Korean Adventures Day 4: Church and Miracle

The first Sunday in Korea, we went to the 신촌 (Shincheon) ward with my grandparents. During all of my past visits to Korea we've always attended the 서대문 (Seodaemun) ward, but about a year or two ago that ward was dissolved and combined with the Shincheon ward. So it was my first time at the Shincheon ward and I didn't know a lot of the people there, but it was a good experience. The Shincheon ward building is about a half block away from the Seoul Temple, and the church is trying to buy more land in that area because they want to build a big stake center right next to the temple to model it more like the LDS temples in the U.S., which would be cool.

Anyways, below are a few pictures we snapped before we headed out for church! :)

When we were at church my grandpa translated the priesthood lesson for Max and during Sunday School I was able to translate for Max as well. Max was a great sport at church despite the language barrier. For Sacrament meeting the missionaries had a headset for Max and there was an older Korean missionary sister who translated the meeting into English for various foreign members and foreign investigators.

So cool story for the day:
Max and I decided to attend the Young Single Adult Sunday School class instead of the married couples one (we felt more at home in the YSA sunday school class because we were closer in age to everyone that was there). During the lesson Sonhee overheard an American couple talking about something to do with Spanish. Sonhee didn't know exactly what they were talking about but told them that Max spoke Spanish and asked them if they needed him for anything.

It turned out that there were two Chilean sisters that were visiting Korea and the American lady sitting in front of us was trying to find a Spanish speaker to communicate with them. The lady had served a Spanish speaking mission in the past but had forgotten most of her Spanish and neither of the Chilean sisters could speak very much English. So luckily Max was able to meet them before Sacrament meeting and talk with them in Spanish and get to know them! And during Sacrament meeting, Max listened to the English translation of the talks through his headset and then translated it into Spanish for the Chilean sisters! Crazy huh?

From talking to them we found out that the two girls were sisters and were already members. Their names were Sara and Tamara. Apparently when their mom passed away they watched some Korean dramas and were able to find comfort in watching them and they have felt a connection with Korea ever since, which is why they made a trip out to visit. It was a great to meet them even though it was only for a short period of time,

What are the chances that Max and I randomly decided to attend the singles sunday school class and what are the changes that Sonhee randomly overheard the American couple (who are actually the young single adult leaders in that ward) talking about finding a Spanish speaker? It was such a tender mercy and miracle that Heavenly Father had placed us right were we needed to be so that Max could use his Spanish to serve those Chilean sisters!

Below is a picture of Max in action as he translated the sacrament meeting talks into Spanish for the two Chilean sisters sitting in front of him.

Heavenly Father is so great! I'm so grateful that Max served a mission and is able to use the language and skills he learned on his mission to serve others! It's such a blessing that the church is true no matter where you go and no matter what language you speak! :)