Jan 20

Hi everyone!　

Unfortunately.... I have news. Well, unfortunate or fortunate either way. I have no time today to write and why?.... 

Because...... *drum roll* 

I`m getting transfered!!..... *waits* ya, I`m actually pretty bummed. When I get back I could talk about Hachinohe for a straight week if I wanted to. now where am I going? AOMORI! WHAT?! at this time of year?! the snow is like 9 feet tall and the streets have disappeared! It`s like finland! good thing I have awesome winter gear. I`ll leave on wednesday. The hardest thing is to leave everyone here that I love. Especially my investigator and my loving companion. I only got to work one transfer with her, but it has been the best transfer so far in my whole mission. 

It was so sudden, So no one really knows i`m leaving yet. Guess everything is going to change. I`ll go where the Lord wants me to go. I`m glad to have had the opportunity to serve in Hachinohe. I love this work so much. 

The mission really does change people for the better, and if you give up your time, and forget yourself you really can find joy. 

Please stay warm in Utah, I here it`s VERY cold there. I`ll do my best here. 

Guess I should pack! I`ve spent 3 transfers in Hachinohe and have alot to do. 

...

oh ya

My new companion is IWASA shimai! yaaaaaay! Nihonjin! (they are the best) im so lucky! She is the same transfer as I am. 

:D take care everyone! love you! Remember that if we rely on the Lord with our trials that he will give us the strength to overcome them and become a better person because of it. 

Jan 12 2014

To the family and whoever else reads everything: (sorry it`s short)

 

This week has been I think the best week yet on my mission. Our kinjin investigator went to Tokyo to hang out with his family and friends for a week and since satan likes to attack people close to baptism we were a bit uneasy. We called and emailed him everyday... since he went drinking with his friends like everyday he had to resist a lot of temptation and turn down a lot of sake. He did great! he was so happy to come back in the week ready for his baptism! IT was on saturday! on his birthday! (best gift ever right?) We prepared a song for him called `I`ll find you my friend` English lyrics are kind of odd... but the Japanese lyrics are wonderful! Our 15 year old investigator came to the baptism and was very touched. our kinjin investigator bore a wonderful testimony, which made me cry my face off. He isn't our investigator, but he is our friend.

 

There is something different about the joy I felt that day. My mission has a lot of great times! and hard times... but when I saw him get baptized there was a joy that I can`t express in words. The love God gives to his children here on earth is never ending. He has so many blessings in store for us, and if we follow his will we can be forever happy. I know that Japan isn't the highest baptizing mission... and probably still has a long way to go, but I know people are prepared here. The way our kinjin investigator got interested in the church was because of our love and service. We can be that great example everyday to our friends and family. I know this gospel is Christ`s gospel. I know God`s plan is perfect. This week has taught me so much about my purpose as a missionary, and as a member of the church, and as God`s daughter.

 

Please know that you are loved wherever you are, and whatever state you are in.

His love is endless.

 

-Money Shimai

Jan 6, 2014

Hello family!

 

How was everyone`s new years? Probably just about as exciting as last year`s! It was amazing in Japan! (probably more than Christmas) I`ll do my best to keep you updating with Hachinohe.

 

So this week we had to clean our whole apartment! It wasn't too hard because our apartment was pretty new. However because I live in Japan our windows were COVERED in mold so I had to clean that for a good while. Our branch president came in and put in bunk beds in our room so that we could fit 4 sisters in one room! So now I sleep in a bed! (pretty much just a plank of wood) but it reminded me of when I was in college, and when I was 5. After we cleaned we got invited to eat dinner at a member`s house! this family is so sweet and nice. not to mention hilarious. I wish I understood more Japanese so I can hear what they are saying. Since our DL is super trunky after we ate dinner we also played the game of life again. I love district pdays. Seems like we have one every week. Not complaining.

 

On New years it was pouring rain! so we walked to one of the Japanese shrines to experience some culture. I got to buy a new years fortune which basically consisted of a bunch of warnings for my future. they were pretty accurate for a missionary! (watch your weight) through all of this our DL`s golden investigator came a long with us, and we walked up to a members house which took about 2 hours. We ate a huge dinner and drew our goals with calligraphy ink. We got to pick one word. I picked Yuuki. (which is courage)

 

During that time we shared a spiritual message with the family. Well, mostly our DL. He shared a brief entry from his journal about his first investigator that he had. when they met she thought that he was her son who passed away the last month. After that she took lessons and had a dream that she had to save her son. After she got baptized she passed away after 3 months. our DL testified about how we are placed in other people`s lives for a reason, and that these memories and love we gather are so precious. We can learn from, cherish, and grow in our trials. This mission really is something special.

 

During that Sunday we had a lesson with our new investigator! She really is amazing! she read part of the book of Mormon and talked about it with us! (she is only 15) we taught her the plan of salvation and she really enjoyed the lesson. She looked excited at the 3 kingdoms of glory and pointed to the celestial kingdom and said *I want to go here!* kinjinda..... I hope to stay in Hachinohe to see her progress and really help her come closer to God and Christ. Along with her family.

 

Along with the baptism that is coming up on Saturday for our DL`s investigator, we had a lesson we had to teach on Sunday. We shared the experience and miracle of the investigator`s story and the message he wrote on new years. He wrote the word Proud in Japanese Kanji. He said that since he`s been seeing this church he has getting a lot of harsh words from the people of his work. (he works in a navy sort of place) But even though everyone tells him he`s an idiot, the church is a cult, and he`s being lied to he still knows that what they are saying is wrong. He is proud of his decision. That is the hope of Japan. For their members to be proud that they are Mormon, and believe in Christ. Through strong members like him Japan can see miracles. Though I`m almost half way done with my mission, I can already see how much it has blessed me. I want to give it my all for my Father in Heaven. I love Japan, and I love this gospel. It truly does bring others happiness and eternal hope.

 

 

This week has been wonderful. Remember last email I told you no where is colder than Logan Utah? .... well, Hachinohe is colder than Logan Utah. I lied. But don't worry dad! I'm staying dry! Thank you everyone for your prayers! I`ll continue to pray for everyone as well. Have a good week!

 

-Love Peesha shimai

Dec 30

Choriiiisu! 

Another week has gone by! seems like I just keep coming back to this computer to type emails. This week we had everything Christmas! I got to call my loving family via Skype and hear everyone`s voices. It sure was amazing. We had the big Christmas party and had 15 eikaiwa students come to it. Wow! Amazing. Work really is increasing here in Hachinohe. I was able to start normal lessons with one of the eikaiwa students. She is only 15, so I`ll have to do my best to teach her by the spirit. She has been thinking alot about after death, and about Jesus Christ! She is so amazing! Plus she loves eikaiwa and comes every week. The year is almost ending so that means this week I`ll do a lot of cleaning and visiting members. Today we played soccer in the morning with a member and our favorite investigator who will be baptized on the 11th! (right?) The ward is very excited. He is a wonderful person and wants to help everyone. 

So this week I've been thinking a lot on the Savior`s atonement. We think about Him well during Christmas time, and every Sunday. The love he has for everyone is so strong it`s incomprehensible. Though we feel weak, depressed, hurt, or hopeless he never leaves our side. He didn`t leave in the first place. The love of the Savior, and the gift of the atonement is sure evidence of God`s love for his children. We feel sad when our family members are sad, and mourn with them. So does He. Through Christ`s atonement we can be made whole, and can continue through this life in Joy and purpose. I know that my Savior and Redeemer lives. I know that this gospel changes lives. It has changed mine, and I want to share my message with the people in Japan. 

I love everyone! (sorry for the lame update) 

Enjoy New years! (I`ll be cleaning!)

Dec 9, 2013

Family letter!

 

Hey! Zone Conference and Transfers just happened! Today we didn't have too long to Email so I will give you the basics and write later about the two.

 

My companion yim shimai is getting transferred and I am staying here! I will get a new nihonjin companion and will be training her in her second transfer! (aaaah) A little nervous, but Things will be great! At zone conference we did a nativity scene and I got to sing a duet with clark shimai! not sure why they got me to sing, I really cant sing. I got a present from the parents and cried my face off XD haha, thank you It really warmed my heart.

 

We got to listen to the testimonies from the missionaries leaving soon and it really got me thinking. (whoa! It has been a year since I opened my call!) This mission is fast. Too fast. Even if you are having a hard time changing the people`s hearts in Japan, you truly can change someone`s. Aka, yourself.

 

We watched a bit of the Joseph Smith restoration video. Our testimony of the restoration is so important. The restoration hasn't ended yet. Christ is still leading this church, and God is still revealing his truths to us. Through the happiness we have found in this gospel, we can show it to others even just by living the commandments of our Heavenly Father. Our Joy and hope are very apparent. Christ`s atonement is real, and is Eternal. It has changed my life, and I hope to bring this message to others, even if they wont listen.

 

Thank you everyone for your holiday wishes. This time is truly a special one. We can show our love to our Savior by the service we give to others. Matthew 25:40 Always keep Him in your thoughts, he will be there by your side.

 

I love everyone!

 

Thank you for everything!

あいしています！

お金姉妹

Dec 1, 2013

If you don`t know what Nato is... (naato?) Look it up. I remember my Japanese teacher bringing it into class one day and half of the class ran to the other side of the room. BUT YES! I love nato now. I think my taste buds are changing... I still love everything sweet though. 

Happy December! Now that it`s 12 Gatsu my companion is doing all she can to get into the Christmas spirit... yes, she has lights and everything. I still think it`s a bit too early XD but hey, whatever makes her happy. 

This week was as follows:

Monday! Pday, but we had to do a bit more Dendo because we had choir practice after 6. We practiced for Sugiura san`s baptism on the following Saturday. Also during that day we met a cute grandma who cuts hair for super cheap and I kind of made my companion volunteer  to cut her hair so we could get inside and talk for a long time XD ... (she`s ok) Her daughter has the cutest 3 year old. I found out she used to have dinner with the missionaries like 15 years ago and would love to keep talking to them. not sure what happened... Maybe we`ll find out today! 

Tuesday was a huge finding day because we don't have any meetings or activities. I was really tired, but it was nice to just spend the day talking to as many people as I could. It rained a whole lot, but I was prepared! We also go to talk to the cute obaasan for a little bit and sing songs with her. She`s a member in our ward who is too sick to come to church, so she loves the missionaries over.

Wednesday was EIKAIWA! 3 new people came and this time we celebrated thanksgiving and made mashed potatoes (instant curtousy of nebeker choro`s mom) and ate together as s `class` it was very fun and people were able to speak English to us. 

Thursday was of course THANKSGIVING! ... but Japanese people don't celebrate Thanksgiving! So we were kindly invited to attend thanksgiving dinner at a members house in misawa! so we were able to eat at a dinner table, eat turkey, play quarkle and eat my favorite Pretzel jello. All in all, I don't think I could survive the year if I didnt eat thanksgiving food. So I`ll be set! The members in Misawa really are wonderful. (most of them are American, and kind of spoil missionaries) Our two nihonjin elders were shocked when they sat into the recliner chairs, it was funny.

Friday was ZTM (zone training meeting) so it was nice to learn a lot there and see everyone, it started snowing on the way back on the train so it was beautiful! Snow didn't stick in hachinohe though. Too windy and wet.... but super cold at the same time. 

Saturday was the baptism! Sugiura san is a bit shy, but she was able to feel the Spirit. Everyone did as well. It`s true as it says in the scriptures that our joy is multiplied when we see other`s successes in life and spiritual journeys. We sang "Abide With Me tis eventide. 

Today was Seminary`s last day. So we had an akashikai or testimony meeting and hear all of the youths thoughts. It made me think of my life when I was still in seminary and how I really miss it. Having a wonderful teacher who helps you as you read the scriptures truly is a wonderful blessing, and I regret a lot now not really studying as much as I should have. But we all have our weaknesses and as we strive to become better, the Lord will help us on our way. We just have to give all we have. 

Hope everyone`s week was great! Hope to hear from you soon! 

Nov 17

Enter the amazing Weekly letter!

 

Well, this week probably won't sound too amazing actually, not a whole lot happened haha. Hachinohe is REAAAaaaly quiet. After I left last week we as a district played the game of Life! Jinsei game! except it was Japanese style... I ended up having no kids, a dog, and gambling all my money on Pachinko to try and beat Miura shimai... didnt work out. AH WELL! and then we DENDO`d (street tracting) in freeeeeezing main street! I think people just took my flyer because I looked horribly cold. It got warmer after that day though thankfully. On Wednesday it was our DL`s birthday, so an eikaiwa student from Niigata came to our class... its about 10 hours away by bus! Apparently she is his number one fan. Teaching eikaiwa makes me realize how hard English is for Japanese speakers. All of our pronunciations are just... off. The word GIRL is impossible; and Vocabulary.

 

Thursday we were able to talk to one of our favorite PI`s. She loves to talk to missionaries and loves to help them with their Japanese problem... little to no interest in the gospel, but she feels that our messages are important. I shared with her the scripture about earthly treasures and heavenly treasures. After she read the scripture she pointed behind her and said `My two treasures are all I need` aka her kids. Aaaawwww. Someday she`ll get more interested in the gospel!

 

So last mainstreet time I was able to eat at Mister donuts... and they were celebrating a Charlie Brown Christmas! I got to eat a Snoopy donut and Woodstock donut! It was awesome! I'm more shocked that they actually knew what Woodstock`s name was. Usually they only know Snoopy. Anywho, that was my highlight of the week...

 

Every sunday we have a shuwa class, I`m getting SLooowly better but it can only go as far as my language skills with Japanese which is kind of lacking. It`s still fun though, plus I can sort of talk to all the deaf people in our branch!

 

Well that`s kind of all that happened this week. Our other shimai tachi have a baptism interview next week! I hope it goes alright... The last baptism in Hachinohe was about... 5 years ago so! I`ll be praying continually for them and for her. Thanksgiving is coming up! Please eat turkey for me! cuz... honestly you can`t eat that here.

 

I love you all! and can`t wait to hear from everyone again next week!

I love you all bye bye!

 

Money Shimai