I am not entirely sure what I did to the formatting on this blog but it looks like these letters are going to be in all sorts of different formats…. we are all over the place!! me + technology = STRUGGLES :)
Also, you may start to notice some of the emails are fairly short. Whitley has learn that some of the church members and/ or investigators have found this blog (which she loves and is pleased with) and has asked that I not share the personal experiences about any of the investigators thru the Internet. She would never intentionally hurt someones feelings and feels it is best to limit any and all conflicts that may arise. She loves the people in Korea, she loves the people she has the opportunity to teach, and she is so grateful to be serving there, the last thing she would want to do is offend them.
Advancing in Knowledge
January 5, 2014
"He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus refuses to be blessed. To know Him is 'life eternal', and to advance in the knowledge of Him is to increase in happiness. He who does not long to know more of Christ knows nothing of Him yet."
This morning I read this quote and it touched my heart.
I know that whoever chooses not to grow in the knowledge of Jesus is refusing to be blessed. I know that because during the duration of my mission, I have come to know my Savior, and though knowing him, I've received numerous blessings. I know that because I know Him, I can have 'life eternal', for He is, 'the bread of life'; it's one of His names. And because I have had this unique opportunity to be a missionary in Korea, I truly have increased in happiness. I've never been more happy in my life, than as a missionary, and I believe it's because I really am getting to know my Savior. If you don't long to know more of Christ, you know nothing of Him, yet. For, 'every knee shall bow and every tongue confess', because he is 'life eternal' he is never ending. So the knowledge that we can attain about him and from Him will/can also be never ending.
This week has been a roller coaster. A missionary's life isn't always on cloud nine. We have moments of weakness too, but we know how to overcome our many weaknesses through the Savior. This week in particular has been difficult and thrilling at the same time. An Elder that I've been serving with for the majority of my mission went home this week(not by choice). It took a huge toll on me and therefore my companion and my desire for missionary work. I could foresee what the destruction of his absence could bring, and I was determined to not let that happen. And through the tender mercies of my Lord and Savior, I have found peace, and my wounds have been healed. I am so grateful for my Savior. I know that He lives! I know that He is the way. I'm humbly grateful for the opportunity to wear his name one my chest every day.
I hope this New Year looks bright for all of you, and especially you will all realize that as you advance in knowledge of Christ, your life will truly be brightened. Even though it's only been a few days into our New Year, my companion and I are seeing blessings just pour upon us. We've found people to teach, and people for Elders to teach. And it's not because we are amazing, it's because we are letting Christ work through us. We've been blessed with the gift of tongues as we speak with people. We've learned how to make more Korean food (yes BJ, I'm excited too ;) haha). We've even had a few incidences in which we were slightly stalked/followed, and even spooked/hollered, yet we are still finding that our comfort and protection coming from Christ. He is the source of all that which is good. Of these things I know, I bear them in His name, even Jesus Christ, amen.
With all my love,
Whit Hunsaker Jamae
Where Do We Go?
January 12, 2014
Mom sent me a story that Gma Nelson sent her for Christmas and I want to share it because
it really touched my heart. So here it is:
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read "HEAVEN GROCERY STORE."
As I got a little closer the door came open wide,
and then next thing I know, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere.
One handed me a Basket and said, "My child, shop with care".
Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store,
and all you couldn't carry you could go back for more.
further down was UNDERSTANDING, you need that everywhere you go.
I got a box of WISDOM, a big bag or two of FAITH,
and I just couldn't miss the HOLY SPIRIT, for it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run the race.
By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE.
I did not forget SALVATION, for salvation was free.
So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
for I thought I had everything I needed to do my Master's will.
When I went up the aisle I saw PLAYER and I just had to put that in,
for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run dry into sin.
SONGS OF PRAISES were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the angel, "Now how much do I owe?"
He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
He smiled again and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill along time ago."
Even though "Christmas Time" is over, I know that any time is a time for Christ. And I really loved this because I can say that I know this is true. EVERYTHING we need in life, is given by Christ. Some say it's free, but if we understood this story we know that there are some things we have to do. The story didn't say that this person was handed all these things. They walked into the store, they were looking for the things they wanted/needed. How many times do the scriptures tell us, "seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened"...? We have to do the seeking. That's the price we pay. We put in our effort to find Him. Patience, Love, Understanding, Wisdom, Faith, Holy Spirit, Strength, Courage, Grace, Salvation, Prayer, Peace and Joy, and Songs of Praises what an amazing store :) I'm so grateful this gospel has all of this and more. I know here in the Gospel of Jesus of Christ, we will never hunger nor thirst, because He is the Bread and Water of life.
There has been many times in my life when I didn't know where to go, or what to do. Many of you that I'm contacting with back home are in this same place. It's like we are waiting for something...but what? Something to heal us. Something to make us happy. Something that will show us where to go, and what to do. That's the first step. You recognize that something isn't right. Something is missing. What is missing is Christ. He may be part of your lives, but how much of your life are you letting him be a part of? He shouldn't be just in some parts, HE should be our life!! Many of you ask me, "how are you so happy?" or "how do you have so much courage and faith?" or "how are you so sure?" Let me just share one scripture with you that'll sum it all up. Look in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." That is my answer today, that that will be my answer forever. Christ is always the way.
Remember Him, Turn to Him, ASK HIM, what it is that HE would have YOU do.
With all my love,
Whit Hunsaker Jamae
Pictures
January 19, 2014 8:00:43 PM PST
So I haven't sent pics in a few weeks!
This first one is me and Sister Ellis on New Years day...we climbed a mountain. Are we crazy? You already know that answer, YES! When I was in Sokcho, remember me telling ya'll about that? And I said I was never going to climb another mountain.....well I lied apparently. And I climbed one in the middle of WINTER!!! And to answer your questions, yes it was FREEZING, no I don't ever want to do it again ;) haha
Second one, the amazing view.
Third, Dad I thought you'd appreciate this snow carving. In Taebaek they have Snow Festival going on right now. All over the city are just huge snow carving. And it's just about the coolest thing. Anyway this one wasn't completely done, but I thought it was cool.
More snow carvings!
December is over.......how?!
I love Kim.
January 19, 2014 8:08:35 PM PST
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Making Kim Bab! This is my all time FAVORITE Korean food, and I learned how to make it :)
And this is Kim! For those of you who don't know what Kim is, it's dried seaweed! And it's thee most delicious food in Korea. Haha my old investigator in Sokcho sent me a package with some food, and of course she included my favorite food.
Oh The Joys!
January 19, 2014 8:45:58 PM PST
I just looked at my companion and said, "I don't even remember this week, I don't know what to write."
The last couple days have been long and cold. We've been working really hard in our area, planting a lot of seeds. Even though I've hit my "one year" mark, it's still rough waking up in the mornings...haha Dad, I guess you were right. Ya'll know that I've always loved my sleep though. Ever since I was a babe, clear up until being a college student, I always would fall asleep. Lately I feel like it's just as I lay down and close my eyes, the alarm goes off. This seems like a "I can't catch a break" letter, but my feeling is actually quite opposite. I am so grateful that I feel, as one of my leaders in the MTC put it, "dog whipped tired." Because that is the evidence that I'm working and doing what I'm supposed to be doing.
The past few weeks I feel like I've been more concerned for my investigators than I ever have in my entire mission. I just feel this huge sense of urgency to teach them the truth, and for them to accept and apply what we are teaching. I'm not sure why I haven't felt this as strongly as I feel it now. But I'm just trying to figure out my own emotions as a missionary. - Whitley went on to explain a few things about a few of her investigators -
I don't know if the other missionaries out there feel the same way I do...but I just feel like I understand, know, and feel this gospel is true...I'm just having a hard time teaching it. It's frustrating. I said to my companion, "I don't know how to teach it, I just know it's true." Oh, the joys and blessings of being a missionary :) I'm so grateful for this hardship, because I know that because of this trial, I will be able to be a better teacher for my children.
I love my life as a missionary.
With all my love,
Whit Hunsaker Jamae
Words.
January 26, 2014 9:34:04 PM PST
As I sit here reading all the emails from ya'll...I'm disturbed my the words of others that surround me. Young teens here learn English swear words and say them like it's nothing. But I understand because when I learn Korean, it doesn't really mean anything to me, until my heart and mind are connected to the word. Maybe the same goes for these kids around me, [maybe] they have absolutely no connection to the words they are saying.
So why is it that words have such an impact on us?
I was asked this question a few weeks back. Since then, I've often wondered what it is about words that have such a huge impact on our lives.
In this letter Whit mentions a milestone with one of the investigators are says this: "I've seen the spirit work within her, and it's amazing to see her grow. (Seriously is this what parenting feels like?)"
As for my other investigators, we couldn't meet the one who likes beer this week. She cancelled on us like 2 hours before our lesson. But within the minute of her cancelling, the Relief Society President called me and asked me to meet her at the church to meet a Less Active. So we did! :) and this Less Active came to church this Sunday too! :) That was a very special lesson I learned~ missionary work TRULY is done SO MUCH BETTER when a MEMBER is INVOLVED and when the MEMBER is the one who INVITES THE MISSIONARIES, not the other way around. The lesson we had with this Less Active woman would have NEVER worked had it just been us trying to coordinate it all. It was amazing. And that's something I will carry with me forever. Missionaries:After you return home from your mission, be the member you wanted on your mission.
Whitely also went on to share a story about her very dear friend in the hospital. In the middle of the update she said this: An Elder shared a scripture with him and I felt prompted to sing, I Am A Child Of God. Whitley asked her friend if they cold sing and he said yes. I sang the first line solo to start us off, and he just looked at me and then he began to smile. All the missionaries joined in with me, and when everyone joined in, HE BEGAN TO SING WITH US! The spirit filled my heart as we sang together. Her friend is/was expected to be transferred so she was not sure when/if she would get to see him again.
Words. They are so important to us. And some words I hope we can all remember is, "I am a child of God".
With all my love!
Whit Hunsaker Jamae
Pics
January 26, 2014 9:55:28 PM PST
This is Brother Bak and Elder Jang in the kitchen doing the dishes :)
And this is one set of Elders I'm serving with. Elder Jang and Elder Hone actually go home the same time that I do. I've really loved serving with them! :)
Haha oh so this third picture....remember I said I went to the snow festival? We were walking past this sign and Sister Ellis said, "Hey, look Sister Hunsaker! It's you!" So I came back and took a picture with it....and every Korean really thinks that girl on the poster thing is me :)
It was Elder Fronk's Birthday so we went and "heart attacked" him and gave him some Korean snacks! :)
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