Here's the picture we sent Grady of his sister, Lenzi's, wedding. She was so sad that he couldn't be there--but not sad enough to wait 17 months for him to get home!!
November 22, 2009 Hey family! How is it goin! Sounds like the wedding went well. I am glad Lenzi was so happy. Ya, it is kinda a bummer that I couldn’t be there, but there is a reason for it. The picture you sent was awesome! Thank you. It sounds like it is pretty cold there. This week has been super cold here. It is kinda like Idaho weather because it changes so quickly. But it is a wet cold instead of a dry cold. I think that it might be colder here. I wear the big Patagonia coat everyday! It is way nice! I’ll answer some questions first. Right now I have about 15 investigators. They are from Japan, Nigeria, China, New Jersey, etc. We have three types of investigators. Other, progressing, and investigators with a baptismal date. Progressing means that they are keeping commitments and reading and praying about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. To help people progress, reading and praying are so vital. One of my favorite things to experience is someone praying to God for the first time. Just imagine a child trying to say his first prayer and it is very similar. It is awesome to see them progress. Oh, and we do a lot of streeting but there are a lot of other ways to find God’s Children. Member work, housing, eikaiwa (English Class), Japanese class, Outreach activities, etc. In an ideal mission the missionaries shouldn’t even have to find people. The investigators should come from the members. Every conference many apostles talk about it. Pres. HInckley gave a good talk about member work. I love the Abeno ward but they aren’t to the point of giving out referrals yet. I love going to their homes and mogiing with them. A mogi is another word for practicing. We will usually teach one of the lessons together, or teach them how to confront their friends, etc. It is way fun because I get to know them better. Many of the people in Japan are converts and first generation members. They have strong testimonies and I love hearing there conversion stories. Moriya san is the only investigator with a baptismal date. He is scheduled for the 20th. Things are looking good for the other investigators. They are really great people and want to know more. Last night I thought back on my first three transfers in Japan. I have seen so many miracles it is ridiculous! I know that the Lord’s hand is in this work. His power is unbelievable. There are little miracles everyday and when I look back to every investigator it is a miracle that they listened to what I had to say. No. I haven’t seen someone get raised from the dead or anything but even small simple miracles turn into eternal things. Baptism is only the start of following the Lords straight and narrow path. Eternity hangs in the balance for every investigator. It is humbling to know that I am simply the Lords instrument. Oh, and I had transfer calls this morning. I am staying In Abeno! I am way excited. This will be my 4th transfer here. Ill end up being in Abeno for over 6 months! Time is really flying. I’ll tell you guys about a little experience I had yesterday. I was at the church way early for a meeting with the ward mission leader and one of our investigators showed up. His name is Shimazu and he is about 70. He is one of the sweetest old men I have ever met. He has a heart of gold. Me and him walked into the chapel together and we were the only people there. Immediately the spirit was there. He looked me in the eye and said that he felt very happy and he wanted to cry. Both of us had tears in our eyes as I explained that that feeling was the spirit. I have witnessed how powerful the spirit is many times and I know that it is key in helping people realize that God exists and this is his restored gospel. Well, I am sorry that I have talked so much but I love you all and tell me about school and how it is with two high schools. Oh, and mom I got the invitation and the card thanks. Have you gotten my package yet? Again and I love you all. Till next week!
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