Week 24: Gyoza Party! It's almost like Thanksgiving at home...

こにちは！

I hope you are all doing well!

This week has been great. On Monday night the Sister Training leaders called and told us that they wanted to go on a kokan with us. So, on Wednesday night we met up, and I headed to Okayama with Colter Shimai (we are always together for kokans and I love it. We are like honorary companions), and then Howden Shimai and Donnelly Shimai headed back to Tsuyama. The thing that I wanted to learn most on my kokan (exchange) was how to make finding more effective (since we have A LOT of finding time), and how I can better study Japanese, since I feel like I am finally getting a grasp of the language. So we worked on that. I've realized that when we go finding, I don't really know how to say the very basic introductory stuff (without really thinking about it) besides, Hi, we are missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have a message we want to share with you about eternal families, or the purpose of life, etc. But then after that I just freeze, and don't know what else to say, so then comes the "keko desu" which very nicely means, thanks, but I'm fine, and not interested at all. So, I really wanted to work on that. I have learned that when I know the words, then I don't get as nervous, but when I struggle for them, I get scared and end up saying nothing, just waiting to be kekoed. Colter Shimai helped me work on what I would want to say in English, and then translate that into Japanese. She also helped me talk to a couple of people (on the train, in a restaurant, door to door, on the street), Then when Howden Shimai and I were on our way home, I felt much more confident and was able to talk to a lady on the train. Nothing really came out of it, but I was able to practice my Japanese and become more comfortable with the language, and with speaking to others. Kokans are the greatest! But as always, it is always nice to be back home with my companion, and back in the area with the people that I love. 

While I was in Okayama, Howden Shimai and Donnelly Shimai were able to contact a referral that we got from the elders a while back. We have tried to get in contact with her, but she hasn't been home. Howden Shimai and I felt like it was the perfect time to go and try to contact her again, so off they went. K was home, and they were able to teach her a lesson. She is 15 years old and so prepared to hear the gospel. Her family situation isn't the greatest (her mom, step dad, and half brothers live somewhere else), and she lives with her grandma in a little 1 bedroom apartment. She really wants to have a better family though when she becomes a wife and mother, and even though her family situation is rough, she still loves her family and wants to be with them forever. The sisters taught her about God, and how He is our loving Heavenly Father. As they taught, she was so interested in everything they were sharing with her, and she was absorbing it like a sponge. They taught her how to pray, and she said that she wanted to pray, and that she would pray this week. We are so grateful for her desire to learn, and we are excited to teach her again on Wednesday. She is the same age as one of the young women in our branch, and we are excited for them to meet as well (especially since R will be the only young woman when M, M, S, and T graduate at the end of this school year). The work is really starting to pick up here in Tsuyama, and I know that Heavenly Father is placing people in our paths who are ready to hear the gospel. It's amazing all of the little miracles that we see everyday.

One more cool thing that happened this week, was with our young women. After District Meeting on Friday, we headed over to the K Kazoku's (Family) house. We had asked if there was anything that we could do to help them, and K Shimai asked if we could help clean her house. So, we headed over and weeded her garden with the triplets until it got cold and dark. Then we went inside and helped clean (their house was recently remodeled, and so there was a lot of saw dust on the windows and doors). Then we made some gyoza for dinner (it was just like Thanksgiving, and reminded me so much of home!) 

Gyoza Party!

After dinner, we shared a short message with them about the BOM (since they haven't all started reading yet). We talked about how important the Book of Mormon is to us, and how much it has changed our lives. Then we challenged each of them to start reading every night. When we asked if there was anything that we could do to help them, they asked if we could help them prepare for their missions. We were SO excited, and told them we would love to help them, and that they could come dendo with us if they had time. Also that they could doseki some of our lessons. When we were headed home, Howden Shimai and I couldn't even express how grateful we are to know these girls. We had hoped that something we had said had touched their hearts, and that they would have the desire to read the Book of Mormon, and to prepare for their missions. On Sunday, K Shimai was talking to us, and thanking us for coming over and helping. She then said, that R had mentioned that she thought it might be a good idea to read the Book of Mormon. And even though R didn't get up and come to church, that her mom had found a Book of Mormon lying next to her on her pillow. :) Even though it was a really little thing, it really touched my heart. I love this branch, and I especially love the Youth. They are so amazing, and I am grateful for all that they've been able to teach me. 

We "Heart Attacked" a member's house

I love you all so much! You are so amazing, and I am so grateful for the impact that you have all had in my life. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and know that I am praying for you!

あいしていますよ！

Robertson Shimai

Week 23:What a week. Where do I even begin?

What a week. Where do I even begin? Let's see. This week, on Tuesday we biked to visit one of the members in our branch. She is probably in her late 80s, and she lives all alone. We felt like we needed to stop by and share a little message with her. So, we set up an appointment on Sunday, and then on Tuesday after study and lunch, we biked up to her house. When we got there we looked for it, but couldn't quite find the right address, so we asked a neighbor for directions. He told us that it was actually the house next door, so we said thank you and headed our way. As we got to her house, we couldn't tell if anyone was home or not. The garage has pretty much become a shed full of old worn out appliances, and piles of boxes everywhere. We headed to the front door, and knocked, but no one answered. We went to the door in the garage, and knocked on that door, but no one was there either. So, we decided to just go housing (door to door finding/tracting). I am still not the most comfortable with housing, or finding in general, because I am not very good at conversational Japanese. I know how to teach a lesson, and to bear my testimony, but that doesn't always work so well. Well, we knocked on a couple of doors, but they either were't home, or weren't interested. We kept on going though, and we got to a house a little bit down the road from M Shimai. We knocked on the door, and someone actually answered (which doesn't always happen because when the do answer it is just through the ping pong box - I guess in America you would probably call that the security camera...). We started talking to her, and were able to teach her about the purpose of life. She said that we could come back if we were in the area. We aren't sure if she is really interested, but we'll see. After we had finished talking to her, we decided to stop by M Shimai's house one more time before we headed back to the church for Eikaiwa. We knocked, and there was still no answer, so we decided to leave her a little note telling her that we loved her, and were sad that we missed her. Well, as we were writing the note, and didn't have a whole lot of time left, a car pulled up. And there was M Shimai, so sad that she hadn't been there, and that we had had to wait. She asked if we had time to come in, and knowing that she would be devastated if we said no, we went ahead and went in. M Shimai is such a sweet lady, and half the time I can't understand a word that she is saying. We can't really communicate all that much, but everytime I see her, she is always filled with the biggest smile, and with so much joy. That particular day though, we could see that she was having a rough day, and we were so grateful that Heavenly Father helped our paths to cross. Had we felt like we should leave and go housing somewhere else, we wouldn't have been able to help her in her time of need. Little things like that have happened so many times this week. It is definitely all God's timing. As we try our best to follow Him, and to listen the little promptings that we get everyday, He helps to put people in our paths who really need the gospel. Another day when we were out finding, we went to this apartment complex that I had felt like we needed to go to when we passed by a few days before. As we went up to the top, I wasn't so sure why we needed to be there, but we had been guided to this area two times before. So housing we went. The first door, no one answered, but then the next door we knocked on, a mom answered the door with this smile on her face. Like she was so happy to see us. Usually when people come to the door they just look overwhelmed, or not interested, or uncomfortable. But rarely ever do they look happy to see us. We told her that we were missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she just kept smiling. Then we told her we wanted to share a message with her about how she could be with her family forever. It was then that she said something. She told us that now was not a good time, because her children were sick, but she didn't tell us that she wasn't interested, which is the usual response. We gave her a chirashi with our information on it, and then kept on housing. Although we are not sure that she is interested in the gospel, we are going to go back another day. Even though we have not had a lot of success when you look at our numbers, we have been working hard, and Heavenly Father has been blessing us. He has helped me to become more confident in myself, and more reliant upon him. When we are led to an area where all we get is rejection, it helps me to appreciate the gospel even more, and appreciate the blessing that it is in my life. 

As a mission, we have all started reading the Book of Mormon, with a goal to have it finished by February 28, right before my birthday. The youth in our stake were also invited to finish the Book of Mormon by the next Stake Conference (in April). Over the last week, I have really gained a love for the Book of Mormon, and I never want to put it down (although I only have a few minutes here and there to read it, outside of my personal study every morning). On Saturday, we went to Young Women's in Excellence, and the young women were talking about the goals they were setting for this next year. When one young woman mentioned that she wanted to finish the Book of Mormon over these next six months, everyone giggled, and you could tell that no one thought that she could actually do it. They asked where she was, and she said that she was still reading in 1 Nephi (the very first book). I was so grateful at that moment that President Welch had committed us as missionaries to reread the Book of Mormon. I was able to tell her that she wasn't alone, and that we were right there with her, and that I had just started that morning. I'm not sure if it really sunk in, but I hope that my love and support, and my testimony was able to help her in some way. I truly love these people, and I truly love the gospel. I love that I have the opportunity to not just read, but to study the scriptures, and the serve God with all my heart, might, mind and strength. As I have been reading, I have been marking all of the times that the scriptures refer to God, or to Jesus Christ. I have also been marking anytime that they speak, as well as marking any Christlike Attributes, or Characteristics of Christ. It is amazing to see just how much they are in the scriptures. The Book of Mormon truly is another testament of Jesus Christ. They only time you don't see His name, or a reference to Him, or His life in some way, is when the people are being wicked, and forgetting to recognize the hand of God in their lives, and to recognize that they need to follow the example that Jesus Christ set for us. I am so grateful for the scriptures. I could talk about them all day if I had the chance. Just know that I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know that is is true. I know that it contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that we truly can come closer to God by reading and studying the Book of Mormon. So this week, I invite you to read the Book of Mormon, look for the ways that you can apply the teachings into your life. Look for all that it teaches us about our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. I promise that if you really look, you will find Him on every page. 

I love you all so much, and I wish that I had time to write you all back individually. Remember how important you all are to me, and just how much your Father in Heaven loves you. I'm praying for you all. 

愛していますよ!

ロボトサン しまい

Week 22: I've never been happier! Being a missionary is the best.

It has been an amazing week. We have really been able to get out and get to work. We have also had lots of finding time over the past week. 

This week we had a really cool experience while we were finding. We had been finding before, but weren't putting our all into it. On Saturday though, we had the whole day to find. As we headed out we prayed to make sure where we were headed was right. Then we headed out. 

While we were biking Howden Shimai told me to lead the way. I told her that in theory I knew where we were going, since I had only really been there once or twice and not for a whole transfer. So we put our trust in Heavenly Father, and contacted people along the way. We were also able to talk with two of our Less Actives who the branch has been asking about but we haven't been able to get in contact with. They were both home, although neither of them were interested in hearing from us. We also contacted a lady on the street, but she didn't have any interest either. We have realized, and  really feel that in Tsuyama, we really need to find those people who will be able to strengthen the branch rather than really needing to be strengthened. We are still keeping our eye out for everyone, and contacting everyone we feel directed to talk to, but now we have a little bit more of a focus. As we kept biking, I was trying my best to be guided by the spirit, and not over think where we were going. Each time we came to a place where I felt like we needed to turn, or to go straight, or to go this direction, we tried to follow those promptings. After a while, we came to the place that I had in mind. A ramen shop where McLaughlin Shimai and I had eaten dinner once before heading home. We had met this couple there that seemed interested, but because we had to answer a phone call from one of the members in the Branch Presidency, we weren't able to get any information from them. We knew that they must live close though, because we saw them riding their bikes home. Once we found the ramen shop, we said a prayer, and then listened to know where to go. Our thoughts were guided to an apartment building off the road, and down this little bridge. So, we headed over and said a prayer before we began housing. As we were knocking on the door of the first couple apartments, a girl on a bike rode up. Neither Howden Shimai or I felt directed to talk to her (we felt like we should just wait until we got to her apartment). So, she went upstairs, and we kept housing. No one was home, and we weren't having a lot of luck, but we knew that we were directed there for a reason. So we kept on housing. We got upstairs, and with only four apartments left, we ping ponged, and a girl answered the box. She seemed like she may have been a little interested, and didn't immediately keko us, but after about a minute, she and her boyfriend told us they weren't interested. I thought that she was the girl on the bike, and said a little prayer that we could be guided to someone who was ready to hear the gospel. We ping ponged the next door, and another girl answered. We told her who we were, and she told us to wait a second, and then she came to the door.  There she was. The girl on the bike! As we talked to her, and told her that we had a message to share with her about the purpose of this life, she said please share. Please teach me! We were so surprised, and we knew that Heavenly Father had guided us there to find her. She told us that she was moving the next day to Tokushima (on Shigoku), and that we wouldn't be able to meet with her again. We told her that there are missionaries there as well, and she seemed really interested. After teaching her for about an hour, we asked if we could pass her information along to the missionaries in Tokushima, but she said she didn't have a phone, or an email, and she wasn't sure of her new address. She asked if we had their information, and we gave her a chirashi, and told her where she could get in contact with them. It was an amazing experience to really try and rely completely on the Lord as we were finding, and although we didn't find someone who could strengthen our area, we were able to find someone who was prepared. It also helped to remind us that there are others out there who are prepared now to hear the gospel, we just need to rely on Heavenly Father to guide us to them, and them to us. I have been thinking a lot recently about why I am here on a mission. Over the past 5 months, and even the 5 months leading up to my mission, my reasons have changed. I've realized though that one of the reasons I am here right now, is so that I can learn now how important the gospel is, so that one day I can teach my children that. I have really grown to love reading the scriptures, and praying, and bearing my testimony. I don't do it anymore because I have to. I do it now, because I want to, and I love it. I want to share the love I have for this gospel with everyone I meet, and I want to be able to help my children love it too. Being a missionary is the greatest, and like I said before. I couldn't be happier!

I love you all so much! You are all so wonderful, and I pray for you everyday. I know that your Heavenly Father loves you, and cares about you more than you'll ever truly know in this life. He wants to hear from you, and He wants to help you. I promise He hears and will answer you prayers!

I love you!

Robertson Shimai

Week 21: What happens when you forget your phone in a member's car...

You get 13 missed calls, 1 message, and 1 voice mail. We got calls from our district leader, our zone leaders, or sister training leaders, and even from the APs (assistants to the President). We realized once we got home that we had left the phone in the H's car on the way home from dinner. It was too late to go to the Elder's apartment so that they could call the H's, so we just prayed that everything would work out. Luckily after trying to contact us 13 times, eventually they contacted the Elders so they knew that we were okay, and had just forgotten our phone. The Elders called up the H's, and then H Kyodai dropped off our phone at their apartment. Then this morning, the Elders stopped by and brought us back our phone... Whoops. Moral of the story, never forget your phone when you are a missionary. Especially not on Sunday night when everyone is calling for follow ups.

What a crazy amazing week. So many things happened that I'm not sure I will be able to tell you all of it, but I'll try my best. 

On monday evening last week, we were able to teach one last lesson before McLaughlin Shimai headed home. We had been trying to schedule an appointment with one of our investigators, but she would always have to cancel. We decided to give it one last try before McLaughlin Shimai headed home, and before we dropped her since we could never meet. I felt like we really needed to teach her again, so we set up an appointment. We told her that McLaughlin Shimai wanted to say goodbye, and she said we could come over that night. On our way home from Family Home Evening, we stopped by her house hoping that we would be able to teach her. She invited us in, but we weren't sure if we would be able to teach her a lesson. Then her daughter came downstairs. As I was talking with her daughter, McLaughlin Shimai was able to talk with H about families. Then she asked if we could watch a quick video. They gladly said yes, and so we put in "Together Forever." There is one video where a mother and father are talking about their daughter, who had passed away, and how they know that through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they can be with her again someday. As we were watching the video, the spirit was so strong, and I know that both H and her daughter were able to feel it. (H's dad passed away recently, her mom is really sick, and her other daughter just had a baby. She has been experiencing a lot of big events these last couple of weeks, and has expressed how important family is to her.) After we shared the video, we bore testimony of eternal families, and why we are here as missionaries. We asked them if they would like to learn more, and they said they would. I was so grateful that we were able to follow the spirit and not give up on her. She needs the gospel in her life, and I know she is ready to hear it. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to be a missionary, and to share the gospel with so many people. To help them to change their lives, and to help give them hope. It is truly amazing. 

On Tuesday morning, we headed to Okayama where McLaughlin Shimai dropped me off and headed to Kobe. 

Mc Laughlin Shimai and I on the train to Okayama

The Sister Training Leaders where there to pick me up, and then I spent the rest of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Okayama with them. It was so fun to be in a san nin (trio) for a couple of days. We were able to teach a lot of lessons (3 a day), and with every lesson I felt more and more confident speaking Japanese. We also went housing a lot, and as a result laughed a lot. At one point we were housing, and I didn't know what to say, but instead of just letting them talk, they told me what to say and I repeated it. By the time I was done saying a few sentences, the person actually came to the door (I was just talking the the ping pong box - with a video camera). :) Although he wasn't really interested, it was nice to be able to get him to come downstairs so we could talk to him. 

( I forgot my bike helmet in Tsuyama, so I had to borrow one... This was all we could find.)

Being in Okayama was really great, but I was really excited to meet Howden Shimai on Friday and head back to Tsuyama. Howden Shimai is great. She is from Utah (although her parents are both from South Africa). She is on her 11th transfer, so just a transfer behind McLaughlin Shimai. We get a long really well, and I am excited to work with her. 

(Howden Shimai and I)

On Saturday the Branch had a Halloween Party, and we dressed up as spring and autumn faries. It was so fun. The members already love her. At our Halloween Party, we had two members bring their friends, and we also had three families from Eikaiwa come. It was so much fun, and a great way for our Eikaiwa students to build a relationship with the members. :) 

( Halloween Party, Almost everyone at the party)

Yesterday after church, we were able to go to the Autumn Festival with two of our other Eikaiwa students. There was a parade with o-mikoshi and danjiri. 

( o-mikoshi - it was really heavy, and had to be carried by all of those people)

The o-mikoshi is a little shrine that is carried, and then the danjiri is like a float.

(One of the six danjiri)

 In Tsuyama we have the third ranked o-mikoshi in all of Japan. It was cool to be able to learn a little bit more about Japan, and the place where I am serving. We also had the opportunity to share a little bit about how we don't buy things on the Sabbath day, and about God. As they were telling us about the customs behind the o-mikoshi, and about all the different gods in the Budhist religion, it made me grateful for the knowledge that I have of our Heavenly Father. I am grateful that I can pray to Him anywhere, and about anything. I am grateful that my relationship with Him has strengthened since I have been on my mission. I know that Heavenly Father is real. I know that He loves each and every one of you. He loves all of His children. I know that He hears our prayers. I am grateful for His love and guidance. I know that He answers our prayers, and that He is always there for us. We just need to ask. I promise that as you really sincerely pray to Him, you will feel of God's love for you.

I love you all, and I pray for you everyday.

Robertson Shimai

 (Okanomiyaki Cake for an investigator's birthday. He is diabetic, so we couldn't make real cake)

Week 20: Transfers week has come!

子に痴話！

I can't believe I am already at the end of my second transfer here in Japan. I have been so worried about transfers, and what will happen with Tsuyama. Well, after a couple of weeks of freaking out, we finally know! I am staying here in Tsuyama! And I honestly couldn't be happier. As I was getting ready for bed last night, I felt so much peace and I knew that no matter what, everything would work out. My new companion is Sister Howden. I'll meet her on Friday.

Miku (Mc Laughlin) Shimai and I

Tomorrow we head to Okayama where Sister McLaughlin will drop me off to spend the next few days with the Sister Training Leaders, and then Sister McLaughlin will head to Kobe on her own. It will be so weird not being with her all the time. It's been so wonderful having her as my companion (and trainer), and I have learned so much.

 I'm so excited to be staying here in Tsuyama! And to serve with Howden Shimai.

This week has been crazy. We had a typhoon on Monday, and as we walked out the door to go home, the wind was whipping, and it was pouring... We decided it wasn't the best idea to bike home in the storm, so we called K Shimai, who came and saved us. :) So, even though there was a big storm, we were safe. Tuesday we had to go back to the church to get our bikes (since we had to be driven home the night before). We woke up, got ready, and walked to the Elder's apartment to get headphones. Then we walked to the bus stop, rode on the bus for about 5 minutes, and then walked 30 more minutes to the church for church study. We also had to take the Language Assesment (a test where you have to record yourself talking about different situations). We have to take it once every couple of months (I think). We took it twice in the MTC, and I remember not being able to say that much. This time though, I was at least able to answer all of the questions, so that was an improvement. There is definitely still room for improvement. Mostly I am just glad I don't have to worry about it for another three months!

 Eikaiwa

On Wednesday we were able to meet with a recent convert who we haven't seen the whole time that I have been here in Tsuyama. She and her husband were baptized by the Elders a couple of months ago, but over time they stopped coming to church. Since McLaughlin Shimai is leaving, we thought that maybe they would like to see her. So, we called and I Shimai said that would be great. We were able to go with K Kyoudai and the Elders (since they haven't really met the I Family). I Kyoudai wasn't there, but we were able to see I Shimai and share a little message with her about Jesus Christ. We hope that the Elders will be able to meet with them again, and that they will be able to come back. 

Because of Interviews on Friday, we had District Meeting on Thursday, so Thursday morning we headed to Okayama for a couple of hours. We talked about the importance of Sacrament Meeting, and about teaching first lessons. I was able to really think about what the Sacrament means to me, and why I go to church. I go to church for the sacrament. By taking the sacrament, I renew the covenants that I have made with Heavenly Father. I also have the opportunity to be cleansed from my sins, and my short comings. Through the sacrament, I feel peace and comfort, and I am able to truly use the atonement of Jesus Christ in my life. I remember there were times growing up that I liked going to church because that was where I could see my friends. But, it wasn't until I got older, and especially since I have been on my mission, that I really began to understand the importance of taking the sacrament every week. After we got back on Thursday, we were able to go visit some less active members with the H Family. H Kyoudai called us while we were in Okayama, and asked if we were wanted to go visit people with he and his wife. When they came and picked us up, we found out that it was H Shimai's birthday! They wanted to spend the day with the Sister Missionaries on her birthday! What amazing people. I hope I can be like them someday. They are so selfless, and love helping the missionaries. We were so grateful for their kindness. We were even able to go visit some of the people we haven't been able to visit because they live too far away. We are so grateful for people like them that go out of their way to help serve us. On Friday we headed back to Okayama for our interviews with President Welch. We were also able to sit and talk with Sister Welch. I love the Welch's, and I am so grateful that I get to serve with them. 

After we got back from Okayama on Friday afternoon, we had sports night with the youth. 

Then we went to the young women's activity. We made homemade apple pie. 

It reminded me of Thanksgiving at home. :) I love the youth, and I was so glad that we were able to spend so much time with them. 

On Saturday and Sunday we had Stake Conference in Nimi (a beautiful city in the middle of nowhere). We were able to go with the K Family. I love the K Family! They are so sweet. I was also given the opportunity to speak LOTS of Japanese. I would try and say something, and more often than not it was in broken Japanese. Then one of the triplets would daitai wakaru (mostly understand), say it back to me in proper Japanese, and translate it for the other two. It was really funny. :) I was grateful that I was able to say more, and that I was able to communicate with them. Heavenly Father has definitely been blessing me. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to be a missionary, and to serve here in Japan. When people ask me my favorite part, it is always the people. The people here make all of the hard times so much more worth it.

 Stake Conference in Nimi with some of my favorite girls. (R, S, M, me, Miku Shimai, M, and M's friend)

I love you all so much, and I hope that you have an amazing week!

Robertson Shimai

Week 19: Sometimes there are たいふ

Sisters Mc Laughlin and Robertson and the triplets

Once upon a time there were these missionaries that thought it would be a good idea to brave the storm and bike to the church so that they could email their families and friends. It was just raining, so they suited up, and headed out on their trek to the church. By the time they made it, they were soaked from head to toe despite their efforts to keep out the rain. (Don't worry, there is a video to follow.) They made it safely though, and were able to email in their dry clothes (that they were smart enough to pack) in the nice, warm, dry church building.

Haha. Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. We really needed to email, because McLaughlin Shimai is leaving in a week, and she needed to find out what the plans are for her next week. So we braved the rain.

I don't know where to even start this week. It has been an amazing week. I have seen so many wonderful things happen, and I have felt so much peace. This week we had a kokon (exchange) with the sister training leaders. When Colter Shimai asked what kind of goals I had for our Kokan, I thought about the how I wanted to have more confidence, and to know how to better manage stress. Recently I have really been worried about a lot of things, most of which are out of my control. As the week went on, McLaughlin Shimai and I weren't sure how we were going to be able to make the kokan work, since she spent the majority of Tuesday in bed. We called the STLs and told them our situation. They told us that they would call us back and let us know what we were going to do. When they called us back they had already planned how we were going to make it work. They had talked with the Elders in our area, and were going to meet them at the train station, borrow their bikes (mountain bikes... there is a reason we use Mamachatis as sister missionaries... Mountain Bikes are really hard to bike on with skirts), and bike to our apartment where they would drop off Donnely Shimai. Then Colter Shimai and I would bike back to the train station, and head to Okayama. I was so grateful for their dedication to make it work. I was able to learn so much, and I was so grateful to be able to get out and teach. Colter Shimai and I were able to talk about all of the things that have been worrying me lately, and as I wrote them down, she had me go through and cross out anything that was out of my control. That, and a couple of other questions really helped me to be able to write it all out, and stop worrying about it. One of the last questions that she asked me was what the reality of my mission is right now. I started out with things like, I have been learning Japanese for 4 months, and I have been in Japan for 2 months. As I continued to write out the reality of my mission right now, the things I was writing started to change. I started to write the miracles that I have been seeing back home with my family, and the changes that I have seen in them since I have been on my mission. I started to write about how much closer my relationship with my Father in Heaven has become. As I finished, I could feel this load lifted. As soon as I started to really focus on the positive things, the worries went away. I was grateful for that simple lesson. While on our kokan, we were able to teach 3 lessons. It was wonderful. I absolutely love teaching the gospel. 

This week we were also able to watch General Conference. That was amazing. Never before have I loved conference so much. I was able to learn something from every talk, and when it was over, I couldn't help but want more. It's like Elder Ringwood was telling us, as a missionary you all of the sudden love conference so much, and never want it to end. Something that I have been thinking about recently is my vision of who I want to become, and aligning that with what Heavenly Father knows I can become. I thought about that a lot during conference, and the more and more I listened the more and more I realized another reason that I am on a mission right now. I want to prepare myself now to become the best mother I can be. I was reminded of the little things like saying family prayers, studying the scriptures together as a family, and the importance of Family Home Evening. It's amazing to me just how much I have begun to really love these things since I have been on my mission. I love praying, and not just praying, but sincerely praying to my father in Heaven. I love studying the scriptures, and learning something new every time I read. Being on a mission has really helped me to realize the importance of these things now so that one day I can do these things with my own family. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve a mission. I am so very blessed.

For General Conference, we were able to stay in Tsuyama and watch conference in English on a member's computer. It was so nice to be at home in my "darling precious Tsuyama." On Sunday we had lunch with the branch in between sessions. It was so much fun. I really love this branch, and I love when they are happy. Being a missionary is the absolute greatest. :)

Well, I wish I could write more, but I should probably finish, so that we can make it home safely.

Remember that you are loved. Remember the importance of the little things. I love you, and I am so grateful for your love and support, and all of you kind words.

LOVE YOU!

Sister Robertson

Well, I was going to send a video... but the file is too large. Sorry.

The Tsuyama Branch

Week 18: He always answers our prayers, but not always in the way we want or expect.

Japanese Sunsets

Sometimes being a missionary is hard. And sometimes you get you heart set on one thing that will just make it a little bit easier. This week I was really looking forward to seeing the General Women's broadcast, and I was excited that we would be able to see it in English because we were headed to Okayama where there are people who speak English. Well, we got everything planned and set up, and we found a member to drive us, and we were so excited. We got to Okayama, and then the sisters there told us that there was only going to be Japanese. My heart sunk, and I just wanted to cry, but I had faith that it would be okay, and at least if I didn't understand anything, I would be able to learn from the spirit. As I sat there, the frustration set in. I only understood a couple of words here and there, and I wasn't really getting anything out of it. At one point I was so frustrated that I sat there and prayed. I begged and pleaded to just understand something. This was a good thing that I wanted, I just wanted to be uplifted, and have my testimony strengthened as I listened to the general women presidencies of the church. Well, just then, they showed a video, and there were English Subtitles. (I think this is the video that she is talking about).

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/04?lang=eng&vid=3408500022001&cid=4
   
 I remember being so grateful, but so frustrated all at the same time. I guess I was hoping that maybe all of the sudden I would be able to understand Japanese perfectly or something. As I sat there, trying to be strong so that the members didn't know that inside I was a complete mess, I tried so hard to be grateful for that little bit of English. Thinking back on that experience now, I've begun to realize that learning Japanese is not going to be easy for me. It's going to take work and effort, but it is also going to take a lot of faith and trust in Heavenly Father and in His timing. The times when I have trusted in Him the most, are the times when Japanese comes more easily. The times when I just try to do it on my own it becomes almost impossible. For me, learning Japanese has been the hardest thing on my mission. I mean everything else is hard, but Japanese is the hardest. I have really had to rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I have learned so much as I have strengthened my relationship with him. It's amazing the blessings, and the miracles that I have seen as I have served Him. I have begun to really love praying. I remember before my mission it was just something that I did (or didn't do because I was too tired, or too busy, or too lazy). Now though, I pray when I need peace. I pray when I need comfort. I pray when I am frustrated and things aren't going the way that I want them too. I pray when I feel like no one else understands. I pray when something good happens. I pray when I am filled with so much gratitude. As a missionary I pray all the time, and I love it. I have truly seen the happiness and the blessings that it brings into my life. When I pray now, I know I am praying to my Heavenly Father, and I know He is listening. I know He really cares about me, and He wants to help lead and guide me. So even though I have been having a hard time, I have also been having the greatest time of my life. 

Last week we found out that Sister McLaughlin (my companion) is going home at the end of this transfer. It has been a possibility and we were just waiting for news. I am so sad that she is going home, but I am grateful for the time that we have had together, and for the two weeks left that we still have. I have learned so much from her, and from serving together. It is amazing to look back at these last two transfers and remember just how amazing it has all been, and how much I have grown. McLaughlin Shimai has been great at helping me to be more confident in myself, and being together through all of the trouble she has been having with her knees has taught me a great deal of patience. Together we have seen a lot of struggles, but we have also seen a lot of miracles. Tsuyama is my favorite place, and it will always have a big piece of my heart. We aren't sure what is going to happen here in Tsuyama.  Within the next two transfers, about half of the sister missionaries in the mission are going home, and we don't really have that many coming in. A lot of the areas are going to close for Sister Missionaries, and we are hoping and praying that Tsuyama isn't one of them. It has been amazing to see the changes that have been happening here. The strength that the members now have, and the smiles on their faces. Church is a happy place now, and we have even had members bring their friends two weeks in a row. The work here in Tsuyama is starting to pick up, and they are starting to see and understand a least a little part of their true potential. It is one of my favorite parts of being a missionary. I am so grateful for the time that I have been able to serve here, and I hope that it's not over yet. I really love Tsuyama. 

 Last zone picture (it was our last zone training meeting before transfers). I love this zone!

I love you all so much, and I am grateful for your love and support. I pray for you, and hope that you are all doing well! I hope that this week you are able to feel of Heavenly Father's love for you. 

愛しています。

Robertson しまい

LINKS to the talks Amanda mentioned from the General Women's Broadcast 

Keeping Covenants Protects Us,Prepares Us, and Empowers Us   https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/keeping-covenants-protects-us-prepares-us-and-empowers-us?lang=eng&media=video#watch=video 

Sisterhood: Oh, how we need each other https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/sisterhood-oh-how-we-need-each-other?lang=eng&media=video#watch=video

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/04?lang=eng&vid=3400040273001&cid=6 

Wanted: Hands and Hearts to Hasten the Work https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/wanted-hands-and-hearts-to-hasten-the-work?lang=eng

Daughters in the Covenant  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/daughters-in-the-covenant?lang=eng

This rainbow she took a picture of with the Caption: Tender Mercies (from the Lord)