Akeome! Or happy new year! The formal was to say it is akemashite
omedeto gozaimasu! But I learned that with friends, you just shorten
it to akeome, which is so much simpler. This was definitely a fun
week, but definitely interesting.
Monday after pday, we had a youth family home evening, which we are
going to continue from now on, I think, and also which was mainly a
group of investigators, potential investigators and recent converts,
which was just so awesome, strengthening them, and helping them make
friends. It was lots of fun?
Tuesday we had interviews with Welch kaicho again! I learned so much
from him, including a reminder of the fact the Christ was a master
finder! And that he never missed an opportunity to help another, and
teach the,pm, and help them receive the joy that the gospels brings.
No matter what situation he was in, he found others to help, and he
reached out lovingly, and never left one helpless, and hurting, but
healed all that were brought into him. We also taught a lesson to the
jehovahs witnesses, and Welch Shimai helped us with the lesson as a
member present! It was an amazing experience,can't just watching as
she lovingly, but boldly testified of the truths that she knew, and
didn't let the beliefs they were sharing phase her, really
strengthened me. One thing I didn't love was the jehovahs witnesses
interpretations. Welch Shimai testified in English, and since one of
them understands English really well, she would translate for her
friend, and as a listened as she quietly and hurriedly translated, I
realized what she was doing, so I took over translating for Welch
Shimai, because even though my Japanese is not perfect, I didn't take
the testimony out of it, and the Jehovah's Witness did. She turned it
into hopes and wishes, instead of pure testimony, which was sad, but
just being able to share what was truly being said, was a powerful
experience for me. The one who didn't speak English was not at all
interested today, and was constantly trying to turn it into a bible
bash, but we didn't allow that to happen, we just shared testimony,
and ended, but that was definitely a new experience, and I am so glad
that Welch Shimai was there. Another missionary who was at the church
for interviews started playing on the piano, a fun song, and the funny
thing was that both Welch Shimai and I were relieved, because it helps
us end the lesson, especially cause the way they were talking just
made us feel a bit uncomfortable!
So that was Tuesday, and that was also the day I got my Christmas
package! Thank you so much momma! I haven't eaten all of it, yet, but
I loved it, and I have already finished the toblerone... I wasn't very
patient! I also loved the notes from my family, and I send my love
back to you all! Thank you! It was perfect! And having my favorite
cereal for breakfast is just wonderful! They have good food in Japan,
but there is a reason I have my favorites, and I have missed some of
them!
Wednesday we did something......
Well what we actually did was teach eikaiwa, which was lots of fun,
and we also did a ton of finding, which was fun, ish, people were kind
of rushing to get ready for New Years, and the people we talked to
didn't stay for long, one even awkwardly edged away from us as we
talked, but that is ok, they were still friendly. We also taught a
less active, and that was lots of fun, but we are kind of stuck on how
to help her, she is technically a member of another ward in Kyoto, but
like the missionaries here better, so she meets with us, sad, but a
thing.
Thursday was New Year's Eve, and SKK day, we had a wonderful SKK. And
really planned very well for how to help shimogamo, and just
strengthen the members hers, and also help our investigators! I am
very grateful for the lord, and for the chance we have each week to do
SKK, (weekly planning session, Japanese abbreviation), and just
receive guidance! SKK is great, and it truly amazes me the was we
learn things through the spirit in behalf of those we serve.
Friday was New Year's Day, and we got up extremely early to go see the
first sunrise of the year, which is a great tradition in Japan, and
talked to people at the top of Kyoto tower, and watched the sunrise!
It was beautiful! We also had district meeting, which was lots of fun,
and then we did some finding, part of which was as we looked around in
shimogamo shrine, and then went to the bishops that night for dinner.
Homemade sushi, it was actually pretty good, though as they were
preparing all the toppings, it took me a moment to realize what we
were having. The next day we found out that the elders had gained
about 2 pounds, or 3 kilos from all the food they gained that day, but
I actually lost weight, I guess I just don't follow the norm.
Saturday we went to a cheap but really good buffet place with members
and investigators, and built up some really good relationships, we
also did some finding, and had our ping pong night. We challenged
everyone to keep a gratitude journal this year, and also challenged
ourselves in so doing, it is really a great idea for all, and it helps
us to be able to see the hand of God in our lives more clearly.
When I woke up Sunday, I discovered that I had decided to start the
new year off right.... By catching a cold. Church was difficult, and I
understood less than normal, because I rediscovered how hard it is to
concentrate when you are sick, and that when I can't concentrate, I
can't understand the Japanese, but it's ok. We learned some great
stuff about a place we will be able to use for free for activities,
which is awesome, and we also got some assigned stuff that Oswald
Shimai needed to so for her iPad done, and then we went home, and I
took a nap, I'm still pretty sick, but I think I'm getting better, it
just puts s damper on what we can do for pday, but that is ok.
So that was basically my week! I am having a harder time remembering,
cause I'm sick, and my brain doesn't want to focus, but it really was
a good week, just a bit slower, cause Oswald Shimai was getting over
having a cold, and I was getting one, but it was still good.
My scripture for this week is Mosiah 23:10- Nevertheless, after much
tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers,
and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you
to a knowledge of his truth.
I love you and miss you, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I
have to know all of you! And for all of you support! I love you!
Love, Sister Makin
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