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