Christmas Time in Korea

Christmas is a wonderful time, but can be a lonely time when you are far from home. Friday we had a great day. We were in the food court waiting for our Osan Branch Christmas Party. A young man came up to us, and introduced himself. 

He is a Marine that has only been in Korea for a little over a month, and was heading back to Japan. It was fun hearing about his story. He was engaged when he decided to join the church. 

He had gone to church on and off for two years, when he decided to get baptized. He told his fiancée that she was free to do what she wanted about religion. She called the missionaries to take the lessons. She was baptized in the morning before they got married that night. We left the food court to go to the Christmas party.   

. It was an amazing turn out. The children were so excited to be celebrating with their friends, they were running around, laughing and playing. The whole room was filled with the holiday spirit. Everyone enjoyed the energy of the "almost out of control" children. The happiest moment of my evening was when I saw a sister that I hadn’t seen for several weeks. 

She gave us an update of her mother’s health. The last we heard the mother’s doctors felt the mass in her lungs was most likely cancer. After the surgery, and a biopsy, they were pleased to report there was no cancer. She has had a difficult time changing her work schedule so she could go to church. 

Starting the beginning of the year she will be able to return to church. She was delighted. I have felt a special bond with her. She was a very special Christmas present.   

We went to catch the bus going to Camp Humphrey’s, that turned out being a half hour late. Even that was perfect! Waiting there was a young lady that was interested in the church. I had met her once, but had never had a chance to get to know her. It was a really great day!