Week 75: Missionary Work is the greatest thing!

I just can't even begin to express just how grateful I feel for everything this past week! Yonago is such an incredible area! Yesterday in Sacrament Meeting the theme was Missionary Work. And, three of the members were able to share experiences that they have been having with missionary work. Two of them, were sisters that we have been working with. One, F Shimai, the member who's friend started the mommy and me group up in another part of our area, and the other, N Shimai, a sister that worked a lot with the sisters and invited her friends to ballet, but recently has gotten really busy with work, and so she hasn't had as many options to share the gospel. And both of them were return missionaries. As they both spoke, I was reminded of my final interview I had with Welch Kaichoon Friday. 

Anyways, F Shimai has been trying to find ways to share the gospel with this friend for the past 8 years. Ever since they met, she could just picture seeing her in the Celestial Kingdom and giving her a big hug! She has been looking for the opportunity to bring the gospel into Y San's life, and then through the mommy and me group, she found the perfect opportunity. I was able to share with F Shimai yesterday before sacrament how KK went, and how a week or so ago, we were able to teach one of the moms from the group. I also told her about our appointment that we had set up with Y San, and asked if she had time Tuesday to doseki. F Shimai then shared about that experience in her talk, and about how recently she learned just how fun doing missionary work is! SO amazing!

Then, N Shimai also spoke. She started out by saying that recently she has felt like she needs to change, and get her priorities set. She has been so busy with work, that she has been giving up opportunities to share the gospel with her friends. She has a friend, N San, who she was able to share the gospel with about a month or so ago. She invited her to meet with the missionaries, and then N Shimai told us. She was so excited to set up an appointment, but then she got really busy with work, and then all of the sudden, she couldn't find time to meet. We would follow up with her, and ask her about her friend, but she would always talk about how busy she was. About a week or so ago, we called her, inviting her to the kids ballet and also asking her about her friend. She told us how she really wanted to dendo, but she also needed to work, so she was having a hard time. After talking for a while, and trying to figure it all out, she told us that she was going to pray about it. We heard back from her, but somehow there was a miscommunication. So, we thought she had received an answer to her prayer, but really she was just asking if we could change the ballet times. So, we didn't end up hearing anything about her friend. Well, then in sacrament meeting she started sharing about her, and about how she had been able to share the gospel with her. And about how she wanted to share more. And then she said that she had gotten her priorities straight, and that this week she was going to set up an appointment for her friend to meet with the missionaries. When she was talking to us later, we found out that the same day that we called, and asked her about her friend, she prayed, and later that same day also got a promotion in one of her jobs, giving her an answer, and a way to dendo. We were able to set up an appointment to meet. N San already believes in God, and is so excited to learn more! 

The work really is progressing so much here! It is so cool to be just a small part of it. In Yonago this week, we taught 43 lessons as an area (between us, and the elders). We were able to teach 13 this week, and able to learn lots of ways to continue to improve. It is really cool though to know and to see just how much things are changing. 6 months ago, as an area we were only hitting about 20 lessons a week. And, now it has doubled. We are so excited to see what this next week brings! Yonago is doing great though, and we are able to really work with the members!

So, now one of the things that I learned, that has been reinforced over and over this week. One of the things that really stuck out to me in my interview, was just how small and simple things really do have so much power. It is so simple to pray, or to read the scriptures, or to do other things, that sometimes we get lazy. But, they are each so much a vital part of our growth, and progression. It really is so important that we are doing all of the simple things daily, and having new experiences daily, because it is through those daily things that we continue to learn and to grow. On Friday night, as I was reading in the Book of Mormon, I read Helaman 11:23. "having many revelations daily." When I read that this time, after talking about how I can continue to be active my entire life, it had so much more meaning. They understood the doctrine, and they continued to receive many new revelations every day. They didn't just rely on the things that they learned when they were younger, or when they were missionaries. They continued to learn and to grow every single day. They had new experiences every day with sharing the gospel. They received answers to their prayers every day. As I read that, I just couldn't help but be grateful for the things I have learned, and the habits that I have been able to develop on my mission. I know that I will be able to take these things and apply them into my life, not just now, but for the rest of my life. And, I know now more than ever just how important it is to continue to grow and to progress. To have those experiences daily, for the rest of my life. 

I love you!

Robertson Shimai

-- 

アマンダ・K・ロボトサン姉妹

日本神戸伝道部

末日聖徒イエス・キリスト教会

--

Sister Amanda K. Robertson

Japan Kobe Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Letters from friends.

Week 74: Crazy, crazy, crazy.

Coming home on the train

What a crazy week full of so many things! All good things, just a lot of unexpected things. Like being invited next door to talk with the owner of a lot of the surrounding businesses, and with two of his associates, and in the process teaching them about how the gospel blesses families. Or, trying to contact an investigator and instead calling two different wrong numbers instead, because the right number was actually saved in your previous companions phone that was then taken to another area. Or failing at speaking English... About  ... Well, all of the time, although that isn't too unexpected. (We can learn it on ourselves... Instead of the right thing to say- we can learn it on our own/ we can learn it by ourselves.) I pretty much make English mistakes all the time, most of the time though, the second I say it I realize that it wasn't quite right. Or when my name tag disappeared. Or when our entire area book planner (missionary app) stopped working so we weren't able to see when any of our appointments were, or where anyone lived, or able to schedule any appointments. We decided to switch back to paper planners for the time being. Or, when we planned a ballet class, and there was an unexpected stake leadership training that was using the whole building, so we ended up using the primary room, and just opened up the kitchen and tried to do ballet with crazy energetic children. Or, when I cut my finger on the back of a knife as I was cutting vegetables (don't worry, it wasn't that bad, just very surprising. I didn't even know that that was possible). Or being given the opportunity to work with so many people this week, who just came up to us and asked how they could help, or if we could meet. Yonago really is filled with so many incredible people, and I am so excited that I get to continue working with them all.

Mackenzie Shimai her companion from 2 companions ago, is finished with her mission and her mum came to visit from New Zealand and they have been able to visit lots of the area's she served in. Here they were able to attend District Meeting, so Robertson Shimai got to see her again! They always looked like they were having soooo much fun when they served together!

One of my favorite unexpected this this week though, was meeting with H San, one of our new friends. We had called and scheduled an appointment to meet, and she said that she wanted to come to the church. So, we were waiting for her, when she called saying that she had gotten a little bit lost. I tried my best to explain to her where the church was, but realized I didn't even really know how to explain it in English (they don't really have road names here, or even road numbers for that matter..., and so it can be difficult to explain, especially when they are from a completely different part of town). So, I tried my best to explain, and she didn't quite understand, but said she would try. So we waited a little bit longer, and realized that because there were members at the church, it would be a perfect opportunity to just ask one of the members to help, so we called H San, and told her that maybe one of the members could help. Then we found U Kyōdai, and he was able to explain. We were so grateful! She made it safely, and was able to meet both U Kyōdai and M Shimai when she walked in the door. They all happen to live close together. Then we met with her and her baby, and taught some English. Then we got to show her around the church (because she had never been to church before), and then share a little message about Jesus Christ. Then at the perfect time, U Kyōdai's wife, U Shimai walked in the door, and they were able to meet and talk. As they talked, they realized they had so many connections - school, job, friends, where they live. It was so perfectly unplanned. We were SO grateful for God and His perfect timing. H San was able to feel very welcome, and fellowshipped, and was able to make new friends. This week I learned the importance of members and missionary work. Sometimes the most helpful thing for our investigators, is when they have a member that is their friend. Because then they always have someone there when the missionaries leave. It also gives them the opportunity to talk to someone when they have questions or concerns. I don't even know of that makes any sense. I do know that members are such an incredibly taisetsu... vital part of missionary work.

Rain or Shine :)

If you have the desire to help the missionaries, or to do missionary work, but aren't quite sure how, just ask the missionaries. They can help you! :) ( https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/ask-the-missionaries-they-can-help-you?lang=eng )

I love you all! You are incredible! Have a wonderful week!

Robertson Shimai

-- 

アマンダ・K・ロボトサン姉妹

日本神戸伝道部

末日聖徒イエス・キリスト教会

--

Sister Amanda K. Robertson

Japan Kobe Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I forgot to mention the time when my companion got a flat tire, and we decided to fix it, but decided after trying to take it apart that changing the back tire is a lot harder than changing the front. So instead we put it all back together and I have been riding a mountain bike one of the elders left, while my companion rides mine, until her real bike arrives in a couple of days. Hurray for 6:30 AM runs to the church to fix a flat tire. 

Happy Sisters! :)

Week 73: I believe in miracles! ♡

What an incredible week! My heart is so absolutely full that I don't even know where to  start! 

I guess I can start with my new companion. Her name is Hamilton Shimai, and she is incredible. I am so blessed! When I first met her, and she sat next to me (sitting right where I sat next to McLaughlin Shimai, and right where Perry Shimai sat next to me - it happened coincidentally with Perry Shimai, but I did it on purpose this time) I just looked over and thought about so many things! One was obviously, how did time go by so quickly? But also as we were talking, it felt like I had made this big loop. She reminds me of my own trainer in many ways. I remember thinking of my trainer often the last time I trained, and I guess it shouldn't be surprising that I thought of her again. Anyways, Hamilton Shimai is incredible! She is so willing to just try new things, and she is so fearless. She also has a beautiful voice! Hamilton Shimai is from Salt Lake City, and she is 19 years old. It's crazy to think that Sariah is only a transfer ahead of Hamilton Shimai. It's still so cool to think that my own little sister is serving the Lord too right now. :) 

Anyways. Hamilton Shimai is awesome! We got back to Yonago on Thursday night, and since then things have been busy, busy, busy. Our first day together we taught 4 lessons, and she did SO great. She definitely doesn't feel like a new missionary. The work is just about to start exploding here in Yonago, and we are SO excited! This week we received 6 referrals and we are just trying to find the time to contact them all. The ward is SO incredible, and I am so blessed that I get to work here, and be a part of this big family! Yonago really has become just another big part of my family! Yesterday we had a dendō fireside (um... A missionary work fireside?) and our dendō shunin (ward mission leader) talked about how the members can work with the missionaries. The members here are all so willing and ready to work with us, and they are all fine with us just stopping by to visit, to share a short message, and to do missionary work around each of them. We are SO excited! If we teach 3 lessons every day, we will easily be able to teach 20 lessons every week. 

This transfer Hamilton Shimai are going to work with all of our heart, might, mind and strength to see miracles here. We are going to teach 20 lessons every week, get 2 people to come to church every week, and we are going to do everything we can to see a baptism this transfer. This area is SO prepared, and we are ready! I have never been more excited to be able to stay in my area all week. :) the members are really excited to have missionaries here too!

I wish I had time to tell you all about all the wonderful things that have happened here in Yonago! I am just so grateful! And like I said, my heart it full!

I love you all! You all are in my thoughts and prayers!

Robertson Shimai

-- 

アマンダ・K・ロボトサン姉妹

日本神戸伝道部

末日聖徒イエス・キリスト教会

--

Sister Amanda K. Robertson

Japan Kobe Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

This was before we begun the hike. (Wow... English is hard, and I may or may not make a lot of mistakes...I realized after I typed that, that it was wrong...)

We went with members and hiked Daisen (or Big Mountain)

Week 72: Transfer 12 - missions are too fast!

Wow. Where do I even start? I was SO surprised, and SO excited all at the same time when we saw the transfers this morning. I really wanted to stay in Yonago for my last transfer, but I thought it would be fun to train again but knew that I would have to transfer to do that, and then I saw, and it was perfect! I am sad that Itabashi Shimai is transferring, but it will be awesome to have her as my STL. :) And I am so excited to be here in Yonago for my last transfer! I have only served in 3 areas my whole mission, and for about 6 months each! :) So fun! And I am even more excited to be able to actually work here in Yonago. The members have been talking recently about how hard it is to never actually have the sisters here, and now we will be. And things are really picking up here! Holy cow I am so excited! I guess I should explain what all is happening. So, I will be staying here in Yonago, and will be training a brand new missionary! :) and then the STLs (my companion and another sister) will be moving to Okayama. :) lots of changes, but I am so excited!

After MLC on Tuesday.

Happy Halloween! :) 

 Yonago Ward Halloween Party

We have been able to work with the members a lot recently, and we have even been able to receive a lot of referrals. Yesterday, we went with one of the members to meet with one of her friends. Y San just started a group called キラ (as in キラキラ) Kids. It is a group for these mothers with young kids who don't really have the opportunity to meet and interact with others very often. F Shimai had been waiting for a good opportunity for us to meet with Y San, and so when she heard about the new group, she called us right away and set up an appointment for us to meet. So we met, and we were invited to go to the group where we will be able to help serve the people in the group, with Eikaiwa, or even just being a loving listening ear. She also told us that she wants to meet with us, and do the Family English Program, and we are so excited! She said that there will be about ten moms, plus four of her own friends plus all of their children. As we were talking with her, I couldn't help but think of how this might be the way that Y, the city they are in, will grow, and maybe even one day become a branch, and than a ward of its own. After that appointment, we met with some more members in Y (the same city), and they too told us about some of their friends they had invited to dinner. They weren't able to make it, but they said that they really wanted to meet with us. SO cool! Yonago Ward is so strong, and such a wonderful example. They have been able to teach me SO much about working with members, and I am excited for my new companion to come here and be able to hopefully love working with the members as much as I do. Wow. I am just so excited for this next transfer. I know that we can start teaching 20 or more lessons a week again, and that there will be baptisms soon. :) the work really is starting to move forward, and I know that with this past stake conference, it will just keep hastening. In relief society yesterday, we were talking about what we all learned in stake conference, and we ended up talking a lot about Ward council, missionary work, and the sabbath day! So awesome! The members here really are trying to apply the things that they have learned, and I am excited to work with them.

Some of my favorite little kids at kids Eikaiwa.

Today I just can't help but think about how I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father. I know He really does hear and answer our prayers, ever those prayers that are just in our heart, and we don't necessarily express. I feel like, especially recently, Heavenly Father just keeps pouring out all these tender mercies, like He knows that things are hard, but with all these little seemingly unimportant things, it will help me to just keep going. Just being able to be in Yonago is one of those things. And being able to see everyone from Tsuyama, some multiple times, and being able to stay here and work with such great members, and getting to see MacKenzie Shimai again. I can't even count all of the blessings. Heavenly Father really does know and love us, and I am so grateful!

I love you all!

Robertson Shimai

-- 

アマンダ・K・ロボトサン姉妹

日本神戸伝道部

末日聖徒イエス・キリスト教会

--

Sister Amanda K. Robertson

Japan Kobe Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

It was Wilkin Choro's birthday yesterday. The members made him a cake.