Hard Work

 As humans, we tend to be--to some degree or another--lazy. We don't
want to plant all day in the hot sun, so we make machines that do it
for us. I am not saying technology is bad, because without technology
I couldn't be writing to you all in this way. However, it goes to show
that we tend to want a life of easy. What I've come to find out
though, is that those initial thoughts of wanting to do things the
"easy way" are actually the harder way in the end. As President Benson
once said, "there is no satisfactory substitute to work." We feel so
much more accomplished, so much more relaxed, after a good day of
exerting all our efforts. As crazy as it might sound, it's true. If
you don't believe me, try it out; nothing bad will come of it, I
promise.

Scripture of the week is Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3 Yea, behold, I
will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which
shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold,
this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which
Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry
ground.

Kanji of the week is: 勤勉 pronounced "keen-ben," and means diligence.

Monday was district p-day, and that was fun. We went to an owl cafe,
where you basically get a drink or some food, and then you have around
an hour to roam around the owls they have. They had really small ones,
and really big ones. You could pet them, and hold them. In the evening
we went around to visit people, and got a good lesson in with one of
our investigators. We also found some good potential investigators.

Tuesday we had service as usual, and they were great again. Then we
did a lot of finding, got some good conversations in with people, and
even met two middle school students who, when we asked them what they
thought the purpose of life was, said, "this life is given to us from
God, so we should use our time wisely, and serve others." They were
great kids, and very deep thinkers for 13-ish year old children.

Wednesday we went and had a good lesson with a less active, followed
by weekly planning. After weekly planning, we went to family home
evening with a member. Then, we had English class. As always, I love
English class, and I love the students even more.

Thursday was district training meeting. We had a fun time, and learned
a lot. Following that, we started splits. I was in Hirosaki with Elder
C. We had a good fun time, and even found them a good potential
investigator. They've been finding a lot of investigators for the
sisters lately, so he was happy to have someone new to teach.

Friday was spent mostly in Aomori for interviews. I love the Smith's
and their love for the gospel; it truly is a strength to all those
around them. When we got back, we did some finding, but not much to
talk about there.

Saturday was pretty busy with district conference meetings, and that
took up the majority of the day. We were able to meet an investigator
before hand, and went to lunch with him. He is a great guy, and when
we told him about repentance, and how it can help him become a better
person, and improve, he said that he really wanted to do it! The
gospel can truly change people. After the meetings, we met with an
investigator, who is really smart, and has a knowledge of just about
everything in the church because he read the "guide to the scriptures"
before attempting to read the Book of Mormon so that he would
understand it more.

Sunday we had a lot more time for finding, and we went to one
apartment building that had three people almost in a row accept us,
and a Book of Mormon. We only got one appointment set up, but the
other two were okay with us going back and talking, if they were ever
free. The rest of the day was tough as far as finding goes, but it
wasn't bad.

Can't believe that it's already been five weeks since I came to Odate,
and only one more week in the transfer. I want to work as hard as I
can, and will give my best to my Father in Heaven.

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder  
長老

A small gift given to us by the Seza family (the husband is
President Smith's first counselor).