A Miscommunicated Miracle

 

    Thanksgiving at Fledged Burger! The most American restaurant we could find in Yamagata

                         

WHEN IS MISCOMMUNICATION OKAY?

When it moves a baptism date up four weeks. Yes this really happened, all because I can't speak Japanese. The original plan was for Akemi San's baptism to take place on December 30th, but with all the New Year's festivities, we realized it would be a busy time for everyone. So last week I called her son Brother Akiba (a recent convert) to ask if we could change the date to December 25th. But apparently in the phone call, he thought I said NOVEMBER 25th instead of December 25th! A little panicked, he called the Sekiguchi's and told them November 25th would be difficult because that would only give us literally three days to finish all the lessons, do the interviews, AND plan a baptism. So he proposed the idea of having the baptism on December 2nd because 1) It happens to be his day off, and 2) gives all of us more time. So long story short, we are in the midst of preparing a baptismal service for this Saturday!

IS IT OKAY TO STEAL (temporarily borrow) A MUSIC STAND FROM THE CHURCH?

Yes. If it's for mission-related purposes. I'm incredibly proud to announce that I've been self-hired to work as Sister Snow's personal stage manager as we tour around Yamagata playing violin music for all its inhabitants. My job entails carrying around violin equipment (AKA borrowed music stand), scrambling to gather sheet music as it blows off the borrowed music stand, and building good relations with business owners if we perform near their shops. When I'm not doing those three things, I'm inviting people to church, passing out flyers, and gifting Book of Mormons. Yes it's a full-time job. Yes I'm tired. But yes I love it so much that I'm doing it for free.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN IT SNOWS AND YOU HAVE TO WALK EVERYWHERE?

You just plow right through it. Can't FLAKE out because that would be SNOW good. Okay I'm done.

Didn't ask to have this picture taken. It just happened haha

SPOTTED: WOMAN WALKING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD ENJOYING NATURE. WHAT DO YOU DO?

Stop and talk to her obviously. Invite her to English class. She might actually show up. Which is what happened with Oda san! We found her walking down a country road enjoying nature. When she showed up to English class the next night we were ecstatic! She built good relationships with the members and commented on the beauty of the church building. Her English is already super good so we invited her to help teach the class next time she comes. Grateful for the small miracles we get to witness everyday!

Those were the highlights of this week! Thank you for the thoughts and prayers always. Also, if you haven`t done so already, go watch all the #lighttheworld videos on lds.org! I hope they make your heart cry like it did mine.

So much love for you all,

Matsuura Shimai

Alma 5:62

Selfie portrait