So it was a crazy week. It was so so good. I'm excited to tell you all about it.
First I called President about my knee. He first told me before I could tell him anything about how much he needs me in the mission because like half of the missionaries go home in February and I will become the old one. And then I dropped my knee on him and asked him if surgery was necessary if I would have to go home. He said I definitely would. I felt bad for talking about going home right after he told me how much he needs me. Well he knows a thing or two about the human body and is having me do some exercises that might help me. So far there has been no change. But we'll see. I will probably end up going to some crazy Japanese doctor and then see what he thinks. And if it is surgery then it will probably be placed in my hands to decide if I endure the pain until the end keeping in mind that it will probably get worse or get surgery. So we'll see. Maybe the Japanese doctors have something else to do for me. So that is that.
So K______ san. We haven't found him. Last night we felt like we should go to where we found him at the same time we found him to see if we could find him again. It didn't work. But we felt good about how we spent our time. And we saw some lady when we were out and about again who we saw earlier that morning. And she seemed quite happy to see us but didn't speak to us. She was just walking by. That was kind of cool. Other than that I don't know what we accomplished.
So we had the two referrals from our member. And we taught both of them. Y_____ chan and M_____ chan. Both of them are in high school. And Y_____ chan's lesson went awesome. The spirit was really strong and it was so good and we will meet her again tomorrow and maybe more often than that and she has real interest so it will be good. It was so awesome. I have high hopes for this girl. The Shimizu elders have a baptism date set up for their high school girl investigator for December 22. And I think we can push to get Y_____ chan baptized on the same day.
And then we had M_____ chan. I was just hoping with all my heart that her lesson would go as well as Y_____ chan's did. And it was. It was better. It was so intense. That was the highlight of my misson so far. It was so amazing. And the spirit was so strong. We didn't even teach a whole lesson. We just talked about God and her relationship with him. And she started crying. She could feel it. And she started crying. She could feel our love for her and God's love for her and our member, M_____ shimai's love for her. It was just amazing. And then at the end we taught her about prayer. She had never heard any of us pray yet. But she agreed to say the prayer. And she said a wonderful prayer from her heart. It was so good. This was all on Saturday. And we asked her to come to church on the next day and she said she would. And she did. She lives in the Shimizu area but was sent to us for some reason and we have agreed we should teach her even though we are Tsuboi. But that means she has to go to church to the Shimizu ward and so we have to go to sacrament there with her as well as the Tsuboi ward. So we did. And it was good. We had three investigators at that sacrament meeting. The Shimizu elders got a new investigator from M_____ Shimai too. All from Eikaiwa just so you know. And it was awesome. And then after church before Tsuboi ward started we had a big group lesson with them that was pretty good. And then we ran to sacrament meeting. And after our sacrament meeting we discovered that M_____ chan stayed for our ward too because she thought she would understand more the second time around. This girl is crazy. And I love her. I would do anything for her. I can see how she needs what we have. And I want more than anything for her to recieve these blessings. I love her and Y_____ chan so much. But things with M_____ chan especially may be difficult. She is a 17 year old girl and we are a couple of young white guys. So it could look bad. We need to get into her parents as soon as possible. Its absolutely important. So pray that we can.
We also had a bowling party on friday that both M_____ chan and Y_____ chan came to. It was for Eikaiwa and we had a great time. And we are seeing lots of new investigators come out of Eikaiwa all of a sudden and its just amazing. I don't feel like I deserve to see these miracles but I am so glad I am finally seeing the things I'm doing help people. It is so awesome. I love it.
I am almost out of time now. Mom I need your cheescake recipe. Please email it to me. I want to see if I can make it here. For the parents of our investigators.
And whoever is in charge of my facebook will you please make my name on there Joshua Liddle and maybe a good picture on it. I am having people try to find me but they can't. I'm not sure what is the problem. And accept the people who add me if they are Japanese or Chinese or something. It would be good if I could use my facebook for dendo without even touching it. If they can look at it and get to know me a little better it will be easier to get in and teach them. Onegai shimasu.
Well. I love you all. Pray for our investigators. I am so happy right now. We have real investigators who actually need what we have and who have faith in this and who will try. We are going to try to get the Shimizu elder's investigator and our two investigators baptized on the same day. So pray that we can. Pray for these people. They mean so much to God. And Satan is going to try so hard to stop them. He already has. That's another story. But so far its been ok. Just pray that it keeps being ok. And that I will know what to do about the parents. Have a good day. I love you. I love these people.
Love Josh
Monday, November 19, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
A good news bad news week (Week 46)
So. Thanksgiving. I don't think we really do anything for it unless a member feels sorry for us and does something. Japanese people don't celebrate it.So its just a normal day here. Besides I'm busy celebrating Christmas already. So I'm ok.
So first the bad news. We had a lesson scheduled with K_____ san last Wednesday. And he didn't show up. He doesn't have a phone and we don't know where he lives or where he works or anything. He is way too awesome to just decide he's done with this gospel thing so I think he just had something come up and had no way to tell us. But I haven't seen him since last week. And I'm worried about him. I don't know how to find him. Its up to him to find us right now. So pray for him. He's a wonderful man that I really love and I don't want to see his progression stop.
In other news. We never receive referrals from the ward. Ever. Its sad. We need them. Referrals are way more likely to progress and to trust the missionaries. But last week we the Tsuboi elders and the Shimizu elders whom I live with received referrals from an 18 year old girl in my ward. She gave us two and the shimizu elders 1. All in one week! She is so awesome. And we have plans to teach them this week. They are all teenage girls who have expressed interest in the church after they came to Eikaiwa. And one of them has parents who may also be interested. So that is way awesome. New investigators are coming out of nowhere. I love it.
And this week in Eikaiwa we had 10 new students come. That is amazing! That is like half of a normal class. And they came to both the Wednesday one and the Saturday one. Its so awesome. Things really are moving forward here. Its weird to me because for all of my mission missionary work has been contacting people on the street and housing with an occasional lesson at someones house or the church. That was missionary work. But its changing all of a sudden. We are spending more time planning lessons now and we don't have as much time to go contact people. Its totally awesome. This is how it should be. We are also spending less time doing normal missionary work and doing more for the Eikaiwa students. Japanese people really don't let you teach them unless they know you and trust you. So Eikaiwa is so important to keep up and to keep fun and to really get to know the people there. We are doing a lot of Eikaiwa parties and activities outside of Eikaiwa so we can get to know them and get investigators from it who are interested and who trust us. And its working. this is how you have to dendo in Japan. Its different than I imagined before my mission. And I'm glad I am learning it now rather than at the end of my mission. I've learned a lot. And I am experiencing so many cool things just coming out of nowhere. I love it.
Well I have not much time left. I just want to say to Kate that I support the decision to serve a mission with all my heart because I know it is such a wonderful opportunity but I also want to say you should be really sure before you make the decision. This is no small thing. And its very hard. But so worth it.
And to Erika I want to say that I don't know what food you are talking about that isn't the Daikon one. I've never heard of it. And I am impressed with your ability to use the word yori. I am still struggling using it. it wraps my brain in knots and I have a hard time keeping things straight. So keep up the good work. And keep using the new bunpo all the time. That is how you truly learn Japanese. keep using it. All the time. Even though it hurts and is hard. And you will be the best in the class.
Well I love you all. Have a good week. I know I will.
Love Josh.
So first the bad news. We had a lesson scheduled with K_____ san last Wednesday. And he didn't show up. He doesn't have a phone and we don't know where he lives or where he works or anything. He is way too awesome to just decide he's done with this gospel thing so I think he just had something come up and had no way to tell us. But I haven't seen him since last week. And I'm worried about him. I don't know how to find him. Its up to him to find us right now. So pray for him. He's a wonderful man that I really love and I don't want to see his progression stop.
In other news. We never receive referrals from the ward. Ever. Its sad. We need them. Referrals are way more likely to progress and to trust the missionaries. But last week we the Tsuboi elders and the Shimizu elders whom I live with received referrals from an 18 year old girl in my ward. She gave us two and the shimizu elders 1. All in one week! She is so awesome. And we have plans to teach them this week. They are all teenage girls who have expressed interest in the church after they came to Eikaiwa. And one of them has parents who may also be interested. So that is way awesome. New investigators are coming out of nowhere. I love it.
And this week in Eikaiwa we had 10 new students come. That is amazing! That is like half of a normal class. And they came to both the Wednesday one and the Saturday one. Its so awesome. Things really are moving forward here. Its weird to me because for all of my mission missionary work has been contacting people on the street and housing with an occasional lesson at someones house or the church. That was missionary work. But its changing all of a sudden. We are spending more time planning lessons now and we don't have as much time to go contact people. Its totally awesome. This is how it should be. We are also spending less time doing normal missionary work and doing more for the Eikaiwa students. Japanese people really don't let you teach them unless they know you and trust you. So Eikaiwa is so important to keep up and to keep fun and to really get to know the people there. We are doing a lot of Eikaiwa parties and activities outside of Eikaiwa so we can get to know them and get investigators from it who are interested and who trust us. And its working. this is how you have to dendo in Japan. Its different than I imagined before my mission. And I'm glad I am learning it now rather than at the end of my mission. I've learned a lot. And I am experiencing so many cool things just coming out of nowhere. I love it.
Well I have not much time left. I just want to say to Kate that I support the decision to serve a mission with all my heart because I know it is such a wonderful opportunity but I also want to say you should be really sure before you make the decision. This is no small thing. And its very hard. But so worth it.
And to Erika I want to say that I don't know what food you are talking about that isn't the Daikon one. I've never heard of it. And I am impressed with your ability to use the word yori. I am still struggling using it. it wraps my brain in knots and I have a hard time keeping things straight. So keep up the good work. And keep using the new bunpo all the time. That is how you truly learn Japanese. keep using it. All the time. Even though it hurts and is hard. And you will be the best in the class.
Well I love you all. Have a good week. I know I will.
Love Josh.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
We got a date! (Week 45)
So. First things first. I heard a wonderful rumor that Star Wars Episode 7 is going to be coming out in 2015. And I asked a member here to confirm it for me on his iphone. He said its true. Is it? What!? Star Wars!
In other news. Did I tell you about K_____ san last week? I can't remember. Well he is an investigator here. And I have taught him a couple times now. He is so cool. I have to tell you about him. So when we teach people and then ask them to pray at the end of the lesson they always hesitate and say they don't want to and often will say no. And so I asked K_____ san to pray after the first lesson I taught to him. And I expected him to be all hesitant because he is so quiet already. And he said Hai yarimasho. Which being interpreted means Yes let's do it. What? That never happens. And then his prayer was perfect. And he prayed for me and Elder Morris by name. No one can remember my name in this country. But he made sure to do it. And he said don't just bless us but bless our families too. What? Who is this guy? We just ran into him on the street one night on a street crawling with thousands of people. And then in the next lesson we had with him this week at the end I felt like I should ask him to be baptized. And I hesitated because we really haven't explained baptism. He has seen the baptismal font and he knows God commands us to get baptized and he has seen a picture of Jesus Christ being baptized. Other than that he doesn't know anything. So I really hesitated. And I just kept feeling like I should ask him. So I did. And I expected a hesitant answer. But he said Yes lets do it. And then for clarification I asked him if he actually wanted to get baptized. I was a little confused and thought he said yes because I wanted him to. And he said yes I want to get baptized. So we set a date for December 1, 2012! He's getting baptized! There is only one problem. He can't choose his work schedule and might not be able to make it to church three times before that day. Investigators have to go three times before they can be baptized. And it would be really nice if he could go to church the day after his baptism so we can confirm him quickly without delay. But he can't choose his schedule. I'm not sure what to do. All of my prayers and my fast was centered on that man getting to church enough. He needs a miracle. And lucky for us our God can do that. So I'm hoping all goes well with that. I would hate to push his baptismal date back. Well. I love that man. He is so cool. And is just taking in the gospel so well. I even asked him to keep all of the commandments we will teach him about in order to prepare for baptism. And he said he will do it. Such a wonderful man.
Also we have another lesson with him on Wednesday at the same time as Eikaiwa. And we are going to have a couple potential investigators at that Eikaiwa so one of us needs to be there. And Elder Morris is the only one who has spoken with this potential investigator we have in mind and so he has to go to Eikaiwa. That means I will teach K_____ san alone with a member in our ward. This is my first full lesson alone. I will have the help of a member but I am in charge this time. I am so scared. Pray for me.
Lately I have been feeling like Japanese is just destroying me. It is so hard and I just can't understand what these people are saying to me. It is so hard. And I am getting really frustrated. I can say a lot. I can almost say anything I want in some way or another. But I can't understand people. So its really difficult. The language is the hardest part for me. Going up and talking to people is no problem. Sharing what I know with strangers is no problem. Leaving my family for two years is not a problem for me. The only truly difficult part of this is Japanese. And stressing about people coming to church. well. Just pray for me I guess. I don't really know what to do about the language. I keep studying. That's all I really can do.
Well. I should start wrapping it up. I love you all. I hope you are all doing well. It sounds like things are going good for the most part with little challenges here and there. But don't worry. Everything is ok. Peace out. Mata ne.
Love Josh
In other news. Did I tell you about K_____ san last week? I can't remember. Well he is an investigator here. And I have taught him a couple times now. He is so cool. I have to tell you about him. So when we teach people and then ask them to pray at the end of the lesson they always hesitate and say they don't want to and often will say no. And so I asked K_____ san to pray after the first lesson I taught to him. And I expected him to be all hesitant because he is so quiet already. And he said Hai yarimasho. Which being interpreted means Yes let's do it. What? That never happens. And then his prayer was perfect. And he prayed for me and Elder Morris by name. No one can remember my name in this country. But he made sure to do it. And he said don't just bless us but bless our families too. What? Who is this guy? We just ran into him on the street one night on a street crawling with thousands of people. And then in the next lesson we had with him this week at the end I felt like I should ask him to be baptized. And I hesitated because we really haven't explained baptism. He has seen the baptismal font and he knows God commands us to get baptized and he has seen a picture of Jesus Christ being baptized. Other than that he doesn't know anything. So I really hesitated. And I just kept feeling like I should ask him. So I did. And I expected a hesitant answer. But he said Yes lets do it. And then for clarification I asked him if he actually wanted to get baptized. I was a little confused and thought he said yes because I wanted him to. And he said yes I want to get baptized. So we set a date for December 1, 2012! He's getting baptized! There is only one problem. He can't choose his work schedule and might not be able to make it to church three times before that day. Investigators have to go three times before they can be baptized. And it would be really nice if he could go to church the day after his baptism so we can confirm him quickly without delay. But he can't choose his schedule. I'm not sure what to do. All of my prayers and my fast was centered on that man getting to church enough. He needs a miracle. And lucky for us our God can do that. So I'm hoping all goes well with that. I would hate to push his baptismal date back. Well. I love that man. He is so cool. And is just taking in the gospel so well. I even asked him to keep all of the commandments we will teach him about in order to prepare for baptism. And he said he will do it. Such a wonderful man.
Also we have another lesson with him on Wednesday at the same time as Eikaiwa. And we are going to have a couple potential investigators at that Eikaiwa so one of us needs to be there. And Elder Morris is the only one who has spoken with this potential investigator we have in mind and so he has to go to Eikaiwa. That means I will teach K_____ san alone with a member in our ward. This is my first full lesson alone. I will have the help of a member but I am in charge this time. I am so scared. Pray for me.
Lately I have been feeling like Japanese is just destroying me. It is so hard and I just can't understand what these people are saying to me. It is so hard. And I am getting really frustrated. I can say a lot. I can almost say anything I want in some way or another. But I can't understand people. So its really difficult. The language is the hardest part for me. Going up and talking to people is no problem. Sharing what I know with strangers is no problem. Leaving my family for two years is not a problem for me. The only truly difficult part of this is Japanese. And stressing about people coming to church. well. Just pray for me I guess. I don't really know what to do about the language. I keep studying. That's all I really can do.
Well. I should start wrapping it up. I love you all. I hope you are all doing well. It sounds like things are going good for the most part with little challenges here and there. But don't worry. Everything is ok. Peace out. Mata ne.
Love Josh
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Tsutaetai koto ga nai (Week 44)
Well. First I'm sorry I haven't emailed yet. We were way busy yesterday doing awesome things. And just so you know our email place fell through so we only get a half hour at our new place so I may cut out at any time. Its way taihen. I hope we can find a new place.
So yesterday we went to Kumamoto Castle. It was super cool. The whole zone was there. It was a lot of fun. And I also ate at a couple way good cool Japanese places yesterday. We also had one of our Eikaiwa friends come with us to the castle. Her name is Y_____ and she is 20 years old. We will try to start teaching her soon. Now that we have good relationships. She's super cool. And the castle was just awesome. I have some pictures that I want to send where I look really good but I can't do it yet and I don't know when I will have time in this place. Also if you see a chinese man add me on facebook let him be my friend. He is an investigator of the zone leaders and or the district leader. We are really good friends with him. And he might get baptized soon.
Also yesterday we had 14 missionaries out on the streets in normal clothes passing out Eikaiwa fliers and it was just plain awesome. I had such a good time. People don't get scared if you don't wear a suit when all you talk about is Eikaiwa. Well. They get way scared. Because I'm white. But not as scared. And its just fun to talk to them. We all spread out and gave out who knows how many fliers. Our Halloween party is tomorrow. So hopefully we will see a lot of people there.
And just to update you on my Japanese level I am still a junior companion. And I have good enough Japanese to get by in simple conversation and I can teach a lesson on the street without help. I just discovered that this week. But it is way hard. So I still have a long way to go.
I also ate at this way awesome food place. Y_____ told us to go there. It was the coolest thing ever. I don't have time to explain it but it was cool and classy and not too expensive and just made me feel awesome. And I couldn't understand what the waitress said to me at first because it was extremely polite Japanese. And all the waitresses are probably clones. And the food was delicious and it was way cool. Anyways.
So we have been trying to contact a lot of people on the streets especially this week. We want to get 400 contacts by Sunday. It takes about 400 contacts to get 1 investigator. Its way hard. But we'll get going. And we got a new investigator last week. His name is K_____ san. I only met him on the street but he was taught at the church by Elder Morris and one of the zone leaders this past week. So I think things are going ok. We will meet him again today.
So my time is basically up. I am sorry I can't write more. My time in Tsuboi might be really bothersome at email time from now on. And if I have my way I will be in Tsuboi for a really long time. So I can't write more than this one email anymore. So sorry. And my razors name is in my apartment. It might be in a previous email if you want to look through all of those. So I can't tell you right now. Sorry.
Well. I love you. I love Kumamoto. I love the mission. and I love Japanese people. And even their language.
Love Josh.
So yesterday we went to Kumamoto Castle. It was super cool. The whole zone was there. It was a lot of fun. And I also ate at a couple way good cool Japanese places yesterday. We also had one of our Eikaiwa friends come with us to the castle. Her name is Y_____ and she is 20 years old. We will try to start teaching her soon. Now that we have good relationships. She's super cool. And the castle was just awesome. I have some pictures that I want to send where I look really good but I can't do it yet and I don't know when I will have time in this place. Also if you see a chinese man add me on facebook let him be my friend. He is an investigator of the zone leaders and or the district leader. We are really good friends with him. And he might get baptized soon.
Also yesterday we had 14 missionaries out on the streets in normal clothes passing out Eikaiwa fliers and it was just plain awesome. I had such a good time. People don't get scared if you don't wear a suit when all you talk about is Eikaiwa. Well. They get way scared. Because I'm white. But not as scared. And its just fun to talk to them. We all spread out and gave out who knows how many fliers. Our Halloween party is tomorrow. So hopefully we will see a lot of people there.
And just to update you on my Japanese level I am still a junior companion. And I have good enough Japanese to get by in simple conversation and I can teach a lesson on the street without help. I just discovered that this week. But it is way hard. So I still have a long way to go.
I also ate at this way awesome food place. Y_____ told us to go there. It was the coolest thing ever. I don't have time to explain it but it was cool and classy and not too expensive and just made me feel awesome. And I couldn't understand what the waitress said to me at first because it was extremely polite Japanese. And all the waitresses are probably clones. And the food was delicious and it was way cool. Anyways.
So we have been trying to contact a lot of people on the streets especially this week. We want to get 400 contacts by Sunday. It takes about 400 contacts to get 1 investigator. Its way hard. But we'll get going. And we got a new investigator last week. His name is K_____ san. I only met him on the street but he was taught at the church by Elder Morris and one of the zone leaders this past week. So I think things are going ok. We will meet him again today.
So my time is basically up. I am sorry I can't write more. My time in Tsuboi might be really bothersome at email time from now on. And if I have my way I will be in Tsuboi for a really long time. So I can't write more than this one email anymore. So sorry. And my razors name is in my apartment. It might be in a previous email if you want to look through all of those. So I can't tell you right now. Sorry.
Well. I love you. I love Kumamoto. I love the mission. and I love Japanese people. And even their language.
Love Josh.
Monday, October 22, 2012
I have nothing interesting to put here today. (Week 43)
Well. Its been another week. And I can barely believe it. Time is flying like you wouldn't believe. I'm glad to hear you are doing well back home. I'm sorry to hear dad has gone hippy and let his hair grow out longer than 1/8 inch for a while. I really am surprised at him for making that decision whatever the motive may have been. And if you want to send me music probably the best way to do it these days now that I'm in Tsuboi is to do it by USB. And you probably shouldn't have told me that it was for a secret purpose that you asked this question. Now I can't wait until whatever time it is I have to wait to.
Tell Erika to tell Mr. Park Hachi no su ni shite yaru. He might not understand it. But it means I'm going to pump you full of lead.
So I have had an exciting week I guess. We have just been really busy doing dendo and stuff. You know. The normal stuff. But we are really trying to get Eikaiwa better. Its huge here. Way huge. But we want it better. And so we are making a giant poster to use when we hand out fliers and we are making posters to put on our bikes and stuff. And everything we need for this thing seems like it will be hard to find but we get there and everything just falls into our laps. Its crazy. I think someone is going to get baptized from our Eikaiwa efforts. We also met people last night that want to go to Eikaiwa. Usually when we give people fliers they just say thanks or just nod or something or don't even take it or something. But these people jumped at the fliers and asked for some to give their friends. Its just Eikaiwa but its fun to see people have real interest in something we are doing.
So yesterday was my first day going to church here. That was fun. The people are very nice. And there are so many of them. And they had me go up and introduce myself and share a testimony in sacrament meeting. And then they told the whole ward that I would be playing the cello at the Christmas party and that we just need a cello. That was about the same time that I learned there was a Christmas party and that I was playing there. Oh Japanese people. They are so wonderful.
Elder Morris and I get along very well. We have a great time. He's from North Ogden. He's a hard worker and very good looking just in case my sisters wanted to know. He is full of good ideas to get the work moving along here and has a great time dendoing. We will probably be together for 2 or 3 transfers. But we'll see. I really enjoy being his companion. Its fun. I also love living in a 4 man apartment again. Its way fun. We have a good time.
The other missionaries I live with, the Shimizu missionaries, have an investigator who is chinese. He is totally cool and we played soccer with him and stuff. He is one of the coolest people ever and I think he will get baptized. I'd like to go to his baptism. And I learned from him happy birthday in chinese. But I can't even imagine how to write it down so I can't type it. He told me my pronunciation is perfect. And chinese is supposed to be the hard one to pronounce. Maybe I'll go learn chinese after this. Anyways. Just pray for this wonderful man. I want to see him get baptized and join this wonderful church.
I use my cane a lot. My knees are totally losing it. But its ok. And I think it makes girls like me more. We just entered suit season so I have to wear a suit all the time now and I have a cane. So I really look good. And I think one of the Eikaiwa students is really into me. And then just the random women on the street giving me the look. But don't you worry about me. I won't go on any dates or anything. I'm here to preach the gospel so don't worry. I just look way good walking around with a cane. Elder De Jong, the district leader, wants to get a cane too. He wants the same attention and everything that I get. Oh well. Its not my fault I need one. I guess I'll just deal with all the attention and the pain like a man and turn it into baptisms or something.
My pedals on my bike were breaking off and so I bought new ones. They're pink.
So we don't really have any investigators here. Some just kind of investigators and there aren't very many of them. So hopefully we will be able to find some people soon. I would like to really start teaching people. Then maybe my Japanese will get better. I am having a strange problem with my Japanese. I don't know how to say a lot of specific things but when Japanese people say them I understand them. But I can't remember exaclty what they said because a lot of things I understand as quickly as English now so I don't really listen to what they say specifically. Its hard. Its weird understanding what they say but not being able to say it. So we'll see if I can learn them somehow.
Well. I think I should get going. I will let you all get going. I'm out of time. Loves.
Elder
Tell Erika to tell Mr. Park Hachi no su ni shite yaru. He might not understand it. But it means I'm going to pump you full of lead.
So I have had an exciting week I guess. We have just been really busy doing dendo and stuff. You know. The normal stuff. But we are really trying to get Eikaiwa better. Its huge here. Way huge. But we want it better. And so we are making a giant poster to use when we hand out fliers and we are making posters to put on our bikes and stuff. And everything we need for this thing seems like it will be hard to find but we get there and everything just falls into our laps. Its crazy. I think someone is going to get baptized from our Eikaiwa efforts. We also met people last night that want to go to Eikaiwa. Usually when we give people fliers they just say thanks or just nod or something or don't even take it or something. But these people jumped at the fliers and asked for some to give their friends. Its just Eikaiwa but its fun to see people have real interest in something we are doing.
So yesterday was my first day going to church here. That was fun. The people are very nice. And there are so many of them. And they had me go up and introduce myself and share a testimony in sacrament meeting. And then they told the whole ward that I would be playing the cello at the Christmas party and that we just need a cello. That was about the same time that I learned there was a Christmas party and that I was playing there. Oh Japanese people. They are so wonderful.
Elder Morris and I get along very well. We have a great time. He's from North Ogden. He's a hard worker and very good looking just in case my sisters wanted to know. He is full of good ideas to get the work moving along here and has a great time dendoing. We will probably be together for 2 or 3 transfers. But we'll see. I really enjoy being his companion. Its fun. I also love living in a 4 man apartment again. Its way fun. We have a good time.
The other missionaries I live with, the Shimizu missionaries, have an investigator who is chinese. He is totally cool and we played soccer with him and stuff. He is one of the coolest people ever and I think he will get baptized. I'd like to go to his baptism. And I learned from him happy birthday in chinese. But I can't even imagine how to write it down so I can't type it. He told me my pronunciation is perfect. And chinese is supposed to be the hard one to pronounce. Maybe I'll go learn chinese after this. Anyways. Just pray for this wonderful man. I want to see him get baptized and join this wonderful church.
I use my cane a lot. My knees are totally losing it. But its ok. And I think it makes girls like me more. We just entered suit season so I have to wear a suit all the time now and I have a cane. So I really look good. And I think one of the Eikaiwa students is really into me. And then just the random women on the street giving me the look. But don't you worry about me. I won't go on any dates or anything. I'm here to preach the gospel so don't worry. I just look way good walking around with a cane. Elder De Jong, the district leader, wants to get a cane too. He wants the same attention and everything that I get. Oh well. Its not my fault I need one. I guess I'll just deal with all the attention and the pain like a man and turn it into baptisms or something.
My pedals on my bike were breaking off and so I bought new ones. They're pink.
So we don't really have any investigators here. Some just kind of investigators and there aren't very many of them. So hopefully we will be able to find some people soon. I would like to really start teaching people. Then maybe my Japanese will get better. I am having a strange problem with my Japanese. I don't know how to say a lot of specific things but when Japanese people say them I understand them. But I can't remember exaclty what they said because a lot of things I understand as quickly as English now so I don't really listen to what they say specifically. Its hard. Its weird understanding what they say but not being able to say it. So we'll see if I can learn them somehow.
Well. I think I should get going. I will let you all get going. I'm out of time. Loves.
Elder
Monday, October 15, 2012
Hey has Gil kicked the bucket yet? (Week 42)
So I'm in the enourmous city of Kumamoto in a part of the city called Tsuboi. It is huge. It is the biggest city I've ever been in except for Fukuoka but I was only there for like 2 days. It hurt me to leave Ishigaki. I love Ishigaki so much. I love the people there. So much. The one big family in the branch came over on Wednesday night to say goodbye to me and stuff. It was nice. It was so sad. I miss them so much. And then that night I couldn't sleep because my heart hurt.
Then the branch came to the airport to see me off. And when the plane took off I saw them all waving on the viewing platform. Holy smokes. As the plane took off I cried. I love those people so much. And I don't know if I will ever see them again. Then it was exciting to land in Naha and get with a bunch of missionaries and stuff and then fly away from Okinawa. That was sad too. But I didn't cry. Then it was crazy trying to get to Kumamoto. We landed in Fukuoka and had to take a subway that I never knew when I was supposed to get off but someone else did and then I had to get on a bus to Kumamoto. And it was scary trying to find how to do that but Sister Tagawa was with me and so it went ok. And then we waited for our buses and I talked to Sister Tagawa for a while until she left. And then I was alone. And I found my bus. And the bus driver asked me a question that I understood but that was only because of the Spirit. I have no idea what his words were. And then the correct answer came from my lips without any real effort. That was cool. And an hour and a half later I made it to Kumamoto and met Elder Morris my new companion and Elders De Jong and Unice who live with me. Elder De Jong just wants Japanese babies more than anything. He doesn't much care for what race his wife is but he has to have Japanese babies. Anywas. Kumamoto is huge and crazy and awesome and Elder Morris is awesome and the other elders are awesome so its ok. I will really enjoy it here. But Ishigaki will forever have a special place in my heart. I want to go back sometime. But that isn't likely to happen.
So I have dendoed a little in this place. The city is huge and there are like so many places to go shopping for the coolest stuff. So Elder Morris and I are just going to go pretend like we have money and see a bunch of cool stuff we can't really buy today. And just so you know things are different in Tsuboi so my emailing will not be at a regular time anymore. Just so you know. Anyways. There are always people walking around the streets to talk to. Its crazy. Ishigaki never had anyone but women. And we can't contact women. We can only knock on their doors. So its been exciting. And I'm really excited. But Ishigaki. I only spent 6 months there. I needed at least another three.
So Elder Morris is super cool. He is only like 2 transfers ahead of my and I am his first junior companion. So there is some scary news for you. In as little as three months I could be senior. And I don't speak Japanese. Hopefully I learn soon. I'm getting better. Elder Iino helped a lot. But holy smokes I don't speak Japanese.
So the Japanese people do know what Halloween is and I just ate a bunch of Halloween Mister Donuts the other day. So they know it. But they really don't celebrate it. There might be parties and stuff but not really. Just stuff and decorations to buy. No candy. No trick or treating or anything. So its not a big deal. But we are going to have a Halloween party for the ysa age people in Kumamoto. Amercian style. They will like that. So we'll see how it goes. Hopefully a lot of people come. I think they celebrate Halloween kind of the same as Christmas. Except they probably know what day Christmas is. No one really knows what day Halloween is. Not even the members.
When L. Tom Perry started reading that letter to his mom I started getting all teary eyed and stuff and thought about how much I love my own mom. I love you mom. I miss you a lot and I think about you all the time. But its ok. I have just over a year left. I'll be home to see you before you know it. And I'll call you on Christmas. So that will be nice. I love you mom.
So I have a USB drive with a bunch of music on it that we plug into the little DVD player and it can play our music. We do have a cd player but that is chotto mendokusai. Just a little not benri. I love Japanese. Do you understand any of that? Its just not how we roll. We like the USB and its easy to work with and a lot smaller than a bunch of cds. So that's what we do. I do believe we have an oven. I think. I don't actually remember. Its still a new apartment. Anyways. So yeah. That's all I can give you in that area.
I'm glad you had fun at Disneland and saw that nice cute couple. That's fun. All the couples I've seen here are pretty much normal. For Japanese people. Also dad don't go gettin chunky on me. That isn't acceptable.
So we don't do email in the church. We do it at some public computer place. And holy cow. its way nice and the chair is awesome and there are free drinks as much as you want here. Its awesome. Good stuff too. Like Calpis and way good grape juice and more teas than I have ever seen and soda. And also it has bathrooms and shower rooms so you can stay here over night if your game is taking a while and stuff like that. Isn't that the coolest? And this room is pretty dark. And I can smell cigarette smoke. And there are a bunch of posters of fantasy weapons and stuff. Way nerdy. Welcome to Japan. I love it.
Well. I don't really know what else to say. I'm going to love Kumamoto. I already love it. This is what Japan really is. I have entered the real thing now. Okinawa is different. This is the real Japan. Its amazing and fun and huge and the members are a lot of people and that was a Japanese way to say that about the members and my bike finally came today so I can ride it. Oh yeah. My bike is all black and is named the Black Thunder after that way delicious candy. And Elder Morris's bike is all black too. But he named his Daihaikyo. Daihaiks for short. That means the Great Apostasy. Just because an all black bike has to have a cool bad name. And he said his previous companion named his bike Kaifuku which means Restoration. Anyways. I like his bike's name.
Well I love you all. I hope you are well. Know that I am well too. I'm just always tired. And I don't speak Japanese. And I want my Ishigaki. But someday I'll get transferred back. Just wait.
Peace out. Have a nice day.
Love Elder Liddle 長老
Then the branch came to the airport to see me off. And when the plane took off I saw them all waving on the viewing platform. Holy smokes. As the plane took off I cried. I love those people so much. And I don't know if I will ever see them again. Then it was exciting to land in Naha and get with a bunch of missionaries and stuff and then fly away from Okinawa. That was sad too. But I didn't cry. Then it was crazy trying to get to Kumamoto. We landed in Fukuoka and had to take a subway that I never knew when I was supposed to get off but someone else did and then I had to get on a bus to Kumamoto. And it was scary trying to find how to do that but Sister Tagawa was with me and so it went ok. And then we waited for our buses and I talked to Sister Tagawa for a while until she left. And then I was alone. And I found my bus. And the bus driver asked me a question that I understood but that was only because of the Spirit. I have no idea what his words were. And then the correct answer came from my lips without any real effort. That was cool. And an hour and a half later I made it to Kumamoto and met Elder Morris my new companion and Elders De Jong and Unice who live with me. Elder De Jong just wants Japanese babies more than anything. He doesn't much care for what race his wife is but he has to have Japanese babies. Anywas. Kumamoto is huge and crazy and awesome and Elder Morris is awesome and the other elders are awesome so its ok. I will really enjoy it here. But Ishigaki will forever have a special place in my heart. I want to go back sometime. But that isn't likely to happen.
So I have dendoed a little in this place. The city is huge and there are like so many places to go shopping for the coolest stuff. So Elder Morris and I are just going to go pretend like we have money and see a bunch of cool stuff we can't really buy today. And just so you know things are different in Tsuboi so my emailing will not be at a regular time anymore. Just so you know. Anyways. There are always people walking around the streets to talk to. Its crazy. Ishigaki never had anyone but women. And we can't contact women. We can only knock on their doors. So its been exciting. And I'm really excited. But Ishigaki. I only spent 6 months there. I needed at least another three.
So Elder Morris is super cool. He is only like 2 transfers ahead of my and I am his first junior companion. So there is some scary news for you. In as little as three months I could be senior. And I don't speak Japanese. Hopefully I learn soon. I'm getting better. Elder Iino helped a lot. But holy smokes I don't speak Japanese.
So the Japanese people do know what Halloween is and I just ate a bunch of Halloween Mister Donuts the other day. So they know it. But they really don't celebrate it. There might be parties and stuff but not really. Just stuff and decorations to buy. No candy. No trick or treating or anything. So its not a big deal. But we are going to have a Halloween party for the ysa age people in Kumamoto. Amercian style. They will like that. So we'll see how it goes. Hopefully a lot of people come. I think they celebrate Halloween kind of the same as Christmas. Except they probably know what day Christmas is. No one really knows what day Halloween is. Not even the members.
When L. Tom Perry started reading that letter to his mom I started getting all teary eyed and stuff and thought about how much I love my own mom. I love you mom. I miss you a lot and I think about you all the time. But its ok. I have just over a year left. I'll be home to see you before you know it. And I'll call you on Christmas. So that will be nice. I love you mom.
So I have a USB drive with a bunch of music on it that we plug into the little DVD player and it can play our music. We do have a cd player but that is chotto mendokusai. Just a little not benri. I love Japanese. Do you understand any of that? Its just not how we roll. We like the USB and its easy to work with and a lot smaller than a bunch of cds. So that's what we do. I do believe we have an oven. I think. I don't actually remember. Its still a new apartment. Anyways. So yeah. That's all I can give you in that area.
I'm glad you had fun at Disneland and saw that nice cute couple. That's fun. All the couples I've seen here are pretty much normal. For Japanese people. Also dad don't go gettin chunky on me. That isn't acceptable.
So we don't do email in the church. We do it at some public computer place. And holy cow. its way nice and the chair is awesome and there are free drinks as much as you want here. Its awesome. Good stuff too. Like Calpis and way good grape juice and more teas than I have ever seen and soda. And also it has bathrooms and shower rooms so you can stay here over night if your game is taking a while and stuff like that. Isn't that the coolest? And this room is pretty dark. And I can smell cigarette smoke. And there are a bunch of posters of fantasy weapons and stuff. Way nerdy. Welcome to Japan. I love it.
Well. I don't really know what else to say. I'm going to love Kumamoto. I already love it. This is what Japan really is. I have entered the real thing now. Okinawa is different. This is the real Japan. Its amazing and fun and huge and the members are a lot of people and that was a Japanese way to say that about the members and my bike finally came today so I can ride it. Oh yeah. My bike is all black and is named the Black Thunder after that way delicious candy. And Elder Morris's bike is all black too. But he named his Daihaikyo. Daihaiks for short. That means the Great Apostasy. Just because an all black bike has to have a cool bad name. And he said his previous companion named his bike Kaifuku which means Restoration. Anyways. I like his bike's name.
Well I love you all. I hope you are well. Know that I am well too. I'm just always tired. And I don't speak Japanese. And I want my Ishigaki. But someday I'll get transferred back. Just wait.
Peace out. Have a nice day.
Love Elder Liddle 長老
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
No! You can't take me! (Week 41)
I'm transferring! Away from my precious kingdom! Ishigaki! No!
Well. We got the calls today. The transfer calls. By the way P day is now on Tuesday the week of transfers. So that's why this is late. And that way I can tell you about transfers after the call instead of after the transfer. So they called me today. Who called me you ask? Not the assistants like normal. President Gustafson called. But that actually had nothing to do with me. Iino 長老 is going trainer again! A bean in Ishigaki! And then he passed me the phone. I knew what was coming. I knew I would transfer. But I didn't want to believe. I spent a good 4 transfers here. And President told me I'm no longer Little 長老 but Big 長老 because I'm being transferred to a place called Tsuboi near a place called Kumamoto. On Kyushu island. Same island as Fukuoka. I don't really know where my area is yet because I haven't been able to look at a map. And my new companion is a fine man I have met a couple times named Elder Morris. Well. That's that. I'm excited though. So don't worry about me. I'm excited to see some more of Japan.
So we went to Taketomi last week on P day and rode the Suigyu. And let me just say. You know you are learning Japanese when the driver goes on and on about Suigyu urine and you understand everything he's saying. About how they use it for marking and sorry about the smell and stuff. Wow.
Speaking of urine. We went housing and there was an adorable dog lounging on the grass. When no one answered the door I went to pet the dog. And the sweet doggy rolled over so I could get its belly. Well I noticed that it was a boy doggy just in time to see a stream of liquid come flying at me and soak my hand. Yeah. Ishigaki animals are so so not good. I have lots of stories about them but they wouldn't be good to tell. That's the one bad thing about Ishigaki.
So at church here sometimes I use chapstick. And the branch president's daughters are always around and always talk to me and stuff. So they see the chapstick. And when they saw it I didn't realize what I was doing because its so automatic and they kept telling me I was cute. In English. They were just pointing and saying cute over and over. I was a little confused. It was hilarious though because when I explained what I was thinking they got all embarrassed and stuff. Anyways. Just a funny story. Its ok. Only one of them has a thing for me.
So I went to Mister Donut again this week. It is so delicious. And I have a point card. I've received two sweat towels and a halloween snoopy toy. Also they have this lion thing like as their mascot. And you can get a stuffed lion for 1000 points. We calculated it. I would have to buy one doughnut a day for the rest of my mission to get the points. Tanoshiku Ganbarimasho!
Speaking of Mister Donut. When we were there there were a bunch of like junior high girls at a table just behind me. Elder Iino was facing them. And when I would look to the side out the window I would see some of them turning around to look at me. And then Elder Iino waved at someone behind me. So I turned around and saw like 6 or 7 girls lined up staring at me. So I waved too. And then they all started waving and giggling and ran. It was so funny. Oh boy. The girls here are so crazy.
While I'm thinking about it I would appreciate if you could find and send me the smallest most portable bike pump you can find sometime. Whenever its convenient. Its not an immediate need. I just have an american bike. So when I need to refill my tires with air once every couple weeks it seems I have to go to a bike shop and its just way taihen and gets in the way. But whatever.
Elder Iino said cucumbers taste like stink bugs and watermelon tastes like beetles.
Ok. So now dendo. We had a rough dendo week. No one wants to listen to us and its way hard. And some people think I'm speaking English to them. They see that I'm white and expect English for some reason and so they can't understand that I'm speaking Japanese for like a whole thirty seconds. Its funny. Until it gets frustrating. And we met with the T_____ kids and they really aren't progressing. They need their mom to lead them. And she just went to Las Vegas for a while. So I will never see them again. Unless by some miracle I get transferred back someday. I'm really sad about that. But its ok. I think everything will be ok with them. They will receive the gospel eventually. Other than that basically all of Ishigaki's investigators have stopped all progression. M_____ san. We had to drop him. He doesn't want to learn anymore. Its been way stressful and frustrating. This has easily been my hardest week. And holy cow. I don't speak Japanese. Its so hard. So yeah.
Also my knees are going. My surgeryed knee is hurting. I think there is something wrong but whatevs. I'll ganbaru. I bought a 100 yen cane to use when we are housing and walking a lot so I'm ok. My other knee is starting to hurt too though. I don't know. I'll probably be fine.
One thing I love about Ishigaki is you can go walking through the houses in the evening and hear people getting together in their little Ishigaki music bands and singing and playing old Ishigaki and Okinawa music. Its so cool. I love it.
And I saw a nice old man on a scooter this week. He like bowed to me on his scooter as I walked by and he said konnichi wa and stuff. What a nice old man.
Well that's me. Its been crazy. And I'll talk to you from Tsuboi next week.
Also some people think I've seen conference already. Japan gets it a week later. I got to watch the Relief Society one this week. This weekend I get to see the real deal. But I did actually watch President Monson on the internet after we heard the mission age news. And I get to see it in English no matter what because I'm a genius. If you put the full general conference on an ipod and match the sound with the video then its all in English. Yes. I'm that good.
Anyways. I love you all.
Love Liddle 長老
Well. We got the calls today. The transfer calls. By the way P day is now on Tuesday the week of transfers. So that's why this is late. And that way I can tell you about transfers after the call instead of after the transfer. So they called me today. Who called me you ask? Not the assistants like normal. President Gustafson called. But that actually had nothing to do with me. Iino 長老 is going trainer again! A bean in Ishigaki! And then he passed me the phone. I knew what was coming. I knew I would transfer. But I didn't want to believe. I spent a good 4 transfers here. And President told me I'm no longer Little 長老 but Big 長老 because I'm being transferred to a place called Tsuboi near a place called Kumamoto. On Kyushu island. Same island as Fukuoka. I don't really know where my area is yet because I haven't been able to look at a map. And my new companion is a fine man I have met a couple times named Elder Morris. Well. That's that. I'm excited though. So don't worry about me. I'm excited to see some more of Japan.
So we went to Taketomi last week on P day and rode the Suigyu. And let me just say. You know you are learning Japanese when the driver goes on and on about Suigyu urine and you understand everything he's saying. About how they use it for marking and sorry about the smell and stuff. Wow.
Speaking of urine. We went housing and there was an adorable dog lounging on the grass. When no one answered the door I went to pet the dog. And the sweet doggy rolled over so I could get its belly. Well I noticed that it was a boy doggy just in time to see a stream of liquid come flying at me and soak my hand. Yeah. Ishigaki animals are so so not good. I have lots of stories about them but they wouldn't be good to tell. That's the one bad thing about Ishigaki.
So at church here sometimes I use chapstick. And the branch president's daughters are always around and always talk to me and stuff. So they see the chapstick. And when they saw it I didn't realize what I was doing because its so automatic and they kept telling me I was cute. In English. They were just pointing and saying cute over and over. I was a little confused. It was hilarious though because when I explained what I was thinking they got all embarrassed and stuff. Anyways. Just a funny story. Its ok. Only one of them has a thing for me.
So I went to Mister Donut again this week. It is so delicious. And I have a point card. I've received two sweat towels and a halloween snoopy toy. Also they have this lion thing like as their mascot. And you can get a stuffed lion for 1000 points. We calculated it. I would have to buy one doughnut a day for the rest of my mission to get the points. Tanoshiku Ganbarimasho!
Speaking of Mister Donut. When we were there there were a bunch of like junior high girls at a table just behind me. Elder Iino was facing them. And when I would look to the side out the window I would see some of them turning around to look at me. And then Elder Iino waved at someone behind me. So I turned around and saw like 6 or 7 girls lined up staring at me. So I waved too. And then they all started waving and giggling and ran. It was so funny. Oh boy. The girls here are so crazy.
While I'm thinking about it I would appreciate if you could find and send me the smallest most portable bike pump you can find sometime. Whenever its convenient. Its not an immediate need. I just have an american bike. So when I need to refill my tires with air once every couple weeks it seems I have to go to a bike shop and its just way taihen and gets in the way. But whatever.
Elder Iino said cucumbers taste like stink bugs and watermelon tastes like beetles.
Ok. So now dendo. We had a rough dendo week. No one wants to listen to us and its way hard. And some people think I'm speaking English to them. They see that I'm white and expect English for some reason and so they can't understand that I'm speaking Japanese for like a whole thirty seconds. Its funny. Until it gets frustrating. And we met with the T_____ kids and they really aren't progressing. They need their mom to lead them. And she just went to Las Vegas for a while. So I will never see them again. Unless by some miracle I get transferred back someday. I'm really sad about that. But its ok. I think everything will be ok with them. They will receive the gospel eventually. Other than that basically all of Ishigaki's investigators have stopped all progression. M_____ san. We had to drop him. He doesn't want to learn anymore. Its been way stressful and frustrating. This has easily been my hardest week. And holy cow. I don't speak Japanese. Its so hard. So yeah.
Also my knees are going. My surgeryed knee is hurting. I think there is something wrong but whatevs. I'll ganbaru. I bought a 100 yen cane to use when we are housing and walking a lot so I'm ok. My other knee is starting to hurt too though. I don't know. I'll probably be fine.
One thing I love about Ishigaki is you can go walking through the houses in the evening and hear people getting together in their little Ishigaki music bands and singing and playing old Ishigaki and Okinawa music. Its so cool. I love it.
And I saw a nice old man on a scooter this week. He like bowed to me on his scooter as I walked by and he said konnichi wa and stuff. What a nice old man.
Well that's me. Its been crazy. And I'll talk to you from Tsuboi next week.
Also some people think I've seen conference already. Japan gets it a week later. I got to watch the Relief Society one this week. This weekend I get to see the real deal. But I did actually watch President Monson on the internet after we heard the mission age news. And I get to see it in English no matter what because I'm a genius. If you put the full general conference on an ipod and match the sound with the video then its all in English. Yes. I'm that good.
Anyways. I love you all.
Love Liddle 長老
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