April 11, 2016

How incredible was conference?!

We watched it this weekend instead of last because the members have to wait a little while for translations. They all come to the church building and watch it together, it's the sweetest thing. We watched in a different room on our iPads, because though Anderson Shimai and I are nearly fluent in Japanese by now, we figured we could probably understand a little better in English :) It was so special getting to listen to the Lords prophet and apostles bear testimony of Christ, all while wearing a badge that distinguishes me as a representative of Christ. That's some serious pressure! It was such a beautiful and sacred time getting to listen to their counsel and advice. My favorite part of conference was Saturday morning's closing song 'Come Thou Fount.' I've always loved the song, but what got me was watching the choir.  There are two guys that the camera focused on during the song and they were both teary and crying. It was beautiful. Anderson Shimai and I just lost it and both started bawling (I feel like I talk about us crying a lot) because the spirit Was so strong. I can only imagine the spirit in the conference center as they sang that song. Then came the closing prayer. I don't remember who prayed, but his prayer included Christ, the prophet, the church, and the missionaries. It was humbling being included in that prayer, and reminded me how loved, watched over, and prayed for the missionaries are. The song and prayer were the most beautiful sequence of events, and Anderson Shimai and I loved it so much, that we rewinded and watched it again. And bawled even more. If you didn't have a chance to watch the song and see those two men's faces, I ask that you go back and watch it. It was one of the most spiritually powerful experiences I've had, and I will never forget that spirit that we felt. 

On Saturday we had a lesson with hinata chan and we had planned to invite her to baptism and had even made a beautiful baptismal calendar for her. When we brought it up her grandma said that if she was baptized it would separate her from the family and create a commitment of going to church every Sunday that she didn't want. She said how much Hinata chan loves us though and that it is okay for her to keep learning from us and going to church if she wants too, but no Baptism right now. Anderson Shimai and I were a little bummed, but mostly were just overcome with a feeling of peace that our sweet Hinata chan will be able to be baptized in the future and continue onto a life of faithful membership. She has such a humble and believing heart, and knows of the truth of what we are teaching. After the lesson we asked her if she was still praying every night, and she said yes, and that at first she did it because she was interested, but now she does it because it's her own thought and desire. 

This week we were able to visit a few less actives. We just stopped by their houses and surprise visited them but were able to have really great conversations with both of them! I think many people are just a little lonely and those small visits brighten their days. So this week my commitment for everyone is to visit a friend that you haven't talked to in a while and remind them of how much you care for them. We can never show our love too much! Anderson Shimai and I will continue contacting less actives this week and I'll report next week how it goes. I would love to hear how some of your experiences go also! 

Another experience randomly contacting people: Does anyone remember Meisen San from my first week here? We had dinner with her and the Yamashita family. She's from China and was studying here. Well after that initial dinner lesson with her we weren't able to meet with her again. She got busy with school and then went home for a while to visit. This week I decided to call her and see if she would be able to meet now. Turns out she moved to Sapporo. Bummer! But I was be blessed to have the sweetest conversation with her. She moved to Sapporo about a week ago for work and she has been really lonely because she doesn't know anyone there. She was so thankful for the call and said it was such good timing hearing from us at a time she was feeling alone. She kept thanking me for Komatsu Shimai and my friendship and said she hopes to see us again. I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude for the friendships that the Lord is blessing me with on my mission! We only met with Meisen San once, but I feel such a deep friendship and relationship with her that I know will continue on through eternity. That was one of the biggest things I got out of conference- the importance of our relationship with others. Our relationships are such tender blessings and we should cherish and nurture them. I'm thankful for the small whisperings of the Holy Ghost that show us how to love and reach out to others in a world that is so focused on the self. Once again I invite everyone reading this to go out of your way and reach out to someone this week and show your love for them. Nurture the relationships that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with! I love you all and am thankful for the relationships that we have. 

All my love, Sundell Shimai