The Life of a Japan Sendai Missionary

2/21/2019

We organized an FHE activity for the entire mission. Since our goal as a mission is to one day see a temple built in Sendai, we decided to do a "temple of miracles"!

Dear Family and Friends,

P-day was moved to later this week because we had another mission conference from Monday to Wednesday!

BANDAI ROUND II

The entire mission achieved the standard a couple weeks ago, so our reward was a trip to a small resort called "Bandai" in a town called Aizuwakumatsu. In between our missionary trainings, we had a massive snowball fight, Sendai Mission Olympic Games, sports time and a wholesome temple building activity. Not only did we become more unified as a mission, but we are now rejuvenated and ready to take on the demands of missionary work again!

MIYA SAN

We've been focusing alot of our finding and teaching efforts on college students recently. One of our friends, Miya San, came to church with us on Sunday! She admitted feeling nervous at first, but once she walked into the church and was greeted by all the wonderful members, she was at peace! She's moving back to her hometown next week, but she said she would like to continue learning some more!

A TENDER STORY

I heard this from my companion yesterday. It's a story about President Sekiguchi that's definitely worth repeating.

Back when Elder Sekiguchi was a missionary in the Japan Nagoya mission, he had a companion who carried around an old, worn-out backpack. One evening right before transfers, Elder Sekiguchi asked him,

"Before you go, can I have your backpack?"

A bit surprised, his companion answered, "No. This is all I have. Plus it's old and you wouldn't want it anyways."

Then Elder Sekiguchi pulled out a brand new backpack from behind him and said, "But I got you this!"

His companion was at loss for words and cried.

A simple story really, but it captures the Christlike love that we should all strive to obtain. As we go about doing good and lifting eachothers' burdens the Lord will bless us with greater peace and happiness!

Love you all!

Let's go see miracles~!

Matsuura Shimai

Mosiah 4:21

Committed to the work

2/11/2019

The ONLY funny photo you will ever see of my grandparents!

Hello Everyone!

We had interviews with President Sekiguchi yesterday. Besides putting in a request for electric bikes (Izumi is famous for it's killer hills), the things discussed were:

- Matsuura Shimai needs to get a haircut

- Matsuura Shimai needs to go to an onsen (public bath)

- Within these final two months, Matsuura Shimai needs to commit herself and work harder than ever before.

I truly believe in the importance of being obedient to your mission president! Although yes, a haircut is important as well as onsens, the point I want to focus on is commitment.

As missionaries, I'd say one of our special skills is extending commitments. We also have a strong testimony of the blessings from keeping commitments, mainly because we too have to make promises with the Lord every day.

This week we made a commitment as an entire mission for each companionship to achieve the standard (Find three new people to teach, teach 15 lessons, extend a baptism date, etc.). Our joined efforts have led to some amazing miracles, including 5 baptisms!

When we align our will with God's, pray for the righteous desire of our hearts, and commit to do our part -- He will ALWAYS FULFILL HIS PROMISES.

That I have a sure testimony of.

Mika Shimai (girl in the middle holding all the gifts) is reporting to the MTC today! She`s going to serve in Hawaii at the temple visitor's center!

It's surreal knowing that my time as a full-time missionary is nearing its end, but I promise to give my all with the remaining time I have!

Thank you for your support and prayers.

LET`S GO SEE MIRACLES!

Love,

Matsuura Shimai

P.S. If you can slip in a couple of these names when you're saying your prayers, that would be much appreciated. Sakurai San - The wife of a recent convert who we plan on extending a baptism date to this week. Hiromi and Yoshie Sato - my dear grandparents:)

Flashback photo of my mom (girl with the bangs) in her early school days!

Meet my new companion: Sister Young

Not too much time this week. We`re going to the aquarium for district p-day and I'm so excited because.. DOLPHINS!!

I need to introduce my new companion! (Sorry this is a little late). Sister Young is from a small coal mining in Tennessee. She is a fire missionary with so much passion for missionary work. Here's a little bit more about her!

Transfer: 5th

Hobbies: Clarinet, doing hair, listening to music, having one-person dance parties and running.

Favorite Japanese phrase: びっくりした! (bikkuri sita) - I was surprised!

Life dream: Play Angelica Schuyler (Hamilton) on Broadway!

Fun Fact: Brigham Young is her fifth cousin three times removed.

Favorite Scripture: Alma 32:21

She's awesome and has been teaching me so much about missionary work:) I've seriously been blessed with the best companions throughout my mission!

My love and prayers for you all! I'm looking forward to seeing many of you next month. Until then, enjoy these pictures from the aquarium!

Love,

Sister Matsuura