10 Things I learned From a Year in the Mission Field

Dearest family, friends, and previous companions,

July 26th is my year mark since becoming a missionary! You know I will be celebrating

with a bowl of ramen in the midst of having my 2/3 mission life crisis. In the meantime,

here's a list of 10 things I learned from a year in the mission field!

1. I still don't know what I'm doing. (D&C 6:36)

Nine transfers in and there's still so much to missionary work that I don't understand

(like figuring out travel schedules and cooking out of an empty fridge on p-day eve).

I'm just grateful we have far beyond this life to reach our highest potential.

I hate deadlines.

2. Crazy does change the world. (1 Nephi 2:11)

English name badges, viral videos, nature baptisms, jet coasters... This mission is

everything that I envisioned a mission would NOT be. But it's seriously the best!

The Japan Sendai mission is built upon high expectations and has an environment

where creativity is fostered. It`s been a successful approach to missionary work here

in Japan. Check out the "Japan Sendai Mission Newsroom" page on Facebook to see

pics of all the nature baptisms that have recently taken place!

3. God's way is the only way (Mosiah 4:9)

I`ve come to know who God is. The more I come to know him, the more I'm willing

to submit my will to His. I've written out a fair share of complaints to God. But time

and time again I've learned that God has a perfect plan for all of us. When my

original plan to serve a mission two years ago fell through, I didn't think I would

ever be a full-time missionary. But with every experience I've had and every person

I've met, I know that God has desired me to serve at this time. God knows best!

4. The family is central to God's plan. (Mosiah 4:14-15)

Going off of number 3, God's timing and His desire for me to serve at this

time has had a direct impact on my family. My grandpa became very sick about

halfway through my mission, and being able to visit and teach him has been one

of the greatest blessings for me. God organized us into families so we can learn,

grow, and uplift each other through this life and far into the next. I'm just grateful

for the small part I've been able to play in helping my grandparents draw closer to God.

5. I still can't convince people that I'm Japanese. (Exodus 18:3)

There's a long-running dad joke in my family that goes something like this. "Meg,

did you know that you're claimed by two countries? America claims you're from

Japan and Japan claims you're from America." Japan has been claiming I'm from

America since my first day here, and I can't seem to convince them otherwise.

6. I have more weaknesses than I ever thought. (Ether 12:27)

This is a common phrase among missionaries here: "The more Japanese I learn,

the more I realize I don't know." The Lord always ensures we are humble so he

can give us more. When we acknowledge our weaknesses, we give God the

opportunity to step in shape us into the individuals He's intended us to become

since the beginning.

7. My companions are better than me. (Alma 29:14-16)

@kobayashishimai for being better at Japanese than me and having so much patience!

@beanshimai for taking the scary phone calls and teaching me how to survive in Japan!

@snowshimai allowing me to have a front row seat at your violin dendou concerts!

@ishikawashimai 一緒に ぶっとんでることができたので, とても楽しかったです!

@jacobsonshimai for being the "glue that holds me together" ;) Also further instilling that Idaho pride in me.

@burrowsshimai for being the best cook I've ever met in my life.

@howellshimai for teaching me how to relax and enjoy life!

8. The adversary fuels fire (Helaman 5:12)

The gospel is true, no doubt about it. I know it, God knows it, and Satan knows it.

I've faced a number of hard rejections as a missionary. But every time something

bad happens, it motivates me to work harder than before, partly because I want

to provoke Satan. But mostly because God has always remained true to His

pattern of performing His greatest miracles after the trial of our faith.

9. The food is better in Japan, but not the potatoes. (1 Nephi 8:9)

My loyalties still remain with the land of my first inheritance. There's not a day

that goes by when I don't think about a delicious yukon gold nestled in a green

field in some far off land called Idaho.

10. The church is true! (The Book of Mormon)

                               

Thank you for the support and prayers! Have a great week and see lots of miracles!

Love,

Matsuura Shimai

1. Seriously, share this book with a friend!

2. Maiko and I found out we were the same age a couple days ago and have been best friends since!