HEART AND SEOUL

July 17-24, 2005 HEART




Dear Family,

We have finally come to realize the warning that was given to us by many who knew about the Korean climate when the temperature and the humidity are both above 90. It is extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately both the temple and our apartments are comfortably cool and it is only when we are required or elect to be outside that we suffer the discomfort. The so-called Monsoon Season was not much more than one would expect of some periods of time in Utah but they say this was an unusual year. Two more months and it is suppose to cool down.

We have been making progress on our "Family Ties" heritage book. As we stated, our handicap will be lack of access to valuable information so hope you children will help provide that to us when you are requested. As we get involved we gain a deeper appreciation of your second great-grandparents, of their sacrifices, their faith and their contribution to the growth of the church. We feel so honored to carry their names and help in our small way to carry on their traditions and service. We wish we had known when we were your age the strength and heritage of these valiant pioneers and hopefully the product we are working for will provide each of you and your children a knowledge and appreciation of the legacy that has been handed down.

SEOUL

It is the 25th of July, we have celebrated the 24th in our own quiet way so far away from the usual celebrations of which we are use to. We are preparing ourselves for an interesting week. The hundreds of former Korean missionaries have begun to gather here in Seoul. Many of them with their wives and children. We saw the beginning yesterday as a number of them came to our English speaking branch.

There will be sixteen reunions this coming week and indications are that many of those coming intend to visit the temple . How our small number of three English speaking couple missionaries with a smattering of English speaking Koreans can handle such numbers will be most challenging. This temple was dedicated in 1985 and most of those missionaries coming were here before then, so it holds a big attraction to them. The culmination of this 50th Anniversary Celebration of establishing the church in Korea will be the SPECTACULAR held next Saturday evening held in the 1988 Olympic Stadium and in this same stadium the following day will be held a Countrywide Conference wherein President Hinckley will preside and speak to all the members. We have the treat Monday morning, August 1, as temple workers of meeting with President Hinckley before he leaves for the rest of his journey to Russia and Africa and parts in between. What a remarkable man he is. Next week will give you an account of how these events went.

Love your parents.