So this week has been a pretty good week actually. We're getting over the slowness of families being away for the holidays, really hot or smoky days, and people not wanting to be bothered because of the holidays. We've been able to visit a lot of families and get them on the Book of Mormon grind and get them mindful of missionary work. We've been super busy the past couple days and it's felt great! I was able to go on a tradeoff with an Elder in my district - Elder Halverson, serving in the Ryde Chinese Ward. I have a lot of respect and admire this Elder for his hardwork, focus, and love for the Gospel. I was there in the same district when he first started his mission, back in Bankstown when I was with Elder Smith. At that time he was full of fire and excitement for the work, and to this day he still is. It's cool to watch him grow a bit, and to go out and watch him work. We spent some time walking on the streets and he is fearless and will talk to everyone on the street. Bold, because he will jump right into who we are and what we are sharing. Different style from me, as I go for a more natural approach with conversation and lead that into who we are and what we share. But it was really neat being 2 Americans walking down the street of little China, talking to people who at first say they don't speak English then he will switch into Chinese. Or even one family who tried it, but said they were Korean so I step up and they just said in English they were Christian and had to go hahaha It was fun!
I have been enjoying my time as an actual Korean speaker. I'll admit it's been hard though. I wish I could say that I'm out there speaking perfect Korean or teaching super well, but no.... For those who travel to different countries to learn a language, I finally know how you feel. To add to the frustration, I've been out for 16 months. l, having figured out my way to connect with people, joke, empathize, teach and everything to function as a missionary. However, all of that suddenly disappeared when I needed to switch it into Korean... where normally I'm pretty talkative and like to laugh and joke with members or people in general... I've become quiet and shy.... Normally, I'd brush it off and just say algoods, in time it'll get there. In time, I'll be able to learn and be effective... but... no... Last week I hit my last 6 months of my mission and it's been scary.... Where I'm at with the language, is not where I wanted to be. Also, whether or not President will keep me in this area is not certain. Whether or not my next companion will be Korean is not certain. I've been grateful for my companion, Elder Son, who has been so helpful and patient. I've learned so much from him and he's really helped my Korean. But I know he's gotta go... He's been in this area for 6 months... down to my last 2-3 weeks with him.... But life goes on...
Life in the city has been really great and fun and exciting. Always new things to see and new people to meet. I just can't believe it took me 15 months to get here. BUT not a bad way to start finishing up my mission. SOOOO much good food!! SOOOO much Korean food!! I'm set, my decision is made that I will visit and try to live in Korea for a bit through the Army. I love the food here, but every Korean I meet says the food is far better in Korea hahaha so it must be Heavenly in Korea!!
Anyways I hope you all have a great week as I slowly become a full Korean.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
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Australia Sydney Mission
호주 시드니 선교부
