I Love the Plan of Salvation

December 19, 2010~Merry Christmas! How are you guys doin? It sounds like everyone is holding up well and are taking Grandpa`s passing away pretty well. I really want to read grandpas journals when I get back. I feel like I didn`t know enough about him. But I loved him. This first two weeks in Kobe have been pretty wild for me. But before I forget my number is 81-80-2149-6214. You guys can go ahead and call me anytime from 9:30 AM to 2:30 Pm if that is better? The best time for me is right at 9:30 but if dad has work late I understand and go ahead and call anytime before 2:30. Whatever is best for you guys. My companion`s family is calling him at 8 AM. I thought it would be easier for you guys with dad`s work and stuff. I am excited to hear from you guys again. When I emailed you guys this week about grandpa I didn`t tell you about something that happened the day before. It has to do with the Plan of Salvation and Resurrection. I was at the Church waiting for an investigator for FHE. The investigator didn`t show up but there was a recent convert named Shota who was pretty sad. We went to a room together and he started crying, almost out of control, something was definitely wrong. We tried to calm him down and he finally asked us a question. "Do you believe Alma 40?" I said yes. After that he took us to his apartment. As you guys know Alma 40 is about after death so I was definitely expecting the worst. As we were exiting the church another member asked Shota what was wrong and he said, "Pi chan Died" in very hurried Japanese. That is when I kinda got a little scared. When we entered his apartment I was expecting the worst. Maybe Shota`s friend`s body or something was in the apartment. I quickly glanced around and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I was a little confused. I thought to myself, "Why had he brought us all the way over here?" And then I saw it. There was a dead yellow bird laying on some newspaper in the middle of the room. This was Pi chan. This recent convert has a heart of gold and he was crushed over the loss of his bird. It was a big relief actually when I saw Pi chan. It could have been a lot worse. We read Alma 40 together and Shota calmed down and it was a good learning experience for all. The next day I get the news that Grandpa had died and of course I was shocked at the timing of things but not necessarily about Grandpa's death. I knew that Grandpa had lived a good life on earth and he will be judged accordingly. The day grandpa died I also met about 5 people that had interest in the after life and I could look them in the eyes and say that they can live forever with their families. Things happen for a reason and I trust God like all of you. I heard also recently a story about a doctor in Kobe here. A member told me about it while I was in Yonago. At this hospital in Kobe the patients knew how much time they had to live. At the longest a couple of days in advance, and the shortest being a couple of hours. The patients would ask this doctor "where do I go after I die?" The doctor would always say, "I don`t know, no one knows." We know where we go after we die and this is special. I take this knowledge for granted. I love the Plan of Salvation. You guys are great and I love you. I know that we are an eternal family. Have a great week and I`ll talk to you soon!