Monday, May 28, 2012

Tell me the stories of Oita - 28 May 2012

Happy late May!  This has been one crazy week, oh man, I'm not even sure where to start!

Let’s start on with Monday.  So this past Monday we made our way on the 4 hour bus ride over to Kumamota for Zone Conference.  We actually went on that Monday for a Zone P-day.  We played a bunch of sports together in the stake center over there.  Helped me realize how bad I still am at ping pong..... it's still coming I hope....

That night we stayed at the Shimizu apartment (It still feels weird to go back to that apartment :D)  We ended up having 14 elders stay in that apartment that night!  I remember that apartment being a little tight sometimes with 4 people living in it, but man, 14 was an adventure.  Elder Clements and I actually ended up sleeping on the balcony.  It was a good thing in didn't rain because we were in no way sheltered.  Strangely enough though, I think that was about the best night of sleep I've had on the mission.... Oh how I miss sleeping outside!

Then at the actual conference that Tuesday we had a great time!  It's always really awesome to come to Zone Conference because you get to see all the other Elders around the area and you get to actually interact with them.  Out here in Oita, we see other elders only 2 or 3 times a transfer, so it really does become a special event when we do.  It has helped me really appreciate the relationships we make with members and investigators more.  The challenge that we received at Zone Conference, I want to extend to all of you.  No matter what meeting you go to, no matter what you do each day, find one thing to learn.  Whether it’s one small thing to change or apply from the meeting, from the day, from whatever it is you are doing, we should always be seeking ways to improve and grow.  It's never too late to learn more and improve! 

It was really cool at the conference, because Elder Clements, my trainer, was there, and we ended up getting a 3 "generation" picture of the event :D.  Not to mention all of the other friends that I got to meet up at the conference! 

When we got back to Oita, we just had a bunch of other things to do.  At lot of our time has been working with our less active and recent converts here, which ends up taking quite a bit of time.  Wednesday we met with our Ward Mission Leader, who took us out for lunch, and then met with this other member around that area.  She's one of the more interesting members I've worked with.  She says she reads the book of Mormon every day, prays every day, but for some reason just doesn't come to church.  I don't think she ever told her husband that she got baptized, and that may be a big detriment in her journey back to church. How great it is to have the freedom to exercise your religion, to show your faith.  For any that are afraid to express themselves, take courage, the Lord is with you, and rejoices in your happiness.  You are His child and He loves you. 

Alright, this is a bit short, time has run up.... but know that I love you all and wish you all the best!

Have a good week!

Elder Everett

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