The fiddler fiddled fidolously

Hello family!

I forgot what we did this week.

So I'll start and proceed wherever my memory takes me. 

We taught the Elders investigator this week because they were stuck at the train station. His name is Tung, he is from Vietnam, and he doesn't speak barely any English or Japanese haha. SO, teaching him was an adventure. It was way good though, definitely taught me that the spirit has no language barrier, and when people are sincerely seeking for truth, Heavenly Father assists them in finding it and understanding it. We taught him the ten commandments. It was a journey haha. I cant imagine what its like- living in a country where you don't understand anyone, not being able to speak- I don't know. Its crazy. 

We have a new investigator! her name is aikawa san, which I thought meant loveriver but its a different kanji. Still a cool name. she is super busy so she can only meet once a week, but she loves reading the book of Mormon, and shes catholic!

Yuu Chan and Yukari are progressing splendidly! They should be coming to the baptism tomorrow. They are so sweet. Teaching them is so much fun. Yukari wants so badly to be able to have a close relationship with Heavenly Father. She learns best from our personal experiences we share- and she really feel them. One of the blessings of being on a mission is that through having so many opportunities to share personal experiences of your testimony growing, you can identify a lot more. Its amazing. 

There are so many Nepalese people in Japan. They are my favorite. They are the kindest, funnest people ever. There are 11 of them that come to church every week, and they are just the smiliest, happiest people. They are all so prepared and they have such great faith! It makes me miss Karan and Christina.

Last Wednesday we were housing- trying to contact potential investigators- and it was POOOOURING rain. I was so happy. We were trying to find this certain address, when we happened upon ONOFF Town. It was the weirdest thing. These white square houses, with no windows. it was this little model community- and it was the craziest thing ever. We knocked on this one door- this little family answered, and while we were trying to share a message, the rain came poouring down in sheets- Cullison Shimai and I were just smiling and laughing, and they were just standing in their genkan- shocked haha it was so funny. 

Time is going by so fast- this transfer is halfway over. A year and a half is too short. I feel like I got to Japan a month ago. Weird.

So I heard Haylie liked the tea!!! I feel like Spencer and Haylie would probably like a lot of the food here. I wish I could just send back a huge Japanese meal for you guys. itsuka. 

Sorry I bumbarded you with a ton of pictures- they are from the last few weeks. Went to a shrine, spectacle bridge, another shrine, the 26 martyrs monument, and the Nagasaki bomb museum. (in the last three weeks). There is so much culture here, I love it. 

Wow im sorry this email was so boring. I have been more tired this week than ever haha but it feels good! I have been dendou-ing in my sleep- waking up with new investigators that don't actually exist haha. I love it.

Heres a few quotes from study this week-

-Whether you achieve it or you dont, you succeed because you went after it-

-remember, even if we fail to reach our ultimate, desired detination right away, we will have made progress along the road that will lead to it-

3 ne 27:12- All things are written by the Father

-Remember, Heaven is filled with those that have this in common: they are forgiven, and they forgive-

-The witness of the Holy Ghost makes an impression on the soul and is more significant than anything you can see or hear-

-Lane Shimai loves you-

ALRIGHT! boring letter or not, im sending it! have a great week all you lovely people! I love you so much!!! Dont forget to be happy! no matter what.

LOVE,

Lane Shimai

Adventure in the Bamboo Mountains

1/20/2014

Well! have a great week! bubi!

Just kidding haha. Here we go! This week. 

I had so many emails that I dont have very much time to write! well.  I shall tell you about our adventure in the bamboo mountains of Nagasaki. 

Sounds like a grand title, but it really was beautiful. Didnt have my camera. but its all good. I couldnt forget how beautiful it was if I tried! Let me give you some more background- so we had planned to go heart attack this family who has been going through some really tough stuff, and so we looked at it on the map and figured it would take about an hour there and an hour back by bike. no big deal right? so as we are going, we realize after a while that their house is quite a ways out in the boondocks. which gets us excited because sometimes the bigger cities just kill ya. but anyways, we come upon these MOUNTAINS. not hills, mountains. So we were trekking up them (gomen, i just realized im doing that thing where I tell you every single detail and I really dont need to haha im gonna speed it up) alright so we get to there house- took us 3 hours. But we KNEW we needed to go. So we find their house by some miracle, and heart attack it. On the way over there I was just priding myself with how good I am at hiding when we do a ping pong dashu. so im crouched behind this wall hiding, the kids come running out and see us haha so that was awkward. anyways the mom invited us in, and we just whipped out the book of mormon and asked her if she could read a verse for us. 3 nephi 22:10. its the most powerful scripture. I dont know exactly why, but it touches a lot of nihonjin hearts. I think its the way its phrased in Japanese. But she started reading it, and she just broke down crying. We bore our testimonies to her, told her we were here to help with anything she needed, and when we were leaving she gave us the longest hugs, and just cried. She told us she KNEW that us coming was from Heavenly Father. It was one of the sweetest experiences on my mission thus far. Anyways, this family is in my heart and on my mind, and during our trek back i had lots of time to think. I was thinking about how I am willing to do things for my investigators that I wouldnt really think to do for members. I think I was too caught up in helping the investigators and less actives that I forgot that there are people in the ward who really need our help too. We are supposed to be strengthening the ward, building them up, and making them stronger. So, im trying to be better. Obviously our job is to preach the gospel through the spirit. but that's to all-members, nonmembers, active, less active. everyone. As long as I am trying my hardest to be an instrument in Heavenly Fathers hands and bringing people closer to Him- Im fulfilling my purpose. 

On the way back from that we met the sweetest lady who stood and talked to us for a good twenty minutes. She was so sweet- wanted to buy us coffee. We talked about christians for a long time, she said she loves christians because the have beautiful hearts. It was so sweet. 

Another old lady we met this past week- Ill call her Hashiro. I literally walked up to her with a big smile, she looked at me, frowned the biggest frown you ever did see, furrowed her brows till they couldnt be furrowed no more, turned her little body around, and literally started running. 

Im scary these days. My companion couldnt stop laughing hahaha by the way, my companion is like a bank for random knowledge. Im learning so much from her- its so cool!

Oh but yes- a little bit about nagasaki- so its known for its rich christian history. There are a lot of christians here! Which is awesome. the only problem sometimes is that a ton of these churches tell their members they can visit any church, be friends with any faith, except the mormons. Thus incidents such as Hashiro happen. Its pretty sad. But, when you have had a really long day, full of kekkos and hashiros, all you gotta do is have a good laugh, and then pray that you will find the people who are prepared haha. Maybe thats the wrong attitude. I dont know.

Well! Remember that the Future is as Bright as your Faith!

think about that. Be happy, look forward to the future with excitement! its so sad seeing people here look down at the ground trying to just get by, thinking that the world and their life is just going to get worse from this point. ITS NOT TRUE! Life only gets better and better! Something Sister Gustafson said yesterday- its 10% what happens to us, 90% our attitude. I believe that with my whole heart and soul. Dont forget to dream! Set goals! dont get discouraged! Keep imporving! have fun, and BE HAPPY!!!!

I love you all the death and beyond! Thank you for everything you do, and for everyone that you are!

Sincerely,

Sista Heza E Rain

If ya wanna be happy

1/12/2014

Suprise Suprise!

Guess who came from Fukuoka to visit me?! MICHIKO! She is the absolute best. I was wondering if it was dame in any way, but talked to the district leader and he said it was awesome! So! She came all the way from Fukuoka, we had lunch, had a lesson, and then she went back! She is the cutest. She hates pictures, so those pictures that I sent was just my attempt haha. She is such a sweetheart. She said she would come to my wedding when I got married, and she told me I will have to tell her the profession of the man, and the personalities of his parents before she could approve. She is so sweet. I want you all to meet her. She is the bubbliest, most people people person I know haha. She gets along with everyone and makes them feel so good about themselves. I love her.

Also! Another miracle this week- Yuu Chan became and investigator!!!!!!!!!! This area has been growing bit by bit- we have been working as hard as we can to help that along. We are now teaching Yuu Chan (she comes to church every sunday) and Yukari (she went to her friends baptism and felt the spirit so strongly- then agreed to start meeting with us).

Things are workin out! When we got back from one of our lessons, we went back to where we parked the bikes and we each had a mikan (cutie) on our bikes with little notes saying --you sisters are the best-- and --you deserve a mikan- love, Jenny (with a phone number). We have yet to figure out who jenny is, but hopefully by this time next week we will know!!

I got to give a talk in church yesterday. And simultaneously accomplished one of my life goals. Make the whole congregation laugh. Its been one of my dreams since I was little. Silly, I know. And I forgot about it until it actually happened. Anyways, it went well! In other parts of Japan they say ganbatte (ga-mm-ba-tey)--- but nagasaki-ben says gumbarumba. Its the coolest thing ever hahaha I love it.

so. japan has some interesting characters- I will save some of this stories for another year from now, but I got a funny one from this week haha. there is this man who comes to eikaiwa, and he loves American things. Has a yankee jacket (yuck)... but anyways, he has these meishies (business cards) that he hands out to people, so he was showing it to me and explaining it and then gave me one. This is one of my most valued treasures- im so tempted to mail it home just so you guys can see it haha I don't know why I think its the funniest thing on the planet. its a picture of (him) sorry no quotation marks on this computer-- but yeah, its like some movie stars picture he put on it and he tells everyone its him, and then it said Feudal Lord L.D.S, and then on the back there is a picture of a scene from a movie, and he is one of the characters in the back. Anyways, this guy is a CHARACTER. And characters are my favorite. There is this spry old man that plays the games at the end of eikaiwa. he has my heart. Just kidding. its locked away. doncha worry.

a fortune teller came up to me and told me (red, 7, venus, friday). he eventually explained those were my lucky things. Whooodathought! I never knew that there would be like fortune tellers and people that think they can do magic, etc. in Japan. I didn't get a lot of that in Fukuoka, but here the stories run wild haha. the other day the elders were trying to contact a man on the street, but he was too busy trying to erase a cloud from the sky with his mind. Its the coolest thing ever haha I love Japan.

Alright, I got a pretty cool thing from church yesterday--

So! we believe that this life in a time for men to prepare to meet God, right? But some people wonder why we would leave Gods presence, and then just live on earth to try to get back to him. But- the Sunday school teacher explained it really well! He said before you go on a date, you try to get all ready. Do your hair, brush your teeth, lucky socks, etc. so that you feel confident on your date and so that you can impress your date or whatever- right? Its the same with God. This life is the time for us to prepare to meet Him- but he doesn't look on the outward appearance- he looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:17). That is why we are given challenges, given trials, and opportunities to improve our talents and hearts. Its preparing us so that when we finally meet Him again- we can confidently say we have tried our hardest, and we will be ready to live with Him again. I don't know if I explained that well or not...but I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to come to this earth, receive a body, and all the weaknesses that came with it. I am so so so grateful for the gospel that supports us, gives us strength, and shows us the right way to go so that we can reach our full potential and happiness! Its pretty darn awesome if you think about it. makes me want to run to the beach and sing my heart out or something. I'm not really allowed to do that, but you guys should. Ive been singing a lot more when we work. clean, bike ride, etc. The same songs are always stuck in my head I swear haha. Lead Kindly Light, Nearer my God to thee, the if you want to be happy for the rest of your life- song, Bohemian rhapsody, someday...when your awfully low, and the christine, christine...where in the world have you been hiding song. Sorry, I dont remember any song names.

ps- THOMAS IS GOING TO INDONESIA ON HIS MISSION!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! most random place in the world, but SO COOL!

study the scriptures, they are the best. Pray to Heavenly Father- He loves you! Smile lots! it will make your heart happy. 

I love you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Lane Shimai

Gosh. This Week.

Gosh. This week!
well. Things have been crazy to be quite honest! Hardest part of my whole mission has probably been these last few days. I went into survival mode. Survival mode for me is just went I start to turn off all emotion and just keep going. Its no good. So I reminded myself to stop! And so I did.

Things have been getting better! I miss Fukuoka, and I miss Michiko. When we told her I was leaving she said she would come visit. She also said she would pray for my happiness everyday. It was the sweetest thing ever. If I never met anyone else in Japan I would be satisfied. I love her to death and she has changed my life! But I will be meeting more people, and Im excited about that.

Oshougatsu was this week! (week long or so celebration of the New Year). It is so big here, I love it. People just stay in their houses and eat. And eat. And drink. The streets were empty, it was so weird. But it was so cool to be here for it! Fujimotto Shimai made us a traditional Japanese oshougatsu meal. Which was quite the adventure. After all of that, I actually LOVE octopus now. Transfers were so sad, I love Flake Shimai.

I'm so lucky to be in Nagasaki! This branch is amazing. On Sunday I felt so loved. Everyone is so sweet. And the history here is so deep. Its beautiful once you get up on a mountain. And there are way more things here to see than I feel like I have time for. Today we went to Dejima. It was way cool. I got to make a wish at a fountain! I love making wishes. And I love fountains. So that was awesome.

So this area- lets just say that we are starting at ground zero. But im pumped. It will be awesome! I have never been with any missionary younger than me--mission wise---so this is an adventure! My new companion is actually 25, but you wouldn't guess it! Shes from somewhere in Utah. I think I sent a picture home- she has hair as long as a I don't know what. I joked about cutting it. Turns out that isn't funny.

So. Something that has helped me beyond belief this week is Jacob chapter 3, verses 1-2. If you don't have a book of mormon- go to lds.org and look it up. I was at rock bottom this week- sitting on the kitchen floor and feeling so alone. The only things that came to my mind was pray. Heather- just pray. So I did. I prayed and prayed and prayed. When I went to go get my scriptures, those are the ones that I happened upon. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over each of us individually. Even when things aren't going to matter 20 years down the road or whatever, when they matter to you- they matter to Him. No matter what peoples struggles are- they are real to them at that time. Sometimes thinking about things in the perspective of -well at least Im not (insert worst possible situation) doesn't help. Sometimes you just need to know that you have a Father in Heaven who loves you unconditionally. And for that- I am so grateful. I know that Heavenly Father loves us individually, and I know that He answers our prayers.

Hey- Happy Birthday to William and Bennett!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope its the best!!!!!!!!!! I love you both to the moon and beyond!!!!!!! Do something exciting on your birthdays. Like go climb a tree- or something. That tree in Balboa park. Go climb it!

My family is the greatest. I love you all more than I can say! I am so grateful for all of you. I dont know how a person lives in this world without a big family full of the most amazing people. I just got lucky thats all. Maybe in heaven I like won a bet or something. not that there is betting in heaven. Maybe we played candyland and I got to the candy castle first. Probably. That might be the only game I pride myself on. Usually. 

Well, time is up. I love you all! Have a happy happy happy week! Dont forget to smile lots and watch a sunset or two.

--Heather--

Well...

Well,

I got pooped on.

Luckily it was just by a bird. So not much of a crazy story there, but I gotta say- I was so surprised. Its not a usual thing for me, but recently, the birds have been pickin things up! The way I see it- better on my face than on the sidewalk right? wouldnt want that.... hahaha just kidding it was actually really funny. Higashi Shimai couldnt stop laughing hahaha it was probably on of the highlights of the week just seeing her uncontrollably laugh hahaha

In other news!----Family! I am moving! Im leaving my birthplace....and going to the city of hills. Thats right, Nagasaki! It is KNOWN for its hills. People who go there....their thighs never come back the same. We aren't supposed to know where we go, but they told me anyways! They are calling later to confirm- who knows! It could change. I am so sad to be leaving Flake Shimai- but its all good cause she will be at byu later too. And shes gonna be a Momma! 

This week in preparation for New Years, we went with one of our investigators to the hills! I feel in love with the land right then and there. I have been so absorbed in the big city, it was amazing to see how beautiful the country is. Its gorgeous here. To top it all off, it started snowing. Really snowing while we were there. I couldn't have died and gone to heaven...It was so perfect. We got to talk to a lot of people there- met a potential investigator! It was one of my favorite experiences in Japan. We made mochi....which is DELICIOUS if you haven't had it. Everyone makes mochi for the new year, and then eats a ton of it on new years at midnight! Thats tonight! Crazy crazy.

Oh yeah-with the Nagasaki thing- it means I wont have a printer or anything-- and I guess that computers arent all that reliable. So we shall see what kind of adventures this will bring!! Wont really be able to send pictures. I heard though, that the dendo shonin lives in the jungle. Im holding onto that.

So new years eve is huge here- OH! That is today!!!! Crazy. Well yeah, so a year ago today, I opened my call. Weird to think. Its been such an adventure getting ready, and then going! being in the mtc, being in japan....everything. Everything is so different than it was a year ago, and Im so grateful for that. Life was good, but it just keeps getting better and better! Missionary work really makes you so happy. Here is a quote that was quoted in General Conference too, I love it so much!

 --"Every time you take someone figuratively by the hand and introduce him or her to Jesus Christ, you will feel how deeply our Savior loves the person whose hand is in yours"-Clayton Christensen

After I read through Elder Ballards talk again, I realized something. Recently, as we have been streeting we have been getting rejected a lot. Ive wonderered why, and I realized something that I need to be doing. Actually PRAYING for missionary experiences. It sounds silly, because I am a missionary, but its no different.

This week was Asomi San`s baptism!!!! It was so good. she is the cutest little thing, and even though she tricks people into thinking shes super timid, she gives the BIGGEST hugs ever. They are the best! Whenever we see her I just throw out my arms and go ASOMISAN! HUGUSHINASAI! (HUG ME! in command form) its the best haha.

We have been having a lot of squid, octopus, and other sea creatures. Raw and cooked. yum.

Oh! By the way! we went ice skating for Christmas! It was so much fun! and then we watch Its A Wonderful Life with our Eikaiwa students. It was such a great day :)

Michiko San continues to be the funniest part of my life. We love her so much. She went out of town for New Years, so she was gone this sunday- but this is how awesome she is....she STILL went to church! We gave her the number of the sisters up there, and she went to church! it might seem small, but in my mind that is like the coolest thing ever!

I learned a little japanese snow song from higashi shimai. its the cutest little thing in the world. I wonder if you can find it...anyways, it goes like this "Yuki ya kong kong, arare ya kong kong, fute mo fute mo mada yama furi nu"...its so cute haha.

My brain is a complete fuzz! I dont know what to say, what to tell, what to explain, etc. I feel like im going a little insane! In a good way! I think! have a great week everyone! Be happy, study the scriptures, most of all---love everyone around you! Smile lots :)

Happy New Year! Talk to you next year!

Sincerely,

Lane Shimai