Giants on the Frontlines

my mind is at a loss. It has gone totally blank. So I will try to fetch some good thoughts- but it'll be like fishing- so sorry! It probably wont all make sense.

They tell me I wont be in Japan next Sunday. Dont know who they are kidding but I dont know anything else. I haven't touched my suitcases. Cook shimai tells me I need to pack today but I dont know what she is talking about.

My stomach is full of okanomiyaki. Cabbage pancake and mayonnaise. yum.

I have a premonition that in the near future I will be able to travel back in time.

We got our very own conference addition of the Liahona!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS IT WAS THE BEST THANKSGIVING PRESENT EVER!!!!!! I cannot get over how good the talk is about Joseph Smith. I cannot stop. last week I tried so hard to record myself reading Joseph Smith's testimony right? But my camera only had 7 minutes left on it for movie recording time. So I started- and one TINY little paragraph before it ended, I ran out of time. So I deleted it and started again- a bit faster. Just when I thought I had done it- it stopped two sentences before the end. I gave up. Anyone have a voice recorder?

Anywho- it talked about the different ways that you can gain your own testimony of Joseph Smith. And I cannot pin point when I first started believing that he was a prophet called of God- but i do remember that after I went through the temple for the first time- the first time I went to the temple by myself- I just stood there for a second and looked in the mirror in the dressing room- I realized how happy I was. and for some reason I had an overwhelming feeling that it was all true. Everything. And it all started in these latter-days with Joseph Smith. If the Book of Mormon is real-legit-true---then Joseph Smith was called of God- God really does love us enough to establish His perfect Gospel again in these latter-days when there is so much craziness going on. The church really is true. Christ really did come and take upon Himself all of our sins, our weaknesses, our faults, our trials we will endure because of our actions and the actions of others. Christ really is our Savior- which means we really can have His love and guidance every minute of everyday that we desire it. We can really return to live with our Loving Heavenly Father again. Everything will be worth it. The creations of God go on for eternities beyond eternities. Our potential is endless. And it is all because of the fact that there is a God- our loving Heavenly Father- who is in actuality our creator. THE creator of all things.

And to just think that I wouldn't know any of this for myself if it wasn't for a 14 year old boy who was curious enough about his own salvation and the salvation of those he loved to pray to a Heavenly Father he felt in his heart existed.

That's incredible.

Now I need to tell you about Jackie.

It is actually a really hilarious story-

the elders gave us a referral who they said may or may not be there when we show up. We call them to get directions and they don't pick up so we literally found it purely because of the guidance of the spirit. That in and of itself was the first miracle. Anywho- we go to the door and it was a man. Feminine- I will give the elders that- but a man nonetheless. So we teach him, make another appointment and as we are leaving Cook shimai was like "should we tell the elders its a man?" and I'm like "hmm....neeeh." (just so you know in Japan as a general elders are not allowed to teach females and sisters are not allowed to teach men). So we go back to the appointment- but a girl answers this time!

We talk to her- and begin to tell her that there IS a God and that He loves her. We give her a Book of Mormon and just as this sweet girl is accepting it- her mother comes home. Duh duh DUUUUUUUUUNNNN.

This little old lady put up wuite the show to shoo us away and tell us she didn't want none of our witchcraft....so as we are waiting for the elevator- she storms back out holding the Book of Mormon we gave her son (her daughter was 19 by the way and the son was about 30-people live with their parents forever in Japan) so yeah she thrusts this Book of Mormon at us and we don't accept it- tell her is was a gift- it teaches us how to be happy- and she was just SO insanely angry. Never thought such a little old lady could be so angry. Anyways, Cook shimai looks at me and says'I really don't think we should accept that Book of Mormon back'. So- trusting my companion cause she is awesome we don't accept it. she puts it in our arms multiple times and we put it on the bench multiple times. I didn't feel a bit ridiculous but I think what was supposed to happen happened. We ended up leaving on the bench in front of her room and she stormed inside.

When we got outside we decided to say a prayer that we could talk to that sweet girl someday in the future- and that the Book of Mormon would land in the hands of who it needed to. As we were walking home- there was no one out the whole time. When we finally got to a light we saw this woman on her bike with her daughter so we stopped her really quick! (we had about 10 minutes before we needed to be home). So we don't really talk to her about much but we tell her that we teach about Christ and we have an open house on Saturday!

Sorry this story has gotten really long. I will give more details when I see you in person but yeah-

long story short she didn't keep her first appointment but we decided to try and try and finally she made another appointment- and KEPT IT! She is from Peru- and she brought her little daughter. She told us that that night when we stopped her- she was praying to God to help her find a good solid christian church here in Japan. she said she thinks meeting us was a miracle from God showing her that He answers prayers. She made a baptismal date for December 23rd and she wants her whole family to meet us.

No more time- but I just need to say how lucky I am to be serving here, with the people I serve with. I am the luckiest missionary in the whole world, and I am so grateful. I love this mission with all of my heart and soul, I cant seem to comprehend a life not dendoing everyday and living in Japan. I love my Heavenly Father, I know that is there and He answers our prayers! I know that our Savior is Jesus Christ- and that He is ever-patient, ever-loving, and all-knowing. I wish I could bottle up all the happiness that the knowledge of the Gospel gives me and just give everyone a teaspoon or two to help them see the big picture and hear it for themselves. Everyone has their agency, everyone has infinite potential, and everyone has the same Heavenly Father! Truth is Truth, and man alive this is truth!!!

Have a great week! Filled with magic and adventure!!!  Gonna travel back in time to see you guys...wwhhhhhaaaat?!

Love to the moon and beyond,

Lane shimai

Chi Channn

10/26/2014

my NEW COMPANION!!!! Yup thats right. Cook shimai came back to me.

Heya everyone!!!

So guess what?? I was a bit nervous about who my new companion would be...we were standing on Miajima just chillin with the deer, and then the call comes! And GUESS WHO IS MY COMPANION!!!!!!!!! COOOOOOOOK SHIMAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's right, she came back to me!!! I cant tell you how happy we were. Screaming like mad. She is AWESOME.

I shall tell you about my FAVORITE miracle from last week. Chi chan :) She is from Eikaiwa, and came to the Halloween party on Saturday night. She was SO outgoing, which surprised us a lot (cause she is just a little tiny nihonjin girl). Anyways, she loved it- and came to all three hours of chuch yesterday. AND stayed afterwards. She made an appointment, she is bringing a friend, and she is coming to church next week. uhhhh KISEKI!!!! We hope to meet her parents soon and be able to teach all of them together. Anyways, in each one of my three areas there is always a young girl who is INCREDIBLE and we found her. Chi chan. In Nagasaki is was Yuu chan. In Fukuoka it was Koko chan. im in love. During Sunday school, she took out paper to take notes, took out her book of mormon, and took notes all class. She asked what 'amen' meant. Once we explained it, after every prayer she would say amen so confidently. It is the cutest thing in the world. When we asked her what she thought about church, she said that she felt so GOOD, and there were a lot of nice people, but there was a lot she didnt understand. We told her not to worry- cause that is our job!!! And she got really excited. I LOVE her. pray for Chi Chan's family to want to hear the Gospel!

I am sorry this is so short...but I love you all!!!

Sincerely,

Lane Shimai

  Our new investigator. who is an angel. like unto Yuu chan.

"I NEED TO GO DENDO!"-"DADDY'S gone MAD!"

10/20/2014

Souuuuupa week this week. Went by in a flash...

Saw our favorite old lady again yesterday. man I love old people. Ever having a bad day- go find solace in an old folks home. You just sit there and they will tell you what a babe you are. Never received so many compliments in my life hahaha they are adorable. Yanashita san sung us an old traditional song about making beer. She is so adorable.

Well. It is Nigh shimai's last pday...It is SO weird to think she is leaving. I have no idea who my new companion is going to be- but we will find out today! I am a bit nervous about this transfer call! We will see...pray that they like dendo, love adventure, love to talk, has a lot of stories, and likes people!

So. I learned that part of Skyfall was filmed on the little battleship island off the coast of Nagasaki. NEVER knew until we met a Russian man who is from Switzerland who travels around the world going to cool places like that. anyways...as if Japan needed a reason to be any cooler!

Another adorable prayer from this past week! Little Seiji's prayer...."Thank you for the cookies, and for papa Jesus, and for the juice, and the sisters, and the popsicles, and the food, and the book of Mormon, and..."(etc.) it was so cute. He was so sincere. I love how they all call Christ 'papa Jesus'. Gonna use that for the rest of my life!

Most random event from the week- We were talking to a lady on the street- giving her a lesson- when this man passes by us- stops at the corner and turns around to look at us- and then gives us a deep bow, turns back around, and walks away. We were having a rough day but man that brought it RIGHT back up hahaha. I love Japan.

Yesterday we ate at a members house- and they made LASAGNA! YEAH. LASAGNA. It was pretty much JUST cheese with spaghetti sauce- best thing of my life. When we went home yesterday, I was SO happy. I attributed it to the cheese. Never had so much cheese my whole mission. Heck, never really had any cheese my whole mission. Best meal ever.

So missionary work gets more and more exciting everyday I feel like. It is the best. More and more people are saying things like "oh yeah my friend is Mormon" or "yeah I talked to the missionaries when I was younger". I get SO excited every time someone says that. The work is moving along so fast, and I love it. We talk to people all the time when we are on the street that look like they have absolutely no hope- and nothing to live for. It wears on your soul. But then you see the members- and you see how happy they are- and it just stands as a testimony of how this Gospel blesses lives. Japan has more than its share of sad faces, but that is part of the reason why dendo is so fun in Japan. Cause you get to give people hope that they have never heard of before!!!

I love life. I love missions. I love cheese. I love Japan. I love EVERYTHING!

I will email you next week and let you know who my new companion is.... :) I am hoping and praying that either Flake shimai or Cook shimai will come back to me! Don't think that will happen...but anything is possible right? ps did I mention Flake shimai is in my Zone right now- and her "group" (it isn't a branch yet) is branches off of our ward- so we see them all the time. I love her to death.

Love you guys!!!! Here is some food for thought that I may or may not have sent last week... 

"small minds discuss people, average minds discuss events, great minds discuss ideas"- Eleanor Roosevelt.

Have a great week!!! Filled with adventure, love, life, and LIGHT!

Loooove,

Lane Shimai

Did I drop Black Thunder?

10/13/2014

Dear Family,

Conference was great. The six points was prime. Callister was prime. Bednar was prime. They were all prime! I love conference. I am so grateful for a latter-day prophet!!!

hmm. Well one of my favorite moments from this week-- we were working with a Filipino family who just moved into our ward- it is a mom and three kids, right. The youngest just turned 8 and he is the cutest, chubbiest little man ever. So, we were talking about Christ- we showed him a picture and said "who is that?" ...he just points up to the ceiling. So we go "what is His name?"...."Papa Jesus!". Need I say more. Little kids are the best.

I shall take you to the other end of the age scale- our favorite old lady...she is in a rest home- anyways, she is a sweetheart. We asked her to say a prayer to close, and here is what I remember--

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Hello. My name is Tanaka Eiko.

I am 88 years old, and I was born in Nagasaki.

I grew up going to a christian church with my Dad, 

but when I go married the man was Buddist...so I am really sorry but I took a little break.

But I am here now! and I love Jesus!"

My heart melted. I love her. She says the same things every time we come see her, but man. I love her to death. 

Anyways, basically this week from those two experiences and others....I have learned that Heavenly Father LOVES little children! And every single one of us IS His little child. Prayer can be as sincere and spiritually uplifting as we make it. 

So we were supposed to have a huge typhoon---that is why I am emailing on Tuesday here and not Monday. It came! It was glorious! We were completely safe! Definitely took the opportunity to decorate for Christmas. 

Hikari is great. This is Nigh Shimai's last week of being a full time missionary. Needless to say we are bustin it out!

Next week is transfer week- I will be emailing on Monday for you next week! How much you wanna bet I get to stay in Hikari? :) Have a great week!

Love you all so much! keep the pictures coming!

Sincerely,

Lane Shimai

She lets the small ones sing.

10/6/2014

mmmmyes.

Visited a memeber this week who really likes cats. A lot. This poor cat is 17 years old. Throws up all the time. Weazes like a mad man. She has a sign on her wall that says "Cats are just little people with fur coats". If anything that really increased my fear of cats. Have I ever mentioned- the streets of Japan are FULL of them. Now all I cant think about is these creepy little people hiding in fur coats- reeking havoc. Think about that next time you walk down an alley way- and at the end all that awaits you is a cat...

More important things though from this week! Got an email from the sisters in Nagasaki and they said that in Aiko's confirmation blessing- they said that she would be able to be sealed in the temple someday with her family. I want to go to the temple with her so badly!

So. I don't know if I have mentioned how TERRIFIED I am of Hakujins these days (white people)....missionaries are a different story for some reason. But I think that Heavenly Father sent me to Hikari to get over my fear. There are 3 families here from Boise Idaho. Week 1- didn't talk to them at all. week 2- made an attempt to talk to the kids week 3- actually talked to the adults. They scare me so much. They can speak...English! So perfectly! And they aren't Japanese, Chinese, Nepalese, or Filipino! It is crazy. I am trying to get better though. Pray for me.

So! This week was quite an eventful one. Wont go into ALL the details but long story short- poor Bicycle got ran over. I wasnt with her when it happened (bad owner) but yeah...we were in visiting with a member- and all the sudden we here a man YELLING because he is SO angry. Scared me to death. So we go outside and I see poor bicycle in a ditch...and he is pointing to a little scratch on his car- yelling at me so fast and with so much slang none of us have any idea what he is saying. So I walk out and immeadiately go "oh nauh. That is NOT our fault" in english, right? He storms up to me, screams in my face- I tell him I dont understand, and he says in japanese "of COURSE you understand, I know you understand, you are not a child"....anyways, I ALMOST reacted, I almost gave him quite a bit of sass, but the first thing that entered into my mind was "Lane shimai...you are a MISSIONARY". So I bit my tongue. Went inside to get the phone and call people... and get my camera to take pictures of the car and my bike and the man and everything. Long story short- he had backed into the parking lot we were parked in (nothing wrong on our part) and he quickly realized when he cooled down that HE was at fault....but! What I got out of this exciting story was how incredible the church is. Within minutes of making that first phone call, we were on the phone with the mission president, the man in charge of dealing with accidents, and a local member telling us he would be right over. I felt so taken care of. I WISH I had more time to explain it. but yeah! Bicycle is doing pretty good, everything worked out well, and I guess this is a story I will have to finish another time! Probably gonna make the man cookies. We were all buddy buddy by the end. 

Anyways, 

dah! This week was fabulous, and it is going to continue to be fabulous. quote for you allllll!!!!!

One of my favorite quotes--"Never suppress a generous thought"---keep it in mind while you read this one I found this morning!

"When we act in faith to do Gods work, He goes with us to serve others and blesses us to say just what they need to hear...what we actually say and actually do might feel a little awkward or not very polished...but the Savior takes our words and our actions and He carried them through His spirit into the hearts of the people. He takes our sincere but imperfect efforts and turns it into something that is just right, indeed, into something that is perfect"

Go rub some backs, take an old ladies arm, deliver a pie....something! Just go crazy!

I cant wait for conference.....YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAA parrrrrrrrty.

I love.this.mission. SO much. I love you all so much. Life. is good.

Looooove,

Lane Shimai

AIKOS BAPTISM!!!!!!

9/28/2014

Yes that is right! Aiko was baptized yesterday. I am waiting on all the details. I just got one picture I will forward to you! It was incredible. Yesterday was one of the best days of my mission. Aiko has been so much of my mission. So many prayers and so many miracles. Something Kimber said in her email reminded me of this- I will just copy and paste it here because I could not say it any better!

The following event took place in a ward in Salt Lake City in 1974. It occurred during a sacrament meeting and was told to me by a Regional Representative of the Twelve who was in the meeting. A young man, just before leaving on his mission stood in sacrament meeting and bore in essence the following testimony:

Brothers and Sisters, as you know, the past two weeks I've been waiting for my mission call. During the time I was waiting I had a dream. I knew it was not an ordinary dream. I dreamed I was in the pre-existence and awaiting my call to come to earth. I was filled with the same anticipation and excitement that I had before I received my mission call. In my dream I was talking to a friend, and I felt a special closeness to him, even though I've never met him in this life. As we talked a messenger came and gave me a letter. I knew it was my call to go to earth. In great excitement my friend and I opened the letter. I gave it to him and asked him to read it aloud. It said: "You've been called to earth in a special time and to a special land. You will be born to the true church and you will have the priesthood of God in your home. You will born into a land of plenty, in a land of freedom. You will go to earth in the United States of America."

My friend and I rejoiced as we read my call, and while we were rejoicing the messenger returned. This time he had a letter for my friend. We knew it was his call to earth. My friend gave me the letter to read aloud. His letter said: "You've been called to go to the earth in circumstances of poverty and strife. You will not be raised in the true church. Many hardships will attend your life. Your land will be fraught with political and social difficulties - which will hinder the work of the Lord. You will be born in Costa Rica."

We wept, my friend and I, as we read his call. And my friend looked at me with tears in his eyes, and said, "When we are down on earth, you in your choice land and me in Costa Rica, my friend, please come and find me."

The this young missionary, with tears in his eyes, said, "Brothers and Sisters, I have received my mission call. I am going to Costa Rica."

There is a sequel to the story. About a year after the sacrament meeting, the bishop received a letter from the missionary in Costa Rica. The letter had one sheet of paper in it and on that sheet written in capital letters were four words: I found my friend

Aiko's whole life is different now! She made the leap- and she is so ready. She is an angel. You all need to meet her. I love her with alll my heart and soul! I cant explain how much I love her, and how lucky I have been to be a part of her life. Keep praying for her! She had to go through some rough things to get to where she is!

By the way---happy birthday Henry and Kimber this week!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you both SOOOO MUCH!

We saw some pretty great miracles this week- I love the moment that people feel the spirit so strongly in lessons- and they open up and tell us their real concerns. We watched the Testament with a lady from the ward who hasn't been coming to church- and she cried and cried. She told us that she knows that God loves her, and she believes that the church is true, the Book of Mormon is true, and the Prophet Joseph Smith...but she doesn't really feel it in her heart. She has never opened up before and up till now didn't really share much of her own feelings. It was incredible though...sounds small and simple, but it was a miracle!

Our grandma investigator is doing awesome. Her name is Chiseko- she is super sweet. She is praying about baptism!

We had one lesson this week with another investigator we just started teaching---and she just laid her LIFE on the table. It is scary- the things she is going through. Mentally, emotionally, financially, physically. She texted us yesterday and told us she couldn't meet with us anymore. Keep her in your prayers! She has no good influences in her life right now. Literally none. It was heartbreaking but we are hoping we will see her again soon!

uhhhh food miracle from the week....we had PIZZA HUT!!!!! Yeah. Thats right. PIZZA HUT! We went to a dinner appointment (my whole mission we would get like 2 a month, here in hikari we get like 1-2 a week it is INSANE!) anyways, just show up- and there it was. Just sitting there. Pizza. Hut. I don't know if I have ever tasted anything so delicious in my life. 

ALSO! last pday we went to Miajima dayo!!!!!!! An Island with the famous red gate, and deer that run wild and aren't afraid of humans. It was the coolest. I will send lots of pictures! We also went to a CARPS BASEBALL GAME with our investigator Kasumi. Didn't have a seat... but MAN was it fun. I love baseball games. I love the carps. I love Japan.

eventful week....the stake had a BBQ- and I found myself a little boyfriend! This little boy- I think he was 7? has down syndrome- he just immediately walked up to me and held my hand. throughout the BBQ he would just walk up, take my hand, and lead me to the waterside to just sit down next to him. It was the cutest thing in the world. We were saying a prayer, and he walked up and started rubbing my elbow. I'm in love with the boy haha. Dont remember his name for the life of me-and might not ever get the chance to see him again, but man he has got my heart!

Best quotes from the week!

"Life your life in such a way that those who know you but dont know Christ will want to know Christ because they know you"

"Bury your weapons of war, and leave them buried. Forgive, and do that which is harder than to forgive: forget. And when it comes to mind again- forget it again"-Holland

"Spend Cheerfully on things that matter" -Holland

I love the last quote because he talked about spending money cheerfully on things that matter, but also time. Anyways. Not much to expand on that but I just love them!

I scored like a hundred points for Gryffindor this week and scored a pokemon sticker from some little boys in the ward.

mmmkay I will just send pictures now! Love you all to the moon and beyond!!! If anyone is looking for a couple golden talks--look no further! here ya go.

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=869 (For Times of Trouble- Holland)

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1819 (Remember Lot's Wife-Holland)

ps I am super jealous that you all get general conference this week--Japan is a week later. But its the whole getting to save dessert for last right? Have fun!!! Think of questions for it!! Rub a couple elbows! I know from experience it will make someones day!

Loooooooooove forever and ever and ever,

Lane Shimai

Hermana Lane......Whaaaaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9/21/2014

uhhhh KIMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COOLEST CAT EVER. I am SO excited for her. And I made a plan to hope on that plane to Chile with you and shadow you for a year and a half while I begin to build my resume for my future top secret career. Sound like a plan? Sounds like a plan.

I Cant think of anything right now except kimber in chile like salsa dancing. goodness.

uhhh this week? This week was incredible! I love dendoing with Nigh Shimai. It is super fun. We found a whole bunch of new investigators this week! Had a lot of great experiences. One of the highlights of my week was the phone call I got on like friday---it was stevenson shimai telling me that everything is okay with Aiko, things are going great- and she is on track to be baptized next Sunday!!! It has been a long time coming, and she is an angel. please pray for her this week!! She needs a lot of support!

Next Sunday is also Nigh Shimais birthday...I would ask you to all call her and wish her a happy birthday....but I suppose that is kind of a no-no haha. Just send her some hugs and smiles in the form of brain waves. I will make sure she takes some time to sit down and receive them...

Speaking of Nigh Shimai- she is incredible!!!! I love being her companion- but we do have one problem. Both of us have this laughing problem. We were at a members house last week- and Nigh shimai decided to tell me a story -while the member was in the kitchen-. Mistake number one...mistake number 2- she cant stop laughing when she tells this story. She told me all about this dog in her former area- who is blind and deaf...and lame....wore a diaper. When it wanted to go on a chair it would cry and the owner would pick it up. When it wanted to lay on the floor it would cry...it had a huge growth on its stomach...yeah so she told me this and man. We lost it. I cannot tell you how many times we have burst out laughing this week. Yesterday we tried to start companionship study- but we couldn't stop laughing. It was getting baaaad. But man, I am SO happy haha. Canadians are the coolest!!

Also, we had an incredible opportunity!! I don't know if you heard about the huge mud slides in Hiroshima- I think 74 people died. It was huge. We got to go volunteer for that- getting rid of all the mud. It was crazy to see cars piled on top of each other- houses completely destroyed. We get to go back again next week! they will be cleaning up for a while.

hmm. appears I have a tiny bit of time left. I will send pictures!

Love you all!!!! The church is true! It can heal hearts and lift you higher than anything else in the world! Book of Mormon is the best adventure story there will ever be. Heavenly Father loves everyone like crazy!!! He is patient, loving, and well aware none of us is perfect, but He loves us anyways, and helps us every step of the way! Life is GOOD! I love you all!! Have an incredible week filled with adventure, studying, and things you have never done before!!

Love always and always and always,

Lane Shimai

ps sorry, maybe next week instead of telling you about the saddest dog ever- I could share a miracle story....I will try to organize my thoughts a bit better next week!