November 16, 2014

Family and Friends!

So tomorrow is my personal official year mark in country! It was a year ago tomorrow (today I was on a plane all day and jumped ahead in time ;) It seems crazy that that was a year ago! Yet, I still feel like I have a mountain to climb when it comes to Korean, and bettering myself. But yes it just flies before. It's like the line from the best two years, "before you know it elder your going home!" So true. Thankfully though I still have time. 

Well this week was great. Our investigators kept their commitments!!!! So excited for that. They all read! That is such a huge miracle! Sadly there was one investigator we were not able to meet with. And then we had so many appointments with members, it was awesome! We met with one grandma who was upset because we couldn't come at 12, although we explained it was because our investigator lesson was at 12. She was so cute, she was upset because she wanted to feed us and then couldn't. So then she insisted (not so much forced-but as a missionary they are very similar :) ), she insisted we eat with her. So then we ate a full meal. we had eaten about 4 hours before that but it was okay. And it was worth it. She is so sweet and cute! 

It was a great week! filled with miracles and definitely lessons to learn. One being  Doctrine and Covenants 3:5 :). 

Love you all so much! Hope you are all doing well! Can't wait to hear from all of you :) 

Love Always,

Sister Tovar  

November 9, 2014

Family and Friends!!!

Hi! Another week has rolled... more like flown by... I love it! not that it is flying by but that I get to live it :).

So this past week was awesome for a couple of reasons. We has three member lessons!!! That is super awesome!! And we got to spend the day with Sister Morrise-the wife of my mission president. She is awesome!!! I love her, she got to do two lessons with us and that was fun. Then a different member was able to help us with a different lesson and she is awesome! She recognized the investigator needs friends and so she asked her for her phone number and asked if it was okay to contact her. She is going to and she wants to be her friend :). I love it this member is such an example of member missionary. 

My ward is awesome they are just incredible. Right now our apartment is filled with food, we have to freeze some of it so it doesn't go bad because we have so much. All of it was given from the members!!!! They are so awesome! Koreans have the biggest hearts! :) 

Sorry short email but short time. I love you all so much!! Stay safe and be happy!!!! You are all such a great example to me!!!! 

Love,

Sister Tovar 

November 2, 1014

Dear family and friends

 

I will sum up the week by saying it was a week of miracles!!

 

I will only talk about one though quickly. Today we are going to Youngdungpo to meet up with some other missionaries and go to a meat buffet.

 

So coming from kimpo I realized the importance of calling former investigators that had either dropped us or we had dropped them. So we called most of them. One of the people that we called her husband is a less active who had served a mission in california. When they got married she promised to get baptized but hasn't since. She stopped meeting with the missionaries early this year because she had a baby. But we called and they didn't answer, we called again and they didn't answer, we called a third time and no answer this time we also sent a text.

 

Well on Sunday this man pulls me aside and says hey you called my wife a few times this past week. I didn't know who he was andd was in a hurry so I told him we would be right back. We left and then on our way back the relief society 1st counselor stopped us and was elated and explained who they were. When both Sister Goodnough and I understood we were sooooooooooooo happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a huge miracel!!! We understood, went back and were beaming when we were talking to them. They said the only reason they had come out to church was because we had called. We will be meeting with her to start up the lessons again! What a true blessing and miracle! We may not always see the fruits of our labors right away or ever but they exist.

 

The other thing I learned is that sometimes Heavenly Father sends us the help we ask for and we are so prideful we turn it away. For example me with Korean at times I receive help but I feel discouraged or even upset because someone is correcting my Korean, but that morning I had asked for help. Well that was Him sending help but I was too prideful too notice. The other thing is that we should always be happy and grateful with what we have. In Sunday School they shared the story of Job and grateful in every circumstance by President Uchtord. I thought about the quote he uses, Job says naked I came out of my mothers womb naked I shall return. In other words Job realized what few of us do. Everything we have is Heavenly Fathers so why aren't we more grateful. When he takes something away it's not because we are doing something bad but maybe because we don't need it or just it's life. But we can still be grateful because nothing is ever just ours. I'm not sure that makes sense but maybe you can decipher it later.

 

I love you all so much!!!!! Keep working hard!

 

Love,

Sister Tovar

October 27, 2014

Family and friends!!! 

Okay so the week has been awesome!!!!! so much yet so little has happened lol. 

To start with last Monday we went to Kimpo to get my boots that I forgot :(, and we had an adventure at the foreigner office getting my foreigner card renewed. It was great! 

So the highlights of the week are:

The RELIEF SOCIETY ROCKS!!! We were invited to the presidency meeting. They wanted to know who we were working with and what we were doing, how they could help and they offered suggestions. It was incredible. I honestly loved every minute of it!!! If I could picture what president Monson has in mind by missionaries and members working together this week and that meeting would be the image for it. It was so awesome. 

Are mission president has challenged all of us to teach 10 lessons with investigators or just practice member lessons a week. So we discussed it with the Relief Society and they are such sweethearts they took that and ran with it. And on Sunday they made sure all 10 slots were filled and then some. So this week we should have more than 10 lessons :). I love our members!

Also, our investigator that blew us out of the water last week by having prayed every day since the last meeting blew us out of the water again this week. She not only read Ether 12 she feasted it on it. She told us about her favorite verses in the chapter why they were her favorites and then she related it to her life!!! The coolest thing ever. The spirit was so strong as she was talking. Sister Goodnough and I ended up teaching something completely different than what we had planned but it was so perfect. We were both on the same page the whole time because it wasn't being led by us but by the spirit!!!! The coolest feeling in the world. I loved it! Such an awesome lesson!

So far I think that is all I have to report lol but this week has already started off so great!!! I love you all so much and I wish all the best. Please keep me updated I love to hear about your lives :).

Love always,

Sister Tovar

P.S. We had an american family invite us over for Thanksgiving.... Heavenly Father is so aware of us, even the desire of a traditional thanksgiving dinner to remind me of home. He answered unspoken prayers with incredibly kind people. 

Love you all!!!

October 19, 2014

Family and friends!!!!

This week has been so good!! So I transfered to 분당 (bundang) on Wednesday :). This will probably be my last area in my mission unless president throws me a curve ball, which he might. Speaking of both, I know my return date home but I'm keep that locked in a safe in my mind until about a month or two before, no need to think about it until then.

So I got to give my talk this Sunday, not really a talk it's called an introduction but that doesn't make sense in English, just in Korean lol. So yeah I got to do that. So funny I honorfied myself, which you aren't supposed to, but then I also made them laugh but I don't remember how. And then the new Zone Leader who is in my ward gave his talk after me and he has been here 7 months, yet he put my Korean to shame... lol so sad it's okay though :). 

So in my new area we have two investigators right now and they are both progressing and awesome!!! One is the daughter of a less active but he mom doesn't want her to get baptized just due to peer pressure so we are just waiting for her mom to give her the go ahead on it. Then the other is awesome!!! I love her little boy! He was adorable!!!! He is 4 and so cute! And so obedient and kind and loving to his mom!!! And we thought she wasn't going to be a progressing investigator but..... turns out she prayed every day!!!! And she promised to come to church next month with her little boy! I'm so excited! It's an area of miracles. Although, while I was sitting in sacrament meeting I did have flashbacks to kimpo :( I missed it. I will forever have at least three homes in Korea. 

Oh and I was able to see shinpung people (that was my greenie area!) I got to see the relief society women because they were having stake conference where we were having a stake activity! I almost cried seeing all of them :( I love them so much!!! And just that they remembered me was the cutest thing in the world!!!!! 

So I think that is all for the week. On a more spiritual note Sister Goodnough and I have a goal to be more positive this week, so the attribute we choose to work on this transfer is Virtue :). Because Virtue is about keeping your thoughts pure, and we agree that that means pure from anything negative, unkind, angry, resentful, or just anything not Christlike. So we thought it would go hand in hand. We want to work on not only being kind outwardly but also inwardly, the thoughts no one else can hear but are there. So that is what we have chosen to work on.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!! Love you all!!!! To all my Return Missionary friends, you are never released as a missionary... remember how hard you tried and prayed for member lessons. They truly make a difference! And spread the word, maybe it will reach all the way to Korea :). 

Love you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,

Sister Tovar :)

October 12, 2014

Family and Friends,

Hi! So another week has gone by.It's been great and guess what?? Transfer calls came again and it looks like I will be moving! I'm transferring to 분당 ward/area I'm so excited. Of course though I'm sad to leave kimpo! It has been my home for 7 months! I love it and I love the people! My new companion will be Sister Goodnough! I'm so excited we actually new each other before our missions, she is from Vegas too and her dad used to be my Sister's bishop, so cool!

So this week we went to see North Korea again :) so much fun! Then we also got to watch General Conference! So awesome!!! I have so many favorite talks. Among them President Uchtdorf from the women's session and Elder Godoy :) So awesome!!! 

Sorry I will write more about my new area next week. Today my brain is just a bit fuzzy from packing last night and all morning, but I'm all done :) 

Love you all so much!!!

Love always,

Sister Tovar

My Kimpo ward.

October 5, 2014

Family and Friends,

This week has been great. It's funny as I come to write this email every week I always have to sit and think for a second, then I turn to my companion "What happened this week?" " I don't know" " I don't know either." So much happens in one week it's hard to forget but also hard to remember all of it. And then you kind of zone out reading emails and anyway.

This week was awesome!! We have a new investigator. She is super curious about the gospel and says she wants a church because she feels like something is missing but other churches don't feel right. She has come to English class for a while now so she knows a little about our church. She grew up Buddhist and her mother in law is Buddhist so she doesn't know much about Heavenly Father or Christ. We are so excited to help her learn :) 

We went to the temple this week and it was fantastic!!!! Brand new things I have never seen before :) so cool. And Sister Fudge and Sister Van Weezep were there too so it was awesome. We are such goofballs together!!! Then we spent most of Pday eating food and dessert :) 

Sunday I spent some time writing in my family history booklet! So cool! I'm so pumped to do family history now. It's so awesome!! I'm grateful for my sister who has done all of ours. I'm so curious about our history now. The prophecy of Elija is coming true :).

Short email sorry... Today is Sister Stastny's birthday :) 

Love you all so much!!! Stay strong and work hard!!! (I think that's more for me lol) :)

September 28, 2014

Family and Friends,

Such an awesome week!!! It was a great Sunday, we had a special sacrament meeting. We only had Sacrament and first we had two little kid baptisms, and our sacrament meeting was a primary program :) So exciting!! And so adorable. Oh yeah and we sang :(.... I don't think I'll ever like singing in public. So we used all of these things to get people to come out well of course it didn't work for most people but we tried, and because we tried we did see miracles.

So Sunday one of the less active we have been working with came out to church!!!! So exciting!!!! And she liked it which was awesome! Then another less active we just met that week came out! And Yen our recent convert also came with her brand new baby!!! It was so good to see them all there!!! 

This week we also had interviews with president and they were really good. I learned/realized more things I need to work on. Like going to bed on time. I'm in my bed on time but I don't go to bed on time... so that is something I will be working on :).

Oh and this week we were able to find two new investigators :) So exciting!! One has gospel interest but the other doesn't say she does but she will hear us out. Yay :) But we will stop meeting with Elly, this week is our last meeting with her :( so sad. 

Sister Fudge's mom is such a sweetheart! She sent me a year mark florida package :) She sent a shirt, a keychain, a sticker, and a card!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are so sweet!!!

Oh and a cool service idea anyone can do. It's really hard to find volunteer service in Korea, really it is. So we decided to just pick up trash. We buy big trash bags, bought big tongs, gloves and went to work. So much fun!!! I would recommend this for anyone and everyone! It's not hard it's super cheap and it's a cool way to serve and maybe talk to people about the gospel. 

Recently I've been reading the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew and 3 Nephi 12-15 I LOVE IT! It is so good. I am just really trying to delve into it. I am reading the foot notes and it so good!!! I have so much to choose from to work on. but little by little it will happen.  

Lastly, yes the cute little girls you saw on the video during the Women's Conference are from my ward and stake :) So cool!!!! And they are wearing traditional Korean Hanbocks!!!! They look beautiful!!!! 

Love,

Sister Tovar

P.S. Sister Burton what is your regular email going to be????

P.P.S. I got bangs :)

September 21, 2014

Family and Friends!! 

I'm so sorry last week I was not really able to write a long email. Last week I had the horrible stomach flue :(. Boy was it horrible :( It was no fun. We actually had to stay home for three days!! Three days of cancelling our appointments :(. It happens I suppose but ah so hard. It was a blessing of sorts though my companion and I were able to get to know each other better so that was nice. 

Besides that well we did have a miracle!!! A less active that we are working with decided she wants to come back!!!!!! She made a goal to read the Book of Mormon everyday, pray, and go to church!!!! We are so excited and so happy about it! Heavenly Father is so kind for letting us be part of this :). 

Today we are going Biking!!!! So much fun!!! So we get to wear jeans :) It feels weird kind of suffocating in a way,  but then it also feels nice. Anyway short email sorry.

Oh before I forget the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Mormon is awesome!!! Currently my companion and I are working on studying it thoroughly. It's actually been really enlightening and tons of fun. I love that the scriptures can be so awesome!!! 

Love you all thank you for your love and support!

Love,

Sister Tovar

August 31, 2014

Family and Friends!!!!

Well to start off with I had to say bye to Sister Van Weezep this week.... I was very sad about it! She is one of the best companions I have had. I will miss her so much!!!!!

Sister Statsny is great though. She is really nice and kind. She is from Idaho and went to BYUI for a short time before coming here. She is 19  years old so super young. 

Okay so super cool experience, so yesterday I was super worried about two investigators Sophia/Olivia and Joseph. Well it was daily planning time and we had just ended it and I was super worried still so I look over at Sister Statsny and with a desperate look I say Sister Statsny could you please pray that we can talk to them... that they will respond. She does and during her pray I get this though call them. I'm like I tried that already. Then I get the thought again... call them. I think okay I'll look at the phone log and if I haven't called them then I will call them. We all know how great my memory is so I check as soon as we are done praying. I don't even get off the floor. I hadn't called Sophia/Olivia... well I called and they answered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so happy! and just felt relief. They said they missed us too and we made an appointment to meet Tuesday!!!! I was so excited!!!! Miracles happen if we listen and go and do! Love it!

Other really awesome news!! Our member Shinggijorl got his endowments out this week!!!! He is married and has the two cutest little girls that I love!!! His wife has been a member a lot longer and she got her endowments out a while ago and everyone has just been waiting and hoping for him... and it happened!!!!! And they are getting sealed this month!!! So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!! Other awesome news another member's husband got the m- priesthood(don't know how to spell it) yesterday!! So exciting! 

This week we also got to eat at an awesome restaurant that has awesome rice paper, super cool and super delicious!!!  Next week is jusok Korean Thanksgiving and my year mark!!! Can't believe a year has passed! It has seriously flown by!!!

I am so lucky to be here in Korea serving my mission! And to have family and friends as great as you all!!! I love you so much and I'm so grateful for you!!! Thank you for your great example and love!!!!!

August 24, 2014

Family and Friends!!! 

Okay this week first of all I will start with YEN IS HAVING HER BABY TODAY!!!! She is our recent convert and we are so excited!!!! Also, Transfer calls came!!!!!!!!!

FHE was awesome last week. It was a little hectic though. Only one family showed up though and the elders who were in charge that night were running late and it was storming and traffic jams so they didn't know when they would be showing up. Sister Van Weezep and I ended up doing a cute short message and the elders got there in time to do their activity which was making flyers for FHE. It ended up being a super fun night!

Wednesday was pretty much ward day! We met with members all day long and it was great but we got fed a ton. Not complaining because they are super nice and all the food was awesome! At the end of the night we were still full, but then we get a call from our ward mission leader and he wants to meet after our last appointment. He ended up taking us out to eat and it was delicious but I don't think I have ever felt more full in my life :) 

Saturday night we found out transfer calls were being delayed to the next morning :) So we went to bed not knowing. 

Sunday was awesome we gave our talks in church and it was great. I really should have practiced 20 times more than I did but it went okay. I have a question... How can we encourage investigators to come to church?? We ask, we pretty much kind of but not really plead, we pray, we have members invite them, we are just kind of at a loss. Maybe you all have some ideas that could help. Let me know please

Oh and we just started teaching a members son the lessons he is 7 and about to turn 8. It is tradition in Korea to have your children take the lessons from the missionaries before they get baptized :). So cute and so smart! 

Okay transfers..........drum roll...........   Sister Van Weezep is out of here. She is going to Suji. I am staying in Kimpo for another transfer and getting a new companion, Sister Statsny! She is super cute and awesome. I don't know much about her but I'm excited to get to know her!!!

Thank you so much for your kindness and all your help! Missionary work is amazing and it really is such an awesome opportunity! I'm grateful for it. I'm grateful for the gospel and for being able to have it in my life. And the opportunity to have my family believe and know the same truths that I do. 

Love Always,

Sister Tovar

August 17, 2014

Family and friends!! 

This week was awesome! Monday we went to the Zoo! It was so cool! We saw and exotic North American Racoon!! Loved it! But really it was pretty cool and a once in a liftetime type thing. The Zoo in Korea as a missionary! Love it. Then later that day we had FHE at the church where we played stick pull as you can see by the video I attached. Hope you all like it, it is a bit embarrasing. Sister Van Weezep and I had to put on baptism pants in order to be able to play... not sure if it was completely allowed but our ward mission leader didn't say anything against it :). Tuesday night we were taken out by one of the families in the ward! Love them!!! Then Wednesday we had an amazing Zone Conference! I love serving under President Morrise he is so incredible! And then later that night I was able to help one of our investigators with Spanish. We usually teach English but right now I'm teaching her Spanish! Love it!! BTW family it means I have tons of questions but I always forget to ask them. Thursday we went out for ice cream with a members sister but we were an hour late :( we felt horrible!!! Our first appointment ran late but we felt so bad. We bought her bobingsu/papingsu. Super delicious and we have been wanting an excuse to eat it. Sadly she said she didn't want to be an investigator. And then we had awesome chicken and cheap chicken in a new area. And it's super healthy :). Our little invesitgator kids kepts all their commitments and are praying :) So exciting. And then Sunday we had an amazing lunch after church at the church! I love our ward they are incredible. Oh yeah transfers are a week early this transfer so we get calls in 6 days :) Fun!!! not... lol We both have no idea what will happen.

Hope you are all doing super well! Love you all!!! Think about you often! Let me know if there is anything I can do please :)

Love Always,

Sister Tovar

Seoul Zoo

July 27, 2014

Hi! 

Well this week... has been well a roller coaster. Not really though it has just been one of the tougher weeks. 

Started off Monday by going to Gangnam again to take sticker pictures with Sister Sloan-my trainer- before she goes home next month. It was tons of fun! We went to eat afterwards and then went to grab dessert, then realized we didn't have enough time so we quickly left and went to grab a quick ice cream somewhere then went home. During this time I kept having the feeling you should look at your camera and read your emails. I ignored it and said no I need to focus or no that's dumb. Well then we went to the grocery store to buy soap and eggs. Then we rushed to the church for family home evening. Then we got home and did our nightly routine. Well during this time I kept having the same feeling and I shoved it off the same way. So the next morning I was up and get ready and then again the feeling comes back I'm okay fine I'll read them. As I go to get my camera I discover it's gone... :( Yes, I lost my camera. I was devastated. I got permission to go back to Gangnam Wednesday and check for it we called the bus company we went to the grocery store... nothing :( I was so sad. It was hard. Thankfully most of my pictures were back up on a usb. 

Then we had an awesome ward member invite us over Wednesday and she fed us dinner. This member is super active super awesome. We discovered that night she doesn't have much of a testimony and she hasn't really read the Book of Mormon. She joined the church because her husband is a member. So heartbreaking and difficult. So Sister Van Weezep and I want to offer her the lessons all over again or maybe offer to read with her or something. We are not sure what yet but we will try something. The reason I mention this story is because it helped me realize how important it is to gain our own testimonies of the gospel. It's so important to read the Book of Mormon and understand it. And It is so important to never assume that someone has a testimony no matter how active they might be. We always need to strive to help people know about the gospel and how reading, praying, and going to church really bless our lives. We really never know what is going on in people's lives.

Then Thursday we went to a different members house and she has been having some family difficulties. So hard... We called the ward and they helped and are helping her and her family through it or are trying. It reminds me how important it is to be kind in how we treat others always especially the one's we love. One of the best things about this church is that we can live with our families forever, having recently watched the Joseph Smith Movie I'm reminded about something his character says about treating his wife. He says has to make sure to treat her well so that she will want him in this life and the hereafter. That rings so true for everyone we love. Because it is definitely optional for them to want us in their lives. We should treat everyone especially our loved ones as our golden investigator. 

Some good news... a man from English class called Friday said he wouldn't be able to come to class on Saturday but wanted to have us over. We went Sunday for dinner and he wants us to come once a month and do the family English program with him and his family. We said we would love to and we would give them a worksheet with homework they could do in between our meetings. Gospel and English homework... We are so excited for this new family we have the opportunity to help.

Being on a mission is the biggest blessing of my life. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be here. I'm so grateful I didn't get what I wanted or thought I needed. Because this is an opportunity I would never want to do without. Heavenly Father really does know what is best for us, even if sometimes we don't like the answer at first or don't' think it is what is right or any of that. He knows so much better than we could ever know. I have so much to work on but I'm learning everyday and I'm grateful He is helping me see how I can do better the moment that I'm in the situation. I can't fully describe this but although it's been a hard week and I'm a bit beaten down by it I'm so full of joy that I'm happy and grateful and hopeful. Thank you all for your love and example. Love you all so much and I'm grateful for you!

Love,

Sister Tovar

July 20, 2013

Family and Friends!!!

Transfer Calls..... Okay like last time you'll have to wait just like me :)

Yesterday we met an amazing woman and her son! She was so funny. When we mentioned we teach free English she said WHAT?! and stood up from the bench and was eagerly looking through her purse for her phone. We explained the Family English Program and she was super interested. She was like where? We said we could come to her house or meet at our church. She said but we have to pay you right?? We said no again. She said but you need money... we said no no money.... she said but I want to pay you.... we said no we love to do service. We want to share and teach the gospel and we love to teach English she said again but money.... we said no she said well how about bus money for getting here... we said we have a bus card and we don't need it. She said what about food... to that one I said it wasn't necessary but I didn't say no... lol She was shocked!!! We made an appointment for Thursday :) We are so excited for this miracle!

We have been SUPER BUSY but I'm so grateful to be busy! I pray that I can be this busy the rest of my mission :). I love it! Heavenly Father is helping us out so much!!!  Update on our investigators.... So our new girl bacunjeong 박은정 is awesome!!! She came to church yesterday!!!! We were so excited!!! Then well... So little time... Slowly but surely they are progressing... We watched the Joseph Smith video with one of them and that was amazing! the spirit was so strong and we were able to explain so much! i was happy about that. and I realized how much i need to keep repraying for a confirmation on everything again. The plan,the priesthood, the book of mornon, church, the prophet, joseph smith, etc. I want to do that again. 

Our stake had a stake talent show saturday night and it was great! I will try to send the video of our district singing next week. 

Transfer calls.... drum roll..... bbbbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrpppppppppppppp.....................

We are staying the same no changes, except Sister Van Weezep is no longer a trainee :). So excited for this opportunity to keep going!!!! 

Love you all so much!! Thank you so much!!!!

Love Always,

Sister Tovar

July 13, 2014

Okay so this week,

Monday we didn't get a chance to make it FHE because we ended up meeting and having dinner with my former investigators! So much fun! We ate Vietnamese food! So delicious! Tuesday we were finally able to meet with one of our English class students and her mom and they are now going to be starting the Family English Program. So excited!!!! The mom doesn't know anything about God or Christ so we are excited to help her learn. She does not have a religion. Then Wednesday we practiced the song we will be signing in front of our stake... not excited about this one. And then we had to go to the high school and say bye to our students. So sad. I love them so much but it really was for the best. Then Thursday we go to go to the Temple!!! so much fun!!!! And we went to Cangnam. It was super city and super cool we saw like three or four porsches and a few mercedes! so cool!! and the buildings are super sky skrapers! It was fun! Then Saturday we participated in Mini MTC which is where YW/YM from our ward come and missionaries explain what is to be missionary and we go through PMG and the lessons and then role play and help them. It is actually super smart and way fun. Last time we went out proselyting together and we were supposed to talk to 5 ppl. Then during English class that day I had my group do the role play which was to act out a scene from a drama (soap opera) So much  fun!!!! I love them!!! Forgot to mention we will be starting the teaching the lessons to practice our korean with a friend who is not interested in the the gospel but is willing to listen and help us. We are hoping through that her interest will be sparked. Also, this week a huge goal of ours is to have 4 or 5 of our investigators at church. we haven't had any since yen was baptized and them coming to church is so essential! We are praying for it. Sunday we met with a refferal from our English class website It is a website people can submit their info for us to contact them if they are interested. We meant on Sunday and will be meeting Saturdays! So excited. She is super nice and awesome! She is catholic but really doesn't believe in anything. I'm so excited for this week!!! I'm hoping for it to be super busy!

Anyway sorry long email, but here comes the fun part... pictures!

GangNam Sytle!

            Saying bye =)

                                                                   Three of my 6 companions

New investigator we met Sunday

July 6, 2014; Happy 4th of July!!

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been a little crazy a little not so crazy... 

It started with Monday going to FHE and having pizza hut and it was so good. Then it lead into Tuesday when we taught Elly who told us she doesn't believe in everything we are teaching her right now. She asked if that was okay and we said of course it is. I told her one of my favorite things about this church and something that proves it's true to me is that we are never asked to blindly believe instead we are constantly reminded and asked to pray and to find out for ourselves about everything. I told her about my family and I and how long it took us to convert. It is sad she doesn't believe right now but it makes me feel good that she trusted us enough to tell us. Later that night we did not have Yen as we usually do because she had the flu this week :( so sad. But she is doing much better. 

Thursday we went to Zone training and that was fun, President Morrise was there. Then Friday we met with someone we met on the Subway on Thursday. She is super nice and great. She is not super interested in the gospel and is actually Buddhist. But she is only Buddhist because her family is Buddhist. So we met her and her name is Claire. We'll be meeting every week :) So exciting. Many members including our stake president started off as English interest only. Then later that night was interviews with President. He and Sister Morrise came to our home and it was great. We had spent all week cleaning thinking they were going to do our cleaning inspection but they ended up not doing it :), but at least it was clean for them. Oh HAPPY 4th of JULY!!! 

Then Saturday well that was an adventure. All I will say is Sister Van Weezep had to go to the OBGYN for the first time in her life. She was super scared and it ended up being not so great. She is okay now and will be fine. 

Then Sunday we ended up giving a member a card and a choco pie because our district leader told us it was her birthday and it ended up not being her birthday. We were a little embarrassed but everything turned out fine lol she laughed at it and thanked us anyways :).

So that was my week not too eventful... but it was great. And guess what... it has been exactly a year and 4 days since I got my mission call to Korea. Back then I had no idea was to expect. I still don't know :). But the slight difference is I do know how much I love this country and these people. I know that I could not imagine my life without Korea and without having served a mission. I am so grateful for this opportunity Heavenly Father and my family have given me. I'm so happy to have this time. I love you all so much. Thank you for your love and support. Hope all is well back in the states or wherever you are :).

Love,

Sister Tovar

June 29, 2014

Family and Friends,

This week well... it wasn't as busy as we thought it was going to be, but that's okay :)

Monday- We went to a subway stations (super cheap shopping) and I finally was able to buy my watch which I super love!!! I'm so excited and Sister Van Weezep bought a way cute backpack and I'm kind of jealous. But it was for her sister not for her. Then we got to go to the airport (yes my area has an airport in it the gimpo airport)  and meet up with one of my old investigators because she was having an interview there and asked if we could meet up. I loved seeing her again. She said she prayed about the interview. I hope someday she'll come to know the truth. 

Sorry no time to go through the whole week. Summary we ended up having most of our appointments cancel on us including our members lol. Except the weekend appointments, those were kept for the most part. It was so much fun. We also met someone from Nigria Ben sister van weezep met him and he is so golden!!! he is awesome. then one of our previous investigators the one that is very shy well she is no longer our investigator but it is for the best right now. She doesn't really have a desire to know the truth. It was hard but for the best. Sister Van Weezep was super nice and bought us pizza school lunch on Wednesday. We met with chwaeuna and her husband she is the forever english student. I lover her I had been craving a smoothie but couldn't justify buying it and that night she made us an awesome smoothie! And then they again drove us home! So sweet!!! Then her husband asked an awesome question how is our church different. Love it. Then funny story we got super lost getting to a members house but we were okay lol. Then Saturday had an awesome feast with about half the ward-weren't expecting that. And sad news Yen has the flu... I hope she will get better but with the baby she can't take anything :(. That is the week. I'm excited for this coming week though!!

Huge lessons I'm learning: humility and to not compare yourself to others, and if you aren't being nice to yourself chances are you aren't being kind to others. Things are hard but we always have Heavenly Father with us to help us. 

Love you all so much!

Love Always,

Sister Tovar

June 22, 2014

Dear Family and Friends!

This week has been full of adventures and craziness.... Okay let's start:

Monday was Pday and we had a list of things to get done including writing letters.... well I'm sad to report that as usual we ran out of time... but we did the most important thing, clean our apartment. It's something we are supposed to dedicate an hour to every pday (President's request). And really it needed it! We are both clean freaks so that's good... Then we had a lesson and went to our new weekly FHE night at our ward building.

Tuesday we were finally able to meet with a referral our elders had given us about 3-4 weeks ago. Her phone hadn't been working and she wasn't at home when we checked.  Then finally last week we well long story short through a series of small promptings we went to her house last week and left a note and she finally called us! So we were able to meet finally on Tuesday. It went really well because we had a member with us. It was awesome! Which is funny because everyone thought it was weird to have a member at the first lesson but it just felt right and it was great! Even when something is out of the normal if it is right it is right :). Then we got to meet with Yen and that was awesome. She looks lighter and you can tell she is happier. It's really neat to have the opportunity to see the difference. 

Wednesday we had our district meeting and then Sister Van Weezep and I decided to go to the island. As always adventures with a small twist of a miracle :). Again long story short we ended up riding on three buses in a period of 4 maybe 5 hours... not the most fun thing we have ever done. But we ended up talking to a woman on the bus and she was super sweet and nice. We gave her our phone number and we'll see what comes of it. 

Thursday we met with a potential investigator at Starbucks with a member. The PI was about 1.5 hr late so we felt so bad for the member. And we got to introduce the member to Starbucks because she had never been in one before lol After that we had another lesson with Elly and that went great. And then we got to meet with the forever English student and her husband. We will now meet with them every Thursday. I'm so excited and hope all goes well with it! Praying for a miracle. She was so funny. Right after our appointment Elly we had some time we were just going to talk to people and hadn't had time for dinner. She calls us and asks us if we had dinner then says okay come over then and I will make you kimpop and naymyeong (cold noodles). SO GOOD!!! Heavenly Father really is aware of all of us, He even knew Sister Van Weezep and I didn't have time for dinner that day, how sweet and kind of both Heavenly Father and Lucy (is her English name). 

Friday we finally got through all of weekly planning in, well a shorter amount of time than before. After that oh, I forgot. Thursday while we were at starbucks waiting we got a phone call apparently from our upstairs neighbor who we haven been trying to meet with. A few weeks ago she gave us some watermelon and tomatoes (so sweet). Then we got a whole watermelon from our ward and, don't judge us, gave it to our upstairs neighbor as a thank you with a note and the family English program pamphlet. She then called Thursday and set up an appointment for Friday. So cool!!! So we met with her and I couldn't understand very much lol it's okay we got through it well. We made another appointment for the next day to start the program. She asks great questions about the gospel and church but she isn't too interested since she is looking into another church too. but she is interested in English. It's okay Heavenly Father can help change that (of course within her agency :) ). Then we had another appointment set up with a member but were stood up by our investigator :( i was so sad and disappointed because the member was there. It's one thing to stand us up- that stinks but it's okay, but a member... it was so sad. The member so sweet and had gotten us Mcdonals, ice cream, and pop. I love Koreans! They are so amazing! I love poeple! So then we decided to heart attack a girl in our ward leaving for her mission in a month (oops we thought it was yesterday, nope) 

Saturday was great. English class went super well and I completely forgot what I was going to say for our thought that day... So Sister Van Weezep sounded like she had been out longer than me lol what a great trainer I am. It's okay I'll just have to try harder next time. Then we had our lesson with the member and our neighbor. It went super well!! She asked a friend to come who knew better English and we asked a member who knew Korean... how funny. We found out after the lesson, about her interest level I mentioned on Friday. But the member didn't say it was a lost cause so... she said keep trying. We will :) Then we went to heart attack a member but got caught... lol we aren't so good at being sneaky. Well they had us come in and eat dinner with them. So sweet! She said she had had revelation because she had made more food than usual and didn't know why. So sweet again Heavenly Father and the member. 

Oh btw one of the ladies in my ward served her mission in Busan, Korea and had a companion Sister Henderson.... she wants to try to contact her again but doesn't know where to start. She doesn't have her first name or her new married name. The Sister was from UT at the time. If you have any leads let me know please!!! 

Sunday church was great was great! A new family moved into our ward and they a big family well kind of (2 boys, one dad, one mom, and a grandma and grandpa). I love the grandma! She has a son in Florida and another in Provo :). Super sweet. And then later that night we went out to try to talk to people and got kind of yelled at by a women lol it's okay she wasn't that scary. Before that we met a couple who had known Mormons and one that had learned English with them... maybe something will come of it. She didn't seem interested but she also did not seem 100% opposed :) We'll take our chances with the .5% chance there is interest that can grow :).

Wow what a week and this next one won't be any exception :). I love you all so much. Thank you for your emails and your love and support. I love hearing from all of you!

Love Always,

Sister Tovar

June 15, 2014

Family and Friends!!!

Wow another week has flown by. Sister Van Weezep and I were looking at our calendar today and realized we are halfway done with June and almost to July! We were both in shock! This past week has been and adventure and adjustment period for both of us. 

Monday started off crazy between Monday and Wednesday we had 10 appointments the bulk of them being on Monday and Tuesday. All because of the amazing Sister Fudge. She is so loved that everyone wanted to say bye to her :). 

I'm very sad to report that on Wednesday we had our last English class at the high school. It is something that was requested by our ward since they will be starting an English Class soon on that day at that time. It's very sad but it was for the best. And on Wednesday was Sister Van Weezep's birthday!!! So exciting and my halfway point. Halfway to go-there is still tons to do so I'm grateful for the time :). It's actually funny I've had a few dreams or thoughts about being home and when that happens I just get a horrible feeling because I literally say in the dream or with my thoughts I'm not ready to go home and it's so true. I miss home and my family more than I can say but I can't imagine leaving yet, which is good I guess since I still have a ton of time left. 

So Thursday crazy adventure... because well went with a member and her baby out to eat lunch and.... well this guy sitting at the table next to us. I started talking to him and then told him about our church and the English program we had we exchanged numbers, I was going to refer him to the elders. Our member said she had seen him on TV and apparently his mom and sister were crying because of the bad choices he was making in life. He said yes was on TV. He said he had recently converted to Christianity which I thought was good and wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Then as I was trying to end the conversation to eat and pay attention to the member and my companion. the member makes a joke like oh do you want some of the food and he doesn't take it as a joke and joins our table. Then I just don't get a good feeling so I leave the able to got the bathroom to call our elders but figure out the directions are a bit complicated so I just tell them not to worry about it. Well in the time that I left apparently he called some people to come because he had three girls there and he described each of us. It was way weird. So when I got back to the table. He asked if he could broadcast us live... at that point I couldn't figure out directions to get the elders there so I just said we need to go we have an appointment. Asked for the food to go and left. We went back to the members house to finish eating and well... yeah. We were fine though we didn't see him again and we really were and are great. But it's an interesting story to tell.

That same day we met an awesome man we referred to the Seoul mission and I'm so jealous because I would have loved to teach him and his family. Such a great man. He remembered seeing the missionaries when he was younger and it has stuck with him since because they looked so nice and well kept.

Saturday we had a ward cleaning project. So great!! I love when the ward gets together! Oh and that day one of our forever english students said her husband might be interested in learning english with us. We apparently made an impression when he met us and was so kind to drive us to our next appointment! So cool!! 

It's interesting this week has been full of so many miracles I am so grateful for all of them. But this week has also been such a huge growing opportunity. Heavenly Father has definitely given me opportunities to see my pridefulness and how much I need to get over it. I'm working on it. It's hard sometimes but I know it's doable. Learning Korean has been one of the most humbling experiences in my life. I have to rely on my Heavenly Father because i definitely know I can not do it alone. I love it though because I want to change and learn to be who he wants me to be. 

Okay quickly, sorry tons happened this week. Sunday Yen was confirmed and is now a member of the church. So exciting! She is excited to kee​p learning more. 

This week will also be a very busy week and Sister Van Weezep and I are so excited!!! The appointments we have are blessings from Heavenly Father. 

I love you all so much!

Sister Tovar

Transfer time!!

Dear Family and friends!

This week has been great! We got transfer calls on Saturday..... dun...dun...dun... I'll leave you in suspense for a little bit I think :). 

Monday we intended to play soccer with the elders but well... It was raining in the morning which was fine and fun because by the time we had time to play it had stopped. You would think we would have tons of free time on pday.... no so much. Well we had to clean, buy groceries, got to email, send things off at the post office, and then leave at 6 to get to an FHE at a members house. lol Pdays are usually some of our busiest days :). Anyway, today will be no exception :). Good thing I love being busy.

Tuesday we visited with a member who gave us a referral!!! That is a huge blessing! Then we went to our English Class at the high school and as always so much fun! We had so many new students! We had to divide into different levels :). And then we went to Yen's house for her baptismal interview. It went super well. I love her so much and I am so grateful I'm able to share in this great experience with her. Oh and we had Singaporean food :) So good!

Wednesday we walked to the post office with Sister Fudges stuff only to discover it was closed :). Wednesday was election day in Korea! So much fun! I love election time in Korea it is super cool and fun. Except that our appointment for that night fell through because it was holiday for everyone. So everyone had like a 6 day weekend, crazy right? Oh and we met Elly and she is now our new investigator! I think I mentioned how we met in a previous email :). She is amazing! She is a tv star! She is an actress and when she was younger she was on TV. Then she quit acting to be with her little girl. She get offers but turns them down because she doesn't want to be away from her little girl :).

Thursday we went to Zone Training, it was good. Learned a lot which is always needed. And I got mail :) It was a nice surprise to get a letter from my mom- she is awesome at writing me, how sweet right? Then we went on an exchange. And Sister Van Weezep left the nest for the first time :). 

Friday well was a bit hard because all of our plans and back up plans and back back up plans all fell through :( lol but it all happens for a reason. On our way to try to catch someone at home we met an awesome couple from Mexico! I was excited! I got to talk to them in Spanish and they reminded me of my family in Mexico and back home. I can't believe how much I miss speaking Spanish and hearing it. It was really nice. They are not interested in the gospel but She is perfect! And maybe someday.... She doesn't like that there are so many churches and that all them believe so differently and she is just wondering what happened to the basic belief... oh little does she know :). I told her we would love to meet again although I know she is interested in the gospel if she ever has any questions she could ask, she said she would and was very sweet. She said we could go for coffee (I'm thinking a smoothie :) ) and she then told us if we ever need anything to call her :).

Saturday was great we had English Class at the church as usual. And then had to finish weekly planning because we didn't finish before. Then we had been invited to dinner at Urnaa's house. The member from Mongolia :) we got to meet her husband and that was wonderful. We were able to help answer a lot of his questions and then give him a tour of the church. Not sure if he'll join anytime soon but someday  he will. Oh and then we got transfer calls.....

Sunday was awesome! President and Sister Morrise were able to come to Yen's baptism which went perfectly well! It was such a cool/neat experience to have been there. 

Okay transfers... Well I'm sad to say that Sister Fudge will be leaving :(. She is going to Songpa :) She will be Sister Training Leader with Sister Chestnut who will also be Sister Training Leader :). Yes, two of the coolest people together! What an awesome companionship! I love them both so much and I am so excited for them! As for me.... well I will be finishing Sister Van Weezep's training so on Wednesday I will be trainer/senior. I am super nervous and well yeah... I'm excited though. The Lord gives you what you need when you need it, so I know He will help me with the language. 

What I am learning this week and probably this transfer and well my whole life.... is to trust in the Lord. As long as we do all we can He will help us. I am so grateful for my mission and the opportunity to be in Korea serving the Korean people. I love them so much! 

I love you all so much, thank you again for your example and your kindness.

Love Always,

Sister Tovar

                                                                              An awesome park!!! 

 The Monday night Family Home evening. We had them write/draw their title of liberty :)

                                                            Our primary practicing their song :)

Yen's baptism :) I am so grateful!