1/18/2016
I love 伏見!
Hello Family and Friends,
How is everyone doing? This past week has been a great week in Fushimi. We have been working on teaching as many people as we can in order to find those who have actually been prepared by our Heavenly Father to hear the gospel. It has been fun getting to know so many different people and actually being able to find those who are interested in hearing about the gospel. Even though Japanese culture is very enclosed and not very many people want to hear about Jesus Christ, we have been able to find those who are ready to hear the message of the gospel.
So there are a few things that for some reason I have not mentioned yet about the area here in Fushimi. Here in Fushimi there is a kind older member named Douke 兄弟. If I were to describe Douke 兄弟 in one sentence it would be that he loves the missionaries. In fact Douke 兄弟 loves the missionaries so much that he sets up a dinner appointment with us every single Tuesday night! When I first heard about it I didn't believe that it was true. He has actually been doing this Tuesday night meal with the missionaries for the past 12 years! He is the coolest. So it gets even crazier, every time we go over to his house for dinner he feeds us a full 8 course meal! I don't know how he has the money to do it, but he just loves the missionaries. I can never eat all the food that he gives us, so I have to stick the leftover food in a Tupperware every time we go over there. He doesn't mind it either. He is such an awesome member.
I may have mentioned in a previous email, but recently we found a family from America. The dad is a 6 foot 7 basketball player and the coolest guy. The day that we found their family they invited us over for dinner on the next Monday! So the dad's name is Moses and the wife is Sarah. We walked into their house the next Monday night, and get this, they have a bunch of different scriptures from the bible pinned up on their wall! We walk in a little further and they are listening to MOTAB! I couldn't believe my ears. This family is incredible! Every night before bed they all recite a scripture together too. They are the coolest family. We have been talking to them about what they believe and what we believe. We have found so many different things in common. I really hope that we can help them discover the truth in their lives and help them reach baptism. Every week since then they have had us over for dinner every Monday night.
Sorry this letter may be a little shorter. The Philipinos that we found were progressing very well to their baptismal date, but I feel like we have set it a little to early for them. They weren't able to make it to church this last Sunday, so they haven't gotten their baptismal interview done yet. I know that as we continue to help them progress towards baptism that they can be baptized soon though. God's work is moving here in Fushimi. I love this area. The people here are amazing! I love Japan and am so grateful for this opportunity to serve Heavenly Father for the next two years! The gospel is true everyone! My ponderizing scripture for the past week was Mosiah 2:17. I love how humble King Benjamin was. He was such a great king over the people. Even though he was their king he served others as if he was one among them. He loved his people.
I hope that everyone is doing well back at home! Thanks for all your emails and support.
Questions:
1. I haven't seen too many other parks and gardens yet. I have seen some pretty cool places though! I haven't had too much time to go places on P day because we are always so busy, but it has been fun to see some neat places here in Kyoto when we do have the time.
2. The language is coming well. I truly do love studying this language. It is a lot of fun and so unique. It is soooo different from English, which makes it difficult, but fun. Even though I cannot express myself in Japanese as I would be able to in English, it has been getting easier. I just love the people so much that I don't care how dumb I sound in Japanese as long as I can express my love with what I know. It is a lot of fun!
3. My companion has until August 23rd before he has to go home. He said that he loves the Kyoto area a lot! He also really loved Tokushima.
4. It was actually very easy to send the luggage when I transferred. I might have to send a few things home to you for the next time I transfer, but it wasn't a problem at all. I think I am good with the bags I have thanks a ton.
5. Yes they do celebrate Valentine's Day in Japan. My companion said they celebrate it even more than in America. He says that it is huge!
6. I love our Ward Mission Leader. He is fluent in English and just got back from his mission in Saporo. He is the coolest guy. I love all the members in this ward they are incredible! Douke 兄弟 is great. There is a guy in the ward who is always happy 24/7 named Taco ちゃん. He is really awesome too. I really just love all these people though!
7. I have been able to play a little bit of piano in the area. Sometimes when we get done a little bit early setting up for English class, I get to play a little bit. I really want to learn after my mission though! I have realized how fun it is and how useful it would be to know how to play. I think I will probably try to learn when I come home.
Thanks again everyone for all that you do. I love you all! Have a great week!
Hirschi 長老
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