Snow from Arizona

We started playing Christmas music in our apartment this week! Definitely not too early, considering the fact that we've had Christmas decorations up at the Yamagata Apartment since LAST YEAR. But while we're on the topic of Christmas, I would like to introduce you to my new companion:

SNOW FROM ARIZONA

My new companion is Sister Snow from Gilbert, AZ! She's very kind and easy to work with. She's also an amazing violinist! So we've been doing this thing called "violin dendou". It's pretty fun actually! Sister Snow plays her violin on the streets while I talk to people!

My new comp, Snow Shimai! 

MEETING MY DAD'S MISSION TRAINER

Today (Pday) I received a special visit from our close family friends, the Inomata's! Brother Inomata was my father's first trainer in the mission. I would like to share a couple words my father said to me in a recent email:

"I remember my first companion in Japan, Elder Inomata. I never wanted to be separated from him – he taught me so much and I was worried  that after 2 months with him, one of us would be transferred. I prayed and cried that we still could serve together. I was so thankful that we actually were together for another month during those cold winter days in Kitami. They were some of the best months of my mission."

With the Inomata's! (Hiro, Yoko, me)

Just like any new experience, the first couple months of the misson can be the hardest. But luckily, both my dad and I were extremely blessed to have amazing trainers who taught us the way of the missionary. (shoutout to Sister Bean!)

My dad (right) and Elder Inomata back in their mission days!    

Also another interesting fact, the Inomata's were also the ones who introduced my parents to each other, so in short, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them! It was great being able to catch up on old times, share mission stories, and hear their perspectives on how my parents met!

BAPTISM DATE FOR NEXT YEAR

We've been doing lessons with a lady named Akemi San. She is the sweetest lady! During the last lesson, we invited her to be baptized and she chose June 1, 2018 (her birthday) as her baptism date. But then her son, a recent convert, talked to her yesterday and the date is now moved to December 30th!

So yes. The work is moving forward in Yamagata.

I love you all,

Matsuura Shimai

Moroni 7:33