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!