Fujieda, Shizuoka | Week 1 T6 :: Gods Power

hi there, I'm officially over the hill! :,)

Time is going by way too fast, I'm happy to say that I'm at a point where I feel so much happiness that I feel jipped. Sometimes 18 months just doesn't feel like its enough. I'm really glad that I feel this way, because I've had days when I could not say that. It feels really good to be at this point.

These past 9 months of my life have been filled with many ups and downs. I've learned a lot about myself, especially my weaknesses. However, I've been able to learn about my Heavenly Father and Savior's love, help, and care through these weaknesses, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

Anyways, It looks like I'm staying here in Fujieda! I'll be honest, when I first got here I had hopes of going back to Gokiso, my mission president even told me that this was most likely just a temporary place due to circumstances, but im happy to say that in these 3 weeks I have grown to love this area, especially the tiny branch here! I feel like this is where I belong, I know that this whole situation was unexpected, but I know that the Lord works in mysterious ways. I'm excited for these next 6 weeks.

I'm getting a new companion as well, her name is Sister Barnes, and shes from Florida! I got to work with her through exchanges in Kariya, shes a sweetheart, I'm ready to work hard and see some miracles with her.

So this past week I exerienced my first typhoon!...kinda, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.It was just a lot of rain for a couple days.

Also this past week was whats called "Obon", a Japanese holiday celebrating ancestors! I got to see some fire works at a festival with one of our friends we teach. There were other festivals going on with drums, and dancing, and people dressed up in Yukattas! Unfortunately, we weren't able to go participate in any of them :/ Its now on my bucket list for when I return to Japan!

I fasted on Sunday, knowing that it was Obon, in hopes to strengthen this area and I feel like Heavenly Father really answered my prayer. We were able to find 2 new people to teach, both young single men looking for happiness in life! We also were able to minister to 2 ward members who are foreingers to Japan. One of them is less active, and she came to help us teach our lesson! It was really good, and afterwards we went to her house and became good friends with her. She opened up to us why she hasn't been coming to church, and all I can say is that it's something that only us Sisters can help her with!

I received a blessing from my mission president this past interview, afterwards I felt so much power and hope from it and I'm very excited and optimistc to take on this new transfer! I'm thankful for the power of the Priesthood, I know that it truly is Gods power and that it has been restored.

Love you all and hope you have a great week!