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
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