Elder Burridge - Korea Seoul South Mission: Week 8

WOW, it's crazy to think that I've been here for 8 weeks already and It's even crazier to think that I'll be leaving for Korea in 5 days!!! As unprepared as I feel I am ready to speak Korean all day everyday, I'm so excited to get to Korea and to start serving the people! I'm trying to forget about my 13 hour plane ride but if you could all keep me in your prayers, that I can remain calm during that flight, it would be greatly appreciated haha.

This last week has been super exciting but also a little bit overwhelming. Ever since we got our flight plans on Friday, the days have been flying by and it's actually a little sad. I'm going to miss all the experiences and friends I've made here at the M.T.C. No one told me I would have to say a ton of more goodbyes after leaving for my mission! But, it's super exciting to think about all the great work our district and zone will do, and we are all ready to be in the field and to get to work!

We have In field Orientation tomorrow and then Saturday we have to say bye to our teachers :( Both of my teachers are amazing and I've learned so much from them. Brother Watts is amazing at Korean and truly cares so much about each of us. And he is returning to visit Korea next year so he is going to visit us so that's exciting! Sister Zundell is really awesome too. She teaches so well and we always seem to have something hilarious happen each lesson or class time we have with her. I was truly lucky with both of them! My next teacher will be my first companion basically. I'm excited to meet my trainer and then I'll be with them for the first 12 weeks in the field so all the way until December!!!!

Last night's devotional we heard an awesome message from Sister and Brother Clayton of the 70 presidency. Sister Clayton had the best advice to leave us as we prepare to leave this week. She gave us 4 suggestions:

1.Note the miracles in life. As we keep track of the miracles each day we can see how much of the "Earth is Crammed with heaven". As I've been at the M.T.C, I've kept a gratitude book to keep track of what I'm thankful for each day. I'd encourage everyone to write down any miracles and blessings they feel each day so you can pay attention to just how amazing God's hand is in the World.

2.Trust in Heaven. "If we work our hardest by the grace of God it will be enough".

3. Be patient. "Everything takes time". We think in terms of right now and tomorrow and God thinks in terms of lifetimes and eternals. We have to be patient and know that all things will come eventually and that everything will work out for the best in the end through God's plan.

4. Live with Love. "If we live with love God will help us". We have to love every person in the world like our family, because we are all sisters and brothers. Through love, service and charity we can impact the lives of so many people and serve as our savior did. I want to try and love every person I meet in Korea and do whatever I can to serve them.

These 4 suggestions were just what I needed as I prepare to leave the M.T.C this week and I hope you all can apply them in your life one way or another too.

I love and miss you all so much and greatly appreciate all the love and support from back home!

Until next time from KOREA!! (My P-day will be on Monday in Korea so Sunday night back home!)

사 랑 해 요!!! ( Love you all!)
버 리 지 장 로 (Elder Burridge)