Cute peesha!

June 1

Hello Mom!

 

Guess what?! It`s super hot in Aomori! I can`t wear my trusty cardigans anymore! noooo, oh also. TRANSFERS! .... I'm still in Aomori! haha. I have a new companion though. Her name is sakuma shimai. I hear she is very genki! I will see her on Wednesday! Iwasa shimai was such a pleasure to work with. She taught me so much about love and individual growth. I wish her luck on the rest of her mission. She is going to the most southern part of the mission in the dead of summer. Hope she will be OK.

 

This week we had Music Eikaiwa on Saturday! Lots of students, members and less actives came! It was a very fun night, and we were able to be strengthened together as friends. I played in 3 numbers.

 

I want to share an experience about an LA (less active)  I played with. She loves music! She is a member, but is so busy because her father is very sick, and can`t take care of himself. He has a brain problem, and just can`t respond to anything. The LA`s home is labeled  "Don't visit" so we can't enter the house. However,  this week we decided to practice together (music) so I was invited! While we were practicing she wanted her parents to hear us play. We played our piece, and the father just seemed to stare off in the distance, the mother called me over, and wanted me to show him my violin. I played a short piece for him, "O my Father".   I will always remember his reaction. His eyes shot right up at the violin, and they began to water. He was able to feel the Spirit. The mother and LA realized that this was a special moment for him. Through this experience I realized how the language of the Spirit is the same; even in music. The family thanked us for playing, and invited us over to practice again sometime. During fast and testimony meeting the LA gave a testimony about this experience. She is coming to church more often. Miracles are happening in Aomori with the members!

 

Since this week was transfer calls and fast Sunday, the mission leader invited the missionaries to his house for dinner. We also invited one of the sister`s investigators. It was her birthday! We sang a special song for her, and gave her cake and a card. She felt so much love that she began to cry. In her life it`s been so hard to trust people, but little by little, the light in her eyes is glowing brighter, I know that is because of God and His love. I hope she can realize how important she is to Him someday.

 

also... My mission leader lent me his guitar so I can practice on P-days XD haha, pretty productive right?

 

Being in Aomori for almost half of a year has been tough. I have learned so much about the importance of service, and forgetting yourself. It is important to always want to improve, but when you ignore the people around you, the light begins to dwindle. When you lose yourself, you find yourself. I have been able to come to love Aomori so much! Transfer calls really scared me, because I didn't want to go. We have no investigators... our eikaiwa student is also turning out to be a bit iffy... but God works in mysterious ways, and if I can help lay a foundation for Aomori, I will put my whole heart into it. I am still a young 21 year old sister missionary, but God has a plan for all his children, and if we are listening to the Spirit we will never be lead astray. I love this mission and I love biking in hot, hot weather all day! I love not being able to speak perfect Japanese and making a fool of myself, and I love sleeping on hard futons. Why? I have no idea, but I`m happy! I know this gospel is true, and I know it is the only way to eternal happiness. I love everyone, and I wish you have a wonderful week.

 

愛しています！

Money shimai

 

 

ps. I got your package mom! I ate some of the dinners! it reminded me of those late lazy nights watching movies... unfortunately I couldn't eat the beef jerky (customs wouldn't let it come through), but that`s ok! I have some pretty good cheap Japanese food here. So I am one happy missionary!

June 8

It`s funny because right after I sent that Email the temperature dropped back to 16 C. However it`s getting hot again. Interestingly Aomori is one of the hottest places in Tohoku in the summer. Reminds me of Utah.

 

Here are some answers to your questions, but just keep in mind I haven`t ran into too many people XD

 

The biggest stumbling block for me when I try to teach people about Christianity is the fact that they believe they just don`t need it. The word `religion` in Japan holds a very bad image; at least Christian religion. They don`t believe in God to start, so believing in Christ is a whole other level. For Japanese who ARE Christian it becomes very easy to talk to them. They get excited that there are people who also believe in Christ, and want to talk more! Unfortunately there aren't many of these people, so I have only spoke to... maybe 3? haha. But there are a lot of Japanese people who went to Christian schools and learned a bit. So they are willing to listen more. Prepared people are everywhere however. Also the people who do get baptized have a high chance of turning LA. The church isn't big so it`s very easy to just sneak right back into normal life and forget about your whole conversion. Luckily, the people who truly got converted stay pretty strong. It`s because back in the day missionary work ran a bit differently, and important testimony requirements weren't too important back then. And they also fall away a little like how American`s fall away. Human error, sin, or just the desire disappears. Oh, also the fact that only 1 person gets baptized in the family is very hard for recent converts. So there are family problems.

 

:D that`s all I got.

 

So this week was a bit busy just getting ready for transfers and welcoming the new sisters in. We totally cleaned our apartment so I can't even recognize the place. 3 sisters in our apartment are kind of OCD about being clean :D which is all fine with me, but I am in trouble. Being with the same companion for 3 transfers made me realize how hard change is. But, I`ll adjust soon. My new companion, Sakuma shimai, is full of energy and loves to work hard. Aomori is new to her, so I am doing my best to teach her about the area. She has 7 people in her family. She has 4 sisters, and herself.

 

This week we were able to go finding a lot more. We were able to find a few potential investigators around the area, so we are hoping for the best there. I haven`t taught with her before, So I hope it will all work out! Good thing the Spirit is the real teacher.

 

This week I have thought a lot about love. Being on the mission field for more than a year seems so long, but in reality is so short. This really surprises me because I have never learned this much before! In missionary work there are all sorts of ups and downs. However, if you keep your heart and mind centered on Christ-like love and service, even when you don`t see success your mission never fails.

 

I`m sorry I don't have too many specific stories this letter. Next week is Zone conference so we are all excited for that. That is the last time we will see president Rasmussen before he leaves! aaaah, It`s too soon! Even though I don`t see him around the mission all too much he has been a big impact on me on the mission. Watching over 150 young 18-21 year old kids must be hard! Yet he prays for us individually everyday. Through Christ-like friends and leaders we feel God`s love in our lives. That love we feel is light. Even though our life is full of darkness, and we aren`t quite sure what will happen, the light of God can always show us that everything will be alright. I know that God is watching over my friends and family, and that gives me peace. I know that this gospel brings eternal happiness. I love everyone! and hope to hear from you all soon. Pray for the people of Japan, and help them feel God`s love. They are such amazing people, and all it takes is the spirit to change their hearts.

 

I hope everyone is having a good week!

 

talk to you next week!

愛しています！今週もたくさん奇跡を見ましょう！

-Money shimai

 

 

 

June 15

Hi mom! :D

 

I just got back at eating sashimi with my mission president and his wife with all the missionaries in Aomori! I will send you some pictures later. Just to let you know... I love fish. But only Japanese fish, because Utah fish just isn't the same. of course... I am not sure what I am eating half of the time!

 

This week we were able to find a new investigator! She found us while we were doing eikaiwa kubari! (note: I think this means they were finding people to do Eikaiwa, or English lessions)  First the elders talked to her, then through church activities we were able to talk to her. She has been going through a HARD life, but even through everything she has never given up hope. She is so strong. she is only 18! It blows my mind sometimes what life can throw at you at such a young age. We were able to teach her a lesson, and even try to invite her to get baptized! haha, we were excited missionaries. She said she wanted to,  but she still needed time to learn. She loves Christians, and I think if she realizes that she can partake of Christ`s blessings as well. She can`t wait to make a date!

 

hmmm, with that excitement comes MORE excitement. I was able to split in Hachinohe last Friday and Saturday. There are some awesome things that come with your MTC companion being your STL. I was able to go to a ward BBQ in Hachinohe and meet with all the members! I saw Shion Chan and got to talk to my old branch president.

 

Btw, if you two come down here to pick me up... we are staying a Sunday in Hachinohe even if it`s tiny and very cold :D

 

I have learned something VERY important this week. It is about following the Savior`s example, and just showing love to everyone. I don`t mean the whole `Hello how are you` love. The actual `You are my brother and sister, and God is our heavenly father` love. True love. If you open your ears and listen, you will know how you can help those around you. You have to have that desire, or the answers won`t come. I am so grateful to learn what I have on my mission. Our hearts might be in the darkest of places, but with Christ`s love we can get out of any place. Let your love show to those you care about, and to those you don`t know. You never know what kind of influence you may leave with them, and who`s lives you can change.

 

I am grateful for everyone`s prayers and thoughts during my time on this mission. My emails might be short... and thoughts a bit jumbled... but I mean every word I say. I LOVE YOU!!!!

 

and because it is father`s day I have a special surprise for my dad. I will be sending (for reals this time) a lot of pictures from my mission and unwritten stories about them. Because today`s email time was short, I will write you a letter. :D

 

Thank you for telling me your testimonies as well. By sharing what we know we strengthen our testimony and other`s. If you want to ask me anything feel free, so I have more interesting things to say in my emails XD (I`m not too creative)

 

I LOVE YOU ALL!

愛しています！

皆さん！今週いっぱいたいよをかんじてください！

 

(please enjoy the sun! because it has been raining ALL DAY EVERYDAY! yaaay rainy season.)

June 22, 2014

Sorry, I am terrible at keeping this thing up! Here are a few recent ones...

Dear Mom,

 

My week had a lot of things happening!

 

We had zone conference, and district conference! Which is the churches in Aomori-ken coming together in one building! So I got to see Hachinohe members again. HA ha, I'm pretty spoiled. For zone conference my old MTC district member played a duet violin piece with me, and my old companion accompanied us on the piano. We played "I`m trying to be like Jesus". It was the last time we would see Rasmussen shimai and Kaicho so it was actually pretty sad... a lot of crying :( BUT I am so blessed to have been able to have such a wonderful leader and example in my life. My mission parents were SO full of love it was unbelievable.

 

This week we found a new investigator. XD She is a cute little old grandma, who doesn't focus too well, but LOVES learning about Jesus Christ. So we decided to teach her. I can`t understand 90 percent of what she is saying because of a hard accent, but I smile and nod and teach. This week I have studied the scriptures over and over again about Love. There is a verse saying that with love you can throw away all fear. (Moroni 8) and I believe that to be true! When you have love, all of your thoughts and feelings go toward God and whom you are serving. I am so lucky to be able to serve in a country full of such loving people.

 

Lately there has been a lot of rain in Japan, but it has made the scenery even more beautiful. We have visited a lot of Less Active`s recently and taught them about feeling God`s love through all the blessings He has given us, even nature! 

 

 

Sorry for the short update!

but I am genki!

I am loving the people here

and I am forgetting myself as I serve. 

 

how much happier could one missionary be? 

 

:D I love everyone! and hope you have a great week!

あいしています！

 

Money Shimai

 

 

ps. I got mom`s package, but not the card yet. 

 

 

April 21, 2014

I knew our new ZL from my first transfer in Nagamachi. He was in Sendai zone, but I didn't talk to him XD. He is from Australia. He looks like Spencer. He is on his 9th transfer. I am on my 8th. They are all doing their best for Aomori, and I have come to the conclusion that ALL Sendai missionaries are humble. I think it`s a language thing. Anywho. Looking forward to next ZTM as always.

 

I would love to buy some Japanese-ish things to bring home with me... but carrying it around with me through transfers might get hard. So either put it in my college fund or keep it with you for when you come to Japan. We`ll have fun then :D I will buy new shoes though. I still have the nice walking shoes from dad that I still use. Nice Sunday flats probably cheap ones, I will buy. (the rain got to the other ones, and during the winter broke in half) ee hee.

 

Also, sorry about suki. :( if you could please take care of my Woodstock. You are always good with animals, mom, so I have no worries. I wish I got to see her though.

 

Easter Celebration sounds fun! we didn't do much over here XD ha ha, mostly some eikaiwa students had some questions about Easter, so we taught a little bit about Christ`s resurrection and why we use eggs. They just nodded their heads. For young people christian stuff is actually pretty cool. In Sacrament meeting the branch president gave a talk about the resurrection of Christ and the power of the Atonement. It was a very strong talk, I wish I could have remembered. It was in a different language though :D still doing my best. He pretty much said... that Christ has felt all of our sorrows, and fears, not just sins. So during our rough times he knows how to comfort us. He had his body broken to save ours. All during those 3 dark days after the Savior`s death it seemed like Christ`s light was gone from the world, but quite the opposite. He lives. He was resurrected. He has a perfect body, and so will we. We sang `I know that my redeemer lives` I don't know if it was the different language that got to me, but it goes like this `shu wa ikeru to shiru` I know the Lord lives` I totally broke into tears at that point. I love Church.

 

Other than that it was transfers so we just got settled with new missionaries. I ended up teaching two eikaiwa classes (at the same time) because one elder was a bit busy in a lesson with an investigator. I do enjoy it. This week I got to play sports at 6 in the morning too, which made me think of a very important lesson. Lately I have been feeling tired a lot. probably because I`ve been on a mission for a year. So I have always felt the urge to sleep during lunch or before personal study after getting ready (yes i know, bad missionary) But after reading a message from the scriptures it really made me realize how unhappy idle people are. ha ha. not sure who said it but `people die in their beds, and so does their ambition` If I want to accomplish my goals... I gotta keep on trying! Of course rest is important, but we can always sleep at the end of the day. :D when I get a good start in the morning it sets my day and when my day is set, my ambition seems a lot more clear. Sorry for the random idle talk. Sometimes it`s easy to stand still, but it is a lot more fun to get working!

 

Here are some other experiences.

 

We did a role play at a members house, and she fed us sushi. I love sushi now. While we were eating we also had fried chicken. My companion hates chicken. So when I wasn't looking she gave me all her chicken! There was also this pudding, my stomach was sooo full so when the member wasn't looking I pointed to the pudding, gesturing that iwasa shimai should eat it for me, she gave me the whole `oh, ya I understand you!` face, then when I looked back a bit she reached for my last sushi piece and stuffed her face! I turned to her shocked and asked `Why?!` `oh! you meant the pudding?!` good times. She owes me sushi now. She`s cute. 

 

 Spiritual point for the week. so the other shimai tachi has an investigator named kou san. She really loved white shimai ( who just transferred) so we met Monday night to say goodbye. Turns out she had a song she was practicing for White shimiai on the piano. She played Nearer my God to thee, and How great the wisdom? (that sacrament hymn) on the piano. Turns out that those were white shimai`s favorite hymns. She didn't know. We taught her about the sacrament a little bit more after she played and I felt like she understood why we treat those hymns so respectfully. We also sang to her *mida sou my friend* (I`ll find you my friend) Kou san said she understood... I think she knows that we love her, but more importantly that God loves her. That was her hardest bit before. (ya she isn't my investigator, but I still help)
 

:D yep! this week was full of a lot of adventures! 

 

speaking of adventures I have been on my mission for a year! yaaaaaay! Time is insanely fast! I didn't believe anyone! I wish I would have taken heed. 0.o 

 

I love the mission, and how it shapes every single person you meet on it -- the people you work with, yourself, the members, and the people who are waiting for you at home and in the field. God has a plan for every single one of his children, and it is up to us to accept his blessings, and follow Christ. I know that Christ`s church is on the earth today, and I know that Christ`s atonement is Eternal. I don't know everything about it, but I know that Christ loves me, and died for me. Thank you for all of your support and prayers. They really do take me to the next day. I love you all! 

 

待った来週あ

 

Money shimai!

 

April 11, 2014

HEY MOM!

 

It`s Monday again! Sorry for sending this to you so late! It`s about 5 pm here, so it`s about 2 am there!

 

So my MTC companion has been doing great! She is always so full of love, and funny because she is Hawaiian. She gives me a lot of information about Hachinohe! Unfortunately some of the members got really sick in Hachinohe, and are in the ICU. A member from Hachinohe came to Aomori and told me as well. Yikes.....

 

 

So since I am in Aomori I will be seeing cherry blossoms probably in May or very late April! So don't expect some pictures yet. As a missionary we are encouraged to go to cherry blossom parks and do missionary work there. Just talking to people mostly. I'm excited. 

 

I get to watch general conference on Saturday and Sunday! So thank you for your insights, I will remember them while I watch, and think of my own questions and see them answered! I hope everyone has been blessed spiritually by general conference. Now it`s time to apply what we have learned in real life and actually SEE what the words of the prophets bring. 

 

So this week has been pretty normal. (I hate saying that... but for me it was normal XD hahaha) Probably not normal for you though. The wind has been very crazy here in Aomori for about 2 weeks straight, so my bike has become even more cabbage than it was before. We had ZTM on Friday again and learned A LOT of amazing things. We learned 3 things. 

 

1. Opening the Heavens through prayer. It is usually never in a crowded or loud area when the Lord speaks to his servants concerning revelation for the world or for themselves, so we have been encouraged to go to a quiet place, by ourselves after being dressed in the apartments, and speak out loud when we pray. Just like Joseph Smith! We were promised that if we listen and pray with that full intent that success with triple in the mission. Here we go! 

 

2. Creating all things spiritually. God has a plan, Satan has a plan. So if we go through life without a plan we will surely not see God`s and might fall in Satan`s trap! These all have to do with missionary work, but they can apply in normal life as well. I have never been a very good goal setter... so I want to work better with that! and planning better. God will help you if you ask and listen and carefully plan! 

 

3. Receiving the Holy Ghost`s guidance. We were challenged to carry a small notebook around with us and write down anything we feel might be personal revelation... and then do it! if we aren't sure, ask God if it is revelation and he will answer. Everyday we have thoughts and feelings about what we should do, it is our decision to either act on them or not. remember... if you are encouraged to do something good it is ALWAYS from the spirit. 

 

Aomori zone didn't have any baptism in March. That was a first in a long time... but usually when you see the most opposition it only means you are going the right way! we have a lot of potential in Aomori Zone. 

 

Phew... So I just got back from lunch at a Thai restaurant and bowling so I am a bit tired... after emailing I will go out and search for people who will listen to me! But a tired missionary is a happy missionary. 

 

the 6th was the anniversary on the Church`s Restoration! I hope everyone had a wonderful day. I am so thankful for this gospel. We may be living in some tough times, but thanks to the gospel we are on the right path! God loves us so much he restored his gospel through a humble 14 year old boy. It just goes to show that we are all God`s children, and that he will help when we are ready for his help. 

 

I know that we can feel Christ`s atonement in our lives everyday if we rely on His love. I know this Church is true. 

 

I love the mission! (like you didn't already know...) 

 

:3 I`ll do my best to learn the language and keep on trekking! 

 

Word of the week; ichigo ichie! which means... one time moment in a life? I'm not quite sure... 

 

Love everyone! Hope all is well. 

 

-Money Shimai 

Pictures from the last 3 months!

[from sarah] sorry I suck! I haven't updated this blog in forever! Here are some pictures from the last few months and then Alicia's emails to the families since mid-December. I promise I'll do better at updating this thing! Alicia has been out almost a year now, I can't believe it!

March 16

Dear, お母さん

 

Yes I got your package and all the music and thank you for sending the Broadway version! she loves it! I told her that the movie singing wasn't very good and she was shocked! `REALLY?!` haha. It all sounds the same I think. HOWEVER there is a difference. Anyway...

 

Ya I remember my baptism! I got some pictures from Sarah recently too to help me. The thing I can say about my baptism is that I got it from my brother! I was so happy! I remember someone did my hair? (laura probably) and that grandparents came too. Wish I could remember more than that though.

 

Sometimes I wonder too if kids really can understand what they are doing when they receive baptism. I knew I didn't really know. But the thing about children is when they decide something is good, it is good. There aren`t any doubts. with a younger mind the joys come more simply. So when we are interviewed one would think `Ya! who wouldn't want that?` of course we might not remember.

 

I am so lucky to be brought up in the gospel. Of course I had my conversion point way after my baptism... however I`m thankful.

 

This week since it was the 11th we decided to do something special. we ended up going around and helping people shovel (snow) their houses. There is a sister in the ward who would always help us out with rides or just a warm heart. She was upset the past Sunday, so we wanted to do something special for her as well. we took a bus all the way to her house, and decided to shovel her house as well. She kind of lives alone (complicated family) and works all day so she doesn't have anyone to help. We got there and noticed how piled up the snow was. We worked hard to make it look pretty (we aren't professionals!） we posted hearts on her door, and gave her cake! that night she drove in to a clean drive way and loving messages. The next time we saw her she just ran up to us and hugged us, saying `Thank you!` I love the members here.

 

Sometimes I forget how devastating the earthquake/Tsunami was. It`s been so long... but it really did happen right where I was serving! Even in places like Hachinohe and Aomori. Coast cities down more south got it the worst, however it`s still my mission. We watched a DVD that night about the earthquake. It made me realize that in life there are so many trials and hardships that it seems that there is no way we can move forward. However, at the end of the DVD, it showed how many people came to help Japan. With everyone`s help the ruined cities in Japan became like new! I believe that God is watching over all of his children. He wants us to all work together to succeed. We are all children of God.

 

This week it warmed up a lot! (however it still kind of snows like slush) so I'm still using my rain boots well!

We had ZTM this week. So I was able to see my old companion in the MTC! it was super nazukashii. (nostalgic?) We learned how well Aomori zone is doing! Our Zone leaders have a really big vision for Aomori. So I want to help as much as I can! It will take a lot of work though.

 

But it`s OK! because God loves Aomori, and Japan! that I can declare with all my heart.

 

Thank you for all your love and packages mom! sometimes I wonder why I was so lucky to have a family as great as I do.

 

I love you all!

till next week!

-Money shimai

 

March 9

Why do you work all the time? XD

 

haha, never mind.

 

It truly is wonderful that we have the knowledge that we have. Sometimes people are just lost because they don't know what to do during those times. But it`s through the hope of our Savior that brings us happiness in our trials. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. (Note to others -- Alicia is commenting about thoughts I expressed regarding the funeral/memorial of my brother's mother-in-law who had been living with him)

 

This week we had transfers!!!... well, new people coming in anyway. I just got news that my old MTC companion Lesuma shimai is going to be the new STL in Hachinohe! I couldn't be happier! she went to Nagamachi after me, and now Hachinohe! It`s like we are going through the same cycle. :D... Since she is my STL I get to talk to her about a lot of things. She is excited to work in Hachinohe.

 

In Aomori we had a BAPTISM!!!... of course he just turned 8, but the joy is the same! Cutest experience I`ve had on the mission so far I think. He looks like he`s 5 so he was super short. the Water was filled up a little too high. All the members came to watch (they did it on a Sunday) so it was nice to gather together for that occasion after church.

 

I got to teach eikaiwa (English lessons) almost by myself. We had an elder just come in that was new to aomori so he couldn`t plan much. It was fun! I got to be as creative as I wanted and what ever we do as long as we get them speaking English they couldn't be happier. As I said in my last letter I love eikaiwa!

 

I went to a Hokkaido eating... festival... thing. (sorry) where I got to try all sorts of food from Hokkaido! so it`s crazy in Japan. You go a little south or north and the food completely changes! I ate a bowl of what looked like the things you would find on the bottom of a lake and ate it. So good! why? I think I`ve gotten used to all the food here, and wherever.

 

We still haven`t found any investigators yet, but we did go Finding (tracting) a lot. We are trying our best to help Aomori at the moment where it needs help the most. Even though it`s a big city there isn`t all that much success. A little bit at a time people are trusting the church more, and members are working well with missionaries. It`s a miracle in progress. I can see it!

 

We are already seeing so many miracles in Japan. I know that Heavenly Father has prepared this people. I love Japan! and I love this gospel. Recently I`ve read back on a few Journal entries from the MTC and Nagamachi and man... have I changed my thoughts a whole lot. It may be hard to see those changes when you read sporadic emails like this... but the beauty of this experience is that I know that God wants me to be here, and I`ve never felt so much love before.

 

Hope everyone is doing well back home. Time seems to just be flying by here, sadly. Almost my one year anniversary! eeeek!

I pray for everyone everyday! and even though I`m eating wonderful food here, I still miss mom`s oven baked breaded chicken. Nothing really ever beat that.

 

Probably in May I`ll see cherry blossoms. I hear Aomori`s cherry blossoms are pretty wonderful.

Hope everyone is having a good week even with daylight savings time! Love you!

 

-Money Shimai.

March 2

This week in Japan was amazing! It was Zone Conference! We got to hear from Aoyagi choro and shimai. Aoyagi choro was converted when he was 17 through eikaiwa and meeting the missionaries. (English conversation class) It reminded me of why I love Eikaiwa so much... Sure it`s fun and Japanese people love to speak English, but mostly it`s because of the impact they have when they meet missionaries and members through service. They are able to see the light of the church, and want to know more. And if they don`t they will still love the church and their image is changed. The thing about Japan is that people are mocked for believing in Christ. So it takes a lot of courage for people to associate with the church in any way. The Japanese people truly are amazing. During Zone conference I got to have a 15 minute interview with Aoyagi choro. We spoke all Japanese and I understood! It was a miracle. Truth be told I thought long and hard about questions to ask him... but nothing came to mind. So I gave some generic questions... and got some generic answers... HOWEVER! we talked a little bit more and he ended up bringing up something I`ve been thinking about for a while but didn`t say. It was about loving the area, he knew I was new to aomori... so he told me to love the area. I love Japan but I`m not sure I truly love Aomori yet! it really was an eye opener. After that I began to work on my love, and life has gotten better ever since. He shared with us an experience he had on his mission. Mostly about not being able to open his mouth to talk to people.  he was challenged by his father (non member) to think of those people like they were his family... so then when he was doing missionary work he would call out to random people like `Hey brother!` or `hey mom!` people stopped and talked to him after that. XD

After that our only investigator came to the fireside to hear the talks. She`s been an investigator forever... 2 years? so she`s mostly just into friends and English, but I think she loves the church... So I`ll do my best to help her. Without love you can`t really do anything.

My old Nagamachi DL is going home this week. (he was in my district again in aomori)  ( Time is still flying by before my eyes! yikes... I only have 5 transfers left. That`s all of my last two areas! SO SHORT!) So for his goodbye shindig I made him a poster with all of his areas and a message and gave him one of those mini music boxes, `let it be` by the Beatles. For him that is actually a very special song that ties with a Less active he helped in Nagamachi. He was thankful. After his generation leaves the mission... I`ll be one of the oldest missionaries here. How odd....

 

 I had the opportunity to visit a にゅいんしてmember in the hospital last week. I think he had a stroke... I couldn`t understand the medical Japanese. I`ve never met him before because he`s been in the hospital the whole time. So as 4 shimai, we visited him. I was going to play my violin, but the hospital wasn't sure I could, but after he talked with them I was able to play. We sang `the spirit of God` for him and I played my violin. He is very sensitive to the spirit. He bore his testimony to us about how he knows that God is watching over him, and that this church is true, even though he was against it before he was baptized, he knew that the change in his heart made him a better person, and how he was so thankful to be alive. Seeing the members here really do strengthen my faith. He prayed for us for the ending prayer. Very powerful prayer. (ちょっと怖かった）

 

Hope everyone is doing great this week! My companion is doing good! She is always singing and thinking of others. It`s fun teaching her English as well. She can`t really speak it at all, but wants to learn.

 

oh also, I`m learning how to play the guitar at the moment. Our Mission leader loves music, so he steals my violin sometimes.

 

YEP! 皆さん！愛しています！また来週！手紙と愛ありがとう！

ーお金姉妹

Feb 23

`m pretty sure my mission just hit uberdrive and is going 2000 miles per hour. Tell Connor I`m proud of him for saying that! I`m writing that in my journal. Haha... though it is sad you wont be able to make it.

 

SPEAKING OF BAPTISMS!

I got to see my old investigator`s baptism. It was probably the happiest day of my life in the mission so far. time was a bit hard so I couldn't stay for all of it, I saw her get baptized and said goodbye to her before she could go back into the chapel to give her testimony, then I had to run super fast to catch my train. It was really hard saying goodbye... but I feel like I can finally move on to my new area... which isn't quite too new seeing as I've been here for about 5 weeks.

 

I`ll send you all pictures in a letter I`m sending... unfortunately time is crazy here and I forget then it turns out to be Monday again! aaack!

 

After my experiences here on the mission I`ve learned a lot about the guidance of God, and if we follow it we will be lead out of our trials and learn a lot from it. I know that God wants me to be in Aomori. I`m still not sure why, but I trust Him. I still have trials everyday, but now I know that I can get through them better now. I know that when my family prays for me it is helping. Faith is strong like that.

 

Now that my investigator is a member, she is doing seminary now... her mom is investigating the church, and will probably get baptized as well. People here on the mission are amazing, mom. I`ll probably be friends with her forever. The church is something special.

 

I love you mom! I`ll send you some pictures of everything!

愛しています！

 

oh... also for the package? ... um. I do love music! I`ve been in Japan for so long I have forgotten the American stuff... Ask my siblings and get their input. Their`s are probably better than mine!

 

:D also, it`s getting warmer in Aomori! maybe soon we will see flowers? Who knows!

 

Feb 16

Thank you for the weekly updates! Have fun seeing Nathan`s tournament! I want to hear about it later.

Don't worry about the music... It was by micheal marshel and steven sharp nelson? I think... if you can find music like that that could be great! (I might be in Aomori for a bit.. so don't stress too much,) I have a lot of music memorized. XD

 

So this week was great mom! I was able to get outside and talk about eikaiwa a bit because our area is focusing on it as well. It is like starting all over again though, which is kind of hard. We were talking to people outside in a blizzard! (which seems to be like every night) usually people just look down, and keep walking, but this time they felt so sorry for us, they wanted to talk! Japanese people are very kind!

 

I will be going to Hachinohe on Friday to see my beloved Investigator get baptized. I know it will be an amazing experience for me, I will continue to contact her during and after my mission. It`s hard to move on from an area, but I am blessed to be able to get back and see her.

 

Speaking of that, the other investigator that got baptized in Hachinohe, and probably my life long friend, came to Aomori to visit me during a branch activity!? WHAT! I was shocked because he came by himself. He said since he didn't get to say goodbye he wanted to come see me. the activity was sports and soup party! I made a lot of friends with the members, and was able to see my friend from Hachinohe, This week was great! It was sad to say goodbye to him (he is probably going to get transferred because he is in the Navy...) however I am thankful for the blessings I get from God.

 

I walked a lot through deep snow to find members houses, dendo`d in deep blizzards and all and all had a great week! Iwasa shimai is great for putting up with me XD haha, I can be a handful sometimes. I have been thinking a lot about God`s love... and when we serve other`s and think about other`s our lives are made happy. I gave a talk and played my violin last Sunday about this, but since it was in Japanese It was hard to get my thoughts around haha... my mission has a lot of situations where I cant control it, If I trust in God, I know he will continue his work. DC 123:14-17? I think? I just have to do my best and love the Lord... honestly being stressed about silly things is trivial when you think about God`s plan in a whole. I`ll do my best in Aomori. My time is running out, so I want to use it as much as I can.

 

I love everyone!

have a good week! 

Feb 9

ZTM`s home is actually in Aomori XD so I had to walk 5 minutes to the church to get there. There I got to see our ZL`s big vision for Aomori zone, he is a 26 year old missionary and has a lot of experience in life and in the mission. I am always proud of the leaders here in the mission. They are wonderful examples. The baptisms in Aomori just quadrupled this last month, so Japan really is changing fast! It really is a blessing.

 

Sorry to hear about dad! Is he doing OK? He seems to have various health problems. But I pray for everyone every single day, I hope you can still feel my love from miles away.

 

Maybe the music is in my room, not in the piano room. if you can`t find it that`s OK... I don't really know about any other music. My investigator is getting baptized from Hachinohe and I get to see it! It`s on the 22nd! I want to give her an LDS present... but Japan doesn't have Deseret Books. XD She has a Book of Mormon and set which is great... but any more ideas?  I am so proud of her mom. She is only 15 but she understands everything so clearly it seems. It`s so hard to see her grow from a different Area, but once an investigator enters your life, they are there forever. I`ll give you a lot of news about that after the 22nd.

 

This computer wont let me send pictures... so I`ll be sending you a letter with a lot of pictures.

I would love to tell you about this week, but honestly It`s been the same since I got to Aomori. The members do a lot of role plays to strengthen their missionary work fire, and I have been walking a lot XD haha. On Sunday my investigator from Hachinohe came for a seminary meeting and I was able to talk to her, and my old branch president, which was very nice. I don't know this ward too much, so I'm doing my best to learn about them, and build a relationship. After this transfer, there are a lot of missionaries going home... after that it turns out that I`ll be one of the oldest missionaries out. There's only one above me. There was a huge gap between old and young missionaries that nothing filled the middle. Sendai is a small mission I think?

 

We are doing a huge sports activity tomorrow with LAs and members! It should be great! I`ve always loved playing sports. There it seems I can build relationships with people better because we are all having fun, and I`m not as shy. I`m still pretty shy. XD I`ve grown a lot but my personality seems to stay the same.

 

I love hearing about the family and what everyone is up to! During winter times it can seem pretty long and cold, but everyday is precious, even in those dark, cold days. Time is flying by here fast, even if it`s hard. I`ll be coming home before I know it, so I`ll do my best to use this time wisely. Thank you for everyone`s love, prayers and support, especially my wonderful grandparents. The mission really is great!

 

Recently I got to see a light in the snow and see the ocean. It truly was beautiful. I`ll send you some pictures.

My companion is cute! she loves Les Mis, and sings all the time. She slips a lot in the snow, and screams with a high pitch. She`s quiet, but thinks about everyone else before herself. She is a wonderful example to me.

 

 

Remember that if we let God lead us to where he wants us to go, he will take care of us. Faith is not just believing, it`s acting on what you believe. I know that this church is true, and that Christ`s atonement is eternal. If we give true repentance and desire to change our lives, it can become a wonderful treasure in this world and the next to come. I love this work, and I love my Heavenly Father.

 

I love everyone!
I love you mom!

XD stay dry stay warm!

Feb 2

Dear 母さん

 

I got your package yesterday! I was seriously shocked! I didn't think I would get a package! XD I loved everything that was in it.... unfortunately because the tights have a pattern on it I can`t really wear it on the outside. I will use it for warmth though. So for now I don't need anymore socks or tights. XD My nihonjin companion loves peanut butter too. So she was really really happy. Also... that honey. OTL I LOVE YOU! I miss honey. It`s like 10 dollars for a little jug. (ALSO! since I have a violin... can you perhaps send me the music I accidentally left by Steven sharp nelson... with the piano and violin solos... OTL I'm sorry I left it.)

 

Japan is expensive mom XD

 

Also I realized I've been out of the MTC for 9 months during December. Time went by really really really fast. So my DL from nagamachi (now just a regular missionary) is a nihonjin. XD My DL now is American from California. 

so about my area....

よくわかない。。。。

It`s pretty flat city with lots of houses. It snows a lot so I cant ride a bike. There are beautiful sakura blossoms in the spring though! and I might be able to see them. My companion is cute. She is a 23 year old nihonjin. There are 4 gaijins in Aomori but one is from New Zealand. He is pretty sweet. There are 4 nihonjins. Our branch president is 26 years old and our mission president is like 23 years old. We have about 50 members who come to church. There are more children in this ward than in Hachinohe.

 

My old investigator from hachinohe is doing great! I think..　I don't hear too much from them because we aren't suppose to call or anything like that. I will find out more during ZTM on Friday!! She really is progressing though.

 

Other than that, I'm doing OK! Everyday is tiring, but it`s OK. These last two weeks have really been different from my days in Hachinohe.

So in Aomori the people speak different Japanese than other places. It`s so cold people don't wanna talk, so they make things very short. It`s hard to understand people. XD I might come back with an Aomori tongue when I get home.

 

So this week I did a lot of LA visits in far places. I was able to ride a train and go to some different areas by the ocean; away from the city. The surrounding cities look a lot like old towns in Utah. In Aomori there are mountains and a lot of country fields with snow. Old shops like old utah. It looks very simple. I was able to see the ocean accidentally as well. I want to send pictures but this computer doesn't really let me hook up a usb. I`ll write you a letter and then send you pictures that way. Old fashion!

 

My companion now is from tottori ken, the same as matsumoto shimai. They are in the same ward I think. She is very nice and a bit shy. She reminds me of a normal 20 year old girl. She loves books and Les Mis :D ..... So we might sing a few songs together.

 

This next week we have ZTM so I`ll be able to see the new people who came to Aomori zone the last couple weeks. I feel like I`ve been in Aomori zone forever. XD But there are people who have been here longer than me I think. I think I`ll stay in Aomori for a while.

 

I hear that 2nd month in Aomori gets really cold. I think I`ll be OK. XD Its not as cold as Finland.

 

Hope everyone is genki! That was my past weeks.... yep, lots of walking XD haha. But I am having a good time! Language too is getting better. It is a little different now, but I can pretty much understand a lot. Thank you for everyone`s prayers and love!

 

愛しています！

 

Jan 26

Hello mom!

 

Im sorry to hear about dad! that actually really worried me. He`s ok though right? He sent me a letter so that was nice. Thank you for the updates on the family again. Sorry this email will be short, We kind of had a late start this morning.

 

To keep the family updated I made it safe to Aomori. It actually seems warmer here than it does in Hachinohe. I think it`s the wind`s fault. So dont worry about me staying warm. The members here are great. I dont know them that well but they help the misisonaries alot. We cant ride our bikes so most of our dendo is on foot. It kind of takes up time. I still have to read up a lot about the area if I want to know what to do. My companion is sister Iwasa. She is the same transfer as I am and she is very kind. Very shy. More shy than I am XD

 

My last DL from Nagamachi is up here so it`s fun to talk to him about the old days. He will be leaving the mission by the end of this transfer.

Honestly nothing happened this week. Just a lot of planning and walking.

 

I gave my testimony in sacrement meeting. Even though I get up a lot i still get very nervous. Maybe it`s a language thing. Either way, I`ve been thinking a lot recently about puting our trust in the Lord. And even though we cant really control our circumstances if we just follow God he will guide us to a happier life. Keep a great attitude during those hard times and you never know who you might help. I`m learning every day to forget myself on the mission. And because of that I can see the love of other`s more clearly.

 

Thank you everyone for your love and support. I`ll give you a better email next week.