June 13, 2016

Running out of catchy topic lines

Another week gone! I want to start this weeks email off with a couple questions from my dads latest email to me, "Did you even imagine how great it would be serving a mission? Did you have any idea that you would be having so many wonderful experiences?"

No. I could never have imagined how great it is to serve a mission. And nope, I couldn't have comprehended the magnitude of these experiences I've had. The amount of love that I feel for the people I've gotten to meet and have relationships with is indescribable. I was talking to my companion this week about strengths and weaknesses as a missionary. I said I felt that I couldn't offer any profound wisdom, or perfectly taught doctrine to our investigator and people we meet, but that I felt I love them with all my heart. That is what I know how to do, and that is what I try and focus on when I get discouraged with my teaching skills that I wish were smoother, and my Japanese that I wish was better. And really any other things that are sometimes discouraging as a missionary. I think as missionaries we're blessed to feel a portion of Christ's love for the people we teach. In turn we are expected to testify to our investigators, with all our hearts, of Christ's love for them. To help bring them to a knowledge of and faith in that love. 

This week we had a few really great lessons with Holly and Shomin chan. Holly even came to church yesterday, and during gospel principles she was even taking notes and really participating in the lesson! It was such a miracle. Shomin chan couldn't come to church because she was buying a hamster who she is naming bacon, but we will hope for better luck with her church attendance next week. She's continuing to pray and receive answers to those prayers, yet another miracle. 

Today we went to lunch with a couple eikaiwa students and it was exactly what I needed. It was so light hearted and fun and we just got to talk and become friends. They are so funny and we had the best conversations! We are already planning future pday activities with them! 

This week we were reading in Mosiah 26 and I loved verse 13. I love Alma's example. When he was lost and troubled and needed direction, the first person he turned to was the Lord. I know the Lord is our perfect guide, friend, and comforter. 

Let us all press on to another week!

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

Our zone at zone conference 

We had dinner and a message with the Hoffs and Colton! Notice the tied together socks... An indicator of how reverent our spiritual thought was. I love them!

Sushi lunch with aya San and Rei San 

Rice fields and mountains