I feel so grateful for your package, Mom. It has been at least half an eternity since I last had that delicious Velveeta stuff, so I'm looking forward to trying that chicken spaghetti meal! Thank you so much!
I loved Priesthood Session! My favorite talks were all from the first presidency. I LOVE THEM so much. I was very impressed with Pres. Eyring's talk, especially about being prepared. And Pres. Monson's talk on anger has given me help as well. And someone else in Priesthood Session talked about dads and fathers and spending time with each other, three items for each, and how returned missionaries are probably closer to their fathers at that point in time than they will ever be. I also listened to the three things from the young mens' point of view in the mind set of a Heavenly Father and earthly father.
Really, I want to spend time with you Dad when I get back. I feel that I cheated you out of time that I should have spent with you. I love you and want to spend all the time in the world with you when I return. Thank you for your prayers and love.
I'm working on obedience, and getting better. I'm gaining a stronger testimony of it as well as one of the Book of Mormon. Let me share some of the words from one of my favorite EFY songs: "Power in the heavens, power in the plan, power in discovering - learning who I am. There's power in obedience, it's the truth that sets us free, to find a sense of confidence: Power in Purity."
There is power in purity and obedience, and I'm striving to get there. I love my mission president so much, and he has really helped me. I feel so blessed, and am able to look back on those times myself, where my blessings were tied to obedience. I'm starting to learn so much more!
Yes, General Conference was wonderful! My favorites: Elder Scott from Saturday Morning, The First Presidency's talks during Priesthood Session, and some others. I'm sure I'd have more, but we watched the last half of Conference with our Chinese investigator Pack-san! We were so happy he could make it! But the Chinese members couldn't make it, so we watched it with him so he wouldn't be alone. Hard to "get" everything. It's okay, sacrifice yields blessings!
Last week was pretty fun. We ran into A LOT of people that spoke English on the streets. That was great.
If you remember our Cafe Owner friend, Mr. Wakabayashi (former fashion designer in Tokyo), that we met back in week one. . . We had dinner at the cafe, met one of his friends (a super-high up College 'Salesman' for lack of a better word) who was very nice. Mr. Wakabayashi even told him about us, why we're here in Japan, and such. Now I just hope we can share the message with him. But, this week, we're going to the cafe on Wednesday for me to teach one of the workers (we got to meet all the workers too, they all speak a bit of English, and they're amazing!) how to make Apple Crisp (they don't have it in Japan!). It's an idea I got a while ago to help the relationship. Mr. W is really excited, especially since we refused payment for it. I'm so excited, if they like it, it could become an Elder Peterson mark in Kurashiki!
Friday, I went to Okayama for one last chance to work with Elder Atkin. That was so amazing. It was really fun, and I'm so thankful for that chance. He heads home this week. He'll be stopping through Utah some time soon; I offered Mom's gourmet meal skills if he passes through Orem; you might get a call ;)
Love,
Elder Peterson
Showing posts with label Elder Atkin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elder Atkin. Show all posts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Soaring
I just got wonderful emails from the ones I love! Thank you so much!
Sundy talked about how sometimes on the mission she was soaring, then others she was running, walking, or crawling. All with the help of the Lord. Right now, I feel very good. Conference is just around the corner for us. We have to wait a week for the translation to get here on DVD (but we do still get to watch it in our native language!)
Lately, there's been a big focus in our mission on this Process of Purification. I think I mentioned it a while ago, but I realized that I wasn't giving myself full-heartedly to it. Well, my companion and I both felt like we needed to keep going past the "40-day fast", so I started over. The idea is to purify ourselves, getting rid of behaviors that poke at the spirit, to help us have it with us more.
Friday (after Thursday's Zone Meeting and Interviews), we met with Donna from Brazil. It was one of the greatest experiences I've had so far here in Japan. She started off by talking about how she wanted a "new Donna", and expressed her desire to be baptized. During our lesson, I felt a little prompt to sing "I am A Child of God" for her. She said that she knew the song before we started, and used to sing it with her daughter. As Elder Daimler and I sang, she was brought to tears; she said that she felt so happy. She knows that this is what she needs to do; she said she will change, and give up coffee, and do what it takes. Her husband is a little opposed, and she's met with the missionaries at various times before, but she said that this time feels different. We asked her to pray about a goal for a baptismal date, and are working with her to her personal goal of talking with her husband about this. It was such a small prompting, I wasn't even sure if it was the spirit or not, but from seeing what happened as we sang, I realized that it was. Maybe that's why it's so important to purify ourselves, because if we have things in our lives that can distract from the spirit, we can't hear it's soft voice when it whispers.
I met a very solid potential investigator on Saturday, named Ran. He's from China (so that makes two people from China that we're working with right now). We connected really well. He met Elder Daimler last transfer, and we finally got to head up to Takahashi (to the north of Kurashiki) to meet with him. He shared his talents with us by playing the guitar - He has some amazing skills! Looks like he's very interested in Metal (played Van Halen's most famous guitar solos FLAWLESSLY), Fusion Jazz, and Japanese Rock and Pop. We have a lot in common, and I think we're becoming pretty good friends. Next time, we're going to try to bridge his interests with the gospel.
So I realized that I haven't told you too much about Elder Daimler. He's from Bountiful, Utah. He converted two years ago, thanks in part to his Girlfriend. His family is mostly Catholic, and he's the only member. We're getting along really well, and becoming pretty good friends. Since he's only six weeks ahead of me, depending on how things go, we might be returning around the same time.
We've got a Ward Talent show coming up pretty soon. I'll try to send you a copy of the video, because Elder Daimler and I get to participate with the Bishop in doing a Maori Haka called Ruaomoko.
Oh, and I will hopefully be going up to Okayama on Friday for an Exchange with Elder Atkin! He goes home at the end of the transfer, and I am so excited for one last opportunity to work with him. Seeing him as Zone Leader has been amazing. I think I was a bit hard on him when he was with me in Izumo.
Oh yeah, I heard about the new temple announced in Sapporo, Japan! That's so exciting!! Hopefully we'll be getting either an Okayama or Hiroshima temple someday. . . We'll see.
I'm very thankful for all the support and prayers I've been getting. I feel really good right now. We're seeing a lot of good things, and a lot of small miracles. Like yesterday, we stopped to say hello to our Cafe-Owner Friend Mr. Wakabayashi, when a group of High School BMX riders passed by and said "Hey, Peterson!" They totally remembered me!
Oh yeah, and we randomly had to teach Gospel Principles on Sunday. . . It was almost the lesson on the Law of Chastity. . . EVERYONE in the class was married and/or a lot older than us. So. . . we switched to Temple Work and Family History. . . phew. . . Oh and then we taught the Plan of Salvation for the Aaronic Priesthood class.
Well, more coming next week. I love you so much!
Elder Peterson
Sundy talked about how sometimes on the mission she was soaring, then others she was running, walking, or crawling. All with the help of the Lord. Right now, I feel very good. Conference is just around the corner for us. We have to wait a week for the translation to get here on DVD (but we do still get to watch it in our native language!)
Lately, there's been a big focus in our mission on this Process of Purification. I think I mentioned it a while ago, but I realized that I wasn't giving myself full-heartedly to it. Well, my companion and I both felt like we needed to keep going past the "40-day fast", so I started over. The idea is to purify ourselves, getting rid of behaviors that poke at the spirit, to help us have it with us more.
Friday (after Thursday's Zone Meeting and Interviews), we met with Donna from Brazil. It was one of the greatest experiences I've had so far here in Japan. She started off by talking about how she wanted a "new Donna", and expressed her desire to be baptized. During our lesson, I felt a little prompt to sing "I am A Child of God" for her. She said that she knew the song before we started, and used to sing it with her daughter. As Elder Daimler and I sang, she was brought to tears; she said that she felt so happy. She knows that this is what she needs to do; she said she will change, and give up coffee, and do what it takes. Her husband is a little opposed, and she's met with the missionaries at various times before, but she said that this time feels different. We asked her to pray about a goal for a baptismal date, and are working with her to her personal goal of talking with her husband about this. It was such a small prompting, I wasn't even sure if it was the spirit or not, but from seeing what happened as we sang, I realized that it was. Maybe that's why it's so important to purify ourselves, because if we have things in our lives that can distract from the spirit, we can't hear it's soft voice when it whispers.
I met a very solid potential investigator on Saturday, named Ran. He's from China (so that makes two people from China that we're working with right now). We connected really well. He met Elder Daimler last transfer, and we finally got to head up to Takahashi (to the north of Kurashiki) to meet with him. He shared his talents with us by playing the guitar - He has some amazing skills! Looks like he's very interested in Metal (played Van Halen's most famous guitar solos FLAWLESSLY), Fusion Jazz, and Japanese Rock and Pop. We have a lot in common, and I think we're becoming pretty good friends. Next time, we're going to try to bridge his interests with the gospel.
So I realized that I haven't told you too much about Elder Daimler. He's from Bountiful, Utah. He converted two years ago, thanks in part to his Girlfriend. His family is mostly Catholic, and he's the only member. We're getting along really well, and becoming pretty good friends. Since he's only six weeks ahead of me, depending on how things go, we might be returning around the same time.
We've got a Ward Talent show coming up pretty soon. I'll try to send you a copy of the video, because Elder Daimler and I get to participate with the Bishop in doing a Maori Haka called Ruaomoko.
Oh, and I will hopefully be going up to Okayama on Friday for an Exchange with Elder Atkin! He goes home at the end of the transfer, and I am so excited for one last opportunity to work with him. Seeing him as Zone Leader has been amazing. I think I was a bit hard on him when he was with me in Izumo.
Oh yeah, I heard about the new temple announced in Sapporo, Japan! That's so exciting!! Hopefully we'll be getting either an Okayama or Hiroshima temple someday. . . We'll see.
I'm very thankful for all the support and prayers I've been getting. I feel really good right now. We're seeing a lot of good things, and a lot of small miracles. Like yesterday, we stopped to say hello to our Cafe-Owner Friend Mr. Wakabayashi, when a group of High School BMX riders passed by and said "Hey, Peterson!" They totally remembered me!
Oh yeah, and we randomly had to teach Gospel Principles on Sunday. . . It was almost the lesson on the Law of Chastity. . . EVERYONE in the class was married and/or a lot older than us. So. . . we switched to Temple Work and Family History. . . phew. . . Oh and then we taught the Plan of Salvation for the Aaronic Priesthood class.
Well, more coming next week. I love you so much!
Elder Peterson
Monday, September 14, 2009
Where Did The Week Go?
Kurashiki is WONDERFUL! Life in the city is great. However, on Wednesday, we went to Fukuyama city (in Hiroshima Prefecture) for District Meeting, then I stayed there for an exchange with Elder Packer from Layton, UT (he went to the same high school as Chris Escalante and knows his family, cool). Fukuyama was even bigger than Kurashiki, the city kept going. . .
Oh, I forgot to mention how fabulous the apartment is in Kurashiki. It's got two floors, a sofa . . . AND a massage chair! Wonderful! I've got so much space here compared to my last apartment!
Our investigators are doing pretty well. We met with our Brazilian investigators on Friday night. Bishop Yamada and his wife (Sis. Yamada happens to be Brazilian and fluent in English, Japanese, and Portuguese!) taught our recent convert while Elder Daimler and I ganbaru'd with Sis. Oliveira's friend and son (the son translated for us, BUT I got to recite the first vision in Portuguese, memorized it in Izumo!)
I get to meet our Chinese investigator tonight. He lives a few hours north, but he's coming into town to have dinner with us, and then attend a family's sports activity. This should be good. We're still trying to figure out if he's a member or not. I guess he remembers being baptized a while ago, and loves the church, reading the Book of Mormon, and keeps the commandments... but they can't find his record. We'll see.
Yesterday was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Stake conference. We took a two hour drive up north to Nimi for Stake Conference. It was at a performance hall. I got to be reunited with former companions (Elder Kajiuchi and Elder Atkin), and former ward members (the YSA from Izumo Branch). I got to see Umetani San and her daughter Haruna briefly, they had to leave quickly after, but wow, Umetani san was BEAMING! The Baptism will be on the 20th of September! I'm so excited for her. I finally have her address, so I can write to them! Kajiuchi choro let me know that Seki San (the protestant friend of our Brazillian member in Izumo) has started taking the lessons! I feel so blessed! He gave me a letter from my friend Lisa, where she talked a bit about the adversary trying to deceive us into thinking we're not working hard enough. The things that are happening in Izumo now made me feel that I really did do my part. It's all about the Lord's timeline, and I feel absolutely blessed!
I didn't understand everything that was said, but I loved being surrounded by so many of these wonderful people! I love Japan, I love the people! I want to get better at Japanese so that I can better communicate with them, and reach the hearts of more of these precious sons and daughters of God! Life is great. Yes, there are still ups and downs, but we're overcoming the downs as they come.
Zone Conference is on Wednesday, and I'm excited! Every time I go with deep questions I need answered, and so far, they have been answered. This time, we'll see what happens!
Well, I love you all! I'm enjoying my stay here, and I'll try to get you some pictures soon. Ooh, I could use a little bottle of maple flavoring and that maple syrup recipe. I can get peanut butter here through the mission home, so you don't have to send any more of that. Thank you so much, you are so amazing! I really appreciate all your continued love and gifts and tastes of home. We made some bbq chicken sandwiches the other night. SO GOOD!
Praying for you, and loving you,
Elder Peterson
Oh, I forgot to mention how fabulous the apartment is in Kurashiki. It's got two floors, a sofa . . . AND a massage chair! Wonderful! I've got so much space here compared to my last apartment!
Our investigators are doing pretty well. We met with our Brazilian investigators on Friday night. Bishop Yamada and his wife (Sis. Yamada happens to be Brazilian and fluent in English, Japanese, and Portuguese!) taught our recent convert while Elder Daimler and I ganbaru'd with Sis. Oliveira's friend and son (the son translated for us, BUT I got to recite the first vision in Portuguese, memorized it in Izumo!)
I get to meet our Chinese investigator tonight. He lives a few hours north, but he's coming into town to have dinner with us, and then attend a family's sports activity. This should be good. We're still trying to figure out if he's a member or not. I guess he remembers being baptized a while ago, and loves the church, reading the Book of Mormon, and keeps the commandments... but they can't find his record. We'll see.
Yesterday was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Stake conference. We took a two hour drive up north to Nimi for Stake Conference. It was at a performance hall. I got to be reunited with former companions (Elder Kajiuchi and Elder Atkin), and former ward members (the YSA from Izumo Branch). I got to see Umetani San and her daughter Haruna briefly, they had to leave quickly after, but wow, Umetani san was BEAMING! The Baptism will be on the 20th of September! I'm so excited for her. I finally have her address, so I can write to them! Kajiuchi choro let me know that Seki San (the protestant friend of our Brazillian member in Izumo) has started taking the lessons! I feel so blessed! He gave me a letter from my friend Lisa, where she talked a bit about the adversary trying to deceive us into thinking we're not working hard enough. The things that are happening in Izumo now made me feel that I really did do my part. It's all about the Lord's timeline, and I feel absolutely blessed!
I didn't understand everything that was said, but I loved being surrounded by so many of these wonderful people! I love Japan, I love the people! I want to get better at Japanese so that I can better communicate with them, and reach the hearts of more of these precious sons and daughters of God! Life is great. Yes, there are still ups and downs, but we're overcoming the downs as they come.
Zone Conference is on Wednesday, and I'm excited! Every time I go with deep questions I need answered, and so far, they have been answered. This time, we'll see what happens!
Well, I love you all! I'm enjoying my stay here, and I'll try to get you some pictures soon. Ooh, I could use a little bottle of maple flavoring and that maple syrup recipe. I can get peanut butter here through the mission home, so you don't have to send any more of that. Thank you so much, you are so amazing! I really appreciate all your continued love and gifts and tastes of home. We made some bbq chicken sandwiches the other night. SO GOOD!
Praying for you, and loving you,
Elder Peterson
Monday, September 7, 2009
And The Transfer Announcement Is....
I got transfered! That was so weird! I had been in Izumo for so long, that it didn't feel real. I left on the same bus that we took to Zone Conference every transfer; it felt like I was going on an exchange.
The new location: Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture. The address:
Okayama-ken Kurashiki-shi Tanoue 1041
Atorio N Tanoue #125
710-0831
The bottom number is the zip code. They order the places and names differently in Japan, but I'm sure if you get all that info on the envelope, it'll find its way!
Izumo was a decently-sized city, but there weren't very many people. The center of town had some tall buildings, but then it was basically farm-land as far as the eye could see.
Kurashiki is HUGE!!! Like, this is the city life right here! I guess that compared to Okayama City, and then even BIGGER cities like Tokyo, this place is still "small". But that's comparison for you. This place is SO BIG! We can go streeting, there are tons of people on the streets. I've been to some cool places already; like the Bikan Area (Bikan Chiku) - a really old shopping district that attracts a lot of people.
My new companion. . . an American. Someone I met at the MTC! Elder Daimler, from my Senpai group (six weeks ahead of my group). NO WAY. I was shocked when Pres. Isa told me over the phone. I did not see that one happening at all. I think it's going to be really good for the both of us. I had a good time with Elder Kajiuchi, but I think I relied on his fluency a little too much. We're going to be trying hard! Yosh! Elder Daimler's from the Salt Lake City area, Clearfield? This is going to be a completely different experience from my first four transfers.
For example, we were streeting the other night, ran into this cafe owner who was working on some plants outside his shop - Mr. Wakabayashi. We chatted for a bit, he asked us if we were Mormons! He was born here, but lived in Tokyo for a while as a fashion designer. He wants to talk with us again, and share his thoughts and feelings with us! NO WAY!
I keep meeting Brazilians, and the same night as the cafe man, we met a man that totally looked and sounded Japanese but spoke Portuguese. I have a little bit of vocab thanks to Elder De Menezes (Any progress on that address? ;) ... so it was fun.
Met a recent convert - baptized last week! She's from Brazil, and her son and friend also met with us. Her friend is working with us toward a baptismal goal of October 5th. Wow. . .
It's starting to feel more real, the more time passes. . . But wow, I am looking forward to this transfer. Oh yeah, I'm in Elder Atkin's zone now - He and Elder Vaughn (my last zone leader) are the zone leaders, so I'll get to work with them again. This is going to be fun!
We have an Exchange planned for this week, so I'll be staying in Fukuyama after District Meeting on Wednesday. A whole new place, full of new potential, adventures, and a fresh start for me!
I LOVE the ward. There were a lot of people in Church on Sunday. They are wonderful. The bishop is 28, served a mission in Hawaii, and speaks English fluently, along with his wife from Brazil, and a bucket load of other members. But don't worry, we're still trying to speak Japanese as much as possible.
Well, I better let Elder Daimler take a turn. We have to do email at the City Hall - with one computer. But don't worry, we can still have an hour or so, and then we switch to writing snail mail letters while we wait.
The Barbeque sauce is DIVINE!! Elder Kajiuchi and I made a pizza "pie" on Wednesday. And the POP-TARTS! I'm in heaven! I've got to buy a pie plate or two, but I'm looking forward to making those peanut butter pies. But hey, I made an awesome tiny cake yesterday out of pancake mix, brown sugar, an egg, canned peaches, chocolate, and baking powder. Awesome. . .
Anyway. I love you. I'm thankful for your prayers and amazing emails. I am very blessed.
Next week then,
Elder Peterson - Livin' in the city!
LATER:::::::::::::::::::
Hah, I was so excited about Kurashiki that I forgot to mention the good news about Umetani San. Her husband finally gave her the okay for Baptism. She will be baptised soon; they were to decide the date after transfers, so I'll find out next week at Stake Conference when I see Elder Kajiuchi (and everyone from Izumo) next week. Same Stake, cool huh? ;)
I'm so excited for her. It was amazing to see the dramatic flip-around in her countenance and attitude about God and religion. She's reading and praying every day. I hope to come back here some day and find that she's still active and strong!
We visited Rahman san to tell him I was being transferred. He invited us into his apartment happily, honored that we came at the exact moment that we was breaking his fast for the day. He gave us part if his food, heartfeltingly thanked us, and even embraced us and called upon the Lord for blessings upon us. What a brother; he is truly seeking light and truth. He wants to make a difference in the world, he wants to be a true disciple of God. The new bean-chan that transferred to Izumo is from America, so hopefully they will be able to build a good relationshi.
Oh I will miss Izumo, all the wonderful people, and the experiences I had there. The young single adults held a little FHE/goodbye party for me on Wednesday night. I felt so much love.
Well, time to start over. This is a fresh slate. Time to make a difference in this new, beautiful city. Ganbarou!
Elder Peterson
The new location: Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture. The address:
Okayama-ken Kurashiki-shi Tanoue 1041
Atorio N Tanoue #125
710-0831
The bottom number is the zip code. They order the places and names differently in Japan, but I'm sure if you get all that info on the envelope, it'll find its way!
Izumo was a decently-sized city, but there weren't very many people. The center of town had some tall buildings, but then it was basically farm-land as far as the eye could see.
Kurashiki is HUGE!!! Like, this is the city life right here! I guess that compared to Okayama City, and then even BIGGER cities like Tokyo, this place is still "small". But that's comparison for you. This place is SO BIG! We can go streeting, there are tons of people on the streets. I've been to some cool places already; like the Bikan Area (Bikan Chiku) - a really old shopping district that attracts a lot of people.
My new companion. . . an American. Someone I met at the MTC! Elder Daimler, from my Senpai group (six weeks ahead of my group). NO WAY. I was shocked when Pres. Isa told me over the phone. I did not see that one happening at all. I think it's going to be really good for the both of us. I had a good time with Elder Kajiuchi, but I think I relied on his fluency a little too much. We're going to be trying hard! Yosh! Elder Daimler's from the Salt Lake City area, Clearfield? This is going to be a completely different experience from my first four transfers.
For example, we were streeting the other night, ran into this cafe owner who was working on some plants outside his shop - Mr. Wakabayashi. We chatted for a bit, he asked us if we were Mormons! He was born here, but lived in Tokyo for a while as a fashion designer. He wants to talk with us again, and share his thoughts and feelings with us! NO WAY!
I keep meeting Brazilians, and the same night as the cafe man, we met a man that totally looked and sounded Japanese but spoke Portuguese. I have a little bit of vocab thanks to Elder De Menezes (Any progress on that address? ;) ... so it was fun.
Met a recent convert - baptized last week! She's from Brazil, and her son and friend also met with us. Her friend is working with us toward a baptismal goal of October 5th. Wow. . .
It's starting to feel more real, the more time passes. . . But wow, I am looking forward to this transfer. Oh yeah, I'm in Elder Atkin's zone now - He and Elder Vaughn (my last zone leader) are the zone leaders, so I'll get to work with them again. This is going to be fun!
We have an Exchange planned for this week, so I'll be staying in Fukuyama after District Meeting on Wednesday. A whole new place, full of new potential, adventures, and a fresh start for me!
I LOVE the ward. There were a lot of people in Church on Sunday. They are wonderful. The bishop is 28, served a mission in Hawaii, and speaks English fluently, along with his wife from Brazil, and a bucket load of other members. But don't worry, we're still trying to speak Japanese as much as possible.
Well, I better let Elder Daimler take a turn. We have to do email at the City Hall - with one computer. But don't worry, we can still have an hour or so, and then we switch to writing snail mail letters while we wait.
The Barbeque sauce is DIVINE!! Elder Kajiuchi and I made a pizza "pie" on Wednesday. And the POP-TARTS! I'm in heaven! I've got to buy a pie plate or two, but I'm looking forward to making those peanut butter pies. But hey, I made an awesome tiny cake yesterday out of pancake mix, brown sugar, an egg, canned peaches, chocolate, and baking powder. Awesome. . .
Anyway. I love you. I'm thankful for your prayers and amazing emails. I am very blessed.
Next week then,
Elder Peterson - Livin' in the city!
LATER:::::::::::::::::::
Hah, I was so excited about Kurashiki that I forgot to mention the good news about Umetani San. Her husband finally gave her the okay for Baptism. She will be baptised soon; they were to decide the date after transfers, so I'll find out next week at Stake Conference when I see Elder Kajiuchi (and everyone from Izumo) next week. Same Stake, cool huh? ;)
I'm so excited for her. It was amazing to see the dramatic flip-around in her countenance and attitude about God and religion. She's reading and praying every day. I hope to come back here some day and find that she's still active and strong!
We visited Rahman san to tell him I was being transferred. He invited us into his apartment happily, honored that we came at the exact moment that we was breaking his fast for the day. He gave us part if his food, heartfeltingly thanked us, and even embraced us and called upon the Lord for blessings upon us. What a brother; he is truly seeking light and truth. He wants to make a difference in the world, he wants to be a true disciple of God. The new bean-chan that transferred to Izumo is from America, so hopefully they will be able to build a good relationshi.
Oh I will miss Izumo, all the wonderful people, and the experiences I had there. The young single adults held a little FHE/goodbye party for me on Wednesday night. I felt so much love.
Well, time to start over. This is a fresh slate. Time to make a difference in this new, beautiful city. Ganbarou!
Elder Peterson
Monday, August 10, 2009
Poptarts and BBQ Sauce!
(Not together, of course. Just craving Both!)
Dear Family,
We went and played Volleyball for a while with some Brazillian friends of Matsue's Ward Mission Leader (Brother Oda, he's constantly helping us out; he has a lot of connections in Izumo). I'm terrible at volleyball, but it was fun and a good workout. One of the players even recognized us from having seen us on the streets. It was a good chance to make some friends. Hopefully we'll bump into them again. One of them was named Paul as well, and he lived in the states for quite a few years. It was a nice English interlude ;)
This week was exciting! Once again, we took the bus to Okayama. Elder Atkin seems to be doing really well. He and his companion, Elder Matsuoka are the Okayama Zone leaders, and they have a lot going on right now, very busy, waking up early almost every day.
I learned some important concepts at this conference, one of which is a "40 Day fast" from behaviors that detract from the spirit. Pres. Isa shared a story (originally shared by Elder Holland?) about the Process of Purification. So, Elder Kajiuchi and I started our 40-day fasts after we got back from the conference. Please pray for us. I'm starting to notice a few differences already. We keep having random encounters and experiences that I think are connected to the fast. Investigators who have had trouble meeting with us or coming to church have recently accepted invitations to meet with us (at a party, but still!) and came to church (this week, only one came, but it was great. Gana san, our Mongolian investigator!)
On the flip-side, I had my first real encounter with persecution. I mean, compared to other places, it's probably not that big of a deal, but it made me very thankful to be in Japan, where I don't have to deal with it very much. We were housing yesterday with some members. A woman came around the corner as we were waiting by a door that we had just barely rung. Elder Kajiuchi called over a hello, and "Nice weather, eh?". She came over to us, looking a bit annoyed. "Jehova's Witnesses?" We responded with "No, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints". I tried to follow what the woman said next, but couldn't really understand. She started walking back to where her apartment was. I got a little prompting to tell her about a party we're having on Thursday. Kajiuchi choro gave me a "What on EARTH are you doing" look. . . The woman interrupted me by yelling a swear word and storming into her apartment. She did not look very happy. I mean, I got pretty used to people swearing at me during training, but in Izumo where most people give the very polite "No thank you, Otsukare Sama Desu" treatment, it was a little surprising. Oh well, I got over it. I figure that compared to being held at gun point, stabbed, and/or constantly persecuted as in other areas of the world, I actually have it pretty good.
Friday we biked all the way out to the Hinomisaki Shrine. You should have some pictures, it was the same day Atkin Choro and I went to the Light house. Back then, we couldn't enter the shrine. . . We were supposed to meet an investigator at a festival there. While waiting, we found out that the inner-shrine only opens up one day a year, at a certain time only, and we were there at the right time. So we went in, were given these little, white cloth aprons to put around our necks, were "purified" by one of the [priests?], and then got to walk around. It was pretty cool, and there appeared to be some Mosaic similarities (kind of Tabernacle-esque).
Wow, that bike ride was long and tough, but it was worth it.
So yesterday, we spent some time at the Hamamura household. A less active member and her non-member friend were coming - we helped to prepare a picnic meal to eat while watching the Firework display. I learned how to make Onigiri (balls or triangles of rice). I'm not very good, but it was fun!
Brother Hamamura (our Branch Mission Leader) showed us some pictures from his mission. His scrapbooks had Contact Cards in it too. Darin Palmer (formerly in the 1st ward?) served in his mission (Japan Sendai) around the same time (1985)! He was my scout master back in the day, and I was friends with his son Mitchell! If you see him or happen to get in touch, please say hello. Kazuhiko Hamamura is the mission leader's name. Bro. Palmer might not remember, because they weren't companions, but the did exchange cards.
I want you to know that I'm doing great. Elder Kajiuchi and I have been doing great since we got back from the conference. I think this fast is changing things. Sure, the hard times of missionary work will come and go, but for the time being, we don't seem to really get angry at each other.
Well, tell everyone I love them,
Mata ne
Elder Peterson
ピ－ターソン
Dear Family,
We went and played Volleyball for a while with some Brazillian friends of Matsue's Ward Mission Leader (Brother Oda, he's constantly helping us out; he has a lot of connections in Izumo). I'm terrible at volleyball, but it was fun and a good workout. One of the players even recognized us from having seen us on the streets. It was a good chance to make some friends. Hopefully we'll bump into them again. One of them was named Paul as well, and he lived in the states for quite a few years. It was a nice English interlude ;)
This week was exciting! Once again, we took the bus to Okayama. Elder Atkin seems to be doing really well. He and his companion, Elder Matsuoka are the Okayama Zone leaders, and they have a lot going on right now, very busy, waking up early almost every day.
I learned some important concepts at this conference, one of which is a "40 Day fast" from behaviors that detract from the spirit. Pres. Isa shared a story (originally shared by Elder Holland?) about the Process of Purification. So, Elder Kajiuchi and I started our 40-day fasts after we got back from the conference. Please pray for us. I'm starting to notice a few differences already. We keep having random encounters and experiences that I think are connected to the fast. Investigators who have had trouble meeting with us or coming to church have recently accepted invitations to meet with us (at a party, but still!) and came to church (this week, only one came, but it was great. Gana san, our Mongolian investigator!)
On the flip-side, I had my first real encounter with persecution. I mean, compared to other places, it's probably not that big of a deal, but it made me very thankful to be in Japan, where I don't have to deal with it very much. We were housing yesterday with some members. A woman came around the corner as we were waiting by a door that we had just barely rung. Elder Kajiuchi called over a hello, and "Nice weather, eh?". She came over to us, looking a bit annoyed. "Jehova's Witnesses?" We responded with "No, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints". I tried to follow what the woman said next, but couldn't really understand. She started walking back to where her apartment was. I got a little prompting to tell her about a party we're having on Thursday. Kajiuchi choro gave me a "What on EARTH are you doing" look. . . The woman interrupted me by yelling a swear word and storming into her apartment. She did not look very happy. I mean, I got pretty used to people swearing at me during training, but in Izumo where most people give the very polite "No thank you, Otsukare Sama Desu" treatment, it was a little surprising. Oh well, I got over it. I figure that compared to being held at gun point, stabbed, and/or constantly persecuted as in other areas of the world, I actually have it pretty good.
Friday we biked all the way out to the Hinomisaki Shrine. You should have some pictures, it was the same day Atkin Choro and I went to the Light house. Back then, we couldn't enter the shrine. . . We were supposed to meet an investigator at a festival there. While waiting, we found out that the inner-shrine only opens up one day a year, at a certain time only, and we were there at the right time. So we went in, were given these little, white cloth aprons to put around our necks, were "purified" by one of the [priests?], and then got to walk around. It was pretty cool, and there appeared to be some Mosaic similarities (kind of Tabernacle-esque).
Wow, that bike ride was long and tough, but it was worth it.
So yesterday, we spent some time at the Hamamura household. A less active member and her non-member friend were coming - we helped to prepare a picnic meal to eat while watching the Firework display. I learned how to make Onigiri (balls or triangles of rice). I'm not very good, but it was fun!
Brother Hamamura (our Branch Mission Leader) showed us some pictures from his mission. His scrapbooks had Contact Cards in it too. Darin Palmer (formerly in the 1st ward?) served in his mission (Japan Sendai) around the same time (1985)! He was my scout master back in the day, and I was friends with his son Mitchell! If you see him or happen to get in touch, please say hello. Kazuhiko Hamamura is the mission leader's name. Bro. Palmer might not remember, because they weren't companions, but the did exchange cards.
I want you to know that I'm doing great. Elder Kajiuchi and I have been doing great since we got back from the conference. I think this fast is changing things. Sure, the hard times of missionary work will come and go, but for the time being, we don't seem to really get angry at each other.
Well, tell everyone I love them,
Mata ne
Elder Peterson
ピ－ターソン
Monday, June 29, 2009
To the Mountain Top!
Zone Conference at Okayama again this last week! So much fun! It was cool getting to see Elder Atkin again. I also got to reconnect with Sister Condie, one of my MTC Distric Members, and see some of my senior MTC missionaries.
Again I was amazed by President Isa and the spiritual giant that man is. I was reminded of my weaknesses and all of the things I still don't know, but it gave me a big boost to push forward. Stake President Swaisy also spoke.
After the conference, we started a spur of the moment exchange that my District Leader forgot to confirm, but it's all good. I went with Elder Tanaka (one transfer behind me . . .!!!) to Yonago. Pres. Swaisy gave us a ride to the train station near his house -- about 2 hours away from Okayama -- where we said goodbye to Sister Condie and Iizuka. I can't remember the name of the town, but we went with Pres. Swaisy, his daughter and son in law back to their house. He's lived in Japan for over 20 years. WOW! Their house was totally classic American Style - it was kind of like stepping back into America for a bit. We had some good conversation, and they fed us. It made me think back to when we would have missionaries over for dinner. . . It's funny being on the flip-side now. . . ;)
Yonago was great. Yeah, Tanaka Choro and I were both Junior companions, but we had a great time. And we saw some really cool things. Like the almost spur of the moment, "Do you want to climb a mountain?" missionary excursion we took. Up top, above the massive expanse of this beautiful city, on the ruins of an ancient Japanese castle (yeah, it was AWESOME), we met J. Wadson, a man from Missouri. Wow, what an amazing experience.
Well, the weather here is quite rainy now. It's the rainy season, but yet it's only rained once a week so far for the last two weeks. We'll see.
I totally almost forgot! Umetani San agreed to be baptized!! For now the baptism will be on the 12th of July! We've got a bit of reviewing to do, but she is so close!!!
Again I was amazed by President Isa and the spiritual giant that man is. I was reminded of my weaknesses and all of the things I still don't know, but it gave me a big boost to push forward. Stake President Swaisy also spoke.
After the conference, we started a spur of the moment exchange that my District Leader forgot to confirm, but it's all good. I went with Elder Tanaka (one transfer behind me . . .!!!) to Yonago. Pres. Swaisy gave us a ride to the train station near his house -- about 2 hours away from Okayama -- where we said goodbye to Sister Condie and Iizuka. I can't remember the name of the town, but we went with Pres. Swaisy, his daughter and son in law back to their house. He's lived in Japan for over 20 years. WOW! Their house was totally classic American Style - it was kind of like stepping back into America for a bit. We had some good conversation, and they fed us. It made me think back to when we would have missionaries over for dinner. . . It's funny being on the flip-side now. . . ;)
Yonago was great. Yeah, Tanaka Choro and I were both Junior companions, but we had a great time. And we saw some really cool things. Like the almost spur of the moment, "Do you want to climb a mountain?" missionary excursion we took. Up top, above the massive expanse of this beautiful city, on the ruins of an ancient Japanese castle (yeah, it was AWESOME), we met J. Wadson, a man from Missouri. Wow, what an amazing experience.
Well, the weather here is quite rainy now. It's the rainy season, but yet it's only rained once a week so far for the last two weeks. We'll see.
I totally almost forgot! Umetani San agreed to be baptized!! For now the baptism will be on the 12th of July! We've got a bit of reviewing to do, but she is so close!!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Crazy Things, Amazing Places
I thought I'd start this week's email with a little Elder-Peterson moment (a name for goofy / clumsy / Elder-Peterson-esque things that I happen to do, accidentally, etc.)
So I requested the biscuits recipe, etc, saying that the oven would only go up to 250 degrees. . . Tee hee. That is true, honestly it is. . . But, 4 minutes after inserting the pan of Peanut Butter Cookies, I smelled the burn. . . I rushed to try and rescue them, but alas many of the company had been wounded in battle with the fearce flames of cuisine. "What on earth could have possibly happened!?" I asked myself as I stammared in unbelief at the dreadful scene.
"Oh yeah. . . It's Japan. . . Not only do they use the metrics system here, but they go by Celsius, not Fahrenheight. . ."
So, with a wave of my magic wand (aka the cellular phone's conversion tool), I figured it out. Brilliant. . . I know, no no, hold the applause, please ;)
Oh, and concerning the biscuits, they almost flopped, dreadfully. First of all, we couldn't find actual shortening, so we went with "Fat Spread". Second, we couldn't figure out the Japanese name for "Buttermilk" and couldn't find it, so we went with "Yogurt Milk". Third, the yeast only came in one big pouch, not individual packets, so I poured about half of it in, and it might have been way too much.
Well, as much of a hassle as the process was, I finally got the beasties into the oven, and they turned out surprisingly well. Almost the same as Angel Biscuits. . . almost.
Yeah, the Swedish Meatballs almost flopped too. . . But, enough of the cooking scene, and on to the Dendo News.
Umetani San did not come to church this week. We had two lessons with her this last week, and a Cooking Activity at the church on Saturday where Atkin Choro taught how to make apple pie. It seems like she's still struggling with telling her husband about us, church, and everything. But, we got a call from her this morning. Atkin choro was talking with her for a while. We prayed with her, and she said a prayer too. She felt really bad about not coming to church, and was having a hard time. But the spirit was there, even though it was a phone call. Things are going to work out, I know they are. She has a testimony, and is just going through another trial of faith.
I probably mentioned this before, but Pres. Isa keeps talking about creating whirlpools. I keep realizing more and more what this means. We've had a member with us at just about every lesson we've had with Umetani San this transfer. The difference is AMAZING! Wow. . .
Transfers are this week. We find out on Wednesday whether one of us, both of us, or neither of us are transfering, and then the transfer will happen on Thursday. I don't really want to leave. I want to see other areas of the mission, to be able to see more and more of Japan, but I suppose that it's a slightly selfish desire.
Miracles keep happening here, like our Potential Investigator from Mongolia who speaks perfect Japanese, and has a Christian background, wants to come to church, and has an appointment with us at the church building on Wednesday this week! I want to see the results of the seeds that have been planted. If I am blessed with the opportunity of staying in Izumo for another transfer, I think I'm going to see a baptism, and hopefully, help a few others onto the road to Baptism as well.
As far as my companion relationship goes, things are pretty well. I keep learning the importance of just loving him and working together in unity with him.
On Sunday, we got to drive with the Branch President and another Member (Sister Hori) to visit some less active members. We drove by the sea! So beautiful! Hopefully, some of the people we visited will be able to come to activities, and even better to church. The area is kind of spread out though, it takes a while to get to the building from some of the houses we visited, but we'll see. What a good time.
Oh, and we got to go with some of Atkin Choro's Former investigators to the Hinomisaki Lighthouse [to learn more about that click here, here, and/or here] on Thursday. Wow, that drive was AMAZING! Classic Japanese rolling mountainside, with the sea right next to you, with little clusters of houses and large shinto shrines nestled right down in the midst of brilliant greenery... It's amazing here!
So I requested the biscuits recipe, etc, saying that the oven would only go up to 250 degrees. . . Tee hee. That is true, honestly it is. . . But, 4 minutes after inserting the pan of Peanut Butter Cookies, I smelled the burn. . . I rushed to try and rescue them, but alas many of the company had been wounded in battle with the fearce flames of cuisine. "What on earth could have possibly happened!?" I asked myself as I stammared in unbelief at the dreadful scene.
"Oh yeah. . . It's Japan. . . Not only do they use the metrics system here, but they go by Celsius, not Fahrenheight. . ."
So, with a wave of my magic wand (aka the cellular phone's conversion tool), I figured it out. Brilliant. . . I know, no no, hold the applause, please ;)
Oh, and concerning the biscuits, they almost flopped, dreadfully. First of all, we couldn't find actual shortening, so we went with "Fat Spread". Second, we couldn't figure out the Japanese name for "Buttermilk" and couldn't find it, so we went with "Yogurt Milk". Third, the yeast only came in one big pouch, not individual packets, so I poured about half of it in, and it might have been way too much.
Well, as much of a hassle as the process was, I finally got the beasties into the oven, and they turned out surprisingly well. Almost the same as Angel Biscuits. . . almost.
Yeah, the Swedish Meatballs almost flopped too. . . But, enough of the cooking scene, and on to the Dendo News.
Umetani San did not come to church this week. We had two lessons with her this last week, and a Cooking Activity at the church on Saturday where Atkin Choro taught how to make apple pie. It seems like she's still struggling with telling her husband about us, church, and everything. But, we got a call from her this morning. Atkin choro was talking with her for a while. We prayed with her, and she said a prayer too. She felt really bad about not coming to church, and was having a hard time. But the spirit was there, even though it was a phone call. Things are going to work out, I know they are. She has a testimony, and is just going through another trial of faith.
I probably mentioned this before, but Pres. Isa keeps talking about creating whirlpools. I keep realizing more and more what this means. We've had a member with us at just about every lesson we've had with Umetani San this transfer. The difference is AMAZING! Wow. . .
Transfers are this week. We find out on Wednesday whether one of us, both of us, or neither of us are transfering, and then the transfer will happen on Thursday. I don't really want to leave. I want to see other areas of the mission, to be able to see more and more of Japan, but I suppose that it's a slightly selfish desire.
Miracles keep happening here, like our Potential Investigator from Mongolia who speaks perfect Japanese, and has a Christian background, wants to come to church, and has an appointment with us at the church building on Wednesday this week! I want to see the results of the seeds that have been planted. If I am blessed with the opportunity of staying in Izumo for another transfer, I think I'm going to see a baptism, and hopefully, help a few others onto the road to Baptism as well.
As far as my companion relationship goes, things are pretty well. I keep learning the importance of just loving him and working together in unity with him.
On Sunday, we got to drive with the Branch President and another Member (Sister Hori) to visit some less active members. We drove by the sea! So beautiful! Hopefully, some of the people we visited will be able to come to activities, and even better to church. The area is kind of spread out though, it takes a while to get to the building from some of the houses we visited, but we'll see. What a good time.
Oh, and we got to go with some of Atkin Choro's Former investigators to the Hinomisaki Lighthouse [to learn more about that click here, here, and/or here] on Thursday. Wow, that drive was AMAZING! Classic Japanese rolling mountainside, with the sea right next to you, with little clusters of houses and large shinto shrines nestled right down in the midst of brilliant greenery... It's amazing here!
Monday, June 1, 2009
There Can Be Miracles
I am in quite a good mood this week. I received Mom's package this week and I am so excited to make those brownies (and the BBQ Pringles are almost gone. . . :) we found an old cook book from the Okayama mission that has a brownie recipe in it, and it works out great too, but I am SOOOO excited to try those Duncan Hines brownies!!! MMMMM!! I love you! Thank you again for your sacrifices for me! I love you so much! I'm thankful for all the help you've given me. I'm thankful that you have supported me in my decisions and have trusted me to make them. My one year anniversary of actually starting Basic Training (ROTC/National Guard) is on the 6th of June. That was the beginning of a journey I needed to take. And it has all led to the here and now.
Thank you for the taco seasoning!!!! I made taco stuff twice this week. The first time I put in way too much water, but we had it over rice, topped with Doritos and salsa, and it was okay. But then we pulled out the tortillas that Kobayashi Choro left and we had real taco/burritos -- even with Taco Bell sauce left by a former missionary. Delicious! The oven in our apato (apartment) actually works, but just barely! It's pretty ancient and limited to 250 degrees.
Mom, I'm glad you liked my little package. I'm guessing this year's birthday was a lot better than last year's ... It's hard to believe a year has already passed since I left you all and headed to Missouri for Basic Training! Time seems to fly right by. I don't think I was able to adequately express my thanks for your last letter. Thank you for your words. When I received your letter, I was going through some rough times and your letter really helped a lot. I want to talk about a couple of things that have changed for me. One is doing dishes a lot. Yeah, back when I was home, I didn't like to do dishes at all. It might just be that if I don't do dishes, we won't have clean dishes... but I have no problem doing them sow. So I'll make sure to help out a lot more when I'm home.
Last week's Zone Meeting and Interview with President Isa were both very good. I'm slowly understanding a little more of what Pres. Isa says in Japanese. . . but I did need some help from Atkin Choro for translation. Yeah, Pres. Isa is fluent in English, but there are a lot of Japanese Missionaries in the Zone, and not all of them speak English. But that's okay! It's hard to understand sometimes, but when I do understand parts and things start to click together, it's awesome!
Remember that we had to take dessert to the Zone meeting: Well, my Cinnamon Cake and Apple Crisp desserts worked out okay, but I forgot the cinnamon in the apple crisp, oh well. . . :)
Things in Izumo are doing quite well! Umetani San CAME TO CHURCH on Sunday!!!! It was the first time I've had an investigator at church with me! Her daughter Haruna came too. Elder Atkin went with her to Primary, and I *"ganbaro"'d with Umetani San in Sunday School with Brother Hamamura (he is such an awesome, fun, enthusiastic teacher!) *Ganbaru is a Japanese word which here means "to hang in there" or "try hard" etc. Sometimes it's easier even in our English conversations to still use the Japanese words, because sometimes, the translations in Japanese are easier than the English way of saying things. . . ;)
Umetani san loved church! And she understood things for the most part. She wants to be baptized; now we're praying for her to gain the courage to tell her husband. . . But hey, one of the miracles from this last week is that she was way nervous to ask her husband if she could go to church. She finally asked him and . . . He said "Yeah, no problem"!
And Haruna was amazing in Primary! She was the first person to raise her hand when the teacher asked, "Okay, who knows who God is?" She was also the first person to volunteer for prayer, and gave both the opening and closing prayers! And this was her first time at church!!
Things are just working out -- with our investigators, with contacting people who showed interest in being taught, and such. We must be doing something right. When I get those down notions that "I'm not doing enough" and “I need to be doing more" . . . Maybe for the current situation, I am doing enough.
One of our Zone Goals is to find something new from Preach My Gospel every week that we're not doing and to try doing it. I've been experimenting with Praying in Faith. I think Sundy told me about that activity from Chapter 4 about having prayers led by the spirit. I tried to work on my prayers a while ago, but I kind of slipped back into a little routine. Well, anyway, I've been really focusing on avoiding the whole "pick up the phone, order groceries, and hang up" style of prayer. I've been trying harder to pray in faith for things like my relationship with Elder Atkin, our Investigators, being able to meet with people, etc.. I'm not saying it's just because of MY prayers, but I think it's been having an effect. Prayer really is powerful when it is offered with a sincere heart. It seems like sometimes we fall into these little ruts of praying to God, but not really thinking about how he can actually hear us, and about how he actually cares about us. Try it out, look at that Evaluate your Prayers activity from Chapter 4 of PMG.
I'm glad I get to be working with Atkin Choro. We are pretty different; we share some similar interests but our senses of humor are completely different. And, I get the feeling that he thinks I'm a stick in the mud when I don't laugh at all of his jokes. Don't worry -- things are fine. We just both need to appreciate and understand each other better.
Well, transfers are coming up soon. It's crazy how time has flown by! And here I am in the start of my 6th month of the Mission. Wow. . . Well, obviously, we can't know ahead of time if we'll be transferred or not. . . But I would love to stay in Izumo another transfer! Elder Kobayashi got three transfers here, so maybe I will too! We'll see!
Thank you for the taco seasoning!!!! I made taco stuff twice this week. The first time I put in way too much water, but we had it over rice, topped with Doritos and salsa, and it was okay. But then we pulled out the tortillas that Kobayashi Choro left and we had real taco/burritos -- even with Taco Bell sauce left by a former missionary. Delicious! The oven in our apato (apartment) actually works, but just barely! It's pretty ancient and limited to 250 degrees.
Mom, I'm glad you liked my little package. I'm guessing this year's birthday was a lot better than last year's ... It's hard to believe a year has already passed since I left you all and headed to Missouri for Basic Training! Time seems to fly right by. I don't think I was able to adequately express my thanks for your last letter. Thank you for your words. When I received your letter, I was going through some rough times and your letter really helped a lot. I want to talk about a couple of things that have changed for me. One is doing dishes a lot. Yeah, back when I was home, I didn't like to do dishes at all. It might just be that if I don't do dishes, we won't have clean dishes... but I have no problem doing them sow. So I'll make sure to help out a lot more when I'm home.
Last week's Zone Meeting and Interview with President Isa were both very good. I'm slowly understanding a little more of what Pres. Isa says in Japanese. . . but I did need some help from Atkin Choro for translation. Yeah, Pres. Isa is fluent in English, but there are a lot of Japanese Missionaries in the Zone, and not all of them speak English. But that's okay! It's hard to understand sometimes, but when I do understand parts and things start to click together, it's awesome!
Remember that we had to take dessert to the Zone meeting: Well, my Cinnamon Cake and Apple Crisp desserts worked out okay, but I forgot the cinnamon in the apple crisp, oh well. . . :)
Things in Izumo are doing quite well! Umetani San CAME TO CHURCH on Sunday!!!! It was the first time I've had an investigator at church with me! Her daughter Haruna came too. Elder Atkin went with her to Primary, and I *"ganbaro"'d with Umetani San in Sunday School with Brother Hamamura (he is such an awesome, fun, enthusiastic teacher!) *Ganbaru is a Japanese word which here means "to hang in there" or "try hard" etc. Sometimes it's easier even in our English conversations to still use the Japanese words, because sometimes, the translations in Japanese are easier than the English way of saying things. . . ;)
Umetani san loved church! And she understood things for the most part. She wants to be baptized; now we're praying for her to gain the courage to tell her husband. . . But hey, one of the miracles from this last week is that she was way nervous to ask her husband if she could go to church. She finally asked him and . . . He said "Yeah, no problem"!
And Haruna was amazing in Primary! She was the first person to raise her hand when the teacher asked, "Okay, who knows who God is?" She was also the first person to volunteer for prayer, and gave both the opening and closing prayers! And this was her first time at church!!
Things are just working out -- with our investigators, with contacting people who showed interest in being taught, and such. We must be doing something right. When I get those down notions that "I'm not doing enough" and “I need to be doing more" . . . Maybe for the current situation, I am doing enough.
One of our Zone Goals is to find something new from Preach My Gospel every week that we're not doing and to try doing it. I've been experimenting with Praying in Faith. I think Sundy told me about that activity from Chapter 4 about having prayers led by the spirit. I tried to work on my prayers a while ago, but I kind of slipped back into a little routine. Well, anyway, I've been really focusing on avoiding the whole "pick up the phone, order groceries, and hang up" style of prayer. I've been trying harder to pray in faith for things like my relationship with Elder Atkin, our Investigators, being able to meet with people, etc.. I'm not saying it's just because of MY prayers, but I think it's been having an effect. Prayer really is powerful when it is offered with a sincere heart. It seems like sometimes we fall into these little ruts of praying to God, but not really thinking about how he can actually hear us, and about how he actually cares about us. Try it out, look at that Evaluate your Prayers activity from Chapter 4 of PMG.
I'm glad I get to be working with Atkin Choro. We are pretty different; we share some similar interests but our senses of humor are completely different. And, I get the feeling that he thinks I'm a stick in the mud when I don't laugh at all of his jokes. Don't worry -- things are fine. We just both need to appreciate and understand each other better.
Well, transfers are coming up soon. It's crazy how time has flown by! And here I am in the start of my 6th month of the Mission. Wow. . . Well, obviously, we can't know ahead of time if we'll be transferred or not. . . But I would love to stay in Izumo another transfer! Elder Kobayashi got three transfers here, so maybe I will too! We'll see!
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Field Is Changing...
As always, thank you for your love, prayers, and support. I think for a little while, I had the "prayer receptors" plugged up, but I realized it this last week and now they're open and working fine again.
For District Preparation Day last week, we met up with the other four elders in our district at Matsue. We got on a bus to head to Matsue Jo (Matsue Castle). We spotted some foreigners (a husband and wife) getting on the same bus and went to talk to them. Well, they weren't American, but they were from Switzerland, on a three week vacation all over Japan. They actually spoke English quite well. It was fun getting to know them a little bit.
So we got off the bus, as did they, but we went up over to the castle. We waited to meet up with Elders Mahoney and Fukuyama (the Zone leaders that live in Matsue), and then headed up to the castle. However, we noticed that the Swiss man was climbing the stairs alone; his wife's back was hurting pretty badly from all the walking they had been doing. We offered to go with him to the Top of the castle. His name was J. Francios.
The castle was amazing! It was so ancient-japanese-poi (poi = a word here which means -ish, -y, or -esque). I was on cloud nine the whole time. Don't worry, I took plenty of pictures. Speaking of pictures, when we were up in a room at the very top of the castle overlooking almost the entire surrounding city (what a view!), J. Francois told us he had better go back to meet his wife. I got a little idea to ask if we could take a group picture. So, this nice Japanese man took a picture of our district, PLUS the man from Switzerland. THEN, J. Francois asked for a picture with his camera!
It might not seem like a big deal, but here's what I think. Here you have this random couple from a different country, meeting a group of foreigners from America in Japan. We spoke to them naturally, just getting to know them and befriending them. We even offered to help them get in contact with some missionaries at their next destination to help translate for them. Anyway - then you have this nice man from Switzerland taking a picture with the group of missionaries! He has a copy of the picture, so he's going to remember this interaction. I hope someday he sees Missionaries in Switzerland and thinks, "Oh hey, I met some of you in Japan!" What a neat experience!
Afterward, we tossed around a football on this big sand near a park below the castle. It was pretty fun. When the time came to go, we walked back to the station to see everyone off. I got to chat with Elder Tanaka, a "bean-chan" in his first transfer from Chiba, Japan. I'm still by no means anywhere near fluent, but I was somehow able to understand most of what we were talking about! Well, then the Zone Leader exchange started. I stayed in Matsue with Elder Mahoney (from Heber, UT). So, preparation time ends at 6:00. . . we had a lesson right at 6:00 at the church right by the Matsue elders' apartment. It was fun! I was able to share some of my experiences as we tried to help this young man try to see how adversity can help us, and that God isn't cruel.
We ended the day by walking the streets trying to talk to people naturally. Here's where this week's title comes in. Recently, there has been a big emphasis on not just trying to "contact" people and tell them about the gospel, but to just speak with them naturally. So, we don't have to spend hours upon hours knocking on doors just to get rejected a billion times and develop a severe case of "kekko byo" ("That's okay"- sickness, derived from so many rejections, something I suffered a bit from last transfer). Elder Mahoney told me that the field has changed so much since he got here. Walking around on the streets when there aren't very many people around seemed "wanpaku" (lazy, not productive, etc) back in the day. But now, it's all about having the right motives, having faith, and just talking with people - not the old way of "Excuse me, do you have a moment?"
The next day however, I learned that there still is a place for housing! We had some extra time while waiting for a member to return home, so we went housing for a few minutes, and then BOOM! After turning the doorstep scene into a natural conversation somehow, the young man invited us in, gave us something to drink, and listened to us as we taught about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Let me tell you, I have been seeing miracles! Big and small, in Matsue and Izumo!
No investigators have come to church with us yet, but one is really close!! Umetani san!!! Every time we meet here, she's keeping commitments, reading from the Book of Mormon, and praying (every day!). She's even praying with her daughter! She wants to come to church really badly, she's just afraid to tell her husband. So we're working on meeting her husband (don't worry, he knows that she's been meeting with us, we're not trying to go behind the back at all) and helping him to be okay with her coming to church.
I thought I'd let you know that Atkin Choro and I are getting along just fine. We keep having these good, needed conversations. I've realized that I've been a little too uptight, judgmental, and critical. BUT, things are okay right now. The hills and valleys will always continue, but things will always work out!
We haven't had too many people show up at our Kid's English class (Eikaiwa), partially because early Thursday evening was a bad time, but we moved it to Saturday afternoon and anticipate a lot better attendance - even Umetani san with her daughter Haruna!!!!
I love you all, and am so grateful for all that you have given me, physical and spiritual!
Oh by the way, I spoke in Church yesterday, on D&C 121: 7-9.
For District Preparation Day last week, we met up with the other four elders in our district at Matsue. We got on a bus to head to Matsue Jo (Matsue Castle). We spotted some foreigners (a husband and wife) getting on the same bus and went to talk to them. Well, they weren't American, but they were from Switzerland, on a three week vacation all over Japan. They actually spoke English quite well. It was fun getting to know them a little bit.
So we got off the bus, as did they, but we went up over to the castle. We waited to meet up with Elders Mahoney and Fukuyama (the Zone leaders that live in Matsue), and then headed up to the castle. However, we noticed that the Swiss man was climbing the stairs alone; his wife's back was hurting pretty badly from all the walking they had been doing. We offered to go with him to the Top of the castle. His name was J. Francios.
The castle was amazing! It was so ancient-japanese-poi (poi = a word here which means -ish, -y, or -esque). I was on cloud nine the whole time. Don't worry, I took plenty of pictures. Speaking of pictures, when we were up in a room at the very top of the castle overlooking almost the entire surrounding city (what a view!), J. Francois told us he had better go back to meet his wife. I got a little idea to ask if we could take a group picture. So, this nice Japanese man took a picture of our district, PLUS the man from Switzerland. THEN, J. Francois asked for a picture with his camera!
It might not seem like a big deal, but here's what I think. Here you have this random couple from a different country, meeting a group of foreigners from America in Japan. We spoke to them naturally, just getting to know them and befriending them. We even offered to help them get in contact with some missionaries at their next destination to help translate for them. Anyway - then you have this nice man from Switzerland taking a picture with the group of missionaries! He has a copy of the picture, so he's going to remember this interaction. I hope someday he sees Missionaries in Switzerland and thinks, "Oh hey, I met some of you in Japan!" What a neat experience!
Afterward, we tossed around a football on this big sand near a park below the castle. It was pretty fun. When the time came to go, we walked back to the station to see everyone off. I got to chat with Elder Tanaka, a "bean-chan" in his first transfer from Chiba, Japan. I'm still by no means anywhere near fluent, but I was somehow able to understand most of what we were talking about! Well, then the Zone Leader exchange started. I stayed in Matsue with Elder Mahoney (from Heber, UT). So, preparation time ends at 6:00. . . we had a lesson right at 6:00 at the church right by the Matsue elders' apartment. It was fun! I was able to share some of my experiences as we tried to help this young man try to see how adversity can help us, and that God isn't cruel.
We ended the day by walking the streets trying to talk to people naturally. Here's where this week's title comes in. Recently, there has been a big emphasis on not just trying to "contact" people and tell them about the gospel, but to just speak with them naturally. So, we don't have to spend hours upon hours knocking on doors just to get rejected a billion times and develop a severe case of "kekko byo" ("That's okay"- sickness, derived from so many rejections, something I suffered a bit from last transfer). Elder Mahoney told me that the field has changed so much since he got here. Walking around on the streets when there aren't very many people around seemed "wanpaku" (lazy, not productive, etc) back in the day. But now, it's all about having the right motives, having faith, and just talking with people - not the old way of "Excuse me, do you have a moment?"
The next day however, I learned that there still is a place for housing! We had some extra time while waiting for a member to return home, so we went housing for a few minutes, and then BOOM! After turning the doorstep scene into a natural conversation somehow, the young man invited us in, gave us something to drink, and listened to us as we taught about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Let me tell you, I have been seeing miracles! Big and small, in Matsue and Izumo!
No investigators have come to church with us yet, but one is really close!! Umetani san!!! Every time we meet here, she's keeping commitments, reading from the Book of Mormon, and praying (every day!). She's even praying with her daughter! She wants to come to church really badly, she's just afraid to tell her husband. So we're working on meeting her husband (don't worry, he knows that she's been meeting with us, we're not trying to go behind the back at all) and helping him to be okay with her coming to church.
I thought I'd let you know that Atkin Choro and I are getting along just fine. We keep having these good, needed conversations. I've realized that I've been a little too uptight, judgmental, and critical. BUT, things are okay right now. The hills and valleys will always continue, but things will always work out!
We haven't had too many people show up at our Kid's English class (Eikaiwa), partially because early Thursday evening was a bad time, but we moved it to Saturday afternoon and anticipate a lot better attendance - even Umetani san with her daughter Haruna!!!!
I love you all, and am so grateful for all that you have given me, physical and spiritual!
Oh by the way, I spoke in Church yesterday, on D&C 121: 7-9.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Over the River and Through the Wood, Hills, Valleys, etc.
Sorry this will be short. We're having a District P-Day in Matsue today, and then I stay there for an Exchange with Elder Mahoney, one of my Zone Leaders.
I really needed that [Mother's Day] phone call. Wow. I was so at peace, and so happy! Then Zone Conference was just amazing, all about talking to people naturally (things in this mission are changing; no more "Excuse me, do you have a few moments, we're Missionaries, yada yada yada") --, and unity and love in companionships. They had me be the bansosha (pianist), and it was okay, but wow I had to do a bit of practice beforehand.
On the way back from Okayama, we started a District Exchange. Elder Gatchell from Saint George came back to Izumo with me. He's quite the character. He's this massive American football player that towers above everybody in Japan. And there he was riding elder Atkin's bike (and Elder Atkin is a few inches shorter than me). . . yeah, it was funny ;)
During the exchange, we went to this Rest Home where Elder Kobayashi and I had been giving service just about every week last transfer. Atkin Choro and I haven't been yet this transfer because we're looking into other service activities. . . Gatchell Choro and I were talking with one of the staff members, I guess we have some kind of agreement - especially since I signed something back when I went the first time with Kobayashi Choro. . . That was a really awkward conversation: the man we talked with couldn't understand why we wanted to stop coming to the rest home to serve. He thought we just didn't want to be around the elderly anymore. I felt some interesting vibes; obviously this is something Atkin Choro and I need to pray about and figure out, but the man obviously didn't want us to stop coming. And then it turns out the missionaries in Izumo have been going to this place almost every week for a LONG time, years, maybe even ten or so. The man said he wouldn't "let" us stop coming unless President Isa gave him the okay.
Anyway. . . Yeah, I'm a little nervous about that. I like serving the elderly, I really do, and I don't want to stop. But even in our guidelines, it talks about not doing service that would be hard to discontinue, or would cause problems should we need to.
Hmm. . . .
So, after the exchange, it kind of seemed like things started going downhill for some reason. It culminated on Sunday into what was probably the first completely open conversation Atkin Choro and I have had so far. We didn't yell, it didn't feel contentious (although I started feeling that it could have easily turned contentious). . . but wow. He told me things that I was doing that were bugging him and I told him things that he was doing that were buggin me. . . And in the end, I felt more at peace than I have ever felt so far.
You know how sometimes you think you know a person, their motives, what's going on in their heads? Well I have a problem with that, a problem with assumption. And it turns out that I have been doing some things without even noticing they were causing problems. And if we hadn't had this conversation, I could have easily continued without even realizing what the problems were. . .
Don't worry, everything is going fine right now.
I'd say probably the biggest thing I've learned so far this transfer is the need for communication. You can't just hold things in or eventually you're going to burst. Keeping an open link is essential for any kind of relationship. You can't just assume you know someone completely, you need to talk with them often, ask them questions, and try to see their views.... Wow, I don't know if that big shpeel made any sense, but that was what was on my mind.
Thank you all so much for the goodies! We are totally making tacos and/or taco rice this week! And swedish meatballs sometime soon! I love you so much, thank you for your prayers, love and support. It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky. . . (as cheezy as that was ;)
Love you always,
Elder Peterson
Monday, May 11, 2009
I've Got Sunshine... On a Cloudy Day
Wow I needed that phone call this morning! It was so good getting to hear and talk with you all! Sundy, like you said: I'm starting to feel that I'm closer to all of you now than I was at the MTC. It's funny, I was there ten minutes away but it felt a whole world away. And now that I am actually a whole world away, I don't feel so far anymore!
I still have things to talk about even after that wonderful phone call, so I'll start with last week.
Last week's email probably seemed a little down because I was feeling down. . . Probably more than a little. Part of it might have just been the "Second Companion Syndrome" but something was tearing me up inside. And then I figured things out. Things clicked. . .
Here's what happened: I realized that I was dwelling on the things I thought my companion was doing wrong, his imperfections, and judging him without really realizing it. I was having a hard time giving him the brotherly love that companionships need because I wouldn't let go of those thoughts and feelings that were giving me grief. But then I made a resolve and became determined to love him somehow! Ever since then -- when I decided to just love him -- it has been like the cloud of inner turmoil just dispersed and whisked away. . .
So I'm doing fine! Yeah, sometimes he says a few things that bug me a little but then I think about Christ's example; how he loved everyone even though some people spit upon him, beat him, rejected him, and crucified him. If he was still able to keep perfect love for all men in spite of all of those things then there must be a way for me to love my companions, even if it's hard.
Don't get me wrong, my companion is amazing! Just listening to him teach has taught me a lot. Elder Atkin is smart, quick, and is able to tie things together and keep the people we're teaching entertained. I have been learning a lot from him, and have been able to realize once again that the Lord is in the work; that every missionary is where they are for a reason. The Lord has specific tasks for us.
Looking back, Kobayashi Choro and I really did work hard, even though I got those thoughts that I wasn't doing enough. However, it wasn't until Atkin Choro came that one of our investigators finally started progressing. It was like she just needed the right elder to come along with the right personality. Umetani-san -- we had two lessons with her last week! The first was a little unexpected because she thought we were coming on Thursday, but she let us meet with her anyway. Atkin choro asked her to read from the Restoration Pamphlet he had given her and to pray, ... lo and behold, the next day she had done what we had asked! AWESOME!!
"Whoah. . . who's that weird American riding a granny bike. .. HA!"
But, everything is fine!! A new bike! Hopefully it will last me all the way through the end of the mission here in Japan!
This week is Zone Conference at Okayama again. Then Atkin Choro will be riding back with a Japanese Bean-Chan (Tanaka Choro, from Chiba, Tokyo - he is really cool, I talked with him a lot before and after district meeting last week!) to Yonago for District Leader Exchange. Elder Gatchell from St. George will be riding with me back to Izumo. And then next week, we're doing Zone Leader exchanges, so I'll be headed back up to Matsue with Elder Mahoney this time. Sweet!
I'm looking forward to the packages that are on their way! Mmmm. . . Taco seasoning! And Kobayashi Choro left his tortillas in the freezer so we'll really be able to have tacos; this is exciting!
Hey, have you heard anymore news about Elder De Menezes? His companion after me in the MTC wrote to me and said he got put in the Salt Lake City South Mission. If that is the case, can you tell the Leatherwoods / Petersons / Aunt Sylvia to keep their eyes open for him and to give him baked goods if they see him! (Okay I guess you don't have to tell them about the baked goods, but it would be cool if you could send a little home-baked love to Elder De Menezes for me :)
Ooh, could someone try to find some cool stickers to send to me? Umetani san's 9 year old daughter saw the cool scripture stickers that Kobayashi Choro and I had and wants some. I gave her a few and I don't want you to buy her that particular kind because it is expensive, I hear. But if you can find any other type of sticker that is similar (slightly see-through. . . if possible. If not that's okay too) and mail them here so I can give them to her? I imagine she'd just like any kind of sticker that 9 year old girls would like, maybe disney or princesses. . . Thank you! Sorry for the trouble :)
Wow, it's just so funny to see how much a person can learn from serving a mission. I mean I still don't know a lot (at least that's what it feels like), but I'm constantly having new insights! I even found a new appreciation for washing the dishes. It's good thinking time, maybe that's why Dad does the dishes so much (or maybe just that I wasn't as willing to do chores as I should have been. . .)
I can't think of a better place to be! I need to be here right now. This mission really is something that I needed to do. And it seems like the more time that passes, the more I lose those slight feelings of wanting to go home. "To lose is to find, and to find is to lose" (a concept from the scriptures that was actually used in one of my favorite video games. . . tee hee).
Just know that I really do love all of you, and that I'm doing okay! Life is beautiful! Every day is a gift, that's why "today" is called "the present" :)
I still have things to talk about even after that wonderful phone call, so I'll start with last week.
Last week's email probably seemed a little down because I was feeling down. . . Probably more than a little. Part of it might have just been the "Second Companion Syndrome" but something was tearing me up inside. And then I figured things out. Things clicked. . .
Here's what happened: I realized that I was dwelling on the things I thought my companion was doing wrong, his imperfections, and judging him without really realizing it. I was having a hard time giving him the brotherly love that companionships need because I wouldn't let go of those thoughts and feelings that were giving me grief. But then I made a resolve and became determined to love him somehow! Ever since then -- when I decided to just love him -- it has been like the cloud of inner turmoil just dispersed and whisked away. . .
So I'm doing fine! Yeah, sometimes he says a few things that bug me a little but then I think about Christ's example; how he loved everyone even though some people spit upon him, beat him, rejected him, and crucified him. If he was still able to keep perfect love for all men in spite of all of those things then there must be a way for me to love my companions, even if it's hard.
Don't get me wrong, my companion is amazing! Just listening to him teach has taught me a lot. Elder Atkin is smart, quick, and is able to tie things together and keep the people we're teaching entertained. I have been learning a lot from him, and have been able to realize once again that the Lord is in the work; that every missionary is where they are for a reason. The Lord has specific tasks for us.
Looking back, Kobayashi Choro and I really did work hard, even though I got those thoughts that I wasn't doing enough. However, it wasn't until Atkin Choro came that one of our investigators finally started progressing. It was like she just needed the right elder to come along with the right personality. Umetani-san -- we had two lessons with her last week! The first was a little unexpected because she thought we were coming on Thursday, but she let us meet with her anyway. Atkin choro asked her to read from the Restoration Pamphlet he had given her and to pray, ... lo and behold, the next day she had done what we had asked! AWESOME!!
Well, I am now the proud (in a good way ;) owner of a new bicycle! After the tire from the hand-me-down bike I had at the start was punctured, walking over an hour to get back home, and borrowing a ward member's mama chatti (a granny style bike with a basket in the front...) I finally have a bike that fits me. Can you picture it? Elder Peterson wearing a big white helmet on a granny bike with a basket in the front. . . Very stylish. . . Hah, I got some weird looks; if the looks could be translated into English they would have been something like:
"Whoah. . . who's that weird American riding a granny bike. .. HA!"
But, everything is fine!! A new bike! Hopefully it will last me all the way through the end of the mission here in Japan!
This week is Zone Conference at Okayama again. Then Atkin Choro will be riding back with a Japanese Bean-Chan (Tanaka Choro, from Chiba, Tokyo - he is really cool, I talked with him a lot before and after district meeting last week!) to Yonago for District Leader Exchange. Elder Gatchell from St. George will be riding with me back to Izumo. And then next week, we're doing Zone Leader exchanges, so I'll be headed back up to Matsue with Elder Mahoney this time. Sweet!
I'm looking forward to the packages that are on their way! Mmmm. . . Taco seasoning! And Kobayashi Choro left his tortillas in the freezer so we'll really be able to have tacos; this is exciting!
Hey, have you heard anymore news about Elder De Menezes? His companion after me in the MTC wrote to me and said he got put in the Salt Lake City South Mission. If that is the case, can you tell the Leatherwoods / Petersons / Aunt Sylvia to keep their eyes open for him and to give him baked goods if they see him! (Okay I guess you don't have to tell them about the baked goods, but it would be cool if you could send a little home-baked love to Elder De Menezes for me :)
Ooh, could someone try to find some cool stickers to send to me? Umetani san's 9 year old daughter saw the cool scripture stickers that Kobayashi Choro and I had and wants some. I gave her a few and I don't want you to buy her that particular kind because it is expensive, I hear. But if you can find any other type of sticker that is similar (slightly see-through. . . if possible. If not that's okay too) and mail them here so I can give them to her? I imagine she'd just like any kind of sticker that 9 year old girls would like, maybe disney or princesses. . . Thank you! Sorry for the trouble :)
Wow, it's just so funny to see how much a person can learn from serving a mission. I mean I still don't know a lot (at least that's what it feels like), but I'm constantly having new insights! I even found a new appreciation for washing the dishes. It's good thinking time, maybe that's why Dad does the dishes so much (or maybe just that I wasn't as willing to do chores as I should have been. . .)
I can't think of a better place to be! I need to be here right now. This mission really is something that I needed to do. And it seems like the more time that passes, the more I lose those slight feelings of wanting to go home. "To lose is to find, and to find is to lose" (a concept from the scriptures that was actually used in one of my favorite video games. . . tee hee).
Just know that I really do love all of you, and that I'm doing okay! Life is beautiful! Every day is a gift, that's why "today" is called "the present" :)
Monday, May 4, 2009
A Whole New Transfer ...
... a dazzling place I never knew ;)
Dear Family,
I love you and miss you!
Yes, as the subject line suggested, a new transfer started today. My new companion, Elder Atkin came on Thursday. Wow, watching Elder Kobayashi ride off in a bus was another one of those really weird experiences! I then rode back to the apartment with a ward member where I stayed alone for a whopping 10 hours till Elder Atkin arrived. It was long, but I survived.
Oh yeah, I'd like to set up the phone call that's coming this week. Make sure you get everything figured out so we can enjoy a nice conversation, up to an hour I believe. :) I am SOOOOO excited! Oooh, and I'm going to be sending out a little mother's day package today, with a few of my favorite Japanese goodies (Hi-Chews and Black Thunder) and the tape I'm just about done with. It probably won't get there in time for Mother's Day, but hopefully not too long after.
Okay, onto the week's events:
Wednesday night, Elder Kobayashi and I went out for sushi before FHE. I actually tried the raw squid, and it wasn't too bad. I'm getting more and more used to raw fish. Sushi bar trips are so much fun!
At FHE we watched Labor of Love, followed by a powerful testimony from Elder Kobayashi. I couldn't understand everything but as with most spiritual experiences, I guess spoken language doesn't always matter very much. And we had three non-members there, including one of our investigators that we had lost touch with, Miura-san. Our last lesson with her was at the end of March, but she has appeared again, so hopefully we'll start up with her again soon.
Well as Elder Atkin and I walked back to the apartment with his luggage we were talking a bit. He looks really familiar. I told him that and he said he was famous. I know he was probably just joking, but I guess his family lives in Oklahoma and has an Atkin line of beef or something. Maybe. . . Hah, anyway.
I can tell that this transfer is going to be completely different from the last one. For one thing, even though I'm the junior companion, I'm the area senior so that means I have to know where I'm going. . . And like yesterday, I got us a little lost trying to find Miura-san's apartment, which we never did find. Yes, we found it on the map, but the map is really hard to read, especially since the helpful over view map was ripped out of the book and we can only find half of it. . .
So, looks like Elder Atkin and I are going to be starting up a Kid's Eikaiwa class this week, (Eikaiwa = English Conversation). It's supposed to be one of the most effective activities to find people to teach here. Izumo's Eikaiwa kind of died back when there was a Brazilian and a Japanese elder, and then two Japanese elders in the area. Yeah, they had one Friday night a month for Eikaiwa, which I taught last month, but I think I was a little boring. Anyway, Elder Atkin loves kids, and he's a pretty "genki" (upbeat or energetic) person, so this Kid's Eikaiwa thing should work out pretty well. We even got a couple of our investigator families interested in the class, so this could lead to more interaction with them!
For our weekly service, we had been going to a rest home to talk with the obaachans and ojiichans (grandmas and grandpas), but it looks like that's probably going to change. I feel a little bad, because there were a couple of people in particular that Elder Kobayashi and I had a pretty good relationship with. Kuruma-san, this nice old grandma was even a little sad to think that Kobayashi choro would be transferred.
But, I guess as far as people to teach from service efforts goes, it wasn't all that effective. Looks like we're going to try and start working more with some of the schools around here, like English tutoring and such. We'll see how it all works out.
Wow, we did a lot of walking this weekend -- especially when my tire popped on the way back from a far-investigator's house. . . Hah, I'll tell you more about that when you call.
Well my dear family, I am greatly looking forward to talking with you this coming weekend. I need a phone call, it'll be a nice emotional relaxer for me. Even though this whole experience can be a big emotional stress every once in a while, I'm glad to be here. I'm undergoing a lot of valuable training and learning a lot of things that I know will help me later on in life. I'm learning more about how to rely on the Lord, and how to let him really take your pains and worries.
My study is improving, it feels a lot better!
Thank you for your prayers and love, I need them so much!!
Hear you on Sunday!!
Dear Family,
I love you and miss you!
Yes, as the subject line suggested, a new transfer started today. My new companion, Elder Atkin came on Thursday. Wow, watching Elder Kobayashi ride off in a bus was another one of those really weird experiences! I then rode back to the apartment with a ward member where I stayed alone for a whopping 10 hours till Elder Atkin arrived. It was long, but I survived.
Oh yeah, I'd like to set up the phone call that's coming this week. Make sure you get everything figured out so we can enjoy a nice conversation, up to an hour I believe. :) I am SOOOOO excited! Oooh, and I'm going to be sending out a little mother's day package today, with a few of my favorite Japanese goodies (Hi-Chews and Black Thunder) and the tape I'm just about done with. It probably won't get there in time for Mother's Day, but hopefully not too long after.
Okay, onto the week's events:
Wednesday night, Elder Kobayashi and I went out for sushi before FHE. I actually tried the raw squid, and it wasn't too bad. I'm getting more and more used to raw fish. Sushi bar trips are so much fun!
At FHE we watched Labor of Love, followed by a powerful testimony from Elder Kobayashi. I couldn't understand everything but as with most spiritual experiences, I guess spoken language doesn't always matter very much. And we had three non-members there, including one of our investigators that we had lost touch with, Miura-san. Our last lesson with her was at the end of March, but she has appeared again, so hopefully we'll start up with her again soon.
Well as Elder Atkin and I walked back to the apartment with his luggage we were talking a bit. He looks really familiar. I told him that and he said he was famous. I know he was probably just joking, but I guess his family lives in Oklahoma and has an Atkin line of beef or something. Maybe. . . Hah, anyway.
I can tell that this transfer is going to be completely different from the last one. For one thing, even though I'm the junior companion, I'm the area senior so that means I have to know where I'm going. . . And like yesterday, I got us a little lost trying to find Miura-san's apartment, which we never did find. Yes, we found it on the map, but the map is really hard to read, especially since the helpful over view map was ripped out of the book and we can only find half of it. . .
So, looks like Elder Atkin and I are going to be starting up a Kid's Eikaiwa class this week, (Eikaiwa = English Conversation). It's supposed to be one of the most effective activities to find people to teach here. Izumo's Eikaiwa kind of died back when there was a Brazilian and a Japanese elder, and then two Japanese elders in the area. Yeah, they had one Friday night a month for Eikaiwa, which I taught last month, but I think I was a little boring. Anyway, Elder Atkin loves kids, and he's a pretty "genki" (upbeat or energetic) person, so this Kid's Eikaiwa thing should work out pretty well. We even got a couple of our investigator families interested in the class, so this could lead to more interaction with them!
For our weekly service, we had been going to a rest home to talk with the obaachans and ojiichans (grandmas and grandpas), but it looks like that's probably going to change. I feel a little bad, because there were a couple of people in particular that Elder Kobayashi and I had a pretty good relationship with. Kuruma-san, this nice old grandma was even a little sad to think that Kobayashi choro would be transferred.
But, I guess as far as people to teach from service efforts goes, it wasn't all that effective. Looks like we're going to try and start working more with some of the schools around here, like English tutoring and such. We'll see how it all works out.
Wow, we did a lot of walking this weekend -- especially when my tire popped on the way back from a far-investigator's house. . . Hah, I'll tell you more about that when you call.
Well my dear family, I am greatly looking forward to talking with you this coming weekend. I need a phone call, it'll be a nice emotional relaxer for me. Even though this whole experience can be a big emotional stress every once in a while, I'm glad to be here. I'm undergoing a lot of valuable training and learning a lot of things that I know will help me later on in life. I'm learning more about how to rely on the Lord, and how to let him really take your pains and worries.
My study is improving, it feels a lot better!
Thank you for your prayers and love, I need them so much!!
Hear you on Sunday!!
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