Last Email from America!

Konnichiwa!

This is my last email from the MTC. Technically, I am writing this email at the MTC, but I will be sending it from Nihon. I just wanted to get all my thoughts down from my last few days in America, because I am sure I will have lots to say about my first week in Nihon.

These last few days have been insane. I never really thought the time would come for me to be leaving the MTC. Every spare moment is spent either packing, last minute studying, or having people sign my Sayonara Hon (basically like a yearbook for missionaries). However, we are still on a normal schedule, so we have to plan lessons and teach.

My MTC companions

We had our last lessons with Shimada-San, Marissa-San, and Asuka-San on Thursday and Saturday and they were all amazing. Hill Shimai, Barton Shimai and I really focused on bringing the Spirit to those lessons, and they were all so great. The Spirit was so strong and we felt like we were really connecting with our investigators. I felt so much love for them in those lessons and I just wanted to finish teaching them, but sadly, we have to go to Japan. Teaching these investigators makes me so excited to teach the people in Japan. It's going to be an amazing experience!

On Friday, we had In-Field Orientation where we spent the whole day learning more about the basics of being a missionary. It was so much fun! We focused on the Doctrine of Christ, finding, goals and planning, and working with members. We had the chance to practice talking to people (other missionaries) and tie in the gospel. I had so much fun because I got to meet missionaries that are going all over the world, including some Elders that are going to Argentina and have to fly for 16 hours then take a bus for 30 hours to get to their mission. I feel lucky that my flight is only 13 hours.

Some of the key takeaways from In-Field Orientation were: Love the people, love the members. They can feel your love. If you are in a ward for 4 months and don't know everyone's names, you are doing something wrong. Listen because you care, not so you can respond. Goals are so important because they push you to be better.

Orientation was so much fun! I even got to be in a play about the first few days in the mission field. I was a Primary President and I only had 2 lines, but it was pretty fun.

Saturday was by far the saddest day. It was our last day of classes, our last exercise time, our last time seeing our teachers. In the morning, Lewis Shimai and Haderlie Shimai taught us. I am going to miss them so much! They were always so cute, and they have the strongest testimonies. During this last class, the Spirit was so strong. They were amazing teachers and I learned so much from them. We took some final pictures with both of them and it was so sad!

In the afternoon, it was our last class at the MTC and Lewis Shimai was teaching us. We had a really good discussion about how we have grown over the past 9 weeks and how our views of the Missionary Purpose have changed. I know how important the purpose is and how it can help us become better missionaries. We also read Alma 29 and it could not have been more perfect. Recently, I've noticed how many times the Book of Mormon says that Heavenly Father promises that the gospel will go to "all nations, kindreds, tongues and people" and I am a part of that. I am going to share this gospel with the people in Japan and fulfill this promise.

All the sister missionaries from our zone.

We took one last picture with Lewis Shimai and with our other teachers Gappmayer Shimai and Budge Kyodai. I feel really blessed to have been able to learn from all of these teachers. They are all amazing and they have helped my testimony, my ability to speak Nihongo, and my desire to serve grow. I will miss them all!

At Zone Devotional, all of the Senpai bore their testimonies and it was so sweet. I will miss the Kohai as well. They have been such an example to me. Their testimonies and they way they conduct themselves makes me want to be a better missionary.

Saturday was sad, but it will all be okay. It is a happy sad because we are going to Japan.

Today (when I am writing this email originally) is Sunday. Today we turn in our iPads and we go to our departing devotional. I never really thought this day would come. Have I really been here 9 weeks? 2 months? Is 1/9 of my mission really done? While I am excited to go to Japan, I also do not feel like I am prepared. Are any of us really prepared though? Today in Sacrament Meeting, the Senpai will be singing a medley of "Lead Kindly Light" and "I Need Thee Every Hour." It took us a long time to decide on those songs, but now that we have, I don't think there is a more prefect musical number that we can have.

As I begin this journey in Japan, I will have to rely on the Lord a lot. However, I know that he will always be there to guide me.

As I leave the MTC, I would like to share my testimony with all of you.

Our MTC District and our teachers

I know this church is true. It can bring happiness, joy, peace, and love into your lives. I have seen it work miracles and bring light into the lives of those who are lost. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have read it 1.33 times here at the MTC and it has brought me so much joy. I decided to serve a mission because of how happy the Book of Mormon made me and I am excited to share that happiness and joy with others. Joseph Smith was a prophet, called of God. He translated the Book of Mormon. He was an uneducated young man, but he brought forth the most important book in the world. I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers. There have been so many times when I have wanted to give up, but He is always there to help me and guide me and tell me what I need to do. I know that the Holy Ghost is always there to guide and comfort us. I have felt so much peace because of the Holy Ghost. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. His Atonement is an amazing gift. When we use it, we are able to change our lives and be forgiven of our mistakes. I am a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I love this gospel. I know the power it has to change our lives.

I love you all and I look forward to emailing you from Japan!

ブラクラ姉妹
 
Black Shimai