One of my most favorite weeks on the mission thus far

Konichiwa minasan!

 Can someone tell me what animal this is?

This has been one of my most favorite weeks on the mission thus far. Among the daily activities of missionary life, Sister Bean and I got to attend a violin concert with a member and her nonmember friends, go to a college campus to find young people, and enjoy the company of our investigators at the ward "imonikai" party! It's a completely different approach to missionary work than housing and streeting, but I feel like it's very effective in gaining peoples' trust and building relationships. 

I think I've finally gotten to the point where I can overlook my imperfect Japanese and just talk to people. Still have a lot to learn, but it can only go uphill from here right? :)

Our mission president asked us to go to a college campus "Bunksai" celebration to make friends. It was easy because Sister Bean is pretty much a celebrity here and young people always want to take photos with her hahaha.

Still on a General Conference high because we just barely watched it a few days ago. I'm proud to say this was the first time I stayed awake for the entire duration of all four sessions. Watching General Conference was a special experience for me, especially after hearing news from home that my brother Josh took his own special notes from all four sessions! Josh has autism and has struggled in the past with sitting through a single General Conference session, let alone taking detailed notes. One of my favorite quotes of his is, "There is a heavenly parent past the veil. God can know every possibility. Tun unto God with all thy heart and all thy soul."

I'm grateful for the example my brother has been to me throughout my life and on my mission. His simple, yet powerful testimony of our heavenly parents is one we can all strive to remember.       

                                               

Just a short one this week, but thank you for your love, prayers and emails.

So much love for you all!

Matsuura Shimai

Dad's joke - "I'm claimed by two countries. Japan claims I'm from America and America claims I'm from Japan."