The Korean Survival Guide. Vol. 1‏

So, this week we had the raddest training on Korean Culture, and I took TONS of notes so that I could pass them along to someone who needed them. And, well, I learned a ton as well, but thought that it might be cool for some of you who may be preparing to come out here to study up on these as well and do what you can to prepare yourself to serve in Korea! Ready for this? ..Pay close attention!

The first thing is the most important. Don't ever forget this. ..After this, they fall into random order, but seriously. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER AS A MISSIONARY!!

..Ready?

• Be the happiest missionary.
• As you make missionary work more diligent, frequent, and obvious, other people will see you -- including members -- building trust, interest, and investigators.
• Don't tell people you have a bountiful amount of time; tell them you are busy -- Why? If people think you can meet whenever, then they will feel like they can cancel whenever. Your appointment becomes more important to the people you are meeting when they understand it's the only time you can meet.
• You can practice building 우정 (friendship) with your companion to make it so you can do so quickly and effectively with those on the street.
• Talk with others about how our church loves to get kids involved ~~ Sports, activities, english class, etc.
• When you teach kids, share the 몰몬경 얘기, it's like an old story -- and super entertaining for them to read and look at. 
• Member missionary work is key to having fun!
• We've all been sharing the same message for a long time -- the only difference in missionaries is skill.
• 정; Koreans don't know  it, but they know it. It's like being warm-hearted. Do it all the time. Build that relationship with others, it's SO important. 
• Eating etiquette is also very important to master. Read up, study up, and do it right! Food is important here!
• Write members names and children's names in your planner! Use the planner and area book as regularly as you can.
• If you know a member's name and a little bit of information (family, for example) you can talk to them so easily! But.. if you don't even know their name, things become tricky!
• When we visit, always volunteer to pray. Name each of the family member's names in your prayer -- it's really good. Shows tons of respect and genuine love. You care about them, remember?
• When you meet other members (or people on the street) introduce your family first! Show photos and explain. (I would HIGHLY suggest bringing a photobook you can flip through on this mission. Koreans LOVE family.)
• Also be sure to tell them your talents, allergies, etc. Really introduce yourself, every time!
• You have to introduce your new companion to everyone, even if they're older.
• After being invited over, or visiting, make sure you send a call or text to thank them for their hospitality. 
• Let people know you are thinking about them. Get in touch with them throughout the week! You have a phone!
• "Heart -Attack"s ; They're good but.. there's got to be a point. A message, a visit, something like that. Don't stick a lot, but do it simply and do it well. It's a great conversation starter for members and their neighbors.
• Make sure to ask members for feedback always!
• Be more physical. Korea is very physical, if you want to really love the people, you can't be afraid of a little skinship.
• That being said, give good feelings! Get rid of the handshake, and give hugs! 
• Train by assigning your Junior companion to ask members questions about their lives, family, hobbies, anything!
• Most people will understand that if you don't ask them questions, you're not really interested in their lives and thus, you're not friends. ..Ask questions. Be friends!
• If you are a sister and you address people as 'sister' on the street, it's going to be ULTRA weird. Try to avoid that. (unless they're a church person) 
• Call the Bishop, WML (Ward mission leader) and Relief Society President to introduce yourself right when you transfer to a new area. (Don't worry if you mess up, it builds a bond! Elder Eddy told our bishop he was the new prophet instead of missionary... hahah)
• Always be with your investigators (or investigators in general) when you're at an activity. Always!
• When you are with or around members, work even harder. Trust is easy to lose and very necessary to missionary work. 
• Don't corner people or members.. it's scary. Even if you're just greeting them at the church. Spread out, take different floors. Create that sweet ambiance.
• Don't speak English to eachother when you're in front of members; it looks like you're gossiping. There is a high chance they can misunderstand/misperceive what you're doing.
• Koreans LOVE singing, and they're all good at it. Korean culture to go out and eat, go out and drink, then go out and sing! 
• So, if you can sing or play ANY instrument, show them! It builds friendship and trust very fast. 
• Especially, if can sing a Korean song, they will be blown away. They love hearing foreigners appreciating their culture enough to sing it. 
• Think of your investigator as your companion when he comes to church -- follow him everywhere! (Except for the bathroom). 
• BE EXTRA CHEERFUL!
• You get a chance to start over every time you move, but try to do it right!

NEVER speak negatively about our country [Korea]. Don't compare the American church to the Korean church, don't compare the U.S. to Korea -- forget about it. Don't speak negatively about our country [Korea].

The people here are our stewardship. The hardest part my be to step outside yourself, and make your missionary self about other people, but you can do it. Start doing it now. Think about others, and forget about yourself.

Love you all! Have the best week!

Elder DeMille