So this week was pretty good. We spent the first few days on Miyako island and had a good time there. Me and the junior companion on Miyako, Elder Bunderson, went out to dendo together. It was fun. That man is so full of wisdom. And it was scary because both of us have really rocky Japanese. But it was good. And I felt the spirit when we taught. We gave a Book of Mormon to a girl. Giving out Book of Mormons is not really that common here. So that was very exciting. Its hard to get people to take the Book of Mormon unless they can really feel that it is important. Japanese people don't like to take things from you especially if it is something like a book. Its too big of a thing to accept from someone. They are worried about costing us money. And its really hard to get them to listen at all. Once they hear the word church they put their hand up and tell us they don't have any interest. And they close the doors really fast. Sometimes they close the door while we are talking. Its weird. But whatever. Its still fun. Ish. Japanese is scary.
So yesterday we had a couple Relief Society leaders come from Naha to visit our branch. And the speakers were going to be those two and President Yonaha. Well earlier this week President Yonaha's wife called us and asked us to teach the sunday school lesson because she was going to Okinawa. And then on Sunday morning President Yonaha called and said Surprise! I'm in Okinawa! And by the way I won't be able to speak today. So guess who got to pull a talk out of the air yesterday. Me. Those blessed women who were visiting and they gave long talks so I only had to give like a 7 minute talk. That was scary. But I was able to do it. It was about feeling the spirit through music. And I knew all the Japanese I had to use and I felt the spirit so it went good. I shared a story about the previous day when we had eikaiwa with only one person. But we didn't really have eikaiwa. We actually just talked to her and she played some stuff on the piano. She is way good and has a concert today. It was really fun. She played lots of classical music for us that I recognized and it was very nice to hear that again. And I felt the spirit during her music. It was nice to just talk to her and focus on her. Usually her husband comes to eikaiwa too but he dominates her. She kind of fades into the background with him around. So I think it was nice for her to be appreciated. And the spirit was there. I think she would accept the gospel if her husband didn't dominate her so much. He is happy to hear our spiritual messages but has no need to change or anything. And his wife just kind of goes along with it. Anyways.
And while I was talking to her she told me of a person she knows with a cello on Ishigaki. She wants me to go visit her. So we will probably do that. But the way to find her is at a tea place. And so we kind of can't buy anything there unless they have mugicha. So it could be awkward.
Did I tell you about a guy who wants to be taught the cello? President Yonaha came to me one day like a week ago and told me a man wants to learn the cello and he has a cello but no teacher. No one on Ishigaki teaches the cello. So he asked if I could teach him until I transfer. And I said yes. So we will see how that goes. We still haven't contacted this man. So we'll see.
So our investigators are really starting to just sit where they are. No one is progressing. Even O_____ san. That makes me sad. She was doing so well. I hope we can get her to start moving forward again. She just won't pray about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and stuff. We will meet her tomorrow. So I hope that goes well. I am going to take the lead in that one. So pray that I will be ok with Japanese.
I hope all is going well at home. I am praying for you all. I hope you have a speedy recovery, Mom. And I hope everything works out for the best with deciding which way to go at work, Dad. I'll be praying for you. I'm confident things will go the way God wants. And I pray for you too Kate. I am glad you weren't mugged at work and stuff. I'm glad people wanted to buy food instead.
I'll try to answer some questions now. Elder Munro's first name is Elder. Nothing is really new in Ishigaki these days. The members are as wonderful as ever. Even the less active ones. They are just the best ever. I love them so much. The members here have become my family. I never want to leave. Japanese is very difficult. But I'm getting better. I study every day and I use it a lot every day. So its getting better. But its very difficult to understand people.
Well I love you all. I'm pretty much out of time. So have a good week. I love you. This place rocks. I am way happy here. These past couple days have been crazy and hard and scary but they have been my happiest. I love it.
愛しています。いい一日を
リドル長老
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Sorry I'm late. The plane to Miyako took forever. (Week 32)
A new condition. A new state of mind if you will: Sweet shiny hearts of acceptance.
So this week was exciting. We didn't get nearly as much done as I wanted to because we were nailed by a typhoon and stuck in the apartment for a couple days. That was interesting. There is only so much you can do in the apartment. And then you explode and have to leave and go preach some gospel. I've never seen so much rain an wind. It was pretty intense. Today is another typhoon. It is just kind of hitting Ishigaki with the edge right now. And hitting Miyako more directly. And its taking Okinawa out. And going towards China. Just so you know. We were in the super tiny Miyako plane that takes a half hour to get from Ishigaki to Miyako. That is fun. My second time on that plane. My 14th plane. And the turbulocity during the landing was basically way scary. The plane kept dropping like 40 feet and was being jarred left and right as we were inches above the runway. I thought we were dead meat. But the pilot successfully landed softer than I have ever experienced in an airplane. So yeah. Today has been an adventure.
So I had a couple dreams in Japanese this week. It was still like way hard to communicate but I was dreaming in Japanese. And I thought that was pretty cool. One of them was one of the scariest dreams I've ever had though. We don't have to go into it. But it was in Japanese so I still loved it. Just so yall know whuts going down in the hood.
So missionaries always make jokes about all the Japanese girls that fall in love with white guys and always yell kakkoii at them and stuff. That basically means you're cool. And I thought that was all fun and whatever but I only have ever seen them get giggly and stuff around me. Only the truly bold ones speak. And they only speak to ask me if I want to go out with them. So I thought the screaming girls was just exaggeration. But this week three of them were together and started screaming kakkoii at us and stuff. And I just busted up laughing. The stories are true. Girls really do that. Can you believe that?
And before I forget. This morning on my way to the airport I saw some guy walking the streets of Ishigaki wearing a BYU shirt.
So I want to send a package home. But I don't have the money to do it. So think about that I guess. And decide whether mom's birthday present is really worth sending.
On Saturday we went to a matsuri. That's like a big festival. It was so much fun. I'll send pictures sometime. It was so awesome. We saw some guys that hold these huge poles with cool flag stuff on top. One guy holds it and two guys have a rope and two guys have poles to help keep it balanced and they pass it around and walk around with it and almost drop them and stuff. I was almost hit by one. It was so fun. And there were parades and cute little Japanese kids dancing and playing drums and stuff. It was way awesome. And then it was getting dark. And they had two platforms with a bunch of people under them holding them up and then they meet and the two guys on top started fighting and stuff with sickles and spears. It was cool. And at one point drums were going and chanting and stuff and it was getting way intense. And then we had the biggest tug a war. How do you spell that? I don't know English. Anyways. The rope was so big around that I would probably barely be able to bear hug it. with little ropes coming off so you can actually grab it. It was 130 meters long. And hundreds of people were involved. It was the coolest thing ever. And my side won. We wasted. It was so good. I am amazed with Japan. They have progressed so quickly in the world and yet they keep their history better than anyone else. It was way cool. So much fun. Though there was one bimyo part. There was a guy in the parade who was dressed weird. It was inappropriate in a weird way. But we don't have to get into it. But he saw the branch presidents 7 year old daughter and charged her to scare her. And then went away. And the thoughts that went through my head were what in the world is that?! and then I'll punch you square in the face if you get closer to her and then again what in the world was that!?. It was so weird. And then the branch presidents wife started apologizing to me. Come on Japan. Sometimes Japan is a little bit different. Kind of weird. Anyways. That was quite the experience.
And the branch says we made it into the newspaper because someone took a picture of our area on the road. But I haven't seen it.
So about our investigators. They have all kind of stopped in their progression for a bit. But they are about to make more progress real fast. I can tell. So its ok. Just sad for this week. People are just kind of doing nothing right now. But soon. They will all receive baptism. So worry not.
Well that is kind of how things are this week.
Inner peace and enlightenment can only be achieved after there are no places left on your body to bruise.
Loves. Elder Josh 長老
So this week was exciting. We didn't get nearly as much done as I wanted to because we were nailed by a typhoon and stuck in the apartment for a couple days. That was interesting. There is only so much you can do in the apartment. And then you explode and have to leave and go preach some gospel. I've never seen so much rain an wind. It was pretty intense. Today is another typhoon. It is just kind of hitting Ishigaki with the edge right now. And hitting Miyako more directly. And its taking Okinawa out. And going towards China. Just so you know. We were in the super tiny Miyako plane that takes a half hour to get from Ishigaki to Miyako. That is fun. My second time on that plane. My 14th plane. And the turbulocity during the landing was basically way scary. The plane kept dropping like 40 feet and was being jarred left and right as we were inches above the runway. I thought we were dead meat. But the pilot successfully landed softer than I have ever experienced in an airplane. So yeah. Today has been an adventure.
So I had a couple dreams in Japanese this week. It was still like way hard to communicate but I was dreaming in Japanese. And I thought that was pretty cool. One of them was one of the scariest dreams I've ever had though. We don't have to go into it. But it was in Japanese so I still loved it. Just so yall know whuts going down in the hood.
So missionaries always make jokes about all the Japanese girls that fall in love with white guys and always yell kakkoii at them and stuff. That basically means you're cool. And I thought that was all fun and whatever but I only have ever seen them get giggly and stuff around me. Only the truly bold ones speak. And they only speak to ask me if I want to go out with them. So I thought the screaming girls was just exaggeration. But this week three of them were together and started screaming kakkoii at us and stuff. And I just busted up laughing. The stories are true. Girls really do that. Can you believe that?
And before I forget. This morning on my way to the airport I saw some guy walking the streets of Ishigaki wearing a BYU shirt.
So I want to send a package home. But I don't have the money to do it. So think about that I guess. And decide whether mom's birthday present is really worth sending.
On Saturday we went to a matsuri. That's like a big festival. It was so much fun. I'll send pictures sometime. It was so awesome. We saw some guys that hold these huge poles with cool flag stuff on top. One guy holds it and two guys have a rope and two guys have poles to help keep it balanced and they pass it around and walk around with it and almost drop them and stuff. I was almost hit by one. It was so fun. And there were parades and cute little Japanese kids dancing and playing drums and stuff. It was way awesome. And then it was getting dark. And they had two platforms with a bunch of people under them holding them up and then they meet and the two guys on top started fighting and stuff with sickles and spears. It was cool. And at one point drums were going and chanting and stuff and it was getting way intense. And then we had the biggest tug a war. How do you spell that? I don't know English. Anyways. The rope was so big around that I would probably barely be able to bear hug it. with little ropes coming off so you can actually grab it. It was 130 meters long. And hundreds of people were involved. It was the coolest thing ever. And my side won. We wasted. It was so good. I am amazed with Japan. They have progressed so quickly in the world and yet they keep their history better than anyone else. It was way cool. So much fun. Though there was one bimyo part. There was a guy in the parade who was dressed weird. It was inappropriate in a weird way. But we don't have to get into it. But he saw the branch presidents 7 year old daughter and charged her to scare her. And then went away. And the thoughts that went through my head were what in the world is that?! and then I'll punch you square in the face if you get closer to her and then again what in the world was that!?. It was so weird. And then the branch presidents wife started apologizing to me. Come on Japan. Sometimes Japan is a little bit different. Kind of weird. Anyways. That was quite the experience.
And the branch says we made it into the newspaper because someone took a picture of our area on the road. But I haven't seen it.
So about our investigators. They have all kind of stopped in their progression for a bit. But they are about to make more progress real fast. I can tell. So its ok. Just sad for this week. People are just kind of doing nothing right now. But soon. They will all receive baptism. So worry not.
Well that is kind of how things are this week.
Inner peace and enlightenment can only be achieved after there are no places left on your body to bruise.
Loves. Elder Josh 長老
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Ishigaki wa saiko desu yo. (Week 31)
Good morning world! I fine sank you and you?
So this week was good I guess. I honestly can't remember most of it. I don't know why. I remember teaching O_____ san twice. We were having a bit of trouble at first with her not praying and reading and stuff. But she said she made a plan to go up into the mountains to pray about everything and see how she feels. So that will be good. I think that could be a really special experience for her. She is just having trouble feeling like a hypocrite because she is still going to the Catholic church and so she feels like she is being a bad person by not sticking to one church. And she won't leave the Catholic church until she knows for sure this is the right thing for her to do. So I'm really hoping she gets her answer this week. The zone leaders made goals for the zone to have a couple baptisms and Ishigaki is one of them that has to get that done. So I think she will get baptized soon. She is such a funny lady. She doesn't even like the Catholic church. She always talks about how bad it is and how no one there lives their religion. And she has a friend who is wondering if the Catholic church is true and she wants to introduce her husband to religion too but O_____ san said she can't introduce him to the Catholic church. She says its too messed up. So she has made arrangements to introduce us to them this week. That blessed woman. Its only a matter of time for her.
So U_____ san did not come to church yesterday. That made me really sad. I love that man so much. He went to go work in his field. He's a busy guy and the weather was too good to pass up a good work day. And it rained a little which I hear makes grass grow real fast and he had to take care of that. I hope he can come next week. I love that man. I keep praying that he will come. He is such a wonderful man.
When I first got to Ishigaki I met an investigator we have named E_____. Or something. I only know her Japanese name which is E_____. She lived her first 20 years in Brazil and then spent her next 20 in Japan. So her Japanese is way good. But still kind of sounds like she has a slight accent. But that is besides the point. She wanted to get baptized a while ago but her husband was way against it and it would basically have destroyed everybody's lives and ate all our steak if she got baptized. But she no longer lives with this man. And when I first met her it was just at ping pong. And since then I didn't meet her until yesterday when she came to the church after church to meet us and a couple members to just talk. She is such a wonderful woman. I think it will start getting easier to meet with her and maybe she will be able to get baptized soon. I really hope so. She is such a wonderful person.
So yesterday I had a talk in sacrament meeting on repentance. It went for like 10 minutes and I didn't write anything down I wanted to say in Japanese. So I had to pump the Japanese out as I spoke. It was hard. But not horrible. I felt like my talk was not very flowy. But it went good I think. I had a really special experience while speaking. I was sharing something concerning repentance that I experienced that was very personal and close to me. So I won't talk about that here. But while I shared it in sacrament meeting in Japanese I really felt the Spirit. And I said one sentence I had not planned on. And had I been speaking English I probably would have caught myself and not said it. But it was harder to catch what I was doing in Japanese. And after I said it I realized what I said. And then tears came to my eyes and I had to stop speaking for a minute so I wouldn't just cry. A few of the members had tears too. It was cool. And it is nice to know that I can feel the spirit like that when I'm using really broken Japanese. It was a good experience. And a record length talk in Japanese for me.
So. I'm running out of things to say. I talk to the Yonaha's kids a lot. Sara and Kei. The youngest ones. And they always tell me to speak English. And then I just tell them I don't speak English. And then I tell them I don't speak Japanese and that really drives them crazy and they keep saying but you're speaking Japanese right now. But I just keep saying I don't and they go nuts. Its so hilarious. I love those little Japanese children. Way too cute.
We went housing this week. In like a weird group of apartments that were somehow cut off from the rest of the world. It was way creepy. there was no one there. Except two people. One of which only talked to us through his front door. Come on Japan. But it was creepy. We could see cars in the distance and hear construction sounds and stuff but it just felt way creepy. I didn't really like that one.
So we had a gyoza dinner the other night in our apartment. Gyoza and rice. And it was really romantic. We used the lightsaber chopsticks for a pop of color and we had the mood lighting on and quiet Kenny G Christmas music playing and some nice romantic fragrances wafting through the air. The funniest part was that we did it all on accident and realized at the same time how romantic that dinner could have been had the other person not been a guy. It was funny.
So one time we were at a store. And I had the distinct thought that any one of these people could be watching me and what I do as a missionary. So I made sure not to do anything stupid. And I just looked at some watches while Elder Munro finished his phone call. And then we left and I thought nothing of it. But then like two weeks later one of the members just mentions that she has a friend that works at that store and told her she saw the missionaries. And then Sister Murayama asked what we were doing. And then she said we were just looking at watches. I just thought that was interesting that I had that thought and found out weeks later someone actually was watching me. I'm sure glad I didn't do anything stupid.
So if my memory serves me my parents have an anniversary this year. And that they have been married almost 22 years now. Wow. Someone's old. Well happy anniversary! Anniversary Omedeto! Have a wonderful anniversary.
And this next part is for Grandma Liddle. Grandma. Thank you for the card and the gift. I really appreciate it. I will definitely be able to find a use for it so don't you worry. Thank you very much. I love you.
Well I think thats about what I have to say today. I hope you all have a good day. Be awesome. I love you all. I love Ishigaki so much. I'm not going to transfer away from here. No one can force me on the plane. Anyways. Peace out. Heian soto. 愛しているよ。れドル家族は一番です。
ジョシュア・リドル長老
So this week was good I guess. I honestly can't remember most of it. I don't know why. I remember teaching O_____ san twice. We were having a bit of trouble at first with her not praying and reading and stuff. But she said she made a plan to go up into the mountains to pray about everything and see how she feels. So that will be good. I think that could be a really special experience for her. She is just having trouble feeling like a hypocrite because she is still going to the Catholic church and so she feels like she is being a bad person by not sticking to one church. And she won't leave the Catholic church until she knows for sure this is the right thing for her to do. So I'm really hoping she gets her answer this week. The zone leaders made goals for the zone to have a couple baptisms and Ishigaki is one of them that has to get that done. So I think she will get baptized soon. She is such a funny lady. She doesn't even like the Catholic church. She always talks about how bad it is and how no one there lives their religion. And she has a friend who is wondering if the Catholic church is true and she wants to introduce her husband to religion too but O_____ san said she can't introduce him to the Catholic church. She says its too messed up. So she has made arrangements to introduce us to them this week. That blessed woman. Its only a matter of time for her.
So U_____ san did not come to church yesterday. That made me really sad. I love that man so much. He went to go work in his field. He's a busy guy and the weather was too good to pass up a good work day. And it rained a little which I hear makes grass grow real fast and he had to take care of that. I hope he can come next week. I love that man. I keep praying that he will come. He is such a wonderful man.
When I first got to Ishigaki I met an investigator we have named E_____. Or something. I only know her Japanese name which is E_____. She lived her first 20 years in Brazil and then spent her next 20 in Japan. So her Japanese is way good. But still kind of sounds like she has a slight accent. But that is besides the point. She wanted to get baptized a while ago but her husband was way against it and it would basically have destroyed everybody's lives and ate all our steak if she got baptized. But she no longer lives with this man. And when I first met her it was just at ping pong. And since then I didn't meet her until yesterday when she came to the church after church to meet us and a couple members to just talk. She is such a wonderful woman. I think it will start getting easier to meet with her and maybe she will be able to get baptized soon. I really hope so. She is such a wonderful person.
So yesterday I had a talk in sacrament meeting on repentance. It went for like 10 minutes and I didn't write anything down I wanted to say in Japanese. So I had to pump the Japanese out as I spoke. It was hard. But not horrible. I felt like my talk was not very flowy. But it went good I think. I had a really special experience while speaking. I was sharing something concerning repentance that I experienced that was very personal and close to me. So I won't talk about that here. But while I shared it in sacrament meeting in Japanese I really felt the Spirit. And I said one sentence I had not planned on. And had I been speaking English I probably would have caught myself and not said it. But it was harder to catch what I was doing in Japanese. And after I said it I realized what I said. And then tears came to my eyes and I had to stop speaking for a minute so I wouldn't just cry. A few of the members had tears too. It was cool. And it is nice to know that I can feel the spirit like that when I'm using really broken Japanese. It was a good experience. And a record length talk in Japanese for me.
So. I'm running out of things to say. I talk to the Yonaha's kids a lot. Sara and Kei. The youngest ones. And they always tell me to speak English. And then I just tell them I don't speak English. And then I tell them I don't speak Japanese and that really drives them crazy and they keep saying but you're speaking Japanese right now. But I just keep saying I don't and they go nuts. Its so hilarious. I love those little Japanese children. Way too cute.
We went housing this week. In like a weird group of apartments that were somehow cut off from the rest of the world. It was way creepy. there was no one there. Except two people. One of which only talked to us through his front door. Come on Japan. But it was creepy. We could see cars in the distance and hear construction sounds and stuff but it just felt way creepy. I didn't really like that one.
So we had a gyoza dinner the other night in our apartment. Gyoza and rice. And it was really romantic. We used the lightsaber chopsticks for a pop of color and we had the mood lighting on and quiet Kenny G Christmas music playing and some nice romantic fragrances wafting through the air. The funniest part was that we did it all on accident and realized at the same time how romantic that dinner could have been had the other person not been a guy. It was funny.
So one time we were at a store. And I had the distinct thought that any one of these people could be watching me and what I do as a missionary. So I made sure not to do anything stupid. And I just looked at some watches while Elder Munro finished his phone call. And then we left and I thought nothing of it. But then like two weeks later one of the members just mentions that she has a friend that works at that store and told her she saw the missionaries. And then Sister Murayama asked what we were doing. And then she said we were just looking at watches. I just thought that was interesting that I had that thought and found out weeks later someone actually was watching me. I'm sure glad I didn't do anything stupid.
So if my memory serves me my parents have an anniversary this year. And that they have been married almost 22 years now. Wow. Someone's old. Well happy anniversary! Anniversary Omedeto! Have a wonderful anniversary.
And this next part is for Grandma Liddle. Grandma. Thank you for the card and the gift. I really appreciate it. I will definitely be able to find a use for it so don't you worry. Thank you very much. I love you.
Well I think thats about what I have to say today. I hope you all have a good day. Be awesome. I love you all. I love Ishigaki so much. I'm not going to transfer away from here. No one can force me on the plane. Anyways. Peace out. Heian soto. 愛しているよ。れドル家族は一番です。
ジョシュア・リドル長老
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Still in good old Ishigaks (Week 30)
Transfers was a success! I wasn't transferred. And about Elder Munro. Well he already spent 4 transfers here and that is a long time. Only one time have we heard of anyone going for 5 transfers. But President Gustafson didn't want to change very many people so he is still here! Going for the legendary fifth transfer! And that almost guarantees that I will spend four transfers in the wonderful Ishigaks! This is my third. And Elder Munro will almost definitely be transferred next transfer at the end of august and odds are they won't transfer both of us. Yes!
So I'm like 21 now. I've been telling everyone that I'm excited because I can buy alcohol in the United States now. No more of this under 21 business for me. I'm a free man. I own the world. But in Japan you only have to be 20 for alcohol. So I guess I already owned Japan.
Yesterday after church the branch threw me a surprise birthday party. I walked into the primary room and then everyone started singing and there was a cake and they gave me a card. I'll have to send a picture of the card. Most of it is in Japanese. But I can read just about all of it. They are such wonderful people. And one of them drew me like if I was an anime character. So now we know what I would look like as a simple anime character. And a couple girls wrote I love you on it. Oh boy. Jk. Only one of them is actually in love with me. Well I love this branch. They are such wonderful people. I love them so much. I can't even say. I love them more than I can say.
I did make my cake. Thank you for the package. It was fun. I liked it. Thank you very much. This week was one of our investigators birthdays too. And so we made my cake for her and cut it into her name. Y_____. san. But there was cake shavings left over so I still got almost an entire cake. I'll send pictures. She really liked her cake. I hope you don't mind that I made it for her rather than me.
So about U_____ san. That wonderful man. 70 years of wisdom and kindness in an old genki body. I love him so much. He'll probably start coming to church soon. He couldn't yesterday. And he was very apologetic. So I think next week he might be able to come. He is so funny. He always tells me how I say their name perfect. Even Japanese people can't say their name right. So they always ask me to pray so they can hear me say it. Those funny blessed people.
So O_____ san. We are still meeting with her. Twice this past week with members present. But she isn't progressing right now. She isn't praying about Joseph Smith and stuff. I'm not sure why. I don't know that she understands the need for the spiritual confirmation. But we'll fix that. And someday she will definitely get baptized. I just hope it happens quick. She said she can come to church this coming week. So that will be good. I have another talk. On repentance. We'll see how that goes.
So. You know its hot if the shower every morning doesn't go cold enough. Nuff said.
Last Pday we went around with the branch president and his family. His family is like 8 people. The Yonaha family. With the father Hirokazu, mother Yoko, daughter Yui at age 17, daughter Rin at age 16 (not to be confused with Eikaiwa Rin who is in love with me), daugher Kana at age 14ish, son Hiro at age 10ish, daughter Sara at age 7 almost 8, and the cutest little tiniest 6 year old daughter Kei that I have ever seen. She is too cute. And hilarious. We went to spend time by rivers and at some huge park with a bridge and we ate ice cream and it was way fun. I love that family so much. They are such wonderful people. We think Yui likes me. Another one falls victim to my good looks and wonderful personality. Anyways. It was just a way fun Pday with wonderful people. I love having activites with the branch members. Those are the funnest.
One time this week we were biking home real fast because we had to make it home on time. But Elder Munro got caught by something and fell behind. So I stopped and waited and some guy rode slowly by on his bike. And I said Konban wa like I always do. No attempt to stop him because there wasn't time. But he stopped anyways and was all like hows it going? So I thought well injan I might as well introduce me. And I did and we talked about how he has met missionaries before and we gave him an eikaiwa thing and he said he would go if he had time and seemed like he really was interested. Unfortunately we had no time to get his info because he had to go too. And then we still made it back home on time.
Also I told the branch that Erika's favorite animal is a dolphin. In japanese that is Iruka. So Erika's favorite animal is Iruka. And then I said Erika is an iruka. Which is Erika wa iruka desu. The branch loves how close Erika is to iruka. And Yonaha Rin made a joke which I thought was funny. Erika wa iruka is plain form of Erika is a dolphin. But if you said Erika wa iru ka? it means is Erika here? It was funny. The same pronunciation means two things. That happens a lot here.
Well. I think that is it for this week. Have a good week yourselves. I appreciate the emails even if I don't really reply to them very well. Thank you for them. Have a good day celebrating me. I love you.
リドル長老
So I'm like 21 now. I've been telling everyone that I'm excited because I can buy alcohol in the United States now. No more of this under 21 business for me. I'm a free man. I own the world. But in Japan you only have to be 20 for alcohol. So I guess I already owned Japan.
Yesterday after church the branch threw me a surprise birthday party. I walked into the primary room and then everyone started singing and there was a cake and they gave me a card. I'll have to send a picture of the card. Most of it is in Japanese. But I can read just about all of it. They are such wonderful people. And one of them drew me like if I was an anime character. So now we know what I would look like as a simple anime character. And a couple girls wrote I love you on it. Oh boy. Jk. Only one of them is actually in love with me. Well I love this branch. They are such wonderful people. I love them so much. I can't even say. I love them more than I can say.
I did make my cake. Thank you for the package. It was fun. I liked it. Thank you very much. This week was one of our investigators birthdays too. And so we made my cake for her and cut it into her name. Y_____. san. But there was cake shavings left over so I still got almost an entire cake. I'll send pictures. She really liked her cake. I hope you don't mind that I made it for her rather than me.
So about U_____ san. That wonderful man. 70 years of wisdom and kindness in an old genki body. I love him so much. He'll probably start coming to church soon. He couldn't yesterday. And he was very apologetic. So I think next week he might be able to come. He is so funny. He always tells me how I say their name perfect. Even Japanese people can't say their name right. So they always ask me to pray so they can hear me say it. Those funny blessed people.
So O_____ san. We are still meeting with her. Twice this past week with members present. But she isn't progressing right now. She isn't praying about Joseph Smith and stuff. I'm not sure why. I don't know that she understands the need for the spiritual confirmation. But we'll fix that. And someday she will definitely get baptized. I just hope it happens quick. She said she can come to church this coming week. So that will be good. I have another talk. On repentance. We'll see how that goes.
So. You know its hot if the shower every morning doesn't go cold enough. Nuff said.
Last Pday we went around with the branch president and his family. His family is like 8 people. The Yonaha family. With the father Hirokazu, mother Yoko, daughter Yui at age 17, daughter Rin at age 16 (not to be confused with Eikaiwa Rin who is in love with me), daugher Kana at age 14ish, son Hiro at age 10ish, daughter Sara at age 7 almost 8, and the cutest little tiniest 6 year old daughter Kei that I have ever seen. She is too cute. And hilarious. We went to spend time by rivers and at some huge park with a bridge and we ate ice cream and it was way fun. I love that family so much. They are such wonderful people. We think Yui likes me. Another one falls victim to my good looks and wonderful personality. Anyways. It was just a way fun Pday with wonderful people. I love having activites with the branch members. Those are the funnest.
One time this week we were biking home real fast because we had to make it home on time. But Elder Munro got caught by something and fell behind. So I stopped and waited and some guy rode slowly by on his bike. And I said Konban wa like I always do. No attempt to stop him because there wasn't time. But he stopped anyways and was all like hows it going? So I thought well injan I might as well introduce me. And I did and we talked about how he has met missionaries before and we gave him an eikaiwa thing and he said he would go if he had time and seemed like he really was interested. Unfortunately we had no time to get his info because he had to go too. And then we still made it back home on time.
Also I told the branch that Erika's favorite animal is a dolphin. In japanese that is Iruka. So Erika's favorite animal is Iruka. And then I said Erika is an iruka. Which is Erika wa iruka desu. The branch loves how close Erika is to iruka. And Yonaha Rin made a joke which I thought was funny. Erika wa iruka is plain form of Erika is a dolphin. But if you said Erika wa iru ka? it means is Erika here? It was funny. The same pronunciation means two things. That happens a lot here.
Well. I think that is it for this week. Have a good week yourselves. I appreciate the emails even if I don't really reply to them very well. Thank you for them. Have a good day celebrating me. I love you.
リドル長老
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Harro. I fine sank you anjew? (Week 29)
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
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 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
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