HEART AND SEOUL Sept. 25-Oct. 2, 2005

HEART

Dear Family,
How did you feel about conference? We felt it was one of the most spiritual that we've heard in recent times, with emphasis on the Prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of the gospel. It brought to mind how spiritually prepared we need to be in these times of prophetic occurances such as we are experiencing. Time nor space will not allow comments on every talk, but we recommend you review them individually and with your children.
One particular talk we were impressed with was that given by Sister Susan Tanner, YW General President. We suggest to everyone of our daughters who have daughters and granddaughters who who have daughters or who will have daughters, give special attention to this talk regarding the sanctity of the body. Elder Holland put further emphasis in a most powerful message to YW.
Most remarkable was our getting up at one o'clock Sunday morning to hear the conference going on in SLC saturday morning. We went to bed for two hours and awakened to hear the second session at 5a.m. Then we repeated the process on Monday morning to hear the Sunday sessions. How marvelous is the Internet and our computer that allows us to use it.

SEOUL

Monday was another major holiday in Korea celebrating the "blessings of nature" and we were invited by our Korean dentist friend, Dr. Choe, along with the other temple missionaries and temple presidency to his home in the mountains. His mountain home is located in a grove of chestnut trees and though quite modest is by Korean standards every Korean's dream as it is far away from the busy city and attending polution.
Before taking us to his home, he took the entire party of around twenty people to the Korean Pottery Museum which just recently celebrated a major Asian Ceramic Festival. We were impressed with what a major part that pottery plays in Korean culture and even more impressed with the high price of some of the exquisite pieces which were truly beautiful.
From the pottery museum Dr. Choe took us to a sought out fine restaurant in his area with probably the most authentic Korean dinner that we had. Each of us had probably ten to fifteen different dishes of Korean food placed before us and traditionally we sat on the floor beneath a fifteen inch high table but were given cushions to sit on. The only thing more difficult than sitting at this table was using chopsticks.
We then traveled to his summer home and all of us harvested chestnuts which the Korean's use as part of their diet....we gave our share to our temple president. From their big front yard we enjoyed a spectacular view. They continued to treat us to fruits, pastries and drinks.
We arrived home in time to attend our Monday night FHE at President & Sister Sellers home where we had what?...you guessed it, another dinner. We look forward to our FHE where we are spiritually inspired.
Today, Tuesday, we returned to the temple...the real reason why we are here in Korea.