Holy time vortex! What in the world happened this week?! It seems like it went by so fast, but at the same time, looking at the last post, all of that seems like so long ago. Things progress so fast here, everything is changing, moving, continuing all the time. I swear something about the mission field makes life go by faster, and slower, at the same time.
So this is technically my 3rd week here, but if feels like I've been in Tokuyama for quite a while now; I've got most of the routes down, and now pretty much all the people in the ward. (practice lessons certainly help with that) so let's start at the beginning of last week.
So Monday afternoon we left to go to Yanai (another area in our district) to get ready for a doctor Zone conference in Hiroshima on Tuesday. There we met everyone from both the Hiroshima Zone, and Tokuyama zone. We were taught how to be healthy both physically and mentally, and how even though the spiritual side has become 1st, to not let physical drop below 3rd on our priority list. Which, I have to admit, does happen very quickly. (I think I gained like 5 kilos since I arrived at Tokuyama!)
Dr. Gibson, a psychiatrist, talked to us about mental health, and how to combat depression and other such things that apparently are prevalent in missionary work. (Who knew?) So his message to us was when talking about life, don't say "I want to do this BUT...." whatever you want to complain about. Instead he taught us to "Kick 'but'" and replace it with 'and' "I want to do this AND it will be hard" At that point you accept that it will be difficult, and move on, and do it. You completely stop worrying about how you'll do it, and just do it. Conquer your Inner critic, worry wart, judge, and hedonist, and life becomes that much simpler. Also don't worry about the 'should'ves' but instead don't "should" on yourself.
After the zone conference (with super delicious food from the members) we got back on the train for our 3 hour trip back to Tokuyama (others had a 5 hour trip). Hoo boy, it definitely helps to have a Japanese Companion that understands the train system! Also, I've decided that Japan has the best public service announcement posters, anywhere from animals on leashes getting stuck on the wrong side of an elevator door, to someone with a backpack half the size of the train blocking other people's movement, Japan has some pretty great graphics for the general public!
Wednesday and Thursday were nothing super special, we just did our normal Dendo (missionary work) and went on our way. We did have Eikaiwa though, which is always a good time (Did I tell you about the 75 year old man who writes a short essay in English every week, just because?) Every Wednesday I'm amazed at how the Japanese are about the genki-est (most energetic) people ever. We've got 60/70 year olds jumping up and down trying to figure out the word for the picture being drawn (pictionary) and being comically over-dramatic when they both win and lose. So good.
Friday was a power house day - we had 4 lessons all over the city (and one in another city) and reestablished a baptismal date for one person while having 3 others learn more about their relationship to God and the plan He has for them. He really does have a plan for everyone and all we have to do is accept it and work hard. Learning His plan for us is of supreme importance and we do this through study and prayer. Small and simple things like regular church attendance, reading the Scriptures, praying, interactions with others, all of these change who we are, where we're headed, and the help we either receive, or lose. Don't be a loser, go out and win! (or 'get' as the case may be)
Saturday we had about my favorite form of Dendo yet. Dance Dendo! So, one of our members owns a Dance studio and teaches Ball Room dance. [Both her daughter (14) and son (12) are nationally ranked for Junior ballroom dancers and their dance hall is filled with various trophies and awards they have won] and we were invited over to participate in one of the classes. Ballroom is a little weird without a partner (such is missionary rules) but it was great fun nonetheless! Afterwards we had a really nice lesson with one of their students who came to Church yesterday! One day after his first lesson he was up at the pulpit bearing his testimony (which he had written down before) in front of a group of people he had never met before. He was followed by the member who teaches him dance, and the spirit was so strong in that meeting. Way to go, Hiro-kun!
That night (since it was a fast Sunday) one of the members made us Dinner. Apparently he's been doing so for the missoinaries for the past 10 years or so, and OH MY GOODNESS what a feast. So it was 3 of us, but there was enough food for a family of 6/7. We had Yakisoba (enough for 2 and then he gave me seconds!), Karaage, a fresh salad, and Mugi-cha (barley tea) for the main course, and home-made ice cream, grapes, and pineapple slices for dessert! The fruit alone would have been enough for a whole meal, much less a portion of dessert after the fact! I fell asleep early that day, I was surprised I could even move at all afterward!
The members here are so nice, and their faith is strong. Now to just work with them in bringing their friends to a knowledge of the restored gospel and growing the ward. (So there are actually more families in the ward, I think 3 or 4)
Today we have a bowling appointment with a friend of a member (I love this plan!) and then a meal with them afterward. This P-Day might be tied for #1 P-day so far (it's hard to beat Kumamoto Castle).
I love you all, and wish you all good luck in your various activities and events. (I heard BYU, NC State, and Boise State all won their first football games of the season ... SWEET!) Just remember that as the world moves, turns, and progresses, you need to do all you can to not get left behind, or stop. You should always be progressing, always improving, and never stop learning. This is your life, so go live it, don't let anyone/anything stop you from Becoming.
Love and Peace
エベレット 長老
Elder Everett
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