Kimchee, S'mores, and Root Beer!

 It seems like forever since I've posted anything.  

Because of that, this is going to be a very long post.

Jaden is doing well and has sent some pictures over the last few weeks.

I find it interesting that he always sends pictures of food.

After all this time, we finally got a picture of Kimchee.  Yum! (as I gag!)

 

It actually looks a little more appetizing than I thought it would!

Jaden says, and his words, "It's great!"

I thought I'd just share part of Jaden's e-mails over the past few weeks.

He didn't send out a mass e-mail this week, which tells me he was in a hurry!

But that also let's me know that things are good.

Here is part of his e-mail from June 22nd: "This week I got to see a miracle that was rather distinct and incredible. As a zone, we had two fasts for two specific things: one, that we would find a new investigator through our efforts, and two, that someone would find us on their own. This last Wednesday was a day we were fasting. (My companion) and I were ready to leave the house, and one of the other Elders almost told us to wait just a couple of minutes so we could all leave together. He didn't though, and so (we) left. We went to the Church to drop some books off, and maybe less than a minute after we walked into the church, we heard someone else come in. We went out in the hall to meet a 23 year old young man.... He told us that he was visiting Wonju for the day, and lately had been curious about the "Mormons". He had found our church and wanted to learn more. He couldn't meet right then, so we set up an appointment for a few hours later and gave him our card. He showed up to the appointment, and we were able to teach him about the Restoration. It was great. He is agnostic, and isn't sure if God exists. He asked us if we believe our meeting was destined, but we told him we feel it was allowed. He said he didn't know the difference, and we told him that God allowed us to have the chance to meet, but that ultimately (he) had the choice whether or not to actually come into the church. He immediately said "Ah, I get it! The critical thing is that we have a choice!" I just wanted to jump up and shout "You've got it!" because I could tell that the Spirit was bearing witness to him of the simple principle of agency. The rest of the lesson went well. He is in the army so can't meet for another month, but I know that this was an answer to our fasting and prayers."

And from June 29th: "This week, (my companion) and I ran into a man that I met on the street a month or so ago. We had tried meeting with him but he was always too busy. But when we ran into him, he had time. As we walked, we asked how he had become Christian. (Its very obvious to people that he loves the Savior). He told us about how he had spent 6 years in jail for doing some bad things, and how as he was there he met a Pastor and got involved in a support group. He said that because of his belief in God and Christ, he didn't want to be bad anymore. He told us that he is working on quiting smoking, that he doesn't drink anymore. It was really neat. The whole time I just had an overwhelming feeling of love for him. He was really fun to be around, and was really nice too. I was grateful that I could spend time and get to know one of our Brothers.

I also got to go into Seoul again this week! Its always great! "

So, he's had lots of opportunities to meet people and it seems to be
 easier for him to talk to them.

I also know he loves going to Seoul because that usually means a trip to the temple!

Here is a picture of him with his companion:

Jaden LOVES the 4th of July!  I actually had a package to send him,

but time got away from me and I didn't send it off.

But it was fun to hear and see from the picture of the s'more that

he was able to celebrate one of his favorite holidays in Korea!

 Here is his letter from July 6th: 

"Hello Everyone!!!

Not much happened this week. It went by WAY fast. We (the missionaries) put on a Music Night at the Church. We hoped to get a lot of less active and non members to come, and they did!! We had about ten numbers, a solo from the Secret Garden to a Soprano Saxophone Serenade and everything in between. I was worried I would be stressed out, but it went so smoothly for not even having a real rehearsal. The Spirit was there, and as one Sister bore her testimony, the Spirit came even stronger and sweeter. It was such a good night!!!! And everyone that came said they had a good time. Ah. I was so glad to be a part of our little Night of Music. 

I also had a small chance to celebrate the Fourth of July with my District. We ate pizza, I made a smore, and some peaches. We also had a drink that is almost non existent in Korea......ROOT BEER!!!! It made the Fourth almost like home! I hope you all enjoyed the Holiday too!!!

I love you all and I want you ALL to have another EXCELLENT week!!"

Here is Jaden singing with an Elder from Kaysville at their music night:

 (I'm glad he gets opportunities to do what he loves!)

I mentioned before that he didn't have time to send out a mass e-mail this past week,

but in his e-mail to me, he sent this picture of him with his zone leader:

(I see he still likes to make faces at the camera.)

Jaden expects to be transferred from Wonju soon, probably next week.

He has loved his time there, and has especially been grateful for his current companion

who has helped him so much with the Korean language.

He has experienced many miracles, and has witnessed the Lord's hand

as he has met with different individuals.

I'm so grateful for the growth that I've seen in him.

I can't believe it's been almost a year since we dropped him off at the MTC!