March 4, 2017

There was a baptism in Sasebo this weekend and it was beautiful! It was a guy the other sisters found a while ago then passed to the elders and he is incredible! Seeing how much he has grown to love the gospel and the teachings of the gospel has been such a blessing. He gave up and changed everything that was keeping him from being worthy to join, such as Sunday job, tobacco, alcohol, etc. the baptismal service went really well but the most spiritual part was when he received the Holy Ghost on Sunday. President Hamaguchi, one of my favorite people alive, performed the ordinance and gave him a beautiful blessing. At one point he talked about from here on, daisuke san was to forget himself, and get to work in service in the gospel. The spirit was so strong and I pondered the rest of the day on that one sentence. I admired daisuke san's courage to truly devote his life to our Savior. This gospel really is about forgetting ourselves and immersing ourself in service to others. It's teachings are in such stark contrast to that of the world. The world teaches to focus on ourselves, build up our own power, become greater than those around us, etc. But the gospel is all about putting others first. I'm thankful that though it is a constant effort to put aside our pride and humble ourselves to the Lord, He helps us every step of the way. 

We also had a big mission conference this week with Elder Whiting of the Asia area north presidency. I was able to have a short interview with him afterward and it was really interesting. He asked about me, my family, and my plans for the future and that was it. He closed with a prayer and thanked Heavenly Father for the support and love of my family in this time in my life. He also asked for a blessing to be over my family and those I love. It was a reminder to me to verbally express our thanks for the things we have been blessed with. I've been blessed in the family and people I love department as much as can be imagined! And I'm very thankful for each one of you reading this, even if I haven't heard from you my whole mission ;) 

Japan is the greatest place on earth, being a missionary is my favorite calling, and I'm still madly obsessed with Japanese babies. 

Till next week! 

All my love, Sundell Shimai 

The training was in Kumamoto so we stopped by the famous Kumamoto castle, which is a little crumbly since he earthquake. Sasebo missionaries and sister Henry! 

Daisuke kyodai's baptism!  How proud and happy do the elders look! 

Our morning sunrise view .