So. This week has been pretty good. Pretty crazy and long but way fast. I feel like it was way fast but I can't even remember the first part of last week because it was so long ago.
I rode airplanes number 18 and 19 this week. The super tiny propeller plane that goes to Miyako. We had a junkai in Miyako with the Miyako elders and the zone leaders flew in from Naha. So it was a good few days actually being with missionaries. Iino 長老 was my zone leader last transfer so I got a new one this transfer. His name is Elder De la Mare. He is such a wonderful soul. I love that man so much. He is such a great missionary. I got to go housing with him for a while. And a bit of streeting but Miyako is way tiny too so not many people walk the streets. And I learned so much from him. I learned how to truly love dendo with that man. I had such a good time. And he pushed me to speak more Japanese than I feel comfortable doing but I found out that I was able to do a lot more than I thought I was able to. And my housing style greatly improved in those short hours. I learned so much from him. And I loved it. I'm ready to get going on Ishigaki. Tanoshiku Dendo Shimasho!
While I was housing with Elder De la Mare we found a nice woman with three children who listened to us. And she was great. She was listening and she was into it and it was just so good. She took a Book of Mormon and said she would read it and we made a return appointment for the Miyako Elders. And then later that evening when we switched up companions Elder De la Mare came back to the apartment and told us a miraculous tale. He said he found the mother of the nice lady I found with him and she too took a Book of Mormon and made a return appointment. And the mother and daughter have no idea the other found the missionaries. It was way cool. A family on Miyako is going to get baptized. I had a good junkai in Miyako.
So yesterday the police came to our door. I couldn't understand anything he said but Iino 長老 said he was looking for a thief.
O_____ san said I have good teeth just out of nowhere. She really likes them. Other than that there isn't much to report on her. She isn't really progressing anymore. I think she is afraid of something. But I don't know what.
Most of our investigators are just sitting around not doing much. Its really hard. No one is doing anything. And it makes me sad. We did have one investigator say he will get baptized if he receives an answer to his prayer that this church is true. But I am afraid he will give up on praying before he gets an answer. That seems to be the pattern with him and his family. But I hope we can help them. We received some good training from the zone leaders that should help actually.
And we found a new investigator! His name is M_____ san. He is a nice older man. We left him with a Book of Mormon last week and asked him to read some of it and the Restoration pamphlet. And we went back yesterday and immediately he jumped up and got his Book of Mormon and started to ask a few questions and wants to know who Joseph Smith is. He is a great little humble man. I hope we can bring the gospel to him. I'm glad to have a new investigator. We've been looking for a long time.
I think I sent a picture of me in some cool Japanese pajamas one time. I asked Iino 長老 if I could go outside in them and he said I could but that I would be like a kitanai Ojiisan. Which being interpreted means dirty grandpa.
So this whole Japanese all the time thing is really hard. I am struggling. And I have times when my brain explodes and I just don't want to speak or hear another word in this language. It is really hard. And things have been so hard this week. So I'm going to need you to double or triple your prayers for me. Onegai Shimasu.
Though this week has been really good. Probably my favorite week on the mission so far. I just love being here and I have been able to do a lot of cool stuff and I love to go out and dendo and the only real problem for me this week is Japanese. No other challenges really came this week. It was so good. Anyways. I just love this place. I love that I get to have the opportunity to be here.
On Saturday night we got a phone call. From the Yonahas. You always know its bad if they call on a Saturday night. Everything for Sunday basically fell apart. The stake leaders coming couldn't fly in because of the Typhoon. So the talks were going to be given by the missionaries. And Yonaha shimai asked us to teach sunday school for her. And Tagawa kyodai told us that the Typhoon would keep him at work on Taketomi island so we had to teach priesthood meeting. We found all of this out on Saturday. And my brain exploded. Japanese is too hard to do that. But we made it.
And just so you know if I don't email next week in a timely manner or at all it will be because we might bike around Ishigaki. But Elder Iino doesn't want to so we might not do it. We'll see. It would take like 10 hours or something.
It isn't really fall here. People keep telling us when it will start cooling down. They say around November or December. It will never get cold here.
Well. I should probably go now. I hope you are all well. I love you. And I love the mission. I have had such a great week. This week I am a happy man. Peace.
Love Elder 利怒瑠 (RichAngrySapphire)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Its time for eggnog! (Week 37)
Well you are probably all wondering why I called you here today.
Firstly I'd like to say that my first full week of Nihongo dake went pretty ok. Japanese only. Its been hard. But kind of fun. Maybe it wasn't exactly Nihongo dake because Elder Iino can understand a lot of english. His vocabulary is impressive. But if you get too complicated with the grammar and stuff then he has no idea what you're going on about. So I can ask him how to say things in English first if I don't know how to in Japanese. So that has been really nice. And when I get really frustrated I just go off in really fast English to calm me down. So its been exciting. And I can say more than I thought I could. But still not all that much.
Secondly I'd like to say that on this beautiful Monday morning I watched Elder Holland's devotional last Sunday night. But it was live. How do I do that? I must be a Timelord or something. And it was really good. I love that man. That kind of reminded me of seeing him in the MTC. Only he was a lot more in your face in the MTC. It was good.
Thirdly. I want to tell you that Iino 長老 taught me some new Japanese. Barabara satsujin jiken. And then he said its yoku tsukau. Which means its used a lot. And the first word means random. The second word means manslaughter. And the third word means happening or event. Yoku tsukau? Why on earth would you use a phrase like that often?
Fourthly I want to send you my Christmas list. I have some stuff I will need by then and I just want to tell you because I'm in the Christmasy mood and I don't want to forget closer to Christmas. Now its up to you to remember and I don't have responsibility anymore. I need a new head for my razor by Christmas. The name of this razor is Philips Norelco SensoTouch 1150X. I need a replacement shaving unit, model RQ11. The book says go to www.philips.com/store. And I will need maybe some new sewing needles and more black and white thread. I could probably find that here just fine but I wanted to give you something to give me for Christmas. So there you have it. My Christmas list. Also a chocolate orange.
Fifthly. I was thinking back to my first days in Japan. And I was in the airport somewhere going to my first area, Okinawa. And I met a lot of missionaries all at one time so I can barely remember any of them. But one I do remember. He was Japanese. And he was tall. And he spoke only Japanese. And he talked to me and I was like aaaaahhhh! Why are you talking to me? Don't you know I can't speak this language? And I was afraid of that particular missionary. That missionary's name is, if I remember correctly, Elder Iino. Who turns out to be my companion. And also one of my very favorite people ever to be born onto this earth.
Seventhly. I'd just like to say that working with Elder Iino has been lots of fun. I love that man. And he is such a good missionary. I am learning so much from him. When we go housing and stuff he is way good at it. Elder Munro and I could barely get anyone to keep their door open for more than ten seconds. But Elder Iino can keep them for 10 minutes. He's amazing. And I'm learning how to do it myself. You just have to ask the right questions and do more of a self introduction rather than jump right into how they can live with God again. I love 飯野長老。He's the best missionary out there.
Eighthly. We housed an apartment building that was way scary. It was a night and there were like no lights and the feeling there was creepy and it was way dirty and almost no one was home and if they were they ignored us except one guy who was just smoking in the dark. There were no lights on in his house. All I could see was the cigarette and a little of his face from the glow of the cigarette. Wow. That was scary. I decided we broke some missionary rules housing there. The white handbook says to stay in well lighted areas at night for safety. I sure didn't feel safe there. Also from my childhood I remember having the same nightmare over and over from time to time. I was walking up really narrow really steep stairs with no railings and I had trouble balancing so I always felt like I was going to fall. And at that scary apartment the stairs were exactly like that. Exactly.
Eleventhly. I'd just like to keep you updated on all the girls that are in love with me here. I saw one at the airport that wanted me to go talk to her but I didn't. We housed into one who literally jumped down into her genkan so she could open the door wider when she saw me. And a few girls were walking on the sidewalk a ways away from me. I was on my bike and stopped at a red light. I actually stop at red lights unlike everyone else. And as I started going all three yelled Haro! But I didn't look over and just kept going. And then one screamed at me Amerikajin! Which means hey American! I just laughed and kept going.
Twelfthly. I just want to say that I love you all and that I hope all is well back at the homestead. I hope you are all in your dress goods and enjoying your Sunday. Sunday is a good day. Just really busy for missionaries.
Thirteenthly. I should head out. Have a nice week.
Fourteenthly. Love,
Fifteenthly. リドル長老
Firstly I'd like to say that my first full week of Nihongo dake went pretty ok. Japanese only. Its been hard. But kind of fun. Maybe it wasn't exactly Nihongo dake because Elder Iino can understand a lot of english. His vocabulary is impressive. But if you get too complicated with the grammar and stuff then he has no idea what you're going on about. So I can ask him how to say things in English first if I don't know how to in Japanese. So that has been really nice. And when I get really frustrated I just go off in really fast English to calm me down. So its been exciting. And I can say more than I thought I could. But still not all that much.
Secondly I'd like to say that on this beautiful Monday morning I watched Elder Holland's devotional last Sunday night. But it was live. How do I do that? I must be a Timelord or something. And it was really good. I love that man. That kind of reminded me of seeing him in the MTC. Only he was a lot more in your face in the MTC. It was good.
Thirdly. I want to tell you that Iino 長老 taught me some new Japanese. Barabara satsujin jiken. And then he said its yoku tsukau. Which means its used a lot. And the first word means random. The second word means manslaughter. And the third word means happening or event. Yoku tsukau? Why on earth would you use a phrase like that often?
Fourthly I want to send you my Christmas list. I have some stuff I will need by then and I just want to tell you because I'm in the Christmasy mood and I don't want to forget closer to Christmas. Now its up to you to remember and I don't have responsibility anymore. I need a new head for my razor by Christmas. The name of this razor is Philips Norelco SensoTouch 1150X. I need a replacement shaving unit, model RQ11. The book says go to www.philips.com/store. And I will need maybe some new sewing needles and more black and white thread. I could probably find that here just fine but I wanted to give you something to give me for Christmas. So there you have it. My Christmas list. Also a chocolate orange.
Fifthly. I was thinking back to my first days in Japan. And I was in the airport somewhere going to my first area, Okinawa. And I met a lot of missionaries all at one time so I can barely remember any of them. But one I do remember. He was Japanese. And he was tall. And he spoke only Japanese. And he talked to me and I was like aaaaahhhh! Why are you talking to me? Don't you know I can't speak this language? And I was afraid of that particular missionary. That missionary's name is, if I remember correctly, Elder Iino. Who turns out to be my companion. And also one of my very favorite people ever to be born onto this earth.
Seventhly. I'd just like to say that working with Elder Iino has been lots of fun. I love that man. And he is such a good missionary. I am learning so much from him. When we go housing and stuff he is way good at it. Elder Munro and I could barely get anyone to keep their door open for more than ten seconds. But Elder Iino can keep them for 10 minutes. He's amazing. And I'm learning how to do it myself. You just have to ask the right questions and do more of a self introduction rather than jump right into how they can live with God again. I love 飯野長老。He's the best missionary out there.
Eighthly. We housed an apartment building that was way scary. It was a night and there were like no lights and the feeling there was creepy and it was way dirty and almost no one was home and if they were they ignored us except one guy who was just smoking in the dark. There were no lights on in his house. All I could see was the cigarette and a little of his face from the glow of the cigarette. Wow. That was scary. I decided we broke some missionary rules housing there. The white handbook says to stay in well lighted areas at night for safety. I sure didn't feel safe there. Also from my childhood I remember having the same nightmare over and over from time to time. I was walking up really narrow really steep stairs with no railings and I had trouble balancing so I always felt like I was going to fall. And at that scary apartment the stairs were exactly like that. Exactly.
Eleventhly. I'd just like to keep you updated on all the girls that are in love with me here. I saw one at the airport that wanted me to go talk to her but I didn't. We housed into one who literally jumped down into her genkan so she could open the door wider when she saw me. And a few girls were walking on the sidewalk a ways away from me. I was on my bike and stopped at a red light. I actually stop at red lights unlike everyone else. And as I started going all three yelled Haro! But I didn't look over and just kept going. And then one screamed at me Amerikajin! Which means hey American! I just laughed and kept going.
Twelfthly. I just want to say that I love you all and that I hope all is well back at the homestead. I hope you are all in your dress goods and enjoying your Sunday. Sunday is a good day. Just really busy for missionaries.
Thirteenthly. I should head out. Have a nice week.
Fourteenthly. Love,
Fifteenthly. リドル長老
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Transfer 5! (Week 36)
So we just had transfers this week. And I have been gone 8 months! that's a third of my mission! Way too fast. Its been exciting. Lots of stuff went down. Good stuff. Hard stuff. Happy stuff. Sad stuff. So I am still in good old Ishigaks. Thank heavens. I love this place. Though I really wouldn't call this being spoiled. Ishigaki is great but I pretty much just work the whole time in the hot humidity. So dad. I'm not spoiled. Elder Munro did transfer away. To a city called Chikushino near Fukuoka. That was hard. I love Elder Munro. He was great. I had three transfers with him. And now I'm on my fourth transfer in Ishigaki. Can I make it to five? We will see. So I got a new companion. And his name is Elder iino! 飯野長老。He is in fact a Japanese man. I love him so much. He was my zone leader for the past three transfers in Naha. I was so excited when I got the call telling me he was my new companion. So excited. I love him so much. And it has been so fun already. We are working hard and he is Japanese and we have been having fun and he is Japanese so I really can't speak to him. But I try. And we figure out how to communicate. Its fun. But now I have no one to translate for me if I don't understand anything. So this will be good. There were two Nihonjin I wanted to become companions with. Elder Kusakabe who I lived with in Okinawa and Elder Iino. I am so happy. We are going to have such a good transfer on the little heavenly island of Ishigaks.
So we went to look for some less active members that no one has met in forever last night. And that was fun. We went to a house that was absolutely black inside. The sun had gone down and everything so it was dark. It was one of the scariest houses I have ever seen. And no one answered the door. So we booked it out of there as fast as we could.
So last P day Brother Tagawa took me and Elder Munro out to eat and see stuff. It was cool. Ishigaki is so beautiful. And we ate Yakiniku. My very favorite. And then later that night the relief society took us to a steak place. And when I say relief society don't imagine a huge group. There are only three. Actually like five but the other two were busy I guess. And I ate the best steak of my life. It was so so good. I can't even describe to you how good it was. And we were told that Kobe beef comes from Ishigaki. Kobe beef is like super good I guess and the cows for Kobe beef are raised in Ishigaki for a while and then shipped to Kobe. So it is really Ishigaki beef. And it is so good.
What do you call the cloud thing that follows after the airplane? Someone asked me because we saw one. In Japanese it is called hikokigumo. which means airplane cloud.
So this weekend was a festival or holiday thing called Obon. It was three days long and ended on Saturday. It was hard because people were way busy and didn't want to talk to us but it was also fun. I don't fully understand the obon. it is an only Okinawa thing. So Iino 長老 doesn't fully understand either and no one speaks good enough english to really help me understand. So all the explanations were in Japanese. It is like when their ancestors come back from the spirit world and visit and they put out food and stuff for them to eat and things like that. And then to end it we saw some people walking and singing all dressed up with their shamisens and their flutes and drums and we followed them. And then we watched a cool dance and then a weird dance and then a scary dance. It was weird. It was way cool though. Japan has so much way cool stuff. And I have been able to participate in a lot of it. I love the Okinawa culture. They say its different up north. So I'd like to go there but I think Okinawa is my favorite.
I did get the pictures from kate and the picture of my future self made me laugh. I knew exactly what it was when I saw it. I'm excited for my future.
We did have a bit of storminess this week with one of the typhoons. But it wasn't bad. And since then it has just been way hot. I appreciate dad's knowledge on typhoons. I only know what the Japanese people say and I can't really understand them yet. So I don't know much. So thank you for your knowledge sharing. I'm glad the tailgate went well. It sounds like fun. I wish I could have been there. Maybe someday. And I'm glad BYU won. Thats good. And dad. I have really been craving some cold stone ice cream lately. So if you could eat that for me that would be great.
Well. I think I might get going now. Its been real. Have a good day. Pray that I will learn Japanese.
I love you all. I hope all is well. I want you all to be awesome.
Love 利怒瑠長老
P.S. that is kanji that fits my name. Ridoru. It means profit, anger, and sapphire. The anger on is in a lot of bad Japanese guys names. So I'm the rich angry guy who makes his living with sapphires. Heian soto.
So we went to look for some less active members that no one has met in forever last night. And that was fun. We went to a house that was absolutely black inside. The sun had gone down and everything so it was dark. It was one of the scariest houses I have ever seen. And no one answered the door. So we booked it out of there as fast as we could.
So last P day Brother Tagawa took me and Elder Munro out to eat and see stuff. It was cool. Ishigaki is so beautiful. And we ate Yakiniku. My very favorite. And then later that night the relief society took us to a steak place. And when I say relief society don't imagine a huge group. There are only three. Actually like five but the other two were busy I guess. And I ate the best steak of my life. It was so so good. I can't even describe to you how good it was. And we were told that Kobe beef comes from Ishigaki. Kobe beef is like super good I guess and the cows for Kobe beef are raised in Ishigaki for a while and then shipped to Kobe. So it is really Ishigaki beef. And it is so good.
What do you call the cloud thing that follows after the airplane? Someone asked me because we saw one. In Japanese it is called hikokigumo. which means airplane cloud.
So this weekend was a festival or holiday thing called Obon. It was three days long and ended on Saturday. It was hard because people were way busy and didn't want to talk to us but it was also fun. I don't fully understand the obon. it is an only Okinawa thing. So Iino 長老 doesn't fully understand either and no one speaks good enough english to really help me understand. So all the explanations were in Japanese. It is like when their ancestors come back from the spirit world and visit and they put out food and stuff for them to eat and things like that. And then to end it we saw some people walking and singing all dressed up with their shamisens and their flutes and drums and we followed them. And then we watched a cool dance and then a weird dance and then a scary dance. It was weird. It was way cool though. Japan has so much way cool stuff. And I have been able to participate in a lot of it. I love the Okinawa culture. They say its different up north. So I'd like to go there but I think Okinawa is my favorite.
I did get the pictures from kate and the picture of my future self made me laugh. I knew exactly what it was when I saw it. I'm excited for my future.
We did have a bit of storminess this week with one of the typhoons. But it wasn't bad. And since then it has just been way hot. I appreciate dad's knowledge on typhoons. I only know what the Japanese people say and I can't really understand them yet. So I don't know much. So thank you for your knowledge sharing. I'm glad the tailgate went well. It sounds like fun. I wish I could have been there. Maybe someday. And I'm glad BYU won. Thats good. And dad. I have really been craving some cold stone ice cream lately. So if you could eat that for me that would be great.
Well. I think I might get going now. Its been real. Have a good day. Pray that I will learn Japanese.
I love you all. I hope all is well. I want you all to be awesome.
Love 利怒瑠長老
P.S. that is kanji that fits my name. Ridoru. It means profit, anger, and sapphire. The anger on is in a lot of bad Japanese guys names. So I'm the rich angry guy who makes his living with sapphires. Heian soto.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sup homies. (Week 35)
I don't have much time to write today because it is Elder Munro's last P day and some members are taking us out to see some cool Ishigaki scenery. So yeah.
I have been good with Typhoons lately. We have no way to know about Typhoons really until they come or if we call members about them and stuff. So dad knows better than I do about them. All I know is that the biggest one in a long time was going to hit Ishigaki but turned to Okinawa instead. And that one kind of hit last week that is circling around for another go at Ishigaki. Probably to hit today. We've had rain today. Nothing major. Yet. But its all good. They can get intense but if you just stay inside you're safe. So don't worry about us. Japanese people almost never die in Typhoons. They just use common sense.
So yesterday the branch president and his daughter and a guy from Naha and one other person were going to speak in church. And the day before we got a call from our wonderful branch president saying he went to Naha early with his family to avoid the typhoon. And the guy from Naha couldn't come because of the typhoon. So we had like 12 hours to figure out sacrament talks and who would teach sunday school and who would teach priesthood. I just barely didn't have to give another surprise talk. We luckily ran out of time. And someone took sunday school for us. But we had to get priesthood. And Munro 長老 spoke in sacrament. That was exciting. I don't actually enjoy those surprise phone calls from Naha.
This week is transfers. And it is for sure that Munro 長老 is transferring. Don't ask me how I know so early. And if I don't get a call today saying I'm transferring too then on wednesday they will tell me that I'm staying a 4th transfer on Ishigaki! Which I am excited about. I love this place. And odds are I will get a Japanese companion but we'll see. I sure hope I do. I need to talk to native speakers more.
So this week we didn't actually get to see any of our regular investigators. So that was sad. But we are going to get to them this coming week to see how they are doing. As of right now no one is really progressing that much. But that will change.
I'm praying for Kate. She will adjust. It will be ok. It just takes time. I want to write to her specifically but today I have no time. So I'm sorry. I wish I could. I am excited to hear that she has a Japanese roommate. That sounds like fun. Japanese people are the most wonderful people on the earth. I love them. Learn Japanese from her Kate.
When Dad told me what is going down with preparations for tailgate parties this year at BYU I said Oh no. He's one of them. But I hope you have fun Dad. It sounds like it will be exciting. I wish I could join you. But I'm busy with other things these days. Maybe someday.
Also something interesting is that lately I have been feeling this need to go to the temple. I can't stand being away for as long as this. I am having trouble seeing how people can stay away especially in Utah where there are about 800 temples. I really need to go. But I don't think I can get a Taiwan trip approved.
Well I am kind of running out of time. I wish I could email more. Have a good week. Keep doing what you should be doing. Life will always be happy if you do. I love you all so much. You are all the very best.
Love Elder.
I have been good with Typhoons lately. We have no way to know about Typhoons really until they come or if we call members about them and stuff. So dad knows better than I do about them. All I know is that the biggest one in a long time was going to hit Ishigaki but turned to Okinawa instead. And that one kind of hit last week that is circling around for another go at Ishigaki. Probably to hit today. We've had rain today. Nothing major. Yet. But its all good. They can get intense but if you just stay inside you're safe. So don't worry about us. Japanese people almost never die in Typhoons. They just use common sense.
So yesterday the branch president and his daughter and a guy from Naha and one other person were going to speak in church. And the day before we got a call from our wonderful branch president saying he went to Naha early with his family to avoid the typhoon. And the guy from Naha couldn't come because of the typhoon. So we had like 12 hours to figure out sacrament talks and who would teach sunday school and who would teach priesthood. I just barely didn't have to give another surprise talk. We luckily ran out of time. And someone took sunday school for us. But we had to get priesthood. And Munro 長老 spoke in sacrament. That was exciting. I don't actually enjoy those surprise phone calls from Naha.
This week is transfers. And it is for sure that Munro 長老 is transferring. Don't ask me how I know so early. And if I don't get a call today saying I'm transferring too then on wednesday they will tell me that I'm staying a 4th transfer on Ishigaki! Which I am excited about. I love this place. And odds are I will get a Japanese companion but we'll see. I sure hope I do. I need to talk to native speakers more.
So this week we didn't actually get to see any of our regular investigators. So that was sad. But we are going to get to them this coming week to see how they are doing. As of right now no one is really progressing that much. But that will change.
I'm praying for Kate. She will adjust. It will be ok. It just takes time. I want to write to her specifically but today I have no time. So I'm sorry. I wish I could. I am excited to hear that she has a Japanese roommate. That sounds like fun. Japanese people are the most wonderful people on the earth. I love them. Learn Japanese from her Kate.
When Dad told me what is going down with preparations for tailgate parties this year at BYU I said Oh no. He's one of them. But I hope you have fun Dad. It sounds like it will be exciting. I wish I could join you. But I'm busy with other things these days. Maybe someday.
Also something interesting is that lately I have been feeling this need to go to the temple. I can't stand being away for as long as this. I am having trouble seeing how people can stay away especially in Utah where there are about 800 temples. I really need to go. But I don't think I can get a Taiwan trip approved.
Well I am kind of running out of time. I wish I could email more. Have a good week. Keep doing what you should be doing. Life will always be happy if you do. I love you all so much. You are all the very best.
Love Elder.
Typhoon Tracking Map
This map shows the entire track of Typhoon Tembin so far, along with it's projected path. The current model shows Taiwan as taking the brunt of it all.
There's something called the Fujiwhara effect, which explains the interaction between two "cyclonic vortices". It's the reason Tembin didn't make landfall in Hong Kong, but is being pulled by the more powerful Bolaven to come back east and then north.
Ishigaki is no longer in the projected path of Tembin, but does have some weather advisories.
There's something called the Fujiwhara effect, which explains the interaction between two "cyclonic vortices". It's the reason Tembin didn't make landfall in Hong Kong, but is being pulled by the more powerful Bolaven to come back east and then north.
Ishigaki is no longer in the projected path of Tembin, but does have some weather advisories.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Weather Forecast
There are a couple of Typhoons in the area. Looks like Okinawa will get hammered with the strongest typhoon in 13 years.
And there's another lurking which just might pass through the Ishigaki area around Tuesday, as a category 1 typhoon. So far the only warnings issued for Ishigaki is high waves.
And there's another lurking which just might pass through the Ishigaki area around Tuesday, as a category 1 typhoon. So far the only warnings issued for Ishigaki is high waves.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
We are prepared for unseen events that may or may not occur. (Week 34)
So here I am emailing again. It seems like it was just yesterday when I was here emailing last week. Time flies here like you wouldn't believe. This week was pretty good. We couldn't get as much teaching and stuff done as I would have liked because of zone conference but that was awesome. We went to Naha and back on my 16th and 17th planes. Flying never gets old. I love it. The zone conference was so awesome. We had a couple of guys from central Kyushu talk to us about contacting people. And it was so good. They were just regular Joes from Kyushu that are just amazing at knowing how to talk to people about the gospel and not be weird about it. I learned a lot. And then we broke off into pairs and practiced. I was with Elder Neki who is in fact a Japanese man. And guess what. I experienced the gift of tongues and understood everything he said. Almost. There was like two things I didn't know because he was being so polite. But I understood as fast as he was speaking. That was way cool. I love it when that happens. It keeps me going just a little longer. This language is nuts. And being with President Gustafson is just the best thing ever. I love that man. And his wife. So much.
Then later that night we went out to dendo with the Naha zone leaders and the Miyako Elders. That was fun. And scary. I was with Elder Jeffery the zone leader and Elder Bunderson the Miyako elder. We went out to find people on the street. And we met some really nice people. And then Elder Bunderson contacted a man and was teaching him and then Elder Jeffery went to help him just in case he got stuck so I was left alone to pass out eikaiwa fliers and whatnot. And their lesson went forever but I didn't join because three missionaries on one man is scary. So I contacted people knowing that there wasn't a soul to help me with the Japanese. And I was ok because everyone only listened for a little bit and then walked off. So I didn't run into hard Japanese. And one guy was chinese and didn't speak Japanese. But it was kind of new and exciting to know you are not going to have someone help you with the Japanese. So I'd say it was another legendary Junkai.
So Elder Munro has a brother serving in the Kobe mission. Right next to our mission. You creeps. But I don't know who Oliver is.
Sounds like things are getting exciting at home. With school starting and Kate booking it out of there. I hope you all enjoyed your summer vacation. I know I did. Except this isn't really a vacation exactly. I hope all goes well with Kate moving out and stuff. That should be exciting. I was nervous when I moved out too. But it was fun. At first I was a little scared because it was so new to me. But I got used to it quickly. And it was fun. So don't be too nervous Kate. Just have fun with it. And don't be too sad mom. Its all good.
I'm sorry to hear about the saturn freaking out. But it spices up life so its fun right? I hope all goes well with that car. I don't want it to die or anything. I was sad when old mercy kicked the bucket. Don't put me through that again.
Yesterday we had a dinner with a couple in our branch with one of our investigators there. And it was so good. That woman knows how to cook. And she made these way awesome brownies. They reminded me of mom's brownies. But maybe a little bit better... I'm just kidding mom. And we taught about the Book of Mormon. When we were preparing for the lesson yesterday it was cool. We prayed and thought about what to teach and we threw around ideas and then we both just had the same overwhelming feeling of the importance of the Book of Mormon. And we knew that is what we should teach. So we did. And it was good. I don't know exactly how well it got to our investigator. Y_____ san. But I think she will actually read the Book of Mormon now. And then its all up to God. And we can sure trust him to help her out the way she needs it.
So this transfer is coming to a close pretty quick. We get transfer calls on the 28th and then we actually transfer on the 29th. One day to prepare. That's fun. Elder Munro is on 5 transfers in Ishigaki and that is almost unheard of. So he will almost definitely transfer. And they will probably not take us both out so I will probably stay for a 4th transfer here. Elder Munro has been in Ishigaki longer than I have been in Japan. He has been here forever. And I will be here for a long time too. But it still feels like I just got here. I don't want to leave. I want to stay here forever.
So I have really sad news. O_____ san was our closest investigator to baptism. And we had to tell her that we won't meet with her regularly anymore. She isn't praying about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and stuff. She prays every day but won't pray about that. She is moving very slowly away from the Catholic church. And we have taught her everything more than once. So we can't do anything more for her. Its up to her and she isn't acting. So we will visit someday again. But not often. I can't tell you how sad that makes me. Why won't people just do what we say? They have no idea how much this will change their lives. They have no idea how important this is. But they can know. If they just do it.
Some better news is that we had an investigator at church yesterday that we haven't met with in a long time. She isn't progressing but she came to church because the branch president's daughter got baptized and was confirmed in sacrament meeting. She went to the baptism. Maybe she will start progressing soon. She was telling me how good my Japanese has become. But I only understood like half of my conversation with her.
The baptism was really good. I love going to baptisms. The spirit is so strong. I love it so much. Baptisms are such sweet experiences.
So I didn't have a talk yesterday. But I did sing a duet with Elder Munro in sacrament meeting. The things I do these days. I would never have done that in the home ward. But now I do crazy stuff. I basically have just left behind all fear and I do whatever will bring the Spirit to other people.
Well I will probably be going now. I'm glad to hear you got my letter mom. I just sent that a week ago. I feel like that was way fast. And the package hasn't been sent yet. There is one more thing I wanted to put in it but I have to wait to get it. And I figured its best to wait just a little and send it with this package rather than hang onto it forever until the next one. So. You will know it is sent when I deposit money in the account that I didn't use.
Have a nice day. And a nice week. I love you all. Peace. Heian soto.
Then later that night we went out to dendo with the Naha zone leaders and the Miyako Elders. That was fun. And scary. I was with Elder Jeffery the zone leader and Elder Bunderson the Miyako elder. We went out to find people on the street. And we met some really nice people. And then Elder Bunderson contacted a man and was teaching him and then Elder Jeffery went to help him just in case he got stuck so I was left alone to pass out eikaiwa fliers and whatnot. And their lesson went forever but I didn't join because three missionaries on one man is scary. So I contacted people knowing that there wasn't a soul to help me with the Japanese. And I was ok because everyone only listened for a little bit and then walked off. So I didn't run into hard Japanese. And one guy was chinese and didn't speak Japanese. But it was kind of new and exciting to know you are not going to have someone help you with the Japanese. So I'd say it was another legendary Junkai.
So Elder Munro has a brother serving in the Kobe mission. Right next to our mission. You creeps. But I don't know who Oliver is.
Sounds like things are getting exciting at home. With school starting and Kate booking it out of there. I hope you all enjoyed your summer vacation. I know I did. Except this isn't really a vacation exactly. I hope all goes well with Kate moving out and stuff. That should be exciting. I was nervous when I moved out too. But it was fun. At first I was a little scared because it was so new to me. But I got used to it quickly. And it was fun. So don't be too nervous Kate. Just have fun with it. And don't be too sad mom. Its all good.
I'm sorry to hear about the saturn freaking out. But it spices up life so its fun right? I hope all goes well with that car. I don't want it to die or anything. I was sad when old mercy kicked the bucket. Don't put me through that again.
Yesterday we had a dinner with a couple in our branch with one of our investigators there. And it was so good. That woman knows how to cook. And she made these way awesome brownies. They reminded me of mom's brownies. But maybe a little bit better... I'm just kidding mom. And we taught about the Book of Mormon. When we were preparing for the lesson yesterday it was cool. We prayed and thought about what to teach and we threw around ideas and then we both just had the same overwhelming feeling of the importance of the Book of Mormon. And we knew that is what we should teach. So we did. And it was good. I don't know exactly how well it got to our investigator. Y_____ san. But I think she will actually read the Book of Mormon now. And then its all up to God. And we can sure trust him to help her out the way she needs it.
So this transfer is coming to a close pretty quick. We get transfer calls on the 28th and then we actually transfer on the 29th. One day to prepare. That's fun. Elder Munro is on 5 transfers in Ishigaki and that is almost unheard of. So he will almost definitely transfer. And they will probably not take us both out so I will probably stay for a 4th transfer here. Elder Munro has been in Ishigaki longer than I have been in Japan. He has been here forever. And I will be here for a long time too. But it still feels like I just got here. I don't want to leave. I want to stay here forever.
So I have really sad news. O_____ san was our closest investigator to baptism. And we had to tell her that we won't meet with her regularly anymore. She isn't praying about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and stuff. She prays every day but won't pray about that. She is moving very slowly away from the Catholic church. And we have taught her everything more than once. So we can't do anything more for her. Its up to her and she isn't acting. So we will visit someday again. But not often. I can't tell you how sad that makes me. Why won't people just do what we say? They have no idea how much this will change their lives. They have no idea how important this is. But they can know. If they just do it.
Some better news is that we had an investigator at church yesterday that we haven't met with in a long time. She isn't progressing but she came to church because the branch president's daughter got baptized and was confirmed in sacrament meeting. She went to the baptism. Maybe she will start progressing soon. She was telling me how good my Japanese has become. But I only understood like half of my conversation with her.
The baptism was really good. I love going to baptisms. The spirit is so strong. I love it so much. Baptisms are such sweet experiences.
So I didn't have a talk yesterday. But I did sing a duet with Elder Munro in sacrament meeting. The things I do these days. I would never have done that in the home ward. But now I do crazy stuff. I basically have just left behind all fear and I do whatever will bring the Spirit to other people.
Well I will probably be going now. I'm glad to hear you got my letter mom. I just sent that a week ago. I feel like that was way fast. And the package hasn't been sent yet. There is one more thing I wanted to put in it but I have to wait to get it. And I figured its best to wait just a little and send it with this package rather than hang onto it forever until the next one. So. You will know it is sent when I deposit money in the account that I didn't use.
Have a nice day. And a nice week. I love you all. Peace. Heian soto.
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