This just might get us all caught up!

11.03.2014   Believe & Love

Hello you beautiful people around the world :)

This week I'm a bit short on time. Today we are going to the DMZ, and I am super pumped!!! So I'm sorry I'll just briefly cover what happened this week.

In Sokcho I've made A LOT of friends. We went sight seeing a lot this past week (I'll send pics). And what I realized is that the people I'm friends with don't really have any interest in the gospel. They all know that I suck at Korean, and because I feel so comfortable with all my friends here, I'm going to ask them if I can just practice teaching them the lessons~ that way we are providing an opportunity for them to feel the spirit, I'm practicing Korean, and they don't feel pressure! :) Excellent idea, huh? In the Bible~ Book of Matthew I think it is, God tells us to be harmless as doves and wise as serpents!

Our investigator family is progressing. We tried to get a baptism date, the little girl chose Christmas Day! Then another little holiday 11-11 (they have candy here that everyone eats on 11-11, kind of like back home we have 7-11 day..same thing). So we said okay! And then the talk of transfers came up (which is this week) and they said they would choose a date after transfers. I don't know why they want to wait after, they don't really either. But we plan to get a date for them this week. Oh I have so many funny stories about this family. I don't have time to tell them ,but I love this family so much. I know I am in Sokcho for them. I know that I am in Korea for them. 

I'm falling more and more in love with my mission with every passing day. Today, I have just 7 months left, and I really hate that. 

K this next bit of information might cheer you up. This week we knocked doors and we met a lot of interesting people. THE OTHER DAY.....so this is two separate individuals I'm talking about okay? We are just trying to share a happy message about Jesus and Eternal Families...and they both answer to their door naked. BUTT NAKED! 

I was shocked to say the least. WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES MISTER?!? WHEN YOU ANSWER THE DOOR YOU HAVE TO WEAR CLOTHES!!!! Ugh, I simply cannot understand. I mean yeah it's comfortable not having to wear pants, I like being naked too, BUT YOU HAVE TO WEAR CLOTHES IN PUBLIC AND YOU HAVE TO WEAR CLOTHES WHEN YOU ANSWER YOUR DOOR!!!!!

If that story didn't cheer you up...maybe my testimony will.

This week I was studying ch.3 in preach my gospel. It says, "The lessons...contain the essential doctrines, principles, and commandments that you are to study, BELIEVE, LOVE, live, and teach." To study, live, and teach the doctrine, that makes perfect sense to me. But I love that they included believing and loving. Of course we need to believe what we teach...otherwise, why would we teach it? And to love it. All of you know how I feel about love. Love changes hearts. Love it the most powerful tool we have. My favorite scripture is John 3:16 and from that, we can see that the whole reason for life in general is because of Love. I love this gospel. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I love my Father in Heaven who watches over and protects me danger. I love my mission, and all the people I have had the opportunity meeting. I love my family and friends who strengthen and support me. I love the gift of the Holy Ghost who brings comfort when I am scared. I love love.

Love,

Whit

헌새커 자매

Hunsaker Jamae

 



The first pic is a Farmer Office building....this statue/building is huge!!





Then we went to another buddhist Temple last Pday, and just lots of
sight seeing.

11.10.2014   Because He Trusts You

This week has been insane. Transfer calls came and I got transferred :( I absolutely hate saying goodbyes. BUT I know their are greater treasures that lay ahead!

So the moment we've all been waiting for: the damage of transfer calls. I've been called to 태백 (Taebaek). I've heard it's the highest altitude in all of Korea. It's completely surrounded by mountains and the snow there is ridiculous. Cool. I might die. There's a cook ski resort, but guess who can't ski, every single missionary, that's who! 

My new greenie and I are opening Taebaek, Sisters haven't been here in over 15 years. This will be my 3/5 Sister area's that I've opened out here in the "Country Side". It's a great and stressful experience opening new area's. I know that God really trusts me. I was very nervous to be training, but at trainers training my mission president said something that just calmed my troubled heart, "Trust God, because He trusts you." 

Not only am I training and opening, but I've also been called to be Sister Training Leader. Guess it's true what they say, "when it rains, it pours." So I'm always needing to remind myself to trust God. Like Hermana Eishelle Whitney wrote in her email last week, "God doesn't send us somewhere to fail'. I know that's true. I know I can't do His work without Him. 

I'm grateful for this unique and challenging opportunity to serve Heavenly Father and His children here in Korea.

My "baby's" name is Sister Emily Hazel Ellis. I absolutely LOVE HER! She studied Korean Language at BYU Provo for 2 years before her mission. Her Father is Elder Ellis in the Quorum of the Seventy. I actually heard about her before my mission. Oddly enough. And at the meeting I told Sister Song (my old companion) that Sister Ellis was going to be my companion...and lucky me, she is! It actually has nothing to do with luck though, I know she is my blessing from Heavenly Father. Also, I kind of felt intimidated knowing her background with schooling and family. But turns out she's a normal human just like the rest of us. We've only been together for a few days but we get along great and I know these next two transfers together (hopefully) are going to be amazing!

This week I've been humbled. And kind of in the compelling sort of way, I'm sorry to admit. But I've always known that I need my Father in Heaven to do His work. I feel a great sense of urgency, and love in my heart (if this experience is anything like motherhood......Kudos to all of you mothers! You are the bee's knees!). I have gained a true testimony that we are faced with things in life because God trusts us. I know that God knows everyone of His children, and he wants to help us, we must seek Him first.

This is all I have for this week.

I love you.

Please pray for me.

xxo

whit

Hunsaker 자매

11.17.2013

 



<------     This is one of the Assistant's to the President (AP). 








This week we had an early christmas present (at least that's what I'm going to call it)

We had combined mission conference (seoul and seoul south)! :)

So I got to see a lot of old friends.

I'll be sending a lot of pictures from that day :)

 

#1~~~~Hii this is me and my MTC companion Sister Watkins, remember her?! :)

#2~~~~Elder Jenson from the MTC

#3~~~~Our MTC District :) missing Elder Fund, Hamilton, Smurthwait, and Peck

  

Elder Mills
Elder Chow
Sister Taylor


Okay listen I think this is lame when people do this, but how can I not? So I just want you to see my trainer and my trainee. It's just fun to see how we are all connected, I guess.

 

The family picture: Sister Lee (my trainer/mom), me, and Sister Ellis (my trainee/baby)

 

Me and Sister Gu~ remember I served with her in Wonju (the 1/3 area's I opened), and we shared a room in the MTC.

11.17.2013    Because I Felt Gods Love

I love that I'm serving in the "country side" but it's so hard being so far out here! This week we had a lot of meetings to attend. We went to Seoul twice and to another area~ and actually we are just barley getting the time to go to our real area this week. We've been living with some other sisters in another area for this week while they are finishing our brand spankin' new apartment. So me and poor sister Ellis have been living out of our suit cases and it's been quite annoying to say the least! SO TODAY IS THE DAY, after emailing we are going to pack our bags and head to Taebaek!

I send a lot of pictures this week, so I think my email will be a short one. And the only thing I really want to talk about is what happened yesterday. This week was our "Stake Conference" however, due to the lack of members we aren't a Stake yet. So we had District Conference on Saturday night and Sunday morning. We have five area's that have branches: Wonju, Sokcho, 강릉 (I don't even know how to spell that in English), Donghae, and Taebaek. Now if you can all remember I've served/opened Wonju, and Sokcho, and this week I've been in Donghae. So at this Conference, I knew A LOT of members. I felt an immeasurable about of love coming from all the members in the branches of where I served. 

During the Conference, on Sunday, all of us missionaries serving in these areas (28 of us) got up to sing Sisters in Zion and Armies of Helamen song (in Korean of course!) And it's such a beautiful song, and it was so powerful coming from us. Looking into the eyes of every member I've served or who has served me, was an amazing gift from Heavenly Father. When the Elders started singing their part, my eyes filled with tears. I tried to pull it together, we start singing our parts together and I couldn't. I just cried. The spirit was so strong (but apparently I was the only one who cried). So afterwards my Branch President asked me why I was crying. I looked at him like he was an idiot (oops, I repented), and then I said, "왜냐하면 제가 하나님의 사랑을 느꼈어요" Translated: "Because I felt God's love."

At our combined mission conference I was able to see so many people I hadn't seen in a very long time. It was so good to see them. And although all of our experiences are uniquely tailored to us, we can all relate to one another. Not just because we are missionaries, but because we are all God's children. Feeling God's love is an incredible gift I've been able to experience throughout my entire mission experience. And because I feel his love, I want others to be able to feel what I'm feeling. This is why I am a missionary. I know I'm where I'm supposed to be, doing what I'm supposed to be doing. May we ever seek God's love.

xxo

With all my love,

Whit Jean Hunsaker 자매 (Jamae)

11.24.2013    Grateful for the Trails

Happy week of Thanksgiving :) Since it's not a holiday here in Korea, our Mission President put some extra money in our accounts so we could go out and buy ourselves a nice meal...sound familiar mom and dad? :) I love my mission president and his wife, they really are like our mom and dad on the mission.

We had our first real week here in Taebaek, and it was fun. We had to do a lot of work getting moved in but it was a lot of fun. We met all the members almost, and they are all so excited to have Sisters in the area again (Sisters haven't been here since like the 80's). We have a new investigator, she was given to us from the Elders. And we are excited to start teaching her! Then we were invited by a less active member to come to his house and meet his family. We invited him to invite his family to be baptized and he is ready to start coming to church. He was a miracle~ anyway I don't have time to share his story, maybe next week!

So this morning during personal study I read this quote from Bruce R. McConkie, "The greatest trials in life are reserved for the saints."

It wasn't intentional to read that quote, I just came across it while I was studying the New Testament. Anyway, the purpose of me sharing it with you is because it comforted my troubled heart. I told mom a little bit already, but I'll share with all of you.

(Side note for Zoey, for obvious reasons, don't post this story on the blog):    As you can see Whit asked that I not share the details of a personal trail one of her dear friends and members is facing - but here are a few non-threatening details so you can understand the email.    -    One of the Elders called Whit to tell her of a medical emergency one of her members from one of her previous areas was dealing with.  At the time of the email Whitley did not know the extent of the members injuries but she did know he would no be the same person he was before the medical emergency accrued.

    (back to Whit's letter)  

Anyway, my heart is aching for his man and his family. And I just can't imagine how they are feeling, or how my friend is doing. 

I don't know why particular obstacles are placed in our lives, but I do know there is a divine purpose in our trials. I know each and every trail we are faced with are tailored made for us. They are NEVER meant to tear us down, they are only meant to strengthen us closer to God. I know everyone reading this email had been faced with hard times, and I just hope that you will be able to see that the hard things in life are for our benefit. Like my best friend Hermana Eishelle Whitney says, "... to have a heart like his." I know that if we will just trust God, he can lead our lives a whole lot better than we ever could.

Just to end, I want to share some of my favorite quotes:

"Disciples, like diamonds, are developed in a process of time and heavy pressures, and both the disciple and the diamonds reflect and magnify the light that comes through them." -Neal A. Maxwell

"How can you and I really expect to glide naively though life as if to say. "Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!"

-Neal A. Maxwell

I love you all so much!

With all my love,

Whit 헌새커 자매

Hunsaker Jamae

Our little Taebaek City

And this is us during 가가호호 (kaw kaw ho ho, or in America you call it knocking doors).

this is our new house............….

 

 

Who's ready for another update??

I think it is fun to start the blog with pictures so here we go!

10.06.2013

I can't believe September is already over!

          K this is real life!!! We were walking back from Emart and I look up and I see this. Just you know, drying out some fish!! 

Walking to Emart (kinda like wal-mart) and I thought it was a good
view of my little Sokcho City.

     

We were waiting for our investigator to get home from work, and they had little toys at their apt complex....so we took some pics ;)
                          

                                Hanging out some squid to dry! Haha so unreal to me!!

                             

Our last day teaching English class together before Elder Ghergori got
transfered.


Okay fun fact! Here in Korea #4 is SUPER UNLUCKY. So this week we went
to teach a new investigator and she lives on the 4th floor but there wasn't a number 4 and I was so confused and I just stared at it forever. Weird, huh. I thought ya'll would like seeing the F instead of 4.



Truth Is…..
It's ridiculously painful that I don't have time to tell you EVERYTHING that happened in my week. I'll share a few high lights, but know that I truly am having an inspired time here in Korea.

Hopefully you all were able to watch General Conference this Saturday and Sunday! Mom and Dad got to go with the Whitney's, luck ducks! I am so jealous! I have to wait until this next weekend for them to translate it into Korean. But "good things come to those who wait", right? I hope testimonies were strengthened as you heard the talks from the Lord's Servants. I also hope you were able to feel the love through the messages and truths being spoken of.

This week was amazing for one of our investigators. She has been meeting with Elders since 2008 and when we came to Sokcho they referred her to us. But she is ALWAYS busy. For real. So in the beginning it was hard to meet with her. So we just started going to her store to meet with her, and then someone would show up and it was impossible to teach! A few weeks ago we were thinking about dropping her but then we ran into her and her 2 adorable children on the street and she said she wanted me to start coming to their house to teach them English. So we've started doing that this week and it's been incredible! We are meeting more with her and being able to teach her and her children together in their home is 10000x's more better than in her store. They are really progressing and they really want the gospel (this is amazing to me and very rare here).

 One Monday we went to her store and gave her a gift. She always has American Songs playing in her store, and we thought it would be better if the music she played was more uplifting aka church music :) And so we have a lot of LDS/Religious/Gospel music and so we chose from this huge list and put together as a gift for her. When we took it to her she was SHOCKED (keep in mind this is the investigator that ALWAYS gives me free things. Actually, I don't know if I ever told you, but this woman gave me my flower backpack, and she gave me socks, and she buys us dinner, and she said she's going to buy me nutella...this woman is a Saint! ;) pun intended ;P okay sorry I'm so corny). So she opens her gift and we explain to her that it's American music (she LOVES American music) and we tell her it's like Church music and her joyful face turned sour faster than ever! Church music?!? Eww, gross! Who wants church music?! MY INVESTIGATOR that's who! She ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT, but she first had to listen. Since then she has thanked us over and over and tells us how much she loves it and she also tells everyone about how great we are. She is a huge blessing in my life!

This week we met with 2 "kind of" investigators, and neither of them believe in Jesus Christ. I found it difficult for me to listen to what they thought of Jesus Christ. The pain I felt when one woman said, "Christ failed" was indescribable. As I bore testimony to the other investigator, he repeatedly said, "that's your truth, not mine." I know it's my truth, and I'm trying to share it with you. This morning my companion shared  Moroni 7:12-19with me. Truth is, everything that is good stems from Jesus Christ.

Through this experience my testimony of Jesus Christ of our Lord and Savior has sky rocketed. I can't explain to you everything...but I can bear my solemn testimony of Him. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of Our Living and Loving Heavenly Father. He came to earth, just as we did, and received a body. He set the fine exemplary of how each of us should live our lives. He suffered for us in Gethsemane, he was beaten and bruised, and ultimately was crucified. He not only died for each and one of us who has lived, will lived, and is living on the earth~ but he LIVES for us! I know that through him is the only way we can receive eternal life and live with our Heavenly Father. I know that because He is my Savior and Redeemer, He will comfort me when I ask in faith. I know that if we will all humble ourselves and just listen to the Prophets who have, who will, and who do testify of Him, we will be filled with His pure love. I am forever grateful to wear His name on my chest every single day. I am so grateful that I get to share a message with people that is centered on Jesus Christ. There is nothing better than His example. Everyone has access to his life, and teaching in the scriptures. I hope each one of us strive to be like Him. Surely He lives, I know and feel that these things are true, and I bear my testimony in His name, the Savior and Redeemer of the World, Jesus Christ, amen.

I love each of you. I still pray for all of you. I'm grateful all of you pray for me and reply to my messages each week. I receive so much strength through your letters (especially those who share missionary experiences, it makes me want to work even harder).

I wish you a beautiful week, and just remember when times are tough...Monday's will ALWAYS come ;)

With all my love,

Whit 헌새커 자매

10.13.2013       God Is Always With You

I stand by what I said 6 months ago, "Conference is to missionaries as Disney World is to children."

I needed Conference. And I didn't have to watch it in Korean!! I got to watch it in my own language :) I'm such a lucky girl. Of course I took notes, I took A LOT of notes. My companion and I were talking about how we wished conference could be every month! Yes, it's that good. I believe every missionary looks forward to General Conference. I just want to share a few quotes that brought me comfort when I heard them, I'll start with my very favorite: (also, these may not be exact direct quotes...some of them are...well they may just be what the spirit told me)

"If the bitter cup doesn't pass, drink it and be strong!"

"Believe in miracles! Hope is never lost!"

"Broken minds can be healed just like broken bones."     -E. Holland

"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."

"God is perfect. His gospel is perfect. Realize mistakes will be made my man."    -Pres. Uchtdorf

"God can't allow the least amount of sin, because he knows what it takes to be like Him."

-E. Scott

"Tears fell from his sightless eyes."

"..best of times or the worst of times, He is with us."      -Pres. Monson

"Never look back. Look at what we still have to do."

"It doesn't matter where you serve, it's how you serve."     -E.Dube

"God gives us something to remember Him...trials."

"He should be our literal focal point."

"He could prevent the heart aching trial...but how would we learn to trust Him?"      -E. Vinson

"Never too young to learn, and never too old to change"

"None of us can stop being a child of God."       -E. Nelson

"It's impossible for us to fail when we are on the Lord's errand."

"If you have abiding hope within you, it's enough."      -E. Ballard

Okay~ that seems like enough, eh? :) Now let me tell you why I chose those specific quotes to share with you. Before conference I pondered on what I could ask the Lord. I came up with three questions, and all of these quotes that I have shared with you were the answer to my questions. All throughout conference I felt the spirit testify to me that God loves me, and ALL of His children.

If you didn't watch all of conference, go online and watch what you missed. All of the videos are there (that's how I watched them) and they are there SPECIFICALLY for YOU to watch them. Learn from them. Be comforted by them, just as I was. I can't emphasis enough the importance of general conference. If you are struggling in life (aren't we all ;) really?) think of a question you would ask the Lord, and then read or watch a conference talk, and I promise you, the Lord will speak to you and through the Holy Ghost you will receive an answer. If you don't, you aren't listening for His answer. God is always speaking to us. I hope none of us forget Him. 

As far as missionary work goes this week~ it was pretty normal. We have a mission standard for contacts each week. And our area is pretty spread out and it's difficult to reach that number each week. I spoke to an Elder who served here for 4 transfers and I asked him how many times he reached our mission standard for contacts and he said twice. I thought that was very sad. So me and my companion agreed that we would reach the mission standard every single week. Sooooo, last night we watched the Relief society broadcast after the 2 sessions of conference. It was about 7pm, and we still needed to go and visit a less active, eat dinner, and get 43 more contacts. I thought, "How is this possible?" Immediately after that thought I reminded myself of my favorite scripture, Luke 1:37. And let me just say, I know it's true. We were able to do all that we needed to, with God's help. Had we not met our goal, I think I would have been a little crushed. But because we worked hard and God knew the desires of our hearts, he made it possible.

Miracles: finally got the packages you guys sent! I got both of them at Zone meeting and everyone says, "sister hunsaker you are so popular", "everybody loves you", and one elder said, "those are from your boyfriend huh!" and I laughed (because we all know what happened to my boyfriend) and I said, "No, these are from my family!" and another sister said, "wow, can I date you family?" :) thanks for loving me guys! I do realize just how blessed I am to have all of you :) xxo

another miracle: I got my hair trimmed last pday and they DIDN'T chop my hair off!! Every american sister who gets their hair cut here, ends up gettin butched!, but I experienced a miracle :)

Oh this one is funny!: so we teach an English class for a less active member and one of the ladies said to me, "do you have a boyfriend?" (every time someone asks me that, I just laugh) I simply reply, "nope! :)" and she says, "do you have a korean boyfriend?" (keep in mind this is all in English) and I look at her funny and I explain to her I am a missionary, and I grab my tag and show her. Then she says, "do you think korean men are handsome?" Deep down I want to say, "NO!" but instead I say, "I don't really know because I'm american" (that answer works every time, they eat it up) and then she says, "well, I want you to be my daughter-in-law!" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I ABSOLUTELY DIED, and this woman was 100% dead serious. She explains to me that her son is wealthy and single and lives in America and needs a wife. I politely decline her offer and say, "I'm a missionary." I later found out that her son is 37 years old............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................what a miracle it is to be a missionary :)

I love you all so much! I know in this gospel we can all be happy, if we will just let God soften our hearts. I know God lives and I know our Savior does as well. They get me through my hard days here in Korea, and they laugh with me (I'm sure) when I have those moments.

Thank you for all you do for me!

xxo

Whit 헌새커 자매

Hunsaker Jamae

10.20.2013

Okay this is real life people. They hang their fish out to dry on

laundry racks!! I have that same laundry rack in my house, I put my
clean washed clothes on it to dry....and they put their clean washed
(maybe) fish out to dry. When I saw this, I started digging for my
camera in my bag and my companion just laughs and the story owner
comes out and wants to know if we want to buy the fish. My sweet
companion explains to her, "no she just think's this is funny so she
wants to take a picture, She's from America." Then the lady replies,
"ahhh, yeah." AS IF I'M THE WEIRD ONE BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS WEIRD!!!
I also said, "My mom is going to die when she see's this!"

Next pic is inside an apartment complex, we went to find a LA member
and I thought the view was incredible! Sokcho is so pretty!!

And this last pic I just wanted to show you guys this picture on my desk :) I love my family!!!  xoxo 

This is completely normal to see on a DAILY basis...and I love it :)

While my mom was down here in Las Vegas visiting my husband and I we decide to send Whit a package….  FULL of popcorn!!!   It's always fun to send her things that she would not expect.  The small things that can bring the biggest smile to someone's face.   We love our little Whitley.  :) 

Whitley emailed my mom one Sunday when I was up visiting and asked when we were going to draw names for Christmas.  This is something we have ALWAYS done and obviously Whit didn't think we would put it on hold this year while she was gone.  When my mom asked me about it I suggested we let Whitley & her companion draw names for us and tell us who we have.  I was hoping that in some small way she would feel like she is still part of our Christmas even though she cannot be with us.     So,  just in case you are all wondering who has who for Christmas this year…..   hahahah!  
Dad~ Marcio                  Momma~ Brady                        Zoey~ Skyler
BJ~ Dad                         Brady~ BJ                                 Marcio~ Momma
Skyler~ Whitley             Whitley~ Zoey

'Tis the Season!!! :)    Ya'll wanna know all this stuff, right?  I know Whitley will appreciate reading this when she gets home.   Once again, its the small things.

Can You Feel So Now?
Monday's are the absolute best when you are a missionary! :) Except it's the worst day when the first email the missionary reads is about their Father who was injured!!! Dad! I hope and pray that you will heal quickly. I'm also curious as to what you were doing so close to the cow that you let him kick you in the head?! I mean you're not the tallest guy in the world...but I don't think any cow can kick as high as you stand. ㅋㅋㅋ Okay all kidding aside, I was/am worried about you. I can't understand why men think they have to be so darn tough all the time! I'm grateful you listened and went to the hospital for stitches! And I also hope you get your tooth fixed ;) And most importantly I'm grateful you didn't receive any damage to your skull. I love you~ I hope all of you are taking care of yourselves and one another.

How's that for an opener for my email? Haha~ guys my week was so so so good. I don't really know why. It actually wasn't that good, but my companion and I worked really hard and we tried to have lessons with our investigators and find less active's but EVERY single appointment we had this week cancelled on us. But I am still happy because I know that even though we were let down by our investigators, we didn't let that get us down.

 

This coming week we have Branch Conference, and President Interviews. I'm personally more excited about the Interview with President than the Branch Conference. We've been working really hard all month to find all the "lost sheep" (or less active members) and invite them to church. I have no idea who these people are. I don't know their circumstances, why they aren't at church, or their conversion story....the only thing I know is that they are God's sheep, and he's asked me to go find them. In real life, I've never looked for a lost sheep, literally. But if it's anything like finding less actives in Korea, it's like finding a needle in a hay stack! It seems impossible! But if we all remember my favorite scripture, Luke 1:37, we know that it's not impossible! And this morning I read President Uchtdorf's Conference talk, "Come, Join Us" I think it's called? Anyway, it's excellent, one of my favorites!

So like I said, I don't know any of these less active members. I can barley remember their names...but I have this intense burning love for them that I can hardly control. Sounds odd, doesn't it? I know. And it feels even more strange...but then I remember who I am and it's not so strange. 3 Nephi 5:13, "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." Because I am God's missionary and a disciple of Jesus Christ I feel the love they have for these "lost sheep". I think that is AMAZING to be able to feel this love. And I know what I feel isn't even God's full love. I know God loves his children~ because I feel His love. I know that missionaries aren't the only people who can feel the love of God. Members hopefully feel it all throughout their week. And investigators when they are being taught. Missionaries all over the world just want to help you. We have this burning love inside us, to help~ in any way that we can. Please, let us help you.

I love all of you. I hope each of you feel God's love, and if you don't, go search for it. Some of you may know that God loves you because you once felt it, or maybe just that's what people say so you believe it. Whatever your reason, I want you to know that God's love is never ending~ so if you can't feel so now, I invite you to go back to church. I add my invitation to President Uchtdorf's...if you have felt God's love before, I wonder, can you feel so now? If not, come to church, renew your baptismal covenants with Heavenly Father, and help build up the Kingdom of God here on the earth. Nothing can bring you greater joy than when you are serving Heavenly Father and his children.

May God's love ever be with us. 

xxo

Whit 헌새커 Jamaenim

10.27.2013

I am pretty sure these exclamation marks solidifies the joy of the small things

okay!     I GOT YOUR PACKAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    :):):) You are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

my mission president thought maybe it was cereal, but I said, "no I bet it's hot tamales!" I  don't know why/how I thought/knew that :)   THANKS ZO!!!!!!!!!

Last Monday we had FHE after Pday, and it was our investigators little girls birthday....so we had a little surprise party for her!! It was so fun. She turned 11 and she is just about the most shy person in the whole world. Okay, not really. But we are forgetful and we didn't get a picture with her and her sign, so we just got one of us! 

We made this sign for her and her favorite color is white so we got like 30 white balloons and white streamers and then gave her a picture of all of us in a white picture frame. 

Birthdays are a big deal!! At least that's what I learned from Me'ma!

Where You Stand
When I type names to send emails, every single time I am so confused why nothing comes up when I type, "mom", "dad", "grandma", "emons"...hello, how many months have I been doing this?! I just want you all to know I'm still not perfect...yet ;)

Fun Fact: Zo sent me a package, and in that package was hot tamales (my favorite!!) and I gave one to my companion...remember how Korean's eat the spiciest food in the world?? Their food puts the spice in Mexican food to shame! Anyway I give her a hot tamale....and she just about dies because it's SO hot! Haha Korean's can't handle cinnamon spice and I think it's just the funniest thing.

The crazy lady at English class is still in love with me and wants me to marry her son. She speaks to the woman next to her (in korean) and she says, "Sister Hunsaker is so beautiful huh!" blah blah blah, and then she say's she wants to tempt me! WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!?! I don't know, but truly I am scared of this old woman.

Anyway, we had our branch conference. There was a goal of 70 people, and I think there were about 40 ish total. It was very spiritual. Even though I couldn't understand every word spoken, I definitely can't deny the spirit that I felt. During the meeting all of us missionaries ( Me, Sister Song, Elder Black, Elder Helsloot, and Sister Christensen~President's wife) sang, "The Hollow of Thy Hand" (I'm not entirely sure of the exact title of the song) we sang the "sister" version not the original "elder" version. And I had never heard that song before. It's on some missionary movie, I can't remember which one because I haven't seen it. ANYWAY, it's a great song, simple and true. In the song it says, "In the hollow of they hand let her faith in thee expand, let her testimony deepen and increase." The spirit touched my heart when I sang that because I that's happening to me. My testimony is deepening and increasing, and it's in insurmountable ways, it's truly a gift from God.

I am being held in the hollow of God's hand. He is leading me and guiding me every single day. Sometimes it's hard to follow where he wants me to go, because...I am scared of what man think of me(?)...I don't know. But it's just scary sometimes to stand for what's right, and what you know to be true. I remember before I was a missionary, I thought missionaries could just do anything they wanted! And I thought they were perfect and just angels! Now that I am a missionary, it doesn't really seem that way at all. I am human. I am imperfect (dang it!). I still have needs and fears just like anyone else. BUT unlike others, I get to wear Christ's name on my chest every single day. I am His missionary, and I will continue doing all I can to do his work. Which includes not only finding the lost sheep, and bringing new one's in, but also strengthening the one's still here. I've learned that our testimonies need to be strengthened and nourished every single day~ when we fail to do that, it's a "no duh" to me why we fall into Satan's traps. Repentance isn't something we need only when we have to go to our Bishop...repentance is something we all need to do DAILY. I'm so grateful for the Savior's Atonement that helps me feel clean again. God can come into our lives, we just have to ask for his help. I hope we can all stand in the hollow of God's hand.

With all my love,

Whit

헌새커 자매

Hunsaker Jahma

I big fat THANK YOU to everyone who is supporting Whitley & our family while she is out on her mission.  It could be the thoughts and prayers you say on our behalf, the letters you send to Whitley, the questions you may ask us about her…  whatever it is, we are very grateful for your support!   THANKS AGAIN!!!  

Back at it again

Hey Everyone!  I hope you have all had a chance to get caught up on the blog!  Whit has had a lot of great things happen for her in the last few weeks and depending on the length of the letters of the rest of September & October I just might be able to fit in the news without overwhelming people. If not, you'll just have to keep pulling up the blog to check things out.   PS - I think I may have figured out the picture thing - CROSS YOUR FINGERS!!!!

09.25.2013
We went to the ocean....and this was the first time in my life that I
seen a real live jelly fish! I thought it was just about the coolest
thing ever. Also~ thanks to Disney movies I know what a lot of things
in the ocean are, however; Disney makes things a LOT more big.

We had to walk on the bridge and then under neath the bridge to get to
this little island to get to the ocean. Hard to explain, and maybe
imagine...but it's real cool. The little island we went to they
apparently have filmed Korean Drama's there and it's a very famous
place here in Sokcho.

This was on Friday...we taught an English class for a Less Active Member, and one of the ladies in the class said, "You have Barbie eyes." Hahaha I died laughing :)

While we were knocking doors I seen this, and I died laughing! Man, I hate it when my baby slips! hahahahha

God Knows Better
I seen SO MANY miracles this week :) I'm so excited to tell you about them!

So you seen the pictures of the jelly fish- I still think that's one of the coolest things I have seen in Korea.

On Tuesday I learned a very powerful lesson. So let me give some back ground info. Last week at district meeting, Elder Hone (Zone Leader) gave us some advice for helping our area here in Sokcho...and because we don't have tons of investigators we are focusing on the less active members. So to sum it up basically Elder Hone said that if people don't want to be visited we have to let them go for a season. And I REALLY didn't like hearing that. Because I don't give up on people. I just keep trying and trying. And that's kind of what I intended to do. So Tuesday we go and knock on 3 less active doors and this is what happened! The first one didn't answer the door- we looked in the window (which was open) and we seen someone laying down on the floor, but we can only see their hand. By the way we are with the Elders doing this. And at first they were trying to be all sneaky about it and so I said, we don't need to be sneaky about it, just talk to them. But they just ignored us! Maybe they were asleep....but I mean my voice is loud and I think they heard us. So that hurt...being ignored like that (but it happens a LOT). So we walk to the next persons house and while we were walking I was thinking to God, and I just thought why aren't you helping us? So the second door. We knock and knock and knock. We forgot our phone at home that day so the Elders called the member and he said in a nut shell, don't come to my house I don't want to meet with you. So again, I think to God, why aren't you helping us? Then we finally go to the third persons house and only her daughter was home, but we got to talk to her for a few minutes. And while we were talking to her I thought, maybe that's why the first two didn't answer the door because God wanted us to talk to her.

*Lesson learned: God knows better. I should never doubt or ask him why he isn't helping us, of course he's helping. He see's things differently than I do. So because I don't receive help the way I want, I assume I'm not being helped. BUT in reality, God knows better.

 On Wednesday, to finish our day we went knocking doors and it was the very first door I knock and I begin speaking in Korean and she stops me in the middle of my sentence and says, "where are you from?" and I was SHOCKED! And replied, "America. Where are you from?" and she says, "china!" OOPS!!!!!!!!!! She's not Korean~ I didn't even know! Immediately she invites us in to her home. THAT NEVER HAPPENS!~ I wrote a few weeks back and told you that happened during exchanges, so this was the first time me and sister song got to experience it. AND I got to teach in English! I began by explaining our purpose of knocking on their door, and they seen the Book of Mormon in my hand and asks what it is. So I testify that it is a true book and that's actually why I'm a missionary. Then they look through it (I had an English copy in my bag...all credit to the Holy Ghost) and they see the picture of Moroni with the plates. Then this woman's husband notices the snow in the picture (who notices the snow in that picture?...no one! or a very observant/intelligent human being. Which he was and I felt a little intimidated to teach him because he is so smart!) And he comments about where Moroni is, he guessed some where in Europe and I tell him it is America. Instantly he is amazed and wants to know how the Book of Mormon came about. So I taught him about Joseph Smith and recited the first vision and testified that he can know if the book it true for himself. And we even got a return appointment and should be meeting with them this week! I am so pumped!!! 

Then Thursday was Mom's Birthday...;) and my half way...what a miracle that is!

Friday~ I am told that I have Barbie eyes...not really much of a miracle, but sure why not.

Saturday~ we met with a less active who is just about the cutest woman I ever met in Korea! And she is practically fluent in English so I got to talk with her a lot! As we are talking she mentions that she goes to another church.....and again my heart breaks. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?! Better question...why? I don't know. But God does. He sees things I can't, and I had to remind myself of that, and that God knows better. Then to end our night we go knock doors and the same thing happened, a sweet 80 year old Korean lady invites us into her apartment and we teach her about the Book of Mormon, and she told us she is gone a lot because her husband is ill so they go to doc. app.s a lot, but she told us to come back this week and meet with her!

Sunday~ This one is my favorite miracle! Okay so we got a referral from one of our investigators (except she's not really an investigator cause we haven't taught her in forever). So they tell us this man was involved in a car crash in America and he needs help reading some documents, and then they want our Family English Program (30 mins teach English, 30 mins teach gospel). So long story, December 30, 2013 this man and his wife were on a Bus in Oregon and it crashed, as a result 9 people were killed (maybe some of you back home remember seeing this on the news?) This man was critically injured and had to be lifeflighted. And sadly, his wife was one of the nine who were killed. So he was in the hospital for 43 days. And now he is back here in Korea and he is getting tons and tons of bills and documents from Oregon and he can't understand them because he doesn't really know English. So that's where my companion and I come in. I read all his documents and then simply tell my companion what it is and then she explains more to him in Korean. Honestly- I didn't feel like much help. But we did all that he asked and answered all his questions. I just wanted to hug this man (but hi I can't cause I'm a missionary). He has such a warm heart and he was so grateful to us, but we didn't really do that much. We are going to their home this week and will start the 30:30 program. I want to teach him about eternal families SO BAD!! I want this man to know that he will see his wife again!

That's what my week was...just full of miracles and tender mercies from the Lord. I reflected on my week and I wondered why I got to experience all the joys and aches that I felt. There isn't really anything in particular that I did. And if I had it my way I would of chosen to feel a lot more joy and a lot less ache...and maybe all of you feel the same way about your lives? I don't know why things happen the way they do. I don't know why whatever we want to have happen, doesn't happen. The only answer I have is, God knows better. 

I love being God's missionary!

With all my love,

Whit 清货目 磊概

Whit has loved each and every one of her companions.  :)  I am so grateful she has been blessed with such great companions that help her each and every day.

Dedicate Your Heart    9.22.2013

This was a very long, and eventful week! I wish it were possible to tell ya'll everything that happened...here's to trying! :)

So I tell my companion I see crazy things all the time in Sokcho, but she always misses it! Let me share with you one event: Monday after emailing we went to the 시내 (downtown) to do some stuff and as we are walking I am talking to Sister Song, about something (I can't remember) and I'm looking across the road and I see this man and a cute little girl (maybe 3 years old). And out of no where a car comes and almost runs over the little girl. But this man saved her life, and he completely protected this baby girl. It was like she was the nut in a shell. He got hit by the car and it launched him forward- and somehow graciously still landed on his feet. Now, you can imagine the anger anyone would have if you were this man. But he was very calm. He set the little girl on the ground and he squatted down in front of her and I'm sure he's checking to see if she's okay and she is entirely oblivious to what just happened~ and she just wraps her little arms around his neck. For real, it was so crazy. 

Anyway more about missionary work eh? :) Actually this week wasn't too full of missionary work. I told you it was the Korean Thanksgiving so we went into Seoul and slept at the Temple again so we could go to our conference. But it wasn't just an ordinary conference. As you can notice, I don't write home a lot about investigators being taught or receiving baptism...because it doesn't really happen a lot here in Korea. My mission President thought something needed to be done- so instead of doing something like rededicating the entire mission- he wanted all of us missionaries to rededicate ourselves to the Lord in our missionary work. So we had a mission wide fast from Wednesday after lunch to Thursday~ and then we broke our fast together at the conference. It was an amazing experience.

We were also given some time for testimonies. Immediately I felt the spirit tapping on my heart, telling me to go up and share mine. But there were SO MANY people that went up so I ignored the tapping. I peacefully listened to the testimonies and found that mine was strengthened. Every few testimonies I thought, "maybe I should go share mine." But there were so many people, so I didn't. Then there was the last missionary who stood (and of course we were already over time, and I could hear stomach's growling) as he was talking my heart just pounded louder and HARDER than I've ever experienced in my life. I finally couldn't take it anymore and I walked up to the stand. As he was finishing up, I felt my hands just sweating and my legs were trembling (I'm usually not that nervous, it was different). My testimony was short, "...I tried to fight the spirit, but I should never do that because I never win...Heavenly Father hears every single one of our prayers, and I can't fathom that...He wanted me to stand today, and testify that I know He lives. I also know his son, Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. I know that the spirit we all feel in our hearts is real. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." 

I truly feel like I am more dedicated than I ever have been to missionary work. I feel it in my heart. I'm not concerned about the things I used to be concerned about. Or about the things that use to have all my attention. Some of you may wonder what exactly that means. Some of you may wonder how am I just figuring this out after 9 months of being a missionary. And it's not something NEW that I am learning, it's just some of my roots digging DEEPER~ something I've gained a stronger testimony from.

In a missionaries call letter it says, "You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church...You will also be expected to devote all your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs. As you do these things, the Lord will bless you and you will become an effective advocate and messenger of the truth." I feel this promise taking it's place in my heart.

My companion got to skype her family (because of the holiday the Koreans call home different times than us Americans and remember her parents are both deaf) and she told me after that they all said she has changed. And she was kind of looking for some confirmation from me to say, "no you haven't changed." But instead I just nodded. And she looked at me puzzled. And I said, "I hope after 5 months of being on your mission that you've changed." That didn't seem to satisfy her. So I continued telling her my reasons why a missionary should change during their mission.

I remember in the MTC I felt the change taking place. Remember I complained to you guys for writing me like I was Sister Hunsaker and not Whitley? I was trying so hard to hold on to me. Then I noticed when I was writing you, it wasn't Whitley writing you, it was Sister Hunsker. And although I am still Whitley, I've realized the longer I am on my mission, I feel more like Sister Hunsaker.

 

**********Does this make sense?

Anyway, I'm rambling and what I'm trying to say is, yes I have changed. I hope I have changed. I hope all missionaries see a change in themselves. And I hope that change is all of us becoming more like our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

I'm creating so many memories with all the missionaries I'm serving with. I am so grateful for them <3. I am so grateful to be the Lords missionary.

Also this coming Saturday is transfer calls, again. This transfer flew by and it was longer than the usual 6 weeks. We have like 10 new Sisters coming. Everyone is telling me I'll be training...so prayers would be good :)

Dad I'm always praying for your safety while you work. I want you to know I am so grateful for you, even though you are so busy, you take time to write me, and it means the world to me! I love you.

Mom, I love hearing about your week :) your emails are good. And you are so strong. I'm glad you had a happy birthday, and I'm proud of you that you are doing service and finding happiness!

Zo&Bj I hope the dogs are feeling better. I got another card from you zo :) I hope you guys are always safe and happy!

Braid&Mark I haven't heard a lot from you. Hope your vegas trip was fun! And I assume you're both just working? Are you starting another semester of school?

Sky---One email a week isn't too much to ask is it? I mean yeah your arm is broken, but come on! Send me an email you punk! I LOVE YOU. 

Grandma and Grandpa! I got your email :) So if you have time you can reply back to this email. I love you two! I'm glad you are both in good health, I hope you enjoy your last few weeks in Utah before heading to Arizona.

There is nothing more important than this gospel. There is nothing more important than God. I know this life is truly our time to prepare to meet Him (Alma 34:32). I know that ALL OF US need to improve in our relationship with God. There is no better way of strengthening your relationship with Him than to dedicate your heart more fully to Him. I challenge all of you to seek God more. Pray stronger. Dig deeper. Serve harder. 

That's about all I have for this week.

Whenever times are hard just remember, Monday will always come! :)

With all my love,

Whit Jean 헌새커 자매

President's Wife, Sister Christensen

So our Zone went on a hike on Saturday. I'll have you know this hike
just about killed me. Today is the worst pain I've felt in my body
(legs) since who knows how long! Wow!!!

We went on a hike on Saturday because this week was Korean
Thanksgiving (Chusok) and missionary work isn't really possible during
that time. This is probably the biggest holiday of the year. So we had
cleaning day on Friday, and then Saturday was our pday.

The Mountain is called Sorak (Solak?) Mountain....look it up on the
internet. It's huge! When we ride the bus to Seoul I always look at
this mountain, and think, "I wonder what it's like to be on top of
that." Well, now I know. And it's absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I was in awe
as I looked at my view. I think God had a lot of fun creating this
earth for us :)

We had mission conference this week for 추속 (Korean Thanksgiving).

My missionaries! <3 We are getting bigger and bigger... :)

Never Give Up   9.29.2013

So THANKFULLY, I'm not being transferred :) Sister Song and I get to be here in Sokcho at least one more transfer together. Next transfer we have 17 new Sister Missionaries coming...so maybe we'll both be training then! :0 Yikes!! Also, I just want to let you all know how proud I am of the youth. It's amazing how many missionaries are flooding the earth <3

A lot of you have emailed and asked about how the work is, and how my area is, and how I'm liking my mission. It's kind of hard to answer those questions...but here it goes:

As far as our area goes...it's still pretty hard. We've been here about 10 weeks (and remember we opened the area~ Sister Missionaries haven't been here in over 15 years) and we still don't have any progressing investigators :( It's hard. It really is. I don't know why it is this way. I've thought about how hard we work, and our obedience, and everything that goes in to missionary work. There isn't really a rhyme or reason (that I've found) as to why things are this way. NEVERTHELESS, I do know that God knows our circumstances. I know He is very aware of our potential investigators and all the people here in Sokcho...and all of you around the world.

I really liked what Grandma and Sister Danielle Whitney wrote me this week. Talking about how we need members to help do missionary work. In our white hand book it says to only write positive things home, but I feel like I need to include this. Yes, we have less actives in our area. About 200+. That's real life. We have 6 active members and 6 missionaries (2 elders, 2 sisters, and a senior couple.) We have TRIED so hard to visit less actives. We meet with our Branch President every week (who is the Senior couple, and he goes home in November~ which means Elders here will have to be Branch President) and he tells us which less active families to visit. We try to get our few active members to come visit with us. But they wont. They think that if people fall away they will NEVER come back. But that's not true! But here in Korea, it just seems to be that way? And all the less actives we have visited (except for maybe three) all have another religion. And one of the main reasons they are less active is because they got offended by someone. I remember Sister Eishelle Whitney writing home about his a few months ago, and she said, "It's not worth it...and it's not worth your eternal salvation." I just want to say amen to that! It's ridiculous to me that people choose to be offended. 

So I've been told our area, used to be were all the "bad missionaries" were sent to. The mission president before mine, sent all the lazy missionaries out here. And no sisters existed out here so me and my comp got sent out here to open the area, and we feel like it's a dying area. It's tough. I never thought I'd be facing anything like this...I don't know what more we can do. We've tried just about everything we know. Our Zone Leaders and they always tell us that our Mission President says he doesn't send lazy missionaries out to 강원도 (country side, where we are serving). And the other day I called President regarding other things and before he hung up the phone he asked how Sister Song and I are doing and I said we're good. And he said, "Never give up, okay??"

Every Friday we have our 3 hour weekly planning, and I haven't cried since being here (about 10 weeks) but on Friday after weekly planning, I just broke. I cried to my companion and just expressed to her what I was feeling with the hardships in our area. We are both sort of at a loss of what to do. But we both concluded that we need to rely on the Lord. He knows what is best. He knows what his children need, and I know we just need to live worthy to receive that revelation.

So bottom line, (sorry that I ramble and I'm all over the place) it's really tough out here...but I'm learning and growing every day :) And even though it's hard, I am finding happiness along the way. I am so happy to be a missionary in Korea. I am so happy I get to learn more about our Savior and His teachings, and that I get to grow closer to Him. I love you all, and I am enjoying my mission~ despite all the hardships I've faced, I wouldn't change my mission experience for anything in the world.

And even though I haven't had a baptism in over 4 months, I know that I am still a successful missionary. I know God is proud of the work my companions and I do together. I know that because I feel it. I'm grateful for the ability we have to feel a little piece of Heaven through the Holy Ghost (no wonder the word of wisdom was revealed~how could you feel the holy ghost if you are influenced by alcohol or drugs). ANYWAY :) I am grateful I get to feel everything I am feeling. I know God lives, and I know Jesus Christ lives too. I know they know each and every one of us. They know how to help us, we all must be humble enough to let go of our will, and ask for the help of heaven. No matter what you are facing, I hope all of you can all feel the motivation, love, and sincere comfort that I did from my Mission President's words, and Never Give Up, OKAY?? :)

With all my love,

Whit Jean 헌새커 자매

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 
― Maya Angelou

We had lunch at a Buffet, called Ashley's. It's super famous here in
Korea. It's supposed to be like American food....but I mean lets be
real, it's not really American at all. Their potatoe wedges are bomb
though. And Ketchup and Mustard and Pepsi tastes exactly like it does
in America, so I'll give them that.

 

This particular Ashley's is inside the Kensington Resort in Sokcho.
It's pretty famous. The Missionary Couple took us there because Elder
Ghergori (right) is being transfered this week. I have a lot of fun
with these Elders. I'll admit SOMETIMES (about 50% of the time) it's
frustrating working with Elders. But it's literally one of those
things like, can't live with 'em, and can't live without 'em.

Well…  since I got the pictures to work I didn't get as far as I wanted to - however - I am hoping to get another update done Monday or Tuesday so stay tuned!