Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
I'm in Japan now!
So I'm here in Japan and have the opportunity to write a quick email. I got here safe and sound. Japan is weird. I am tired like you wouldn't believe. I woke up at 4 in the morning on March 12 and arrived in my mission at like 7:30 am Utah time on the 13th. Sleeping was really hard to do on the plane. My flight to Portland was kind of lame. But short. It was kind of a dumpy plane. My flight to Tokyo was awesomely a pain in the hind quarters. It was like 11 hours. Way too long. But the plane was really big and had much nicer seats and nicer people. Part way through the flight it started stinking really bad so one of the ladies let us go to towards the front of the plane in these super nice seats. That rocked. But I probably only slept like an hour on that plane. Getting around the Japanese airport was really hard but there was a nice Japanese mom and son helping us because they were going the same way we were. And it turns out she is the Fukuoka stake president's wife. I slept the whole way from Tokyo to Fukuoka. There was no way I could stay awake. But that was only like two hours. And last night I got like 5 hours. So I'm excited for sleep tonight. Japan is crazy. Everyone is Japanese. I've seen one American here. And they all speak Japanese. I can't speak Japanese. This is scary. But ok. This morning we went out on the streets and started giving out fliers advertising a free english class at the church. Its very difficult to communicate with my limited Japanese. But it wasn't so bad once I got started. Most people ignored me. I find out where my first area is and who my companion is tonight. I'm excited. My mission president is really cool. So is his wife. Fukuoka is huge. Very big city. With lots of people and tiny winding roads with lots and lots of cars. I almost got hit by a bike like four times on the sidewalk. So nowhere is safe. Its nuts. I'm so excited to be here. Its still not really connecting in my mind that I am in Japan. But I think it will. This is weird. Everyone is Japanese. Well. I'm going to go now. Have a good time in Utah. I'm having fun in Japan. Bye.
Love Josh
Love Josh
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Re: Hey! I'm writing an email! (Week 11)
This is my last P day in the MTC! I'm almost out of here! I almost wish I was staying here longer though because I can't speak Japanese!
This week has been weird. I feel like it was really really long but I can't remember anything that happened and it seems like it was fast. So this email might have nothing in it. On Sunday we had Alex Boye come speak to us. He's crazy. He was a lot of fun. His talk basically changed my life. He's a good speaker. I really liked it. He's way funny and made black jokes a lot and then he had a really nice way of bringing in the Spirit very powerfully. He talked about his own conversion and how he loves his missionaries that brought him the gospel. He spoke in such a loving way for them and said he will never forget them. And he said we will have people like that with us. They will love us and never forget us. It was cool.
This week it has been a big deal about not telling anyone that they're mission will be hard and that they won't baptize or anything. That is a lie and making someone believe that is putting limits on what they can do and putting limits on how much God can do in certain missions. If the missionary has faith then the power of God will make anything happen. So don't ever tell anyone they have a hard mission like that. You will be putting limits on God's power to bless his wonderful children. Also I heard a bit of the dedicatory prayer for when Japan was dedicated for missionary work. It was awesome. It said that Japan will start out slow but that it will become one of the highest baptizing missions in the world. And I get to be a part of that. I'm so excited. That is so awesome. Japan is so awesome. I can't wait to see the church grow there. I really love the Japanese people. And I've only ever met the Japanese missionaries.
I love the Japanese missionaries. They are a lot of fun. Some of the funniest people I've ever met. And I can barely talk to them. But they are so awesome. Japanese people are too cool. Its unfair. Why do they get to be so cool and Americans just get to be fat? Jk. Americans rock too. The U.S. and Japan are the two coolest countries.
So I got your letter, Dad. I'm happy to hear that I get to speak Japanese to you all when I get home for who knows how long. And I'm glad Kujo isn't sad that I'm gone anymore. Sounds like things are going well at home. You should all think about learning Japanese so we can communicate after this. Maybe I'll even only speak Japanese on the phone on Monday. We'll see. That's too bad that my car is going to fall apart by the time I get home. But it sounds like a fun project for the two of us. I'm excited for that. I promise I'll speak english to you as we rebuild it. But no one else.
What is everyone doing these days? Just work and school? Anything fun going on? Anything I should be jealous of?
I saw Juddy Buddy. We live in the same building so he isn't hard to find. And he has the same schedule as Elder Hutchison so I think this picture thing is going to work out pretty well after all. I was afraid it wouldn't because its so hard to get all of our schedules to match. So don't worry Sister Stephens. We'll get that picture.
I'm doing most of my packing today. That's fun I guess. I don't know. Just whatever. You should start emailing me. That will be faster than anything else from now on. Since I'm going to Japan on Monday morning! I meet at the Travel Office then we leave and have to make it to Salt Lake so I don't know exactly when I can call. I don't know when I'll get there and stuff. But then I can call sometime after I get there. I don't know exactly how the airport all works so whatever. Hopefully it works out and none of us die or anything.
Here's a game. If anyone can write me a letter and tell me what this sentence is from they get a prize from Japan. Watashi wa jibun no maue ni taiyo no kagayaki nimo masatte kagayaite iru hikari no hashira o mita. Ready set go. Good luck.
So. I'm running out of things to say. I'm nervous for Japan. I can't speak Japanese and they're going to force me to try to share the gospel with people when I can't speak to them. But whatever. The gift of tongues is real and God can do anything so I'll probably be ok. I'm just scared because I really can't speak this language worth beans. It is so different from english. Its very very difficult. Totemo muzukashii. So I'm kind of hoping my trainer speaks english. After that give me nihonjin for every companion. But I just want a trainer that speaks english. We'll see. Whatever God wants is what matters I guess.
So I'm out of time. I hope this email wasn't completely lame. I should have a better one next week sometime. Have a nice day and I'll try to call you on Monday morning. Heian soto.
Love Liddle Choro
This week has been weird. I feel like it was really really long but I can't remember anything that happened and it seems like it was fast. So this email might have nothing in it. On Sunday we had Alex Boye come speak to us. He's crazy. He was a lot of fun. His talk basically changed my life. He's a good speaker. I really liked it. He's way funny and made black jokes a lot and then he had a really nice way of bringing in the Spirit very powerfully. He talked about his own conversion and how he loves his missionaries that brought him the gospel. He spoke in such a loving way for them and said he will never forget them. And he said we will have people like that with us. They will love us and never forget us. It was cool.
This week it has been a big deal about not telling anyone that they're mission will be hard and that they won't baptize or anything. That is a lie and making someone believe that is putting limits on what they can do and putting limits on how much God can do in certain missions. If the missionary has faith then the power of God will make anything happen. So don't ever tell anyone they have a hard mission like that. You will be putting limits on God's power to bless his wonderful children. Also I heard a bit of the dedicatory prayer for when Japan was dedicated for missionary work. It was awesome. It said that Japan will start out slow but that it will become one of the highest baptizing missions in the world. And I get to be a part of that. I'm so excited. That is so awesome. Japan is so awesome. I can't wait to see the church grow there. I really love the Japanese people. And I've only ever met the Japanese missionaries.
I love the Japanese missionaries. They are a lot of fun. Some of the funniest people I've ever met. And I can barely talk to them. But they are so awesome. Japanese people are too cool. Its unfair. Why do they get to be so cool and Americans just get to be fat? Jk. Americans rock too. The U.S. and Japan are the two coolest countries.
So I got your letter, Dad. I'm happy to hear that I get to speak Japanese to you all when I get home for who knows how long. And I'm glad Kujo isn't sad that I'm gone anymore. Sounds like things are going well at home. You should all think about learning Japanese so we can communicate after this. Maybe I'll even only speak Japanese on the phone on Monday. We'll see. That's too bad that my car is going to fall apart by the time I get home. But it sounds like a fun project for the two of us. I'm excited for that. I promise I'll speak english to you as we rebuild it. But no one else.
What is everyone doing these days? Just work and school? Anything fun going on? Anything I should be jealous of?
I saw Juddy Buddy. We live in the same building so he isn't hard to find. And he has the same schedule as Elder Hutchison so I think this picture thing is going to work out pretty well after all. I was afraid it wouldn't because its so hard to get all of our schedules to match. So don't worry Sister Stephens. We'll get that picture.
I'm doing most of my packing today. That's fun I guess. I don't know. Just whatever. You should start emailing me. That will be faster than anything else from now on. Since I'm going to Japan on Monday morning! I meet at the Travel Office then we leave and have to make it to Salt Lake so I don't know exactly when I can call. I don't know when I'll get there and stuff. But then I can call sometime after I get there. I don't know exactly how the airport all works so whatever. Hopefully it works out and none of us die or anything.
Here's a game. If anyone can write me a letter and tell me what this sentence is from they get a prize from Japan. Watashi wa jibun no maue ni taiyo no kagayaki nimo masatte kagayaite iru hikari no hashira o mita. Ready set go. Good luck.
So. I'm running out of things to say. I'm nervous for Japan. I can't speak Japanese and they're going to force me to try to share the gospel with people when I can't speak to them. But whatever. The gift of tongues is real and God can do anything so I'll probably be ok. I'm just scared because I really can't speak this language worth beans. It is so different from english. Its very very difficult. Totemo muzukashii. So I'm kind of hoping my trainer speaks english. After that give me nihonjin for every companion. But I just want a trainer that speaks english. We'll see. Whatever God wants is what matters I guess.
So I'm out of time. I hope this email wasn't completely lame. I should have a better one next week sometime. Have a nice day and I'll try to call you on Monday morning. Heian soto.
Love Liddle Choro
Friday, March 2, 2012
Re: Hey! I'm writing an email! (Week 10)
Konnichi wa Minasan [Hello, everyone]
How is everyone? Are you all awesome? What's new these days? How's Kujo? How's my car? So help me if it doesn't run when I come home I won't speak a word of English to you until it does.
I got my travel plans yesterday! I know exactly when I'm leaving and where I'm going and when I can talk to you on the phone and stuff. I leave the MTC on March 12 and take a bus to Salt Lake. I don't know how bad the construction is so I don't know how long I will be on the road. I heard the buses take University Parkway and the guy that took me to the ct scan place told me it was a nightmare like you wouldn't believe. I don't actually know though. I can call at the airport after I get there and before my plane. If you want me to call tell me what number is good to call. And I really forgot the numbers so send me them. I leave Salt Lake March 12 and I arrive in Fukuoka at March 13. How weird is that? I'm so excited. Just over one more week!
So on Tuesday we had Elder Holland come again to speak to us. He is so cool. He's crazy. I thought he was bold in general conference. But here it was nuts. He was so cool. I loved it. The spirit was so strong. I love having the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles come. They are different here than in general conference. They are funnier and crazier. I watched a talk by Elder Bednar and he did an impression of the cookie monster a couple times. They are so cool. Its awesome to hear them.
Elder Eliason likes my imported toilet paper. That's what he calls it. I let him use a little. Its amazing. I love it. And since we are on the subject of toilets I have a story to tell.
So we were getting back to the residence hall after a long day of sitting in the same tiny classroom studying like you wouldn't believe and I changed into my jimmy jamz. Then I had the need to go to the bathroom. The kind where I need to sit down for a while. So I sat down and everything was normal. And I was there for a while. I like to be thorough. But as I was finishing I stood up and I felt the strangest sensation. And I smelled something kind of minty. I thought to myself Who is chewing gum? Gum isn't allowed at the MTC. And the strange sensation continued. I walked to the sink to wash my hands. Elder Eliason and Elder Apina and Elder Trane were all there. They saw the puzzled expression on my face and asked what was wrong. Elder Eliason asked Is it indigestion? Elder Trane asked Geri ga arimasu ka? [Do you have diarrhea?] I said no. I've never experienced something quite like this. I asked myself why on earth are my buns on fire? I went back to the toilet to inspect the seat. I was horrified to find that there was some kind of white cream on the seat that I couldn't see in the bad lighting and it had been there long enough to dry enough that I didn't feel it when I sat down. This is what was causing the minty smell. I told Elder Eliason to go check it out. He yelled immediately that someone put icy hot on the toilet seat. And then it all made sense. That's why my hind quarters were aflame. Well let me tell you what. That was not very comfortable. Do you know how hard it is to sleep when your buns are flaming and there's nothing you can do about it? Its not so easy. Wow. There's something I never imagined I would experience. And I still didn't quite feel normal the next day. But I'm better now.
So we played a song for one of our investigators yesterday. Called Baputesuma no Hi. Baptism Day. From the primary song book. And it sounds so cute to hear a little Japanese kid singing that song. I almost died. I don't really know what the song said but we thought it would win our investigator's heart to hear such a cute voice. And we actually made a little progress with him I think. He's very frustrating. But he's ok.
Last Saturday we went to the TRC. That's where we go teach real people that come to the MTC to be taught. In Japanese. And its scary. We taught a woman from Japan who has only been a member for 4 years. But she was super cool. We had a great lesson and the language didn't hold me back too much. And then at the end we asked her to pray. And during her prayer she started crying. The spirit was so strong. It was so cool. I loved it. That was just too awesome. The best lesson I've had so far. It was good.
Every Sunday night we are supposed to go watch some church movie in the MTC. We can decide which one. And one choice is the Joseph Smith movie in Japanese. I've watched it three times now. And its cool to see that I am understanding more and more every time. I feel like its difficult to see how much I'm progressing here. I just feel overwhelmed all the time because there is so much I don't know. So the movie is a nice way to show me that I actually am making progress with this language.
So of the Nihonjin [Japanese] that were here before I became really close to Yamanashi Choro. He was my favorite. I was sad to see him go. But He's going to Fukuoka so I'll probably see him again. And then with the new Nihonjin I have become really close to Aono Choro. Which I found out is Yamanashi Choro's friend. I thought that was very interesting. They are so cool. I love the Nihonjin.
I came up with a sentence this week that Elder Eliason has been telling all the Nihonjin. Its pretty funny. Watashi no chero o hiki tabi ni subete no josei nakimasu. Every time I play my cello all the women cry. So now I'm known as the cello player among the Nihonjin. And Elder Eliason told some of the Nihonjin sisters. They thought it was funny. Then they said nakimasho. Which means lets cry. The Nihonjin think that's pretty funny.
Well I'm out of time. Have a good week. I will. I'm almost in Japan! I love you all.
Love Elder Liddle
How is everyone? Are you all awesome? What's new these days? How's Kujo? How's my car? So help me if it doesn't run when I come home I won't speak a word of English to you until it does.
I got my travel plans yesterday! I know exactly when I'm leaving and where I'm going and when I can talk to you on the phone and stuff. I leave the MTC on March 12 and take a bus to Salt Lake. I don't know how bad the construction is so I don't know how long I will be on the road. I heard the buses take University Parkway and the guy that took me to the ct scan place told me it was a nightmare like you wouldn't believe. I don't actually know though. I can call at the airport after I get there and before my plane. If you want me to call tell me what number is good to call. And I really forgot the numbers so send me them. I leave Salt Lake March 12 and I arrive in Fukuoka at March 13. How weird is that? I'm so excited. Just over one more week!
So on Tuesday we had Elder Holland come again to speak to us. He is so cool. He's crazy. I thought he was bold in general conference. But here it was nuts. He was so cool. I loved it. The spirit was so strong. I love having the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles come. They are different here than in general conference. They are funnier and crazier. I watched a talk by Elder Bednar and he did an impression of the cookie monster a couple times. They are so cool. Its awesome to hear them.
Elder Eliason likes my imported toilet paper. That's what he calls it. I let him use a little. Its amazing. I love it. And since we are on the subject of toilets I have a story to tell.
So we were getting back to the residence hall after a long day of sitting in the same tiny classroom studying like you wouldn't believe and I changed into my jimmy jamz. Then I had the need to go to the bathroom. The kind where I need to sit down for a while. So I sat down and everything was normal. And I was there for a while. I like to be thorough. But as I was finishing I stood up and I felt the strangest sensation. And I smelled something kind of minty. I thought to myself Who is chewing gum? Gum isn't allowed at the MTC. And the strange sensation continued. I walked to the sink to wash my hands. Elder Eliason and Elder Apina and Elder Trane were all there. They saw the puzzled expression on my face and asked what was wrong. Elder Eliason asked Is it indigestion? Elder Trane asked Geri ga arimasu ka? [Do you have diarrhea?] I said no. I've never experienced something quite like this. I asked myself why on earth are my buns on fire? I went back to the toilet to inspect the seat. I was horrified to find that there was some kind of white cream on the seat that I couldn't see in the bad lighting and it had been there long enough to dry enough that I didn't feel it when I sat down. This is what was causing the minty smell. I told Elder Eliason to go check it out. He yelled immediately that someone put icy hot on the toilet seat. And then it all made sense. That's why my hind quarters were aflame. Well let me tell you what. That was not very comfortable. Do you know how hard it is to sleep when your buns are flaming and there's nothing you can do about it? Its not so easy. Wow. There's something I never imagined I would experience. And I still didn't quite feel normal the next day. But I'm better now.
So we played a song for one of our investigators yesterday. Called Baputesuma no Hi. Baptism Day. From the primary song book. And it sounds so cute to hear a little Japanese kid singing that song. I almost died. I don't really know what the song said but we thought it would win our investigator's heart to hear such a cute voice. And we actually made a little progress with him I think. He's very frustrating. But he's ok.
Last Saturday we went to the TRC. That's where we go teach real people that come to the MTC to be taught. In Japanese. And its scary. We taught a woman from Japan who has only been a member for 4 years. But she was super cool. We had a great lesson and the language didn't hold me back too much. And then at the end we asked her to pray. And during her prayer she started crying. The spirit was so strong. It was so cool. I loved it. That was just too awesome. The best lesson I've had so far. It was good.
Every Sunday night we are supposed to go watch some church movie in the MTC. We can decide which one. And one choice is the Joseph Smith movie in Japanese. I've watched it three times now. And its cool to see that I am understanding more and more every time. I feel like its difficult to see how much I'm progressing here. I just feel overwhelmed all the time because there is so much I don't know. So the movie is a nice way to show me that I actually am making progress with this language.
So of the Nihonjin [Japanese] that were here before I became really close to Yamanashi Choro. He was my favorite. I was sad to see him go. But He's going to Fukuoka so I'll probably see him again. And then with the new Nihonjin I have become really close to Aono Choro. Which I found out is Yamanashi Choro's friend. I thought that was very interesting. They are so cool. I love the Nihonjin.
I came up with a sentence this week that Elder Eliason has been telling all the Nihonjin. Its pretty funny. Watashi no chero o hiki tabi ni subete no josei nakimasu. Every time I play my cello all the women cry. So now I'm known as the cello player among the Nihonjin. And Elder Eliason told some of the Nihonjin sisters. They thought it was funny. Then they said nakimasho. Which means lets cry. The Nihonjin think that's pretty funny.
Well I'm out of time. Have a good week. I will. I'm almost in Japan! I love you all.
Love Elder Liddle
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Nihonjin are here! (Week 9)
こんにちはみなさん [Hello Gentlemen]
How is everyone? I hope you are all well. I'm quite well this week.
Hey dad. If you have a minute tell me something cool from your mission. Something you learned. I want to hear about it.
So the Nihonjin missionaries came! And I've been talking to them. And they speak so fast that I can't understand them. But sometimes I do actually understand them. And its awesome! I love understanding them. Its so much fun. But I can't say anything back. They tell me I'm good at Japanese but I probably am only just barely understandable. On Tuesday after Devotional our whole branch got together to review the devotional with the Nihonjin. And we all had to go sit by a Nihonjin. And then I was told I had to translate everyone's english testimonies into Japanese for them. What?! I can't do that. But I did ok. I know more than I thought I did. But it is still so hard. I hope they understood me. He said I was good. But I don't know. Also we have time to go on the computers to learn Japanese and there is this thing we can do where we listen to people teach in Japanese and try to understand it. And I did one yesterday that I did before at the very beginning. When I first did it I understood almost nothing. Almost nothing. And I couldn't hear where the words were changing to another word. But yesterday I understood more than half of what was being said. It made me so happy. The gift of tongues is real. Watashi wa igen no tamamono ga arimasu.
On Wednesday I was one of those missionaries that takes the new missionaries away from their families. That was fun. And hard at the same time. It is difficult to watch all the moms cry as they see their sons and daughters for the last time for so long. It is especially hard when I see a big strong dad with a manly beard cry when his daughter leaves on her mission. It made me cry just to see it. But I got control of myself quickly.
Yesterday we did our service in the kitchen and I got to go into the basement of the kitchen which is really scary. But kind of cool to know such a scary room exists here. And then I saw on the floor what looked like a puddle of blood with a couple of rags soaked in whatever it was like someone was cleaning it but didn't finish. It looked just like blood. Just ask Wong Choro. He was there too. That place scares me.
The new American missionaries came that are going to Japan. Finally. We old people have been alone here for a long time. Most of them are pretty cool. Some of them think they know Japanese already. But they will learn.
I have really big news. Everyone make sure you're sitting down for this one. Maybe even with a seat belt. There is a sister in my zone named Soderborg Shimai. She is really funny and I like talking to her. But that is besides the point. She told me that one time Yo-Yo Ma was playing in Park City for a hockey charity thing and she was there and met him and shook his hand. And at the time she didn't know who he was. And then someone asked her if she knew whose hand she just shook. What?! She shook the Yo-Yo Ma's hand. I made sure to shake her hand. So I've shaken someones hand who shook Yo-Yo Ma's hand. He's the only person I still need to meet. I am so jealous. So so jealous.
So I've also had some cool spiritual experiences. I'm just happy here because the Spirit is everywhere. And I have come to know our Savior better than I ever have here. He is so much more real to me now. It's difficult to explain how it feels because He has always been real to me. But now its just so much more. It's awesome. I love it. This is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. He really is there and He really does help. And I can recognize and feel that help better now. Its totally awesome. I wouldn't trade that for anything. This gospel is so true its not even funny. Its so true. I love it. And I'm so glad I can be a part of it. I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to serve a mission and that I was born in this church. It is so awesome. I'm so glad I have this gospel.
So I'm almost out of the MTC. Time is really flying now. Its scary. I don't know Japanese and I'm about out of here to go teach the Japanese people. I'm scared. But I'm so excited. I can't wait to get to Japan. I know God will help me so I'll be fine. I'm anxious to go teach the Japanese people about this wonderful gospel we have that will change their lives forever. I hear we get our travel plans next week. We're supposed to be out of here on March 12. And as far as I know the whole visa deal is fine. They haven't told me there are problems. So I think we're on schedule. Its just over two weeks from now I think.
I'm out of time now. This church is so true. Don't ever forget it. Give God the time he deserves everyday and he will bless you like you wouldn't believe. I love you all. I hope you are all doing well. Give Kujo kisses for me. Be happy. Life is supposed to be happy. I love you. 愛しています
リドル長老 [Elder Riddle]
Editor's Note: I will attempt to translate what Elder Liddle sends us. However, it already seems some things are lost in translation. I'm told there are no 'L's in Japanese (they love Christmas--get it? Noel?) that's why the last translation comes across as Elder Riddle.
How is everyone? I hope you are all well. I'm quite well this week.
Hey dad. If you have a minute tell me something cool from your mission. Something you learned. I want to hear about it.
So the Nihonjin missionaries came! And I've been talking to them. And they speak so fast that I can't understand them. But sometimes I do actually understand them. And its awesome! I love understanding them. Its so much fun. But I can't say anything back. They tell me I'm good at Japanese but I probably am only just barely understandable. On Tuesday after Devotional our whole branch got together to review the devotional with the Nihonjin. And we all had to go sit by a Nihonjin. And then I was told I had to translate everyone's english testimonies into Japanese for them. What?! I can't do that. But I did ok. I know more than I thought I did. But it is still so hard. I hope they understood me. He said I was good. But I don't know. Also we have time to go on the computers to learn Japanese and there is this thing we can do where we listen to people teach in Japanese and try to understand it. And I did one yesterday that I did before at the very beginning. When I first did it I understood almost nothing. Almost nothing. And I couldn't hear where the words were changing to another word. But yesterday I understood more than half of what was being said. It made me so happy. The gift of tongues is real. Watashi wa igen no tamamono ga arimasu.
On Wednesday I was one of those missionaries that takes the new missionaries away from their families. That was fun. And hard at the same time. It is difficult to watch all the moms cry as they see their sons and daughters for the last time for so long. It is especially hard when I see a big strong dad with a manly beard cry when his daughter leaves on her mission. It made me cry just to see it. But I got control of myself quickly.
Yesterday we did our service in the kitchen and I got to go into the basement of the kitchen which is really scary. But kind of cool to know such a scary room exists here. And then I saw on the floor what looked like a puddle of blood with a couple of rags soaked in whatever it was like someone was cleaning it but didn't finish. It looked just like blood. Just ask Wong Choro. He was there too. That place scares me.
The new American missionaries came that are going to Japan. Finally. We old people have been alone here for a long time. Most of them are pretty cool. Some of them think they know Japanese already. But they will learn.
I have really big news. Everyone make sure you're sitting down for this one. Maybe even with a seat belt. There is a sister in my zone named Soderborg Shimai. She is really funny and I like talking to her. But that is besides the point. She told me that one time Yo-Yo Ma was playing in Park City for a hockey charity thing and she was there and met him and shook his hand. And at the time she didn't know who he was. And then someone asked her if she knew whose hand she just shook. What?! She shook the Yo-Yo Ma's hand. I made sure to shake her hand. So I've shaken someones hand who shook Yo-Yo Ma's hand. He's the only person I still need to meet. I am so jealous. So so jealous.
So I've also had some cool spiritual experiences. I'm just happy here because the Spirit is everywhere. And I have come to know our Savior better than I ever have here. He is so much more real to me now. It's difficult to explain how it feels because He has always been real to me. But now its just so much more. It's awesome. I love it. This is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. He really is there and He really does help. And I can recognize and feel that help better now. Its totally awesome. I wouldn't trade that for anything. This gospel is so true its not even funny. Its so true. I love it. And I'm so glad I can be a part of it. I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to serve a mission and that I was born in this church. It is so awesome. I'm so glad I have this gospel.
So I'm almost out of the MTC. Time is really flying now. Its scary. I don't know Japanese and I'm about out of here to go teach the Japanese people. I'm scared. But I'm so excited. I can't wait to get to Japan. I know God will help me so I'll be fine. I'm anxious to go teach the Japanese people about this wonderful gospel we have that will change their lives forever. I hear we get our travel plans next week. We're supposed to be out of here on March 12. And as far as I know the whole visa deal is fine. They haven't told me there are problems. So I think we're on schedule. Its just over two weeks from now I think.
I'm out of time now. This church is so true. Don't ever forget it. Give God the time he deserves everyday and he will bless you like you wouldn't believe. I love you all. I hope you are all doing well. Give Kujo kisses for me. Be happy. Life is supposed to be happy. I love you. 愛しています
リドル長老 [Elder Riddle]
Editor's Note: I will attempt to translate what Elder Liddle sends us. However, it already seems some things are lost in translation. I'm told there are no 'L's in Japanese (they love Christmas--get it? Noel?) that's why the last translation comes across as Elder Riddle.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Hernia ga arimasen (Week 8)
So I've had some pretty intense stomach pains that were bad enough that I couldn't really run or walk long distances and stuff like that. For five days straight without any relief. So I went to the doctor. And he was worried it might be a hernia. So I had the opportunity to turn my head and cough. For the first time in my life actually. And then he checked me for cancer that only guys can have. Yeah. That was fun. And he said he couldn't feel a hernia. But he sent me to get a ct scan of my abdomen and pelvis. That was awesome. I went to a place on University Avenue. I got to leave the MTC for like a half hour. It was awesome. And I felt like I was going through the tiny stargate that the weird man who became a kid built in Carter's basement as I was being scanned. Then I talked to the doctor again and he said the scan says I'm normal and that I need to take it easy and don't do anything that hurts and see him next Wednesday. So I might die. If I do I'd like to take this opportunity to say I love you all. Take care of Kujo. But I am feeling better these past couple days. So maybe it will just fix itself. We'll see.
I'm really jealous of your Disneyland trip almost. Except that I get to hang out in buildings full of the Spirit all day long and then go hang out in Japan for almost two years. So I'm not really jealous. I'm excited to go to Disneland again though to see Star Tours.
Thank you for that package. I was getting worried that I wasn't loved. Jodan jodan jodan. Which means joke. The girl at the mailroom got really excited about all the hearts on it. That was funny. I got excited too. I really enjoyed the Star Wars stuff. And Josh! Thank you for your package. That made my day. Even more Star Wars stuff. I'm trying to make the candy last as long as I can. But its already mostly gone. Thank you very much.
And I am out of sweet beautiful toilet paper. I just thought I'd let the world know I'm back to using sand paper.
So on my way to the temple like last week I saw some famous people. The two sisters from that missionary show thing that I had to watch before I came here. It was weird. They like all work here at the MTC.
So here's something interesting. Bogedahl Choro tells me a lot that I am good looking and very manly. He says I have manly eyebrows and a strong chin and that all the ladies are wanting to go after me once we all get home. I've never heard anything more true.
And my teacher Heaton Sensei is getting married on April 26. I think he knew it is Dad's birthday so that's why they chose that day. Don't worry Kate. Gremmert Sensei is still free.
I met some missionaries going to Finland this week. I asked them to tell me how to read their name tags. Now I'm glad I'm not speaking that language. Its messed up. Japanese is way better. But its still hard. Its not like English at all. But I'm understanding it better. I'm excited to get to Japan and talk to real Nihonjin. Next week we have Nihonjin missionaries coming. And finally all the younger Japanese missionaries. We've been alone here as the old ones for a while. And we hear that they will only be here 9 weeks instead of 12 like us. I'm glad we had the opportunity to be here 12 weeks.
So we sang that army of Helaman song at the MTC fireside. That is cool to sing with 2000 missionaries. The spirit is so strong during that song. And we change the line that says we will be the Lord's missionaries to we are now the Lord's missionaries. Just so you know. Its super cool to sing that song.
I heard that they don't play basketball in Japanese churches. I hear they have ping pong tables there. Is that not the coolest thing you have ever heard? I can't wait to see that.
On Tuesday after devotional we all had to stay and watch Elder Bednar's talk from Christmas. The Christmas just before I came here. And it was awesome. Life changing. Only like two talks have ever changed my life. That was one of them. There was so much he said. Too much to write and I'm running out of time. One thing he said is to find out what the character of Christ is. And become that. And a way he suggested is to get a cheap Book of Mormon and read it and mark it only to find the character of Christ. So I got my Book of Mormon and will start that. He also said to do that for every major question you have. And by the time you're his age you will have like 400 copies of the Book of Mormon. It was a crazy cool talk. Too awesome.
How are things at home? I hear Kujo is having a hard time. That makes me sad. Try to keep her happy. Take her on walks. If I'm the reason she's giving up on life then make her forget me. How is everyone else? I hope you are all doing well. I hope you are all happy. I pray for you all the time. I love you. You are the best family ever. I love you so much. I miss you. But I don't want to come home. Being here is way too awesome. And its going to get awesomer when I get to Japan. I'm so excited. Make sure you are happy. I love you.
愛しています
リドル長老
I'm really jealous of your Disneyland trip almost. Except that I get to hang out in buildings full of the Spirit all day long and then go hang out in Japan for almost two years. So I'm not really jealous. I'm excited to go to Disneland again though to see Star Tours.
Thank you for that package. I was getting worried that I wasn't loved. Jodan jodan jodan. Which means joke. The girl at the mailroom got really excited about all the hearts on it. That was funny. I got excited too. I really enjoyed the Star Wars stuff. And Josh! Thank you for your package. That made my day. Even more Star Wars stuff. I'm trying to make the candy last as long as I can. But its already mostly gone. Thank you very much.
And I am out of sweet beautiful toilet paper. I just thought I'd let the world know I'm back to using sand paper.
So on my way to the temple like last week I saw some famous people. The two sisters from that missionary show thing that I had to watch before I came here. It was weird. They like all work here at the MTC.
So here's something interesting. Bogedahl Choro tells me a lot that I am good looking and very manly. He says I have manly eyebrows and a strong chin and that all the ladies are wanting to go after me once we all get home. I've never heard anything more true.
And my teacher Heaton Sensei is getting married on April 26. I think he knew it is Dad's birthday so that's why they chose that day. Don't worry Kate. Gremmert Sensei is still free.
I met some missionaries going to Finland this week. I asked them to tell me how to read their name tags. Now I'm glad I'm not speaking that language. Its messed up. Japanese is way better. But its still hard. Its not like English at all. But I'm understanding it better. I'm excited to get to Japan and talk to real Nihonjin. Next week we have Nihonjin missionaries coming. And finally all the younger Japanese missionaries. We've been alone here as the old ones for a while. And we hear that they will only be here 9 weeks instead of 12 like us. I'm glad we had the opportunity to be here 12 weeks.
So we sang that army of Helaman song at the MTC fireside. That is cool to sing with 2000 missionaries. The spirit is so strong during that song. And we change the line that says we will be the Lord's missionaries to we are now the Lord's missionaries. Just so you know. Its super cool to sing that song.
I heard that they don't play basketball in Japanese churches. I hear they have ping pong tables there. Is that not the coolest thing you have ever heard? I can't wait to see that.
On Tuesday after devotional we all had to stay and watch Elder Bednar's talk from Christmas. The Christmas just before I came here. And it was awesome. Life changing. Only like two talks have ever changed my life. That was one of them. There was so much he said. Too much to write and I'm running out of time. One thing he said is to find out what the character of Christ is. And become that. And a way he suggested is to get a cheap Book of Mormon and read it and mark it only to find the character of Christ. So I got my Book of Mormon and will start that. He also said to do that for every major question you have. And by the time you're his age you will have like 400 copies of the Book of Mormon. It was a crazy cool talk. Too awesome.
How are things at home? I hear Kujo is having a hard time. That makes me sad. Try to keep her happy. Take her on walks. If I'm the reason she's giving up on life then make her forget me. How is everyone else? I hope you are all doing well. I hope you are all happy. I pray for you all the time. I love you. You are the best family ever. I love you so much. I miss you. But I don't want to come home. Being here is way too awesome. And its going to get awesomer when I get to Japan. I'm so excited. Make sure you are happy. I love you.
愛しています
リドル長老
Friday, February 10, 2012
I'm writing you again.
Ohayo gozaimasu.
I hope all is going well at home. I am sorry to hear that Kujo has been giving up on life. Tell her I'll come back next year. Don't let her die or anything.
And thank you for those letters from people that I got a few days ago. That was nice. I like getting letters.
This week has gone by very fast. Its so weird here. The days are so long but then the weeks fly by. I can't believe its already p day again. It really feels like that was just a day or two ago. I've been here forever and it seems like no time at all. And it seems like I've been here my whole life. Its really weird how time works here. Its forever and really fast. We need the Doctor to come and figure out how it works.
At the devotional on Tuesday I saw a girl I danced with at a stake dance once. Just so you know. I can't remember her name. It was a while ago. I just thought it was interesting because I don't see anyone I recognize here. She's like the first one. And the speaker was Richard C. Edgley from the presiding bishopric. I talked about his talk in my farewell talk.
And here's a random bit of information. People here describe me as a happy person. I thought that was interesting. Most people that meet me think I'm all mean and serious all the time until they get to know me pretty well. I guess I'm changing. Or something. I really don't know. I'm the same as always.
So Eliason Choro and I had a companionship inventory this past week sometime. I can't remember when. And I was having a really hard time with a specific problem that I've had for a while. But its been harder than ever. And I talked to him about it finally. And then he said something. Very simple. Like one sentence. And it was a lightbulb moment for me. I couldn't beleive I couldn't see that before. And it has helped so much. I feel so good now. My companion is awesome. And thus we see the power of God will always conquer the power of Satan. That was a cool experience for me.
So my sharpie pens are dying. If you could I'd like to get more. Black and red are very important for me to have and I'd like two of each if that's ok. Purple is also very important and I'd like two but its ok of you don't because they only come in the 97 pack that costs like $3,984. I just really need those pens.
So Newsom Choro and I have translated a couple quotes from Star Wars into Japanese. Look and see if they have Japanese Star Wars dvds out there. I need them when I get home. So. I have a bad feeling about this. Kore ni tsuite warui kimochi ga arimasu. Don't underestimate the power of the Dark Side. Kurai gawa no chikara o mikubitte wa ikemasen. Which literally means You must not underestimate the dark side's power. I'm also learning a lot of religious things so don't think I'm just wasting my time. I can say things like in order to know whether or not this gospel is true will you pray? Kono fukuin ga shinjitsu ka do ka shiru tame ni inotte itadakimasu ka.
The Japanese missionaries in another district all got lightsaber chopsticks. I need some. I especially need Mace Windu's lightsabers. They said to look on star world toys.com. I mean if you want to. You don't have to. I don't want to cost anyone money.
Last night our branch president was here hanging around the classrooms and he took all of our shoes and polished them for us. He's such a nice person. I really like him. He's cool.
And I don't care what kind of stuff you send me in packages. Just send whatever. Goodies are good. No gum though. I have too much and can't chew it in the mtc. So just whatever you think you want to send is fine with me.
And Eliason Choro thinks that Harry Potter has changed the world more than Star Wars. What do you think? I think its obvious Star Wars has changed the world more.
Anyways. I hope everyone is doing well at home. I pray for you all the time. More and more in Japanese. I love you. Have a nice day.
愛しています、
リドル長老
I hope all is going well at home. I am sorry to hear that Kujo has been giving up on life. Tell her I'll come back next year. Don't let her die or anything.
And thank you for those letters from people that I got a few days ago. That was nice. I like getting letters.
This week has gone by very fast. Its so weird here. The days are so long but then the weeks fly by. I can't believe its already p day again. It really feels like that was just a day or two ago. I've been here forever and it seems like no time at all. And it seems like I've been here my whole life. Its really weird how time works here. Its forever and really fast. We need the Doctor to come and figure out how it works.
At the devotional on Tuesday I saw a girl I danced with at a stake dance once. Just so you know. I can't remember her name. It was a while ago. I just thought it was interesting because I don't see anyone I recognize here. She's like the first one. And the speaker was Richard C. Edgley from the presiding bishopric. I talked about his talk in my farewell talk.
And here's a random bit of information. People here describe me as a happy person. I thought that was interesting. Most people that meet me think I'm all mean and serious all the time until they get to know me pretty well. I guess I'm changing. Or something. I really don't know. I'm the same as always.
So Eliason Choro and I had a companionship inventory this past week sometime. I can't remember when. And I was having a really hard time with a specific problem that I've had for a while. But its been harder than ever. And I talked to him about it finally. And then he said something. Very simple. Like one sentence. And it was a lightbulb moment for me. I couldn't beleive I couldn't see that before. And it has helped so much. I feel so good now. My companion is awesome. And thus we see the power of God will always conquer the power of Satan. That was a cool experience for me.
So my sharpie pens are dying. If you could I'd like to get more. Black and red are very important for me to have and I'd like two of each if that's ok. Purple is also very important and I'd like two but its ok of you don't because they only come in the 97 pack that costs like $3,984. I just really need those pens.
So Newsom Choro and I have translated a couple quotes from Star Wars into Japanese. Look and see if they have Japanese Star Wars dvds out there. I need them when I get home. So. I have a bad feeling about this. Kore ni tsuite warui kimochi ga arimasu. Don't underestimate the power of the Dark Side. Kurai gawa no chikara o mikubitte wa ikemasen. Which literally means You must not underestimate the dark side's power. I'm also learning a lot of religious things so don't think I'm just wasting my time. I can say things like in order to know whether or not this gospel is true will you pray? Kono fukuin ga shinjitsu ka do ka shiru tame ni inotte itadakimasu ka.
The Japanese missionaries in another district all got lightsaber chopsticks. I need some. I especially need Mace Windu's lightsabers. They said to look on star world toys.com. I mean if you want to. You don't have to. I don't want to cost anyone money.
Last night our branch president was here hanging around the classrooms and he took all of our shoes and polished them for us. He's such a nice person. I really like him. He's cool.
And I don't care what kind of stuff you send me in packages. Just send whatever. Goodies are good. No gum though. I have too much and can't chew it in the mtc. So just whatever you think you want to send is fine with me.
And Eliason Choro thinks that Harry Potter has changed the world more than Star Wars. What do you think? I think its obvious Star Wars has changed the world more.
Anyways. I hope everyone is doing well at home. I pray for you all the time. More and more in Japanese. I love you. Have a nice day.
愛しています、
リドル長老
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