I'm doing great! Elder Taylor and I are doing SO well! We're
working harder than ever, and we're becoming more united than ever.
Yesterday during dinner as we ate, we just laughed and talked the entire time,
and at the end of it it occurred to me that, "At long last, we've become
good friends!"
We've gotten along pretty well, but just like every
companionship there was a "storming" phase where we just got to know
each other's personalities a little better. We had a day where Elder
Taylor lead EVERY single decision and action as the senior companion, and
wow. Not only did he grow a ton, I grew so much from it. God is at
the helm and he knows what he's doing!
Guess what?? Speaking of when you were Austin Shimai, I'm
going to dinner with Satou family again this week! I continue to find
golden shards of Stout history scattered throughout Japan, and every time I
find one I feel the spirit of Elijah exciting my heart and connecting me to the
other side of the veil! I'm gonna get real good at family history with
you, Mama. We'll be pros together some day, even if it takes me several
decades ;) (Just kidding.)
I met two sisters this week who knew Grandpa Stout quite well
and told me, "If you talk to any of the members from 30 years ago,
everyone in the church knew your grandfather's name! He was famous!"
I wish I could remember their names, but one of them gave a powerful talk
during sacrament meeting... Haha, I just reminded myself of a quote from
Elder Bednar: "[Your ancestors] sound wonderful. What have you
done?"
I need to live up to those who went before me! (Shout out to you
and Dada ;)
We had a wonderful District lunch with Bishop Touma. He is
one of the kindest and most genuine yet brilliant men I've ever met. (He
knew Grandpa Stout as a child when he visited the mission home frequently and
saw Grandma Stout walking through the halls with sheets of cookies and stuff!)
We began our "Strive" class and it went SO well!
Xia wanted a picture with me and it was so fun!! And guess who took the
picture? One of his best friends who is now VERY interested in learning
the gospel.
We were asked to bear testimony during second hour of church,
and Elder Taylor KILLED it by referencing the same scripture we had just read
about Ammon, saying, "My first name is Ammon. And just like him, I
desire to dwell here for some time. 'Perhaps until the day I die.'" And
expressed his love for the Japanese people. They were all so
touched. After the meeting, we were talking with all of our ward members
when out of nowhere a sister grabbed us by the shirt sleeves and basically
dragged us upstairs in a panic yelping, "AN INVESTIGATOR IS
COMING!!!"
We sprinted up those stairs and walked out into the sauna which
is Japan in July, and waited. Sure enough, up strolled a man later
introduced as Hasegawa san. He's had a hard life and was looking for how
to improve it, when a friend and work associate, and Sister from our ward
baptized under 2 years ago, gave him a Book of Mormon. We sat next to him
during the meeting and taught him about the meaning of the sacrament and many
other questions he asked. As we prayed he folded his arms and closed his
eyes exactly how I did (I taught him to pray with his arms folded, but during
the prayer on the water, I simply clasped my hands together. Afterwhich
Elder Taylor and I laughed realizing that he had confusedly followed my
footsteps.) He is such a humble faith filled man with no Christian background
but a thirst than can only be quenched by the Waters of Life. I can't
wait to meet with him more, especially since this Sister in our ward offered
her home for all of our lessons which is THE MOST IDEAL situation in the world
for teaching.
There's much more I could write, but in short, I am genki :)
We're happy, we're working hard, and we are loving this work.
Today Elder Taylor and I went bowling with the district and then went to The Disney Store (like a mini Disney Land), so spirits are high ;)
AND I LOVE YOU! :D I am so excited for our adventures
together. And I'm so excited to tell you all about my experiences here as
you tell me about yours! Tanoshimi desu ne. :)
Until next week!
スタウト長老! ^o^
Elder Stout! :D
Ps, An eikaiwa student went to Russia and brought us back these
super fancy candies! WOW. They were the richest little things I
have ever tasted. They were very proper as well.
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