September 26, 2016

Good morning people I love! This week was absolutely the fastest week of my mission. I don't know where it went. But I do want to share some miracles we saw this week.

First miracle: all our garbage got picked up by the trash guys this week. Let me explain: Japan has the most nuts recycling system. You separate everything and then take it all out on separate designated days of the month. It's intense. We can easily separate the burnable trash from cardboard and plastics and bottles and such, but then there's the tricky stuff like broken vacuums, shoes, clothes, etc. but this week we finally figured out how to get rid of all the rest of the junk on our balcony and and put it out to get taken away and it didn't get rejected! Miracles.

Mcnaughton shimai's bike's derailer crunched in on itself and bent INTO the spokes going up a hill this week and was absolutely trashed, but brother Mann came and saved us and took it to get fixed. (Most incredible members here in iwakuni) Typical Japanese moment: it was one of our favorite Japanese members birthday this week so mcnaughton Shimai and I made banners for her and left cream puffs on her door as a surprise. She does SO much for us and we wanted to do a little something in return. But that night we got home and she had dropped off a bag of fruit, brownies, and a thank you note for us thanking us for the banner. I said this in an email forever ago, but seriously Japanese people are just like god, you can't give them anything without getting so much more in return!

They're so giving.

There are so many other miracles that happen each week, but that can't be conveyed through email. They're so sacred and special and deepen my gratitude for this gospel. It truly is through loving the gospel, keeping the commandments, and following Christ that we experience happiness and safety. I feel like experiences we have strengthen my testimony on things that I've been hearing forever, but it just clicks In a new way. You know the primary song 'keep the commandments?' 'Keep the commandments, in this there is safety and peace'- yeah ITS TRUE.

We are protected from the power and destruction of the adversary as we follow Christ. We are happy and we are safe. I'm thankful for a knowledge of that, and pray for each of your 'safety and peace.' I love you all!

All my love, Sundell Shimai

Happy companionship picture week 2.

Japanese wildflowers

I love this with random children.

Creepy Ramen men who hit on missionaries but make the best Ramen in Iwakuni so you can't help but eat there

We love Colton picture week 2

Not happy