23 Dec - 29 Dec

MERRY CHRISTMAS

It was a good week this week.  Thought I would show our Christmas tree in our apartment.

That's it.  That's all we had!

Tuesday, the President had interviews in his office, so we were able to see about 18 missionaries and wish them all a Merry Christmas.  And we got to talk to our grandson, Derek, who is serving in California.  

Wednesday - Christmas Day - we had District meeting.  Very short and simple, but we together we watched the new Christ Child video.  Very touching.

Then we gave out presents and I made some scones and the Elders bought a cake.

Sisters Sung and Ibera.  And Elder Jeong is trying to take the paper off the cake.

Sister Sung and Ibera bought all of us some socks.

Our little star

The socks that the Elders got had a little lamb on one of them and the words Fleece Navidad

on the other.  They all get a little crazy!

Wednesday night we were invited to the President's home for dinner.  I asked her if I could bring something.  I found some sour cream!!!!!! in one of the stores.  So I made chicken enchiladas.

We had a good time and actually ate most of the dishes.

Elder Kearl is taking the picture.  President Jeong, Elders Oh, Jeong, and Gatherum.

Afterward, we played bingo.  President Jeong really enjoyed playing the game.  And we also had a Christmas trivia game.  

So it was back to business on Thursday and Friday.

On Sunday we had a baptism.

But first, they took a picture of all the older women in the ward. HaHa

Elders Jeong and Gatherum and our baptismal candidate - Brother Sung

The young women and missionaries sang - "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus"

Here's everyone that attended the baptism.  Can you find us?!

That's all for this week.

We love and miss you all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

16 Dec - 22 Dec

Monday was another Sports Day.  This time in Gwangju.  So Wayne and I were all alone in the office.  It's kind of nice when we are by ourselves.  Anyway, the temperature has been in the upper 50's so, it is really nice.  And everyone had fun at the sports day. 

Exercising

3-legged race  

Trying to find their shoe, put it on and race back to the starting line

Elder Hanks did a nose dive

Finally - lunch

Sisters Ubatay, Scoville and Park.  Awesome threesome

Gwangju and Suncheon Zones

On Wednesday, all four elders went back to Gwangju for their Zone Conference.

Training in the morning

Elder Kim do some Zone Leader training

Talent show - Elders Clemente and Lee

Elders Kim and Hanks - The bells would ring when they pushed on them

And of course - Santa Claus

 And we went to our English class in the afternoon. I had a lot of games for them to play.  I had a Christmas crossword puzzle and most of them didn't know how to even do it.  So we all went through it together.  They didn't know what an "elf" was and I guess they don't sing very many Christmas songs.  But all was good. Everyone brought us a little gift and some food.  Most of which we didn't eat.   They brought little cartons of milk.  It was Black bean milk.  Oh my goodness!!!!!  All I did was have to smell it and know that it was not for me.  It wasn't black in color, but had a very dark greyish hue to it.  Just could not stomach it.  They did give us a cheese cake though and that was very good.

So our son, Sean, made us some pens to give to our English class and our Daughter Tracy sent us some bag tags for us.  Everyone was very happy with the pens and bag tags.  They couldn't believe that our son had made the pens.  So they take a break in December.  We won't have to teach again until February 5th.  Good thing, I'm running out of things to teach.  Hopefully I can start something fresh in Feb.

So it's a week before Christmas and we finally found some Christmas decorations.

Not a lot, but it's colorful.

On Saturday, our ward had a Christmas party and dinner.  It was fun and the people sure get into the spirit!

Korean beef - good

Oranges were good!

Fish pizza - NO, salad - good

Women usually sit together and the men do the same.  

Ward's Christmas tree.

Some of the decorations

All the men played the bells.  

Video of the men.

Grandpa played the harmonica.  He also played it in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday.  Weird!

The Sisters did a dance to a Christmas Song.

Elder Gatherum played Santa Claus

And danced with the young women in the ward.

Elders Gatherum and Seung.

On Sunday when I got to church, the Stake President's wife came up to say hi.  She grabbed my hands and found they were cold, and I think she was scolding me for not wearing gloves.  But before I knew it, there were four other sisters there holding me hands to warm them up.  It was funny.

Well, Wayne and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  We love you and miss you all!

9 Dec - 15 Dec

On Monday, we had a sports day with Busan, Daegu, Ulsan and Changwon Zones.  The mission bought everyone a new shirt.  It was really fun.  And I think everyone had a wonderful time too.

Of course, everyone had to warm up first.

  

Three-legged race.  Elders Oh and Scow were the fastest.

Sisters against the Elders - to see who could volley the balloon with the most hits.  Elders won!

Sister McMillan got under the bar - just barely.

Sisters just chillin'

Here's everyone that participated that day.  What an awesome group!

They did a relay race also.

Sisters Curtis and Loo.

On Wednesday, we held Zone Conference for Busan and Ulsan Zones.  The President talked about what we are thankful for and what gifts we can give back to the Savior.  

Each companionship had to come up with a skit or song for the afternoon session.  This is Elders Scow and Taylor trying to do a Christmas song.

Sisters Angle and Urbano did a cute thing with the cups.  Hope this video works.  It was really cute.

When I was walking in the morning on Thursday, I couldn't help but take this picture.  The moon was so bright and full.

On Friday, we had the Assistants and Office elders over for our Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner.

We had turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, fruit salad, green bean casserole and rolls.  Then for dessert, I made a banana cream pie and strawberry pie.  It was fun to have them over and celebrate with them.  

Elders Gatherum, Jung, Oh, and Kearl.

It tasted really good, too.  If I do say so myself!

Wayne spoke at Church on Sunday.  He talked about the plan of salvation.  We have not sung a Christmas song yet.  No decorations up or anything.  Kind of sad.

Elder Gatherum did the interpreting.

That was our week.  Sorry I was late in posting this.  It's actually Monday here and I had to go to the immigration office this morning to renew my foreigner card.  It took all morning.

Anyway, we love you and miss you all.

Be good!