January Jollies and Joys

My main new year's resolve is to become a regular blogger, more than just occasionally. I took the first step today by downloading all the photos I have from this busy month in Korea, and also some remarkable shots taken from the plane over the Arctic region. (that's another blog posting topic!)

There have been a lot of social gatherings since I returned to the Land of the Morning Calm this month, including folks from the American, Korean and Philippino culture at Phillipe and Susie Barbieri's lovely apartment. What a feast of delish food and great chatting!

Then there was our monthly SESA meeting, at which Norm was asked to come up and speak spontaneously, which he did with not a moment's hesitation. (Next month the two of us are the main speakers.) This is the Seoul English Study Association. We love the interaction with Koreans, and they love the chance to practice their English conversation skills with us!

In celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year Day (Sol Nal in Korean)next week, the ladies of our local church branch gathered for a Korean food feast and cultural presentation, and you can see what beautiful dresses they wear for special occasions. It was fun and interesting!

And, although I never got the camera out for the occasion, Norm and I hosted the latest of our monthly couples study group/pot luck dinner gatherings last Sunday night, and had a great discussion with our friends about developing Christlike attributes. This was the very evening (Seoul time) that Pres. Hinckley died, which was appropriate, since he was such an excellent example of those traits!

Passing of our Prophet

For the last several hours, I have been tuned into internet radio stream KSL from Salt Lake City, listening to the many call-in comments and programs honoring our beloved Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley at his passing Sunday evening, January 27, 2008.

I learned the news in the early afternoon Monday, in Seoul, about 2 hours after his death occurred. Several friends concurrently sent emails or chatted briefly on MSN IM to make sure I got the sad news, and I thank them for thinking of us over here at such a tender time.

A few words on this blog cannot suffice to summarize the gigantic impact of Pres. Hinckley on my life. I can hardly remember the years (over 20 years ago) that he was not a First Presidency member. Before that, as long as I have been an LDS member, he served as an apostle. And long before that, he was busy serving as a well-loved and talented leader and employee of the church.

His influence has been worldwide in so many areas, and the one that has meant the most to me is the remarkable, ambitious temple-building program at the turn of the millenium. Simply amazing. We have attended and visited many of those temples around the world, and I always think appreciatively of President Hinckley's foresight in planning and supporting their construction, which has brought eternal blessings to millions of people on most of the earth's continents.

At the press conference held in March 1995 when Pres. Hinckley began his service as the Prophet, he was asked by a reporter what advice he would give to working mothers. He responded that all of us, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, just need "to do the best you can."

That is acceptable to the Lord....and it has helped me through many difficult days since that time.

I feel privileged to have lived so many years of my adult life, growing under the inspirational leadership of Pres. Hinckley. I have abundant memories of him to cherish, and look forward to the opportunity to reunite in the coming life. "God be with you [and us]till we meet again...."

Belated Christmas Message from Norm

There is something wonderfully relaxing and satisfying about ice skating.
People seem to truly enjoy themselves - especially during the holidays.

It was Christmas Eve 2007, in Seoul, Korea - a city of 13 million inhabitants.
I found myself alone as a stranger in a mystical land. During this special time,
I joined a huge crowd of over 100,000 Koreans. They were celebrating by strolling
past richly decorated buildings, trees, & bushes that lined the walkways. Street
vendors offered a variety of Asian food and sweets to the revelers. Music was heard
from speakers scattered all over the downtown area in this magical, "night of nights".

At City Hall, I paused for awhile at a large ice skating rink. It was surrounded by
brilliantly lighted screens, decorated with Far Eastern designs. I was warmed by
the glow of smiling faces who greeted each other as they skated on the ice.
Children giggled as they held tightly to their parents and grandparents. Family
members and friends laughed when their children fell down. Young lovers held
hands and gazed into the eyes of their partners. Wives smiled sweetly at their
husbands as together they skated to music. Older couples enjoyed the peaceful
moment. Gray-haired people interlocked their arms and supported each other.

I was pleasantly surprised when a few people greeted me, shook my hand, and
wished me happiness. I learned more about what it means when Asians talk about
"cry for happy." This was especially true that Christmas Eve because I dearly missed
my own sweet companion - as well as our wonderful children. Previously, a Korean
War veteran, with tears of appreciation, expressed sincere gratitude for the sacrifices
of U.S. citizens during that terrible war - as well as what we have done for the past 50
years. Sometimes, I have personal glimpse of the soul of a city with a similar name.

I was able to experience the peace and joy that comes from love. I thought about the
importance of mutual caring, sharing, kindness, & understanding. For a brief moment
in the troubled history of this beautiful nation, among such lovely people, there was
a renewed feeling of hope. Before I left the memorable scene, I looked at the star on
top of a huge and colorful tree. I wished for lasting joy, with peace on earth for my
loved ones, for this great & ancient country, and good will toward all mankind. I then
returned to my apartment in the full moonlight. My warmed heart didn't notice the cold.
May the Lord continue to bless us all during the new year, and forever.
Norm Potter
Seoul, Korea