A Korean Birthday Party

Last night was the funnest birthday party I have ever been to. Our church ward threw Lucy and the Bishop's son a birthday bash to remember. There were at least 50 people there, including the stake president, Dave's Boss, one of my Mom friends from the park, 3 teachers from David's school, some investigators we have become friends with, the missionaries, and half of our church ward!(I wish I had taken a picture of all of our guests!) I couldn't believe everyone came! I was thrilled! After the best dinner I have ever had in Korea (I couldn't believe how much delicious food there was!), they sang Happy Birthday in Korean and English. Then Lucy got to participate in a Korean tradition where the Birthday Child chooses from among many objects to see what her future will be. Lucy chose a pen and school books which meant she would excel in school and win the Nobel Prize. Her second choice was a business pen with money, which meant she would make lots of money, take care of her parents with it (yes!) and be generous to everyone. I am not complaining! The birthday boy (I can't remember his name except translated to English I know it means "King's Key" so I usually call him "Little King") chose first a ping pong racket which meant he will be in the Olympics, and then he chose a spatula which meant he would cook for his wife and be an amazing husband. This was such a fun activity! I think I will include this activity into our family traditions on a child's first birthday. Next, each of the fathers gave a speech about their child, which means, without any planning Dave got up and gave a speech in Korean. He says it was terrible, but I was impressed (not knowing what he said of course)! The cake was good and the members were very excited we brought some friends. Later the guests we brought said they felt very welcome, so I think this was a great introduction to our church.

I am anxious to do missionary work because I love the gospel and know how much happiness it has brought me, but I never want to seem overwhelming and scare people away. I worry that because I just came from a predominately Mormon area (Provo, Utah) now that there are millions of non-members around me, I might frighten people away with my enthusiasm for missionary work! There are so many wonderful people in this world, many of which attend other church's with good inspirational messages. I am getting to know the hearts of many people and I want them to experience the same joy and constant companionship of the spirit that the gospel brings. And thus my current favorite quotation, from President Hinckley:

“We recognize the good in all people. We recognize the good in all churches, in their efforts to improve mankind and to teach principles that lead to good, stable, productive living. To people everywhere we simply say, ‘You bring with you all the good that you have, and let us add to it. That is the principle on which we work’ ”

I guess at this point the best thing to do is just let everyone know that I believe it true, I know it will bring them joy and would love to share it with them. Invite them to ask questions, and let them know they are always welcome to attend with us. After that, it is a combination of their readiness and the spirit, so I will try not to be pushy!