October 11, 2016

Hello from sasebo! I love it here already. The first day or so was hard just being completely out of my comfort zone again, but the Lord has blessed with with many tender mercies that let me know this is were I need to be right now. These members are incredible! I forgot how much I loved and missed being in a Japanese branch. But now I get the best of both worlds with the navy branch and Japanese branch. The Japanese presidents son got baptized Saturday night and it was so sweet. As he was bearing his testimony of feeling the spirit he got so emotional and started crying. And his older brother cried as he gave a talk at the baptism. Such a special family!

Leaving iwakuni felt quite like leaving home, having been there for so long. We got to have a goodbye party for me and smith Shimai and a lot of our investigators came which was a blessing getting to say bye to them. They really became my best friends and I'll be forever thankful for the time I got to spend with them! Mcnaughton Shimai was also hard to leave. She was such an angel companion the past transfer and supported and uplifted me in so many ways.

My new companion, Jorgensen Shimai, is insanely talented. At basically everything. Japanese, playing the piano, singing, working hard, studying hard, all the things. She and I are so meant to be companions and I can't wait for the upcoming months with her.

We got to watch general conference the past couple days and it was better than ever! It just keep getting better every six months. We got to watch at a couple members homes and get to know them better which was so fun. It's so special getting to watch conference as a missionary and receive specific revelation for our areas and investigators.

I'll end with a scripture we read together this morning as an apartment in our d&c story time.

D&c 81:5 'Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.'

This is what the Lord has called and appointed us to do, and we will have his help as we faithfully put our trust in him. We are his hands in Helping others through trials and temptation.

All my love, Sundell Shimai

Leaving the apartment and angels I love so much.

Entering the new apartment (and district) that I love already.

Japanese shokuji, oh how I've missed you!