Finish the Fight!

Here is a fun shirt we have designed for our sweet Elder DeMille and his friends to help give them an extra boost of encouragement to finish up their missions. These are available to the public as well for a limited time. If you are interested in purchasing yourself or a loved one, please just click this link: http://teespring.com/wear-finish-the-fight

We will be using the proceeds to put care packages together for missionaries in need.

Gotta Catch 'em All!

...Brace yourself!

Remember that weird poem about me ending up at a Police Station that one time? ..Haha well, let me explain that. 

I'm not sure if you know, or remember, but I'm a quarter Korean! My grandma is a full-blood Korean, and I love her to death. Wayyyy back when, my Grandma Kim lived in Korea, and left around 1971, after marrying my stud of a Grandpa Don - headed for Oregon. ..Because they moved so far away, and because of a couple other random circumstances, my grandma lost touch with my relatives here in Korea. ..But, I didn't really know any of this until I got my mission call. I just assumed I didn't really have any relatives. ..When I got assigned to Korea, though, my grandma filled me in, and sent me off with two addresses - both at least 20 years old. And one 15 year old phone number. ...But I was determined. I asked my MTC teachers about it, and since then have made it one of my purposes here in Korea.. ..to find my family!

This is my Korean family, 1970

 ...I've given speeches at Family History Conventions, I've talked to countless ward members, government officials, random neighbors, and basically every "Kim" I meet about my family -- and how in the world I'm supposed to find them. My friend Sean helped me try to track them down, but without much success. ...Then, like I said earlier -- after having gained a year and a half-ish worth's of Korean, and meeting my wonderful new "Korean grandpa - Mr. Lo", we spent a few hours at the Police station filling out "missing persons" forms.

My Grandma Kim (middle), with two sister and mother, 1970

...Three weeks went by,

and I got a phone call.

..Before I knew it, I had received new updated numbers for the two people I was trying to find, one of my grandma's older brothers, and a younger sister. I ended up being able to talk to my grand-uncle for over a HALF AN HOUR!! He was SO stoked to talk to me, and the police had already told him a TON about me, it was crazy! We talked about me, him, my family, my grandma, and he even remembered my mom from clear back when she was 8 years old! Sooo wild! He guessed her name and everything! This family has been worrying SO much about MY family back home!

This is my great-grandmother with her oldest son and wife and my mom and aunt visiting, 1980

Then, as if miracles couldn't come any faster, within two days I had talked to at least 5 of my different relatives all across Korea, from Seoul to Busan, Yongdam to Yeosu, Songnam and Chungu, and even a few relatives who moved to Australia! 

The man who lives in Australia is my Grandma's oldest brother's, oldest son. He was one of the nicest people I've ever talked to over the phone, and was so considerate. He asked loads of questions, and I got to talk to his wife and son, (his son being 23 years old, born in Australia, and fluent in English, how cool!) -- who couldn't stop talking about how excited they were to hear from me. When I got back on the phone with his father, he switched to dad mode and I was blown away.

Are you ok?
Can you sleep alright?
Are you sure?
Do you need anything?
How is living in Korea?
Is everything comfortable?
Can you eat well?
You don't drink, right? ..Because lots of young people drink around Korea, and you've got to be very careful -- especially if you're not confident in your Korean. 
If there is anything you need, please call.
..And remember, your family in Korea is SO BIG. 
..True, you're never alone -- call me anytime. 
Whenever you have questions, concerns, hardships, when you feel lonely, just call us. Any of us! 
Are you sure you don't need anything?
Money? Food? Anything??

Grandma Kim's oldest brother and wife, 1970

..Man, it was insane. These people are amazing. 

I've also found that two sons of my grandma's younger sister are pastors! Haha! They're killing the church game, and her older sister wants to learn about our church, since she only believes that .. well, whichever God we believe in -- we come from the same one. ..And two of them own restaurants down in Yeosu, and promised to feed me fish, steak, and delicious Kimchi if I come. Hahahaha. I can't tell you how many times I've had to explain to them that I can't just hop on a plane and fly down to Busan in 2 hours, no matter how many times they offer me a ticket, hahaha. I love them already, and I have yet to meet any of them! We're hoping I can meet them this upcoming Monday (25th), and finish connecting some loose ties.

Grandma's 3 sisters, mother and brother-in-law, 1975

..I can't even explain how surreal this all is. I feel like everything I'm supposed to accomplish on my mission is done. ..Except for meeting them. It's wild. ..I know I'm not done but -- that huge part of my drive... it's finally become a reality, and I'm not quite sure what to do other than just celebrate until I go home, hahaha. It's insane. 

..So, if you've got questions, hit me. 
But until then.. hahaha.. I'm still trying to figure it all out for myself, hahaha. SO. MANY. NAMES.

Pray for even more miracles.

..You'll get them.

Two of Grandma's sisters and mother with same brother-in-law above, 1970

...Sometimes it just takes a year or so of everything you've got, a lot of tests, a lot of days filled with empty hands, and just a little more desire. 

.. I've learned it just takes time. 
I promise.

All the love!

Elder DeMille!!!

A Sweet Serenade

Short and Sweet

All I've got for you is this really rad video this week. 
It's impacted me a lot, and is definitely a favorite! 

All you mothers out there, have the raddest Mother's Day,and enjoy the video! 

(completely unrelated to Mother's Day but.. what can ya do)

http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-hope-of-gods-light

All the love!!

Elder DeMille!

Can You Tame Your Tongue?

What's up my friends?? 

I decided it's been a while since I wrote a rap about the times. So here you go! Here's how I spent my week! 

Monday, started out real sweet
We rolled out of bed, and started our week -
Got studies done quick, then walked out the door
checkin' our watch it was like 8:24!
We hopped over to the church, with permissions and such
To catch a ride with my grandpa, and boy, is he clutch!
His name's Lo won ha (노원하), sporting a Countryman Cooper,
Born in '47 - quite the fresh super trooper. 
He took Moon and I to the policer-man station
So there we could get our hands on a real investigation.
I filled out the papers, Elder Moon called Grandma Kim
for some extra information due to the pinch we were in.
she said she'd send it later, so we peaced out real quick,
and my Grandpa Mr. Lo fed us noodles quite thick!
Then I choked on a pepper, so hot I thought I'd die-
But thankfully instead of death only tears I did cry.
By then it was late, but I still hit the fam-
And they were doing great! Even my "Pops" from Siam.
After the words on the comp we headed out to meet bros,
And where could we meet but.. ..good ol' Yeongdeungpo!
We met up with Sean, Elder Ellsworth and Meeks,
And even Elder Pruner, whom I haven't seen in weeks!

It was a blast, we played ping-pong and such,
Then after the math Sean took us out for late lunch!
We ate my fav- Gamaro, and the man recognized me!
I was so surprised he was so surprised that.. well,
it surprised me!
We munched all our chicken, and sipped the free drank,
Then met a Finnish guy on the way home. ..Eurig. Not Frank.
When Tuesday rolled around I thought it preposterous
That our Anyang zone met in Sanbon for Zone Conference!
But we left real early, and on the bus my bag broke..
then later on so did my watch.. ..haha. ..That's all she wrote. 
We hiked all around, then challenged the Prez
to a "7-minute workout", and man, were we dead!
We took some silly photos, after we all heard him say,
"Thank you so much! You've made the President's day!"
That was that, we headed back home
to teach English class -- you know, "When in Rome"~
When Wednesday rolled around, there was much pleading
to not have an extra long Dist-er-ict Meeting. 
Things went real smooth, we all had a nice time
And on our way home we dropped by the fuzz one more time.
We filled out the paper, the "Missing Persons" forms,
Then did a few shakes at a cool new book store! 
That was pretty rad, and all we did that day,
Even got stood up by our investigators when it got to be late.
So then onto Thursday, which was "Dorseldermaphobia"
Says Elder Doyle.. ..Who probably came from Cambodia. 
At this time we spent a few hours in the sun,
Doing service and painting a WALL! ..Man, SO MUCH FUN!

That was the day, and the time came and went,
And our investigators stood us up again.. .. rough time spent!
Friday is often referred to as "burning" (in Korea)
If I had to guess why.. it's probably cause our minds hurt from learning..
We planned our next week for 3 hours or so,
Then did some flyering at a waterfall.. (In Korean, Pokpo!)
Nailed some shopping, with pizza for lunch,
And sipped on some soda instead of fruit punch. 
Saturday was normal, with English class and a dinner
At our dear member's house.. ..she's such a winner!
And then, here we are, it's Sunday for you. 
Though Monday for me, I had a great Sunday too!
I hope yours is the same, feeling the Spirit and such -
I mean, that's what counts, right? That "Family" touch? 
Here's the end of my extra long poem.
....
..Uh..
..Ta dahhh. Hahaha

So … I figured you may need the Gift of Tongues to figure out what in the world I'm saying here, but -- I believe in you. I know you can do it!

To be honest, this morning I was studying the gift of tongues, along with Chapter 7 in Preach My Gospel, which is all about language learning. ..And, I learned today that, well, the Gift of Tongues doesn't only apply to foreign languages, but normal everyday language as well! Chapter 7 says this:

"When you feel you are struggling to express yourself as clearly as you would like, remember that the Spirit is able to speak to the hearts of all of God's children." 
"There is one language.. that is common to each [of God's children]-- the language of the Spirit. It is not learned from textbooks written by men of letters; nor is it acquired through reading and memorization. The language of the Spirit comes to him who seeks with all his heart to know God and keep His divine commandments. Proficiency in this language permits one to break barriers, overcome obstacles, and touch the human heart."

..Cool, right?

Then I went on to read in James 3, which is all about taming our tongues. 

It's long, but worth it. It says, 

"1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents,and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts,glory not, and lie not against the truth.
 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly,sensual, devilish.
 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

Remember that we should use our Gift of Tongues to rightfully interpret that which we say to other people, as well as spread this kind of love that we can through the sweet words we know. Let us all be a well of sweet, fresh water, and try our hardest to forsake and forget the salty, bitter water we often keep inside the well within us. 

Love you all,
Have the greatest week! 

Elder DeMille!

The Battle Is At Its Height

..Hot, heavy, and humid, your breathing feels hindered -- though you cannot determine whether it is the atmosphere or the odds that seem to be against you as you draw in another difficult breath. You clutch tightly to the nearby mast with cold hands as you try to escape the anxious and nervous feelings inside of your war-stricken mind. ..Taking a final glance at the piece of rough parchment addressed to the King, your last written sentence sternly echoes in your ever-present conscious; '..your servant doth have twelve warships under his command and he is still alive, that the enemy shall never be safe in the West Sea..’.

You gaze behind you at the men standing thoughtlessly on each of the 12 warships. ..Men you've known and fought with for years. Men you have served -- men who have served you. ..You start to remember the thousands more who used to fight so valiantly alongside you, and your body starts to tremble. Men whose families you cared for, whose lives and character you so greatly cherished. ..Whose dying wishes you personally fulfilled.

..And yet, those 27,000 men are not with you now. Your once proud fleet of over 150 ships has been decimated by those against you to a mere 13, and as that fleet floats fearlessly behind you, you think to yourself, '..Are we really enough?’.

Then, a man runs to you on the deck, his footsteps quick and heavy, his body language anxious and abrupt, but his words calm and collected - experienced - as he conveys to you that your enemy has just left the nearby harbor with their forces. ..You hear the number - though it doesn't seem real. "Sir, there are surely over 300. ..How should we act?" He says calmly. ..He does not look scared.

He is confident in his Captain. A few more minutes pass, and after careful listening and quiet pondering you've decided that the time is now. Your plan has to work,there is no other option.

You make the call. You choose a man,sturdy and valuable, one you have trusted and loved throughout your experience in the war. You give him his orders, and send him on his way. His task is simple. "You are the bait, and nothing more. You are not a sacrifice. You are not a casualty. You will return. You are needed." ..You've promised him. As he leaves, you glance back toward the rest of your small but faithful crew, and make the signal. They begin to ready, and you close your eyes. 

Moments become eternities as you hear subtle voices calling your name. ..As you open your eyes, and gaze towards the horizon, you can see your dear friend returning as planned. ..With the 300 ships at his back, his distance is closing in swiftly. It's time to move. Your men, assembled and ready, follow your lead into the nearby strait.

As you listen to the steady waves crash against your battle-torn ship, you are caught up in the masterful plan you devised, that will decide the fate of your beloved country. You think about the strait you chose, and why you did so.. with currents so powerful.. ships can only enter safely one at a time .. we are thirteen strong. ..through the deep shadows of the surrounding hillsides..  friends and comrades will be blessed with concealment.. since we are only thirteen strong…and it's narrowness.. allows for the use of steel defensive chains we can lay across the entire width, to be used to restrict the enemy's movement as we lie in the shadows, avoiding the possibility of a surroundment. ..Since we are only thirteen strong, it would prove fatal.

..As you sail silently into the powerful strait you notice a heavy mist - as if an unexpected blessing- that helps to conceal your dear friends as they make their way, swiftly, secretly, into their pre-designated areas. The visibility is in your favor. The shadows are now your ally. You are simply outnumbered nearly 25 to 1. ..And before you know it, it has begun.

This is the story of Yi Sun Sin, a Korean naval commander, famed for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war in the Joseon Dynasty, and is well-respected for his exemplary conduct on and off the battlefield not only by Koreans, but by Japanese Admirals as well. Military historians have placed General Yi Sun-Sin on par with Admiral Horatio Nelson as arguably the greatest naval commander in history for his undefeated record against seemingly insurmountable odds despite no background in naval training.

As I read and learned about this story, which you should totally look up on Wikipedia, I was reminded of how important the role of diligence is. This man goes on to defeat the 333 ships in the Japanese army with his army of 13 warships. ..An unheard of victory in the history of naval battles. Not only was Yi Sun Sin a commendable and admirable naval commander with no experience, but he also was an admirable human being. Fulfilling his soldiers dying wishes personally, caring for their families, and suffering near-death torture and imprisonment twice for things he didn't do, he is the Korean Captain Moroni. ..Pretty cool.

I invite you to check out this story, and think about how awesome people can truly be if they just focus on humanity in it's most precious moments, and never lose sight of what is most important.

My dad said to me once, "..though it may not be easy at times, or pleasant, the test of a man's character is not how he acts when things are difficult, but how he acts in the trenches and agonies of his trials."

..Yi Sun Sin's dying words were, when wounded by a single bullet in a later battle,
""The battle is at its height...beat my war drums...do not announce my death."

May you keep beating your war drums! The battle is at it's height! 

I love you all!! Have the best week!

Doctrine & Covenants Section 58
26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. 
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

All the love,

Elder DeMille!

Are You Trying?

What's up ladies and gents!

This week wasn't crazy eventful. We celebrated "International Hoffman's Day" on P-day in behalf of Sister Hoffman's birthday, and went ham! (crazy). It was awesome! Missionaries came from all over just to celebrate, and we ended up going to the Anyang river in our area and playing all sorts of games. Frisbee, Soccer volleyball ( a real sport here, it's so fun! ), And tons of rugby. Rugby was by far my favorite. Elder Salazar (from Oly! Hooah!) taught us how to play, and Elder Matthews (From Austraila - Brisbane) helped ref and keep us all in line, haha. It was incredibly fun. I ended up scoring 3 touchdowns and got some sweet cuts to prove it! Remember that "no grass in Korea" thing? Yes. It's still that way. Hahaha.

Outside of that, not too many events went down this week! We had a great time just enjoying life, and watching all the flowers bloom. I've decided lately that, man.. I just love this experience! Sure, it's trying sometimes, and takes a lot of patience, but.. what doesn't? Why not just be happy with the moment that you're in, and try to kick life's butt?! Haha so, I saw this cool video today and wanted to share it. Granted, everything in our lives may not happen this perfectly but, I believe that as long as you're trying to be a good person in your life and are showing others that sweet light I know each one of you has inside, you'll make a difference.

..And that's all anyone wants anyway, right?
..To make a difference?

So here's my question to you!

..Are you trying?

Watch video here

Have a great week!

All the love,
Yours TRUEly (See what I did there? Ha, I get the puns from my brother Dawson.)

Elder DeMille!