Jan. 17, 2016

Happy because my wonderful parents sent me a real raincoat and because komatsu Shimai is amazing! Can you tell how short she is from this picture?

On New Year's Eve we had dinner at a members home and this view was just five minutes away! Yeah Japan is gorgeous.

Konnichiwa friends and family!

This week was amazing and hard and amazing.
First, let me just say how much I love Maebaru, my area. I love the people here, the city, the ward members, everything. I know this is where I am supposed to be right now. I was reminded of my love for this area because this week we went on splits, and I was in an area about an hour away. The whole time I missed komatsu Shimai and the people of Maebaru. Everyone here is so kind and polite. We are truly meant for the areas and companions we are assigned to!
I had my first mission heartbreak when a lady we had met with a few times expressed to us that she had NO interest in believing in God. We tried to give her a Book of Mormon and she refused to accept it. She is a single mom and has the most beautiful daughter. She said how she doesn't want to rely on anyone or anything and how believing in God would change her whole life, and how she can't think about that right now. We tried to express that She can rely on God through anything and how He can help her in every situation. She said she doesn't want to rely on God and that she only wants help from her family and friends. She was so kind through everything, and I just loved her and her daughter. While we were talking to her, her daughter brought us out a bag of origami that's she had made us and it was the sweetest thing. After she assured us she wasn't interested and politely thanked us for our time, we left. As we walked away, of course I started crying. I just felt how much love God has for these people, and how He is waiting for them to come home. Komatsu Shimai and I then prayed for this lady and her daughter. Praying after this heartbreak brought so much peace and comfort to us. Although we can't teach her anymore, we can still pray that this will be a steppingstone in her and her daughters conversion.
Another day this week I was listening to Larry r Lawrence's talk from this past conference entitled 'what lack I yet?' I've been a little overwhelmed with all that I have to learn, do, change, and become. It's so easy to look at everything we have to do and get overwhelmed and feel like it is impossible. But, we have to start somewhere! That's where this talk came in. He says,
"I would like to suggest that each of you participate in a spiritual exercise sometime soon, perhaps even tonight while saying your prayers. Humbly ask the Lord the following question: “What is keeping me from progressing?” In other words: “What lack I yet?” Then wait quietly for a response. If you are sincere, the answer will soon become clear. It will be revelation intended just for you."
He gives examples of some funny simple answers others had received in answer to this question. Read or listen to the whole talk for those. But a couple weeks ago, I prayed and asked this question, however, I didn't receive an answer very quickly and I was tired so I went to bed. This week though, I 'waited quietly.' I went into a room alone and prayed asking what lack I yet. I had to wait a while, really concentrate, and have a Sincere desire, but my answer came. 'Make and stick to plans for study. Show the lord your devotion.' Personal revelation is real! I'm very grateful for this counsel, and know it is exactly what I need to be focusing on right now. I know that everyone can receive an answer to this question if they seek earnestly. I've been so much happier and more motivated since receiving this answer. Isn't this gospel amazing? That we can always be improving and refining ourselves according to the Lord's will.

Today is komatsu shimai's birthday and we have lots of fun plans! I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and include them in next weeks email. The weather today is terrible though- the strongest wind I've ever experienced, and tons of rain, so our groceries should be interesting riding home with on our bikes!

I love you all!

Love, Sundell Shimai

This week I really loved the same scripture I used in my farewell talk, Alma 7:11-13
We used it in a couple different lessons, and the spirit was so strong.
Read and ponder it!