1 Aug 2011

Holy cow it's AUGUST　（八月）!  

So Summer（夏） here is interesting.  The average temperature has been about 34/35 degrees C [94/95 F] and it's humid like nothing else.  Though hot weather means that every member we meet will give us something to keep back the obviously oncoming heatstroke.  I don't think I recall ever eating so much Ice Cream, and oh my goodness the barley tea is everywhere, I think I've drunk more of that than water.  Just a quick little bit on Barley tea (mugicha 麦茶） I kind of tastes like I am drinking burnt popcorn, and it has the most wonderful smell of fresh dirt.  But I have to say, that is is way better than having just water all of the time.  It's a good mix I think.  

SO Big news this week, WE GOT A NEW INVESTIGATOR! Huzzah! This lady lives up north (a good 40 minutes bike ride) and was mainly interested in learning English, but after we shared the gospel message with her, she became very interested and asked for our next couple of appointments to please continue teaching her about the Book of Mormon and our church more.  This is the first actual investigator since Yoshiaki, who is still doing awesome (he goes to EFY in a couple of weeks, it's the first EFY in Japan), and hopefully we can help her come closer to her savior and redeemer Jesus Christ.  [Editor's note: EFY is Especially for Youth, a wonderful Church camp for youth ages 14-18.]

It has come to my attention that I have not fully described exactly what Eikaiwa（英会話） is.  The direct translation is English conversation But it is just our English class we host for everyone in the community.  2 times a week we host the English class and really just have a good time.  This week I didn't really know what to talk about, and the book gives some suggestions, so this week I chose "Colors and Interior Design"  Why exactly that was one of the choices, I know not.  But we had a rather interesting conversation about 'earthy tones' and Japanese design styles. For some reason everybody giggled when I said "Bonsai trees" and "Koi Ponds"  apparently they don't have any special names for those in Japan, they are just Ponds and trees.  That and from a recent conversation at the Castle, Yoshi has started calling me "Pooh Bear" which he finds absolutely hilarious.  Apparently in Japan they call him "Pooh san" (san just being a title that you usually put after names ... personally I found Pooh-san much more entertaining than pooh bear)  But what can you do.

So the Castle[城] was awesome.  We went though the main building and one of the side living quarters.  The artwork there was just awesome.  However, I forgot to bring my link cable to upload pictures, so they will have to wait one more week.  Then I can really talk about it, I feel like my few words on this post just won't be enough to accurately describe it.

I just want to end by talking a bit about my Friends that are soon to be returning from their missions.  It's so strange to think that as I am just starting my real work, that they are finishing theirs up.  I know that they have been doing tremendous things for the people that they serve, and I hope that I will be able to do some sort of good among the people in Japan.  Matthew and Richard were such good examples to me throughout high school, and I am so glad that we have been able to stay strong in the faith and grow in the strength of the gospel.  This Gospel has the power to change lives and I have been able to see, even a small part, of just what kind of awesome change and blessings that can bring.  I implore all of you to experiment upon the words in the Book of Mormon, to ask God in Faith, nothing wavering, if some little bit of it is true.  Even if you have before, doing it multiple times will strengthen your own testimony and will increase your ability and confidence to share the Gospel in all that you do.  

I love you all very much, but I have a muffin lady to catch before she sells out all her chocolate muffins again.

Happy August from Japan

Elder Everett

エベレット長老

 

Elder Benjamin Charles Everett
Japan Fukuoka Mission
9-16 Hirao-josuimachi,
Chuo-ku,
Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
810-0029