Do Not Bunny Hop My Medical Scooter

Wednesday Feb 13

Crazy day today.  We went to the doctor this morning.  I went to the same clinic I went to for my wrist! The cruel irony.  Anyway it's a simple fracture so I should be good to go in about 5 weeks.  Perfect timing.  I slept during language study.  I was so tired.  I woke up and couldn't move my hand.  Mildly concerning until I realized that I was just temporarily sleep drunk and my hand fell asleep so all was right.  So my new favorite thing to do is to write English words in Korean characters.  it helps me spell. (He tries this, but I can't read it.) Super funny.  We spent a little time testing this out in class.  The results: [he writes "What's up dawg" in Korean characters.] So fun.  It's late.  I love you all but especially Momma. I drove past the BYU dorms and waved.  I hope Jake and Sara and Colter and Brandon and Chance and Flint and everyone else cool saw me! I have tons of food.  Like I could pass a food storage 6 month test. Loves!

Thursday Feb 14

I got my scooter today! Super fun but I'm not allowed to let anyone ride it.  Unfortunately I cannot chase anyone down who steals it coz that's kind of the point of the scooter.  Needless to say, dorm record lap times are bing set as I pen these words.  I also said the words, "Please do not bunny hop my medical scooter."  Didn't see that comin'.  It will possibly inflict more injuries than it prevents.  Elder Bingham almost killed three people in four laps, including a member of a branch presidency.  Anyway.  I love you all and if I don't respond to your letters its just because stuff is crazy. I don't have tons of time. But I still love you! Read Pray Obey. Boom.

2/15 Friday

The MTC is a crazy place. First you think you'll never get out to serve people and you blink and you're almost half way.  I got so many wonderful letters today. i feel so loved and supported.  no wonder the church focuses on families.  i dunno if I'll be able to write all of you back, but I'll give it a shot!  I can't say how wonderful it is to receive them.  Thank you sooooo much.  I feel super encouraged.  So today was more fun on the scooter.  i rode about 100 feet on two wheels and chased Elder Westbrook and Elder Bingham around trying to get it back.  I learned so diligence and persuasion techniques.  We are planning for TRC--it's when you teach volunteer members.  it's humbling and inspiring.  In case you need something way awesome to study, D&C 20 is really interesting! The patterns of the Lord's church are easily visible.  I love it.  If only I could stop passing out between verses... Love you tons!

For Dixons: anyanghaseyo is hello.

2/16 Saturday

I cannot express how wonderful all of your letters are.  I feel so loved.  Writing back is tough cause our schedule is pretty packed.  I had another fun filled day.  We taught at TRC today.  Lots of Koreans came and we actually had a good 20 minute lesson in Korean.  Super sweet.  Admittedly our understanding wasn't exactly 100%.  More like 5%.  But progress is being made.  We also said going to church was "rad," which resulted in tumultuous laughter.  It was great.  I really felt the reality of Christ's resurrection today.  I read in John for 20 minutes.  The blessings and reality of Christ is incredible.  I know He lives and he loves us.  I feel it and I know that the people I get to teach feel it.  It is truly incredible.  I love you all.

Quote of the day: "There is only a dream between now and our next meeting."

2/17 Sunday

So I got called as district leader today! I'm really excited to serve the people of my district! It's very humbling.  I get mail and do meetings and have tons of fun approving splits.  We sang in choir and had tons of fun.  The devotional was on modern day miracles and was incredible.  Also Jeffrey R. holland's teaching seminar was awesome.  i'm super mobile on my knee scooter.  I scooted to the temple and got many funny looks.  Alma 32 is always awesome.  i love you tons.  I know the Church is Jesus Christ's restored church.

Monday Feb 18th

Update! We just cleaned showers and sorted sheets for an hour and half for our service.  i really like service time.  It's an easy way to show love for people.  Also during district meeting I can't look at Elder Bingham or else I crack up super hard.  Or just start smiling.  We need to figure that out.  So my big question of the week is to better understand how I personally can live the gospel righteously and still make money and own nice stuff.  I think that after studying the scriptures the answer is pretty clear. Riches and affluence are blessings from God that He expects you to use appropriately.  the appropriate use is up to you and your own personal revelation so I can't tell whether somebody isn't using their wealth appropriately.  That isn't my place.  As a representative of Jesus Christ I do have the responsibility to caution people without condemning them.  Mark Chapter 10 is a good example, especially verses 17 - 31ish.  It si clear that we must be ready and willing to give up everything.  But it is between us and God and no one else to decide what needs to be actually given.  The pride cycle of the Nephites pretty clearly illustrates this too.  Humility -->Faith in Christ-->Conversion-->Blessings-->Pride-->[something that looks like but probably isn't "wichadss"]-->Humility.  So anyway think about that and let me know what you think.  But I learned in district meeting that love comes before anything else.  D&C 121 rocks.  OK thanks for hearing me out.  It's been on my mind lately.

And now for a funny story:

I've heard Elders Bingham and Hale first teaching appointment story a bunch and it's pretty hilarious.  Oh, and I'm related to both of them.  So here goes.

Elders Bingham and Hale gingerly enter the room.  Bowing and anyanghaseyoing, they sit down.  They attempt to read several prepared sentences about modern prophets and the restoration.  Sister Goo's eyebrows are touching her hair line.  They continue to struggle for another half and hour as Sister Goo leans in closer and closer as their sentences trail off.  Elder Bingham then profusely thanks her over and over agai.  he meant to apologize but frantic desperation has scrambled his neural connections.  They both try and read "see you next time." 3 or 4 times before Elder Bingham leans over, points to it on his paper, stands up, and runs out.

They teach solid lessons now, but that sitll makes us laugh.  I love you all, keep laughing. Stay happy.

P-day! Tuesday Feb 19th

The four week mark is tomorrow. It's pretty weird.  it feels like I've come a long way and learned tons. But at the same time I have such a long way to go.  not in a really discouraging way but in a motivating way.  I'm wondering if I get a wheel chair for the temple.  I don't know if my scooter is appropriate.  Not gonna lie, I'm tired of a lot of the mega-conservative mindset that I hear a lot out here.  it seems like people have locked in their views and aren't open to change.  There's tons of open, wonderful missionaries here too though.  I dunno why i said that.  i guess it's just something I have to get over.  But it's interesting to get called as District leader. There's that moment of excitement that you've shown yourself to be responsible and then a little pride creeps in that you're better than the other missionaries in the district.  Then it's like, "Shut up, Zach. Anyone can be a district leader." But then i realize that I have shown myself to be a good leard and I can be a good district leader, but only through the guidance of the Holy Ghost.  Without that I can't do anything.  So I get humbled and learn to serve my district well.  That's the plan anyway.  Oh, and the temple was awesome.

[Note from Julia: here are a few of the pics he's shared. Pretty much captures the MTC.]

Getting into the culture

Leading district meeting

???

Broken Foot! And Pictures

I broke my foot playing basketball! I was having a super good game and just went to fake someone, rolled it, and I heard it pop. I was kinda bummed cause I thought I had rolled it and wouldn't be able to play for a couple weeks. I got rolled into the little physical therapy booth there and lo and behold, there was my comapanion! Lying in a bed with ice on his ankle. Everyone who knows us was laughing pretty hard. He has a pretty bad sprain and after she found out I hurt my foot she sent me to go get x-rays to make sure I didn't break it. And then it turned out I broke it. We did get to talk to a few people at BYU so that part was fun. Also I took some ibuprofen and felt great the rest of the day. I woke up this morning and felt pretty terrible though. Crutching around is the worst as I'm sure you know.

I think I will be able to stay in the MTC. I have an appointment on Wednesday and I will know a lot more then . As of now it looks like it should be able to heal in the MTC and I should go out on time.

I'll let you know more as soon as I know more! 

Elder Mumford Pleads for Mail

Jan 29 Tuesday

I'm terrible about taking time to write in my journal.  There are soooo many cool Elders. And the sisters are cool too but we don't talk to them in case it's seen as flirting and I get sent home. Tonight was devotional on companionships by L. Whitney Clayton and his wife Kathy Clayton.  It was pretty amazing.  me and Elder Westbrook were inspired to be more positive and reverent.  We have a really fun time together so it's tough to focus sometimes.

Jan 30 Wednesday

New missionaries came today! i was tempted to pretend like I knew what was going on but I was just nice and sympathetic instead.  Tim moves slow here. I've been here forever but I just checked in.  We have some hilarious jokesters in my district. Elder Bingham is a riot. I'll send pictures as soon as I have my SD card! We played basketball against him and Elder Hale today. We owned them. I made a bunch of threes! Apparently the blessings of the MTC aren't limited to just the gospel... Korean's coming along nicely. Ku Me Yun talked to us for 45 minutes today. I totally felt the spirit and her love.  We are teaching her about baptism and prayer. Also the restored gospel. It's still hilarious but better than before. I love my companion! The gospel is true. Jesus Christ is my Savior. On a less spiritual note I am wearing some awesome parachute pants. I love you and miss you!

Jan 31 Thursday

We taught Ku Me Yun her last lesson today. She turns out to be our other teacher! She's really cool.  She said we did a good job sharing our love and teaching about the Book of Mormon.

Also, it would be nice to have my existence acknowledged. The District leader has 3 packages full of food that he doesn't even want and over 30 letters. I got a laundry bag. Not to be ungrateful. The laundry bag serves its purpose well. But it would be cool if you could send me your names before I forget them.

Quote of the day: "Companionship goal: Survive" --Elder Hale

Your Unforgettable (but perhaps forgotten) Elder Mumford

Friday Feb 1st

It's FEBRUARY! I probably spelled that wrong--I write more Korean than English so it's messing with me. We are learning fast. It's super fun! Our new teacher is awesome. We are her first district so we get a lot of enthusiasm.  Our teachers are both Korean. Their humility and knowledge of the gospel and Korean astound and humble me. Sister Baek also speaks Spanish. Elder Bingham coined the term Kangrish to express her multilingual abilities.

I got the Sparx (candy I sent) today! They are gonna help SOOOO much. Love. Love. Love. Disregard my earlier juvenile monologue. It was humorous at the time though now I realize the error of my much speaking. I got Alex's letter today! It totally made my day. I bragged about his ??? to all the other Elders. I hope I get the rest [of the letters] soon. I think you have the wrong address on the letters though. Just double check.

I'm getting good at basketball! I kinda like it. Also there are tons more sister missionaries than I thought.  We have Sister Laban from new Zealand and Sister Redford from logan in our district. It's way funny to watch Elders try and talk without flirting.  I saw Cody Haas here! It was way sweet! Also there is this Elder Osgothorpe that wears the raddest ties. He's been ejected from Elder Bingham and I's best tie competition because he's just too funky fresh.

Love you tons! Brag about you every day you also get your share of embarrassing stories told. Quote of the day: "I am the most avid of hikers." --Elder Westbrook

Feb 2nd

MTC time's a real thing. Every day is a lifetime that passes you by in a second. You progress and learn so much each day it is truly a miracle. OK. Poetry time over. Since today was Saturday I got the chance to do a little more study than usual. I'm going to try and make it through D&C in the MTC. There's a lot I'm missing out on. We practiced 3 minute lessons with our comps today. Super Informative. i now have a lot more to work on. It's very inspiring.

I get enough food! I had some mediocre chicken broccoli casserole for lunch. I miss Momma's home cookin'. There's this hilarious Elder in our district named Elder Bingham. We learned his first name was Dawson and he hates being called Daws. It's so funny that we keep accidentally saying it and he gets super defensive. It's cool though, we share each other's moods all the time. We can just look at each other and laugh. Also, my companion is the greatest. He does a very good job of connecting with investigators and sharing his love. Also, he makes me laugh so hard all the time. Apparently, Koreans hold hands all the time and call each other pretty. Guys. So that's gonna take a little adjustment. My comp may not survive. He hates Kimchi and these cultural tendencies of Korea. He's great though.

D&C 10 is awesome. Especially verse 68.  I think the doctrine of Christ is faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.The basics bring us happiness.  I love it, so simple and infinitely deep. I love you all tons! I send you kisses and hugs and Korean man-hand holds. You're pretty.

Quote of the day:

"Elder what were you doing sleeping during personal study?"

"I was receiving personal revelation through dreams. What were YOU doing?" --Himmer and Myself

Feb 3 Fast Sunday

Awesome, awesome day today. We had mission conference and I had the powerful revelation that I needed to ditch concerns about marriage and school and just dive into missionary work. The talks were beautiful and I felt the spirit incredibly strongly during all the songs. I've noticed that here music always brings a huge outpouring of the Spirit. It's an incredible blessing. The MTC is like the Savior giving you a huge basket of loaves and fishes. You go out into the world to give them away and they multiply even as you share. It's incredible how much I'm learning about myself and Christ and the Sprit. I love the learning. There's tough stuff too but it's an amazing place. Love you!

2/4 Monday

Super Busy. Long tiring day. I learned a ton but I'm falling behind in my letter writing. Elders Bingham and Huh went to the hospital today but he's fine. They got to talk to non-memebers. Luckeeeeee. Love you tons.

2/5 Tuesday

We got up very early and did laundry, then wrote letters all morning. I love all of you so much! i miss your beautiful faces but I feel your wonderful spirits every day. Jesus Christ is my savior. A modern prophet leads the church. I feel so loved.

Love, Elder Mumford

The Book of Mormon is Rad

Saturday Jan 26th

Super crazy busy.  The learning is so amazingly quick yet super discouraging for some Elders.  I'm excited that Elder Westbrook and I taught a 20 minute lesson in Korean and committed her to read Alma 5!  We teach Koo-me Yun to pray on Monday.  It is truly wonderful.  I love my companion. he is a football playing BYU freshman from Alpine but he doesn't know Scott.  We are working hard and learning fast.

Some people are discouraged that they aren't fluent yet, but really...  It's been 4 days.  And they really are discouraged. But they will figure it out soon.  We told our investigator that the Bible was good but the Book of Mormon [Korean words] is radical on accident. Some confusion ensued which we were unable to clear up.  Next lesson! Always next lesson! Lights out comes too quickly. I love you all.

Sunday Jan 27th

It was a wonderful Sunday.  It's so jam-packed compared to the relaxed lifestyle of this Bellingham ski bum, but it's really helping me grow.  Priesthood was awesome.  I learned some simple truths from D&C 10:67-68. So true.  Sacrament meeting was good though singing in Korean is still sketchy.

The talks were on the power of the [Korean words] Book of Mormon.  Studied/talked to Elders Bingham and Hale. I really like everyone in my district.

Today was interesting.  Waking up is way hard and then every night is like you miss the day. Time moves slow and fast.  We did service this morning and scored tons of free hangers, detergent, and Altoids.  Cleaning toilets and sinks! Thanks for teaching me how, Momma! we taught our investigator an awesome lesson today! She said she felt the spirit and committed to read more of the Book of Mormon.  Our district leader is way righteous in both senses of the word.  I wish I had more time to get to know all the Elders. They rock! It's super late (10:27) and P-Day's tomorrow. I'll send this then!

Saranghamhida! Love you all so much! Stay righteous.

Elder Mumford (peace)

Mailing address:

Julia here: Zach asked me to post his address here and on Facebook.  It's easiest for him to receive snail mail, but if it's hard for you to send a letter and you're not worried about confidentiality, you can write something in the comment section or send me an email and I'll print it and send it on! His address is:

Elder Zachary Joshua Mumford
MTC Mailbox #89
KOR-SEO 0325
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793

Our First Discussion in Korean: Elder Westbrook 'Goes For It'

Jan 23

I just finished my first half day in the MTC (Missionary Training Center)! It was an amazing experience! I walked into my Korean class and looked stupid but felt really excited to learn to say what my name is! My companion is Elder Westbrook, a football playing resident of Alpine Utah.  He's really cool and looks focused. He speaks good Spanish. We will get along famously.

Dom...er, Shaw Chong-nonim is in my district. We are so excited to be together.  My hall has a reputation for obedience and it looks like it will stay that way.  It's almost 10:30. Love you lots! Or should I say LOL (please refer to "When Parents Text" for an explanation.)

Jan 24/25

Suuuuuuper busy yesterday. I didn't have any time to write you.  Apparently I was supposed to write you a letter on Wednesday but I spaced... Still love you though, or [Korean text].  Yesterday was busy. We learned a bunch of grammar and conjugation. Made huge PB&J's.  Today we taught our first investigator in Korean. And we are not as solid at Korean as one might suppose. It went as follows:

Us: Hi.
Her: Hi.
Us: We are Elders.
Her: Yes.
Me: I am Mumford Elder.
Westbrook: I am Westbrook Elder.
Her: Yes.
Me: Do you believe in God?
Her: Yes (lots of Korean)
Me: Do you believe in Jesus?
Her: Yes (lots of Korean)
We then nervously fumbled for our scriptures to read John 3:16, but we have forgotten them. So there goes our lesson.
Westbrook: Are you a Korean person?
Her: Yes.
Westbrook spends 2 minutes reading "What's your major?"
Her: What?
Me: Prayer? Prayer?
Her: Yes!
(Westbrook gives the prayer.)
Westbrook: Did you feel the spirit?
Her: Yes (more Korean)
We are super stoked but can't remember how to ask to leave.  I make hand/finger walking motions while gesturing towards the door.  She looks utterly confused and is really trying to help us.
Westbrook: I love you!
*Nervous laughter.
I stand up, but Westbrook doesn't follow my lead.  Super awkward. He stands and we bow out mispronouncing our "I'm sorry"s and "Goodbye"s. Oh, and we gave her an orange so she gave us some M&Ms. I like her and hope we can connect just a touch better in the future.

But in all seriousness she is a really wonderful lady who with time may be able to feel the spirit despite us.  Westbrook is cool under pressure and really confident.  he's wonderful.  Working hard! Word for you is: debakimnida. It means Rad, or awesome (in a cool way).  Love you all!