So today I don't have much time to write. We are going to hang out with the branch president's family today soon. Those blessed people. For a good last Pday this transfer. Elder Munro will probably transfer. It has never been heard of someone staying in one place for 5 transfers at a time except once. And he's at 4. So I'll probably stay since I'm only on 2. And odds are I will get a Japanese companion. So I will finally learn this language. I'm nervous to see what will happen. We get the call on wednesday and then transferring happens on thursday.
So I can only really tell you of some of the highlights of this week. No time. I saw this high school girl in a store this week and she came over and started to talk to me. And I gave her a flier and told her all about the free eikaiwa we teach. She got really excited about the free part. But didn't end up coming. And then she asked me if I liked coffee. And I said Amari... And then she was like totally trying to get me to take her out on a date somewhere. But I just asked her which watch she liked best and it wasn't the one I liked best. So she failed the test and then I spoke to her in english which scared her off.
I got to thrust in my sickle with my might again this week. For 5 hours. Under the hot Ishigaki sun. And I cut grass. Lots of grass. It looks way nice now but it was way taihen to do it all. But it was for good people so I enjoyed it. The blessed Yonaha family. And I cut myself again. I'm not sure I'm cut out for this thrusting in my sickle thing. Its hard work.
So dad keeps telling me how I'm spoiled to live here. Well yes this place is beautiful and I have a great time but its actually a lot of hard work and I don't get to go to the beach very often. And it is hotter than I've ever experienced in my life. I'm sweating from typing this thing. So maybe to dad its paradise. But to me its a little too hot. Winter would be good. It would be even better if there was snow here. But alas. I cannot have my hearts desire.
So at the park we do rajio taiso at had a big beer festival this weekend on saturday and sunday. That was exciting. I didn't go. But I saw some fireworks. And there were people everywhere. Almost getting hit by cars and stuff. But its Japan. What else is new?
So I learned what the direct translation for magic wand is from Japanese to english. They call it a magic stick. Stick for short. That's what they say in Harry Potter. And I busted up laughing when I learned that. And one of the members couldn't understand why I thought it was so funny. She was surprised at my laughter. But I think she liked it at the same time. It showed personality and I think she really worries about me not having personality because I can't speak Japanese very well. But I'm still a real person. Anyways. Namekuji kurae!
So we had a lesson with O_____ san. We couldn't do two this week but we will this coming week. We watched the restoration movie. And I started crying. Of course. And she felt the spirit too. I could tell. It was good. I think this will be the thing to get her to baptism. She just needs to go through everything one more time with Japanese people there to explain things better than us and wonderful movies to watch. So I'm excited for her.
I emailed on the phone to one of our investigators who I only met one time just to invite her to ping pong and she emailed back and was so excited to hear from us and said she was too busy for ping pong but she would try to go to church. And then she didn't. But I was still way happy to hear from her.
We have this recent convert old lady we visit all the time but these past few weeks we couldn't. And then we did again this last week and she was excited to see us. But her nonmember husband was way more excited to see us. He has been added to the investigators list. That wonderful 73 year old man. He is so nice. And he seems pretty interested in what we have to teach. I'm excited for him. When we visited their granddaughter was there. She's like 4. And it was so cute to listen to her chat away with us in Japanese. She was calling us her older brothers. Which is pretty normal in Japan. But it sounded way cute. And it was just too much cuteness. The Yonaha's also have a cute little girl who loves talking to me. Too many cute little Japanese speakers. Too many.
One more thing. This past week I was talking to the Yonaha's 7 year old daughter and she said something in Japanese and I said I don't understand japanese and then she said really fast I'm sorry I intended to speak english. I made a mistake. And I understood her as fast as she spoke. It was all Japanese just so you know. The only english she knows is how are you and animals and how to sing you're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful its true. Its fun.
Anyways. I should go. I love you all. Have a nice day. Happy birthday mom. Its your birthday today for me. But you have to wait until tomorrow. peace out.
Love Josh
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Boys be ambitious. (Week 28)
So. Hi. I'm back again to write another email. Yeah.
Well firstly. I meet President and Sister Gustafson and had a good little chat with them. Sister Gustafson asked me to thank you for her. She wants to thank you for sending me away for two years to come work here and for preparing me so well. She loves you.
President and Sister Gustafson are so awesome. I was so worried they wouldn't be as awesome as the Margetts's. But they are. I love them so much. They are such wonderful people. President said that he kept getting calls from past mission presidents that would all say the same thing. Watch out for the wanpaku missionaries. The naughty ones that don't do what they should. And then he got here. And he said there weren't any. He was surprised. So he didn't have any new rules or anything to make. He just wants what President Margetts made for rules. So that's cool. We aren't wanpaku. We also talked about how Mom has the same last name as them and stuff before she was married. He said his grandparents came from Sweden. So yeah. We didn't really have much time to talk because I had a plane to catch. Plane number 13. Plane 13 is a funny story I think. Anyways. They are so awesome. And I'm glad I get to be here with them for so long.
So Plane 13. We sat down. I had the isle seat and Elder Munro had the middle and some Japanese young looking woman had the window seat. And from takeoff I could tell that this woman wanted to talk to us. Not for like gospel purposes. Just because we were a couple of gaijin that could speak Japanese. And she kept doing stuff to try to get our attention. Every time I would look in Elder Munro's direction or out the window she would look kind of in my direction but not at me so our eyes could accidentally meet and then start a conversation. But that didn't work. Because I don't speak Japanese very well. And then she was taking pictures out the window at the clouds. And then looking back over them with a smile on her face like she wanted to share these wonderful pictures with the world. But that didn't work. And then she moved to the window one up from the back to take pictures where we couldn't miss the camera. There are only so many pictures you can take of clouds. They are all the same thing. And the whole time I'm telling Elder Munro what I observe her do and how I could tell from the beginning how badly she wanted to talk. So we talked to her. Just to ask about a kanji. And then that opened the way for her. And she showed us the pictures and talked a lot. And seemed surprised that we were only 20. It turns out she was 30. Japanese people all look really young until they are old. Then they look really old. I would have said she looked 23 or 24. Anyways. That was just a funny experience. I can read the women too well. And they all fall in love with me.
So we taught O_____ san this week. It has been a while since we could meet her. And she still hasn't got a response from her Catholic leader. But she said she basically thinks its never coming. So we talked to her more about baptism. And she said she knows she needs to get baptized but she doesn't know if it should be now or later. So this blessed woman is going to get baptized. And the thing about teaching her at her house is that we have to do it at the door and lots of loud cars and stuff always go by and its hard to really get the spirit there. So out of nowhere Elder Munro said we should meet her twice a week every week at the church until she knows when she should get baptized. With members present so they can take care of the Japanese we don't know. And she said How did you know what I was thinking? I had that exact same thought like an hour ago but I didn't want to ask because that would be an obstacle in everyone's day just for her. So we are going to teach her twice a week in the church. The wonderful woman is going to get baptized. I was so happy after that lesson. I love her so much. That blessed 70 year old woman is so close to the spirit. This is too cool. So that was good. I'm excited for her.
So I gave a talk yesterday in Sacrament meeting about baptism. And we saw one of our less active members come just to see me. That blessed woman. She is so wonderful. Anyways. I spoke for like six minutes and I successfully shared a scripture in Japanese. And I told them everything I remember from my baptism and how it was such a special experience for me and how I felt the spirit so strongly. And I could feel the spirit very strongly as I spoke. And I saw Tatsuko shimai crying. So I guess other people could feel it too. It was cool. I like being able to kind of express some feelings in Japanese. I'm getting better. But its still so hard. I don't know if I'll ever be able to speak without thinking about it for like ten minutes before I speak. Anyways. Everyone came up to me after and told me how awesome I was and how they all loved the personal story. Elder Munro said I won the hearts of the Ishigaki branch. And then we went home teaching with Brother Tagawa to visit the Shiraho couple and that was nice. They are wonderful people. So nice. She fed us dinner. It was so good. Noodles with meat and rice that was delish. And then some weird like salad thing with goya. Goya is a vegetable everyone here has. Its really bitter. Its not very good. But I was fine. And then ice cream. It was good. Anyways. The spirit is so strong in their home. And then they complimented me on my talk even more before we left. They do that too much. Japanese people are so nice. They never cease to tell me how good my Japanese is getting. And half the time I have no idea what they're saying. Jk. My understanding is actually better than that. But just barely. Sister Shiraho said she was jealous of me because my ancestors have been Mormons for as long as I know except for Grandpa Gus's fam. Ancestors are a big deal to the old Japanese people. And she wishes she had more Mormon ancestors. And everyone also told me they were jealous that I could remember my baptism so well. I guess people forget things. Anyways. So yesterday was pretty good.
So like next week this transfer ends. And I might get transferred. Probably not though. I've only been here two transfers and Elder Munro has been here for four. Four is pretty much the longest anyone can go. I've only ever heard of someone staying in one place for five transfers one time. And they usually don't transfer both elders out at the same time. That gets way taihen. But its been known to happen every now and again. So maybe there is a chance of me transferring. We'll see. I sure hope not. Ishigaki is too awesome. And I just got a card last week that cuts all my plane flight costs in half. So Its not so expensive anymore. That was another cool story.
Elder Munro and I got to the airport last thursday to go to Naha to meet President Gustafson and we asked if we could use our newly acquired I live on a tiny isolated island so make my planes cheaper cards. And they said yes. And handed us 420 dollars. Actually it was 42.000 yen. that might be like 500 dollars. And then we gave it to the assistants to the Pres Gus and they were like no way. Apparently President Gustafson was supposed to fly to Okinawa the day before but was way wasted and wanted to sleep. And the cost of changing flights that late and everything was somewhere around 40,000 yen. And he felt really bad. But then we were there with the same amount of money to give him. Just goes to show that the Lord is there making everything work out even if at first it seems like you just lost.
Well I think that's my stories for today. Except one time I asked our beloved Zone Leader Iino Choro to marry me in Japanese. That was funny. Good old iino choro. Anyways. I love you. I love Japan. I love President and Sister Gustafson. And I love Ishigaki. And I love Yakiniku. So delicious. Heian soto.
Love ジョシュア・リドル長老
Well firstly. I meet President and Sister Gustafson and had a good little chat with them. Sister Gustafson asked me to thank you for her. She wants to thank you for sending me away for two years to come work here and for preparing me so well. She loves you.
President and Sister Gustafson are so awesome. I was so worried they wouldn't be as awesome as the Margetts's. But they are. I love them so much. They are such wonderful people. President said that he kept getting calls from past mission presidents that would all say the same thing. Watch out for the wanpaku missionaries. The naughty ones that don't do what they should. And then he got here. And he said there weren't any. He was surprised. So he didn't have any new rules or anything to make. He just wants what President Margetts made for rules. So that's cool. We aren't wanpaku. We also talked about how Mom has the same last name as them and stuff before she was married. He said his grandparents came from Sweden. So yeah. We didn't really have much time to talk because I had a plane to catch. Plane number 13. Plane 13 is a funny story I think. Anyways. They are so awesome. And I'm glad I get to be here with them for so long.
So Plane 13. We sat down. I had the isle seat and Elder Munro had the middle and some Japanese young looking woman had the window seat. And from takeoff I could tell that this woman wanted to talk to us. Not for like gospel purposes. Just because we were a couple of gaijin that could speak Japanese. And she kept doing stuff to try to get our attention. Every time I would look in Elder Munro's direction or out the window she would look kind of in my direction but not at me so our eyes could accidentally meet and then start a conversation. But that didn't work. Because I don't speak Japanese very well. And then she was taking pictures out the window at the clouds. And then looking back over them with a smile on her face like she wanted to share these wonderful pictures with the world. But that didn't work. And then she moved to the window one up from the back to take pictures where we couldn't miss the camera. There are only so many pictures you can take of clouds. They are all the same thing. And the whole time I'm telling Elder Munro what I observe her do and how I could tell from the beginning how badly she wanted to talk. So we talked to her. Just to ask about a kanji. And then that opened the way for her. And she showed us the pictures and talked a lot. And seemed surprised that we were only 20. It turns out she was 30. Japanese people all look really young until they are old. Then they look really old. I would have said she looked 23 or 24. Anyways. That was just a funny experience. I can read the women too well. And they all fall in love with me.
So we taught O_____ san this week. It has been a while since we could meet her. And she still hasn't got a response from her Catholic leader. But she said she basically thinks its never coming. So we talked to her more about baptism. And she said she knows she needs to get baptized but she doesn't know if it should be now or later. So this blessed woman is going to get baptized. And the thing about teaching her at her house is that we have to do it at the door and lots of loud cars and stuff always go by and its hard to really get the spirit there. So out of nowhere Elder Munro said we should meet her twice a week every week at the church until she knows when she should get baptized. With members present so they can take care of the Japanese we don't know. And she said How did you know what I was thinking? I had that exact same thought like an hour ago but I didn't want to ask because that would be an obstacle in everyone's day just for her. So we are going to teach her twice a week in the church. The wonderful woman is going to get baptized. I was so happy after that lesson. I love her so much. That blessed 70 year old woman is so close to the spirit. This is too cool. So that was good. I'm excited for her.
So I gave a talk yesterday in Sacrament meeting about baptism. And we saw one of our less active members come just to see me. That blessed woman. She is so wonderful. Anyways. I spoke for like six minutes and I successfully shared a scripture in Japanese. And I told them everything I remember from my baptism and how it was such a special experience for me and how I felt the spirit so strongly. And I could feel the spirit very strongly as I spoke. And I saw Tatsuko shimai crying. So I guess other people could feel it too. It was cool. I like being able to kind of express some feelings in Japanese. I'm getting better. But its still so hard. I don't know if I'll ever be able to speak without thinking about it for like ten minutes before I speak. Anyways. Everyone came up to me after and told me how awesome I was and how they all loved the personal story. Elder Munro said I won the hearts of the Ishigaki branch. And then we went home teaching with Brother Tagawa to visit the Shiraho couple and that was nice. They are wonderful people. So nice. She fed us dinner. It was so good. Noodles with meat and rice that was delish. And then some weird like salad thing with goya. Goya is a vegetable everyone here has. Its really bitter. Its not very good. But I was fine. And then ice cream. It was good. Anyways. The spirit is so strong in their home. And then they complimented me on my talk even more before we left. They do that too much. Japanese people are so nice. They never cease to tell me how good my Japanese is getting. And half the time I have no idea what they're saying. Jk. My understanding is actually better than that. But just barely. Sister Shiraho said she was jealous of me because my ancestors have been Mormons for as long as I know except for Grandpa Gus's fam. Ancestors are a big deal to the old Japanese people. And she wishes she had more Mormon ancestors. And everyone also told me they were jealous that I could remember my baptism so well. I guess people forget things. Anyways. So yesterday was pretty good.
So like next week this transfer ends. And I might get transferred. Probably not though. I've only been here two transfers and Elder Munro has been here for four. Four is pretty much the longest anyone can go. I've only ever heard of someone staying in one place for five transfers one time. And they usually don't transfer both elders out at the same time. That gets way taihen. But its been known to happen every now and again. So maybe there is a chance of me transferring. We'll see. I sure hope not. Ishigaki is too awesome. And I just got a card last week that cuts all my plane flight costs in half. So Its not so expensive anymore. That was another cool story.
Elder Munro and I got to the airport last thursday to go to Naha to meet President Gustafson and we asked if we could use our newly acquired I live on a tiny isolated island so make my planes cheaper cards. And they said yes. And handed us 420 dollars. Actually it was 42.000 yen. that might be like 500 dollars. And then we gave it to the assistants to the Pres Gus and they were like no way. Apparently President Gustafson was supposed to fly to Okinawa the day before but was way wasted and wanted to sleep. And the cost of changing flights that late and everything was somewhere around 40,000 yen. And he felt really bad. But then we were there with the same amount of money to give him. Just goes to show that the Lord is there making everything work out even if at first it seems like you just lost.
Well I think that's my stories for today. Except one time I asked our beloved Zone Leader Iino Choro to marry me in Japanese. That was funny. Good old iino choro. Anyways. I love you. I love Japan. I love President and Sister Gustafson. And I love Ishigaki. And I love Yakiniku. So delicious. Heian soto.
Love ジョシュア・リドル長老
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Hi. (Week 27)
How's it going? I hope well. It sounds like you all had a party in Disneyland. I'm sorry the world is on fire. I hope it stops soon. That would be nice.
Well this week was pretty good I guess. We have two new investigators. One seems to have more interest than the other. But I think both will progress. Its pretty exciting. They are nice people. We teach them eikaiwa together and then teach a lesson together. And it usually goes a while because they keep asking questions about it and stuff. It will be good. We are going to try to teach them their own individual lessons now though. We feel like its kind of holding them back to be together all the time. We can't shape it to anyone's needs if they are together because they are so different.
So I understood my first sentence out of a Japanese person's mouth at full speed this past week. And I almost died laughing. But I kept it in. Sunagawa san, the old man we to rajio taiso with, said it. We ate a lunch with him. He said: Munro Choro mo futoteiru onna ga daikirai ne. That means Munro Choro you hate fat girls too, right? That is a memorable first time for understanding at full speed. That was hilarious. For some reason old men love to talk about girls and how after our missions we have to find some really good looking girls to marry. What a wonderful man. I love him.
So Elder Munro got a little sick this week. That was exciting. Not really that cool because then we just stay in the apartment and stuff. But I've got a lot of good things to read and learn so it works ok I guess.
So remember that girl that I said fell in love with me? Well she's falling more in love with me. I really don't mean to. I'm just being myself. She's 17 anyways so I'm really not interested. And she has a boyfriend. But I'm stealing her away. I don't mean to. At the Tokumatsu's eikaiwa I taught her and she found a story to read for pronunciation practice about cellos. Because I love cellos. And she sits close to me. She moves her chair over. Its weird. But she is too afraid to do anything so I'm safe from her. Its just weird. Its a lot of fun to teach her because her english is so good but she just likes me too much. Anyways. That's just weird. Everyone is falling in love with me here.
So we are going to Naha again this week for plane ride number 12 and 13. To meet President and Sister Gustafson. President and Sister Margetts went home a couple days ago. That was so sad. I love them so much. They are such wonderful people. I want to go visit them. But I bet President and Sister Gustafson are going to be really good. I can't wait to meet them. Right now I feel presidentless. I know the one just went home. He even called me just before he left. I love that man. And I haven't met the new one. So I feel like there is no president. Its weird.
We are also going to have a zone p day in Naha. So today is email and shopping only. Then back to a normal day. I think it will be fun. I learned a terrible truth last week. Last transfer they had a zone p day without us and Miyako. My very own Kusakabe Choro organized it and left me out. And they had a great time and got to watch How to Train Your Dragon. What?! I was left out of something so awesome just because its a little expensive to fly us to Naha. And they didn't even tell us until they told us about this one and Munro Choro said we should play a cool game and then watch a movie. The Blessed Elder Iino said we can't because we did that last time. I can't believe them. My own Beloved Kusakabe Choro. Well. Whatevers. This time should be fun.
Well I've got things to do. So I must peace out. I love you all. Have a good day.
Love リドル長老
Well this week was pretty good I guess. We have two new investigators. One seems to have more interest than the other. But I think both will progress. Its pretty exciting. They are nice people. We teach them eikaiwa together and then teach a lesson together. And it usually goes a while because they keep asking questions about it and stuff. It will be good. We are going to try to teach them their own individual lessons now though. We feel like its kind of holding them back to be together all the time. We can't shape it to anyone's needs if they are together because they are so different.
So I understood my first sentence out of a Japanese person's mouth at full speed this past week. And I almost died laughing. But I kept it in. Sunagawa san, the old man we to rajio taiso with, said it. We ate a lunch with him. He said: Munro Choro mo futoteiru onna ga daikirai ne. That means Munro Choro you hate fat girls too, right? That is a memorable first time for understanding at full speed. That was hilarious. For some reason old men love to talk about girls and how after our missions we have to find some really good looking girls to marry. What a wonderful man. I love him.
So Elder Munro got a little sick this week. That was exciting. Not really that cool because then we just stay in the apartment and stuff. But I've got a lot of good things to read and learn so it works ok I guess.
So remember that girl that I said fell in love with me? Well she's falling more in love with me. I really don't mean to. I'm just being myself. She's 17 anyways so I'm really not interested. And she has a boyfriend. But I'm stealing her away. I don't mean to. At the Tokumatsu's eikaiwa I taught her and she found a story to read for pronunciation practice about cellos. Because I love cellos. And she sits close to me. She moves her chair over. Its weird. But she is too afraid to do anything so I'm safe from her. Its just weird. Its a lot of fun to teach her because her english is so good but she just likes me too much. Anyways. That's just weird. Everyone is falling in love with me here.
So we are going to Naha again this week for plane ride number 12 and 13. To meet President and Sister Gustafson. President and Sister Margetts went home a couple days ago. That was so sad. I love them so much. They are such wonderful people. I want to go visit them. But I bet President and Sister Gustafson are going to be really good. I can't wait to meet them. Right now I feel presidentless. I know the one just went home. He even called me just before he left. I love that man. And I haven't met the new one. So I feel like there is no president. Its weird.
We are also going to have a zone p day in Naha. So today is email and shopping only. Then back to a normal day. I think it will be fun. I learned a terrible truth last week. Last transfer they had a zone p day without us and Miyako. My very own Kusakabe Choro organized it and left me out. And they had a great time and got to watch How to Train Your Dragon. What?! I was left out of something so awesome just because its a little expensive to fly us to Naha. And they didn't even tell us until they told us about this one and Munro Choro said we should play a cool game and then watch a movie. The Blessed Elder Iino said we can't because we did that last time. I can't believe them. My own Beloved Kusakabe Choro. Well. Whatevers. This time should be fun.
Well I've got things to do. So I must peace out. I love you all. Have a good day.
Love リドル長老
Sunday, June 24, 2012
If you have a edged tools please see security. (Week 26)
Osoku narimashita. Sumimasen. Sorry I'm late. I just got back from Naha this morning so I've been busy.
This week was pretty interesting. Not much happened here in Ishigaki. But last Thursday we flew to Naha on my 10th plane and stayed until Monday morning when we flew on my 11th plane. Naha was so much fun. The best. But I'm happy to be back in Ishigaki.
We had our last zone conference with President Margetts on Friday. His very last zone conference. That was awesome. And so sad. And so amazing. I can't believe he goes home so soon. I love that man. And his wife. They are such wonderful people. Sister Margetts spoke and said when they were called by President Eyring he told her that she didn't need to learn Japanese but to try to share her testimony with her missionaries in Japanese. And so she did. And it was so powerful. And then she had a minute when she just broke down and cried. I cried too. Big surprise there. I'm going to miss them so much. And then President Margetts spoke. And he too had a minute where all he could do was just cry. I did a lot of crying that day. It was so sad. I love those people so much. This zone conference was a very special experience. I also got to hug Sister Margetts. President said that would be ok just this once.
And I junkaied a lot with the zone leaders. We stayed with them all weekend to go to stake conference and stuff and we all went out to dendo together trading companions so we could work with everyone. And I learned so much. And I saw so many miracles. On Saturday night I went out with Elder Anstead and went streeting. That was scary. And fun. We can't do it much in Ishigaki because there aren't many people on the streets. We talked to a bunch of people and taught like 8 lessons and got a bunch of potential investigators. And it was awesome. The first guy I talked to was mean though. Part way through he told me I was too slow and left. My Japanese isn't that good but I understood that. In fact he used the first two words of this email. It means I became late or slow. How's that for a confidence booster with this psychotic language? But then the very last guy we talked to when it was late and we were heading back was awesome. I talked to him first and then Elder Anstead took over. And we had a great little lesson with him. Part way through some marine came up to me and talked to me to say he appreciates what we do and stuff. He was a member. It was nice talking to a white guy who speaks english. And then Elder Anstead asked me to share my feelings on the Book of Mormon with that wonderful Japanese man and so I did. And I felt the spirit. And so did Elder Anstead. And then he took a Book of Mormon and we got his phone number and stuff. And then Sunday night I went out with Elder Anstead again and we saw more miracles. We stopped on our bikes at a light and gave some old man on a bike an eikaiwa flyer and then took off. And on the other side of the road my hand clenched the front brake. I really don't know why. And the bike stopped and almost flipped over. And somehow the chain fell off and got all caught up in the wheel. So I wasn't going anywhere for a while. And that old man rode by and asked if I was ok and then Elder Anstead talked to him while I fixed the bike and he gave the man a Book of Mormon and stuff. It was cool. And then later up that road at another light we said Konnichi wa to a woman standing waiting for the light and she said our Japanese was really good and then we walked and talked with her and she said she wanted to come to church and we gave her a Book of Mormon and it was cool. She could tell how special the Book of Mormon was because when we offered it to her she was hesitant to take such a special book away from us. And then we got back to the apartment with 15 minutes before we had to be back so we went to street a little. And we talked to a guy who was stopped on his bike. And he took a pamphlet and we made arrangements to meet him again. He didn't resist at all. Everyone is always like well I don't know if I can or I forgot my phone so can't give you my number but he was all for it. It was so awesome. Lots of miracles. the work is moving forward for these wonderful people.
That was basically my week. It was good. I'm excited to get going on Ishigaki. I've already picked out the place for the Ishigaki temple. I was going to call President Monson tonight to let him know.
Well be awesome. Have a good day. Have fun in Didneylan.
Love Josh
This week was pretty interesting. Not much happened here in Ishigaki. But last Thursday we flew to Naha on my 10th plane and stayed until Monday morning when we flew on my 11th plane. Naha was so much fun. The best. But I'm happy to be back in Ishigaki.
We had our last zone conference with President Margetts on Friday. His very last zone conference. That was awesome. And so sad. And so amazing. I can't believe he goes home so soon. I love that man. And his wife. They are such wonderful people. Sister Margetts spoke and said when they were called by President Eyring he told her that she didn't need to learn Japanese but to try to share her testimony with her missionaries in Japanese. And so she did. And it was so powerful. And then she had a minute when she just broke down and cried. I cried too. Big surprise there. I'm going to miss them so much. And then President Margetts spoke. And he too had a minute where all he could do was just cry. I did a lot of crying that day. It was so sad. I love those people so much. This zone conference was a very special experience. I also got to hug Sister Margetts. President said that would be ok just this once.
And I junkaied a lot with the zone leaders. We stayed with them all weekend to go to stake conference and stuff and we all went out to dendo together trading companions so we could work with everyone. And I learned so much. And I saw so many miracles. On Saturday night I went out with Elder Anstead and went streeting. That was scary. And fun. We can't do it much in Ishigaki because there aren't many people on the streets. We talked to a bunch of people and taught like 8 lessons and got a bunch of potential investigators. And it was awesome. The first guy I talked to was mean though. Part way through he told me I was too slow and left. My Japanese isn't that good but I understood that. In fact he used the first two words of this email. It means I became late or slow. How's that for a confidence booster with this psychotic language? But then the very last guy we talked to when it was late and we were heading back was awesome. I talked to him first and then Elder Anstead took over. And we had a great little lesson with him. Part way through some marine came up to me and talked to me to say he appreciates what we do and stuff. He was a member. It was nice talking to a white guy who speaks english. And then Elder Anstead asked me to share my feelings on the Book of Mormon with that wonderful Japanese man and so I did. And I felt the spirit. And so did Elder Anstead. And then he took a Book of Mormon and we got his phone number and stuff. And then Sunday night I went out with Elder Anstead again and we saw more miracles. We stopped on our bikes at a light and gave some old man on a bike an eikaiwa flyer and then took off. And on the other side of the road my hand clenched the front brake. I really don't know why. And the bike stopped and almost flipped over. And somehow the chain fell off and got all caught up in the wheel. So I wasn't going anywhere for a while. And that old man rode by and asked if I was ok and then Elder Anstead talked to him while I fixed the bike and he gave the man a Book of Mormon and stuff. It was cool. And then later up that road at another light we said Konnichi wa to a woman standing waiting for the light and she said our Japanese was really good and then we walked and talked with her and she said she wanted to come to church and we gave her a Book of Mormon and it was cool. She could tell how special the Book of Mormon was because when we offered it to her she was hesitant to take such a special book away from us. And then we got back to the apartment with 15 minutes before we had to be back so we went to street a little. And we talked to a guy who was stopped on his bike. And he took a pamphlet and we made arrangements to meet him again. He didn't resist at all. Everyone is always like well I don't know if I can or I forgot my phone so can't give you my number but he was all for it. It was so awesome. Lots of miracles. the work is moving forward for these wonderful people.
That was basically my week. It was good. I'm excited to get going on Ishigaki. I've already picked out the place for the Ishigaki temple. I was going to call President Monson tonight to let him know.
Well be awesome. Have a good day. Have fun in Didneylan.
Love Josh
Sunday, June 17, 2012
If the result is beauty, the method is justified! (Week 25)
What's up? I fine sank you, and you?
I hope all is going well in the hood. It sounds like things are going ok. Sounds fun. I'm glad none of you got shot on the phreeway.
Well this week has been exciting I guess. Not the best week ever. But whatever. We dropped a bunch of our investigators because they were going nowhere and had been going nowhere for a long time. So we only have 4 people that we are still working with. Aside from less active members. O_____ san and the Toyokawa family. Which has Toyokawa san and the kids Hank and Vivian. We didn't really enjoy dropping a bunch of people. But it had to be done. And now we are trying to do a lot of finding and stuff so we can teach more people. No one really wants to listen to us when we go housing. We have a few potential investigators. But not many. And our most promising one we can't visit until July. So we'll see how it goes.
The T_____ family didn't come to church yesterday but that was because they were all sick. I think if they were healthy they would have come again. They are going good I think. We just need to be able to meet them again. Them being sick is getting in the way. We have so much we need to tell them. And they are so close to amazing progression. I am very anxious to get to meet them again. I love those people. So much.
O_____ san is still doing good. She is still waiting for the letter from her Catholic leader in Nagoya. I don't really care if the letter is good or bad. I just want it to come. Its slowing her down. She won't do anything until she gets a response. She keeps reading the Book of Mormon and when we teach her something new about our church she always gets really excited and never stops telling us how the Catholic church doesn't have that. She believes it all. And we have a wonderful sister in our branch that has come to visit her with us and can do the Japanese we can't do and can teach her so much better. Oyama shimai. She is so wonderful. The members here are the best in the world. I think she is the reason O_____ san is doing so well. She and the Naha stake president. He talked to Onaka san for like 2 hours about a month ago and ever since then O_____ san has been progressing so well. Members are so important. Missionaries can't do it alone. And members can do it so much better than missionaries. So I think O_____ san will get baptized. It will just take more time. Which makes me nervous. But it will be ok.
So I conducted in church yesterday again. This time with no mistakes. Just stumbling over words. It is really hard to speak this language. I can't get it to come out. It is indescribably difficult to speak it. I can understand quite a bit when people speak especially about church things. But not everything. And I have such a hard time responding. Japanese doesn't come out of my mouth very well.
So. I get to ride two more airplanes this week. To Naha and back. This will be the last time I see President Margetts. He's going home very soon. And then at the beginning of July I get to go to Naha again to meet President Gustafson. So I'm still getting lots of planes. I heard a rumor that the Japan Fukuoka Mission spends the most money out of any mission on transportation. I'm not sure how true that is. But I don't think many missions get to ride airplanes four times a transfer. And if this is the most expensive mission then I am the Lord's most expensive missionary. Because within this mission Ishigaki is the most expensive to transport. Miyako is a close second. But it is cheaper than Ishigaki. I thought that was cool. I might be the Lord's most expensive missionary.
So Happy Phathers day dad. I should have told you earlier. I forgot it was fathers day. The Japanese people don't seem to care about fathers day as much. I think I saw one sign that said fathers day on it. Mothers day was everywhere. But no one cares about fathers day. They didn't even mention it in church yesterday. But I hope yours was good. I'll send you something awesome when I get around to sending a package home. I have a few things I want to send. But I don't think about it very much and so forget. My b.
So my home boy Eliason Choro is on Okinawa island right now. That's where he was transferred. And so I get to see him this week at zone conference. And Elder Amor transferred to Okinawa island too. So I don't get to skype with him every week anymore. But I'll get to meet him in person finally. Twice this transfer.
Well. I think I'm going to make like a rock and roll. Peace out. You are the saiko family. Yes. That is pronounced like psycho. Go look it up.
Love Josshu
I hope all is going well in the hood. It sounds like things are going ok. Sounds fun. I'm glad none of you got shot on the phreeway.
Well this week has been exciting I guess. Not the best week ever. But whatever. We dropped a bunch of our investigators because they were going nowhere and had been going nowhere for a long time. So we only have 4 people that we are still working with. Aside from less active members. O_____ san and the Toyokawa family. Which has Toyokawa san and the kids Hank and Vivian. We didn't really enjoy dropping a bunch of people. But it had to be done. And now we are trying to do a lot of finding and stuff so we can teach more people. No one really wants to listen to us when we go housing. We have a few potential investigators. But not many. And our most promising one we can't visit until July. So we'll see how it goes.
The T_____ family didn't come to church yesterday but that was because they were all sick. I think if they were healthy they would have come again. They are going good I think. We just need to be able to meet them again. Them being sick is getting in the way. We have so much we need to tell them. And they are so close to amazing progression. I am very anxious to get to meet them again. I love those people. So much.
O_____ san is still doing good. She is still waiting for the letter from her Catholic leader in Nagoya. I don't really care if the letter is good or bad. I just want it to come. Its slowing her down. She won't do anything until she gets a response. She keeps reading the Book of Mormon and when we teach her something new about our church she always gets really excited and never stops telling us how the Catholic church doesn't have that. She believes it all. And we have a wonderful sister in our branch that has come to visit her with us and can do the Japanese we can't do and can teach her so much better. Oyama shimai. She is so wonderful. The members here are the best in the world. I think she is the reason O_____ san is doing so well. She and the Naha stake president. He talked to Onaka san for like 2 hours about a month ago and ever since then O_____ san has been progressing so well. Members are so important. Missionaries can't do it alone. And members can do it so much better than missionaries. So I think O_____ san will get baptized. It will just take more time. Which makes me nervous. But it will be ok.
So I conducted in church yesterday again. This time with no mistakes. Just stumbling over words. It is really hard to speak this language. I can't get it to come out. It is indescribably difficult to speak it. I can understand quite a bit when people speak especially about church things. But not everything. And I have such a hard time responding. Japanese doesn't come out of my mouth very well.
So. I get to ride two more airplanes this week. To Naha and back. This will be the last time I see President Margetts. He's going home very soon. And then at the beginning of July I get to go to Naha again to meet President Gustafson. So I'm still getting lots of planes. I heard a rumor that the Japan Fukuoka Mission spends the most money out of any mission on transportation. I'm not sure how true that is. But I don't think many missions get to ride airplanes four times a transfer. And if this is the most expensive mission then I am the Lord's most expensive missionary. Because within this mission Ishigaki is the most expensive to transport. Miyako is a close second. But it is cheaper than Ishigaki. I thought that was cool. I might be the Lord's most expensive missionary.
So Happy Phathers day dad. I should have told you earlier. I forgot it was fathers day. The Japanese people don't seem to care about fathers day as much. I think I saw one sign that said fathers day on it. Mothers day was everywhere. But no one cares about fathers day. They didn't even mention it in church yesterday. But I hope yours was good. I'll send you something awesome when I get around to sending a package home. I have a few things I want to send. But I don't think about it very much and so forget. My b.
So my home boy Eliason Choro is on Okinawa island right now. That's where he was transferred. And so I get to see him this week at zone conference. And Elder Amor transferred to Okinawa island too. So I don't get to skype with him every week anymore. But I'll get to meet him in person finally. Twice this transfer.
Well. I think I'm going to make like a rock and roll. Peace out. You are the saiko family. Yes. That is pronounced like psycho. Go look it up.
Love Josshu
Monday, June 11, 2012
I'm Still in Ishigaki! (Week 24)
So this was a pretty good week. We went to Taketomi island for last P day. We both stayed in Ishigaki. We had three investigators come to church yesterday. I learned to Japanese word for hand grenade. I found out that Elder Munro and I were connected before our missions through three people. One of those people being in the band Maroon 5. And I walked three minutes from the church to our apartment yesterday and was completely soaked by the rain about half way to the apartment. Good week.
Taketomi rocks. It is so beautiful. And we got to ride in a wagon thing being pulled by a suigyu. Which I think is like a water buffalo or something. I'm not sure what a water buffalo looks like and I only heard the Japanese name for this animal. It means water cow. But it is probably a little different in English. I also had ice cream there that I thought tasted like butter. I think the flavor was like salt or something. I'm not sure because it was Japanese. But it was buttery. And super delicious. Also I would appreciate it if you would buy me a shamisen to have when I get home. It is also called a sanshi in some places. I want to learn old Okinawan music.
We didn't transfer. Elder Munro is going on 4 transfers here. That's a long time. After 3 transfers you are probably transferring. So after 4 its pretty much for sure you will transfer. So I have a really good chance of staying another transfer here because they aren't likely to take both of us out. But it has been known to happen. In fact it just happened in Okinawa. Elder Buckingham returned home this past week. And his companion did too. So now there are missionaries there that don't know anything about my beloved Okinawa trying to dendo it up. I sure hope they take care of those people properly.
This morning I got to see my two favorite old people. Sunagawa san is the guy we do rajio taiso in the park with every morning. He is so funny. It started raining and when the first half of taiso ended he asked if it was ok or if we should leave. And I understood him which I almost never do. And I yelled Daijobu desu! Which means its ok to stay. And he got so happy. He said Tanoshiku Ganbarimasho with extra vigor after that. That means like lets funly hang in there. And after he said thank you and we got so much genki out after that. He was so happy that I wanted so much to stay. And I think he was so happy that I understood him and then replied. It was just a good morning for that man. Also most mornings we see this crazy old lady walking around. And we say ohayo gozaimasu to her every time we see her. Even across the street now. She says it back and then starts laughing in her crazy old lady way. That never fails to put a smile on my face. She is so funny.
That lady that we found housing last week at the third to last door we still haven't been able to see. That was a pretty Japanese way to structure a sentence. My bad. But its cool at the same time. Anyways. She's going to Naha for a while and we won't be able to see her until July. I think July will be a really awesome month. It seems like everything is being set up for a good July.
And if you send a package for my birthday please send manly deodorant. You can't find much deodorant here. And I'm almost out.
And I did get the package. Just yesterday. Thank you. It has been fun and tasty. I have enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
So that mom that prayed last sunday said she would come to church this week. And we visited them again on saturday to remind her but she only came out long enough to see if we transferred and then had to go watch the volleyball game. But we talked to her kids. And we weren't really that confident that she was going to show up to church. But she and both her kids came. And it was so awesome. We haven't had many investigators come to church. Hopefully we can keep that up. I love that family. They are so awesome. We went and watched the son play basketball a while ago. He's pretty good. It was just a small game so we were commentating ourselves. And we didn't know anyone's name except Hank's so we made up names. Like Yellow Belly, Goggles, Iron Man, Addict, Sir Lunacy, and my personal favorite: Whitey Tightey's Got His Genki Out. They are a high school team. And they are good. But the middle school team they were playing beat them. So that was sad. But it was fun. And as we were leaving a random girl said Otsukaresama desu to me. Which literally means you are mister tired. It means like good work you hard worker. I don't know why she said that. She must have fallen in love with me.
Which reminds me of that eikaiwa girl that fell in love with me last week. She was there again. And the first thing she said is so you get your call tomorrow from Fukuoka saying if you transfer or not. I sure hope you don't get transferred. Her English was a little more broken than that but that's what she said. And she was dressed up this time and wearing perfume. I don't know if that was because of me or if she just goes out like that to eikaiwa at 8:00 pm. Poor girl. I really didn't mean to make her fall in love with me. My bad.
And the Japanese word for grenade is shuryuudan. Dad. I expect you to teach that to everyone at work. The double u in the middle is an extra long oo sound.
We hear that the rainy season is almost over here. And we were surprised because it hasn't rained that much. Its rained way more than Utah has in the past 10 years but for Ishigaki it hasn't been very much. And then we had the rain storm of our life yesterday. Right after we heard it was almost over and that it had been a gentle rain season. That was fun. I've never seen such rain. And such humidity. I am seriously dying. It is way too humid. But Ishigaki is still awesome. I love it so much.
Yesterday Elder Munro said he woke up in the night to an earthquake and everything was shaking and stuff. I didn't though. But then the branch president said there was an earthquake. So that is scary. I sure hope there won't be a tsunami here. That would not be fun. But it is possible. President Yonaha even has plans in the next few weeks to teach the branch about tsunami safety. I hope that doesn't scare you mom. I'll be fine if there is a tsunami. We already know where we are going to go. There is a tall building near our apartment. So we're good. Shinpai shinai de kudasai.
Well I'm peacing out. I love you all. Have a good week. I'll talk to you later. Mata ne. Bye bye. Shitsureshimasu.
Love リドル長老
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Today we make new legend. Taketomi P day (week 23)
Hi. The other day I saw a shirt. It said: The youth has vigor. Young people can take advantage of others. I just thought I'd share that with you. The Japanese English is everywhere here. I love it. I see it all the time.
So I hope things back in Utah have been good. I hear its hot. Its not really that hot here right now but its more humid than you can imagine. Its raining a lot. Rainy season. And that just makes it more humid. Like death. I can't believe how humid it is. I can't stand it. I want Utah's weather back. That is the good weather of the world. If Ishigaki had Utah weather then this would be the best place on earth.
This week has been pretty good for me. I've seen some pretty cool stuff happen. We went housing for hours and hours on Thursday. We housed this huge building that took forever. And almost no one answered the door. We taught a few quick lessons but no one really seemed to be solid. And we were tired and hot and we wanted to go. On the top floor is where we always start. Because its easier to go down than go up. So we stay to do the whole building. I said beranda kara tobimasu a couple times. You can try to figure that out on your own. And then on the bottom floor something happened. It was the third to last door. And we almost forgot that area because it didn't look like apartments were over there. But we went. And an old lady came to the door that said she teaches her grandkids or something to believe in God and liked what we had and she took a pamphlet and Book of Mormon very happily and said of course we could come back and wants to hear more. That doesn't happen very much. So that was cool. That blessed woman will get baptized soon.
So there is this Japanese lady here who is fluent in english. She is better than I am at english. She uses words that are too big for my vocabulary. And she teaches eikaiwa at her house every week and we go to help out because we are native speakers and she still has an accent. And while we were there she told one of the high school girls to come read to me and then have me help her pronunciation and then we were just talking and stuff. She was really good at english. And she asked what I want to do when I go home. And I said I'm interested in entering the FBI. And she got all excited and basically fell in love with me. And that is not an exaggeration. High school girls love white guys. And everyone thinks the FBI like is secret agents and does stuff you see in movies and stuff so they think that is really cool. So I accidentally made her fall in love with me. My bad. The Japanese lady's husband speaks english too. And when he heard that he said he has never met a boy with so much ambition. Japanese people are so funny.
Also we taught a lesson yesterday. there is a family that is fluent in english and japanese. So we can teach in english. And Elder Munro keeps telling me when we get there that I have the lesson with no preparation. Last time we met them it went real good so he thinks I am just the best and should always take it when we teach them. So I did. And it was only the mom. And we talked and had a great time. And then we taught her. And I took the lead again but it was ok. And I felt the Spirit really strongly. And that was way cool. And then at the end she volunteered to say the prayer. That never happens. And she prayed in Japanese so I couldn't understand very well. But after Elder Munro said she said she felt a good feeling as we taught her and that she wants it back. We invited her to go to church on sunday. And I think she will keep that commitment. I really hope so. Anyways. It was just good. I feel like the Spirit told me exactly what to say to help her concerns. It was a super cool experience.
And this week is transfers. So I might get transferred away from Ishigaki. But I kind of doubt it. Elder Munro has been here three transfers so he is pretty sure he's leaving. He really doesn't want to go. I don't either. I would love to spend the rest of my mission here.
And Japanese people love to see pictures of the family so I always carry them around. And everyone says Dad is so young. And they ask how old and they all say my parents are so young. You are weirdly young to them. Just so you know.
Well. I should go now. I love you. Have a good week. I know I will. If I stay in Ishigaki.
Love Josh
So I hope things back in Utah have been good. I hear its hot. Its not really that hot here right now but its more humid than you can imagine. Its raining a lot. Rainy season. And that just makes it more humid. Like death. I can't believe how humid it is. I can't stand it. I want Utah's weather back. That is the good weather of the world. If Ishigaki had Utah weather then this would be the best place on earth.
This week has been pretty good for me. I've seen some pretty cool stuff happen. We went housing for hours and hours on Thursday. We housed this huge building that took forever. And almost no one answered the door. We taught a few quick lessons but no one really seemed to be solid. And we were tired and hot and we wanted to go. On the top floor is where we always start. Because its easier to go down than go up. So we stay to do the whole building. I said beranda kara tobimasu a couple times. You can try to figure that out on your own. And then on the bottom floor something happened. It was the third to last door. And we almost forgot that area because it didn't look like apartments were over there. But we went. And an old lady came to the door that said she teaches her grandkids or something to believe in God and liked what we had and she took a pamphlet and Book of Mormon very happily and said of course we could come back and wants to hear more. That doesn't happen very much. So that was cool. That blessed woman will get baptized soon.
So there is this Japanese lady here who is fluent in english. She is better than I am at english. She uses words that are too big for my vocabulary. And she teaches eikaiwa at her house every week and we go to help out because we are native speakers and she still has an accent. And while we were there she told one of the high school girls to come read to me and then have me help her pronunciation and then we were just talking and stuff. She was really good at english. And she asked what I want to do when I go home. And I said I'm interested in entering the FBI. And she got all excited and basically fell in love with me. And that is not an exaggeration. High school girls love white guys. And everyone thinks the FBI like is secret agents and does stuff you see in movies and stuff so they think that is really cool. So I accidentally made her fall in love with me. My bad. The Japanese lady's husband speaks english too. And when he heard that he said he has never met a boy with so much ambition. Japanese people are so funny.
Also we taught a lesson yesterday. there is a family that is fluent in english and japanese. So we can teach in english. And Elder Munro keeps telling me when we get there that I have the lesson with no preparation. Last time we met them it went real good so he thinks I am just the best and should always take it when we teach them. So I did. And it was only the mom. And we talked and had a great time. And then we taught her. And I took the lead again but it was ok. And I felt the Spirit really strongly. And that was way cool. And then at the end she volunteered to say the prayer. That never happens. And she prayed in Japanese so I couldn't understand very well. But after Elder Munro said she said she felt a good feeling as we taught her and that she wants it back. We invited her to go to church on sunday. And I think she will keep that commitment. I really hope so. Anyways. It was just good. I feel like the Spirit told me exactly what to say to help her concerns. It was a super cool experience.
And this week is transfers. So I might get transferred away from Ishigaki. But I kind of doubt it. Elder Munro has been here three transfers so he is pretty sure he's leaving. He really doesn't want to go. I don't either. I would love to spend the rest of my mission here.
And Japanese people love to see pictures of the family so I always carry them around. And everyone says Dad is so young. And they ask how old and they all say my parents are so young. You are weirdly young to them. Just so you know.
Well. I should go now. I love you. Have a good week. I know I will. If I stay in Ishigaki.
Love Josh
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