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.