Week 45

First Member Meal!

Haha, like usually, I'm rushed with my email! 

Some cool experiences! 

-We've been talking to a lady who wants to be baptized but has some questions about certain things, so we've been teaching her through videos! She's really liked them and is full of questions! 

- A lady called us for two hours about an English question. She obviously knew that we were missionaries and she knew some of our terminology such as "wards" and she also knew that we don't drink green tea. So she asked her question and then we had a deep cultural conversation about the differences in English and Japanese, but not only the language differences, but the American and Japanese culture. We talked about showing respect and how we do that in our languages and how we show humility as well. Super cool! She then asked if her calligraphy business would do well with Americans and I was like sure! I didn't know this would be turning into a life help thing haha. But then we taught her our purpose as missionaries and that was also really cool! She was like, "wouldn't your boss be angry at you if you worked all your mission and didn't increase membership?" And I explained that yes we love it when people make the choice to be baptized, that is what we're helping people to do, but our ultimate purpose is to help others come unto Christ. And honestly that might look different for some people. And really if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants more members it could do so many different things. They could change the meetings to be more fun, they could change all the rules to make it "less strict", but this is the True Church on the earth! And Christ will work his mightiest miracles through the weak and lowly of heart. 

So if you are struggling with something, remember that often that area is where we can depend on Christ and see even more growth and trust gained rather than something we feel confident in. 

Something else that was awesome was that they streamed the Tokyo Temple Rededication! It was an amazing experience and it was cool to hear Elder Stevenson of the 12 Apostles speak in Japanese! 

Haha, when I called my family on this pday it was our family reunion and I don't think many missionaries can ever say they "visited a family reunion on their mission" ;). 

I gotta run, but I love you all!

Haha just joking,  we missed our train! I'll explain the title ;). On Saturday night we went to our first member dinner here! This was Elder Matsumoto's first member dinner and he's been here for 15 months! But it was amazing! It was a 52min bike ride and we walked around and talked with some people. Then we went to dinner! We had Tonkatsu (fried pork) and wow! We had a great spiritual message as well. Probably the most hilarious thing was that she was the Relief Society President and that means she is the leader of the women's group in our "ward" or church congregation, the Fushimi Ward. And we and her and her husband, both are 50 years and more, had a deep conversation about anime and specifically their favorite ジブリ movies, for us Americans, Gibily (maybe??). But it was just a funny situation to me. Because first off, they're old, but not only that, she's the Relief Society President! Haha so funny :).

K, I actually have to go now, have a safe and blessed week!