Hahahaha...Alright, Before I say anything...

OCT. 13, 2013

Hahahaha alright before I say ANYTHING more, I need to clear the air with a couple mistakes that I have realized happened haha. SO. First off- clearly most important- I mentioned harry potter not that long ago, and I think I mentioned the 4th book. Christina, Dad, just know that I am not that dumb hahaha I realize it wasnt the 4th book. GOMEN! Other one---- I frequently get tsunami and typhoon mixed up. Ignore me! Hahahaha goodness. Anyways. now that that is out of the way...

So! I have a new companion now because of transfers!!!!! I miss Sister Roberts so much haha its sad. But I love her! And she is with my MTC companion right now, and I loved her too...so hopefully they are happy together! Right now my companion is Sister FLAKE! And I love her to death. We are both on our 3rd transfer, and neither of us know Japanese very well. Gotta love it! We have already had great Japanese experiences hahaha but luckily, we also both know how to laugh at things we cant control. SO that is good. We definitely know how to laugh....and boy, that is DEFINITELY necessary hahaha.

Funny moment...in our apartment there are two other sisters, an american and a nihonjin. So, yesterday- long story short, they were trying to figure out what was in this suitcase they were trying to send out. So the nihonjin was like "do you know if there are any splays in there?" and the american was getting so frustrated, she was like "WHAT is a SPLAY?!?!" Flake shimai and I burst out laughing hahaha (dont worry, after we walked into another room hahahaha) she was trying to say "spray" but she kept saying "splay". Her english is way good though. Just random little funny things like that happen. it is so good hahaha love it.

Also this week- long story short... Sister Higashi is using my bike, and so I needed to borrow a bike and so did sister flake. So. naturally, we went to the mission home since it is right here in Fukuoka, and we were trying to find bikes to use one night. I grabbed one that appeared alright at first haha and turned out to be quite the adventure! turns out, this bike is broken. Stuck on first gear with no back breaks or lights. It was such a good bike home hahaha flake shimai couldn't stop laughing hahaha if you ever want a laugh, try to bike really fast on first gear. It was fun. So anyways, we went back the next day to get a different bike, and ended up just stealing the APs bikes when they weren't there. We get a call the next morning "...did you take my bike?" (I was scared to death) "uhhh yes! We did. Do you need it back?" them- "no no no, its all good....but my bike is kinda broken. How are you riding it?" haha anyways. this week has been an adventure with bikes, and I am loving it haha. Also- I have been feeling like this- Sisters especially I think have so much protection around them. I swear, bad things never ever happen to the sisters. the elders get hurt all the time though haha. There is a new rule- we cant carry anything on the handlebars because a week or two ago this elder was doing that, crashed, and knocked out ALL his teeth.

Alright! I am a week behind all of you but CONFERENCE WAS SO GOOD!

We got permission from the zone leaders to stay for Priesthood session too. And It was sooooo good! 

I came to conference with specific questions for the first time, and they were all answered. I have such a testimony of that! Heavenly Father wants to answer all of your questions, but a question that we don't ask cant be answered! 

One thing I have been thinking a lot about-- I am SO extremely lucky that english is my first language. It was such a blessing to be able to listen to the talks given in their original exact words. So lucky. Also because of the Book of Mormon. I am so lucky english is my native language, because that is the language that Joseph Smith translated it into, and dah I feel like I am not explaining myself very well, but I just needed to say that I am so grateful. 

One Question that I came to conference with- was how I can be healthier. Not like loose weight healthy, but like wake up and feel energized kinda healthy. and guess what! MY QUESTION WAS ANSWERED PERFECTLY! And I realized that the reason I had this question is because heavenly father really wants me to work on it! I love how in conference there were so many talks that mentioned self-mastery, and I am so excited for this. Just like Russell M. Nelson said- our body is our temple, and we need to take care of it. We need to appreciate it, and take care of it so that we can have the spirit with us! We need to get sleep, meditate, and exercise! And eat well!  Anyways, I am a firm believer in this! 

Well. That is it! Remember to follow ALL of the promptings that you received during General Conference! And remember that one talk. (Ulisses Soares)The one that said if you have failed the first time, and then failed the second time, there is no reason why you shouldn't succeed the third time! Just meaning that we have an endless number of chances, and that we should never limit ourselves and say that "we tried, and failed". Keep trying! Heavenly Father gives you endless chances, so use them! Remember President Uchtdorfs quote- "our destiny is not determined by the number of times we fall down, but by the umber of times we rise up" (or something like that). Never give up! Follow through. And be happy while you do it :)

My favorite talks were Elder Hollands talk (which was so powerful), Elder Eyring (sunday morning), Richard J. Maynes, Elder Bednar, and President Monsons (saturday afternoon). Not that that matters hahaha

Alright, I am done! Sorry I dont have much to tell. Please Pray for Yukari, she is our investigator who is not doing well right now at all. She is sick, and she needs prayers. Keep her in your heart! 

I love you allll!! with an exclamation mark or exclamation point. whichever one that crazy genki guy said haha

anyways..]

have a great week!

LOVE ALWAYS AND ALWAYS!

Lane Shimai :)

This is our Kitty!!! I dont even like cats, but this cat likes us! She comes by almost every night. We named her. Tiger Lilly. not all that original but it was the first thing that came to mind so it must be destiny. may have fed her...but I am admitting to nothing. dont worry we dont let her in our house. But. We love her :)

ELDER KONNO and Elder Searle! Pretty much, they are like little kids, and they are companions, and I cant really describe it, but Elder Konno has the highest little voice in the whole world. It just melts your soul. When you are having a bad day, just imagine this little nihonjin on your shoulder speaking to you in japanese. He frequently wears penguin ties. So fitting.

I am going to try to send a picture of me and sister flake right now- we gotta take one really quick then we shall send it! Love you all! Have a great week!