Transfers were last week, but I'm still in Kurashiki. Elder Daimler transferred to Yanai in Yamaguchi Prefecture. (They have a military base there, I'm jealous ;) That transfer went by way too quickly. I had some very good times with Elder Daimler.
My new Companion is Elder Bronner from Kurichiba, Brazil (Parana State). He was in my Zone all throughout my Izumo experience, and was my District leader for my last two transfers there. So, it's not too weird. Elder Bronner is scheduled to finish the Mission in January. His Japanese and Kanji skills are amazing!
Yes, we have three Brazilian investigators, a Brazilian recent convert, and a couple of Brazilian less-active members so I am very happy that Elder Bronner is here. We had a really good lesson with Donna (one of our Brazilian investigators) on Wednesday. She's getting so close! And she called us yesterday to say that she had talked with her husband and told him EVERYTHING! She had to cancel our appointment for this Friday, but I am very optimistic about this!
Well, District Meeting last week was really cool. We held it outside at a Park by the Station. We had a very good discussion about the Book of Mormon, and Elder Packer (District Leader) shared Elder Holland's Talk from Conference (which I still haven't seen in English yet. . .). We each went out with a copy to try and use it in out Contacting. We had some really good conversations, including Tanaka-san (a 19 year old college student who I connected really well with). At the end, he didn't accept the book, but we left on very good terms! It was in Fukuyama City, so I might not see him again, but it helped my confidence a bit.
So, we met with the 64Cafe owner and his staff on Wednesday, and I taught them how to make apple crisp (actually using pear, because it tasted better with my recipe), but it was really fun. It was a first for me too! BAKING in a cafe! We're becoming pretty good friends. Now to extend the invitation!
We had the Ward Talent Show on Saturday. I performed the Ruaumoko Haka with Elder Bronner, and the Okayama Zone Leaders came down and performed it too. It was a cool experience, I'll try to send the video ;) I also played a song I wrote on the Piano a couple of years ago.
I've been working on waking up at 6:00 every day for extra Book of Mormon study, and it's helping a lot. I'm learning so much about the importance of planning and budgeting my time, and I give you my word that I will keep that going.
The church is true! I had a cool thought as I looked through some of the letters dad had sent to me earlier. "Have a wonderful week as you serve the King of Glory". Sometimes I kind of forget that fact. I'm not just here in Japan for some random reason. . . I'm here to serve the Lord, and I can receive his protection and help!
I love you so much,
Elder Peterson
Showing posts with label Elder Daimler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elder Daimler. Show all posts
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Hurray for Velveeta, and for General Conference!
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
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
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 28, 2009
More International Adventures!
This last week was a little rough, but good. I'm learning a lot. We had a lot of run-ins (good run-ins, not the bad kind. . .) with people from other countries. Met the Sydney Santa Claus a few more times. He was cool; he'd always greet us with an Australian-accented "How ah ya, boys?" Sadly, I think he returned back to Australia. Oh well, I have his card, maybe I'll try to write him. Too bad I didn't get my picture with him though. . . But it was more of a summer-vacation Santa anyway; he didn't have the Santa suit on.
We're working with another investigator from Brazil, Donna. She was a former investigator, but some earlier missionaries dropped her because her husband didn't really want her to go to church. Well, things are changing, and we're building a really good relationship with her. We had a lesson this week, outside in her driveway, then went back the next day to do some service and trim her trees (I got to do A LOT of sawing). She thanked us with an AMAZING shrimp and broccoli pasta lunch that felt like our Peterson Family deck-top meals. . . ah, that was nice.
We also did some yard work for a woman named Jenny Lu from Singapore, who speaks REALLY good English. She's very funny, and reminds me a lot of my 12th Grade Creative Writing teacher, Mrs. Stanton-McAtee.
Went by train to meet with Pao Lin Hau on Saturday. He's half Korean and Chinese. AMAZING! He has a testimony, and loves Jesus Christ. We're going to take him to a baptism in Okayama this weekend, see what he thinks, and hope to extend the challenge again.
So many new experiences here! So many Japanese adventures. Ah. . . The first few months of the mission were a little shaky, but I'm starting to get a little of that "best two years" feel; especially as we said goodbye to Elder Magno a few weeks ago after Zone conference. Wow, with the setting sun. . . that was like a scene straight out of God's Army.
Well, take care. I love you all so much, and am thankful for your prayers. I need them.
"I will stand in the light, look to the dawn as it breaks through the nigh. With courage and strength, I will stand in my place, with the flame of my faith burning bright. I will stand in the light, hold up the truth and stand for the right. I can reach so much higher, filled with this fire, when I stand in the light."
Love you,
Elder Peterson
We're working with another investigator from Brazil, Donna. She was a former investigator, but some earlier missionaries dropped her because her husband didn't really want her to go to church. Well, things are changing, and we're building a really good relationship with her. We had a lesson this week, outside in her driveway, then went back the next day to do some service and trim her trees (I got to do A LOT of sawing). She thanked us with an AMAZING shrimp and broccoli pasta lunch that felt like our Peterson Family deck-top meals. . . ah, that was nice.
We also did some yard work for a woman named Jenny Lu from Singapore, who speaks REALLY good English. She's very funny, and reminds me a lot of my 12th Grade Creative Writing teacher, Mrs. Stanton-McAtee.
Went by train to meet with Pao Lin Hau on Saturday. He's half Korean and Chinese. AMAZING! He has a testimony, and loves Jesus Christ. We're going to take him to a baptism in Okayama this weekend, see what he thinks, and hope to extend the challenge again.
So many new experiences here! So many Japanese adventures. Ah. . . The first few months of the mission were a little shaky, but I'm starting to get a little of that "best two years" feel; especially as we said goodbye to Elder Magno a few weeks ago after Zone conference. Wow, with the setting sun. . . that was like a scene straight out of God's Army.
Well, take care. I love you all so much, and am thankful for your prayers. I need them.
"I will stand in the light, look to the dawn as it breaks through the nigh. With courage and strength, I will stand in my place, with the flame of my faith burning bright. I will stand in the light, hold up the truth and stand for the right. I can reach so much higher, filled with this fire, when I stand in the light."
Love you,
Elder Peterson
Monday, September 21, 2009
Uh oh... 5-Minute E-mail
Sorry, It's a holiday! The City Center was closed, and this place only gives us 30 minutes. Ah!
But hey, this week was pretty awesome!
We had Zone Conference this week at Okayama again. Wow, it took 60 dollars for there and back from Izumo, but now it's just 4 dollars each way on the train! We headed up Tuesday night to stay at the Zone Leaders' flat right by the church (I've stayed the night there every single time so far!) I have made some really good friends here.
Isa Kaicho is amazing! Once again, I heard things that I needed to hear; and some things weren't even spoken by the speakers, but I heard them nevertheless!
So, we saw Santa Claus a few weeks ago on a random street corner. And then we met him again Saturday night, and actually had a good conversation with him. Jim Whiff, from Sydney Australia - "Australia's Famous Sydney Santa!" He gave us his business card. Cool. Showed him your picture dad, but he didn't recognize you ;) Hah, that would have been cool.
We had dinner with an awesome couple last night! I love these wonderful new ward members! Life is great!
We have a lot of appointments this week, so things are going to be pretty busy!
OH I love you so much!!! Thank you so much for everything, for your words, and inspired guidance.
Ah, so much to say! I promise to write more next week!
Love you all so much!
Elder Peterson
But hey, this week was pretty awesome!
We had Zone Conference this week at Okayama again. Wow, it took 60 dollars for there and back from Izumo, but now it's just 4 dollars each way on the train! We headed up Tuesday night to stay at the Zone Leaders' flat right by the church (I've stayed the night there every single time so far!) I have made some really good friends here.
Isa Kaicho is amazing! Once again, I heard things that I needed to hear; and some things weren't even spoken by the speakers, but I heard them nevertheless!
So, we saw Santa Claus a few weeks ago on a random street corner. And then we met him again Saturday night, and actually had a good conversation with him. Jim Whiff, from Sydney Australia - "Australia's Famous Sydney Santa!" He gave us his business card. Cool. Showed him your picture dad, but he didn't recognize you ;) Hah, that would have been cool.
We had dinner with an awesome couple last night! I love these wonderful new ward members! Life is great!
We have a lot of appointments this week, so things are going to be pretty busy!
OH I love you so much!!! Thank you so much for everything, for your words, and inspired guidance.
Ah, so much to say! I promise to write more next week!
Love you all so much!
Elder Peterson
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
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