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--