October 31, 2016

I don't know how the weeks go so fast! We had so many incredible moments this week and I'm so excited to share some of them.

First our investigator chika chan. There are honestly no words to describe how well she is progressing. We had three lessons with her this week and made a baptismal date and baptismal calendar! Friends, she is gold! She loves everything we teach her and it just speaks to her heart. She asks incredible questions and desires knowledge. Our joint for her lessons got baptized when she was 21 so she shares the best personal experiences! Member joints for lessons are such a key to our investigators progressing! Chika chan is so excited about baptism and the baptismal calendar. I was just speechless the whole lesson, well besides for the points when I did speak, but it is SO incredible experiencing her conversion! When people are truly prepared, there's no convincing, pleading, or coaxing that has to be done on our part, just guiding them in the right direction. Please please pray for her continued progression towards baptism and lifelong membership in the church!

We got a special visit from iwakuni this week! Sister white and her family were in sasebo for a track meet and took Jorgensen Shimai and I out to lunch, because we had both served in iwakuni. It really felt like a piece of home seeing them. I'm so thankful for the eternal friendships we are blessed with!

Went on my first junkai, or exchange, as stl with Matthews Shimai!

She's from Australia and is an angel. It was like being with my sweet Mckenzie Shimai for a day! Matthews Shimai taught me so much about love and heartfelt testimonies of our savior to everyone we meet. It's such a blessing getting to live with Matthews Shimai and whitworth Shimai in a four man apartment. These Shimai are incredible!

This week I found an incredible quote by president hinckley that I want to end in sharing. Concerning his mission, and life, he said "

The best antidote I know for Worry is Work. The best medicine for Despair is Service. The best cure for Weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired."

There are times in the day when I just feel sooo exhausted and down on myself, but time and time again the Lord has shown that the true cure for weariness and despair is reaching out in service to others.

Getting on our bikes and riding up that one last hill. Walking around for ten extra minutes to talk to just a few more people. Refocusing our self centered thoughts onto helping the person we are talking to feel of our Savior's love. It's a constant effort, but so worth it. I love this work, and have a testimony of the healing balm of service.

I love you all!

All my love, Sundell Shimai

By the end of each day

The Whites!

Had a Halloween party with the Eikawa students

Look at all the purple flowers! Mom, they're your favorite ones that look like they have a light inside.

My toe decided to get festive for Halloween