Meet my new companion

Dec 18, 2017

Greetings everyone!

Hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas season so far!

I'm now serving in an area called Hachinohe (direct translation 8 doors). It's located in northern Tohoku right next to the ocean and the American base of Misawa. The winds are relentless and the hills are neverending. But, it has a special small town(ish) charm to it. Feels like home! Also, this place is famous for their fish, so all you sushi lovers need to stop by!

My new companion is Ishikawa Shimai! A literal angel from heaven. Here is the information I gathered from a 5 minute interview with her.

Ishikawa Shimai

Hometown: Nagoya, Japan

Age: 22

Transfer: 6

Occupation: Nurse (Pro at giving shots)

Hobbies: Watching Korean dramas and going to cafe's

Favorite english phrase: "I don't know."

Favorite food: pasta and pineapples (not together though)

Secret talent: Kendo (Japanese sword martial arts)

Favorite disney princess: Ariel

Spirit animal: dolphin

Favorite scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9

I have loved serving with Ishikawa Shimai for the past week. She is one of the hardest working missionaries out there and we are determined to see miracles this transfer!

 

On Sunday we all went to the nearby town of Towada to do some finding and boost missionary work in the area!

We`ve been taking a slightly different approach to missionary work the past couple weeks in preparation for the Christmas season. We've been asking people what they know about Christmas and surprisingly, quite a few people know that it's the time to honor the birth of our Savior.

One of the ways we can honor Christ this Christmas is to talk about Him, to testify of Him, to remember Him by serving those around us (2 Nephi 25:26). I can honestly say that the Christmas spirit has never felt more real to me as it does now.

My prayers are with you always. Stay warm!

Church is true.

Love,

Matsuura Shimai

Mission photoshoot from forever ago #tbt #SisterBean

First Snow First Transfer

Dec 12, 2017

Hello from Snowy Yamagata!

Yamagata Bishopric

Feel like I've been all over the world this week. By all over I mean five hours north to a place called Misawa, also the home of an American Air Force Base.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME...

and beds, and couches, and garbage disposals... We got a taste of all those American luxuries last week when we went to Misawa for a mission-wide Christmas conference. We stayed in American members' homes and ate American food! It was quite the American experience.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REJECT THE MISSIONARIES?

God will make you fall down so those same missionaries you rejected can give you helping hand. Sister Snow and I were streeting this week when we approached an elderly couple. The old man just swiped his finger at us and commanded us to walk away. We walked around the block and ended up where we started, only to find the same old man on the ground and his panicked wife by his side. Without thinking twice, we ran to their aid. We helped the old man into a wheelchair and helped lift him into his house. As I was lifting him I remember him looking straight into my eyes, probably thinking, 'What are you doing here?!' But then he mouthed "okay." His wife thanked us and we continued on our way.

 

Sword man. Waved at him a couple times as he was going in and out of this building. Might be a potential investigator. Who knows.

FAREWELL YAMAGATA

Yes this is my first time transferring as a missionary. It's a hard experience, not going to lie. I told the Lord that I wouldn't mind if my mission was changed to the Yamagata Japan mission, but His will always prevails and I'm very excited to serve in my new area - Hachinohe! It's located about four hours north of Yamagata and is right next to the ocean! Also, I will be paired with my first Nihonjin (Japanese) companion! Yes I'm going to be speaking 100% Japanese from here on out, at least that's the goal. More to come next week...

Love you all!

Matsuura Shimai

2 Nephi 25:26

愛する Habuki Shimai and Ikeno Kyoudai

A Baptism in Yamagata

Dec 4th, 2017 

We recently had a baptism here in Yamagata! Let me introduce you to one of the most humblest, kindest, and courageous souls I know - Akemi San.

                   

 Love Akemi Shimai's smile!

A mother of two. Great style. A love for talking. Akemi San is a literal angel from heaven.

She is also one of the bravest people I know. About 12 years ago, Akemi San started losing her eye sight. Having known what the world looked liked and then losing sight of it all was extremely difficult for her. During one of our lessons she shared how in her dreams she can still see, but then always awakes to a dark reality. Blindness made it difficult for her to believe in a God.

She couldn't understand how a loving Heavenly Father would let this happen to her.

But then a miracle happened. Her son, Naoki, found the missionaries and started taking the lessons. He was baptized this last September and ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood shortly after.  Akemi San attended the baptism and felt the spirit. It was then when she started to accept the idea of a loving Heavenly Father.

She started taking the missionary lessons. When teaching lessons, one of the greatest tools we have are visual aides. With Akemi San we didn't have that option. We had to teach with words, audio recordings and music. Little by little, she began to understand.

Naoki was a vital support to her learning and conversion. After his baptism, he brought Akemi San to church. I can still envision the two of them walking in the chapel, Naoki leading his blind mother by the hand and ensuring she sat in the front so she could hear the speakers. Every night before his mother fell asleep, he would play The Book of Mormon on audio for her. After each lesson, he made sure to review what was discussed.

The members were also a great support, always doing joints with us and explaining the lessons more clearly than we ever could. But most of all, we knew it was through the spirit that she was able to understand the teachings and feel of God's love.

Akemi san entered the waters of baptism this Saturday (Dec. 2) and was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the following day. I will always remember the spirit that was present as she bore her heartfelt testimony of the Savior.

Although she is unable to see through her physical eyes, Akemi San has been given the greater sight of knowing her divine identity and eternal purpose. She knows she is a special daughter of God and that He has a perfect plan for her.

Likewise, we are limited in what we can see. But if we trust in Him who can see all things, we too can have the strength to face challenges, to overcome temptations, and achieve our fullest potential.

My love for you all,

Matsuura Shimai

2 Nephi 8:6