February 13, 2017

Most exciting day of this week was once again Friday! It was snowing, and we had to go to Ainoura again, so instead of biking we took the bus. Once we were in Ainoura we then walked to and from appointments. It was so beautiful and serene walking around in the quiet cold. 

We, as usual, visited with Shimai which was, as usual, amazing. We then decided to visit a less active member that Jorgensen Shimai and I had tried to visit a couple times before, but she had said she didn't have much interest right now. She answered the door and we gave her a little Valentine's basket, which broke the ice. She was pretty shocked we had come to visit her in such bad weather and she kept apologizing for how cold it was. We got talking about some experiences in her life in which she felt the spirit and ended up singing I am a child of God with her. Though she hadn't been to church in many years, the words slowly came back to her, and it was incredible to watch. Heavenly Father truly never forgets about any of his children. That has been shown to me time and again on my mission. 

On the way home steed Shimai and I both felt like we should get off the bus stop a few stops before our apartment then walk the rest of the way home. We did and ended up running into one of our investigators we haven't seen in two months! We were SO overjoyed to see her and nearly crushed her with hugs. 

There are so many exciting things coming up this transfer, and I'm so excited to continue working with and learning from Steed Shimai. 

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

February 6, 2017

I get to stay in sasebo for another transfer with sweet steed Shimai! We have been seeing some progress in the work recently and are so excited for the upcoming transfer. My beloved Matthews Shimai is transferring out, and I'm sad to see her go, but so blessed to have gotten to live with her! 

This weeks most eventful day was Friday. We biked an hour away to volunteer at the Japanese self defense force English class, which was a blast. Afterward Stopped by a convenient store to use the bathroom before going to a return appointment in twenty min . Walk out to find my bike tire completely flat. We, (I, steed Shimai is never frustrated) did the best I could not to be frustrated. Asked a college student where the closest bike shop was and he pointed us to it. We started walking and then the boy pulls up on his bike next to us and said he biked ahead to make sure the bike store was open- how sweet! So we kept walking and I just kept thinking, of all times for me to get a flat tire, that there must be some reasoning why it had to be now. An American on a bike pulls up behind us and asks if we need some help- which we did. Long story short he fixed my tire with a new tube on the spot! Coolest part: he works with and is good friends with many of the members here. It was really cool getting to be blessed by the good image and example other members had shown him in the past. 

Showed up at our return appointment an hour late but got to still teach her a lesson and she became a new investigator! 

Visited sato Shimai and painted her toe nails for her and it was so cute. She was so so excited. 

Went to a convenient store for dinner and sat down next to an 18 yr old boy, who we got into a good conversation with. We ended up giving him a Book of Mormon and he was SO excited about it. He said one day he wants five children, and to be a kind parent to his kids. When we explained the purpose of the Book of Mormon as a guide in our lives, he was very interested in it. I told him that we don't just read it once, but over and over again and constantly learn more from it. He had a huge smile on his face and said, 'okay, I'll read it a lot!' 

The day was all just such perfect timing that was all orchestrated by the Lord. 

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

One of the Japanese self defense force students. Notice his pointer finger. I had my nails painted a dark brown color and he complemented me on them, then proceeded to pick up a marker and paint his nail to match mine! Then we were talking about how he lived in Hokkaido and I said my brother lived there ten years ago. I told him all the areas Robi had served and he drew a very detailed map and dotted all the areas Robi lived. It was so sweet and we were just laughing together the whole time. 

Cherry blossoms are coming! 

Another one of the endless beautiful Japanese flowers that bring me so much joy! 

Jan. 29, 2017

Konnichiwa all I love! 

This week had so many fun unique experiences! 

Craziest one of all: we were on splits and I was with Macleod Shimai, who is in her first transfer just like steed Shimai. We were walking around in a outdoor shopping mall contacting people and there was a guy sitting down playing a guitar and singing in English. His accent was perfect and he was so good! So we stopped and talked to him and complemented him. Though he actually speaks no English, we got into a conversation about what we are doing here, and ended up discussing happiness. He expressed how he doesn't know what happiness is, and we were able to share with him what happiness is to us. We asked if we could meet with him again  and he said he would be in the same place the next night, so we agreed to meet again! We showed up yesterday and he was there! We got to sit down and share a message with him and even give him a Book of Mormon! We shared 2 Nephi 2:25 and it really struck him. We were truly created that we might experience joy.  Though there are many difficult things in this life, and a lot of tragedy in the world, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created us so that we might have joy through all experiences. The spirit was so strong as we testified and promised him happiness and joy through reading the Book of Mormon and relying on God. Before we left we asked if we could pray together and he agreed. We explained prayer and said that if he agreed with the things we say in the prayer, to please repeat 'amen' at the end. We prayed for him and his situation and happiness and through prayer, testified that this man was a son of God. And at the end of the prayer he said amen! Such an incredible experience. The craziest thing about the story is that I have seen this guy countless times before in the shopping center. Every time we walked past him I told Jorgensen Shimai how cool I thought his hair is. And now we are teaching him and helping him feel of our Savior's love! What incredible timing. It reminds me of the line in PMG that states 'You are surrounded by people. You pass them on the street, visit them in their homes, and travel among them. All of them are children of God, your brothers and sisters. God loves them just as He loves you.' How many times we have passed him on the street! PMG knows what it's talking about. 

One thing I've learned this week is how easy it is to focus on ourselves and become selfish. Often when investigators stop contacting us, I get impatient. Countless times, as we come to understand their situation and things they are going through, we find out that there are a lot of really difficult things going on in their lives. One investigator we had that I instantly loved has been having health problems and that is why she has been to overwhelmed to contact us. There are always things going on in others lives that we do not see. Our job is to just love others and show support. It's much easier said than done, but I know as I have focused on showing Christlike love, I have felt more peace and joy in my life. 

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

Finally found a new political pic!

View from our convenient store dining table

Junkai sleepover

Got a ten pm haircut from Rogers and Matthews Shimai 

'Cutest Japanese kids I've ever seen' said after every Japanese kid I see.

Jan. 22, 2017

Hello from now snowing Sasebo! This week flew by, with many miracles. 

First a funny/grody story. We were talking to a lady on the street this week and she had a little pug that we pet and said was adorable. She picks up the dog and it's making these awful breathing noises but we continue on talking with her. Then the dog vomits a nasty chunk of mucus  knows what else on the floor right next to us. Sound indescribable. She bends down and starts cleaning up and steed Shimai and I just kind of stand there in shock. I said 'wow is your dog okay?' And she said 'oh yes I'm sorry he caught a cold! I'm sorry I have to take him home goodbye'. And runs away. It was nasty. 

Biggest miracle of the week: 

So about a week ago we met a really kind lady in a shopping center and set up a return appointment with her for Monday at a crepe store- which she actually showed up to! And it was incredible! Then we set another appointment for a whole week away and we scheduled to meet at the church. Yesterday came and we had texted her confirming if she would still be okay to come at eleven and we didn't get a reply, so I figured she wasn't coming. Oh me of little faith. At 11:10 she texted us saying she was sorry she was late because she got lost on the way to the church. Then five minutes later she showed up! We scrambled to grab a member to come in and joint for the lesson and the branch presidents wife was perfectly in the hallway and able to join. The lesson was incredible and the spirit was so strong. She has many hints that are causing her a lot of sorrow right now, but she was truly able to feel peace in the short lesson we taught. We gave her a Book of Mormon at the end of the lesson and she says "I have one of these books at my home! I received it from two people about three years ago or so. It's probably still in my house unless my mom threw it away." What! Then she says she's met with missionaries one other time before too! Third times the charm! Such a tender mercy. 

Loving the members in this area more than ever. There was a relief society activity with the American and Japanese members and it was beautiful! We got to build really good relationships with all of them. 

I got to go on splits with my beautiful Matthews shimai this week! I love her so much. I've been blessed not only with amazing companions, but other missionaries in the apartments I've lived in (shoutout Healey, Smith, and McCuen shimai! I love you all!) but Matthews shimai and I got to just talk and dendo for a whole day together. It was really peaceful and exactly what we both needed. 

Last experience. Matthews shimai and I visited a member who has had some really severe health challenges lately. She was baptized a few years ago. We entered her apartment and there were easily 20 pictures of the Savior hung, taped, and set all over the place. We talked with her and shared a short message about our Savior's atonement. When we asked her how she had felt comfort through reliance on Jesus Christ, she bore a beautiful and simple testimony. The spirit or peace and love was in the room and it was beautiful. There have been small things lately that have been really troubling me and I have been very worried about. But as this member bore testimony of the Savior, I felt a peace about the things I've been worrying about. It was very comforting. The peace that the gospel brings truly is sweet. It is a gentle a quiet peace at is unparalleled. However, it is a peace that requires effort and sacrifice on our parts to be able to feel. Sacrificing the noise of the world and distractions therein. Making sacrifices in order to always keep the commandments, and therefore qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. There is no sacrifice too big. The gift and peace of the Holy Ghost is worth any sacrifices we need to make in our lives to be worthy of its companionship. 

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

Mathews Shimai

Relief Society activity. Little different spread than American church functions, eh?

As we were biking home one night we saw a pretty flower shop and stopped to talk to the owner and make small talk. By the end of our conversation she gave us these beautiful poppies! Kind people everywhere. 

Jan. 15, 2017

 Another week in, slightly chilly, Japanese missionary paradise. 

Highlight of the week: biking past a little kindergarten and hearing the kids playing outside: going up the the fence then proceeding to have a ten minute conversation with all the kids. Have I ever mentioned I'm obsessed with Japanese kids? 

These sasebo hills are turning to our favor in winter. Biking up them gets us nice and toasty amidst the cold! 

We had a lesson with our sweet referral investigator this well after a couple week break. We taught her about commandments and the protection and comfort they provide. I think that is one of the things my testimony has been strengthened most on in my mission. Seeing it numerous times in my own life and others: truly, keeping the commandments brings peace and safety. I don't think there is any better way to convey it than that. 

Having members join in on lessons we teach our investigators is my favorite thing! getting to hear their conversion stories and how their lives have changed because of the gospel is a blessing in my life and our investigators lives. 

Steed Shimai and I are doing well! She is so kind and full of service. 

Nothing much else to report this week. I'm just very thankful for the experiences that Heavenly Father has presented me with on this mission. It is all in His timing!

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

One of the members had her coming of age ceremony and this was her kimono! She's gorgeous! And just got called to the Honolulu Hawaii mission! 

Jan. 7, 2017

Pday came early this week because we had the opportunity to go to the temple today! 

And it's also probably a good thing last week we ran out of time to email because I'm not sure how uplifting of an email i could have shared. But the past four days or so have been a blessing and I've learned a lot through the tender mercies of the Lord. 

Last week was a lot of humbling. Well the past few weeks or so has been a lot of humbling with training and people not being responsive to anything we do, but last week especially was long. I think Monday was the lowest, loneliest, point, but the week skyrocketed from Tuesday. We planned to visit sato Shimai (yes the Shimai that helped me last time I was feeling down) so we biked out there and visited her. We walked in and she was SO happy to see us. She kept saying 'I thought you were never going to come again!' And I had to explain that it was just Jorgensen Shimai that went home. She met steed Shimai and quickly named her both 'speed' and 'sweet' Shimai. And she still calls me Sunday Shimai. I love her. We met with her and got to hang up a picture of the savior on her wall. As we hung it up she told us how one time when she was very sorrow filled and crying. She looked over at the picture of Christ and saw a tear drop from his eye too. It was the sweetest story she shared and taught us so much. The savior comforted and grieved with her through her trials, and I know he does the same for each one of us. He weeps with us when we weeps, rejoices with us when we rejoice, and perfectly understands everything we experience. He experienced all of our  joys and sorrows through his atoning sacrifice. Needless to say the visit to her was incredible as always and she brightened my spirits when I was down. Sato Shimai has done so much for me on my mission, and I'll be forever thankful for the friendship we  have. 

As we left her assisted living facility, which we have visited five or six times before, I noticed some apartments nearby that had never stuck out before. We decided to stop and dendo them. At one door, a sweet pregnant young mom with a 2 year old and kind husband answered the door. We talked with them for a bit and asked if we could come back and share a message with them. They said yes! But when we tried to schedule a time we couldn't work one out. So we said, well can we share a message with you right now? And they said YES. AND WE SHARED A LESSON. AND PRAYED TOGETHER. AND FELT THE SPIRIT TOGETHER. AND SET UP ANOTHER APPOINTMENT. can you tell we were a little excited? Seriously it was the most incredible experience! Both of them listened and sincerely wanted to learn more. We are so excited for the return appointment with them and for them to be a great attribute to this sasebo branch! Also, their two year old boy is the most gorgeous kid I've ever seen. The longer I'm here the more I love Japanese babies. It's getting bad! Seriously anywhere we walk I see a cute baby and get completely distracted from what we are doing to go over and talk to the baby. Good thing parents love being told that their kids are cute! 

We had zone conference with President and Sister Egan, the assistants, and the rest of the zone. It was incredible. The spirit was so strong and we were able to learn together. The training Rogers Shimai and I prepared went so well thanks to the spirit and preach my gospel that we used throughout! I love Preach My Gospel. It's so inspired. I had been slightly cynical about the importance of pmg throughout my mission, but recently as we have studied it, I've gained such a testimony of it. It tells us exactly what we need to do be successful, effective missionaries and disciples of Christ. I've also felt like this about all missionary rules and guidance we receive as missionaries. The church leaders, mission leaders, and our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know what they are talking about in the commandments and guidance they give. They want us to succeed, and if we humble ourselves to follow their counsel, we will experience happiness and success. 

Getting to go to the temple today was a blessing! We all woke up so excited to get to go! It was so nice getting to participate in one of the ordinances of the temple. The peace found in the temple is unparalleled. It's truly the closest place to heaven on earth. I could have sat and basked in the peace of the temple all day. 

I know that our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ lives and loves us. He is there for us in all things we experience, even if we don't always realize it. Sometimes it takes getting out of and looking back on trials to see all the ways He helped us through. I know that it is through trials and times of famine that help us greater appreciate times of success and plenty. 

I feel profound peace and pure joy in thinking about the last year of my life. Having experiences that have deepened and enriched my soul. Experiences that are preparing me for future experiences, and are allowing me to feel our Heavenly Father and and Jesus Christ's grace and love. 

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

Thank you Japanese filters making us look far less tired and raggedy than we actually are 

Steed Shimai had a headache this week during planning and this was the remedy we figured out. 

December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas from Japan! The land where Christmas means eating Kentucky fried chicken (which is actually expensive here) and Christmas cake. 

The special sacrament meetings yesterday were incredible and there were many special people that came. There's nothing better than having Christmas on Sunday. Getting to go to church and learn more of our saviors life and example, feel the love of these incredible members, and talk with some people who aren't members was very special. 

I feel like we got to experience so many different things yesterday on Christmas. 

The spirit was so strong in both sacrament meetings. We had been working so hard the past little while to get people to come to the Christmas Day church service but none of the people ended up coming. As we sat there listening to the talks I felt a profound comfort that the Lord had accepted our efforts, and though we didn't see the results we had expected, that the Lord was aware of all we had done. He was helping us the entire time, and I know He will continue to help and guide us in His work. 

On Christmas Eve we had a prompting to go and visit a less active who lives up the street. We brought a little treat and she was excited to see us. We shared the new Christmas video and she was very touched by it. We asked if before we left if we could pray. She said she hadn't prayed in 30 years, but that one of us could pray. I got to offer the prayer and the spirit was present. We felt such a warm comfort and I know the sister felt it to. We got to remind her that she is loved by God, no matter where she is or how long she's been away from church. We were so blessed to be able to experience that tender Christmas Eve moment with her. 

We had dinner with an incredible family with seven adorable kids. It was so nostalgic being surrounded by a ton of kids that were all my nieces and nephews ages! See included pictures for proof of how cute their kids are. 

We finished dinner and got home and were able to dendo for a little longer before going home. As we knocked and got rejected, I felt more gratitude, empathy, and love for Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to stay a little over two millennia ago. Mary carried with her the light, life, and hope of the world, yet no one accepted them in. It was very humbling to experience a small small fraction of what they experienced.  I'm thankful for each one of the little experiences and miracles that our Heavenly Father blessed us with yesterday. They are events that I will cherish and ponder on for a long time to come. 

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He atoned for the sins of the world. He was crucified, and was resurrected. "His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world." 

Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us perfectly. As we follow them, we will find peace and we will find happiness. 

We Caroled at a shopping mall and honestly sounded terrible, but some people still stopped to talk with us. 

A sweet friend we made on a bus ride that came and spent a little of Christmas Eve with us. 

The callihans! Look at that poor cat 

Japanese Christmas meal