Dear Family and Friends,
How is it almost June?! Where
does the time go? Anyways, Obihiro is wonderful. The weather swings are hard to
keep up with (today is 30 C!) but I'm happy its warming up. This week was crazy
busy. We had sister exchanges so the sister training leaders came from Sapporo
and stayed with us for 3 days. Six sisters in a two person apartment was
interesting but it was so much fun. The sisters who came are on their last
transfer so it was a good opportunity to learn from them. We also our musical
fireside! Evans Shimai really does go all out. There were microphones,
speakers, and since she makes CDs of the missionaries singing, there was
someone recording the whole thing. It was a full house and it felt like a
ballet recital. It was so much fun and was over way too quick but I loved it. I
also got to see ward members from Atsubetsu! I was so happy since there were
people I didnt get to say goodbye to. Plus I got to see my old district. The
fireside was in Sapporo and so we had a 3.5 hour bus ride on saturday to get
there. I had plans to study and write in my journal but I ended up sleeping
most of the time ha. Since there was no way we could make it back that night, we
spent the night in Atsubetsu! I was so happy to be able to catch up with my old
companion. We woke up much too early the next morning and hopped on a train in
order to make it back in time for church. Needless to say, I was really tired
Sunday haha.
We also had some shocking news.
There was an emergency transfer, so our district leader is (ironically)
transferring to Atsubetsu and one of the elders there coming here. We were all
really disappointed but he will do great things there.
We also had a Zone training
meeting. Except that it was the zone leaders and just Obihiro district. But
that was really fun and I learned a lot. I really am grateful for zone leaders
and district leaders and all the time they put into serving. I always learn so
much! Funny side note, the Finnish elder in my district knows the one Finnish
person I know (I met him at BYU). I guess they're from the same home ward
in Finland. Small world!
I was reading the conference
Ensign this morning (I finally got it!!) and I loved the Priesthood session. As
I was reading it, I felt like I should talk about member missionary work in my
email home. Obihiro ward has something called 'Zion Dendo', where members
volunteer and come to the church on a specified night, and they drive the
missionaries around to visit non actives. Isnt that great? We did that the
other night and although we got lost, it was a really good experience. I think
they do it every other month, but isn't that a great idea? We missionaries really
can't do much without the members help. Missionaries are such a small part of
the ward; responsibility truly lies with the members to be member missionaries
and to reach out to their friends and family. As President Uchtdorf said, "As
you lose your life in the service of others, you will grow and develop until
you reach the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." How important it
is to always serve!
One last thing. In President
Monson's talk he said, "I hope you appreciate the sacrifices which your parents
so willingly make in order for you to serve. Their labors will sustain you,
their faith encourage you, their prayers uphold you. A mission is a family
affair. Though the expanse of continents or oceans may separate, hearts are as
one."
I truly agree with this. I
wouldnt be on a mission without the help of people around me. So thank you,
specifically Mom and γηΆγγ。Your prayers truly do uphold me
as does your support.
Love you all!!! I'm happy and
healthy and having so much fun serving :)
Love,
Sugihara Shimai
No comments:
Post a Comment