Elder Whiting

Elder Whiting is the President of the Asia North Area. He usually visits each mission once a year. We had the privilege of having him come to visit our mission, when we had been here for less than one month. We headed for Seoul with our trusty GPS. I don’t know what we would do without our GPS. I must tell you they drive a little crazy here. It’s not as bad as Romania, or the Philippines.  However, if someone were to take a video of me in the car I’m sure it would be very entertaining. I have decided when my doctor put me on blood pressure medication, it was a blessing that is currently saving my life. So many times as we are driving down the street, I cover my eyes and say, “we are going to die!” I’m convinced that without my blood pressure medication, I would have a stroke, or a heart attack.

The chapel in Seoul was so nice and much better than the others we had been to here in Korea. There was an underground parking lot, along with an above ground parking lot. It had four floors and two elevators. 

It had a beautiful chapel, and a large amusement hall. The chapel was filled with all the missionaries in our mission. The spirit was so strong. You could feel the reverence in the room.

The President started by telling us how important it is to have the same thoughts as our companion. He quoted D&C 6:23 “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?”  He explains how it is to have peace of mind, is a powerful way to know we are headed in the right direction. 

We plant a seed as we have ideas and it will grow, as stated in Alma 32:28. He remind us to always hold to the rod like in Lehi’s dream, and how it leads to the desirable fruit.

We were reminded that free agency is one of our greatest gifts.  

He asked one of the missionaries to stand up and describe the taste of salt. We then talked about how do you describe what the Holy Ghost feels like to someone you are teaching the gospel to. We should ask questions like, “Do you feel something different?” 

We were there for five hours with a lunch break. When it was time for lunch, Elder Whiting handed each of us our lunch. Much like the Savor washing the disciple’s feet. Later, when his wife spoke to us she challenged us to make each teaching location a sacred place, by teaching by the spirit.

I won’t make this blog post five hours long by sharing everything with you, but just know we had a lot to think about. That happens a lot on a mission. It gives you time to figure out what is really important. What do you really want to do with your time left here on earth? How should we face challenges? 

How do we learn to hear our father’s will, and then have the courage to do what he wants you to do? I have learned to pray in more detail, for things I didn’t dare pray for before. It has magnified how much I love my family and friends.    

When I say family, I also mean my ward family. Without their love and support the last three years would have been so much more difficult. My burdens were made light because my loved ones helped me carry them. My loved ones are also my example of Christ like love. THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR ME!