I survived this past week!

Well Christmas is one week I'm excited to talk to you guys. I'm probably going to try and call you at 10am--korea time---6pm MST USA time. So yeah I was the victim of an emergency transfer. I am in Incheon. Weird. I'll just say that there were a LOT of issues going on with Sister Newby and Jo in Incheon. I think the Lord wants me here, but inside I still want to be in my happy Anyang world with 방 애 라 with our washer/dryer and bathtub with a shower curtain. This pas week has by far been the hardest week of my mission thus far. After I talked to President last thursday I cried my eyes out all night. Mostly because Iwas just going to miss Sister 방 our investigators, the members, I will never see them again and I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye. My heart was broken. But I know that it was for the best and the best for the people in Incheon--인 천

Here's some adjectives that describe Incheon. Industrial. Its a shipping port. its quiet, I stepped off the subway and there wasn't a million students running around jamming out to annoying K-Pop. It was old men smoking and squatting. Its old its industrial, there is no track to run on. cats, mutant cats, CHINATOWN! gangs, beans, drunk women, oh and there aren't english words to describe the buses. i think we spent 6 hrs on the bust the other day.
But don't worry because I am determined to have a good attitude! I'm serious its the only way to go. I think just about everyone in our mission has heard through the grapvine about it and they are like "oh man thats rough" But not true. I hate whining.

Sister Newby and I are pioneers in Incheon we are opening this stake up where there haven't been sister for 10 months. Foundation is important. Thankfully the elders and members want to help us they do which is great. They have been finding us people to teach. When I meet people on the street and talk about the book of mormon they actually want to listen. We really do see miracles. For example, 조 은 희 is going to get baptized on the 28th of this month. We told President that and he said, "that wasn't supposed to happen" I'm just realizing that this is the Lord's work not mine. If we are diligent, and obedient things will happen. I'm recognizing how much I need my Savior and his Atonement every day. Oh little bio on Sister Newby, she's from Maryland, her mom is Korean, she joined the church in 1965 one of the 1st 500 members of the church here. Her dad served his mission in Korea. After his mission he came back to korea to study and met her mom. She went to University of Maryland and graduated in Painting. We are super different but I know we can work hard and that there are people that need us in Incheon. Well I am excited to talk to you all in 1 week! AHHH!! I'm sad I won't be talking to Mac but I love you. OKay me going to call you got it?? I am going to buy a phone card. If for any horrible reason I can't I am going to email my house phone on another email that you will self destruct right? That is just in case. Don't call me. Me going to call your hand phone or Vincents. 사 랑 해 요

Alsbury 자 매

"Alsbury 자 매 you have really big eyes" -our investigator

Thats not the first time I've been told I have big eyes, I never realized I did, I guess everything is relative right? I'm glad you guys are all doing well and staying busy. Mac--Korea is really bad in the summer humidity, I'm sorry for you, kind of a weak sauce winter here. Actually Sunday morning it snowed, maybe a cm. my comp was so happy too bad it melted during the meeting she wanted to shovel. Reminded me of dad shoveling the driveway like a madman.

Man, I really am blessed. Sometimes I really don't feel deserving of his blessings. Being exactly obedient and diligent really bring blessings. I love being a missionary. Seriously every day is amazing. I ate kimchi and rice for breaksfast with a smile on my face. Today we went to the temple. We are so lucky to get to go often Anyang zone and yeong dong zone went which means I got to see sister hunt & sister toronto. Yayaa I think I am getting a little ahead of myself. Tuesday night we get home its 9 the phone rings, my companion answers sounds really happy hangs up the phone--President Burton is 10 minutes away from our house!! We ran like crazy trying to clean up our house--we really don't have time to clean. As of tuesday night we are temporarily in a threesome (if juliet and Elizabeth Lewis ever read this they will have just laughed) Anyway. Yeah seriously though, I have 2 Korean companions, I think maybe tomorrow it will change. Actually I don't know what is going on really--big problems and I don't gossip because it drives the spirit away. But we are having a good time. I am about 98% sure that Sister 방 and I will be split next transfer (on the 29th) We work so hard together and she has just become one of my greatest friends. She's coming to the lake with us someday. So thanks for sending Christmas stuff. Her parents are Buddhist. P.S. Thank you Vincents for the Package--its sitting under our tree :))

Do you know much 15 kg is? Its 33 lbs. Do you know that Mandarin oranges are in season in Korea? Well sunday a member gave us 15kg of Mandarin oranages (귤)!!! Shipped from Jejudo this island in Korea that a member got for us. I carried this box for a mile on the bus and home. 33 lbs of oranges!! Can we eat them all before they go bad? I'll let you know. We are going to try. Unless our skin turns orange first.

On sunday this member forgot the korean word for priority during sunday school and looks at me thankfully I knew that 우 선 means priority. It was weird. I'm studying hard. Its still really hard. I think it will always be. I'm up for the challenge. I know challenges make us grow my companion is "hardcore training" me i.e. I have to make all of the calls at night and do things that Paige really dust doesn't want to do but it will help in the long run. Insert universal application there.

Briggs are you going to send me your Christmas concert CD? Or you can sing to me in 2 weeks when I call. Speaking of that are you going to be at home. I'm going to call you. Jill's going to be in Utah? I can't 3 way from Korea. Let me know the plan.
Sunday night we had a district activity caroling near this subway station. It was awesome, we passed out our english program flyers and got a lot of phone numbers. This week we have gotten so many 소 개 referrals from the elders. Truly a blessing. People who are prepared for the Gospel are out there. Sometimes I feel like there are just way to many people here. But its good because there is always someone new to talk to.

We had zone conference on Saturday. They talked a lot about remembering our purpose as a missionary and our Mission Scripture which is 3 Ne. 5:13. It was really great. President read part of an email from Chase Hilton from Dillon who served in our mission and how much he just really wished he was back in Korea being a missionary. I really needed that. President really is inspired and leads our mission. I never what that much stress. my comps. just called me by my new nickname. Since korean family name are only 1 syllable they just call me by the 1st syllable of Alsbury written in Korean. 알 ,which sounds more like arrrrh 자매님. They are cute. I love my family so much. Briggs continues to be the biggest hearthrob people ask if he has a girlfriend to my self I'm like "no way he's too busy going to the 'nitty store and using an entire thing of conditioner in one bathtub" among your other past hobbies. Don't be grown up though okay? Thanks for supporting me. I love you all. Hey mom do you ever hear from Edgar Benevides? You should send him my emails. His email is in my gmail.
사 랑 합 니 다
Alsbury 자 매

P.S. If you guys go to bed before 9 every day the korean elf might bring make a stop at your house. I'm just saying there's a chance ;)

December 4

Your emails were especially awesome today muchas gracias. (Sometimes when I am on the street people I speak in spanish and they all freak out because the think that everyone who looks like me should speak english--rightfully so)
Yeah so thanksgiving was awesome, the Marsdens were great, it was weird being in an "American house" it seemed huge. Elder Choi of the Seventy was their as well as a stake president and his wife, I think my favorite was the pumpkin pie and chocolate pie. My companion liked it, she loves american food. Sometimes companionships in our missions have problems because the korean missionary wants rice all the time and the American doesn't, thats a blessing among all of the many other blessings I have received as a missionary.
We did the crazy pressure point therapy thing again, where you walk on the different surfaces of rocks and it kills so bad. It was fun all in the name of health. We have this investigator who is sick and the things that she and my companion and this member were doing to "help" her were CRAZY! I won't go into details.
Last Saturday we went way up on the North part of Seoul in the Seoul Mission and all the korean missionaries had to take an english grammar test if they score really well they can go to BYU-H or something, it was nice because I got to relax for 2 hours during the test with the other Americans. I heard about Elder Wirthlin he was so sweet his conference talk seems to always pop into my head when our investigators drop us, the wind is blowing its cold and we still have 3 more hours of street contacting and there isn't anyone to talk to. Come what may and love it--I will try. So much about missionary work is attitude. Hey guess what? We have a Christmas tree! Its like 3 ft tall and even has lights. We found it in our house. We sleep on our mats in our living room and its quite soothing to sleep by a christmas tree. Its my companion's first christmas tree she likes it but not as much as I do. Last week was her hump day (9months) So we burned a stocking in her honor.
I'm glad Briggs is singing a lot I wish I had worked on that more. People always ask us to sing in church and I'm pretty much not very good, oh well.
Way to random sorry
Korean culture time. K-Pop. Ringback tones. They all seem to like the same 4 songs and they play them everywhere and on their phones everytime I call its the same whiny song. Did you know that cell phone in korean is "hand phone"--but koreanized pronounciation.

This transfer is going to be 2 weeks shorter so that the returning missionaries can go to school. We have implemented a "hardcore training" program in our companionship. Which mean 1000x more stress for me. But I know I am learning a ton more korean and handling the stress. Last night we were eating with this member and somehow I understood what she was saying, and trust me the content of the conversation was not easy vocab. I know Heavenly Father is helping me every day. Like D&C 1:23 says I am weak and simple but I have been called by a prophet to preach the gospel here. read Silvia Allred's talk.

We have this investigator 김 나 영 (Kim, na-yeong) She's great. When we first started meeting her I thought for sure she didn't have any interest but that was 2 months ago. We taught her the 3rd lesson and the spirit was so so so strong. It was such a wonderful experience. She told us something along the lines of "I hear your words but its my heart that is feeling" it was amazing. She felt the Spirit, thats exactly how we learn its by the spirit. There isn't enough time ever to say what really happens or express in an email. Maybe next Christmas huh? Just know now that my testimony of our Savior is strong and I am so glad I am doing what I am doing know, I know it is all true.
The phone call. I don't really know details now but I will probably call you guys Christmas morning that means Christmas Eve in Montana. So maybe let me know when you are going to be home on Christmas Eve okay?
Jill good luck on finals. Are you going home for Christmas? Briggsy boy swim fast, do you BYU application faster. Trade. me send you hot korean 라 면 you send me mail okay? Mom and Dad I love you so much keep being good missionaries and thanks for putting up with my weirdness. Mac I dust miss you. Anybody else out there I love you, I'm happy ;) xoxox

알 스 베 리 자 매
Sister Alsbury

Happy Thanksgiving! 추 수 감 사절 행 봉 하 십 시오!

Happy Thanksgiving! 추 수 감 사절 행 봉 하 십 시오!
Anyway today is transfer day and team Alsbury 방 is still together. We are thrilled and both really felt that there is a lot of work that we need to do together in Anyang now. Actually transfers were very surprising. Sister Toronto and Sister Hunt are going to be companions. Yes my MTC comp. and Sister Hunt who is only 6 weeks ahead of us. They will lear a lot fast. But I really feel that President is inspired and that we are where we are, with who we are for a reason. Yesterday I read a letter that Mac wrote me when I was in the MTC and he told me to trust President, and I really do.

The bonus of serving as a missionary in a nation that has risen from the dust of a terrible devistating war is the presence of the American Military. Why you might ask? Tonight I too will be having an American Thanksgiving feast. We and 2 other sisters are going to the Marsden family's house for dinner. I think he is a diplomat or something, they live across the river in the Seoul mission and the coolest thing is that their daughter Sister Marsden is a missionary in our mission. She was in the MTC with me in the group below us. Crazy huh? It would be tempting for me if my family was only a subway ride away. My comp is excited too. She loves American food. I'm serious. This morning it was raining like crazy so we canceled our Turkey Trot but instead I made delicious banana pancakes. She loved it. Yesterday I made chocolate chip cookies for our District Meeting. She has only had turkey at Quiznos in Seoul before not real turkey so this will be awesome. It will be a good break from Korean too. All of the missionaries in our mission will be eating thanksgiving either at a couple missionaries house, or some other american member family.

There are Christmas lights here and big signs that say "Merry Christmas" I've seen ones that say "marry Christmas"-hhahaaa. But its mosting westernized marketing. You say "AMERICAN" and all Koreans eat it up. I told my companion to open a restaurant and write american all over it and just serve rice and she will make tons of money. What is my point with that?? Oh yeah That stuff annoys me and I try not to think of home and Christmas. I do vividly recall 2 thanksgivings ago with Mac and we beat the Utes. I can't stand them. They will get whats coming to them. President Burton went to the U, but he's alright :)

The Elders told me that ford, citibank and other things are going under is that true. They also said the exchange rate for won is amazing. So anyone want to google the USD and Korean Won exchange rate?

This week a met an inactive member who joined the church in Shanghei China. She was baptized with another girl, I put the 2 together and realized that her friend is my friend Sister Son from the MTC. She is Korean, and is serving in Oakland, Ca, Mandarin speaking. And this inactive is her friend. Actually this is a cool story. This morning this sister called us and referred sister Son's mother to us. She said she's wants to hear the same message that her daughter is sharing in America.

One of our investigators 정 희 숙 (Jung hee sook) We have been working with a lot. She's in really bad health. She struggles with the word of wisdom, her borther and mom are members, she's really lonely and depressed, no job or money, everything she has was given to her by members of the church she has good member support, sunday we did splits. (Which is nerve racking) She came to anyang ward she had 5 member fellowshippers, from another stake with her. Which made my job easier. We are really working hard to teach lessons with members. I know that is the right way missionary work is to be done. I'm so happy that dad and Briggsy boy can help the Elders in Helena. I'm proud of you guys. Remember when I talked about that Christmas gift to Christ? Is anyone doing it? I am. Its making my life just that little boost better.

I got your package last week. Thanks so so so much Mom. There wasn't any chocolate in it so I wasn't sure if it was really from you. Good to see your handwriting. It smelt like america. Now probably kimchi(speaking of which favorite food of the week is tuna and kimchi cooked on the stove--this is favorite cheap food as of now not all time favorite) If you want for Christmas I like candy, OATMEAL--seriously its an expensive import here and I love it, maybe another SD memory card, Maybe a shirt that says MT on it for my companion, CTR ring(english) for her--size 6?? Smaller than me. Actually I don't care. Just send your love

Today is thanksgiving in America but it doesn't really change how thankful I am to be doing what I am doing. Its not about me at all. I never say the word "I" in korean its always "we" meaning everybody. I know that Heavenly Father wants it to be that way. I'm really grateful for loving parents, super amazing, wonderful siblings who are my best friends; korea, this headache of a language, all of the crappy trials I have ever had in my life that have brought me to where I am know; for the Restoration, Book of Mormon, the Plan of Salvation, a living Prophet and most of all my Savior Jesus Christ.
xoxoxoxo love you all forever!

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

알 스 베 리 자매

춥 죠!!! Its freezing cold!!

Yes it is freezing here, suddenly. Suddenly written romanized sounds like "kap-jagie" Its a good word. Korea never gets nowhere near Montana I think it was -5C today for the low. But there's wind--it hurts. Its just bad at night when we are street contacting for 3 hours, but its totally bearable. I have my big trench coat which is nice but I need gloves, hat, warmer tights or something--stupid for not buying those before. Mac is probably roasting now, I don't think I am envious. Speaking of tights did you know that I have worn stockings for over 5 months? Thats a testament that the Lord really does increases our abilities as missionaries. But seriously I know that people all over the world pray for missionaries and that the Atonement is Infinite and has and will continue to bless missionaries in doing difficult--or seemingly impossible things. Like having physical strength, overcoming my fears, and speaking a completely upsidedown inside out language.

Last P-Day I ran 6 miles. Yes I'm still kind of insane, oh well, we had no plans my comp. wanted to write letters so I ran and ran, it was wonderful. Good grief I was shocked when you told me the price of gas. Wowzers. Gas is expensive here too, most cars are diesel and about 95% are Kia, Hyundai or Samsung. yeah you were interested in that--sorry.

Best thing of the week, our investigator, 김 현 주 (kim hyunju) got baptized. 아사! So cool. Her husband is from Iran and the elders found him 2 years ago--wait maybe i've already talked about her. Anyway she's awesome, so sweet. She had a hard time giving up coffee but was able to overcome her addiction. Elder Fisher baptized her. I really have a ton of respect for the Elders in our zone. They were saying how they were jealous that we have had 3 baptisms this transfer and none of the elders have had any. Kind of bothered me because its not about us, I know its the Spirit that teaches. This is the Lord's work and we are just privileged to be a tiny part of it. I know that if we are obedient and faithfull the Lord will bless us with miracles, and He does. And that just doesn't apply to missionaries.

Cultural experience of the week. We have this investigator who we teach every tuesday and she makes us lunch. Usually its extremely disgusting and the worst part is she stares intently at me as I eat so I try and make my happy face, and keep saying 맛 있에요---literally taste exists. This week was a new experience. She made this soup. koreans love soup. Big chunks of something brown, but didn't look like beef. Instantly I knew what it was. I had heard of this food once upon a time. Maybe similar to blood sausage. Anyway it was broth made with cow blood, intestines stuffed with cow blood and gukky stuff-ya know the stuff you probably aren't supposed to eat in the turkey on Thanksgiving. I don't recommend this to any of you. I'm getting sick here typing this. AHHHHH!!! It was horribly, awfully disgusting. I dry heaved but covered it up. Thankfully our investigator went to the bathroom and 방 자매님 scooped it up and ate the rest. The sad thing is she doesn't like it either. hahaaa. To make it up to her I bought her Coldstone yesterday. Yes coldstone!! Way too expensive though.

A cool thing about covering the whole stake is that we will get to see 4 Primary programs. We've seen 2 already. They were so awesome. The crazy thing is that I could understand everything they said. I only know a couple of primary songs in Korean but I sang along in english in my head. Korean kids are my favorite, 2nd place goes to the Grandmas. They are really into Korean rock, paper scissors, which is way harder than the American way, and they always want to play me because they can usually win, but after they win they kick me. Ehh whatever.

Next P-Day is Thanksgiving, also transfer day. So no plans. I might be in a new place or with a new comp. Neither of which I really want. I'm really lucky to get along with my companion and learn so much from her. Kind of worried about potential future companions--stressful. President Burton is inspired. He said we will "likely" stay together. I sort of feel selfish for having the only Korean companion--a new one is coming next week so my comp is happy.Sister Toronto is having a really hard time, I love her a lot. I know we have our specific trials for a reason. Sometimes I feel so undeserving of the Lord's blessings. But I know that He loves everyone the same. Like Elder Wirthlin said "Come what may and love it" Speaking of General Authorities, Elder Scott is in Seoul this weekend to meet with mission presidents.

So good to hear from you guys each week. Briggs are you going to send me a CD of you singing? I'm going to get the package today, thank you! Christmas...errr whatever, anything American,. Ahh I just realized that this will be my first Christmas that my stocking won't be stuffed full of oranges. Love you all 사 랑 해 요!!!

Alsbury 자매

2008 년 11월 13 일

안 영 하 세요!!!
Today we went to the temple yaya. We went early and had a temple conference with President and Sister Burton, really good. They talked about learning by hearing, seeing and feeling. This is something that has been pounded into me on my mission. We learn by the spirit. Teaching is not talking. Its true. So much to say. Today is a special day in Korea. Its the day of the enormous test for University entrance. All Korean high school seniors take it. It makes the LSAT look like a walk in the Park. No airplanes flew today and the police surround the schools. Koreans are hardcore beyond belief. They are very diligent in studying always but that doesn't mean they are smart, effectiveness is the key with life. The other day we were teaching a lesson and our investigator freaked out because she has been studying english her whole life and she can't get over how good my Korean is, we explained Heavenly Father gives us spiritual gifts and that speaking Korean requires God's help. It really does. I can't believe the progress I have made in the past 2 months. I know it really is a sincere answer to a prayer. I have to stay humble. Did I mention it is absolutely beautiful here? Fall leaves are amazing. I even learned the onimonipia for crunching leaves.

Tuesday was also a special day it was ㅃㅐ ㅃㅒ로 day aka 11/11/2008 so funny. So they sold these sticks covered in chocolate you hold them up like 11s hahaa. Its like a marketing scam similar to Valentines day. 방 애 라 자매 and I bought them for each other. Special.

Last P-Day was the best P-Day ever. We went to 민 속 촌 in Suwon. It is a really famous Korean Folk Village. (and yes it cost $12 of my personal funds to go) its amazing. We will go when you all come to Korea. Its like what you guys think Asian looks like. I think of Korea and I think, subway, bus, buildings and kimchi. I took a ton of pictures, we went with sister Saunders and Toronto--I miss Sis. Toronto. It was sweet. Google 민 속 촌. Too much to say about that more to come later.

Okay so our crazy encounters of the week. We were waiting at a 역 for the other sisters and we were down on the platform and this old grandpa who apparently recently had surgery on his guts--maybe appendix, I don't know all I know was that he had a whole in his side about 2 inches around with guts coming out that made me want to vomit and he liked to show other people. Crazy. I am a magnet for crazy people. He say me and started coming after me, it was like frankstein, he's lifting up his shirt exposing his guts says, "you're beautiful" in korean, I'm trying to be polite but run away. So we run up the stairs. Then this university aged student comes up and stares down my companion starts saying things like "god told me to come and find you and pray for you, can I pray now" It was like a southern baptist type thing. ala Fletch Lives. She is bearing her testimony to him, and while this is going on the crazy grandpa is coming up the stairs coming after me. Actually I was scared. But of course my reaction was just laughing hysterically, uncontrollable. Frankstein and this kid that was in a trance. We ran away and hid until the others sisters got there. Its a better story in person I promise. I'll tell you all in person some day.

Monday we taught a woman who is obbsessed with Canada and freaked out because the Book of Mormon was printed on super nice paper, then she started rambling I started laughing because I knew she wasn't making any sense. My companion didn't understand her either and she's Korean. More on that lady some other time.
We ate at Outback Steakhouse for my pass-off reward, it felt like America, so good. No rice!
Last Saturday the YM/YW in our Stake did a music night which was for the most part amazing. Koreans love music and they are very diligent. They even had really cool breakdancing. Sunday night the group New Horizon came to our stake. They were missionaries in Korea in the early 1970s, and they would sing on TV and on the radio. Actually Elder Choi, a korean General Authority was introduced to the church by them. They were sort of famous. Anyway the sang, and talked about the church's growth in Korea, which is truly a miracle,their Korean was worse than mine was in the MTC. Actually Sister Palmer spoke with a translator, her husband was the Mission President here in 1965. Its just makes me realize how special a place Korea is and the people are the best. Its hard for me to think about not knowing about Koreans they are the coolest--sometimes weird, but they have such a place in my heart.

I know you hate me random emails, I'm sorry. Last week was Zone Conference the theme was D&C43:16 If we sanctify ourselves we will be endowed with power. Actually I want to share with you guys what our mission is doing and encourage you to do it too. In order to santify ourselves and give a Christmas Gift to Christ this is what we are doing.
A 40 day "fast" starting Nov. 16 and ending on Christmas. 1. Fast (food fast) for a day in a manner of prayer
2. in this attitude make a list of 10 things that "poke" at your spirit or aka natural man inclinations--Mosiah 3:19
3. take the list to the Lord in prayer
4. Covenant that you will fast from those things for 40 days
5. Each morning as you pray promise the Lord you will avoid each item on the list, ask for His help to have spiritual strength to overcome
6. At night review the list in prayer determine why you failed if you did fail in some aspect
7. Pray for more strength for the next day. Do this for 40 days, I am excited to do this which is why I wanted to share it alll with you, I know it will bring us closer to our Savior. I love you all. Being a missionary is wonderful, its tough for sure. You are always tired, hot, cold, sick, investigators stop meeting with you for now real reason and it breaks your heart. But this is the greatest thing I have ever done and I am honored to be a part of it. Love you all, until next week. Don't forget about me!

Alsbury 자 매

Fw: Returned mail: see transcript for details

코 물 (nose water)

Happy Halloween!
Its a shame that all of the good holidays are non-existant in Korea. Maybe we will indulge and buy some overpriced american candy. Maybe. Actually we are completely broke--not even joking, but don't worry about me I always eat.

My brain is fried I don't know what to write. Its getting cold here, wind. AHHH I hate the wind. The leaves are changing colors so that is pretty. Last Sunday 권 다 혜 received baptism! It was wonderful she's very sweet and I know that this ordinance is essential for all. Actually over a year ago she went to the Elders english class in Ansan and there was an Elder there named Elder Fisher who taught her class. He got transferred she stopped coming, then a couple months ago she started coming to church with her friend. We taught her, she repentented, changed things in her life and then desired to be baptized. When we were seeking someone to baptize her we thought of one of the Elders. Anyway long story short Elder Fisher the same guy who taught this girl english over a year ago got transferred back to Ansan and he baptized her--a good story (if that makes sense--I can't spell or write or think well anymore) I believe its called full circle. Very cool. Also 김 공 애 's baptism is Saturday, no time to explain how wonderful this is. Probably 13 years ago missionaries taught her initially, it just shows the power of the Spirit and how different everyone's needs are.

The other Montana missionary Elder Light is now in our zone, he went to Skyview, he really loves montana too, Forsyth is in his stake. You might know his dad.
Oh yeah funny thing. I totally ate it--fell in a subway station the other day. We were running, because we were late to an appt---happens everyday, I had just scanned my card and right infront of my was this nasty cheese esq yellow something that they sell on the street--not a clue what it really is those, right in front of me it was the classic banana peel effect. The nice thing about being a foreigner in a place where everyone looks the same is that I never get embarassed because everything I do people stare at me, so I carry on being a fool and don't care. I think that is a blessing because its easy for me to talk to people on the street because well yeah I can't explain but its good to be a 외 국 인 in Korea.

Ahh another random thing. A member gave us free dinner coupons to this place called the Viking Buffet (but say it funny like a korean) its actually like $18 USD. Yikes we took a young woman who has a really bad home life and one of her friends there last night. Maybe a little bit like L&D but bigger. No pineapple shrimp but they had fondu. Actually the students that we took with us are so fascinated by me that they only got food that I ate. hahahaaaaaaa Anyway maybe it was a have to be there type of thing. Actually the city we were in 안 산 Ansan kind of reminds me of Las Vegas, the LIGHTS!!! Igo the lights are insane, they they have cheesy hotels and things like "Viking Buffet" Anyway. Just read my journal later.

Sister 방 made me Vietnamese food last friday. Wow never thought Vietnam even had food, but its delicious. Rice paper and vegetables, pineapple and spam wrapped up and dipped in red chili pepper sauce. Wait did I just type that??? SPAM!!! yes I have eaten spam its disgusting to think about it and not tasty but whatevs Koreans like it. I like what they like.

Also if you are bored google; Big Bang K-Pop biggest thing in Korea. They made a music video in an area by a church met the elders and gave them an autograph which the elders gave to Sister Bang, she showed it to this 14 year old girl and I have never in my life she someone freak out so much. Maybe like the beatles or something. She just kept say "how how how" in korean over and over.

I am going to end this now and write a note to my baby brother Briggsy. Which I am so proud of, I know how you feel, well sort of. Trials will make you better. When I read your email I thought of 2 Nephi 31:20-21. Everybody should read that now. Okay love you all. Has anyone checked my gmail lately? you can delete junk stuff--please do but save other things. Especially if any of my friends write me forward it to me. Okay tangenting problem needs to stop. Love you all, I love being a missionary, time goes too fast. I have found this stationary in our Apartment that says Alma 60:6---my attempt to guilt trip you all.

xoxox 사 랑 해 요 !!!!!

알 스 베 리 자매
Sister Alsbury

most painful experience of my life--but not really it was fun

So its raining here in Korea. Dirty rain. We are in Songpa which is about 1hr 45 minutes from our house we went to the Mission home this morning and I did pass-off which was good. Sister 방 is rewarding my speedy progress by taking me to an International Restaurant. Oohhh International huh? Yes Outback Steakhouse--you may have heard of it. I really have learned a ton of korean. I know that Heavenly Father is helping me. I know that I am doing his work which I have been called by God's Prophet to do. Best decision I've ever made.

I Probably know more Korean than spanish now. Mac I too am grateful for 6th grade Japanese, some Koreans study Japanese and they go crazy and think I know tons of Japanese, when I just say stuff from that video haha. Korea is really beautiful though on the bus this morning there are parts that aren't city and tons of mountains, very gree the leaves are changing colors its awesome. Even in the middle of the city there are mountains and the middle-aged folk deck out in their hi-tech apparel to go and walk about these little mountains for an hour or so.

I forgot about the election what is going on with that? Its nice to be so busy with other things that I don't have time to think of stuff like that.

Next Sunday we are singing in GeumJeong 1 ward( 금 정) (PS if you learned the Korean alphabet that would make me happy because romanizing is awkward sometimes) We are singing come ye children of the Lord with the Elders and this guy who just got home from New York South Mission. Should be interesting.
Oh if you ever want to stalk me via google earth you can. So doing my best to romanize...We cover the Anyang Stake. We cover Sanbon(our house) Ansan, Anyang, GeumJeong, and Guro. I don't know why I thought about that.

Best thing of the week. 김 혠 주 has a baptisimal date!!! She is wonderful we love her so much. She has changed so much since I have been here. Her husband is from Iran and he has been meeting with the elders for 1.5 years but can't be baptized until he gets his korea citizenship. They communicate via english if you were wondering. He speaks 8 languages fluently. Anyway it is the best feeling to teach her the Gospel of Jesus Christ we are so excited for her. Actually its a miracle but I'll let you read my journal when I go home.
김 공 애 is getting baptized on the 1st we are so excited. She is truely converted. She met with the missionaries in high school and her brother got baptized went on a mission---I've probably talk about these 2 before sorry. Anyway. She saw the change in her brother, he's been a member for 12ish years and the influence he has had on her. She's amazing. Actually she's going on an adventure to Australia for a year. Can't speak english at all. She's 30. We have arranged with her to stay with some members in Sydney. She really wants to go to the BYU ELC. Hey I used to go to church there, and its famous here. Everybody wants to go there.
Sunday is Kwandaheh's baptism, (I type too slow in korean and am running out of time)
Random things:

Korea reminds me of Chile a lot. Weird but sometimes I feel like I am in Concepcion.
Sister 방 is an angel from God. I love her so so so much. What I blessing it is to have her as a companion. Her english is getting so good its amazing.
I made brownies yesterday. Yes we have an oven which is extremely rare in korea. I made them for an Elder's Birthday after our meeting but really just for Sister 방 except the Elders ate all of them like a pack of wild wolves before we got to them. Sad. Yes if anyone reads these words and feels inclined to send American Junk food we would both love you for eternity.
Yes my Korean companion doesn't like a lot of really common Korean food that I hate too, so its great to stomach some things together. There's an "American food" place I've introduced her to fajitas.
She knows tons about Montana.
I explained my middle name to her yesterday. She loves the name McDede too.
Yes I still have red hair.

Oh I almost forgot Korean culture time. So everymorning we run on this track and all the old people do Korean aerobics, which is....different. Trust me I will video it before I come home. Anyway. So Koreans love health. They are asian so yeah eastern techniques and things that Sister Alsbury calls "a little bit weird" i.e. squeezing my ears to death. Man I tangent too much. Point of this is that Koreans do this thing and when asked what the english name for it was, I responded, "I would would call it walking on rocks" So there is a course you walk on bare feet different patches of rocks from big smooth ones, log, chunks of granite, to the extremely pokey one. LIke the 2 inch gravel rocks cemented into the ground and you have to walk on them for like 10 feet. I've seen Koreans jumping up and down on them. AHHHHH!!! But we did it! I wanted to die all in the name of health, right? Don't worry will document it sometime. I think its probably more p.c. to call it pressure point therapy rather than killing yourself by walking on rocks. Well I am out of time. Once again scrambled. Love you all I really do. I love being a missionary. The church is true.

보 보 들!!

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

I must be crazy because I am currently wearing Youth Dew perfume

안 영 하 세 요!!!
Hello all again. So good to year from everyone thanks for all the love and encouragement. Briggsy congrats on your PR, I'm sorry I missed Crosstown, When is state is it next week? I will fast for you okay?

So is transfer day, neither of us was transferred so I think we will have a great next six weeks together. I'm excited. Our 18year old investigator 권 다 헤 is a headached but hopefully will be baptized Sunday. Also 김 공 애 is going to be baptized on the 1st, shortly thereafter she is moving to Australia to learn english for a year. They have Korean wards in Sydney so we have been trying to get in contact with them. Speaking of Australia--I feel terrible for those missionaries who were stabbed, I know the Lord protects His missionaries and that things happen for a reason, but scary. Korea is safe for this many people, they can't have guns and robbery is rare. Sometimes weird people say or do things but I can take all of them--maybe I should start Taekwondo. Wait that made me think of a funny thing that happened yesterday. So we had just finished our district meeting and we are walking down the street and all of the sudden crazy loud sirens go off and people with yellow beauty pagent ribbon (tehe) jump into the street and stop all traffic and pedestrians. I'm like what the deal....So it was a war drill. Yes sometimes I forget about our neighbors to the North. Everyone was so serious it kind of freaked me out. So if there is a war I guess that we all just stand on the street corner as opposed to the duck and cover option. It lasted for 15 minutes, probably the biggest waste of time ever, at least we weren't on a bus.

Oh Jill muchas gracias for the letters. Sister 방 , loved it. She had to look up a couple words but she understood. It was awesome we got mail before conference so she was so excited to get it really I thank you. For her language study time she is working on a letter for you, she's so sweet. If anyone has the inclination she's also really interested in CTR rings--english ones. They don't exist in Korea, that would be a sweet christmas present. English but not the green finger turning ones. No pressure though. Actually something good came out of my camera dying in the MTC (PS send Mac a camera asap--they are super important) (PSS thanks for the new camera, also thanks to Eric or whoever else helped with that) So I had an extra memory card from that camera 2gb and Sister 방 has an olympus so it uses that card and my new one uses the SD card. Yesterday her card ran out of space and it is really small memory and its the same one from her sister's mission. So I'm glad I saved that extra memory card, I gave it to her--she deserves it for training me, basically it just feels good to serve others is what I'm saying. Today we are just doing email for p-day so we can help our recent convert move, I know that God blesses us when we are obedient and serve others, even if it means now p-day.

Korean culture moment. Some people have these fancy toilet seats with these buttons on the side, I never understood because they are regular flushing. However, I now know. Toilet seat warmers!!! Yes, I was a little surprised, very unecessary but fun. Ahhh koreans.

Today I unzipped that bag of clothes that I vacuumed with all of my winter clothes it it. (no worries its still warm here) Anyone I pulled out a shirt and it had cat hair on it. Probably the first time I haven't been disgusted by cat hair in my life. Hope the kitties are good. I have seen maybe 2 cats, couple dogs, but they are always tiny dogs, and every time I see a dog I think of people eating dog. Oh on the subject of food. Our investigator fed me this week. More like shoved food in my mouth. Koreans are little but can pack it and I think she thought--wait not a clue what she thought but she was frantically wrapping rice and kimchi in seaweed and shoving it in my face. I wanted to say "calm down everybody" but they wouldn't understand. Actually we went to Papa Johns yesterday to celebrate my pass-of, way to expensive but tasted just like the US.

Still on the topic of food. Korean Buffets--oh boy. So we were in this weird area by the 아 산 church and my comp says lets go here to this buffet it was only 4 bucks, just regular korean food. I wasn't really hungry but then I see this sign---something about 2,000 원 and leftover food. So I ask my companion what it was. Ya you have to pay $2 more if you don't eat all of the food on your plate. They hate leftovers here. I look at my plate, I'm full, its full. I only had 2,000 원 great so I did it I ate it all and kept my money but felt sick afterwards.

But the real higlight of the week was General Conference. The elders and I watched it in english (on DVDs) in a room. I made brownies and the Elders just about died they were absolutely obsessed, I only at one. Brownies & cookies don't exist here. But the food wasn't the best thing. I love conference so much. It went by too fast. Mac I too loved Elder Wirthlin's talk, I liked the Brazilians' talks too--reminded me of Mac. I can't wait to get the Liahona and read them, it was just a boost that I needed. The Korean general authority Elder Choi is in our stake so he was there too, he never talks to me in english so I always fumble, but the koreans are really proud of him because he knows the prophet and apostles.

The Elders had a baptism after conference on Sunday so we were waiting and I was showing the elders my family pictures (btw I need one with all 6 of us in it) Anyway Elder Hymas says "oh you are Mac Alsbury's sister" Jordan Hymas from your freshman ward, I talk to him all the time, small world huh. He said you and Jared were awesome and asked how you were. So he lived above you and below you lived Elder Forrest--he was friends with the kid on your floor that played BYU volleyball, he was only there for fall semester but he is certain he has seen you before. BYU and mission world small world. I can't believe they are your age. I'm glad I can't be a zone leader. Be a good boy. I'm being a good girl. I know that every mission is hard in different ways. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and that I am supposed to be in Korea. I thought about where I was exactly a year ago--I remember a really trying time that helped me to be where I am right now. So I'm grateful for that trial. no time.
사 랑 해 요 !!!

Sister Paige Alsbury

Fw: October 2--1 month in Korea already!

September 25

Hello again. Did you know that Korea is called the land of the morning calm? Yes now you do. Wow another great week has gone by so fast. Today we are going to the mission home for a sisters luncheon--sweet that means american food. Don't worry they don't usually baby the sisters like this--its rare. And p.s. the elders all live in nicer apartments and have more money for food because the don't travel. Anyway before I get on to the real cool stuff some thoughts.
BYU football wow yes amazing. Today I explained to Sister 방 about the church in america and how a lot of people know about the church through prominent members, Mitt Romney, Steve Young, polygamy (yuck) and BYU football. If thats not missionary work--well yes it is.

The other day I had a dream that I was in Montana and Briggs and I were trying to drive this giant jeep thing that was a stick shift it was a headache. Briggsy try and enjoy senior year. Like Dad always said to me "mission prep" for real dealing with difficult people will be such a benefit to you, and seminary too keep it up. I'm proud of you. Do you BYU application asap so you can get in fast and then kick back (slightly) and enjoy your senior year. You can send me your first album k? Maybe you can just move to korea and become a korean pop star. Ahh Korean culture so fun. 5 Little kids just pointed at me and said "Mi-guk saram" Yes I am an American person--I'm getting used to the staring and pointing, kick of fun. My companion says I am special (in korean) Members at church say they have never seen hair like this before and they all like my white skin and good teeth. Thanks mom and dad! I think each week I will try and do a Korean culture spotlight yes this is a goal.
So this week's Korean culture moment: Anchioves (can't spell) Yes remember on teenage mutant ninja turtles "hold the anchoives" okay koreans love them. They are awful. They are little fish dried and extremely salted. They eat them all the time. I choose kimchi over them. The grocery stores sell them in mass quantities and they scare me in our fridge. My companion likes spam for breakfast. Awesome. I just say thats okay I'll go with cereal without milk (milk is very different here) OKay no more culture for today.

Oh mom yes schools here as way different. Like most other countries they wear uniforms. But Koreans are obsessed with school. They all go to regular school where they all learn english but can't speak it. But these little kids go to hag-one 학 ㅝㄴ where they do specialized school. Like science, english, art, math--these are elementary to high aged kids. The lucky kids get to go to cool taekowndo hagones, and the really expensive ones are the english schools.

Koreans think I know a lot more Korean than I really do. But I have learned a ton in the past 3 weeks. Church is the hardest thing. 6 hours of korean and my brain hurts. But I can pick things out. Its coming slowly. I'm glad I have a Korean trainer--its a blessing. Sure its hard but it was inspired. We are growing in unity and this is becoming a real strength. People see me and want to talk because I am "exotic looking" and then she can supplement and talk about that its not an american church. Yes the church really is the same everywhere. Why? Because its Christ's Restored Gospel here on the earth today.

Okay so now on with the main event. Last thurs-sat. We taught 이 귀 임 (ee, quiy eem(or cuy in spanish sounds the same cuy in spanish is guninea pig--I don't think she knows her name means that in spanish but it also means ear in korean) I'm sorry I really can't romanize their names. I taught her everything. mY companion \supplemented. WOW. She was so prepared. She had been taught 6 years ago when her son was baptized and now he is on a mission in Busan and she started going to church when he left. What a great opportunity to see someone whom I taught the Gospel to receive this ordinance. The spirit teaches the missionaries are the instruments. I know that baptism by the proper authority and by immersion is the example the Savior set. She really wanted to be baptized asap and we were able to have her baptism on sunday. The entire ward came and we even had noodles afterwards. We are working with several other great sisters who are making changes in their lives and preparing for baptism. Its fantastic. Everyone is a child of God an needs to hear our message. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple which is a blessing for me because I speak simply and bear testimony and they can feel the spirit.

The members are fantastic they love the missionaries and always welcome us they want to fellowship others and they are so strong in the Gospel. Even though they talk super fast and my legs always fall asleep sitting on the floor I love to talk with people and see how great and loving Koreans are. The church is growing in Korea and it is strong people are being prepared. Asia is great these people are so cool. I never thought I would be here in Korea doing the greatest work that there is. I love everyday. Of course its frustrating and not easy but I know that that is the Lord's way. I'm grateful for my family and their support of me always. I just remembered when I made that baby carrier thing when I was in second grade. Good grief I'm a weirdo. But I know help other people receive everlasting happiness. How great is our call!
Mac I'm happy that our plaques are next to each other and that you are obedient. I love it. Be good. I'm working on a letter p-days are crazy though. We are going to the Seoul temple in 2 weeks awesome.

Briggs keep runny okay really fast. I can send noodles when you finish the season. Actually I knew that the Office starts tonight but I try not to think about it--please enjoy it for me.

Jilly love you let me know about school Okay? Dad--yes get online and buy a yo for yourself. And buy some cool bike stuff too you deserve it. Crack down on the members so they give the elders referrals do everything you can to help. When I come home I just want to help people in MT. Mommy have fun at school. I dust love you and everybody. Keep talking about missionary work. Planting seeds. If you want to send me a family photo with everyone it to that would be good. I have lots but not one with everyone it it. Also I might need another box of contacts and if possible a cheap discman so I can play this pronounciation CD. Tell everyone I say hi. I got a great letter from Elizabeth Lewis and some MTC friends. So nice forward this to anyone. You can delete some of my randomness.
xoxoxo
사 랑 합 니 다 !!!!

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

miracles!

Hello again from Korea. Team Alsbury does Asia. Its great. I love this place. I loved all of your emails it makes me miss you all so much when I read your emails every week they make me laugh so so so happy. I'm glad to hear you are all well. Don't forget me in your prayers, I need all the help I can get. Briggsy! Congrats on the xc, you are my hero I'll make a tape of me screaming and mom and dad can play it at state for you. You must be eating Korean noodles. I think I had the best ramen type thing ever yesterday, you would be proud. I echo Elder Alsbury God bless BYU football. Wow that is dust amazing. I forget that it is football season. Actually I forget a lot of things. Mac love your english grammar. I can already tell my english is dying. When I talk to my comp in english its very very slow and simple. So pretty much can't speak english or korean. But I can smile.

So yeah I fell like I have had hundreds of koreans laugh in my face but if you just keep with it you will see tender mercies. So yesterday we are out street contacting. Sister 방 just follows me. I have been praying so hard to find meaningful contacts on the street because it is ah ju frustrating sometimes. So first of all we are walking around and these 2 old guys stop us and they start speaking english! Ahh the mother language. It was great, they were in the military in the Vietnam war and were in California. So I taught them about the book of Mormon and they had so many good questions so they are going to meet with the Elders. In korea we can only talk to men if they talk to us. Which is nice because they don't do what latino men do when you walk down the street. Tangent must stop. So then I really felt like we should go up this one street and without thinking I run up to this lady with a stroller. And I just start talking about the bible and the book of mormon. It wasn't me it was the spirit. We were on fire. So she was smiling and eating up everything. Good thing I have a native companion because sister 방 can fill in a lot. This lady is golden. We gave her a book of mormon and she is so stoked to read it. It really was a tender mercy.

So then another miracle. There is a woman in Geumjong 2 ward area her son is currently on a mission in Busan, she has been attending church but not meeting with the missionaries. Anyway, she has really been affected by her son's mission. So yes this is a story. Her son's mission President (Ken Jennings--Jeopardy whiz's dad) is going to fly this missionary here so that she can be baptized on sunday! But we haven't met with her. This is the only time that he can come home and the bishop really wants the son to be there for the baptism. So what does this mean? It means that tonight, friday and saturday we are teaching her everything. And she is being baptized sunday. Well it will be my first baptism and I don't know all of the circumstances but I think its good. I think she has a lot of member support and has already read the book of mormon. wonderful!

Its still really hot here. Sister Hunt my friend from the MTC called me today it was good to talk to her. She's stressed, her senior companion doesn't know very much korean either, all of the sisters are very young in the mission which stresses me out to think about it. Having a companion that speaks kindergarton (probably less) english is a blessing. its also a challenge. Some days I just crave english or just to chat or communicate what I really want to say when we teach. The other day Sister 방 was upset with me because I told her we needed to follow the white handbook. She's really really shy as it is (most korean girls are super shy and when you talk to them they get super embarassed) so she stopping talking to me for 2 hours. I had no clue what was going on at all. I told her we needed to talk and communicate and she said a lot of korean super fast in a tone. And all of her english was gone that night too. It comes and goes. I just have to study hard and pray for the gift of tongues. She has a electronic translator I I was able to use that to help figure out what was going on. I think she is just tired and stressed and didn't see that I was trying to help us receive blessings through obedience. But that was a couple days ago and things are good now. I have found that communication is just better if I try in in Korean that is better than slow english. Opportunities for growth that is certain. Our zone leaders told me that Sister 방 really wants mail from the United States just something. If you want to write her a quick note she would be happy, she has a translater and knows basic things. Oh I don't really need a costco card, I think she just wants to go, I'm fine without one. I think they are expensive. Grocery stores here are an experience. My nose is not happy with some of these smells. I think I am going to avoid all fish the rest of my life.

Mac I don't know if your mission has pass-offs but we do. Stressful yes but the good thing is that I passed off lesson 1 this week. Yay. Still so much more to do. Korean is really hard. Sometimes I think they are just making up words because its all slurred together. Like baby talk and they are tricking me. The Korean grandmas are cute they are like 3 feet tall and walk almost at a 90 degree angle. Cute.

So 주 속 was sat. sun, mon, its like thanksgiving, so we had a combined zone sports day saturday. We went to Suwon I saw elder Sundwall from my MTC district. We had Anyang zone vs. Suwon. They have 18 people and we have 12. We went to a world cup stadium and played on the warm up field for it. Yes soccer it was glorious. The sisters stood around but not me it was heaven so much fun. Sadly I even took out 2 elders. We also played volleyball and water balloon volleyball. It was a good break the Elders are so nice and fun. Do you know Chase Hilton from Dillon? He just went home everyone asks if I know him. There is an Elder Light from Billings still here but I haven't met him.

Time is short random stuff:
6 hours of Korean church every Sunday ahhhh!!
cultural differences are real
I keep having really weird dreams.
Octupus==not good
Junk food ==not good
Kimchi=not great
I'm not in love with the food yet but its fine
Zone conference tomorrow
People have heard of montana
There are tons of little kids in our area primary is huge
Oh yeah on sunday not many people were at church, we taught primary
I see a lot of bad english grammar every day
Korean is really hard.
Yo's are comfortable. Dad don't sleep on the floor get on ebay and buy a yo, or you could try a bed too I suppose.
Jilly What classes are you talking? Mom be good at school, Briggsy boy be good love you. Mac love you Our zone leaders live in Helaman when you did--left after christmas though. You are my example. Yes try and update the blog, I think I was typing in the email address wrong but tried to forward today. no time
I'm good don't worry about me. Love you all forever,

Sister Alsbury

피!

Fw: Sanbon.

Fw: I'm here!

Machiamak email from the MTC

Hopefully the computer won't eat this email too

Okay so a big kamsamnid to Sister Burgess she had 10 minutes left on her email that she gave to me. She is amazing, probably my best friend here at the MTC, she's from Vancouver, B.C. and is going to Taejeon Korea.

Okay so experience of the week. Saturdays we go to the teaching appointment (TRC) and we teach one of the lessons in Korean and do a Korean language tasks. These tasks include, food stuff, shopping, helping someone move (okay they are pretty funny and lame) Like a couple weeks ago I told our middle aged Korean volunteer to "cut the price!" Kaka juseyo--I think thats how you'd write it in english. Anyway this week our task was sharing an experience. I talked about how I went to Chile and I was really far from my family and my grandma died and how hard it was. But that I know through the Atonement of Jesus Christ I can see her again and that families can be eternal. I said that I know she is in the Spirit World with both of my Grandpas, and that I was really grateful for the Plan of Salvation.

Okay so back to my main point. We knock on the door which our "investigator" is in and who opens the door?? Evan Price!! It was insane I couldn't believe it. So cool. I taught Evan the Plan of Salvation in Korean for over an hour. My companion had a rough time with the language so it was me talking to Evan. Oh my gosh it was amazing. I really felt the spirit strong when we taught, it was great. I taught him tithing and he said he would pay it. He speaks really good Korean. Even Elder Oh who is a Korean American (who taught Evan after us) said he spoke really well.

thanks so much for the mail and the dearelders, especially the packages from MOm and Joanne. They were perfect. Tell Joanne I say thanks 1000 times over and that everything was perfect. I'm going to pick out a sweet card to send. Briggsy I love you thanks for the letters. I miss you all. Run fast okay. Send me mail? love you all so much. Elder Alsbury you are my hero. no more time.

Sister Paige Alsbury

my long email just got deleted about to cry. I'm good love you all. My email was really good too. xoxox

Sister Alsbury

Hello again family! or in my romanizated phonetic korean: Annyanghaseyo ka-joke. Ne I am lame. Ne means yes not no.

So coolest thing of the week once again happened in the TRC. We taught a Korean girl who I had classes with at BYU. She is graduating this week in PDBio which was sweet. We taught her the Plan of Salvation in Korean. I can't believe I talked for an hour in Korean. I know so much but really know so little. I know I'm going to be hit with a hammer in 20 days, but I have so much faith that I will have divine help in learning this crazy hilarious and messed up language. 20 days yeah not lying about that. Ahhh!!

I really love the MTC, our teachers, my companion, my ku-yuck (district) the elders some of my greatest friends. Did I mention I love the actual Koreans that are here going to missions in the States. I have been teaching the Mongolian sisters some english they are so awesome and remind me of Elder Diamond Ocean.

Oh that kid that was in our ward living with the Lythgoes, I don't remember his name but he stopped me in the cafeteria last week. Weird to think that he saw you all. Weird also that Dad and Briggs are in Utah. I feel your presence yes very close. Yeah it would be hard to see you but hey don't go to the Lake on Labor day cause I am calling! that will be sweet.

Mac I got your letter on Saturday it only took 9 days. Ah-ju Kamsahamnida! You made my day I read it to some of my amigos and they just think you are awesome. The sister want to right you, I know don't about that. Ammantinn....You are awesome I love you long time.

Also news on the mail front, I got a letter from Sis. Hunt who was my gym time friend and is now in Seoul West. She's having a really hard time with the adjustment, but it makes me excited to go to Korea and start working. Oh my P-Days will be on Thursdays in Korea which means that I'll email Wed. evenings your time. Weird I'm going to Asia...

Jill thanks so much for the Dearelders. Saranghamnida. I love it. Briggs follow our sisters example. How's the olympics? I heard a korean set a swimming record. Me heart current events. Whats going on in the world? Election etc??

Okay I'm going to save email time for the laundry room. I love you all, my testimony is so strong. I'm so humbled by this opportunity and I am working my hardest on everything. Thanks for loving me despite my weaknesses. The Gospel brings lasting happiness. Su-go-ha-ship-sho (work hard!)

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

Yes another crazy unorganized email from Sister Alsbury. I haven't read your emails yet but I just printed them off so that will lead for good breakfast reading. I really hope Mac emails today, I feel like I haven't seen him in ages. Anyway another great week at the MTC. 27 more days, which is crazy. I just have to work as hard as a I can to learn as much as I can.

Last wednesday I think I receive manna from heaven in the form of 2 packages. Oh man thank you Jill. Well I'm assuming it was from Jill because it was from Moab and inside was only things Jill would know to buy. Seriously that was amazing thank you so so so much. Also thanks for the dearelder.com notes those are the best ways to contact me and its free. I also got an amazing package from Elizabeth Lewis which was fantastic.

Okay highlights of the week. The other day I'm in the bathroom brushing my teeth and there were 2 asian sisters, I think to myself not Korean, Japanese, Chinese they are Mongolian! Anyway I start talking to them and sure enough they are. So I go to my room grab that picture of Elder Diamond Ocean and guess what one of them knows him! Her sister is friends with him. Her english is like my Korean but she said that he was actually living in Seoul for a while but is in Mongolia now. And his name really is diamond ocean they showed me in their dictionary that it is "Sea" and "Gem or Treasure" They are going to be here for a long time so more stuff to follow on them. They are amazing! One is going to Mesa, AZ and the other Hawaii.

Sunday was my last fast Sunday in the United States. We had a testimony meeting and who was the first one up? Me. (I'm trying to be like Briggsy) Anyway it was a wonderful meeting and I really love sharing my testimony of those things that I know to be true and what brings me happiness. Okay sorry for the tangenting..

On Saturday was our TRC appointment. We taught The Restoration again in Korean it was awesome. I really love to teach. We taught a man named Brother Lee who is probably 40 something ish and is from the Seoul West mission. I think he has been in the U.S. for some time and his english is great. He is a member of the church and had all the scriptures we asked him to read memorized. and he some like a million miles an hour in Korean. I can't wait for Saturday when we get to teach the Plan of Salvation in Korean.

Hey Briggsy how are you doing? You should write me on dearelder.com when you have time cause I'll get it the same day. Sound good? Okay its a deal.

Hey so I have 2 Brazilian friends. Sister Matos from the South of Brazil who is going to temple square, she's hilarious. I really like talking to all of the international missionaries. The other is Elder Horschette, yes that is his name. He said he lives right next to Rudge Ramos. Cool huh? I just love connections to brazil and my Mac. Okay I have to cut this off now because my companion wants to eat but I'll try and get back on later. There's a couple things that I need for Korea but I don't have the list. I love you all. My family is the most important thing to me. I love serving others and this wonderful opportunity in front of me. xoxoxox

Sister Alsbury

I heart Korean

time for another scrambled thought email from Sister Alsbury...
The time in the MTC is going by so fast it feels like it was just last tuesday and I was emailing. Tomorrow 44 new Korean missionaries come in and that is awesome. We are excited for them to come because I know exactly how they will feel.

Saturday I had probably my greatest MTC experience to this point. We go to the the TRC on Saturdays, and we have a teaching appointment. We have to do a language task first, i.e. last week we had to eat a dinner with them. I'm going to have to buy a tape recorder because Korean is just so fun and funny. I like to say "I will eat well" and "Kimchi tastes exactly right" Okay onward with the story. So Saturday was our first time teaching in Korean. yes quite nerve racking. But I made a goal not to bring in an Korean notes with me. No body else in our district did that, so I prayed extra hard. I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers because there is no way I could learn Korean this fast without divine help. Anyway so Sis. Toronto and I were teaching Lesson 1--the Restoration. Our "investigator" was a Korean girl who was learning English at the BYU ELC. Her english is well--alright. So I'm teaching her about God calling Prophets and she says In broken english. "I'm not a member of your church but I think I know what I prophet is" Okay internal Paigey freak out moment. I wanted to pause the whole situation and and be like ahhhh!!! She was a real investigator of the church. I was just praying that I would say things that would touch her and bec understood by her. Thank goodness testimony is one of the first things they teach us at the MTC. She said she would read the Book of Mormon and that there was just something warm and good about us. I loved it!! It was just an adrenaline high. I couldn't believe I had just talked in Korean for 45 minutes. It was just one of those amazing feelings. Kinda like the feeling when your bro. Briggs comes behind from 13th place to win the race. Oh man I was and still am on a roll. I can't wait to go to Korea in 34 days and to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm going to talk to everyone on the subway. Sometimes I have to pinch myself I can't believe I am doing this, this is the best opportunity of my life. Yesterday we talked a talk from Elder Holland in 2000 called "The Miracle of a Mission" it is a must see.

So yeah great experience on saturday and then another cool thing on sunday. In the MTC all the missionaries in our branch prepare talks on the same topic (ie Baptism) and then after the Sacrament our Branch President gets up and says who the speakers will be. Yeah its intense, one of those things where you are nervous/anixous I don't know. Intense to say the least. They asked me a couple days before to give the closing prayer and I assumed since my name was on the program I'd be off the hook for a talk. But I prepared my talk anyway. The topic was Baptism and I focused on the covenant of taking Christ's name upon ourselves. So President Carlson gets up and announces the speakers and I hear "Sister Alsbury will be our first speaker." Gulp. Okay It went really well I didn't expect it but it was awesome. I think I might actually like to speak in church. Its kind of like winning the lottery. You prepare a good talk and you really want to give it but only 1/30 can. Anyway I'm crazy.

I'm doing really well, I love it here. I really do. This is the best decision I have made yet in my life. I need to go but I have some time, I'm going to get on later too. Sa-rang-hamnida

Alsbury Cha-mey
Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

July 15 still going strong

Greetings again from the Provo MTC,

Yeah I'm still here alive and well at the MTC, I can't believe I've been here for a month, I have seen people come and go. But I am so glad I get to be here for a long time because I have so much to study and many opportunities to practice teaching. Jill, & Dad I got your letters muchas kamsamnida, really it it is the highlight of the day to get mail. Those dearelder things are a gem. We try and email every tues at 7 am but usually come earlier. Yes thank you dad for helping me to be somewhat of a morning person.

I'm jealous of the lake Briggsy. Tell me about running and things that are going on. Are you working? Whats the deal avec toi? There's a missionary in my district Elder Shrack that speaks french and spanish so we have fun. Korean is really hard. Last night I was trying to congugate all these verbs into past tense in my head and saying them outloud to a teacher, and it was so hard, frustrating. But I'm keeping my perspective, I know where I'm going is the right place, and the Lord qualifies whom he calls and I'm gonnna have to taste the bitter before the sweet. The older Korean district leaves on Monday which is crazy because our friends are going to Korea and then it will be us in no time.

I've eaten lunch with Juliet and seen so many of my friends that work here and its so weird to hear them talk about non-missionary things. Refreshing but you kind of forget what the real world is like.

Speaking of the real world guess who went to the real world on last friday me! It was totally baby's day out--member that movie? Anyway, Sister Toronto has had major teeth problems in the past 30+ cavities at a time and the MTC thought she might need another root canal. So we went to the dentist in Provo! yaya!!! Our van driver was from Conrad, MT and his grandparents live on Skidoo bay on flathead lake, I
didn't remember their names. Anyway we get dropped off at the dentist and I have to awkwardly sit in the dentist room. She didn't need a root canal, but apparently she grinds her teeth. So we have to go to Albertsons and Shopko! It was amazing. They told us we could buy stuff so I bought my favorite chocolate covered pretzels. It ended up being a 3 hour trip but it was so refreshing. It was nice in Shopko I talked to so many people gave me a taste of what it will be like in ehhh 48 days or so.

Elder Mac, I actually sent you a package last week, I hope you enjoy its not much but yeah. I thought about you a lot on last friday. Congrats. Theres a bunch of elders here from Brazil, reminds me of you. Also the cafeteria reminds me of you. L&T wraps, chocolate milk. Okay sister Alsbury is going to cut back on the cookies, but I run 6 miles a day its amazing.

Sometimes I feel short changed by our teachers, like they try and think of ways to get out of teaching us and thats frustrating up the wazzo. Things are picking up because now I'm like, okay I want to learn this, I can figure it out for myself. On friday we have zone conference and we all have to prepare talks in Korean. Ahh! Its alright though just has to be 5 min, and I read like a toddler.

They talk so much here about being obedient and having the spirit. Its amazing if you put it into practice. I am seeing huge strides in my life. Actually I'm going save 3 minutes and come back tonight and print out Mac's email. Sar-ang-ham-nida--and that means I love you. I'll write some korean in my letters too.

Sister Alsbury

July 1

hello again another great week here at the MTC. I'm doing really well, loving it happy, loving Korean, learning to love the Elders and try to look past their obnoxiousness. Oh P.S. before I forget, on the dearelder.com thing The info you might need is that I am in the Korea Seoul West Mission but it is the Provo MTC and I am leaving September 1. And if you do that I will get it the exact same day and its free. Thanks for the notes from everyone, I got 4 letters yesterday so the elders were jealous. Yes Mac I have rode that bike in the window but usually at gym I run around on the indoor track 50 laps=5 miles--kinda insane but I like it.

Oh Fort Benton Summer celebration such memories....I guess for the 4th we get to go outside and see the fireworks yay for the real world. I really do feel like I'm in a surreal place. We are learning a lot. Saturday we taught the Restoration in english, but we had to do part of it in Korean. I can introduce myself talk about my family, tell them I have a message that has changed my life and bear my testimony among other things. We taught it to a girl who is 16 and just moved from Korea 10 months ago, she didn't really understand the english part but oh well. The koreans at the MTC are all so sweet and nice. Sometimes I wonder why the asians aren't going to asia and the redheads are. (I think there are 3 redhead elders) Favorite new korean word ka-ka-ho-ho-hada meaning to knock on doors. Yeah its awesome.

Last tuesday Elder Hales gave an amazing fireside on the Atonement so powerful. He mostly used New Testament and BOM scriptures it was amazing! All of the 12 and 1st presidency were here but we only saw a couple at the fireside, they had the MTC on tight quarters so the little missionaries couldn't interrupt the General Authorities. So the church news this week is about the MTC and I know about half of those people. cool. So random but I have no time.

Sunday our district, Sis. Toronto, our 12 elders and I sang Love one Another in Korean as the special musical number. We praticed a ton and sounded good. I am actually singing in the MTC choir this week--weird. At our district meeting on Sunday Sis. Toronto and I gave the lesson on humility and it went so great, I talked about the LSAT and being humbled and all of the elders cried, it was the spirit.

So Mom and Dad remember when we were in the SLC temple and we met that kid that was going to Concepcion. Elder Barker. So the other day I go up to these elders and ask if I can bear my testimony in korean and turns out it was Him! Small world. I love South America and I like to talk to the Elders in Spanish. It gives me confidence that Korean will come someday. Also I sat next to a Sister Searle one day, she's from Idaho. Maybe we are related? Sister Toronto and I are growing together, she has told me more about her so that I can better understand where she is coming from. I am glad that I am me and that I came from such special parents who love me and taught me everything I know, and to love people. I feel the spirit everyhour of everyday, this isn't about me its about the people I will be serving, I just want to be the best instrument I can. 2 months from today I am going to Korea. I can't wait. I love the Lord so much. I like the MTC for now. Cabin fever will come in a month.

Hey Dad could you write out your plan of salvation talk? And maybe sometime your conversion story?

Hey if you wanted to send me something here's some suggestions

beef jerky
airborne
nestle flipz--chocolate
runny shoes
any gym shirt
dried fruit....eh okay whatever a note anything would be really nice--dear elder is free.

love you all!

Sister Paige Alsbury

or Alsbury cha-mey

Mac--me sorry about your camera. I hope you can get a new one. If you make CDS of your pics you can send them to mom if your other one gets stolen

Da MTC is great

Hello my wonderful family!

Yes this is me, I'm alive and well, so this is my email address too. I miss you guys and love you all so much. Too much to say and I have this red time box counting down. Today is my p-day and I will be writing letters, going to the temple and tonight we are having a fireside and I think one of the Apostles will be speaking to us. It is mission President's conference now so the MTC is crazy (as our my thoughts writing this email) I wrote down things I wanted to say but left it in my room.

I met Elder Texeira's son--he teaches Japanese, I see him a lot so that is cool. Also Mac you will be interested to know that I met your new Mission President. Kind of awkward story but I recognized them from their picture they were walking to to their seats at the fireside and I was like, "hey Sao Paulo South, my brother is there tell Elder Alsbury I love him" I think your President was confused but his wife was nice.

So yeah the MTC is intense, I'll just say that. I don't feel like I have had a second to breath at all. We have things going on all the time. We are in class from 7 am until 9:30 at night but really I love it. Probably the worst part of my day is going to bed because my mind can't stop thinking about Korean words and how to say stuff. So what Korean do I know? We learned to pray on thursday and I can now say things like. I love the Gospel, the prophet, well I can bear a simple testimony, which is cool because we will be doing that in Korean on Saturday at the TRC when we will be teaching Lesson 1 in english. Korean makes me laugh we get to make cool mouth noises and the sentence order is Subject object, verb, meaning I say "I eat love" or I love to eat. Verbs are last thats crazy.

I'm doing well with the language, its hard though. I haven't cried yet but sometimes I think about my family and I just really miss you guys. (we can't say guys in the MTC) The Korean branch has 63 missionaries now and there are 5 districts, our district is the biggest we have 14. 12 elders and Sister Toronto and I. Half the Elders are going to Seoul So Mission (Seoul West) and the other half to Taejon. I think a lot of them are struggling with the MTC and some are struggling with containing their obnoxiousness. But really I do love those Elders and they love me.

Being here has made me really grateful that I had a great family, went to BYU and took religion classes and studied the scriptures on my own. I'm really trying to be more patient and not comparing myself to others. Oh and that is so hard for Paige--Paigey like to be competitive.
My favorite korean word hmmm....that would be the word for page its Paigey! happy. Makes me think of my familia calling me Paigey.
Hey I am sending 2 Mongolian elders to find diamond Ocean in Mongolia. Also there is a really sweet sister here from Miles City, Sister Sleight she's going to Italy and went to U of M she is super MT obsessed.

Oh hey before I forget the best way to talk to me is dearelder.com, you can type an email thing and I will get it the same day. I'm okay but its annoying to see the elders get 4 letters a day.

There really is so much to say and no time. I'm writing letters to day with more stuff. I went to a fireside at the Reeder's chapel, and I see their house when I am running around the field. Yay gym it is my favorite! Haha I know I'm obsessed.

In case you were wondering finnish is the hardest language taught here and Korean is #2 (the other Asians romanize their stuff and can't read). We kind of compete with the Japanese they are on our same floor and have the same schedule. Its really funny in the cafeteria you sit with the koreans its kind of like the cool table in elementary school cafeteria. Saturday nights we sing called to serve with the Japanese and we sing one verse in english then the other in Korean and Japanese. It turns out to be this big loud almost shouting Asian party. Okay well so sorry for randomness but I know that this is the place I am supposed to be. xoxo forever

Sister Alsbury
or romanized Alsbury cha-mey

My talk from 8 June 2008

I wanted to somehow make a record my talk that was given in the Helena 3rd Ward on June 8, 2008 because my notes were scribbled and extremely incoherent, I know its not exactly the same (I left out all of the vocal fillers...ummmm)  Anyway feel free to read this and enjoy!

To introduce my topic I would like to first talk about molecular biology.  A common laboratory experiment involves growing up agar plates of bacteria.  We then introduce a mutagen to mutate the DNA of the bacteria, this will induce random mutations into the DNA strands of the microbes.  We then introduce genetically engineered genes and polymerases to the plate to activate functionality of those affected genes and restores the bacterial flora to its original premutated state.

Paralleling this experiment is the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation.  2,000 years ago, the Son of God performed many miracles, taught the Gospl, and established His church.  He ordained Apostles and gave them the keys of the Kingdom.  These keys authorized them to bind the ordinances for eternity.  He was crucified and suffered for the sins and sufferings of all who have and will live and thus accomplishing the Atonement.  Later, these Apostles were martyred and an apostasy took place.  The Doctrines of the church were corrupted and ordinances changed.  The keys of authority were lost and required a restoration.  

This apostasy is discussed in the Old Testament in Amos 8:11-12 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.  And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."  In the time between the death of the Apostles and they days of Joseph Smith several people including John Calvin, Martin Luther, William Tyndale and John Wycliffe sought to reform the Christian faith from corruption.

When the circumstances were right our loving Heavenly Father reached out to His children through Joseph Smith.  The church video "The Restoration"  points out that what it took for Joseph was a small step of faith.  Joseph sought truth regarding which church to join and as he followed the counsel in James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him."  He had a question and went to Heavenly Father for his answer.  This is a lesson here for us today when we don' know an answer we need to pray, Heavenly Father will answer our prayers because He loves us and wants to bless us.  Joseph Smith knelt in prayer and was visited by God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  This first vision opened the work of Joseph Smith as a latter day prophet and the Lord's anointed to usher in the dispensation of the fullness of times.  

On April 6, 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized for the preaching of the Gospel and administering of ordinances.  God calls prophets, gives or restores truths, authority ordinances and scripture.  Through Joseph the keys were restored the the churched established.  The church is built on apostles and prophets with Christ as cornerstone. 

At this time, Heavenly Father brought forth another volume of scripture comparable to the Bible.  The Book of Mormon:  Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  Through the power of God Joseph translated the Gold Plates with much faith and diligence.  The translation was truly "A marvelous work and a wonder"  as told in Isaiah 29:14.  The divinity of the Book of Mormon is given in Doctrine & Covenants 20:9-12, "Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of he gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;  Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them--Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever.  Amen."  

President Hinckley said, "If the Book of Mormon is true, the Bible is true.  The Bible is the testament of the old world.  The Book of Mormon is the testament of the new.  one is the record of Judah, the other of Joseph, they have come to fulfill the prophecy of Ezekiel, together they declare the kingship  of the Redeemer of the world and reality of His kingdom."  The Book of Mormon helps us to come unto Him, be committed to Him and centered in Him.  The teachings found in it will fortify us against Satan.  
If you have not already done this for yourself, I would like you to take Moroni's challenge (Moroni 10:3-5)  after reading and studying the Book of Mormon, ask in prayer to receive a confirmation personally, they you will know that it is true in your heart and mind.  President Hinckley has said, "This is the restored Church of Jesus Christ.  We testify that the Heavens have opened, that the curtains have bee parted, that God has spoke and that Jesus Christ has manifested Himself, followed by a bestowal of divine authority."

I know for myself that Joseph Smith restored the church of Jesus Christ to the Earth and that today we have a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  Our Father in Heaven gives us prophets to guide and direct us because He loves us and wants us to be happy and eventually return to his presence.  This all falls into the Plan of Salvation, or the plan of Happiness.  Like Joseph Smith I have faith that I will receive divine assistance as I serve the people of South Korea.  I wouldn't go if I didn't have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for my heritage and a wonderful family.  My parents have set an example of missionary work as well as my beloved brother Mac.  I know the many of the experiences I have ahead of me will be very difficult and will give me lots of chances for growth.  I really am humbled to to be a representative of my family and our Savior Jesus Christ.  I love you all and I hope that you find some slight enjoyment reading about my experiences in the Korea Seoul West Mission.  Lots of love,

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury