December 19, 2016

My new missionary is steed Shimai! And she's an angel! Wow I can't say enough good about her! She's 19 from California, and the youngest of four girls. She is absolutely fearless. Our first time dendoing together she stopped 6 store employees outside hanging up posters and invited them all to eikaiwa! What! She is not afraid to talk to people and always tries her best. She serves more than anyone I've ever met. Seriously she is always asking what she can help with, doing dishes, unfolding our futons. Everything. She's nothing like the helpless, homesick, exhausted new missionary I was a year ago! I'm so excited for the next two transfers with her. 

This week we had two Christmas parties, one for the American branch and one for the Japanese branch. Sadly our investigators didn't come, but it was a great time with the members. At the Japanese one, elder Bryans dressed up as Santa and all the little kids walked around calling him Santa san and my heart almost burst. I got so so sad that this will probably be the last Christmas I experience in japan. I love it here. 

Yesterday in church we saw one of the biggest miracles of my mission. A member brought her friend to church with her (miracle!) and we were able to teach her a lesson the second hour. She has so many deep heartbreaks from her past that she's burdened with and is seeking relief. It was the greatest feeling to get to promise her that all pains and sorrows she feel from the past can be healed through Jesus Christ's atonement. She can really comprehend how that's possible right now, but is trusting us and going to meet with us again Wednesday! By the end of the lesson we were all sobbing and hugging. I love her so much already and know of the happier future  free from past burdens that awaits her. 

Sitting in church yesterday I was overwhelmed with gratitude for this opportunity to serve in sasebo. These members feel like family, and it feels like home being at church with them. 

We are so excited for Christmas sabbath this week! It's the perfect opportunity to invite any of your friends to church, and share the message of our Saviors birth, and life. 

Merry Christmas from Japan! 

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

Saying goodbye to Jorgensen Shimai went about like this.

Right after meeting Steed Shimai

Dinner with Nishura san for her birthday! She was so embarrassed we were taking selfies in the restaurant.

Hakata lit up for Christmas