July - Korea Busan Mission

International Book Fair in Tokyo. The church had a booth there and was giving out copies of the Book of Mormon. It was a long way to travel and we got pretty tired walking through all the exhibits. It was quite interesting, BUT we couldn’t understand any of the demonstrations because they were in Japanese. Nor could we read the signs.   Imagine a Book Fair where you can't read!

 Grandson, Clark, is now a missionary!  He is serving in Irvine, California.

 We gave a presentation at a Relief Society activity.  We were asked to talk about our missions in Chile and Mongolia.  We made a PowerPoint presentation to use.  A small group of members and non-members were in attendance but all seemed to enjoy the program.

 

 It was time to travel to the Korea Busan Mission.  The mission president and wife met us and took us to Gyeongju.  Gyeongju was the old time capitol of Korea between 45 BC and 1000 AD.  There was a large and ornate temple there that had been destroyed by the Japanese several times. 

 The detail on these structures is amazing.

 Construction on this temple was begun in 751 A.D. It was a center of Silla Budhism and a place of prayer for the protection of the country from foreign invasion. 

 Two stone pagodas are important features of the Temple.  Here is one of them.

 One area of the gardens contained thousands of little piles of rocks like these. They are some kind of memorial to family members who have passed away. 

 We also saw some ancient burial mounds -- many of the like these above.  Most of them have not been excavated.  In the foreground of the picture are some lotus plants.

 We traveled with the Mental Health Advisor and his wife.  They gave a presentation along with us at the zone conference to help the missionaries stay healthy and happy.  Pictured above is dinner with the Mission President and wife and one of their senior missionary couples.

 One morning we went jogging for exercise in the mountains by Busan.  We passed this interesting temple and saw lots of interesting foilage.

 Here is a stand of bamboo.  We heard an interesting thing about bamboo.   Because it is hollow, it can bend easily, yet it is strong.  In Korea they believe that where bamboo is, there will never be an earthquake because bamboo brings stability.  Bamboo also has a meaning:  “Preserve chastity.”  Thus, bamboo is a symbol of virtuous womanhood and preserving chastity.  Like bamboo, women(and chastity) are strong, flexible, and bring stability.

 Some of the missionaries getting ready for pictures.

 One morning we exercised on the beach in Busan.  It was very fun to walk along the surf.

 At the Zone conferences it was always fun to meet the missionaries.  They seemed very happy and enthusiastic. 

 And they were always happy to see each other.

 

Back in Tokyo we attended on "Obon Festival."  Obon is a time to celebrate  ancestors.  AT the festival there is a stand where different groups of people dance.  The "audience" follows their lead and dance around the podium.  On the top of the podium is a smaller platform where the drummer beats out the rhythm.  Many people were in traditional dress.  It was fun and festive.

 A cute little girl in her yukatta (a summer kimono).

 Many food booths surrounded the festival.  These looked like barbecued squid on a stick.  Yum!

 A Ward party and some of our friends.

 Here is our Japanese teacher!

 

We have had many special experiences this month.  Traveling makes us very busy but it is wonderful to meet many of the missionaries that we help.  We hope our health presentation is valuable to them too.  I have learned many things from the mission presidents and their wives. In Busan we also heard many good ideas such as:  It is important to try to develop a Christ-like character.  If we think more about others and not about ourselves, we will be happy and be able to provide needed service. 

 

The restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  Our message is important.  We are happy to be helping to share it with those who want to hear it.