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| Sister Matsuura squared |
On transfer day (Wed.
6th) we had a short stop in Sendai to meet up our new companions. During that
time, I met up with my mother and become companions with her! It was quite the
experience! We did some finding, talked to people on the streets, and testified
of the Book of Mormon. Our main purpose however, was to visit my grandparents
and teach them a lesson.
About a month ago, my
grandpa was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma. He is currently undergoing
treatments and if all goes well, he can live longer than a year. The news of
his illness was unexpected and hard to take at first, but then I came to
understand that God has a perfect plan for my grandpa. It truly is a blessing
that I was able to serve a mission at this time and be close to him.
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| With the fam! |
When we showed up at
my grandparent's house, I was surprised to see my cousin there! He just
happened to be in Sendai for one day for a job interview. Our plans and paths
crossed perfectly, thanks no doubt to divine intervention! We enjoyed a simple
pizza lunch and then started our lesson. My mom bore a powerful testimony on
how the knowledge of the plan of salvation has blessed her life. My grandpa was
never someone to express his feelings so he didn't say much, but he was open to
having the missionaries over again.
This past Saturday the
Elders in the area stopped by and gave my grandmother a blessing. This was a
miracle in itself. She's a devout Buddhist, but exercised enough faith to
accept the blessing. Afterwards, she reported that her hip pains disappeared
and now has more energy to care for my grandfather!
I know God is opening
the doors of heaven for my grandparents and giving them the opportunity to
accept the gospel. Whether they choose to accept it in this life or the next,
the blessings that are occurring now are setting the stage for all that to
happen!
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| One of the hardest goodbyes of my life. Love love LOVE Jacobson Shimai, my bb and fellow Idahoan! She's one of the boldest missionaries I know! There's no one else I would entrust Hachinohe with more than her! |
NEW COMPANION, NEW
AREA
As mentioned before,
transfers happened and I'm currently in my new area - MORIOKA (google it).
This is the most
populated area I've served in so far! Lots of people and lots of energy. I love
it. Although it was heartbreaking leaving the beautiful ocean views and
wonderful people of Hachinohe, I'm excited to serve the people of Morioka!
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| A horse festival parade in Morioka |
My companion and I are
starting at ground zero. We know nothing about the area and have very few
friends as of right now, but we are excited to get working! We did find two
investigators this week. One very animated man who danced for us at his
doorstep, and another old man who says he hates religion but was interested in
learning more about what we have to teach.
My new companion is
Sister Burrows from Orem, Utah! She is so sweet and very knowledgeable about
the gospel. She's also a quarter Japanese, but you would never guess because
she has blond hair! But yes, I'm excited and expecting to learn alot from her
this transfer!
Here's a more in depth
introduction on Burrows Shimai:
Favorite food:
"All kinds of
fruit!"
Hobbies:
Painting, drawing,
tennis (YES), basketball, being with sisters and family.
Favorite Japanese
phrase:
"Ai siteru
yo!" (I love you)
Favorite part of the
mission?
"Everything about
Japan reminds me of my family. The smells, the language. I feel at home
here!"
So yeah, Burrows Shimai
is awesome and I'm really looking forward to seeing so many miracles with
her!
Thank you for all your
prayers and support!
Church is true!
Love,
Matsuura Shimai
Mark 9:23
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