Letter from Blackbelt in a Suit

February 25, 2006

Dear Dojang,

It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? “Dear Dojang.” How are things going Mr. and Mrs. Jerman? I regret not writing sooner. I’ve been meaning to for a long time, but have had difficulties managing my time with these schedules; I only have a few hours on one day of the week to write.

So, what was the Sabonim perspective of the tournament? From my “sources” I heard and got the impression that it was an overall good experience, with some very tough competition. What schools attended and which of our students competed?

Thus far I think I’m doing all right here. I am able to do a full stretch daily and go through my forms 5 times a week. And I’m doing push ups like a red-belt. I’m going for 100 per day, though not in one try yet.

It’s a little cramped doing them here in our little living-room, but it was nice at the MTC, where there was a large gym. The first time there I went through all my forms on the empty volleyball court; after that I had complete strangers calling me “karate kid” in the lunch hall and dorms.

Another great thing about the MTC was the 6’6” door ways; after 4 hours of sitting in a classroom, kicking the top of a door frame felt great.

Things are quite different here. Whatever muscles walking uses, they get a workout here; on normal days we walk about six miles. The eight inches of snow make it interesting, too. I often find myself thinking of Mr. Jerman in Iraq. I’m gaining a new appreciation for what he did and how much effort it takes to keep any TKD up. Of course things are much easier here. I don’t have long marches, screaming drill sergeants, or people trying to knife me.

I find I am going into TKD withdrawals. There is nothing to kick and my companion is too nice a guy. And I can’t go sizing up the people on the streets because I’m trying to figure out how to talk to them about the Gospel. Envisioning how to boot them in the head just wouldn’t be very Christ-like. So instead we have dogs. There are tons of dogs here. About 80% of the houses here have dogs. I haven’t been able to kick any of them yet, but I sure have been thinking about it. When I get back I’ll have to start a dog defense class—it could be called “kick the poodle!”

Things have been going great here, and I love the work. As you know, I’m a pretty focused person and I’m not the home-sick type. But the times I feel it the most are when I’m stretching in the mornings. It turns out this gives a lot of time for thinking and my thoughts always drift back to my second family and my second home.

Taekwondo has become a big part of my life. It has become part of who I am. Looking back I realize that TKD is a big part of why I am now here, and I am regularly reminded of the things I’ve gained from it. Taekwondo prepared me for this more than I could have imagined in the last 3.5 years. I have never understood those who see it as a threat to their faith or religion; it has only strengthened mine.

As missionaries we are called to stand as representatives and witnesses of God. For some this is a very difficult change, but less so for me. I have already learned to stand tall and keep my head up; to act with honor and respect. Yes, I will always be improving on these, but the only real change was that of a dobok for a suit, and a blackbelt for a tie.

We strive to show courtesy in every action and word; as Mr. Jerman said, I am learning the true meaning of service.

When we teach, we must do so with integrity. It is impossible to teach or even talk effectively otherwise. Any loss of self-control as a missionary would be inexcusable though there are plenty of opportunities for it when we are dealing with drunks, the willfully ignorant, and slammed doors.

Perseverance has become daily fare now at least for me. I’ve never had to work something like 10:00 am - 9:00 pm before and it’s an experience. But knowing how to “suck it up and drive on” has really helped, and things that probably would have worn me down before are okay now. Tired as I may be at the end of the day, I am happy to rise in the morning and see what God has in store for me.

But the tenet which has come to mean the most to me here is “Indomitable Spirit.” Of course, “spirit” takes on a whole knew meaning in the work of God. I have found that Indomitable Spirit is made up of faith and hope, two of the three great virtues spoken of in Moroni 7, and which we need always in the work.

So, how is everyone? Are there many new students? I certainly miss my “second family.” I wish I could see everyone again. How are those Hyung forms coming?

Well, until next time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keep your kicks high and your spirits higher

Elder Anderson

Your Blackbelt in a Suit