FOOSH

Hello everyone!

So I will start out with the turn of events that occured on Friday evening while on a kokan (splits? exchanges).  So we got a last minute lesson and were heading out to teach it.  I hoped on my brand new bike (yes dad, it helps the knees)  and we were maybe 1 minute from our apartment when I saw a nasty huge bug on my bike.  Not a fan.  So naturally, I tried to kick it off.  Well, in attempts to kick it, my foot got stuck in the tire and I flew over the handle bars.  I caught myself though... I rolled over in some pain, but not a ton, stood up, and tried to get back on the bike.  To my dismay, the tire was disaligned, so my poor bike needs fixing.  But we got a member to pick us up and join in on the lesson.  The lesson was great!  It was with Junior (a brazilian).  The Spirit was so strong in the lesson.  He knows this church is true, but he gets held up by how we worship and that he cant really speak Japanese (the church he goes to now has all brazilians).  Anyway, he showed us a video of a time he sang and played his guitar at his church.  The congregation was standing and waving their arms and singing randomly "Hallelujah!"  Ive seen videos like that before, but it was so weird this time I watched it.  The Spirit immediately left the room and the video just looked dark.  It was weird, but just another little reminder that this is the one and only true church.  Anyway, during the lesson, my arm started to hurt more and more.  My right arm hurt to move and my left arm was stuck at a 90 degree angle.  I thought it was just from shock, but the STL convinced me to call the doctor.  He didnt answer, but the pain kept intensifying (I refused to take ibuprofen)  so I had some members take me to the hospital.  The members were so helpful.  They dropped everything they were doing to help and stayed up late and were just so patient.  They were lifesavers!  Anyway, soon the mission doctor called and he said I had a FOOSH injure (fell on out-stretched arms).  I guess it is pretty common. Anyway they took x-rays on my arms and didnt find anything.  I didnt understand.  I nearly threw up and passed out due to pain and I couldnt move my arm the slightest with cringing, yet there was nothing wrong.  Do you know what these wonderful Japanese doctors suggested as treatment?  O-furu ni hairu...which means to take a bath.  I almost started laughing right there in the clinic it was so ridiculous.  No meds, nothing.  Just take a bath.  Scott, how often do you give that out as your only treatment?  Anyway, I did get a sling and that helped.  But today I went back in for another check-up and apparently I have a microfracture at the head of my forearm bone on the radial side (wow, I have a lot of brushing up to do when I get back).  So I have a little cast and it should be all healed up by next week.  Nothing too serious.  

Anyway, the rest of the week has been good.  The LA from last week took all of the missionaries out to sushi (still so gross) and then told us he was moving.  This guy is solid.  He is packing up everything and moving so he can have a job that doesnt force him to work on Sundays.  Thats dedication.  Also, yesterday I gave my second talk ever in Japan.  It went well.  I was assigned to talk on a lesson I learned from 1 Nephi.  I talked about the difference between Laman and Leumuel and Nephi and how we need to be grateful in times of trial.  I think it went okay, especially because I had a Nihonjin check the translation before I gave it.  

But thats really all for the week. Love you all and thanks for all the emails and support!

Love,

Ellsworth Shimai

The Middle East?

Family!!!!

It has just been the best week ever. Hasn't it? I absolutely LOVED general conference! We do have to watch it on a different schedule than all of you but we still get to watch it! and since the last session was too late for us to watch yesterday, all of the VC sisters went over to president's flat to watch it today! It was so much fun and we all made lunch after we watched it! I love getting to be so close to President and Sister Jordan. Also, I just loved General Conference. I thought that the messages were so good and so perfect. To me, I kind of pulled out that the main theme was to stay grounded in our testimony and faith no matter what and that our testimony and faith NEED to be in our Saviour, Jesus Christ and His Atonement. What a powerful message. And I especially loved it because we had 3 investigators come to it and they were all Muslim...... perfect. And they all actually really loved it as well! 

So, we are teaching this guy and he is soooo good. He comes from a very Muslim background (At the moment we are only teaching Muslim men from the middle east haha ) and when we first started to teach him he was not very receptive..... but I told you a little bit about him last time. Once we gave him the Book of Mormon, he completely changed! He now reads like at least 2 chapters a day and comes back with all of his questions. He also came to 2 session's of General Conference and really loved it. He said that he knows what we are teaching him is true but that since it is such a huge and dramatic decision, he wants a little bit of time. The spirit of God is powerful. It can change the hearts of any one who is willing to soften their hearts and listen to it. 

Not too much is new at the moment. We are just working hard at trying to find new investigators. Actually, funny story. So we were out talking with everyone and people were stopping and talking with us but we weren't getting any new investigators or people to teach. So, we decided to say a prayer and ask for people in our area to teach. After that, for the next 30 minutes, not one person stopped to even talk to us. haha we were just laughing so hard at that point. Heavenly Father really does have a sense of humour. But I realized, it is not really faith if we just give up when we don't get what we want. We must continue to endure at all times. That is true and lasting conversion that God is real and He cares about you and wants to help you!

I hope that you all learned something new from General Conference and what you can do to strengthen your testimony in our Saviour and in His church. I know that this gospel is true and it is the key to our eternal happiness as individuals and families. I love you all SO much and I hope that you have a wonderful week!! LOVE YOU!!!!!

Love, Sister Ellsworth 

 She loves these girls!

Feeding squirrels at Hyde Park

Hyde park 

Happy Days!

March 3, 2014

FAMILY!!

It has been such a good week! Ahh I am loving it more and more out here. I love being in the countryside and with all of these wonderful people! 

Sooooo, this past Saturday our investigator Lisa got baptised!!!!! She is just the cutest. There were some troubles with the fount at first so while the members were dealing with it, I sat at the front talking with her about everything. There was one thing that I really loved that she said. She said, "I love how the people in the Church of Latter-day Saints live the truth." How true that is. There was another woman I was talking to who is less-active due to health reasons and when we asked her, what is faith to you, she replied, "Well I guess you could say, my faith has shaped me, if that makes any sense." I absolutely loved that definition. Seeing these two woman who were both converts to the church, has a strong testimony of the power of change that comes as we have faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Faith is more than just believing. It is acting upon the conviction that you do have and allowing that to shape who you are, how you live your life, and who you want to become. 

I think I told you last week about our investigator from Latvia? Well, him and his wife will be getting baptised on the 15th! yay. Anyway, we had a really great lesson with him again and we followed up on the Word of Wisdom. (this is a hard one for him seeing as he smokes, drinks alcohol, coffee and tea) We had a lesson and the members is really good friends with him and was so good in the lesson. He was still doing those things and we really committed him to stop. Well, during the lesson he got up and went and poured out all of the alcohol he had in the house. Wow. He said, "This is what I have to do if I want to be baptised on the 15th and if I want to go to the temple with my family." That is how powerful the atonement of Christ is. We can all change no matter our circumstances or how hard it may be. He has such a strong love for God and has such a strong desire to follow him perfectly. Also, to be sealed with his family forever, that he is willing to make the sacrifices necessary. I think that is so wonderful. It definitely does build my testimony when I see it. 

Oh funny story. Last night we were out tracting some houses and we went to this house and knocked on the door. We were just waiting there for someone to answer and all of the sudden this man open and said, "Oh Jesus". At first I thought he said this because he was excited that we were there to talk about Jesus Christ but actually he never heard us knock and was going outside to get something and we really scared him! haha it was so funny. We were all just dying laughing. But hey, we are going back this week to teach him! yay!

Well family, I love you all so much! Thank you for being the best family ever! I hope you all have a wonderful week!!!!!! LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Sister Ellsworth 

Driving in London is Crazy!

March 24, 2014

Hi Family!

 

This week has been great! I was really sad to leave my last area but I am back here in London and getting in to the groove of things again and I am loving it. I absolutely love my companion. She is so much fun. She is from Alpine Utah and we get along so well. We have just been having so much fun! As for the ward, I love them already. I do know a lot of them already but they are all really excited about missionary work and getting more involved with the missionaries.It is so nice to see. I can already tell that I will love it. As for the work, we just had a man get baptised and he got confirmed on Sunday. He is from Lebanon and I just think that it is so amazing to see so many people from all over the world and so many different religions joining the church. The Lord really is hastening His work and I have seen it hasten within the past year that I have been here! Right now we don't really have any investigators. haha BUT I am excited. This just means that there will be a whole lot of finding new investigators which will be great. I know that if our faith is strong enough, we will see miracles happen and the work will progress in our area.

 

Okay family, guess what? so for transfers, both me and my companion had to be to Hyde Park at 11 so President let us drive the car. OH MY GOSH. So I drove all the way to London and I got to drive in London. We took a wrong turn and I ended up at this HUGE round about in the centre of London with no stop lights........ haha but it was so fun and I didn't die or crash. Now I can say that I did it! haha it was so much fun tho!

 

Anyway, not too much else going on. I love being back here in London. It really is the best. It is like a big family here and I am loving the VC. So many things have changed in just 6 weeks but it is good. I hope that you all have a wonderful week. I love you all SO MUCH!!!!!!!

 

Love, Sister Ellsworth

Happy to be back in London!

With her mission bestie, Sister Bergstrom

One Year Already?

Sorry friends of Jamie for not updating her blog in a while. I am slowly working my way back but for now, please enjoy her most recent update. She just got transferred back to the Hyde Park VC in London after being out in the country side for only 1 transfer.

March 31, 2014

Hi Family!!

I hope you are all doing great! I am so happy to hear that Wisconsin is in the final 4. They are going to make it all the way! Also, family, can you believe that last week I hit my year mark? ahhh that is so crazy. Time has just flown by. I can't even believe it.

This week has been good. I am just loving serving with Sister Ferrell. We have so much fun together. It is fun because we both love waking up every morning and running to the chapel to play basketball with the elders, and we just get along and have fun.

So yesterday was mother's day over here in England. So, in the VC we made a cute table in the front with a whole bunch of things to make a mothers day card. We then went outside and got people to come in and make them. It was so fun and it got more people in to the centre and we got to teach them more. I love doing fun creative things like this! And the weather is getting warm over here so people are out and so friendly! 

So pretty much, Sister Ferrell and I are only teaching men and Muslim men. Literally. But it is so fun! We are teaching this guy who is really progressing. He reads like 8 chapters from the Book of Mormon a day and he is really starting to have faith in our Saviour!! Also, Best thing of my life. A man from Lebanon got baptised just 2 weeks ago and on my year mark, he took us out for some real Lebanese food. When the food got to the table we just started eating (we were so hungry) and he said, "Girls, slow down, we still have more coming!" haha we just about died. He ordered SO much food but it was all SO good. I love getting to experience all of these cultures! Then at the end, they came out with this dessert called Baklava. Wow. So good. Not your typically dessert but it is so good. What a good way to celebrate! 

So it was really cool because we had a really nice experience actually this morning. So, I had forgotten how in the VC our numbers are completely different than full proselyting! They are obviously so much lower because we only have half the time and pretty much non of the elders really understand that. Anyway, we worked really hard last week but there were 2 days where we got absolutely no proselyting time because we had conferences, therefore making our numbers a bit lower.... well, this is hard for others to understand sometimes. Anyway, I could tell that Sister Ferrell was having a hard time with it this morning and I was thinking about what they had said a lot and so I decided to pray. Ultimately, our accountability for everything in life is first to the Lord. I love that because as I was praying I got a confirmation that everything was okay. We can improve and we will but He is still pleased with our work. Anyway, we were talking about this in companionship study this morning and we decided to pray together. As we did we asked for the spirit to teach us how we can improve and to help us feel comforted. It was so cool because after we were done we talked about it and we were both prompted by the spirit to improve our companionship study. Haha it is such a random thing, but that is what we both felt. We just thought it was the best thing ever because it was a moment when we could both recognize the spirit so specifically. I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers. I know that He knows what each of us is going through and He will be there to help us, we just need to simply ask. I am so grateful for the relationship we can have with our Father in Heaven.

Anyway, I hope that you all had a wonderful week! I love you all so much!! Thank you for all of your love and support that you show me! I am so blessed with such a wonderful family! LOVE YOU!!!!!

Love, Sister Ellsworth

Lebanese food!

Mother's Day card station

With Hussain, the Recent Convert

Funfetti Cake

February 23, 2014

Dear Family and Friends-

 

So, lets see what is new.  So much happens in one week, but at the same time, all of the days seem to be the same.  But, yesterday little Yu Chan came to church!  She only came to partake of the sacrament because her brother was sick, but she came!  }Here are my current guesses on the situation.  Yu Chan had a bad morning and didnt want to go to church last sunday (a typical thing for a 9 year old to say).  Her mom then said that if she is going to be baptized, that she has to go to church.  So naturally in response, she said then she wont get baptized.  And then the mom told us she didnt want to get baptized.  If I think back to when I was nine, I can see myself doing a very similar thing.  She was smiling and everything when she walked into church.  I am a little worried about the mom though.  She is a strong member, and she was hoping Yus baptism would motivate her husband to become reactivated...but it hasnt.  Now with the baptism right around the corner and the husband not doing anything about it, I think she may want to try pushing back the baptism again.  I really hope she doesnt.  The husband will come around when he wants to and is ready, but she shouldnt put her daughters salvation in jeopardy.  But, that is only my best guess.  We will see how it all unfolds in the coming week or so. 

 

We got to teach Nana Chan on Wednesday.  She had lost her voice and everything with a cold and she still came (not very typical here- you get sick and your whole life shuts down...even with a cold).  Sadly I dont know if she will make her baptismal date in March because she seems to study way too much to attend church, but I definetely think she will be baptized soon. On Saturday we got to teach Tania (I love how they are giving us more responsibility to teach recent converts).  She is awesome and is really trying to put her priorities in order.  She was so funny.  She said these other two missionaries came and gave her a newspaper about their church and she wanted to show it to us.  But she told us to stay where we were and she would show it to us through the window because it wasnt allowed in her house.  When she came back in the house, she scrubbed her hands after holding something so filthy.  It was so funny to watch and so great to see.  I love seeing the testimony of this gospel sink deeper and deeper into their hearts.

 

So this week, the MP gave us a new mission training plan- it is only for 2 weeks.  Our last training plan was about us relying on Him.  Well he decided that we cant rely on Him if we dont know who He is.  So for two weeks, the whole mission is doing everything we can to really come to know our Savior Jesus Christ- not just facts of Him, but to really get to know Him and have a burning testimony of Him in our hearts.  Im excited for it!  We are to wake up early to study and cut down breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to focus on studying the life of Christ.  Every thought we think should be about Him or our investigators and same goes with the conversations we have with our companions.  It is really hard to train your thoughts in such a way, but it has been good.  Conversation is much more stimulating now as we ONLY talk about the gospel.  Im excited to see how I will grow and change over these next two weeks.  If you are up to it, I challenge you all to do the same thing.  Eat, breath, and sleep the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is occupying my mind so much that last night will I dreamt, I remember specifically thinking "Oh no!  These dreams arent about Christ- I somehow have to change them!" I dont know if they actually changed, but I was trying to.

 

Anyway, I hope you all had a great week and this next week is even better.  Keep trying everyday to be a little better than you were yesterday.  Focus on the eternal perspective and why we have everything that we have.  Come to know, or come to better know who Jesus Christ really is.  I love you all!

 

Ellsworth Shimai

Nana Chan and funfetti cake!

Her district this transfer!

The Trees are Starting to Blossom!

March 2, 2014

Hello Everyone-

 

So this week  was good.  Still working hard and doing everything we can, so we can step back and watch a miracle occur.  Something will come about.  Anyway, this week Elder Whiting of the seventy came and spoke to our mission.  It was really good.  Both him and his wife served in Japan, so it was nice to have people talk to us who know what it is sort of like out here.  However, they said that we couldnt use that as an excuse.  He said that hastening the work meant hastening the work everywhere and not just in Mexico.  Anyway, he talked about how we need both power and authority to be able to carry out this work.  We already have the authority, so now we just need the power.  We went through examples of different prophets/missionaries throughout the Book of Mormon and New Testament and wrote down some traits we need to make sure we are working on.  Then he went over how we get the power.  He said it comes from the Holy Ghost.  He then went over the unique wording that is used when we recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost.  It says "Receive the Holy Ghost."  He emphasized the fact that it was our choice whether or not to receive it that day, and how we need to make a conscious effort to receive the Holy Ghost everyday of our lives.  He then talked about grace and the enabling power of the Atonement.  He says that the only way we can become better and become the person we want and need to be is through the power/grace of the atonement.  He said that same power is what is needed to change the hearts of our investigators.  This I had all heard before, but it always rings stronger and gets you more motivated to access that power and change when coming from the mouth of a general authority. 

 

Anyway, as for our mission training plan on focusing on Jesus Christ, that is still going well.  At first it was really hard to focus your thoughts, but it is getting easier as the days go by.  One thing I did to help was I switched the music we were listening to.  I have always loved music (some may laugh and not believe that statement- you know who you are) and like to listen to it as I am getting ready in the morning or when I am making dinner.  Ususally I just listen to a random shuffle of songs that mostly consist of EFY songs.  But this past week, I decided to only listen to the Mormon Tabernacle choir.  I didnt think it would, but it has made quite a difference.  I decided to give myslef a break and go back to EFY music one morning, and I was just groggy and not as focused as I was when I listened to the MoTab.  Good, better, and best.  I need to remember that although something is good or even better, I need to make sure that I am always choosing the best choice. 

 

Anyway, that was my week in a nutshell I think.  Love you all and thanks for all of your love and support!

 

Love,

Ellsworth Shimai

Faith to endure

March 9, 2014

Hello everyone!

 

So, what to report for this week.  Nothing huge or big or exciting, just the norm.  We finished our cram session of getting to know the Savior more and more, and I think it actually has helped a lot (granted I still have a lot more learning to do though).  So this week, has gone surprisingly well.  Not as in numbers wise or the typical way you think of a mission, but as in myself.  This transfer has been pretty tough on me and there are days when I am almost postivie I cant do it anymore.  But this week, I havent had those days.  Somehow, I am able to push through it all with more faith than I ever have.  And I know that it is only through the power of the Atonement that I am able to persevere with so much patience.  Really though, I know for a fact I am receiving divine assistance because I would not be able to do this on my own.

 

Okay, so our mission goal right now is for every companionship to see a baptism by March 23rd.  Well, I have been working like crazy, and we just had two of our Yaks (people with a baptismal date) not make their date.  So sad.  One I know could make it (little Yu chan) but she cant get baptized until her dad is reactivated.  So as of right now, with two weeks left, that date seems literally impossible.  But everytime I pray about it, I just get the feeling to work, do everything in my power, and that the Lord will provide the miracle.  Sometimes it can be so hard to keep going strong when it seems impossible, but the Lord has been helping me keep strength.  For instance, yesterday, Yu Chan didnt come to church (she still looks like our best candidate for baptism) and everyone who said they would come, didnt come.  I was so disappointed and trying hard to stay strong.  I wanted to find peace, so I turned to the scriptures.  Now, first, let me tell you that I always want to be able to open up a random page, read a random verse, and have it be my answer, but those types of things never ever happen to me.  Ever.  But yesterday, for like the first time ever, it actually did.  I opened up the Book of Mormon, and the last part of Alma 36:27 was highlighted in green and just popped out at me.  "and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me."  Just what I needed to be reminded of.  I just have to remember that if I am doing all that I can, that the Lord will make up the rest- even in seemingly impossible times.  So, what I have been learning this week, is the power of the atonement to help you endure with patience, your trials.  This week has been so hectic and unexpected, and things arent going as planned, but I just have this calm reassuring feeling that everything will work out if I continue to work hard and put my faith and trust in the Lord.  And even if we dont see a baptism, that it will have been for good. 

 

Anyway, other than that, the week has been great.  The more I am out here, the more I realize that I am half child.  We went and visited Yu chan and her little brother and I did races with them in the parking lot and taught them how to sing in a funny voice- (that they practiced and mastered by the next time I visited them) while the mom and the grandma and my companion just stood there and laughed at me.  I love little Asian kids.  Anyway, that is all for my week.  I love you all and hope you are doing fantastic!  Keep being strong and moving forward with faith!

 

Love,

Ellsworth Shimai

March 16, 2014

Dear Family-

 

Sorry, this email will be short today, but thats probably okay anyway because you are all planning for the wedding this weekend.  Wish I could be there Stephen and Allison, but I send my love and hope you have fun and enjoy the day.  But today I get to go to Koyasan.  It is up in the mountains and a little buddhist community wiht lots of temples.  The cherry blossoms wont be out yet, but im excited to go.  I guess it is where Buddhism started in Japan.  We have been planning to go for three weeks now, but something always got in the way, but we actually get to go now.  So look forward to lots of pictures next week.

 

So this week.  Well the sister training leaders (STLs) came out and did exchanges with us.  Not going to lie, I was extrememly nervous because I know they evaluate us and then report back to the MP.  I knew an exchange was coming though because Kaicho (the MP) said he wanted to send them out there to assess the situation with my companion and give me a little break.  So in my mind, thats what I thought the exchange was for, but also acknowledging that I could learn and improve from it as well.  Boy was I wrong.  I think that exchange was specifically for me.  I learned so much and have so much to work on.  After the exchange I made a commitment to follow every piece of counsel they gave, and I can already see improvements.  It also helps with the companionship.  I think I was so focused on helping her and just surviving that I let some things slip.  But after the exchange I have other things to focus on and improve about myslef, making me feel better, and making it much easier to then uplift and encourage my companion.  I go through stages of how I want to help my companion each week.  Sometimes it is to talk to her and let her cry it out.  Sometimes I cant handle it and I would just have to ignore it.  But lately, know when it happens, I just tell her to piggy back onto my faith and get to work.  And to help her do so, I have us take a short pause and sing a hymn in English (much more powerful in your native tongue).  I feel bad because I finally have gotten a hang of my companion, and now someone else may have to go through the same trial I just went through.  Maybe, they may be much more patient than I am.  The transfer gets easier as it goes along, and I am finally starting to overcome it rather than have it overcome me.  I am excited for next transfers though to see what they bring. 

 

Anyway, for the most part, that is all.  Just trying to improve little by little everyday.  I hope you all have a great week and have a fun time at the wedding.  Dont forget to send me lots of pictures- and not just by email.  O and mom I got the girl scout cookies this week!  Thank you!!!  Everyone is very jealous.  Funny thing though, as soon as I saw them, I picked up the box to read it hoping I would find some funny Engrish, but then remembered that they came from America.  I was disappointed but found it fuinny that it has become instinctive to seek for Engrish.  Anyway, I wish you every a lot of happiness.  See you again.

 

Love,

Ellsworth Shimai

I love how you can tell that Martha's japanese is getting better because her english is getting worse. Always a true sign that she is becoming more immersed in the language. Love it!

A picture they took with some girls who were staring at them! haha 

Peanut butter pie for pi day! 

Little Leo. Martha loves her!

The whole crew, minus Yamada San

Welcome to Yonago!

Again, so sorry for the lack of updates on Martha. She's doing well and hit her year mark in May. Can't believe how fast it is going! 

Hello everyone!

So this past week was transfer week.  Its always kind of hard going to a new area and getting to know the ward members and investigators, but it should be good.  However, it was really hard to say goodbye to Kawachinagano.  I love the Yoshikawa family, and I seriously went through withdrawls when I realized that I wouldnt be seeing Tania and Leo anymore.  Those two are seriously my favorite people ever!  

Transfer day was a little hectic.  We were trying to get to our first meeting spot, but then got stopped due to an accident caused by an earthquake.  So that meant I missed the first traveling group, so it was approved to have just Muhonen Choro and I transfer together to the next spot.  Everyone thought it was a huge deal, but it felt normal to me.  Maybe it should have felt weird though.  It just felt like traveling with anyone else.  Anyway, I traveled to Yonago.  It took from 6am to 4:30.  It was a long day.  My area is beautiful and a little more countryside.  Plus I got to see the Sea of Japan, and I love the smell of salt in the air!  It reminds me of the beach house.  Anyway, the area and the ward members seem nice.  The last comp in the area took the bike keys so weve been walking everywhere but that okay because the weather has been mostly gorgeous.  Anyway, I think that is about all for the week.  Just adjusting and trying to get the hang of my new area and new companion.  

Anyway, GO WISCONSIN!!  Let me know how they do...Im sure Nathan will.  Hope you all have a good week!  Love you all!

Love,

Ellsworth Shimai

The Yoshikawas!

Blossoms in her new area! 

The ocean!

Peace in Church

As some of you know from Martha's blog posts I have been in the middle of a move and house hunting and have been slacking on the blog posts for my sisters who are out serving The Lord. I am doing my best to play catch up so keep checking back this week for more updates on Jamie. Here is her most recent email.

Hi Family!

So I know that you already know because you were sent pictures but... Kara got baptized on Sunday! It was so great. She has just been wanting to get baptized for so long and so I am so happy for her that it was finally able to happen. It was so fun because the past couple of weeks we have just been really trying to get her involved with the ward and everyone has been so great. We took her with us for a couple of dinner appointments so that she could meet people. It was so much fun! For most of my mission I have not really gotten to experience the whole having dinner appointments.. so it has been really fun meeting with members and bring investigators along!

The work is still going just great. Honestly, we are so blessed and I am constantly amazed at how much the Lord really is in this work. He does everything. Haha we are just here because he can't be at the moment. He is preparing and sending so many people are way and it is just wonderful. He really is wanting His children to hear the gospel and He is getting it to them. So, there is this girl who use to be taught last January but she went home to China right before she was going to get baptized.. I guess there just wasn't enough time. Anyway, she is back! We met her yesterday and she is so wonderful. She is so excited to start having "classes" again. She is so cute. Our investigator Lee is still awesome! We love when we get to see him. It is so much fun! And actually, he is coming to Utah on the 28th of this month and he said if there is anything you want to give him to bring back to me that he would get it.... just saying. haha He is great. He is getting baptized on the 27th of this month and he is so excited about it. He is having a hard time because his family does not exactly support him with it but we have faith that it will still be able to happen. Also, do you remember the investigator we have, Maggie? Well she is just the cutest. She really wants to get baptized but there are some things that we are trying to figure out first. But it was the best moment ever. On Sunday we were sitting in sacrament meeting and during the sacrament she turned to me and this is what happened. Maggie: "I feel so peaceful when I sit in here. I just love it. How do you feel when you sit here?" Me:" I feel so happy and peaceful too." Maggie: "I don't like how it changes so much when I go outside and walk on the streets. I just want it all the time." Then I explained to her how that is what we can have as we are baptized and have the gift of the Holy Ghost. As we have that gift and remain faithful by keeping the commandments and studying, we can feel like that when we are just walking outside. She really started to think about it. Some of the commandments are hard for her, which I don't blame her it is a whole new change, but I could tell that she just really started to think about it a lot. It made me so happy just sitting there thinking that I am so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to help others come in to the gospel.

Okay so family, I have to tell you this story that happened... hahaha too good. So, there is a group of BYU-I students over here and I was standing at the front of the VC Sunday morning and they came and stood in the front. First of all, I got to see Kim who I coached volleyball with my first time coaching. It was the BEST thing ever. I just love her! But it was so fun because I saw so many people that I know on Sunday. Both of those people, then another girl and then I got to see the Andrus'. Ahh it was so fun!

Well family, I love you all so much! Thank you for being the best family EVER. And yes, you that don't write me, I guess I still love you too.... just kidding. I love you guys and I hope that you have a wonderful week! LOVE YOU!!

Love, Sister Ellsworth

Just started a new transfer a week or so ago and is still with Sister Sua! 

Her friend Kim, from BYUI was in London!

London is so beautiful! 

With their recent convert Kara

With the Andrus family from Draper, Ut, her home ward 

Having fun! 

Transfers!

October 6, 2013

Hi everyone!

 

This week has been good.  A little slow, but I guess I should expect that when sent to a mission in Japan.  It definitely is not the Phillipines or South America.  Slowly but surely, the work will move forward.  We are promised at one time the work here will astonish the world, so we just have to keep working towards that goal.

 

So this week, I had a proud moment as a future dietitian.  My companion doesnt eat very healthy.  She has gained over 20kg since her mission and she is only 3rd transfer.  Yikes!  Its hard to sometimes sit back and just watch her eat a huge bag of chips everyday.  But lately Ive been teaching her about how to make meat a little healthier.  For instance, I tell her to drain the meat and cut off the excess fat (I swear in Japan, they sell fat with a tiny bit of meat rather than meat with some fat on it).  Anyway, everytime I would ask her to do that, she would just complain and thought I was so weird.  But then this week, she started draining and triming the meat without me even asking.  I know, it sounds ridiculous and nerdy to be happy over that, but Im glad she has made just a little step towards being healthier.

 

On Saturday, we got to watch the Relief Soceity Broadcast- family, remember, we are fifteen hours ahead and they have to translate it into Japanese for eveyone else so we watch one wee later.  This means that sadly I have to wait until next week to watch General Conferences, but Im excited to do so.  The Relief Soceity Broadcast was so good!  I loved Sister Reeves talk about Sacrament meeting.  President Zinke has been really pushing the importance of sacrament meeting lately, so it was cool to hear the same words coming from church headquarters.  Other than that, it has just been another week.  I think I told you last week, but our one investigator isnt getting baptized.  She couldnt give up smoking.  But its sad because now she is so ashamed that she may drop herself.  Our other investigator Joey is so ready for baptism and wants to be baptized, but still wont try to get off of work so he can come to church.  He hasnt fully put his priorities in order.  Anyway, thats all for this week.  I transfer on Thursday, but I dont know if Im going or staying- they havent sent that email yet.  If I get it soon though, Ill make sure to send out a quick email to let you know where I am going.  Love you all!

 

Ellsworth Shimai

So family, Im transferring!  Im going to fushimi which is in Kyoto- so excited!  I hear it is beautiful there.  Plus Im getting a nihonjin companion.  Im a little extremely nervous for this, but it will be good for me.  Hopefully I will get better at the language this way. 

Pictures from her area:

New Transfer, New location

I am sorry that I have not been posting about Martha's experiences in Japan recently. We have moved but I am not back on it and will be back posting this week. Here is Martha's most recent email. She sounds like she's really enjoying her new area:

So I am in Fushimi and it is absolutely gorgeous!  So mnay mountains and trees and all of the famous castles are in my area.  So I now with a Nihonjin comapaion.  Not going to lie, its rough.  They are strict in areas they dont need to be.  For instance, she kind of got upset at me for writing in my journal after planning.  I was not okay with that.  But luckily I dont really get too scared of people so I told her that it actually suggests we write in our journal in the white handbook and that even the prophet writes in his.  She backed down.  However, after　this short little time, I think my brain is about to explode with Japanese.  That first day was rough.  I had no food and I had been speaking and listening to 6 hours straight of Japanese.  Literally thought I was going to faint.  

Plus, imagine this- dad, i will use you in this example.  Imagine arriving to a new area and your bike was one of those beach bum bikes (called mamachatis).  Now imagine if it were moms size (for me, nihonjin size).  Now imagine if the tires were flat and everyday just to get from the church to your apartment (so at least once a day) you had to bike up 123rd.  And then to find places to go housing, you had to bike up highland drive twice.  Yeah, I thought I was going to die. To get anywhere here, you have to go through a mountain pass.  I was struggling to keep up.  I mean I knew I was out of shape but I didnt think I was that much.  My knees were dying by the end of each night and somehow I got shin splits.  I suppose I was try to use my feet more to take the pressure off of my knees.  Luckily, Scheffler shimai (roomie) was willing to trade with me.  Her bike is a bit bigger.  O it made all the difference.  Seriously, I was beating my companion up the mountain now.  Who knew just a small change in bike could make the world of a difference.  So then during conference, this is the connection I made to missionary work- and this applies to us all because we all are missionaries.   Both bikes got the job done.  I was able to go where I needed to go.  But the larger bike for me was much more effective and enjoyable.  So which bike am I going to be in missionary work?  The more effective and fun missionary or the tired, one that only works because it has to type of missionary/ person?  Will align my will with the Savior or will I do what He asks but do it grudgingling. Well Im trying to be the first.  Not sure if Im there yet, but Im working on it.  Anyway, sorry if none of that made sense.  It does in my brain so I guess that is all that matters. Anyway, conference was great!  I Elder Ballards was so motivating and i absolutely loved Gifford Neilsons from the Saturday session (exclamation point).  And then of course I loved President Monsons on Sunday.  I dont know if you can tell, but Japan is a hard mission- the language, the people, the culture, the weather,and just everything.  But itll all be worth it in the end. 

Anyway, the area is great.  We have a lot of young investigators which I love.  The older you get the more stubborn you are.  We got a referral this past week and she is amazing!  She just got a flyer and decided to come to church.  When she went to Relief Society, she bore her testimony. Plus she opens up to people (not a nihonjin trai).  She wants to get baptized, so we just have to teach her basically.  It just goes to show how much the Lord is in this work.  We didnt prepare her.  The Lord did.  `You will find them or they will find you.`  Anyway, I cant wait to teach her.  Anyway, I think that is all for this week.  Sorry, I know have to go to an internet cafe so I dont have as much time.  Love you all and thanks for your support.

Ai shite imasu

Ellsworth Shimai

Here are a few pictures from her last area. She is such a cute sister missionary!

Martha in front of osaka jou- eight stories high

Shin shimai and Martha overlooking the city

Bonjour...kidding Konnichiwa

Hi family!

 

So another week has gone by. Time goes by much faster in the field than it does in the MTC, thats for sure. Transfers are next week. My senior companion thinks Ill get a nihongin next transfer. Im a little scared for that, but it'll be good because I need to learn the language.

 

Anyway, last Monday, we got to go to Kiyomizudera. So beautiful!! I actually felt like I was in Japan, or the part of Japan that we think of. It was so pretty. T of Japan that we think of. It was so pretty. There were so many shops and I wanted to buy everything, but I don't want to lug it around. Therefore I am making a list of everything I have to buy before I leave. Mom and dad, if you are still planning on picking me up, you have to pack lightly so I can fill the rest of your space with my stuff. Also, besides the fact that they eat seafood and what not, another reason the Japanese are that they eat seafood and what not, another reason the Japanese are so healthy. Rather than selling hot dogs on the street at tourist places, they sell cucumbers on a stick. I thought that was interesting.

 

This week we ate at someones house, and I literally thought Heavenly Father was trying to kill me off.  I think I should have majored in dietetics after my mission.  So we went to their home.  It was a very traditional Japanese home.  Also, they are pack rats...to the extreme.  Laura you would hate it.  They have little houses and they are just filled with so much junk.  Anyway, so they decided to grill us meat and veggies.  They brought out their little skillet and to start off pulled off like 10 pieces of hair from it and then just put the food on it to start cooking it.  Then we pulled off even more while the food was cooking.  So disgusting!  Then I saw a spider run across the table.  Then to top it off, I had to eat octopus.  I about died.  You better believe I smothered that thing in sauce before I stuck it in my mouth.  I don't think I can survive much longer with all of this seafood. 

 

Anyway, this week we challenged an eternal investigator to baptism.  He was very hesitant, but he accepted.  This guy lived in Wisconsin for 6 years, so he brought pictures and books on Wisconsin for me to look at.  As you can probably imagine, I loved it.  But hes a great guy, but he has a lot of questions because he got a hold of some anti-mormon stuff.  So we have to get him back on track.

 

This week, while we were housing, a man from across the way came up to us and told us that the apartment complex we were at was no good because they were all old and buddhist.  He then offered us to come cool off at his house and grab something to drink.  Long and Shin shimai said no thanks, but I wondered why.  So a few minutes later, we went on a search for him.  We knew he was on the sixth floor of a certain apartment.  So we prayed to find him.  It was so cool because I got the revelation of the exact apartment he lived in- the number 614 flashed in my head. And sure enough, when we got to that door, he opened the door.  It really still continues to surprise me how much the Lord trusts me with revelation.  Anyway, we talked to him and said he was going to try to come to church, but didn't.  Then last night he called us (this never happens) and wanted to learn more.  This guy seems awesome.  We are just waiting for him to ask us when he can be baptized..just kidding.  But we were really excited to get his call.

 

Anyway, I think that is all for the week.  There is a dog near my apartment that sounds just like Jake, so often Ill be studying and have the urge to just say `JAAAKKKE  QUIET!!`  Also, just a side note, both of my companions received two letters last week and i got zero...just saying.  Anyway, I love you all and thank you for all of your support.  Dad I hope your recovery starts getting better and Laura and Derek, I hope you have a nice move out to Dallas- Im sure you'll love it there.  Also good luck with school!  Its just around the corner mom and Nate!  Ai shite imasu!

 

Love,

Martha (Ellsworth Shimai)

Kiyomizudera 

Me, Shin shimai, and Long Shimai 

Random shrine 

Octopus