Japan Fukuoka: Weeks 11 & 12: Borderline Disrespect = Disrespect

Since I've been here, lots of people have said I look like Hermione Granger. Probably because this air makes my hair crazy

This year is pika-pika! (shiny new) Today we're going to have a Mexican fiesta with the elders. So pumped! ✊ Well, my first report of the new year is that I crashed my bike. I underestimated how narrow the sidewalk would be, so I rolled into the road. The cars stopped so that's good I guess. No major injury.

My first P-day was wonderful because I rescued a kitten. I couldn't keep it though... 😢 I miss my cat. I think the pictures below would show my P-day better than I could describe it.

the kitten

In other news, I performed "Christmas Medley" for the Christmas program (and it went better than my MTC performance), so I was really happy about that since I haven't been playing piano much since I was about 16... except now they think I can play hymns for church. I played for the sacrament meeting and it wasn't so bad. Kind of like nato (fermented soy beans) isn't so bad, but I would never eat it by choice. WHY, JAPAN? All I wanted was to preach the gospel and baptize everyone.

The language struggle--aaaaaargh. Last week, I was telling someone about the "Light the World" Christmas video. We had our Ipad ready to show them and then I said, "Please come!" They walked away saying goodbye and didn't realize I wanted them to watch the video. 😪

Three christmas parties. Yoshi! The last one we went to was extra crazy. 3 investigators, 2 less actives, 1 recent convert, about 10 members, and 4 missionaries in attendance. There was Swahili, French, some obscure language of an African tribe, Tai, English, and Japanese in that room. Two of the investigators were from Africa. I love that our area has a renowned university, because that means we meet people from all over the world!

In the words of my companion, Sister Brown, I am the "BOM giving queen" because she's never succeeded in giving away so many BOMs before. I don't take no for an answer aka it's borderline disrespect. 😅 A few days ago she said she just witnessed the best BOM handout. I approached this lady and started talking about the BOM, but she kept saying she had no interest in reading it. I was being extra persistant, "Please just take this book! It's a special book!" (because I don't know how to say anything else lol) She shook her head again and started to walk away. But then, she turned around like she was suddenly possessed and a split second later was taking the book from my hand, "Wait what's this book? What's the difference between this book and the bible? I already read the Bible, the Koran, and other religious texts, sooooo." I think she might read it. 🙏

First baptismal date! Yay! Kurihara was going to be baptized a few months ago, but was diagnosed with a terminal illness and took a step back. When we visited her recently though, she was so excited to be baptized again. She's been reading two pages of the BOM everyday with her mom. I'm so happy for her.

I love missionary work. I really do. I tell people I'm a missionary in the same way someone would say they are an astronaut or a scuba instructor. Like I know I have the coolest job ever, but I tone it back a bit so it isn't this big deal (even though it totally is). I have witnessed how much power church members have in missionary work as well. Truly anyone can enjoy the amazingly satisfying fruits of missionary work. You don't need to be wearing the name tag to make it happen. Make it happen!! Referrals make all the difference to missionaries.

Hope everyone has a wonderful new year! My New Year's resolution is to read the Book of Mormon in Japanese. It seems impossible right now because...kanji. But apparently it gets easier really fast, since the same kanji words pop up again and again. Wish me luck! Remember who you are and don't let it get you down.

Rogers Shimai

Christmas lights

Christmas Shenanigans!

Sue me...

English in Japan... my fav!

Fried doghnut with ham and egg inside: surprisingly good heated up so that it's crispy crunchy on the outside and savory goodness melting on the inside. Green melon creme soda: my new favorite soda ahhh!