More International Adventures!

This last week was a little rough, but good. I'm learning a lot. We had a lot of run-ins (good run-ins, not the bad kind. . .) with people from other countries. Met the Sydney Santa Claus a few more times. He was cool; he'd always greet us with an Australian-accented "How ah ya, boys?" Sadly, I think he returned back to Australia. Oh well, I have his card, maybe I'll try to write him. Too bad I didn't get my picture with him though. . . But it was more of a summer-vacation Santa anyway; he didn't have the Santa suit on.

We're working with another investigator from Brazil, Donna. She was a former investigator, but some earlier missionaries dropped her because her husband didn't really want her to go to church. Well, things are changing, and we're building a really good relationship with her. We had a lesson this week, outside in her driveway, then went back the next day to do some service and trim her trees (I got to do A LOT of sawing). She thanked us with an AMAZING shrimp and broccoli pasta lunch that felt like our Peterson Family deck-top meals. . . ah, that was nice.

We also did some yard work for a woman named Jenny Lu from Singapore, who speaks REALLY good English. She's very funny, and reminds me a lot of my 12th Grade Creative Writing teacher, Mrs. Stanton-McAtee.

Went by train to meet with Pao Lin Hau on Saturday. He's half Korean and Chinese. AMAZING! He has a testimony, and loves Jesus Christ. We're going to take him to a baptism in Okayama this weekend, see what he thinks, and hope to extend the challenge again.

So many new experiences here! So many Japanese adventures. Ah. . . The first few months of the mission were a little shaky, but I'm starting to get a little of that "best two years" feel; especially as we said goodbye to Elder Magno a few weeks ago after Zone conference. Wow, with the setting sun. . . that was like a scene straight out of God's Army.

Well, take care. I love you all so much, and am thankful for your prayers. I need them.

"I will stand in the light, look to the dawn as it breaks through the nigh. With courage and strength, I will stand in my place, with the flame of my faith burning bright. I will stand in the light, hold up the truth and stand for the right. I can reach so much higher, filled with this fire, when I stand in the light."

Love you,
Elder Peterson

Uh oh... 5-Minute E-mail

Sorry, It's a holiday! The City Center was closed, and this place only gives us 30 minutes. Ah!
But hey, this week was pretty awesome!

We had Zone Conference this week at Okayama again. Wow, it took 60 dollars for there and back from Izumo, but now it's just 4 dollars each way on the train! We headed up Tuesday night to stay at the Zone Leaders' flat right by the church (I've stayed the night there every single time so far!) I have made some really good friends here.

Isa Kaicho is amazing! Once again, I heard things that I needed to hear; and some things weren't even spoken by the speakers, but I heard them nevertheless!

So, we saw Santa Claus a few weeks ago on a random street corner. And then we met him again Saturday night, and actually had a good conversation with him. Jim Whiff, from Sydney Australia - "Australia's Famous Sydney Santa!" He gave us his business card. Cool. Showed him your picture dad, but he didn't recognize you ;) Hah, that would have been cool.

We had dinner with an awesome couple last night! I love these wonderful new ward members! Life is great!

We have a lot of appointments this week, so things are going to be pretty busy!

OH I love you so much!!! Thank you so much for everything, for your words, and inspired guidance.

Ah, so much to say! I promise to write more next week!

Love you all so much!
Elder Peterson