It's finally time

Konichiwa, 

So things are a little interesting, but good none-the-less. We got a katakana name tags, so I'm feeling pretty happy. If I have time later I'll send you a picture. (I'll probably send you a bunch more when I'm actually in the field because as of currently, I've got no time.) 

With my MTC experience coming to a close, I've been reflecting back in a very general sense over everything that's happened. It's been a good time here, and I have been able to be confident in everything. I'm not sure if it's because everyone is so naturally nice here, which is more or less true, or if I've gained my confidence though selflessness. It seems like a backwards thing to think that not  thinking about yourself can make you more confident; I believe that's because we as humans, are naturally programmed to think that there is a tight correlation between selfishness and confidence. We see selfish people with their haughty attitudes, and how they put others down, and we assume that they have an inexhaustible amount of confidence. I think it's quite the opposite. When people feel the need to put others down (as we all learned in our 2nd grade 'DON'T BULLY' assemblies) it is often because of an insecurity they have themselves, so they shove others down to compensate. 

I've never felt happier when I'm not thinking about myself. When we focus on other's happiness, our own just naturally accompanies. And the happiness is sweeter than all the worldly pleasures, for Charity, has no bitter aftertaste. Alright, enough of my philosophical metaphors and onto amazing things. 

So we started teaching Takahashisan a couple of weeks ago, because with a new Sensei, comes a new kyodosha. 

We had infield orientation yesterday (which was pretty amazing, we met the Elder Christianson from the District) and we practiced contacting with eigo speakers. (English speakers) It was odd. 

I'll explain how we taught Takahashisan and then how we contacted eigos. 

Us: "Alright, today we're going to teach you about commandments,"

Him: "What are commandments?" 

Us: "Well, we've got an excellent scripture that can probably explain." 

Him: "What are the scriptures?"

Us: "They're the writings of the Prophets." 

Him: "What are prophets?" 

Us: "Well... They're people called to testify about Jesus Christ." 

Him: "... Who's he?" 

Us: "He's God's Son." 

Him: "Who's God?" 

That's not a direct example, but it's like that! These people don't even know who God is! :) I love it because we get to teach them! 

A parable: "So these two shoes salesmen headed out to Australia to sell shoes to the aborigines. The first one calls back to his boss: "I can't do this, how am I supposed to sell shoes to a people who don't wear shoes?!" The second one called: "This is excellent! The people here have no shoes. I can sell a pair to everyone!" " 

I'm excited to share the gospel with these people, and I'm excited I get to focus on things that are so fundamental that I have a deep knowledge of, such as the nature of God, and who Christ was. People who go to other places Christian nations get to teach more about topics such as gay-marrage and other not as fundamental topics. We get to consistently stick to the basics. :) Disuki! (Like it a lot!) 

So this is (kinda) how I contacted with an English speaker: 

(after getting to know him for a minute) 

Me: "So, have you heard of God before?"

Him: quizzical look "Yes, of course." 

Me: "and you know about Jesus Christ?" 

Him: "Uh, ya?" 

Me:"Excellent!! You know that God made everything?" 

Him: "Yep. I think so." 

Me: "Sweet! Have you got a family?..." 

It's quite a different tactic. :) I'm so happy that I get to consistently testify and teach about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (I'm not saying that every missionary doesn't but, we going to Japan get to focus on more than most.) 

I used this at lunch once when we were talking about less important things: "Hey!" and I pointed behind everyone. "Look at that!" Everyone: "What?!" Me: "It's a subject change!" 

Yep, I'm special. Tonikaku (anyways) 

I'd just like to talk to everyone about something that I regret not doing as a member. It's call: "SHARING THE GOSPEL!" 

We as missionaries do not have tons of success (as they've shown us the numbers) when it comes to tracting and the classic ways everyone assumes missionaries 'get' people. The chances that we're going to bring someone into the Church by ourselves is slim (1 for every 700 doors or something) then the chances of them staying active without a friend in the church is slimmer. 

The word 'remember' is a constant throughout the scriptures. We, in our mortal state, tend to lose perspective. We are 'blind in our eyes and deaf in our ears' is one way God puts it. So let me see if this helps put it into perspective. 

Let's have an equation: A + B = C 

A: We truly love and care for our friends. 

B: We know that this gospel is true

Then why are we not a little more pushy about something that will bring them everlasting happiness!! Don't cram it down anyone's throat, but don't be scared to share it. If you taste an amazing new candy bar, or hear an hilarious joke, What is the first thing that we are inclined to do?! (well at least I) WE SHARE IT WITH THOSE WE LOVE! If you don't love anyone, then work on it, or you don't know the Gospel it true, then work on it; IF YOU KNOW BOTH- Share it. This is Eternal Life, the greatest of all of the gifts of God. It's sweeter than all fruit [quote from Lehi] and it brings more joy than any joke we can form. Befriend everyone, and fear no rejection. If they are a true friend they won't stop talking to you for sharing with them something that means more than the world to you. 

:) Sorry everyone, I sound preachy so often because that's my calling. :) Maybe I should stop.... I am filled with the love of the Lord unto the building up of His kingdom upon this earth. I want to cry repentance unto every creature. 

I love you all! There's so much I want to tell you, but I lack the time. 

Elder Wheelwright