that is. If that's the weirdest thing he eats on his mission then he's got it made. I eat things weirder than that EVERY DAY!
Karina asked me if it was ok to send pictures and the answer is a resounding YES! Anyone in the family can send me pictures via email or snailmail anytime---much appreciated.
Speaking of, if anyone has any decent pictures of Scott and I TOGETHER I'd love a print of it. Neither of us is overly photogenic, so I think it's kinda unlikely, but some effort to find one might be appreciated.
So, Mom, you'll like this: everyone here has and uses a parasol---and if they don't have a parasol they use their umbrella to shade themselves from the sun. You'd fit right in here!
I've decided that watermelon is the most misused and abused flavor in America. That pansy adaptation they call watermelon is just high fructose corn syrup as you well know. Well, here they have things that are watermelon flavored and DUN DUN DUN---it tastes like watermelon! The tomato and watermelon smoothie was a little weird, though. The Koreans loved it. I ate it because it tasted more normal than whatever was in the soup that smelled like vomit. My life is so fun.
People here are obsessed with blood types. No joke. People ask "What's your name, where are you from, how big is your family and what is your blood type?" It's kinda weird. It's sort of like your astrology signs (capricorn, aries, etc...) and they associate certain personalities with certain blood types. On top of it there are "horoscopes" so you can know what kind of a day you'll have if you're A+ or whatnot. I tell people I'm O + and 1) they're surprised the American knows her blood type and 2) their eyes light up like they suddenly know everything about me. Weird.
Can anyone tell me why I heard the impossible rumor that Obama made gay marriage legal in all 50 states? That kinda thing doesn't happen overnight---what started this nasty rumor?
Um, Mom, can you forward me the email Pres. Jennings sent about me? I was kinda sad when Scott mentioned it in a letter and I had no idea what he said about me. Apparently the whole world has read this letter and I haven't :). Also, what did he say in the snail mail letter?
A little news about N. Korea would be appreciated. Chalene mentioned something about nuclear testing and the next day we got some adament phone calls about 72-hr kits and re-reading exacuation procedures so you know them well. I'm sure we're afe here, but it'd be nice to know what the hype is about.
I've decided that the Buddhists have it figured out. I'm trekking around Korea in the heat and humidity with nylons and dress shoes not to mention the frumpy skirts while the Buddhist monks where lightweight neutral colored robes that hide stains and wear socks and tennis shoes. Church headquarters should look into revising the uniform plan.... :)
So I didn't fully realize it until this week, but as I was slowly learning the names of people and places I put t he strangest titles to things in my head. Some examples are : smurf-land, flame office church (my Korean comp tried to tell me it was by the fire station, but what came out was flame office), radish street (there's a giant statue of a radish on an archway---weird), and ugly lady (there's a picture of an ugly, immodest woman there.) These are just a few examples. The list, I'm finding is endless. At least I know the real names of things now and they're starting to sound normal.
As for the work it's slowly progressing. We had to drop several investigators this week, which was depressing, but one of them agreed to be baptized 20 June (the one who broke up with her boyfriend). We're praying for her to make it through. She's great! We've decided to spend more time in Gupo because it's been kinda ignored the last few transfers and therefore the members don't really trust us. Hopefully we can make it better for missionaries to come and help the members get fired up about the work.
WE had choir practice in Gupo. That was...an adventure. The whole branch is in the choir---I'm not sure who we're planning to sing to...
Well, we're going to go play soccer. Much love to all!
~R~
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Are you exciting?
That is one of the most common questions you'll receive in Korea when people want to practice their english on you--they mean "are you excited".
Just so you all know--Asian post-it's are vicious. They don't use the same kind and gentle glue that we all know and love in America. It's a close substitute, but you DO have to be aware or you'll tear things apart with them.
So, last week we went to Beomosa, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. That was a very interesting experience. I'm not sure what makes people attracted to the idea of becoming nothingness, but it's interesting to see their practices. Seems kinda depressing to me. It's a different world over here.
Funny thing at Beomosa: Sis. Beckstead asked if the watermelon the giftshop cashier was eating tasted good and we all ended up having watermelon shoved under our noses. It's rude not to share something if someone even hints they want some, so we ended up eating half their watermelon on accident. We felt kinda bad...such is life.
I had the chance to go to the Gupo Branch for the first time this week. I went on a split. It was fun. At the end of the Church I had four different Sisters grab my wrist and try to drag me to their house for lunch, but of course I couldn't because I had to meet my companion in Gimhae (feels weird to write that romanized). People like feeding the missionaries here. Yesterday I'm fairly certain I ate my body weight over again.
Korea is crazy. Friday I went on a split uh-ehm "companion exchange" with Sis. Beckstead. We were visiting members' homes, but it's next to impossible to kind anything in this country. We had an adventure anyway. We started in this uppity Korean apartment complex complete with guards and gates. Then, less than a 5-minute walk away, we landed in an impoverished area. I felt like we were in Guatamala and that the shacks were made of whatever materials happened to be available at the time. After that we found this old-looking stucco wall that looked like the wall to an old Spanish mission. On the wall in old-style calligraphy there was some english writing. I started to sound it out, "Yes--ter--day...all---my---turr-oubles---WAIT A SECOND...." Yes, it was the Beatles song, just imprinted on the wall. Weird.
When people eat pizza here they roll it up like a crescent roll and shove most of it in their mouth at once (the crust is thinner). Puts a new meaning to "pizza rolls".
The Korean word for "cherry tomato" literally translated means "jingle bell tomato". It tickled my fancy. They eat them for dessert. Mary would be in heaven.
I love this experience. People need the Gospel more than they really know, and seeing the light in their eyes when they feel the truth ring true in their hearts is AMAZING!! That's something I can't bring them---it has to come through the Spirit. I love seeing people finally find the peace they gave up on looking for so long ago.
Yon Hyon Ryong (Probably a bad American spelling, but whatever) one of my investigators, is doing really well. She broke up with her boyfriend because he told her that she shouldn't go to Church. When we found out that was why they broke up we partied (so far as missionaries party---we went and got ice cream). I've never been so happy somone broke up before.
Thanks for the email Karina. It sounds like things are going well for you. Let me know how the vomit comet is!
So there's this woman who climbs up and down our stairs every morning calling for peoples' dry cleaning. What makes this funny is that the word for dry cleaning is "Say-talk" which sounds like "satan". That mixed with her ominous voice and the way it echoes in our stairwell makes for an oddly creepy experience as this crazy lady is calling for "satan".
There are two responses I get when I say I'm from Colorado--they are: "Where" and "Ahh, cowboy country!" It then gets worse when they ask if I have a boyfriend (and they ALWAYS ask) followed by a desire to see a picture. The picture of choice for me to show is the one with him all dressed up as a cowboy in Montana. They must all think that's what we dress like all the time. I like it. That mixed with the fact that Sis. Beckstead has various scholarships from rodeo-ing (is that how you gerrund that in English?) so they must think ALL americans are cowboys or cowgirls...
Anyway, I've been here too long. Nice talking to you all.
~R~
Just so you all know--Asian post-it's are vicious. They don't use the same kind and gentle glue that we all know and love in America. It's a close substitute, but you DO have to be aware or you'll tear things apart with them.
So, last week we went to Beomosa, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. That was a very interesting experience. I'm not sure what makes people attracted to the idea of becoming nothingness, but it's interesting to see their practices. Seems kinda depressing to me. It's a different world over here.
Funny thing at Beomosa: Sis. Beckstead asked if the watermelon the giftshop cashier was eating tasted good and we all ended up having watermelon shoved under our noses. It's rude not to share something if someone even hints they want some, so we ended up eating half their watermelon on accident. We felt kinda bad...such is life.
I had the chance to go to the Gupo Branch for the first time this week. I went on a split. It was fun. At the end of the Church I had four different Sisters grab my wrist and try to drag me to their house for lunch, but of course I couldn't because I had to meet my companion in Gimhae (feels weird to write that romanized). People like feeding the missionaries here. Yesterday I'm fairly certain I ate my body weight over again.
Korea is crazy. Friday I went on a split uh-ehm "companion exchange" with Sis. Beckstead. We were visiting members' homes, but it's next to impossible to kind anything in this country. We had an adventure anyway. We started in this uppity Korean apartment complex complete with guards and gates. Then, less than a 5-minute walk away, we landed in an impoverished area. I felt like we were in Guatamala and that the shacks were made of whatever materials happened to be available at the time. After that we found this old-looking stucco wall that looked like the wall to an old Spanish mission. On the wall in old-style calligraphy there was some english writing. I started to sound it out, "Yes--ter--day...all---my---turr-oubles---WAIT A SECOND...." Yes, it was the Beatles song, just imprinted on the wall. Weird.
When people eat pizza here they roll it up like a crescent roll and shove most of it in their mouth at once (the crust is thinner). Puts a new meaning to "pizza rolls".
The Korean word for "cherry tomato" literally translated means "jingle bell tomato". It tickled my fancy. They eat them for dessert. Mary would be in heaven.
I love this experience. People need the Gospel more than they really know, and seeing the light in their eyes when they feel the truth ring true in their hearts is AMAZING!! That's something I can't bring them---it has to come through the Spirit. I love seeing people finally find the peace they gave up on looking for so long ago.
Yon Hyon Ryong (Probably a bad American spelling, but whatever) one of my investigators, is doing really well. She broke up with her boyfriend because he told her that she shouldn't go to Church. When we found out that was why they broke up we partied (so far as missionaries party---we went and got ice cream). I've never been so happy somone broke up before.
Thanks for the email Karina. It sounds like things are going well for you. Let me know how the vomit comet is!
So there's this woman who climbs up and down our stairs every morning calling for peoples' dry cleaning. What makes this funny is that the word for dry cleaning is "Say-talk" which sounds like "satan". That mixed with her ominous voice and the way it echoes in our stairwell makes for an oddly creepy experience as this crazy lady is calling for "satan".
There are two responses I get when I say I'm from Colorado--they are: "Where" and "Ahh, cowboy country!" It then gets worse when they ask if I have a boyfriend (and they ALWAYS ask) followed by a desire to see a picture. The picture of choice for me to show is the one with him all dressed up as a cowboy in Montana. They must all think that's what we dress like all the time. I like it. That mixed with the fact that Sis. Beckstead has various scholarships from rodeo-ing (is that how you gerrund that in English?) so they must think ALL americans are cowboys or cowgirls...
Anyway, I've been here too long. Nice talking to you all.
~R~
Monday, May 25, 2009
Nothing like the smell of kimchi in the morning
Hello hello!
So, I decided there are only 3 smells in Korea: kimchi, fish and bus exhaust. Occasionally there will be a strong, fleeting whiff of something else, but it always disappears before you can identify it. I've thought about numbering them "Mysterious smell #___"
Well, once again I left my handy dandy notebook at home, so I don't have a constructed thought pattern.
So, this is super hard. I thought I could speak Korean alright in the MTC but I feel like I went backwards and speak less here, rather than more. I AM learning, though, and things are going well. It's amazing how I'll spend the whole day struggling to understand and respond yet I'll still go to bed happier than I've ever been. God blesses those who serve him, because I SHOULD be crying myself to sleep every night with how hard this is, yet I just feel a gladness in my heart.
Good news: President gave me permission to call on Fathers' day, so I need you to send my your "Sunday schedule" so I can figure out when the best time for me to call would be. We'll be in touch on that.
Funny story: the other day I was in a missionary coordination meeting with the ward mission leader and I felt pretty proud of myself because I felt like I knew the gist of what we were talking about. After a little while I realized that I understood so well because he was conducting in English. Yeah, I really AM blonde.
Chalene, what is the missionaries name whose Mom found my blog? That'd be fun to know.
My companion is great. I am really lucky that she speaks as much english as she does. She's got a heart of gold and never gives up on me. I'm very grateful for her. Not to mention she knows the bus system like the back of her hand (which is very helpful).
Gah, I know I had stuff I wanted to say, but my mind is blank.
So, I realized the other day that there are 4 times as many people in my AREA as the population of Scott's ENTIRE mission. Craziness. There are probably more people on my floor of my apartment complex than in the entirety of Wolfpoint. It's a different world out here. It's funny how fast you get used to all of the people, though. Personal space just doesn't exist. It works.
Well, we're off to go see a Buddhist temple--supposedly one of the biggest in the world. That should be fun. I'm excited.
Oh, Sis. Beckstead got a package with dried mangoes in it from Costco in it--and they were DELIGHTFUL. Maybe they have some at Sams? (That's not a hint at all :) ).
Much love to all!
~R~
So, I decided there are only 3 smells in Korea: kimchi, fish and bus exhaust. Occasionally there will be a strong, fleeting whiff of something else, but it always disappears before you can identify it. I've thought about numbering them "Mysterious smell #___"
Well, once again I left my handy dandy notebook at home, so I don't have a constructed thought pattern.
So, this is super hard. I thought I could speak Korean alright in the MTC but I feel like I went backwards and speak less here, rather than more. I AM learning, though, and things are going well. It's amazing how I'll spend the whole day struggling to understand and respond yet I'll still go to bed happier than I've ever been. God blesses those who serve him, because I SHOULD be crying myself to sleep every night with how hard this is, yet I just feel a gladness in my heart.
Good news: President gave me permission to call on Fathers' day, so I need you to send my your "Sunday schedule" so I can figure out when the best time for me to call would be. We'll be in touch on that.
Funny story: the other day I was in a missionary coordination meeting with the ward mission leader and I felt pretty proud of myself because I felt like I knew the gist of what we were talking about. After a little while I realized that I understood so well because he was conducting in English. Yeah, I really AM blonde.
Chalene, what is the missionaries name whose Mom found my blog? That'd be fun to know.
My companion is great. I am really lucky that she speaks as much english as she does. She's got a heart of gold and never gives up on me. I'm very grateful for her. Not to mention she knows the bus system like the back of her hand (which is very helpful).
Gah, I know I had stuff I wanted to say, but my mind is blank.
So, I realized the other day that there are 4 times as many people in my AREA as the population of Scott's ENTIRE mission. Craziness. There are probably more people on my floor of my apartment complex than in the entirety of Wolfpoint. It's a different world out here. It's funny how fast you get used to all of the people, though. Personal space just doesn't exist. It works.
Well, we're off to go see a Buddhist temple--supposedly one of the biggest in the world. That should be fun. I'm excited.
Oh, Sis. Beckstead got a package with dried mangoes in it from Costco in it--and they were DELIGHTFUL. Maybe they have some at Sams? (That's not a hint at all :) ).
Much love to all!
~R~
Saturday, May 23, 2009
MTC Pictures
Last picture without a nametag!!!
My first day -- you can't tell, but I'm shaking. My excuse is that it was cold.
Camping. Sis. Oates, Sis. Peterson, {Korean that must mean "Me"}. We look very drawn out after a long day of learning Korean. Yay for tents & S'mores!
I know... it's pathetic... BUT I LOVE IT!!!
Sis. Peterson, Me
Not a fan of the random Elder who took this picture... apparently he thought I cared about the white wall more than the people. Me, Sis. Lee, Sis. Kang, Sister Peterson.
Japan: Sis Ho, Sis Ige, Sis Hart, Sis Rice
Korea: Sis Peterson, Me
The District :)Me, Sis. Peterson, Elder Romero, Elder Nye, Elder Fertig, Brother Fjeldsted
Sis. Peterson, Me
Elder Nye, Elder Fertig, Elder Romero
Sis. Peterson, Me
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Land of the Morning Calm
Hello!
Okay, I thought I hated the keyboard at the MTC but at least it t\didn't magically w\switch to Korean or Japanese mid-stroke!
Finishing up the MTC was good. Everyone look up the "Berlitz language for life" commercial on youtube (the one with the German coastguard). That's about how I feel write now. Maybe Chalene will get adventurous and figure out how to post it on the blog. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajy3iOG2inM
Good news! One of my investigators in the call center at the MTC got baptized last week! Yay Samuel. He's moving to Ft. Collins in June, so those of you up at CSU keep an eye out for Samuel Serrano at Church. I think he wants to go to a family ward, but he might go to the Singles ward.
Funny Korean: I tried to say I was going to do a fireside night (the normal way to say it in Korean), but the word for fireside is very similar to the word for "husband". So, while outlining my day I said I was going to do a "husband's night". Not sure what that is, but I'm sure missionaries shouldn't do it :).
It was about time to leave the MTC. The elders were looking younger and younger every week. Did I miss the memo about deacons being sent on missions?
The plane ride was long. Really long. But it's over and I don't have to do that again for a while. Mom told me about the infamous facebook conversation "My sister is flying to Korea today" "Mine too" "My cousin too!" etc. You'll be happy to know we WERE all on the same flight. :)
Landing was fun. I rally like Pres. Jennings. We were putting all of the luggage into the mission van and I moved a suictcase around so it would fit better, and Pres said behind me "Sometimes it just takes an engineer." I just laughed and then he said " I'm really an engineer stuck in a lawyer's body with the soul of a musician just dying to escape. That should give you an idea of just how well we get along. I really look up to him.
On our training day the Assistants and all of the trainers (including my companion) ate a live octopus. Weird.
My companion is Sis. Pak Min Jung. She is from the Seoul area and has been out 9 months. She speaks english pretty well (better than my Korean, which isn't saying much) but we still have a bit of a language barrier. I'm very grateful for my roommate Sis. Beckstead who is a champ at helping me through everything--at night anyway.
The first night there happened to be a concert where the BYU wind symphony was playing in the Busan Cultural Center and we all got permission to go. I have to admit I slept through the whole thing because of jet lag, but there were a few people in it that I knew. The best part was seeing Bro.Fuller, my MTC teacher again. A familiar face speaking english was a huge relief.
The deal with packages: if you send them via regular post you can send them to the "letters" address I gave you, but if you send them via fedex or ups, etc you have to give them the "packages" address to send to me. Fedex or whatnot will end up being slower because I'll only get it when I make it to the mission home(they can't be forwarded whereas normal mail can be), which is pretty rare, so regular post is best.
There are really strange things people spend money on here. For example, you can buy a spray bottle full of "mineral water" for mahn won (about $10) that you spray on your skin to make it healthy. I don't know about you, but that's expensive water--especially here where you're swimming through the air anyway.
Korean buses are like American rollar coasters---only cheaper.
I'm in the Gimhae and Gupo areas (I think that's how you romanize them), if you care.
I've learned that red lights are merely suggestions---and loose ones at that.
Squatters aren't as awkward as Americans imagine them. If you don't know what a squatter is--check Wikipedia. Think toilet without the toilet. It's a porcelain hole in the ground that you go in. It's funny that bathroom literature is only 2 feet off the ground here :).
I've spent too long doing this. We all want to go bowling in Nampadong (no idea how to spell that in roman characters). 'Twill be fun.
Much love to all!
~R~
Okay, I thought I hated the keyboard at the MTC but at least it t\didn't magically w\switch to Korean or Japanese mid-stroke!
Finishing up the MTC was good. Everyone look up the "Berlitz language for life" commercial on youtube (the one with the German coastguard). That's about how I feel write now. Maybe Chalene will get adventurous and figure out how to post it on the blog. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajy3iOG2inM
Good news! One of my investigators in the call center at the MTC got baptized last week! Yay Samuel. He's moving to Ft. Collins in June, so those of you up at CSU keep an eye out for Samuel Serrano at Church. I think he wants to go to a family ward, but he might go to the Singles ward.
Funny Korean: I tried to say I was going to do a fireside night (the normal way to say it in Korean), but the word for fireside is very similar to the word for "husband". So, while outlining my day I said I was going to do a "husband's night". Not sure what that is, but I'm sure missionaries shouldn't do it :).
It was about time to leave the MTC. The elders were looking younger and younger every week. Did I miss the memo about deacons being sent on missions?
The plane ride was long. Really long. But it's over and I don't have to do that again for a while. Mom told me about the infamous facebook conversation "My sister is flying to Korea today" "Mine too" "My cousin too!" etc. You'll be happy to know we WERE all on the same flight. :)
Landing was fun. I rally like Pres. Jennings. We were putting all of the luggage into the mission van and I moved a suictcase around so it would fit better, and Pres said behind me "Sometimes it just takes an engineer." I just laughed and then he said " I'm really an engineer stuck in a lawyer's body with the soul of a musician just dying to escape. That should give you an idea of just how well we get along. I really look up to him.
On our training day the Assistants and all of the trainers (including my companion) ate a live octopus. Weird.
My companion is Sis. Pak Min Jung. She is from the Seoul area and has been out 9 months. She speaks english pretty well (better than my Korean, which isn't saying much) but we still have a bit of a language barrier. I'm very grateful for my roommate Sis. Beckstead who is a champ at helping me through everything--at night anyway.
The first night there happened to be a concert where the BYU wind symphony was playing in the Busan Cultural Center and we all got permission to go. I have to admit I slept through the whole thing because of jet lag, but there were a few people in it that I knew. The best part was seeing Bro.Fuller, my MTC teacher again. A familiar face speaking english was a huge relief.
The deal with packages: if you send them via regular post you can send them to the "letters" address I gave you, but if you send them via fedex or ups, etc you have to give them the "packages" address to send to me. Fedex or whatnot will end up being slower because I'll only get it when I make it to the mission home(they can't be forwarded whereas normal mail can be), which is pretty rare, so regular post is best.
There are really strange things people spend money on here. For example, you can buy a spray bottle full of "mineral water" for mahn won (about $10) that you spray on your skin to make it healthy. I don't know about you, but that's expensive water--especially here where you're swimming through the air anyway.
Korean buses are like American rollar coasters---only cheaper.
I'm in the Gimhae and Gupo areas (I think that's how you romanize them), if you care.
I've learned that red lights are merely suggestions---and loose ones at that.
Squatters aren't as awkward as Americans imagine them. If you don't know what a squatter is--check Wikipedia. Think toilet without the toilet. It's a porcelain hole in the ground that you go in. It's funny that bathroom literature is only 2 feet off the ground here :).
I've spent too long doing this. We all want to go bowling in Nampadong (no idea how to spell that in roman characters). 'Twill be fun.
Much love to all!
~R~
Friday, May 15, 2009
Pictures!
Here are some pictures that Rachel's Mission President sent.
She is in the Gupo and Kimhae Branches on the west side of the Busan metro area. Her companion is Sister Park Min Jung.
Her Mission President said "Sister Ogilvie is very bold in using her Korean and I can tell that she will learn the language very quickly – which is a relative term given how hard Korean is for native English speakers."
She is in the Gupo and Kimhae Branches on the west side of the Busan metro area. Her companion is Sister Park Min Jung.
Her Mission President said "Sister Ogilvie is very bold in using her Korean and I can tell that she will learn the language very quickly – which is a relative term given how hard Korean is for native English speakers."
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
It's May, It's May, The Merry ol' month of May
Well, here I am. Yay for the last timed e-mail. In the future I should have an hour to email--so, Chalene, will you assemble an up-to-date list of all of the Geeks' email addresses so I can have the option of writing you all on occasion?
Also, Mom, you asked me to say when I'm leaving, I'm leaving early Monday morning (May 11). If you want to dearelder me for free before then I suggest having it in by Thursday night, though supposedly Friday by noon will work.
Good news, despite the fact that we can't call on Mother's Day from the MTC Pres. Carlson said that a breif phone call from the airport is appropriate. My flight is at 8 AM, so I should be calling sometime between 6:30 and 8:00 AM. I'd appreciate it if Dad and Matt put off going to work until I've called :). I think I'm limited to 30 minutes and that much only if time allows--so speaker phone is probably best :).
Mom, you can send the pictures as attachments. Ask Matt or Tim to help if you can't get it (or wait for Malea). I'm excited to see them. I'd still like a hard copy of a picture of the Nova, though :).
Sounds like Dad is really busy getting the van in order to go pick up Malea. If I know Dad he'll finish it the night before--if that early. He always takes good care of everything, though. I've learned a lot from him in that regard. Just get it taken care of :).
I got a haircut today. The MTC barbers aren't as bad as the rumors proclaim them to be. Then again, I just had her cut of split ends. Nothing drastic. No pictures are necessary--I promise. I look the same.
I'll be sending some prints home today.
Today has been a day of chance meetings. This morning I ran into Grandpa Robison again at the Temple. That's always very pleasant. He's a good man. I enjoyed seeing him.
Then I ran into Michael McConkie, who works here at the MTC now. I hadn't seen him in a few years, so it was fun to chat for a second.
Then I ran into Nikki, my roommate Brittney's sister. It's always fun to see her because she's so pleasant. I got to hear a bit about Britt's wedding plans and other things--so that was fun.
Funny who you run into here in our small little bubble.
Elder Ballard is coming tonight. Usually such information is unknown until he walks into the buidling, but the second councilor in the MTC Presidency likes us a lot so he told us :). Given that it starts in 2 hours I don't think I'm in danger of you spoiling the secret for anyone. I'm excited to have him come. That makes three Apostles in the time I've been at the MTC. You sure learn a lot here.
Funny "only-at-the-MTC" story: I was saying goodbye to a sister gouing to Germany who got here the day I did. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and a sister excitedly exclaimed "The new German sister just got here from Thailand!" It's a head-scratcher, I know. By MTC standards I'm a Korean. Therefore this Thai girl must be German. Gotta love it.
In case you were wondering---I wasn't kidding about the pitch pipe. Please?! :)
I'll try to send pictures on a regular basis once I reach Korea and have a normal computer that doesn't block all possible functions.
Love to all!
~R~
Also, Mom, you asked me to say when I'm leaving, I'm leaving early Monday morning (May 11). If you want to dearelder me for free before then I suggest having it in by Thursday night, though supposedly Friday by noon will work.
Good news, despite the fact that we can't call on Mother's Day from the MTC Pres. Carlson said that a breif phone call from the airport is appropriate. My flight is at 8 AM, so I should be calling sometime between 6:30 and 8:00 AM. I'd appreciate it if Dad and Matt put off going to work until I've called :). I think I'm limited to 30 minutes and that much only if time allows--so speaker phone is probably best :).
Mom, you can send the pictures as attachments. Ask Matt or Tim to help if you can't get it (or wait for Malea). I'm excited to see them. I'd still like a hard copy of a picture of the Nova, though :).
Sounds like Dad is really busy getting the van in order to go pick up Malea. If I know Dad he'll finish it the night before--if that early. He always takes good care of everything, though. I've learned a lot from him in that regard. Just get it taken care of :).
I got a haircut today. The MTC barbers aren't as bad as the rumors proclaim them to be. Then again, I just had her cut of split ends. Nothing drastic. No pictures are necessary--I promise. I look the same.
I'll be sending some prints home today.
Today has been a day of chance meetings. This morning I ran into Grandpa Robison again at the Temple. That's always very pleasant. He's a good man. I enjoyed seeing him.
Then I ran into Michael McConkie, who works here at the MTC now. I hadn't seen him in a few years, so it was fun to chat for a second.
Then I ran into Nikki, my roommate Brittney's sister. It's always fun to see her because she's so pleasant. I got to hear a bit about Britt's wedding plans and other things--so that was fun.
Funny who you run into here in our small little bubble.
Elder Ballard is coming tonight. Usually such information is unknown until he walks into the buidling, but the second councilor in the MTC Presidency likes us a lot so he told us :). Given that it starts in 2 hours I don't think I'm in danger of you spoiling the secret for anyone. I'm excited to have him come. That makes three Apostles in the time I've been at the MTC. You sure learn a lot here.
Funny "only-at-the-MTC" story: I was saying goodbye to a sister gouing to Germany who got here the day I did. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and a sister excitedly exclaimed "The new German sister just got here from Thailand!" It's a head-scratcher, I know. By MTC standards I'm a Korean. Therefore this Thai girl must be German. Gotta love it.
In case you were wondering---I wasn't kidding about the pitch pipe. Please?! :)
I'll try to send pictures on a regular basis once I reach Korea and have a normal computer that doesn't block all possible functions.
Love to all!
~R~
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