So here are some parts of his letters to us in italics with my comments not in italics.
My daily routine? Wake up, Exercise, shower, eat breakfast, personal scripture study for an hour, companion study for an hour (or two most of the times since I'm a new missionary), language study, lunch, go out into the world and walk everywhere until it's late and we have to go back to the apartment, dinner, planning, writing in my journal, district prayer, companion prayer, personal prayer, sleep.
So he skipped the whole explanation of what he does while he's out in the world. He told us he doesn't go knocking on doors because that's not effective. I know that he teaches English class, but I don't know how often.
Elisa asked him what new hobbies he has and his response was, My best newfound hobby is missionary work. I do it all day every day ;)
There are a total of 17 ish active members in this city, and a lot on inactive ones. But we're working on that! No one really hears about Mormons too much here, because a lot of christianity just gets ignored here. Nothing like in America or other mainly christian countries.
This photo is actually from an elder who shares the apartment with Alex (not his companion), but I had to include it just to show more snow.
A silly hat we included in his stocking, along with Christmas gifts of the sweater and scarf
So for new years, we got to eat lunch/dinner with a member and his family. There was so much food, I couldn't believe. All of it was so delicious. We couldn't eat it all there was so much! I should have included a photo, but if I didn't then sorry!
Also at that event, I got to practice piano, and play ping pong, a really big thing here in Japan. I had a lot of fun!
After that, we went to the local shrine. There were booths selling food and items (apparently it's the year of the ram), and the snow was absolutely marvelous (both the snow on everything, and the snow that was falling). I got to go ring one of the bells they had there, and participate in the traditions as well, so that was a cool and new experience. We then had to walk home in the snow, right when it turned into a blizzard. It was so much fun. Also included is a picture of me covered in snow.
Not too much activity here as far as missionary work, however, because of how special this family time is, so that was all we did outside the apartment on new years day.
When we got back to the apartment though, we read all of 3 Nephi from the Book of Mormon on our own, and made goals for the new year. I had an amazing time reading it, and I have been keeping to my goals so far!
I pray that all is going well for all of you, and hope that you stay happy and positive whatever the circumstances may be!
With all my love,
Elder
Above is the New Year's Eve feast at a member's house.
He didn't give details about this meal, but it seems like it's at a restaurant.
I had no idea it snowed that much or was that cold in Japan. The food looks delicious, though!
ReplyDeleteThat looks so familiar - I wintered in Aomori, the city farthest north in the Sendai Mission. Imagine all of that, then being a sister missionary and having to wear a dress or skirt. We joked about getting dressed to go skiing, then having to throw a skirt on over it all. We taught English conversation class twice a week when I was there 20 years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting to hear about his cultural experiences.
ReplyDeleteHe has such a great attitude; it is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI bet you are so proud of his commitment Valerie. Blessing will come to your family because of his service. As a former missionary mother (of a daughter) I know how hard it is to miss them even though you know they are where they are supposed to be.
ReplyDeleteWow! It's so great that your son is out serving a mission!!! Thanks for sharing his letter... I'm so happy for him and all your family! :) And don't worry about your son being too cold; it builds character! ;) Hugs... Corine :D
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