From Texas to Korea: Sister Kaydence Wilkinson Discovers Faith and Purpose in the Korea Seoul Mission

(한국어 링크)

When Kaydence Wilkinson opened her mission call and learned she would serve in the Korea Seoul Mission, she was thrilled. Long before receiving her call, Korea had already captured her interest through its culture and language. What she did not know then was how deeply the country, its people and the experience of missionary service would shape her faith and her life.

Sister Wilkinson is one of the five Wilkinson quintuplets from Texas who answered the call to serve as full-time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each sibling was assigned to a different mission around the world, creating a unique family story of faith and service. While her siblings serve in California, Nevada, Italy and Senegal, Sister Wilkinson is serving in Korea, where she is discovering that the Lord's work often unfolds through simple conversations, unexpected experiences and daily acts of kindness.

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Before arriving in Korea, Sister Wilkinson already had a basic familiarity with Korean culture.

"Since middle school, I had watched a lot of K-dramas," she said. Her grandmother first introduced the family to Korean dramas during visits, sparking an interest that eventually led her to begin studying Korean on her own through language apps and media.

Though she thought she knew some of the important cultural practices, including showing respect to older people and using both hands when giving or receiving items, she quickly discovered there was still much to learn after arriving in Korea.

More significant than adapting to daily life has been learning the Korean language and witnessing the Lord's help along the way.

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"My Korean is okay," she said with characteristic humility. "I have so much room to grow." Yet she finds herself increasingly able to communicate with people she meets and recognizes divine assistance in moments when understanding is especially important.

"Whenever I'm talking to someone, and I do understand what they're saying, I know it's because of the Lord and not because of my own skill," she said. "I've definitely seen that the Lord helps me understand Korean when I need to understand Korean."

Those moments have strengthened her testimony that the Savior is actively involved in missionary work.

"I've really learned that it's the Lord's work," she said. "He's just helping me along."

Throughout her mission, Sister Wilkinson has also developed a deep appreciation for the members of the Church in Korea. She speaks warmly of their generosity and the sincere care they show missionaries.

"Every day I have moments where I'm just so grateful to be in Korea," she said. "I've come to love our members." She noted the kindness she experiences during member meals, where families go out of their way to provide food and hospitality.

Her admiration extends beyond their generosity. She has been particularly impressed by the commitment and faith of Korean Latter-day Saints.

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"Something that surprised me is how many members, especially women, have served missions," she said. Hearing their stories has left a lasting impression. She is equally inspired by the sacrifices members make to live the gospel in a culture where educational and career success often carry significant importance.

"It really means a lot that they're willing to sacrifice that to come to church and that they care about the gospel enough that they want their family to come and they want to raise their children in the Church," she said.

Among her most meaningful experiences has been helping others feel the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Sister Wilkinson spoke of a friend currently being taught by missionaries and described the privilege of watching someone encounter the Spirit in a new and personal way.

"It's such a unique experience getting to watch someone feel the Spirit for the first time," she said. "I feel so privileged to be able to do that. I feel so lucky that God has sent me here."