Oh, what a week it has been! As many of you know, I got my travel plans yesterday... And you wouldn't believe where I'm going!! To Japan of course, haha. Anyway, I will leave the MTC bright and early at 4:30 in the morning, fly from Salt Lake to Seattle, and then fly from Seattle to Osaka airport! It's going to be a long and exciting trip. I can hardly wait! My experience in the MTC has been great, but I'm so excited to teach people that really need to hear God's message.
So, what has been going on this week? Lots of things. As you've heard from Mitch, we had an Apostle, Elder Scott, come and speak to us. It was wonderful- he spoke about prayer mostly, and it changed my life. In Relief Society, we were privileged to hear from Sister Rosemary Wixom (who is the Primary President of the Church.) She taught about having confidence in the Lord, and what it means to truly love people even when we're riding bikes in skirts all day! I've been so motivated this week, and I know that I will truly love my brothers and sisters in Japan. I do already. Although I'm one of our family's missionaries, I want to stress what has been said by Prophet's past- EVERY member is a missionary. The influence of divinity shines through your smiles because you belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is such an absolute honor to share a name with Jesus Christ for these next 16 months, I can't even begin to describe how happy it makes me to be able to remind people where they really come from.
Other than that, this week has been great. Lots of laughter and stories shared between our district and senseis. Seriously, A. and T. Sensei are the best. A. Sensei has the craziest stories about his experiences and companions in Nihon... I will have to share some of them when I get back haha. T. Sensei is one of the most spiritual people I have ever met in my life. He always keeps us really focused and really helps us when we're concerned. Oh, also, A. Sensei is a ridiculously talented artist! The chorotachi (elders) in my district are basically in love with how awesome he is! He's married already though, so tough luck for them haha.
Speaking of art... Grandma sent me an absolutely awesome story about Liz Lemon Swindle, the LDS artist. If you haven't heard it from her, go ask; there isn't time to share it at the moment, but I've been telling everyone about it because I thought it was so neat. So thanks again, Grandma for sending me that picture and the story. You're the best! I'm glad that you had fun at camp! I haven't had time to read all of the family e-mails this week- I had a lot. But I will try to write if I can.
I'm also really excited for today! I haven't been to the temple since June- I kept forgetting to mention this, but the temple has been closed for 6 our of my 9 weeks here. To be honest, I was really sad about that. But I can assure you that I am a million times more grateful to be able to go now that I have ever been (due to how much I've really missed it.) You'll have to tell me what you think about your temple trip, Mom and Dad! I'm also really excited to hear about the Trek from Aunt Becki, she is a great story teller! (Really though!)
Well Kazoku and Tomodachi, as always, I love you all. This gospel is truly the greatest. I'm thankful for Joseph Smith for having the courage to restore it despite all of the opposition he faced. I know that Heavenly Father is a real, leaving being who is very literally our Father. Whenever we pray to him, he hears us. How amazing is it to know that! Prayer can change the night to day. I challenge all of you to get down on your knees every single day at least twice a day and pour out your soul. It will change your life, of that I promise.
Kokoro Kara (sincerely. or literally translated "Heart from!")
~Watkins Shimai
U of U friday! (Shelton Shimai is a HUGE U fan) And we got our travel plans yesterday! We were so excited!
We have fun playing Volleyball every Tuesday! Seriously, we've gotten pretty good at it if I do say so myself :)
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