"HEART AND SEOUL" June 6-12, 2005

HEART

Dear Family,
The highlight of this week has been the birth of our newest great-grandchild. Russ and Tommi who have wanted a baby for so long have finally been blessed with a baby girl born this past week. Expecting a baby boy, everyone was surprised when this baby girl was born a few days earlier than expected and she will be known appropriately as Grace. Her wise and gracious birth mother will surely one day recognize the wisdom in her decision to give her baby up for adoption and Grace will be a great addition to our family. CONGRATS! Russ and Tommi.

Last Monday, the Temple Presidency and wives hosted the temple missionaries to an ultra fine Korean style dinner. This was held in a secluded spot on the temple grounds in honor of our two Korean sister missionaries who after serving two years will be returning to their homes soon. It also acknowledged the three month assignment of a Korean couple and single sister who will live in our missionary accommodations. Of course, we as missionary couples were the recipients of their gratitude for our on-going service.
Elder & Sister Kastendick have a granddaughter on a student exchange in Germany. Her good example to this family has apparently generated a curiosity with the father. He is a pilot for an airline and was trained by Elder Uchdorf. He arranged to have himself scheduled to a flight to Korea so that he could meet the "mormon grandparents" of his exchange student. We were all privileged to meet him at our missionary family home evening held at Pres. & Sis. Sellers home. From all indications, he left with a good impression of the church.

SEOUL

Today we both spoke at a Korean ward sacrament meeting. Brother Ahn, a member of the bishopric, picked us up at our apartment and drove us to and from our block meeting. In Sunday School, Relief Society and Priesthood meeting, assignments were given to interpretors to help us understand the lessons. We then in Sacrament Meeting with interpretors relalyed our talks to the congregation. The talks were well accepted by these gracious and courteous Korean people who made us feel very welcomed and special.
In this land of Korea, somewhat smaller than the state of Utah, we could be called to speak anywhere and most likely will be during our stay here.
Your father had his first time live sealing Saturday. A couple who went with us to China from the military along with their two young sons adopted a Korean baby girl, fourteen months old and your father was privileged to seal this baby to them. A large number of members from the military branch were in attendance. Our joy was seeing one of God's children sealed to parents who would give her a much happier life than she otherwise would have had and also to see the love her brothers have for their new little sister.