I eat Sushi now.

Coming into the mission there were three things I feared most: 1. Becoming a trainer, 2. Doing a joint with the Mission President, 3. Eating raw fish.

This week, 2 out of these 3 things happened!

Last Thursday, Bean Shimai and I taught the Suzuki`s with our Mission President and his wife.

Sister Sekiguchi shared a beautiful testimony and shared her own conversion story. President Sekiguchi boldly shared the need for the priesthood in performing saving ordinances. Sister Bean and I just sat in awe as the Sekiguchi`s taught the Suzuki`s. It was probably the greatest learning experience of my mission life. I've got a long ways to go! Good thing I'm only a 2nd transfer.

Afterwards, the Sekiguchi's took us out to sushi! That is when I ate raw fish for the first time in 15 years. Not too bad. I can probably work my way up to try raw horse sushi eventually.

Family Dinner with the Sekiguchi's

As far as being trained goes, it's the best! Only because Sister Bean has been such a great companion to work with. I have only two more weeks left of being a golden missionary (AKA Bean). Time flies!

Sister Bean and I tried out a new finding approach this week. It's probably my favorite one so far! This is how it goes down. I walk up to people first and start speaking to them in English. Their initial thought is usually, "Wow. How is this Japanese so fluent in English?" Then here's the best part. Sister Bean comes up and starts translating for me. Despite the confused looks, we've actually found this approach to be quite effective because people like to talk to us. We're able to have longer conversations with them and eventually, we're able to tie it into the gospel.

Also, thank you everyone for the Birthday wishes last week! It's been the best one yet:) Here's to an entire year of being missionary!

We are fans of the Book of Mormon

Until next time,

Matsuura Shimai

2 Nephi 16:87