December 3, 2009

This is my last time emailing, it doesn't feel real that all of the sudden everything is going to change. Today we are going with our two beloved members 우은정 and 장영숙 to 강화도 It is an island that has ancient Dolmans on it, you can see north korea, etc. Its cloudy and raining today but it will be fun.

Even if it is just for a second I want to see you in Salt Lake, I can run back when I need to. We had zone conference on monday, it was amazing. a conference in the morning and in the afternoon in the burton's home we had a testimony meeting each missionary in 2 zones bore there testimony of the Savior and it was unbelivably powerful, the returning missionaries were last and I was the very last. My heart was so full of love and gratitude for the Savior that I just wept. We sang called to serve to end the meeting and I was so proud to be a representative of the Savior and of my family.

I love my mission and will love it forever, it will be forever a giant dictionary one of those 10,000 page ones that is too big to shut, this dictionary is inside my heart, when I need help for the rest of my life I will be able to draw from the things I learned as a missionary and who I became as a missionary. I am a missionary forever.

I know that part of the Lord's will for me was to come to Korea Seoul West Mission at this time, serve with who I did, where I did and meet the people I met. An eternal blessing. I love Korea, korean, koreans, korean food everything. But most of all I love my Father in Heaven, His son Jesus Christ, and I honor his priesthood. I know He lives and loves me. I came to know as a missionary the power of the atonement, the healing power and how it is infinite. I will be a student of the gospel forever. I'm so grateful for all of the trial, challenges, and learning experiences I have had. We can face every trial we encounter, we'll never be given too much.
I know the church of Jesus Christ has been Restored. That Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son, and that the fullness, the authority, organization of the true church has been restored. I know that the Book of Mormon is evidence of this. I know that the Book of Mormon can help ALL people come unto Christ, throught it we can learn more of the Savior, his mission, attritbutes, atonement and Heavenly Father's plan for us. I know that the Plan of Salvation is the Plan of Happiness. I love my family and want to live with them forever in the highest degree of Celestial Glory. I'm eternally grateful for my Savior and His Atonement for making Salvation possible. I can't wait to have a family of my own and be sealed in the temple. I'm so grateful that my family members are my best friends, I love you all. Thank you for praying for me and loving me in my weakness.
I don't want this to end but as Sister Bancroft said, "The Lord says move on" I'll follow his will for me. I can't wait to see my family, I don't if I will hug, kiss, cry, scream or what but it will be a happy moment. Be happy, healthy and safe, pray for me to make it safely and on time to the places that I need to arrive at. Don't do anything special, just come and pick me up. 무한한 사랑 Love you forever. See you next friday.

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury
Official Representative of the Lord Jesus Christ

Thanksgiving 추수 감사절

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Doesn't feel at all like thanksgiving, but thats okay. we are going to yongsan the american military base, most koreans have never eaten turkey, I saw one in a cage in Incheon one time. I'm really thankful today to be a representative of Jesus Christ proclaming to people that the truth has been restored, the authority, prophets, and with it all the Book of Mormon. The Savior lives the Atonement is real and Eternal, so is the Plan of Salvation. Briggsy study the Plan of Salvation it will give you peace.

This past week was good. If I had a 1원 (like a tenth of a cent) for everytime sometime told me they were busy I would be so rich on a worldly scale. But that doesn't matter because I am spiritually blessed and rich with a testimony of the Savior and the Restoration. I've planted a lot of seeds in this country I always pray after an investigator drops or someone rejects us that they will accept the Gospel another time. I know our message is true. We do a lot of street contacting, I heard how much missionaries in other places 전도 and I laughed. Prostyling is purification of the soul according to President Burton. Some investigators have dropped, and almost all of our appointments get canceled at the last minute but I'm not discourage, I have help from my Father in Heaven, my Savior, angels I can't see, my amazing companion, and prayers from all of you. I KNOW our message is true. its my 열정

Sunday we had korean regional conference. It was broadcast from SLC, Elder Evans--the area President talked about Koreans gathering in Zion, not in America, building the church here. Adrian Ochoa said something like "the only real failure happens when we give up stop trying" and cited qualities of those who do hard things--trust the Lord, choose the right and don't give up. Elder Holland gave an amazing talk. things like sustaining church leaders, rescuing new members, less actives etc. Then president utchtdorf talked about a time he and his wife came to Seoul and couldn't find the temple,---it really is hidden, He said "truth is there but it isn't always easy to find" He said he liked kimchi but it was so spicy, things I remember him saying were: Internalize principles of the gospel.and the berlin wall coming down, (maybe eluding to north Korea)
Well eat lots of delicious food today, or tomorrow, don't have fun without me. Drive safe and be happy. It really hasn't hit me that I'm going home, I just don't feel like my mission will ever end, and it won't but I might just be weird and need time to adjust so be nice. But I think I'm still a fun person, a happy person at least. 사랑해
알스베리 자매선교사

Straight out of the 미용실 with our new 머리 styles, and the day that we ate so much it hurt--김공애's house, natalia, and 이계임's house. ick.

November 19, 2009

안영하세요 I feel like we just emailed not that long ago. Today we went to Orange Hair, my friend 이주현 cut both of our hair, and said that I have to come back next year and get magic perm. I think I will do so. cut, straighted and deep conditioned for 2만원 less than$20. Its nice to have my hair done because-----ITS FREEZING! I'm sure its probably colder in MT but it is deathly cold. Satan has to control the wind. Monday we attempted to streetboard, but our boards blew over and nobody would talk to us. My clothes are warm its just my nose that is cold. We visited Natalia on monday the member in our ward from Russia and she freaked out that I wasn't wearing boots--actually my feet were deathly cold, we had to store our heavy streetboard stuff out our house and she said we couldn't come back till I had boots on. Thankfully I found some on the street that actually fit, they aren't cute at all but they are warm. I don't know how I made it last winter without boots. Natalia also gave us oatmeal with a hotdog on top. hehe

I can feel satan working on my the past couple of weeks. He uses doubt and fear for sure. I'm really grateful that I was able to recognize that and rely on what I know and who I am to make it through. I don't know if Mac will say the same thing or not but I don't think there has been a single day on my mission that hasn't been challenging. This is this the hardest thing I've ever done. Faced with so much opposition and disappointment everyday. Lately the weather has been frozen, being forced fed WAY too much food, our investigators don't have time to meet with us, 성영숙 was sick, getting lost in another area and ending up at Costco? societal problems, rude people, 정신없은날 feelings like I'm not a successful missionary or haven't made a difference have flooded my mind, but I haven't let them wear me down. I have learned a million things as a missionary, this has been the best opportunity for me to learn life lessons in a condensed manner. But probably the biggest thing I have learned is the power of the Atonement. That it is real and that it really is Infinite. The Savior loves us and knows the desires of our hearts, we won't be given more than we can handle. I truly know that the only way for peace and happiness is through Him. Being a missionary is tough but it is the best thing ever, 무한한 축복. We are love so much that are given the trials that we have, could it even be considered a compliment to be given difficult challenges because the Lord wants to teach us and mold us. Doing the simple things like pray, daily scripture study and keeping the commandments help us through challenges in our lives. I think of Mosiah 24 when Alma's people were in bondage and 14-16절. Basically the church is true and I'm grateful to be a member of it. I don't feel deserving of the blessings which I enjoy and will receive, where much is given much is required. I pray for all of you everyday, pray for me too. 사랑해요 I'll be working it to the bone with my korean toothpaste ㅎㅎ
love you all
알스베리 자매선교사

P.S. did you know that cavity 충치 in the chinese character root is tooth bug?
x2--don't worry about the toothpaste, I'll be fine

KIMCHI!

I made 김치. It was amazing. I love kimchi, I eat it at every meal. They don't have kimchi in Montana, 유 유 So every year in Korea in November all the women do 김장 (kim jang) Make a ton of kimchi for the winter. Kimchi can last a really long time. year old kimchi is really good. So in 양천구 yangchun-gu, the part of seoul that mokdong is in each year does this service project where they make tons and tons of kimchi and distribute it to people who need help. So our zone and another zone went on tuesday with 200+ middle-aged gals. It was so awesome, I'll probably go off on tangents later about it, but I've never seen so much cabbage in my life, the sauce (red pepper, garlic, onion, anchioves, and rotten fish) was pre-made, a big blob of sauce was poured on the tables and you wipe sauce in between each leaf. It was so messy. I think the knudsens have a lot of pictures on their blog. We did it for 3+ hours, I always laughed when they said making kimchi was so hard but my back was dead the next day. This camera crew filmed me I said "맛이 있다 짱" so they made me do it again, it was the government film crew. probably 30 ish missionaries foreigners always get so much attention, some elders are not very mature.

Also it was 빼 빼로 day yesterday 11/11 made up commerical valentines day where you give people chocolate covered biscuits.

I lost my planner the other day. I cried. it was bad. lots of potential investigators numbers in it, my last one, sort of sentimental. Trying not to be sentimental and get caught up on "the last mo mo mo"

We have this new investigator we met him when we were exercizing, he has a friend who is a member I think he's an american that works for the military and his family lives in California. I love korean english. He called and said, "if the traffic is not bump to bump, I can make it"

We have been streetboarding a bit lately lots of interesting experiences and always seeing a lot of miracles. Our 2 investigators with baptismal dates have no time to meet with us and our other really golden investigator can't come to church because she says she has to study. Time where is it? Today is 수능 which is the korean SAT. Once a year only, people get so worked up about it. the police are guarding the schools, no airplanes fly today, lots of kids get panic attacks, anxiety, basically their whole life depends on how well they do on this test today. Yikes.
My old roomate tess wrote me, gracias, and asked about the word of wisdom here. People drink tea more than they drink water. 97% of the teas just taste like dirt. its just hot water plus so herb or something. Green tea is hard because it is everywhere, and they are so into "well being" alcohol and smoking are problems for all men. The only way we can teach it effectively is testify of Joseph Smith and promise blessings 1st and explain the commandment. Most women can keep it pretty easily.
I'm in denial about the future. Hopefully it just won't hit me for real ever. Don't worry I'll work hard for eternity. Love you all, 안영히계세요 사랑해요
알스베리 자매선교사

김장

The day Korea froze and this is what we looked like studying, and the temple is amazing

Mutant 배 Korean Pear! 서린--Elder Seo our district leader at the temple.

I heart 호떡

Probably the world's most awkward email starter. Hey we had Halloween last week too, except it doesn't exist here. (p.s. korean makes me use words like exist, these days, per chance, teach me your phone number, and I don't really know what the english substitute for 안대요 is) so I think you must forgive me.--look that was another bad sentence but too prideful to erase it. We had english class and of course it rained for 7 hours that day like a 홍수 only 4 people came, and no women so had to call the assistants and get permission and got a big lecture. We put water bottles in our hair so my hair was a foot high. they all thought I paid to get it down. No trips to orange hair for me. And we watched Johnny Lingo!! the old one. I don't think anyone understood any of it so I explained the entire thing in korean before we watched it. P.S. Jill wins. I currently have a reeses in my mouth. I shouted with glee at the temple when I saw it. She also is the champion at letter writing. I didn't just get an email from Juliet--사랑해
Big Miracle, 김규민 Kim Kyu Min came to church on sunday after about a month of being too busy with school he hung out with this other 20something member I'll call Mr. Ham they hung out at the church untill 4 and then at 6 he went with us to the Knudsens for dinner and a lesson. He has such a pure heart. He now has a baptismal date for the 29th of November, he's good. Problem is time to meet with him, he's university student and works at a math 학원 he has a japanese girlfriend that he met when he was studying in the US. The family that she stayed with were members, she has a Japanese Book of Mormon. Small world. P.S. If I go to Utah I'm going to hang out with Karen's exchange student all day. Pray for him and Roselle our other investigator with a baptismal date. 김태순 has the Aaronic priesthood. So happy so sweet. still trying to get on the members about new member lessons.
Monday and tuesday were deathly cold. I busted out my ankle length coat Black head to toe. So cold not kidding. 추운 날씨 있을때 생리중에 전도 정말 힘들아요 It just hurt, its warmer now. I love heated floors.
We took our new streetboards out, it was so successful lots of interested and interesting people. it was nice to have people come up to us. There was this drunk man who would not leave me alone and said really really horrible things to me, Sister Bergeson was lucky that she didn't understand. Probably the closest I've ever come on my mission to losing my temper, the former mission me probably would have raged. but the thing that came to my mind was that I'm here sharing a message that I know it be true and I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ here representing Him, and also bearing the name of my family. Patience and love, Briggsy, study PMG chapter 6.

Today we went to the temple, I love that place, so much solace and peace it was such a stark constrast within 5 minutes of walking outside the temple. The kimchi at our house was made 1 year ago it is so delicious. I love kimchi like I love reeses, I crave it I'm dead serious. I love it but I love all of your more. Making kimchi takes a lot of work, time, its a huge process so is becoming a missionary. Maybe I was just chinese cabbage when I started my mission but I've been worn and worked soaked it red pepper and rotten fish, disappointed, tried, cried my eyes out so many times, pooped everyday all day, been so extremely happy, laughed, and gained a stronger testimony of the Savior. I know that this is an important part of Heavenly Father's plan for me, for molding me into the person I need to be. I'm so 약한 sauce but I know where I'm going and who I am. Kimchi gets better with time and so will I. xoxo kiss nose hug, ear
알스베리 자매서교사

Korea=no Halloween

Today starts a new transfer, and I'm staying in Mokdong! yeah! I know that this is were I'm supposed to be for the next 6 weeks, I'm excited for what is in store. Well the biggest thing that I wish that I could just talk to you all about for hours was our baptism on saturday. It was amazing. Sister Sung young sook and Brother Kim Tae Soon were baptized. What an amazing miracle it was for me to witness this miracle. The Lord truly prepared them to receive the message and the Holy Ghost testified of the Savior and the only thing that Sister Bergeson and I did was try and follow the promptings of the spirit.
His best friend baptized them. This friend, Kim Sung Kyu was baptized maybe 10ish years ago. He got married in the temple and his wife was in the MTC with a sister missionary named Sung Hye Young (Sung youngsook's sister) They are good friends. So they introduced her friend's sister to his friend. amazing. We were so grateful that he was able to come and perform the service. It was sat. at 1 some members couldn't come but so many came, even this inactive that we have been working with. Their daughter Kim so ee saw us when she walked in and started clapping, cutest baby in the world I'm pretty much obsessed. Two sisters gave really great talks on the holy ghost and baptism, sister bergeson sang "I feel my Savior's love" I rambled off on something and our Bishop talked about going to the temple next year and priesthood blessings.
She is just a rock and amazing the the brother is progressing so well, he is turning out to be a huge miracle. There aren't many adult males in our ward, we are wondering if he could be put in the bishopric in a couple months. Last night they took us out to real nice bulgolgi restaurant. It was just so fun and relaxed and to play with them. We talked about the new member lessons--he has an interview for the priesthood on sunday, she has visiting teachers, we shared Moroni 6:3-5 with them last night they read out loud together verse 3 I read 4 and they read 5 together, priceless. I'm not sleeping well at night because I'm just so happy for them. Briggsy, a mission is really hard, you'll see it, its been hard for me but it is the BEST thing I have ever had a chance to do, I am so happy seeing others repent and come unto Christ.

Sunday night we met our Philippino investigator Roselle and set a baptismal date for Nov. 14, which we hadn't even thought about but it felt so right in the lesson. She reads the book of mormon everyday, and we still haven't gotteen the tagalog Book of Mormon so she is reading it in english. There are a bunch if phillipinos in the english branch.
Today we are going to the traditional folk village with Sister Toronto another one of her friends committed suicide, so heartbreaking. I ran a 7.2Km this morning. We have eaten so much food this week, Koreans are so generous with food, but sometimes it hurts. Jang Youngsook--our gospel principles teacher took us to VIPs the "american food" restaurant, I died it was heaven, pineapple, fajitas, guac, and ribs, I love her. Yesterday our russian member Natalia made us oatmeal with a hot dog on top of it. so cute. Love you all so much, pray for you always,

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

성영숙(Sung YoungSook) 자매님, 김태순(Kim TaeSoon) 형제님 김소이 (kim so-ee) she'll be 2 in February

정 배움

This saturday at 1 is 성영숙 and 김태순 's baptism. They had their interview with Elder Seo last week, this is a wonderful miracle that I have been priviledge to watch for 4 months. We are so excited the ward is excited, they are excited. I'm so happy for the people in Helena getting baptised and to meet and fellowship them soon.
This there anything you need? How can I help my family and friends? I pray for you each morning and night, I love you all. I got a letter from Juliet this week, she's a sweetheart. We went to a meeting today with PJ Rogers, he's an american who served here and basicaly speaks perfect korean and he talked to us about learning Korean and korean culture, its amazing how much I have learned in the past 16+ months. We got new streetboards so I have carried these 3 big whiteboard things across Seoul and we have 2 appointments tonight, it will be good arm exercise. My contact fell out on the subway, I need to go to the eye doctor someday in the future. love you all
알스베리 자매

Asian haircut

닭갈비--so delicious

Well thats it I'm not coming back to America. SWINE FLU lives!! Scary. I thought it was just something koreans were freaking out about because they love to overeact to everything. I think only the old people have gotten it. Maybe I should stay here where I am safe. I'll ask President. I saw the itinerary made me sick to my stomach. I don't really think about it. My mind has become a one track mind which is nice but I'm not as good at multitasking. It is below zero in Montana--ick. A couple nights ago it rained and was cold but no coat yet.

last night we were visiting this member 이용희 (by chinese characters her name would be dragon woman) anyway it was her daughters birthday, her husband is in Dubai as an engineer for Hyundai. Koreans are the most giving people ever. Its kind of ridiculous. She gave me a 한복 the korean traditional dress! I couldn't believe it, its so cool and amazing. She said the color doesn't match with her since she is older.

A couple weeks ago we met this lady on the street and she had met with missionaries like 10 years ago out in the country and went to Boise for 2 months and from the house she stayed could see the temple. She went to church twice. So yesterday we went to her house. She lives in Hyperion the fanciest apartment building I've ever seen. Its 48 floors, big security. I've wanted to go there for 5 months. It was like going to a 5 star hotel. I can't imagine how expensive it would be to live there. mokdong is already expensive for 김밥 We went it was really good experience. She's going to keep meeting with us, really likes a lot of things, its a really big miracle. Her names is 서은주 Seo eun ju

Also 성영숙 and 김태순 have dates for the 25th. They are so amazing, she is such a rock and he needs some love. A family baptism, I get the chils thinking about it. The members love them, it will be good for the ward and our other investigators, but mostly for them as they are able to receive a ordinance of salvation. these days I am finding much easier to express things in korean. Pray for them.

Okay here's a slightly traumatic story I dont' know if I should share. So yeah uh I have acne. So this week we went to the Hospital, they have an international clinic but since I spoke korean they took me to the regular part. It was trauma alone my companion was in the waiting room, then I all these people were talking about me and I was like "hey dude I understand you" oh well but the worst part was when they gave me shots in my face. See past emails for tangents on koreans and shots. So they gave me shots in my face, it hurt really bad I wanted to cry, really bloody and gross, I'll end it there.

General Conference was amazing. So many white people it was weird. I had a lot of questions that I was seek answers to which were all answered. I really thought and received guidance of what the Lord would have me do in the next 6 months, and trying to align my will with His better. I didn't have a milkshake not keeping with tradition but it was a good day nonetheless.

My heart is broken for Sister Daehn I'll keep praying for her. I remember learning about Mad Cow with humans at school its really bad. What can they do for treatment? I'll I know its the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement are true and real and the only way to happiness and eternal life is through the Savior. Everything will work out somehow. 사랑해요 xoxoox kiss nose hug

알스베리 자매선교사

October 8, 2009

I kept praying for Jill and her marathon and figured since President didn't call she must have finished it. 화이팅!
good news. I bought 한복 hanbok but I bought it in a size one. My daughter will wear it someday. Before then I want to put it in a shadow box--art I think I want an asianized theme house. More than any souvenirs I would love it for you and dad to come back with me to korea to see what its like and to meet the people here. I got my hair cut and I forgot how much I love to have it done. Asian bangs look good I guess. It was only $20 which is expensive here.
We played soccer with our zone on saturday for 추석 It felt good to be competitive for once. I really like sports, I remembered that about me. But for the next 3 days I was so so so sore, my whole body ached and we only played for 2 hours. That night we went to 서초 for this traditional korean folk concert thing. Our whole mission came and so did the Seoul mission. I started crying during it because I just realized how much I love Korea so so so so so so infinitely much. I really don't want to leave this place but I want to see all of you so its weird.
So yesterday the Assistants call and ask me if I have any relatives in Utah named Reeder, "yeah sort of" Their investigator is the dad of the exchange student at the Reeder's house. CRAZY small world. He tried to explain it to the Assistants and they got confused. Something like daughter-usa missionary--mokdong. Small world huh. What is her name? Does she go to church?
I saw all of those pictures of Gold Creek and was blown away. I haven't really seen open space, and trees forests in so long. WOW we are really lucky to live there.
Today we had a sisters luncheon and I have to give a farewell testimony. 역시 I cried all the way through it. My mission really does mean the world to me its the best thing I've done in my life up to this point. Don't worry I'm actually very pro-marriage--something I want to do sooner or later. I have a testimony of the Savior, His Atonement, the Restoration, Its all true I know we have our specific trials for a reason. See Alma 38:5. I'm still so lacking but like President Utchdorf said, "Eternal life isn't a sprint, its an endurance race."
I just saw on lds.org CONCEPCION CHILE TEMPLE!!!!!!!! AHAHHHAHHH
So happy for them. I'm so excited for conference. Elder Choi the korean that spoke about rough kids becoming strong members--I know all of them. How amazing, this is the best. Love you all
사랑해
알스베리 자매

P.S. 소포 어디 있어?

my first asian haircut....is coming

We are emailing today but saturday is P-Day because of 추석 Chu seok--the big holiday, we were have a sports day on saturday. Also I have potentially scary news. I am giving into the Gods of Asian hair. Yes I am getting my hair cut at a Korean hair salon. AHHHHH!!! I never thought I would but its bad. I've only had it cut once by Sister Knudsen who cut all the layers off. It is so boxy square, just a mess. The best thing is that the name of the place is오랜지 헤 어 Orange Hair. You better believe I'm asking for a discount since I'll probably the only person that has orange hair that they will ever cut in their careers at Orangie hair. Asianization. Potential nightmare but I'll survive. Its super cheap here too.
This past week we have been blessed with some amazing miracles. 김태순 and 성영숙 (Kim Tae Soon & Sung young sook) are still progressing for baptism on the 24th. Last week at church the brother had just changed. In Gospel principles he participated and then we met him later that day he was telling us about family prayer and just way more friendly. He did go off on me about Green Tea--how in China people drink it more than water and they are all thin and healthy, but he said he will try. Alcohol will be a challenge to. But they are still good. The holiday makes it impossible to meet people for about a week so we are texting them a lot. His wife 성영숙 is amazing. She's super stalwart, her sister is a member and a return missionary. Their daughter is 19months and is so cute. Korean kids are the cutest ever.

Then, we went to the this fancy dinner at 최명숙 (Sister Choi)'s house she's a travel agent, traveled the world really eccelectice she made us a fancy dinner--even had banana splits for dessert. Her husband--the got married a few years ago, 50s ish. Isn't a member. He's apparently some famous engineer, worked under Leby in New York. But he comes to church every week for a really long time. 3 weeks ago we changed Gospel prinicples at the last moment from the Second Coming to Baptism, it was good and since then he's been thinking more and more about baptism. MIRACLE. He asks me what he has to do to get baptized. He already knows all about the church, keeps the commandments, He said November would be nice. It is such a sudden and amazing change of countenance. His name is 유수엽 (Yoo soo yup) If you want to pray for him.

We also have a Philippino investigator name Roselle. Her husband is Korean, she's been her for 3 years. Sister Toronto met her on the subway and referred her. She went to the english ward with the Knudsens and met other Philippinos there and loved it. We met her and she just ate up everything. She rides the subway 2 hours a day and said she'd read it everyday. Everything made sense to her and she said she felt what we said was true.

our lovely 목동 ward is having some intra-ward drama and kinda weird things have been happening that makes me worry for our investigators. Sacrament meeting was especially ridiculous this past week. Our poor bishop. I won't say details. Our Relief Society President is in the middle of it, we visited her on mon and felt prompted to share Mosiah 7:33, it was just what she needed. You should read it too.

So things are good. my body is tired, its actually falling apart, its still hard getting rejected everyday but I feel my Savior's love daily and know that the Atonement is real. I try my best everyday, I still lack severely but the Lord makes up the rest. Love you all,

알수베리 자매선교사

P.S. I watch conference the week after you do but I'm so excited for it. Take good notes

P.S.x2 Drive safely and Jill run fast you can do it!
x3 You will be blessed for sending mail.

September 24, 2009

Family,
This email is going to be short. Lo siento. I'm kind of in a weird mood. Today we went to the the temple. I really love the temple here so happy we get to go. I'm sad about Landon and that just sad things happen to people, but I know that the Plan of Salvation is real. BYU football is sad news too.

Good news our family-I don't have a korean keyboard but Sung YoungSook, and Kim TaeSoon have baptismal dates for Oct. 24, If you want to include them in your prayers that would be really helpful. The first week in Oct. is ChuSeok one of the 2 big holidays in korea. Basically everyone goes from Seoul to the countryside and eat for 3 days at their grandparents house. Then the next weekend is general conference. I'm so excited for it.

-When I get home remind me to tell you about the day in Relief Society with Pak MungJa :)
-Also remind me to tell you what I get told everyday is the reason for my acne and what my response is.
-We met a man last week who went to Tulane lawschool, has read the bible over 100x and doesn't go to a church because he doesn't believe they are true. He asked about the 3rd heaven--crazy things, we have just what he needs if he'll just give us a chance to talk.
-This man told me this week that he couldn't accept our message because the Catholics in korea pronounce the word "god" like .5 a vowel different from all the other churchs. like a "ahh" versus an "euh" anyway. I'm slightly stressed with everything I have and want to do here. I love you all. Be good. The church is true.
Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

신총 플루

신총 플루--The Flu. Koreans are worked up about it. I have no idea what is going on. All of the sudden the church has signs that say don't handshake, just bow--sisters don't really shake hands in korea. thats good. And people have started to wash their hands and used hand santizer. Interesting. I'm out in the blue.

Today we are going to the Korean War Memorial. Its going to be sweet. Probably sad because korea has been conquered so many times.

Hey mom remember when the Stallings were freaking out about the truck that sprays the white cloud to kill the mosquitos? Its here! Random parts of the day it comes through wherever we are. I run from it. The kids on the street chase it. It scares me. But I do detest Mosquitos. White cloud of death. I need to video it. Its a little Damas. Google image Daewoo damas--its my favorite car.

Good news we got 3 more kgs of kimchi! Still eating it every meal.
Yesterday I took the last 한국어 3--the final test for korean grammar, reading, translation and vocab. I am know a king. In very humble way of course. But I destroyed the test.

I don't have time to type it but this morning I wanted to share with my fam 2 Ne. 10:23-25. Also read 1 Cor. 14:23-25--thats interesting
No more time but thanks for your emails and remembering me. Elizabeth Lewis is editing my essay and dad if you could try and get that done buy next week that would be swell. Love you all. P.S. I'm so proud of BYU football and my family. xoxox 사랑해요

알스베리 자매선교사

September

As I wrote September I just had this fleeting thought of mom driving down the freeway blasting Earth, Wind and Fire. Weird that I too have come to love that.
I was so happy to hear about Mac's first week back at BYU, the chicken taco wrap probably tastes the same huh? Briggsy boy is either out with his 1,000 new best friends or at the HBLL. I'll hope for the 2nd. I'm praying for you.
Today we went to the the temple. Such a blessing to go every 6 weeks I need it so much every time we go it fuels me up. Oh, I'm sure you don't care but yesterday I had been in Korea for exactly 1 year. yaya Korea. Hey is swine flu a big deal or something? Because last week at church they brought out the hand sanitizer and that was the first time I've seen Koreans use it. A couple weeks ago this lady called us and wanted to meet but she was concerned because Sister Bergeson had only been in Korea for 5 months, and she was worried about the flu. I have no idea about anything. Nobody confirmed about the missionaries in Cuba thing (I don't think there are but you never know)
Its kind of hot today but its okay we still have the parasols--I think that's what they are in english. Sun umbrella. We have real oreos at our house, made me think of Jill. One of my favorite members I'll call her Sister Jang (can't type in korean on this computer) She went to costco and gave us oreos as well as tofu. tofu and kimchi=well being.

Hey you have to update me on BYU football. Thanks for the package Mac I think I'll get it next week at interviews. Random thoughts:
Sister Bergeson dropped our kimchi tub, it landed face up fortunately. All over her face clothes, ceiling, in between her toes. that stuff doesn't come out very well. We also met Krystle our american investigator last night at the Knudsens (we ate bean burritos!) She's good, really has a desire to find truth and the only way is by reading and praying the Book of Mormon. Cool. Well my brain is fried, but I love you all forever and ever. xoxoxoo

Sister Paige Alsbury

Kimchi diet

So our fan in our house died but the weather has been a litter cooler. Rain, so much rain in Korea. If there was open land it would be really green. I have one profound thought in my head. "CanMore Makes you Beautiful" is the slogan of the cheesiest 빙수 like ice flakes/ice cream place, the chairs are swings that hang from the ceiling with floral upulstery(can't spell that word anymore) Really tacky one of my favorite places. CanMore makes you beautiful and Sharing the Gospel makes you happy. I know it to be true. Its a foolproof method. I'm really happy to have a sweet family, that emailed from the HBLL. The Gospel makes me happy, sharing it is the greatest responsibilty, and its good. that was a tangent, sorry.

Last friday from our lovely Mokdong ward sisters we received 8.6kg=19lbs of 김치 Kimchi. Its a lot of kimchi. We have resolved to eat kimchi at every meal. Who knows what it will do to my digestive system but its delicious. I think we can devour it.
Last week thurs. after emailing we were on the bus going to a member's house I didn't remember to tell sister bergeson to get off at our stop and I get off and she her and the bus driving away. oh nooo! A million thoughts ran through my mind. So I sprinted to the next bus stop and didn't see her but then way way off in the distance I saw her coming the other way. Ahhh. such a relief. I was so happy to see her. Surprisingly thats the first time that has happened. its weird not being with a companion.

I finished reading 몰몬경 The Book of Mormon in Korean this week. Don't worry I already patted myself on the back. It was hard. It made my head hurt, but its still true in korean too, I know it is.

성 영숙 (Sung Young Sook) and her husband 김태순 (Kim Tae Soon) are really progressing we've set a baptismal date for Sept. 13, It is a goal, they are wonderful. her sister is a member who joined the church in high school, the members love her sister--she's in Detroit now with her husband.. Family baptism would be a huge miracle.

Another huge miracle is our new investigator Krystle. An American! I had a hard time teaching in english. She went to the Tri-Cities Washington temple open house a few years back, she's here teaching english really cool. She asked the Knudsens for the Book of Mormon. She said, "I'm thirstying for truth" She also said that her goal is to read all of the Bible and the Book of Mormon before she goes back to USA in December. Its amazing to see something how is seeking for truth so much, we can't persuade her to believe but we invite her to find out for herself and make changes in her life to come unto Christ.
Today I'm working on law school stuff, kinda stressed out. But it will be okay. I love you all, thanks for all of your prayers, funny emails, letters, and love. xoxo

Sister Paige Alsbury

August 20,2009

I'm going to write in half sentences.
This morning before we walked out of our house my shirt was already soaked through with sweat. Then we went outside in a hot rain storm. I never thought I could sweat this much in my life.
A Korean beat Tiger Woods, cool. A former President died this week and we were at the same hospital on the same day.
I love korean Peaches. But still live the Strawberries and Watermelons lots. We don't have any Kimchi at our house right now so its a hard knock life, I asked the Relief Society President for more but I've heard the cabbage price is high latetly.
On Sunday 2 inactives and 3 investigators came to church. It was really an answer to my prayer. Its kind of hard not having elders in a ward, for example we have an appointment with a man tonight at 8 and if we teach men there must be a adult female present. Nobody can help as of 5:39 pm. P-Day and Sundays are the most stressful days for me. We went to the Knudsen's house today so I could write my law school essay.--Gee thanks for all feedback I got. but their internet didn't work. AHHH!! But missionary work is fun.
On Saturday they had the giant YSA conference for koreans--actually it was 3 days long, Elder Cook and Elder Costa came. So the korean missionaries got to go and while they were attending their american companions came and worked in 목동 MokDong so that was really good.
이한웅 (brother lee) came back from his mission in New York. His english is probably better than mine. He bore his testimony in chinese I was blown away. It made me realize that I'm not ready to come back until it is time. These kids are staring at me and said "백인 인데" white people. xoxooxoo Have fun at BYU family. Seon Ju said she talked to Briggs online--I dust love her so much. She was a huge miracle of my mission. Love you
알스베리 자매--Sister White skinned and sweaty

이선주

August 13, 2009

Today we went and met my favorite Korean---well one of them. 이순주 (Seon Ju) From 답동 I gave her a CTR ring that mom got—(thanks mom) She brought a friend and we went to this food court and ate 빙수 and a sundae, bingsu is Korean shaved ice flakes stuff with icecream on top fruit, etc, usually with 팥 pronounced pot sweet red beans. Anyway she is doing really really really good. Goes to seminary, went to young men's camp, found out that this member from another ward goes to her school and now they are good friends, they both want to go to BYU. The ward loves her she really is the light of DapDong ward. Sister Bergeson bought an electronic dictionary today and seon ju helped here. Speaking of recent converts, 조은희 from Kajung that sister Newby and I taught is pregnant which is really crazy and cool, she too is doing good too. Sister Newby is an RM now.
So Monday was deathly hot, good thing a member bought me a sun umbrella I still got burnt with it and sunscreen just because I sweat all day long. Icky. Then the next day it rained. All day long and halfway through the next. I guess there was a Typhoon somewhere—that's what someone said. Sister Burton said that this was the biggest rainy season in 60 years. Rain is hard but nothing like the heat. We had an appointment at the church and I went in the bathroom and literally wrung out my skirt.

Time is going too fast, I feel like I have so much to do and not enough time. A little jealous of the elders having 2 years, but I do miss mi familia. Briggs is an Elder and he's going to be in the same freshman ward that I was in. Where is Mac living? Where is Mac's email?

Today is 말복 (Mal bok) I don't know how to explain in English but the dictionary says it is the "last of the dog days of summer" so Koreans on 초 중 and 말 eat a whole boiled chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng. To give them strength. Also a big dog meat day, still haven't gotten to eat it. Well Being.

Sorry this email isn't really spiritual but everyday we experience miracles small and big, sometimes really small but I see the hand of the Lord all of the time. Last night we were tired and it was 8:55 I and said lets talk to one more person, we saw this lady right by our house, she lives by our church we explained all the church meetings and taught the restoration to her, she had always wondered about our church but never knew. We have an investigator whose sister is a member she listened to the missionaries when her sister was taught too, I have seen so many miracles with former investigators and member referrals the missionaries who initially taught them will never know the end of the story. I'll never know the end of the story with so many people I meet and they rip my heart out by exercising their agency otherwise. I love missionary work. Do more of it, it will make you happier I promise. PMG "no effort is wasted."

benign doll

Sticker 사진 and our Cookie Delivery service PR picture. We are going to deliver cookies to members nonmember friends. Member missionary work, get them pumped. Don't worry Our WML is going to buy them at COSTCO because imported ones are cheaper and have taste.

이선주

MokDong

So this past week has been crazy. Thursday President said that Sister Jo and I would be staying one more transfer together after we move to MokDong and then saturday we get a transfer call. Sister Jo got transfered to BoonDang, which is way far away. My new companion is Sister Bergeson from Utah. Our mission is closing our house so we had to throw away all of the junk that missionaries have left over the years. I hate junk. But we cleaned it all and got everything out of it. There was all this american taco sauce packets that were half used that were 3-4 years old pretty gross. Someday I will give a discourse on garbage practices and procedures of Korea. Food garbage, recycling, etc. So in Helena are they cutting down the number of missionaries too? There are no elders in MokDong just us. Ewww responsibility. I've actually never had men investigators we are meeting a guy tonight. 20 missionaries are returning from our mission. Including Sister Newby and Bang, sad, weird. Sister Newby's parents are here and she is with them now. thats a weird thing. I'll miss them. She knows all about you all, she knows how handsome Briggs is and how much Koreans go crazy over him.
We are at the Knudsens, yay! I'm going to work on my law school essay today, hopefully get off some kind of draft and maybe have Dad edit it? I can ask the Knudsens too. I really think President is inspired about transfers, Sister Bergeson will be great. She's been in Korea about 4 months, its her 2nd area. She majored in acting and art. Two companions that are artists, its proof that the Lord helps us in our weakness, making up for where we lack.

Did I mention is really hot and humid? I sit and study and my forehead is all beaded up with sweat. icky. It doesn't feel as hot as it was last year with I came. Where is Mac living in Provo? When does school start? I'm jealous of the clean air of Montana. If its a smoggy day at least the sun isn't out and beating down, its a trade off, I think I like the greenhouse over the blistering sun. No I think I just like cooler weather.
I all of the sudden feel more responsibility being in MokDong, relying on the Lord to help my confidence. I thought the other day, "but I don't even have the priesthood" but then I thought about the power and authority of my calling, and my patriarchal blessing. I'll be able to accomplish all that the Lord requires of me. I'm really tired today, my feet hurt but its okay. Tonight will be the first night in a year that I will sleep in a bed. love you all forever.

Sister Paige Alsbury

I have 1 minute. We went to the temple and then on the border with the Knudsens and Sister Toronto and Choi,--mexican food in asia. Made a world record trip across this city for sister Jo to get a perm. She really wanted me to get my hair straightened too maybe after I get into law school. I got the package today. Haven't opened it thanks in advance. I loved the pictures of Mac I started crying I was so happy to see them. Crazy. So I'm sweating in a beauty salon the receptionist is chewing me out so I have to go. xoxoxo love you all forever.

Sister Paige Alsbury

p.s. the package came earlier but I can only get it at the temple, zone conf. other meetings etc. next week we are moving and in mokdong we can't email till 3pm our time so I'll start emailing later

pollution is gross

Didn't hear much news from you this week so I'm assuming you are all really busy. Its hot here, really hot. Today we are going to ride bikes on the Han River for a zone activity. sweat fest. It will be fun though, any day I don't have to wearing stockings and a skirt--good.

So tuesday the office elders call me and tell me I need to get boxes because we are moving to MokDong from 화곡-Hwagok, Apparently he wasn't supposed to tell me yet so President called and explained things. There are 21 missionaries leaving our mission in 2 weeks and only 6 coming. We've known for a long time that they are cutting the number of missionaries coming to korea so now its happened. So instead of being the sisters of gangseo stake--but really only MokDong and HwaGok no we will be the MokDong missionaries---no elders just us. President gave me way to many undeserved compliments about why he is so excited for me to do this. Its good that I already know the members there and have investigators its not like opening Incheon so it will be good. President feels really good about it, like really excited about it and I know he is lead and guided by inspiration so I know its the right thing. So Sister Jo will stay with me for another transfer. President said I'll just stay in MokDong till I go home, which all of the sudden is not that far away. Sister Bang and Newby are going home in 2 weeks--crazy. He asked me if I wanted to stay another transfer but I think Christmas is important for me to be there for and I need to get on with things. MokDong is one of the richest wards in Korea its right on the Han River, the former bishop is an American all of the families send there kids to America (thats a subject I will talk about when I'm not a missionary) The house we are living in now is one of the worst in our entire mission and guess what there is in the new one-----BEDS!! Just feeling good about missionary work now.

Kind of have some stress about the future, finances, law school, life, eternity you know the sort same things you are worried about. Missionaries have just a one track mind and then every once in a while reality hits you. weird.
사랑해요

알스베리 페이즈 자매 선교사

July 16, 2009

This week the rains came. 아이고 When we left church on Sunday I was still wet. The Han river went up really high, but today its hot and we have to clean our apartment. Monday was 초복 which means its like the first 10 days of the hottest days of the summer there's 중 and 말 복 too which just means is going to be hot but it also means that they bring out the seasonal foods. 개고기—dog meat, I want to eat it so this will be my chance.
This past week we met 2 new investigators 인혜성 인윤경 they are sisters and both really good. One likes Jane Austen. The very first time we met them we taught the restoration in only 10 minutes and they asked questions and understood things that we hadn't even explained, a witness that the Spirit is the real teacher and we just have to do our best and the words I say are secondary. I'm so much more relaxed now that understand what going on.
Actually the past month or so I have completely changed. I almost have no stress at all, I have figured out how to keep things in perspective do my best but don't kill myself. I don't let numbers get me down and I know I can't do better than my best. Missionary work is fun, its great it's the best my testimony has sunk so deep within me my understanding of the Savior and His Atonement has increased so much as I apply, rely and live on the Atonement. I can't do anything without it. The Lord humbles us to teach us and to show His love.
The more we understand of the Atonement the love for our Savior increases. The more love we have the easier it is to serve.
Love you all
알스베리 페이즈 자매선교사

My Companions

최민희 자매님 (Choi MinHui) Toronto 자매님, Me, 방애라 자매님 (Bang Aera) 조성아 자매님 (Jo sunga) Newby 자매님 (신은비)
사랑해요

사진

Mac is back

홍수--That means flood, its been raining for over 12 hours--now I finally understand the rainy season--I remember when I used to like the rain.
So 5 minutes ago this old man came up to me and gave me a piece of watermelon. I heart Korea. I also heart seasonal fruits I bought a watermelon on the 4th of July in honor of the U.S.
Today we went to the mission home for a special meeting with our whole mission Dr. Mark Peterson who served in Korea, was a mission president in Busan, has a PhD from Harvard and is a professor at BYU came and talked to us about korean history and and history of religion in Korea. Elder Choi from the Seventy spoke too. Basically something that struck me from what he said is that every Korean is confucian by the way that they live. The honor the scholar (whereas the Japanese honored the Samori) culture today is obsessed with education especially english--They spend all their money on learning english and still can't do it. but they are dedicated, Actually Koreans and korean society kind of has low self esteem but its getting better, they just beat themselves up. A lot of that has to do to what they Japanese did. They've never attacked any country, their just peaceful kimchi loving karoake doing people. Somethings they drive me crazy--really they do. But I love them and I know that they are special.
Brother Peterson also showed us slides of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the cool places that are so close but I've never seen. Sometimes I don't believe that there is countryside here, I've only seen the city, just means that I need to come back and go to all the places that I can't go.
I got a letter today and I have to tell them where I want to fly into (way too far in advance) and if my parents are coming to pick me up.

Our area has room for improvement I've never had this few of investigators my whole mission. So much of our time is spent finding. 전도-talking on the street. The prophets have said their is a better way we need the members help.
Yesterday we had a really great lesson with 문유숙 she had told us before that she doesn't understand the purpose of life and the only reason she hasn't committed suicide was that she has to provide and education for her daughters. She and her daughters left her husband for a year and moved to Vancouver B.C. for english. Last week we taped Elder Wirthlin's "Come what may and love it" talk to her door. Yesterday when we came she was completely different, I gave it to her in english and korean, she had marked it up and had almost memorized it. She said she reads it several times a day. It was truly a breakthrough. It was just a spiritual hour. She says this life is just too hard and if she gets baptized and joins the church she will have more responsibilites, and she just wants the easy way out. We explained that after we are baptized life doesn't get easier but its easier to handle the hard times, we taught straight from the scriptures and it really was the spirit directing us, my mind was led to scriptures that she really needed to hear. PMG chapter 2 is a amazing, if we study the doctrines of the Gospel we will be prepared and our minds englightened when we need it. She still is afraid to come to our church because she has been going to the church infront of their apartment for so long. We'll see.
I ate a red bean popsicle yesterday it was good--beans yes good sometimes. I had a dream in Korean it was weird I was trying to explain to Briggs how to get home but the Seoul subway was on the way to our house and Briggs spoke korean too.
this elder today told me told that since he and I are both fluent in Korean (not true) that we should start the translation of the Book of Mormon into the click language. I thought that was funny. We had a long subway ride today.
Dad you have my permission to what you need, you are the boss. Mac is home weird. What is he like? Is his voice still kinda girly? I'm sad about Jazz dying too. She's a good girl. We've been emailing for 45 minutes and I'm still soaking wet. I love you 사 랑 해 요

알스베리 자매선교사
Representing the Savior and Team Alsbury

July 2, 2009

Hi, family,

AHHH sometimes missionary email service drives me nuts. It just deleted my super long email. Rats. Abbreviated version:

Its monsoon season. Crazy rain coming. lots of thunder. I don't think it will last long.

We had a miracle after we couldn't get the keys at the church to open after 10 minutes and then I said a prayer and 1 second later the door opened.

We had a miracle after we fasted to have a investigator come to MokDong ward conference. I thought I was going to die fasting but our investigator came and stayed for all of church, the elder's baptism the worlds biggest post-church meal. I was blown away. should have taken a picture.

Biggest thing: Kim Lim Soon got baptized on Saturday. She was born in 1926, her grandaughter is a recent convert. I thought Elder Turley might break hurt baptizing her but it was good. Her husband died in the Korean Ward she's been a widow for 50 something years.

I'm sad I won't get to see Mac for a while but that's okay. TAKE PICTURES send them to me. Record his talk send a copy to me. I want details. The email I originally wrote was really good this is the frantic typing email--sorry. We ate burritos at the Knudsen's today and I'm writing my law school essay too. I'm really glad that Mac is one of my greatest friends that that he set an example for me. Love you all forever,

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

Corn and tomato popsicles

저 는 예수그리스도 대표자 입 니다, and I'm happy to be. Mac is coming home thats unreal. I will have to stop telling people that my brother is on a mission in Brazil and they will stop saying how hard it must be for my mom.

Miracle of the week. Well there's two. So we taught this grandma who is probably 80 years old, she's had a stroke I can't really understand her very well but her Grandaughter is a recent convert, so we taught her and she even paid tithing, answered all the baptisimal interview questions and then said she felt too much pressure to be baptized and told us not to come back if we were going to talk about baptizm. That was 3 weeks ago. Then the elders visited there house on sunday and the grandma (PS grandma is korean sounds just like "harmony") wanted to get baptized saturday. So we are all set for that on Saturday.

Other Big miracle. 김 지 현 (Kim Ji Hyun) got baptized on sunday! It was really great, there was a big turnout. Elder Jube from my MTC friend baptized her, all of the primary kids gave her gifts. Best of all was that her parents, mom and dad came to all 3 hours of church. Her mom said that she would start coming to church each week with her, the dad loves the elders--he has the same hairstyle as elder Jung--kinda medusa like hair. Last night we went to her house we gave her Book of Mormon stories on sunday and she had read through Alma and remembered so much. I don't think the miracle is quite over yet with her.
Next week we are going to North Korea. yes. Well we are going to look at it. There's this island kangwha-do that you can see North Korea so we might email later next week .

Everyone says that next week 장 마 is going to start. Monsoon season. I guess its rain everyday for 2 weeks. Hot rain--oxymoron? Well the do have 38 degree celius hot yoga in Korea so everything can be hot. Ewww...Montana has perfect summers
Have fun with Mac be safe. Its seems like ages ago since I saw him. Please update me. 사 랑 해

알 스 베 리 자 매

June 18, 2009

안 영 하 세 요,

I don't know if you remembered this but on June 18, 2008 I went to the MTC. I've been a missionary for 1 year. Weird. My world has completely changed in that year, I've changed and learned a lot. My conviction and testimony has deepened, as has my understanding of the Atonement, my ability to endure trials and rejection--still is a work in progress but I'm learning. Life experience is better than sitting at the BYU library reading a book. Even though I love that place.
Random thoughts.
Last night I become a oriental medicine doctor. Oh yes you know anything that is "Traditional Korean ____" has to be great. My companion wasn't feeling so good so she asked me to treat her. So my trainer did this to an investigator one time and it freaked me out. So you punch the "patient" in the arm a bunch and then rub their arms so that the "bad blood" goes down to their finger and on their thumb you twist string around it like 15 times so the thumb turns purple (ya I know what you are thinking) then you take a needle and you poke them below the cuticle. The blood that comes out is black (yes because it is deoxygenated--but that is my opinion) so I jammed my companion with a needle she whined and it bled a bunch but she said she was healed. Western Medicine.

Today we went to the Mission Home for a sister luncheon. All my companiosn were there. Sisters: Toronto, 방, Newby, 최, 조 were all there so grateful to be their friends and to have worked with them. Its kinda weird to be with the same person all of the time but you become so close. They had the sisters who are going home soon give their last testimony to all of the sisters and since sister Bang doesn't speak english very well they asked me to translate for her--even though Sisters 조 & 최 are pretty much fluent in english. Ahhh translating is kinda freaky. Actually the whole time she did it I remember the first time I met her was it that same room. Its a miracle from Heavenly Father that 9months later I would be translating for her in a meeting. Its called Heavenly Father hears and answers all of our prayers--I know that to be trued.

We went to the Temple today too. always the highlight of my transfer. I received an answer to a question I had and so grateful the chance to go to that sacred place. I can't wait to go with my family. I'll say a prayer for the Helena temple--someday.

Wowzers Briggs Prom King Pictures. If the college thing doesn't work out just move to Korea and become a pop star--you look so grown up. Mac will be surprised. I'm disallusioned with the boys that judged the friend you brought to church. Of course don't listen. Keep doing it. President Monson talked about member prostelyting programs working everywhere they try it. its true. Good boy. How do you feel about BYU? Don't take 8 am classes your freshman year--trust me. Mac & Jill will help you with everything. I'm jealous you are going to have such an amazing time it will help prepare you for your mission.

There's a 60% chance 김 지 현 will get baptized on sunday but its not set. Its a huge miracle unfolding. OH Mac is coming home in 2 weeks. I want to see pictures. Wish I could just come home for like 2 hours to be there. I love you all--The Plan of Salvation is real. xoxoxo kiss nose hug

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

2009=?UTF-8?Q?=EB=85=84_6=EC=9B=94_11=EC=9D=BC?=

안 영 하 세 요
Wow Briggs graduated from high school and it snowed Montana is crazy. But you must admit my graduation had the best weather. Its been kinda colder here too rainy so nice before the death summer starts.
Hey what have you heard about the Swine Flu at the MTC. Sister Knudsen said her nephew got sent home because he got sick. This lady on the street yesterday asked me if I was scared because swine flu is big in my country. I said "i'm in korea."

This past sunday we saw a tender mercy at testimony meeting. 김 지 현, Kim Ji hyun our 8 year old investigator asked "what is testimony?" and then she got up and bore her testimony about how she wants to follow the savior. and how she was going to be nicer to the mean boys at school because she wants to be like Jesus. I it was amazing. I know she is having an influence on her parents too, they like 99% of Korean adults say they are just too busy to listen. Almost all men and some women work until 9 or 10 at night. All of that contributes to the big societal problems here.

I was happy to hear that Incheon was named the world's best airport. haha I love Incheon so much. There's a sign with a computer made picture of "incheon" that says in english "Icheon: World's best city" haha I really love Incheon people and that place and all the experiences I had there.

Tomorrow we are having zone conference olympics at Olympic Park. We are having a 5k race President is running so I l better beat him.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about baptismal covenants and the promised blessings that come through making, keeping and having our covenants sealed through the holy spirit of promise. Its hard to see others exercise their agency and rejected our invitation to baptism even after they have received a witness of the truthfullness of the thing's we've taught. Anyway I have to go Have a great week love you all, 사 랑 해

Alsbury 자 매 선 교 사

June 4, 2009

Ummmm...I can't believe that Mac has read the Portuguese Book of Mormon 4 times. I'm in Alma 53 in the Korean Book of Mormon and I've never had so much an inclination to scratch my eyes out more. Ehh the korean headache.

so in general considering everything I'm okay. I've learned a lot the past 3 weeks, about trials, exercising faith, the priesthood, stress, service, overcoming, and korean words I never probably would have learned before. Today I read Alma 58:10 it says something like "we did pour out our souls unto God that he would strengthen us" and the next verse says how he strengthens us by speaking peace to our souls. I know that is true.
fast update things:
Sunday we met Brian 브 라 이 언 from the KPop group Fly to the Sky--my companion went insane, I think he's a korean american, apparently a big deal or so. I had him sign her missionary planner and took a picture on our phone.
Have you heard about the former President of Korea committing suicide? I was really big news here. People really liked him. I only things about North Korea that I hear from you all.

Yesterday I talked to this Jehovah's Witness lady for about an hour. She had met with elders 20 years ago. She said that she knows Joseph Smith was a prophet but that her church suits her 마 족--like self contentment. It was crazy because she know Doctrine and covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Hill cumorah, James 1:5 celestial kingdom, 1 Cor. 15:40. She doesn't believe in the Spirit World I think that is really sad.

We are teaching a 8 year old girl 지 현 she came to church and her dad and mom kind of have some interest in the church. I've only taught a family one other time so we are excited about them. Briggs congrats on graduating now you can devote your time to writing me! jk--but not really Well I love you all forever,

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury

A new place?

hello from a new place. weird. So i'm in Seoul, Kangseo gu 화 곡 동hwa gok dong. My companion is 조 성 아 Jo Seonga aka Sister Jo. She's from Pusan same ward as my trainer Sister Bang. It was really hard for me to leave Incheon. That place had such an impact on me so many hard days and wonderful days. I really stretched myself and wore myself out and I'm so grateful for that experience. This morning at transfers I told President Burton that he made a mistake that I need to stay in Incheon. I was kinda serious too. Anyway. Sister Toronto is on the phone with me and said that she just got a text from 맹 지 윤 one of our great investigators and she said that even though Alsbury is gone she will see me again when I come back to Bupyeong on the 23th for 조 은 주 (Jo eun ju)'s baptism. Which I am going to be able to go back to. Actually that baptism will be a miracle. I called her at the begininng of January she was a former investigator that the bishop's wife remembered and she said she wanted to see what my red hair looks like. That was a long time ago. She is so different now, She's reading 2 Nephi her countenance has changed so much. She did however say in her prayer right before I left that she hopes to see me dance. okay haha sure. I'm also going to make a pinata for her baptism.

I was so fortunate to serve with Sister Toronto again and Sister Choi together. We had a great time, and Incheon is doing so well now. Last night Sister Choi said she can't imagine doing missionary work without me. It really touched my heart. Her 2nd day as a missionary I took her to this subway platform to talk with people. It was so hard for her and she just cried then yesterday seeing her walk right up to people made me so proud she's just a good missionary. I'm so lucky to have served with her. She gave me this really fancy korean fan that she bought before her mission to give to the best missionary. I just feel really humbled and so grateful for all of these experiences, for training for gettting emergency transferred for the death winds of incheon, 답 동 만 수 부 평 Sister Newby, toronto, choi, 조 은 희 , 이 선 주, 조 은 주 , 맹 지 윤 , 안 슬 기, anyway I'm getting all sentimental. Sister Choi let me wax her eyebrows 2 nights ago. quite gratifying.

Yesterday Sister Toronto wore a athletic tape piece on her lip to our district meeting so that the elders wouldn't look at her cold sore, or because I dared her too. Also we carried with us about 15 waterballons in which we nailed the elders with.

The only good thing about transferring is that everyone wants to have a meal with you. I even at expensive chinese and at Outback, and a smoothie, and lots of korean ribs. No there are good things but I have yet to figure that out. 이 선 주 (seon ju) is probably my favorite korean ever. She's a miracle. she's only been a member for a month and a half but she's AMAZING! She did splits with me on sunday she's wonderful. She sent me a text message last night and said that I was her best friend. It broke my heart and made me cry. She really is a miracle and I know that the Lord prepared her for the Gospel.

The phonecall was amazing. I'm sorry I cried like a baby. I'm really okay. Missionary work is hard, but I just cried because I dust love you guys so much. I really can testify that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed my family. I wish I could have talked forever. Its was so natural like I had talked to you all the day before.

So the new area. My companion was the Sister who was in Incheon with Sister Newby before I came. She went to BYU-Hawaii is from Pusan. It will be good. I'm the only missionary in our mission that has had 3.5 (sister newby is half korean) korean companions. I know that am coming to love korea and koreans through my companions. The house makes Anyang and Incheon houses look amazing I can't put my finger on the smell but its very distinct. We actually live right by the stake center and Elder Jube from my MTC 동 기 just got transferred here too. We don't have many investigators and one of the first things Sister Jo said was "members here aren't interested in missionary work" oh boy that is going to change. There's a lot more people here that in incheon duh its Seoul but its a completely different feeling. Carrying your luggage up subway stairs is not the funnest thing.
I'll keep praying for all of you. Briggsy run fast please. Pray for me with this new experience. Its weird knowing all about members and an area and then knowing nothing--I will learn. When I read your emails about going to grandma's house with Gage's kids I was so happy. So many good memories. Maybe Fort Benton will need an old maid Attorney like me someday I can just live there. xoxox

알 스 베 리 자 매 선 교 사

Oh Briggsy happy happy birthday briggsy dear, Super sweet 18--I remember when you were born mom told Jill before she told me. Maybe that is why you could say Jill before you could say Paige

Air Conditioning what's that?

So Cinco de Mayo was a couple of days ago, I ate Mexican food! yes there is an american member in bupyeong who went to the temple and there is a Mexican restaurant, it was heaven. yes I miss mexican above all other foods.
We went to the temple today and Brother Fuller our MTC teacher was there crazy. He's on a study abroad here.
Dad can you do me a favorite? Could you write your conversion story maybe in like 500 words or so? I want to translate it and use it. Thanks.
Is there anyway that I can talk to Jill. I'm going to call or if you guys think you can figure it maybe call me back? peut etre..I found out that my translator has travel portuguese on it--I'll start studying now.
Did you know that our recent convert 이 선 주 Lee Seon Ju is like my favorite person, she's a miracle and is so so so amazing, she taught with us this week and bore such a powerful testimony it blew me away. I just love her so much. I feel like I've been rejected 10,000x and then there's a person like her. It makes it all worth it. She called me and was worried because she didn't have a bible for seminary so I gave her the Korean bible they gave me in the MTC(I have another now) But on the front of her bible it says "Paige McDede Alsbury" in gold lettering, I apologized and she said it was okay because she never wants to forget me because I helped her find real happiness. Its hard to express that amazing feeling, but you all know I'm talking about. Transfers are next week, I'm sure I'll be leaving Incheon its been 5 months I don't want to leave but change will be good. Way back in December with Sister Newby we got lost every day, we didn't know the members, no investigators, it was freezing and now its like my home, it has a reputation for being tough but guess what I'm tough. Cause I'm an Alsbury and a McDede its true and I used to wrestle my brothers on the trampoline. I can't believe Mac is coming home so soon. Get someone to video it I want to see everybody's faces.
I have a korean name 김 혜 정 Kim Hye Jeong. Hey I could type more but I'm talking to you all on Mothers Day! Happy! Love you all forever and ever

Sister Paige McDede Alsbury
알 스 베 리 자 매

A grandma called me sexy yesterday

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY DEAR!
Well I'm really happy that you are my mom just cause you are the best and you've done EVERYTHING for me. I'm amazing with Mac and his missionary efforts it blows me away. And Briggs I have this picture I took of Briggs before he went to prom even the married members go crazy for him, and I always say, "His favorite food is korean ramen" We had interviews yesterday and Sister Burton went with us to a seafood buffet I think I officially don't like seafood anymore. Maybe Salmon but thats not in Korea.
This morning I read Alma 8, If I ever think missionary work is hard or an area is not good I just need to remember that I haven't yet been spit upon or kicked out of a city let alone being commanded to go back.
Last night I saw a real tender mercy of the Lord resulting from following the spirit. I had a prompting to look through the old records even though I have done it several times there was a name I hadn't called before and it just stuck out. Well last night we met her and her daughter with the Mansu bishop's wife it was amazing. She had 2 copies of the book of mormon right on her shelf and she said, "Yes I want come to your church" It was amazing really spiritual. The bishop's wife was amazing. I've been struggling to get members to teach with us and this was indeed a miracle and an answer to my prayers. Well I love you all forever and ever, thanks for the prayers and the love, Oh Mom and Joanne the packages!! Thank you so much. I still want another talking card though :) 사 랑 해 요

알 스 베 리 자 매

asianized

This email will be brief because I have had to mess with the email thing trying to send pictures--working on developing patience. I miss gmail. Briggsy thanks for the note I want to know how track is going and hear you sing. You are living in Stover 2100 I think that was my old ward. Weird Briggs at BYU I dust can't believe that. Also Mac going home also can't believe that. Oh did you like the pictures I think I sent one from 이 선 주's baptism, one from 자 유 공 원--freedom park last week with all those boy students. I think I sent one I took today--yes I do look a little different now. I don't know how you say it Asianized?

This past week has been good, still hard of course but really fun. We started teaching a lady who works in a 시 장 a market like 1 minute away from our house. Its not as big as the big fish market we went to a couple weeks ago but I really wish you all could experience the smells of korean markets--no words exist. Oh seafood, oh gross remember when I used to like it that was the days before squid, octupus, urchin, and whole cooked fish, but its good.
Its getting warmer here not hot though. People have been telling me scary stories of Korean summers of death. Hey mom if you want you could send me some gel ice packs or something that I can sleep with at night.
조 은 주 told me that she will get baptized before I leave Incheon so she is going to get baptized on the 3rd of May. much stress about that but its okay. My companions are lucky they have no stress they just follow me and I'm trying to run in front of them carrying 5 gallon buckets of water, but its good. I need stress to keep me going, no effort goes unnoticed. I'm really grateful for this opportunity for growth, helping others receive salvation is incredibly rewarding even though its difficult it will make me a better person and bless future family.
We have zone conference tomorrow so I will get mail tomorrow. We are going to Anyang yay! its like my korean hometown. Hey if its 8 am in korea is it 5 pm or 4pm in MT? whats the time difference now? calling in a couple weeks 거 든 요.
사 랑 해 요
Alsbury 자 매

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