85th week in Japan
3/27/2017
Nara!

Dear Family and Friends,

I am so full of joy to be here in Japan in the service of the Lord. Picking up a new missionary at the mission home on Thursday was a strange experience. It made me think of when I first came to the mission, which, in all honesty, feels like just a few days ago. My new companion is Elder Busby. He is from Highland Utah. We have a ton in common other than that he is about 5 inches taller than me. He loves wake-boarding, rock climbing, basketball, and lacrosse. He also has an extremely good attitude about dendou and a good work ethic. I am very blessed to work with a new missionary this transfer. 

It is sad to say goodbye to the people in old areas. They will not be forgotten. At the same time it is a blessing to get to know new people. The members here are incredible. I know I say it in every area, but it is because it is true. The people of Japan have great faith. 

While bearing my testimony in church on Sunday I could really feel how much I love the people of Japan. On my mission I have come to gain a sincere testimony of the truth that "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." Because of the growth in my testimony of the love that God has for each one of us, I have been given greater motivation and have a greater desire to serve those around me. 

A couple of days ago Elder Busby and I had the opportunity to do service for one of the members in the ward. We helped them clean out their bread shop. Because the members are so kind they gave us a big bag of bread to take home. On the way back we saw a homeless guy trying to go through some cans on the side of the road. Elder Busby said we should stop someone on the way if we feel like they needed some bread because we had so much. When we gave the man some bread he looked down and said "this will be tonight's dinner." We couldn't see because of the dark, but it looked like he had tears in his eyes. 

I know that God loves each one of us. All of us will face trials in this life, but God is looking out for us.

Ponderizing scripture: Mathew 22:37

Questions:

How is your new area? Is it colder or warmer there?

1. It's great! It's a little bit hard to get used to though because neither of us know where anything is. It is about the same temperature. Maybe a little bit more windy.

What is your new companion like? How is it to be training a new missionary again?

2.  He is awesome. It is way fun!

How was your trip to the new area?

3. It was long and confusing, but we made it alright. One of the railroads was shut down so we had to refigure out the trip.

What is your ward or branch like?

4. The ward is awesome! I already love the members.

How is your bike doing?

5. It is doing well. I keep trying to take good care of it.

Was Elder McArthur staying in Amagasaki?

6. Yes he stayed. I will miss him...

Is there a Costco in your new area?

7. No. It is somewhat countryside but also a little bit city. 

Hope everyone is doing well! Thanks for all of your support.

Elder Hirschi