Week 52

New year, new beginnings 

Yes as the title says, this is the 52th email, 52 weeks of emails means 12 months, 12 months means 1 year! ありえない！Without a doubt, I add my testimony to millions of others that Christ lives and that He loves us so much he died for us.

So what did I do this past week?

Well I talked about it in my last email, focusing on others and really as I did that last week, my heart has been humbled and enlarged. I have been able to listen more to the people of Japan and to love them with a more Christ-like love. 

Another thing I've learned. Christ can change the parts of you that you thought were you. Not just the mistakes you know you make and you know you can change through Christ. The very fiber of who you are can change. And I've really been relying on the Lord and seeing change. 

And all of that last week, all of those realizations prepared me to train! Yep! I'm training a new American missionary and I've been here in Japan for 3 months. I was still scared and had lots of doubts. Elder Matsumoto and I talked about it and we agreed, there will be lots of できないこと, things I can't do. But Christ can do all things. So everyday I've been putting that trust into Him. And truly, there is nowhere else in the world where you can find so much peace. From the world's eyes, I'm done. "An American that has only been here for 3 months, training another American? Trying to help people who speak another language? They're not qualified!"

But the Lord has different requirements, that we serve with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength. If we love God and keep His commandments. Love the people. You will see success. 

Anyways, on the same day, we did lots of in-person contacting which was fun and touching. We went up to Otsu and visited a family and had lunch with them and shared a message, they then drove us for 40 minutes to another family in the ward which was very nice of them, 彼らは本当に優しい方です. The first family was the Hasegawa's and the second the Hijioka family. It was fun and special to be in both of their homes. We had a touching moment at the Hijioka's home. They wanted us to play a Children's hymn, so I played  Baptism, which was fun and of course brought in the Spirit. And then Brother Hijioka requested "Family's can be Together Forever" and that was awesome. But the part that honestly makes me tear up thinking about it was that the keys were so dusty. No one has played that piano, brought music into their home, for a very long time. Being able to bring that music into their home was amazing. And more amazing, is the privilege to be a missionary and bring that special Spirit wherever we go. 

We then had a zoom lesson in the park lol. And then after getting to the train station that's when we learned that I was staying and training a new missionary and Elder Matsumoto is going to Uwajima! I was pretty sad. We did so many fun things together and made lots of memories together. Worked hard, prayed and fasted for people. Really we just loved the people and we supported each other. I'll miss him for sure. 

The next day we did more in-person visits which was fun and great Japanese practice! Haha those last couple days together I learned a lot from Elder Matsumoto. We had a lesson that night, but they forgot about it and really it was the hand of the Lord. Because of that cancellation, we were able to record this song together (down below!). It too is a great memory :).

We then had a chaotic but good last day together, had a good conversation with someone in a park and did a bunch of transfer stuff, haha still need to finish a lot of it. 

Then Saturday came! I was pretty nervous, so I got a blessing from Elder Matsumoto which helped a lot and then we started on our journey to Kobe! We left a little early from our apartment and ate at this little restaurant which was fun and just talked. We then got to the office and visited with the other missionaries that were training or picking up people. 

And then the time came! Elder Matsumoto actually got put with Elder Hiltscher! So that was a relief in a way and my new companion is Elder Jepsen! So excited! It'll be such a hard transfer, but we'll be able to see the Lord's hand that much clearly. Haha, Elder Matsumoto had a 6 hour bus ride with Elder Hiltscher so they had to leave basically right away. 

So Sunday was actually awesome! It's been crazy as I'm also DL and planning stuff for that and for my new companion. So my new companion is in training, but he got covid before leaving for Japan in the MTC, so he was reassigned for 5 weeks in California, so he's been first halved, but I call him my son. And I actually understood a lot more than what I thought, certainly, the Lord still brings miracles to those that believe! 

Last thought, treat everyday as your last day on earth or last day on your mission. You'll neve get it back. This goes along with what Elder Uchtdorf said once. If you want a good day, treat it like your life, do the most importants things, love God, love others, serve others, and it'll be a great day. Do that everyday of your life and you will have a life full of joy. 

A full glass of water is full because you filled it. Not here and there. So I challenge everyone to fill your day with good and to love God and others. Fill your "cup" everyday, everyday for the rest of your life. 

It was an amazing year and thanks to everyone for reading my emails and all the responses I've gotten, thanks for your prayers and fasting and your thoughts, truly I feel them.

Love you all!

ロバートソン長老