Week 5 T3 :: God is really the one who prepared these people
This week I became the Senpai (the senior companion), and it was quite the learning experience. My companion pretended like she was a first transfer missionary, so that means she was no longer my Japanese dictionary haha. We made it through the week, pretty successful I'd say.
Our sweet Mao chan received baptism yesterday. We were kinda nervous because she doesn’t like men and is really shy. We went over to her house the day before to have her become friends/comfortable with the Elders and it was a success! Lets just say the first time she met the Elders it was completely different. She loves to draw, she kind of reminds me of myself at that age, so I created a Baptism day coloring book so she could visualize/be informed of what was going to happen (lots of interaction with men). I had the Elder who was going to baptize her (Elder Correa) give it to her so she would like him more and she LOVED it, she immediately started drawing in it :,) Her and all of her siblings now LOVE the Elders, ahhh we were so relieved!
The Baptismal service was beautiful, I felt a lot of love and support from the ward and from Heavenly Father. She wasn't even scared to enter the water! She was interacting with people and seemed so happy, one of the ward members even commented on her change. Us missionaries sang "A Childs Prayer" in Japanese and it reminded me of when I was in Primary preparing to receive baptism. I'm so thankful to have had the privilege to participate in this beautiful experience.
Cecilia was able to attend the baptism, and that was such a miracle. Work has been really hard for her lately, really really hard. We promised her if she came that the Lord would bless her for her faith and sacrifice. Tasker Shimai and I decided to fast this Sunday for her and it truly brought miracles. During the service she felt the spirit, and even physically healed from the pain in her hands. We taught her about the law of Tithing during the second hour of stake conference (yeah it was stake conference this week, yes she was confused as much as I was) but without any question or hesitation, despite her hard trials right now, she accepted the Law of Tithing. Her faith is steadfast and immovable! After the Baptismal service, she was interviewed and she is ready to go! She even tried on her dress :,) Satan has been working really hard on her because he knows how Valiant she is, please keep her in your prayers!!
Both of these people, Mao chan and Cecilia were found through one incredible Kariya ward member, Hanai Shimai. She's always wanted to serve a mission with her husband, but for certain reasons its not possible. She picks us sisters up EVERY Wednesday night to go visit less active members and it has brought so many miracles. God is really the one who prepared these people, but Hanai Shimai was the vital instrument for him. What a woman! I aspire to be like her when I grow up.
Well, my heart is filled with so much love and gratitude right now. I feel the power of help from the other side of the veil, as well as the prayers from you all on the other side of the world. Thank you.
愛してるよ
堀人姉妹
