Did I mention that I love missionary work???

Hey Cuties!

 

We don't even have time to read mail this week!  We have been trying to get to computers that work all day... Whew! Things are going great though, and they are looking up. We had a few miracles this week, including an investigator coming to Church who we haven't been able to contact for a long time!! I love missionary work, my companion, our investigators, President and Sister Zinke, Japan, our whole mission, my bike, teaching and proclaiming the gospel, the Book of Mormon...I love my Savior, and did I mention that I love missionary work?? I can't believe the time is winding down. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

 

Note: I'm supposed to be checking my flight itinerary with you, but I keep forgetting!! Next week?

 

No pics today, sketchy internet cafe, and I don't want my SD card to get erased!

 

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! the work we are involved in is true! Funny moment of the day--on the way to our first email spot, I was singing some Nashville Tribute and came around a corner and this man was so close to me and i was singing practically in his face! He just started laughing because it was so funny, so i did, too!  Life is good here in Japan!

 

I LOVE YOU!

 

Sister Anderson

333

PS  I'll bet you never thought you would get a letter this short from me! haha!

Note from the folks: Since Sister Jen did not have time to send any pics this week, we thought you would enjoy some of her at the Provo MTC where she started her mission 

nearly eighteen months ago! 

She will be returning home from Japan 

Wednesday, June 5th!

She will be speaking in Sacrament meeting on June 30th at 9 am.  

The ward building address is 14400 South Redwood Road, Bluffdale.

The Japan Kobe Missionaries - true disciples every one!

Mission Conference!!!

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH FAMILY!!!

Wow - you are so special to me. I get pictures and I can't believe how everyone has grown!! It is so fun to see. Happy birthday to all of you who celebrated lately! Thanks for the letters and all the support!!!! I love you so much!

This week has been so wonderful. We have 10 investigators right now that we are working with, and they are all at such different phases--most of them, probably all, at the very, very beginning stages of learning the gospel still. It is so fun to have the chance to teach them, and still an interesting challenge to be new in this area, and working with everyone and still new as companions, but it is fun and SO GREAT!!!!!


This week was Hina Matsuri, a special celebration only for woman (especially girls) to get good health for the year. One of our investigators brought us this gift! They are so cute. They have little food for everything. I will send you the king and queen (traditional) picture! 

These are hina matsuri treats, cute right?! I love Japan!

This is Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's work. It is so wonderful to be in their service. The meeting as a mission (taikai) was more than AMAZING! Elder Tad R. Callister came and taught and inspired all of us! So wonderful! I was filled to the brim with love for each of my sweet comrades in this work.  How I love all my comps - past and present!!! It was so fun to see everyone including my awesome cousin Elder Lythgoe! We have an INCREDIBLE mission of true disciples. President Zinke and Elder Callister talked about the atonement, and about being a consecrated missionary. When we sang our mission theme song as our beloved leaders walked in, the tears could not be stopped. There was so much power in the room, evidence yet again of the presence of the Spirit and the unity of the Japan, Kobe mission in teaching of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

And what a work it is! "The standard of truth has been erected... the truth will go forward boldly, nobly, undefeated .. until the Great Jehovah shall say, 'The work is done.'"

I love you so much. I know that the Savior wants us to feel that joy in each of our lives, and the biggest joy is to SHARE HIS GOSPEL! It truly is. This life is so much about the people we help. We talked about joy in one of the talks at the conference, and it just kept coming back to me as everyone was saying what reasons WE have to rejoice, that the privilege to share the gospel and help OTHERS is the work of my Savior and yours, and it is powerfully, masterfully, undoubtedly, true.

I love you!! We also talked about the spirit as evidence of the healing process taking place in people's lives, and in being forgiven--isn't that amazing?! We are too blessed NOT to do missionary work. I used to think i wanted to just stay in bed for a week after I got home from my mission...and just think of myself - haha...but my heart is so full of love for mankind that I just want to keep up the pace, and serve in whatever place my Heavenly Father puts me. Can you believe the goodness of this work?

I love you sweeties!

Love, Sister Anderson

Chocolates from our neighbor, who we are starting to teach!

 I love my companion! Twins in matching yellow. ha ha.

Isogashikute Tanashiku Seikatsu Shite Imasu! (Livin a busy and fun life!)

Watashi no Ai suru Kazoku e!
Wha, konshu wa isogashikatta! And so fun! The work is a work of miracles. The Chivore couple, a new investigator, and a potential investigator came to Church on Sunday! We were delighted! We've been trying to work toward the goals set by President as our mission standards, and we are so close!! It is so wonderful. I had an amazing birthday, thanks so much to you!! I loved loved loved the pictures you sent, and wasted no time in selecting some to keep with me and introduce the family I love so much to a people I love, too. I love the people here. I am so grateful for this work and the Lord's help. Time goes by so quickly, and it startles me sometimes seeing pictures of you, and remembering all of the wonderful times we've had and are having. Life is so joyous! I try to imagine what the Celestial kingdom is like. I imagine it is a lot like the feeling we feel as we serve and sacrifice to follow Jesus Christ, mixed in the beauty of eternal families and relationships. I can't comprehend the depth or perfection of His plan. We are so incredibly blessed. Dad wrote me about lighthouses today, and I want to be that. I want so much to guide others to Him. 

We had a miracle on Sunday. We called a man from the Area Book who said he would come to Church. He was so nice, and came to all of Church, and we got to teach Him after. It was an incredible experience. I testify that goals give us direction, even ways to help these beautiful people progress. Our first lessons are always about God's love, and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That is our focus as a mission, everyone is practicing and working on their first lesson plans almost daily. His was wonderful. So often, a picture or way to teach comes to me and I just want to introduce it to the ones I love--always thinking, would this help them? Is that easier to understand? The Spirit is incredible. I have gained an even greater appreciation for the Spirit this week, protecting and guiding us. I know Heavenly Father knows us intimately and personally, my sweet brothers and sisters around the world, never forget that. We taught Him about this path that goes to God. He wants to have a clean heart. We described God's love and He said he felt it at Church. The Lord had prepared Him so much, that this time, we asked him to be baptized, and he said he wanted to be. We set a date that first meeting. He said he can meet Sundays, and also weekdays. :) President has been saying if they feel God's love, it is so powerful that they will want to feel it again. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love what it means to me, so mortal and so needing Him, and yet rejoicing in this beautiful work. This IS the only way. This is the only way to return to live with Him, and it is all through Jesus Christ. I love them. I love spending so much time thinking and talking about them. I love you all so much. I can't remember what it is like to study other things, on missions we live in this spiritual realm where that knowledge just gets deeper, conviction and experience, a drop and day at a time. 

Izumikawa San's boys are praying with her. They asked her a question about heck, and she explained the three kingdoms to them. It is so fun to see them start progressing as a family. She said in their prayers, one of the boys said they were grateful that they had come to learn about God that day. Heavenly Father really does know everything. 

And Yamashita Chorro came this week! 



He and his wife taught all in English, it was so great to see their examples and perseverance. They said it was for the Japanese Elders and Sisters, to know they could etc. It was such an example to me. (His English is great though!) It was so special for me, because his talk helped me so much after I got my call. He taught some about customs in Japan and the doctrine of Christ, which is actually the method we used to teach Nishioka San (the man who came on Sunday!) It worked! For part of it, they asked us to go out in 15 mins and find someone who would hear about the Gospel. We prayed and I remembered a cute lady that had served us when we'd eaten there, and ran and asked her if she would hear a message. She said yes and we set up an appointment for the sisters in the area. I know He knows His sheep. 

I got to see Elder Lythgoe again, too! So great.

So many miracles my sweet family. You are so close to my heart. I came out on my birthday to find my futons out again




 and breakfast waiting there.

I almost started crying! Some "bird" had told my companion about our family tradition of serving breakfast in bed on birthdays. It was such a special day, our Elders called, the ward brought flowers, the sweet Relief Society president remembered a cake store we had asked about and bought a super expensive cake from there and brought it, 

and an Eikaiwa student brought a cake,

and my companion gave me 22 things with 22 reasons she loved me -so cute! She is the best!!! 

I got such an awesome package from my family including tons of pictures for my little "intro" photo album...so fun! Thanks so much for all the love in those gifts!!!!!!!

Thanks again for all the birthday wishes - I love all my friends and family...you are the greatest!
Just celebrating life, and I am so grateful to be here. The work is true! I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Love you all!
Sister Anderson

A Guest at His Feast, a privilege to proclaim His birth!

Dear Fam,

Thank you SO MUCH for all of the birthday wishes! I can't believe it's this week! ha ha. Things come so quick these days! You are all so sweet to think of me and send all those THOUGHTFUL greetings - you made my day and my birthday week!  You are the greatest!!! Thanks for all the updates on the happenings in your lives...from "Back to Bethlehem" breakfasts to ball games...and even a new driver's licence (what...Mook? ahhhhhhh!) to church service and travels, parenting and grand-parenting, school stuff, birthday celebrations, competitions and concerts, cute things the little ones say...and everything in between! I LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear from my loved ones!  Happy birthday to all of you who celebrate your birthdays with me in December! And...Merry Christmas month!

What a week! Time is flying, I can't believe it's preparation day again. I feel like I turn around and here we are again, planning for another week, or here we are again at the computers. Life is so wonderful. The weather in Japan hasn't been too cold, only sometimes (like this picture that my comp took of me this morning... when we were pretty much out of everything but salad and ramen and the weather was a little... chilly... ha ha) I love Japan!

Yes, we are gearing up for winter around here!

On top of that, today I polished my shoes, (do you think they needed some attention?)

and now they look like they've only been out three months. I was so happy!!

My time, as the mission has gone on, has become more and more devoted to how I can help my investigators understand a certain principle, how I can teach, how I can organize my visuals, etc. Love it! It is so wonderful. I love this work with all my heart. 

This week Yamashita Chorro will come to our mission! (And I turn 22, which means in 3 years I will be 25... which sounds so old for me to be! Ha ha. I can't believe how quickly time goes. My life has become all of those feelings I felt at Christmas each year, the constant, warm soft joy—it is the Holy Ghost who takes care of us, and I love Him! It has been so fun throughout my mission to feel even closer to Heavenly Father, to learn how we can access that power depending simply on what we choose, especially to do with our time. Isn't the Gospel plan amazing?) I love you dear fam. I just want to give a shout out to all of you who have put up with me so long. It has been so delightful. The cache of my memory bank is so full of wonderful YOU, and I love this earthly experience. I am just so grateful that I get to spend it with you...and eternity, too!!! :)

I had an experience feeling the JOY of missionary work all over again this week. It is so amazing to feel like you need to go house in an area, to house for so long, and find who you are looking for. We found this young grandma who said, “I want to hear your message! I want to hear your message! That's what you came here to share, right? I believe we are all children of God and God loves us. I am not really Buddhist or Christian, but I think that Japan is God's country too...” and on it goes. I was so touched and humbled after our short interchange that as I rode my bike back to our apartment, the joy swelled up inside of me and I just laughed the whole way home, rejoicing in the glory of the work with Heavenly Father. Even now, tears fill my eyes. We truly have the most precious message in all the world. 

Today we get to start teaching Yuki San's boys, we are so excited. The Lord has helped me so much over my whole mission to find fun ways and simple ways “wakariyasui” (easy to understand) ways to teach. I am so grateful for every investigator, every day that has added to the preparation for today. And just imagine what the future will be like if "what a past" led to the here and now! I love it and I love you.

There are so many little miracles every day, answers to prayers, being led by the Spirit, having the chance to be obedient, laughing with your zone and learning so much. I love swimming in this, an Elder in my district calls it “spirit juice”... so we say that a lot now. I love Spirit juice!!
Our district didn't change with transfers (I don't know if I told you!) and I just love it because our district is so close, they are like our brothers. It is so fun. The work is just FUN right now. 

President is encouraging another type of dendo style where you just tell people you are a missionary for Jesus Christ's Church and that we'd like to share a message with them next week for 20 minutes about God. It has been pretty incredible. I realized again this week, thinking back, that I know this work is not about me. I rejoice in these opportunities, just to be a part of it. I love investing myself, I love hard work and dedication! I can't imagine how joyous Heavenly Father must be, how perfect the Savior must be, what examples they are to us in ALL of these areas—perfect! With the beautiful promise that as we trust them, they will sculpt us into magnificent castles. What a blessed life this is. I can't express my love for Jesus Christ, my Savior, for my loving Heavenly Father. I just want to testify wherever I can. I can't believe how blessed I am to be in this work. Today I am working on organizing my teaching materials, and I am so excited! Heavenly Father helps us so much, and is always helping me change and hone to help these people with whatever individual gifts we have. Isn't that amazing! The Lord loves us enough to let us, our beautiful individual selves, help others and interact with them—but that will never be enough. It is us coupled with HIS power, with complete dependence on the Lord. I am so grateful that I have knowledge of Him. I am so happy and joyous that I get to be part of His work.

You are beautiful, all of you! We had a miracle this week where one of our sweet investigators (Ushiroda Shimai) who has been doing a lot of thinking, called us and said, "I will be baptized!" Our days are filled with such wonder, because it is His work. I testify it's true.

I love you now and forever, because Jesus Christ came to die for us so we could live in Him. What a privilege. What a life.

I love you!

Love,
Sister Anderson who is eating beans in bread... they love that in Japan, and it definitely has grown on me.  haha! Beans!

breath-taking sunset in my beloved Japan!

Note from Sister Jen's mom:
She is so excited to have Elder Yamashita come to her mission and there is no question why!

Click here to read ELDER KAZUHIKO YAMASHITA's conference address from October 2011 (Ensign November 2011)


Treasure of the Church

Quote from his talk:
"I would now like to say a few words to the missionaries currently serving missions around the world. Your attitudes and the love that you show toward others are very significant messages. Even though I didn’t immediately grasp all the doctrines that the missionaries taught me, I felt of their great love, and their many acts of kindness taught me important lessons. Your message is a message of love, a message of hope, and a message of faith. Your attitude and your actions invite the Spirit, and the Spirit enables us to understand the things that are important. What I want to convey to you is that through your love, you are imparting the love of God. You are a treasure of this Church. I am so very thankful to all of you for your sacrifice and your dedication."

Spray cans, miracles, mafia, and more...

Sweet Fam!

I wrote a letter but it got deleted... this is going to be shorter ha ha. :)
I love you!

So. Miracles are happening before our eyes, which is incredible because our
investigator pool has dropped a lot. This week we finally contacted a
referral that we've been trying to contact for about a month, and she
agreed to a return appointment... and she is from Tokushima! We also
met a family housing (tracting). This sweet mom and her two kids came
to the door and we were talking to them about God. The little boy told us
that he thinks God lives, then looked a bit puzzled and asked, "Where does
He live?" I told him in heaven! Little kid's Japanese is so cute!

I am so aware that the Savior is at the helm of our boat, even the world's
boat. It amazes me. I am on a quest for simplification. My study has
become a hunger to teach simply. I really crave it, I want to teach our
investigators in a way they understand. I have realized all over again, that
the Gospel is remarkably simple. I love the Book of Mormon.
I realized this week that a lot of it is a compilation of investigator's stories.
I so love this work. I love that I get to wear the name of my Savior
over my heart. Even when others are deciding whether they need him,
even our sweet investigator who is doing everything we tell her and
still deciding what to think about Jesus Christ... I realized this the other
day sitting at our table.  And yet, somehow she is progressing. I realized
 anew that the Savior is walking with her, even in this time where she is
deciding whether she needs him and has problems in her mind that make
it hard for her to understand. I love this work. I know that in our
"Gethsemane," our rough spots, He is there, walking with us. Do we take
that hand, feel that strength? We have no need to fear, I am realizing anew.
The Savior is our helper, our keeper and guide, our Savior and Redeemer.
Do we know what that means? Jesus Christ has overcome the obstacles of sin and
death. We can live again with our families, with our Father in Heaven.
"Oh the joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives."

Dad had asked about training and the zone meeting, etc. The Zone
meeting was 3 zones, and we get training from President and the
AP tachi. It was really neat. We get a training plan each month as a
mission that is a focus for us, that President Zinke gets through
revelation to help focus our study and missionary work.  It is also the
training training for new missionaries. I love it!

Also, I have another funny story. We were housing
and heard that there are some Yakuza (Japanese mafia) people
and we saw this door that had a little sign with a symbol on it. I was
thinking that it was the mafia symbol. I stopped my companion, and I
told her that we could not go in that door. We called the district leader and
asked if it was safe to "house" around that door? They informed us that it's safe
to house around it. That night they called us again for another reason
and they asked us why we thought that it was a mafia door?  I
explained the symbol I've been seeing everywhere... and it is the
symbol for Buddhism! ha ha ha ha ha. That just made my stay in Japan
so much more comfortable. We have so many funny things happen! :)

Ahhhhhhhh! we are prepared and ready to puncture this insect repellent spray can because you have to do that for recycling in Japan. Awesome, right? Hopefully I'm getting braver...hahahah!

Note from Sister Jen's mom...Click here for a fascinating description on the laws governing trash disposal in one city in Japan...amazing!

I love you so much fam!! I am on a quest to teach simply and help our
investigators understand. This is a beautiful work. The Gospel is
beautiful, and so beautifully simple. I love this work, I love my God,
I love my Savior Jesus Christ, I love the truth we have.

Before I go... we had a zone meeting this week and the last paper they
handed out was a forward about LDS people knowing what they have...
and it said Scott Anderson, and I started looking
through, and it was Gertrude Speckt's story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It was so funny.
I loved reading it and could just hear dad's voice telling it. What a great
missionary and what great legacy I have from my family. Thanks for your
examples and for teaching your kids with so much love. I love you all!

"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" (Joseph Smith Doctrine and Covenants 128:22)



Love,
Andason Shimai


This sweet grandpa from eikaiwa (English class) sometimes brings us berries that are
supposed to be really healthy from the mountains. These are some
rare berries that he made into jam! He made it especially for us because he says that
Japanese people don't really eat them... :)

 we dressed up in matcing clothes sunday. ha ha ha

So funny...I saw our shoes in the genkan like this, this was not on purpose!

Dear Mom, I haven't gotten the package yet, but I am so excited! Thank

you so much for all you do for me. Looks like you had fun celebrating your anniversary. 

41 years...wow!

September 3, 2012

PS Sister Jen seems to have a genetic predisposition to dress in matching yellow...hahaha!

8 months, but who's counting???

To My Sweet Eternal Family,

Life is so glorious and such a gift. It truly is incredible being a missionary.
Things have been really crazy, but I know how close the Lord is. I cannot
believe the love He has for each of us!!!

We had Zone Taikai this week in Kobe, and President gave us the new
training plan. It was such a day of light and love for me, you know
how I love to meet with other people! :)
We were the only sisters and he pulled me up to recite the Young Women
theme, to emphasize that principle： We are daughters of our Heavenly
Father, who loves us and we love Him...There are so many times I think
I know that, and then it comes in just a little deeper. His plan is perfect,
His plan is amazing. There are so many times I have been carried here in
Japan. There are times so sacred to me, so many times I know that I have
not been alone. This is His work, my beloved family and friends. His work is
for every, individual one of us to return to His presence. This is
not just about numbers, this is not about just a mass of people, just
as the Savior's Atonement wasn't. Numbers matter because every one of
those beautiful, sacred people are children of God. What do we fear, if we
truly know that this is true?
Add to that the Atonement, that makes up for our past mistakes... The
Savior has provided a way for each of us to be forgiven, for things to be
all right, a way for us to continue, to experience the joy of a new white page.
Suddenly the future is bright! Then take the knowledge of the Plan of
Salvation, and suddenly we know where we came from, who we are, and
where we are going. Add again the Atonement, add it again and again and
suddenly we are growing and progressing and one by one we gain Christ-like
attributes. Send a prophet with the authority and keys for us to fulfill the Plan
of Salvation, to return to our loving Heavenly Father with our families. What is
more incredible than this? Add sacred promises we can make with Heavenly
Father to receive blessings, and commandments He gives us so we can be safe
and progress in life, a living book to receive revelation on our journey and to
know the truth of the restoration - what is more important than this message?
It pains my heart how much I love it. My frame is small sometimes for the
emotions that fill it. I am amazed at the gifts of the Spirit!!!

I love my comp, and she is such a great missionary. I'm attaching a pic of her
preparing for Eikaiwa this week.

I love you, sweet, sweet family. Thank you so much for your prayers,
they help so much! I love you and I am grateful for your examples.

Cool miracle: one of our investigators Yoshiko Shimai called this week
after we asked her to start reading the Book of Mormon, and asked,
"What is a vision?" She is so great and so willing to study and learn,
and does what she says she will. She truly is great. I am so grateful
that we have the chance to share this message. We want to find even
more people to share this message with, in the Lord's time. What a
privilege it is.

Jesus Christ lives. I love him so much. He suffered in Gethsemane for you
and me...something so personal and real that He knows our every heartbeat. I
love you sweet family and friends. I know that we access His goodness
completely through His restored Church, and I rejoice in the opportunity to tell
others that the truth is on the earth once more. This is His living Church.
President Monson is His prophet on the earth today. This is the best, most
incredible message in the world. I love it and I love you!!

Love Always,
Andason Shimai
(I have been on a mission 8 months!! Doesn't it seem like just yesterday??)

**Jen's mom added this pic from the MTC just for fun!!!

GANBATTE! 頑張って (がんばって)

To My Fam,


What a week! Wow. Life is so amazing, and the Gospel is so amazing.
This truly is the work of the Lord, and I feel His strength every day.
He is so good to us! Thank you (family and friends!) for all of your
support, letters, packages, wedding announcements, prayers, and love. 
I really do love you all!!! You are wonderful, beautiful children of 
God with a divine purpose and are eternally loved of Him.


So this week... I sent my companion home and got a bean chan!! It was
a crazy day. Her name is Sister Belnap and she is from Lehi - so close to my 
hometown!  Can you believe it?? It is so fun!!!

Her faith is strong and it is so humbling for me to get the chance to work with her. 


It is so amazing to see the Lord's hand in so many aspects
of our lives. I am really feeling our training come to life in relying
on the Lord. This is such an incredible experience. I am asked to do
things everyday that I know I cannot do on my own. His mercy is so
immense, and I pray constantly for His guidance. What a blessing prayer
is, what a blessing the Atonement of Jesus Christ is. To know that the
Savior of the World, the Son of God, went into a garden and felt the
pains of me, of my investigators, of my family, of my companion, of
every beloved person in the world -- and not only that, every person who
has ever lived, the good and the bad, those who will accept the gift
and those who won't. Isn't this work wonderful? 


To think the effects of a prayer by a boy named Joseph Smith in a 
grove is what I am preaching and declaring in Japan, some 180 years
later, is so incredible. THIS WORK IS JESUS CHRIST'S WORK. 
Because of that prayer in that grove, we have the Gospel restored 
through which we can access the blessings of the Atonement,
including living forever as a family with our Heavenly Father again, 
to progress and become what He knows is in us. I love Jesus 
Christ. I am so grateful for the Restored Gospel.


President talked to me in my interview about the privilege of missionary 
work a little bit. (and the training plan!)
It was so fun to hear from His wisdom! I guess I have felt that a lot this 
week. Streeting, housing, the people who say no--it doesn't hurt the 
same way. It is so sad, but I am so grateful for the chance I get to 
proclaim the Gospel--no matter the consequence. Of course we want
them to listen! But I know that the Lord has numbered His sheep. 


My sweet family, and anyone who is reading this letter - Jesus Christ
loves YOU. He loves you enough that He went into that garden for YOU,
and not only that--He rose again so that we could live eternally with
Him and with our Heavenly Father, our eternal family. I am so humbled
to be the messenger of such a work. For a person so still imperfect,
with so much mortality, I am just so grateful that I get to be the
messenger for such a work. 


I also know that the power of a responsibility is real. Almost as soon 
as I met my bean chan, I felt that. I know that the Lord has entrusted 
me with the chance to work with her, and it is so fun to see her courage 
and see her courageously opening her mouth to the people of Akashi Shi.
I love this place. I love this work. I love this work! This week we passed a 
potential investigator to the Elders (He was a guy), and he became an
investigator!! So great. This work if TRUE. I know that I am
imperfect, but more than that I know of HIS goodness. I know of HIS
completeness. My testimony is burning holes in me! I just love the
work so much. I am humbled to be here, to get to bear the message. I
am so grateful for experience and hard things. 


So, here is what I was doing the night before my bean chan came -  
sewing socks in as pockets into my missionary bag to try to stay
organized,. Well, they are there but definitely didn't work... so much
for that idea. haha.



So I thought of a little game, as I was taking this picture...

Recently I am getting a very interesting, attractive tan line on my feet from my 
favorite pair of shoes. Today we polished our shoes, my companions and my 
good pair. Which one of these pairs of shoes is mine?
 (match the tan line... haha)

My companion got a little sick yesterday, so we went to the doctor's
this morning (I think she will be fine...) Yesterday we had a long day
at home, and at the end I was like twitching... what do I do in a
house that long? It is so great though. I know the Lord will help us
jump in running. We talked to a lady who is interested in another
religion while housing, but as we left, she gave us water bottles. (So
like the Japanese people... so like Him). Yesterday three of the
sweetest Relief Society sisters bustled into our house to check up on
the new Shimai who was sick, and brought food that she liked... a
brother we hadn't met till today dropped off more fruit... everyone is
giving us this beautiful expensive fruit! They are SO SWEET. These are
the people we are privileged to serve. I love these people. I love
them so much. We will work to find those who are ready to listen!


Also, at Eikaiwa a few weeks ago, this ojiisan (grandpa) had been
telling me that even though is in his 70s, he can do a handstand
(sakadachi). The other day I said something about it and he leaned
over on the table and lifted his whole body up until it was a
verticle line, totally out of the blue! I couldn't believe it!  I thought it 
was so funny, if you can just visualize it. Then after he gave the sisters 
some spearmint leaves. Maybe that's the secret of his ability to 
do that trick!  haha! 


This work is true. We are in the greatest cause in the world, the
greatest mission, to assist in the saving of the souls of men through
inviting them to Jesus Christ, whose work this is. 


I love you sweet Fam. I know the Lord is looking out for you. Sending
my love and knowing that you can always, a prayer away, feel His.



GANBATTE!
頑張って (がんばって)


Love you forever!
Andason Shimai

Oishi caki - yum!

Brother and Sister Anderson:  We thought you might enjoy reading the letter your daughter received as she was just made a trainer.


July 18, 2012


Dear Sister Anderson:


Congratulations on being called as a Trainer. This choice assignment indicates that you have performed well as a servant of the Lord, and that you have the leadership ability to inspire a new missionary to love this work and to be successful.


The Mission President's Handbook talks about the importance of a Trainer. In part, it says:


New missionaries first companions are an important influence during their entire missions. The mission president should call his most capable missionaries, those who are effective in baptizing converts and who will be able to help the new missionaries develop good skills and attributes, to serve as trainers of new missionaries. As senior companions, they need to train and motivate new missionaries so they begin their mission successfully. Senior companions should use the explain, demonstrate, practice, evaluate model as they train new missionaries. Trainers should diligently follow the daily schedule and obey mission rules. When training they should:


1. Cheerfully and patiently help new missionaries adapt and develop the basic skills and 
attributes from the Preach My Gospel.


2. Use the weekly companion-planning meeting to help new missionaries set goals and evaluate
progress.


3. Make sure their new companion participates fully as a contributing member of the missionary team.


4. Trainers help new missionaries be successful and productive from the very beginning. Senior
companions account to the district leaders and the mission president for the training of new 
missionaries.


As you embark on this new assignment remember that obedience is the first law of heaven. Teach this principle to your companion. Teach the importance of the Spirit by ensuring, through your words and example, that the Spirit is always a third member of your missionary team. Additionally, help your companion learn to teach by the Spirit. Moreover, give your companion a chance to pray and bear testimony as you proselyte.


I am grateful for your faith and diligence, and have every confidence that you will succeed in your vital role as one of the Lord's choice servants. I pray that he will bless you and your companion.


Faithfully,


Richard G. Zinke
Mission President

Flowers in my rice, Akashi Ads, and good news!

Konichiwa minasan! Watashi wa Andason Shimai desu! ha ha. 
Welcome to a short filler on... Akashi Advertisements! (wait... I think that's the
wrong headline...wrong button!)
So! I live in Akashi, in Japan. I talk to people who speak Japanese. A

lady we stopped the other day said I was the first Gaijin Onesan (foreigner...) 
her son had met . It is so great. This week when we were housing a lady 
stopped US and asked us to visit her friend! It's so great that she recognized 
us as people who could help. The work is good. Our investigators are a little 
up and down, but coming. Kana Chan is actually a little sick, so her baptism is really important. We got to talk to her Mom (I got to meet her mom) last night, and I think
she will support her in keeping the Word of Wisdom. We have our last
real lesson with her tonight (PMG lesson). 


Kana Chan (age 11)

We have 2 other investigators working towards baptism. One we met with 
this week we had a maze lesson... that I actually did in Oakrest and stole the
idea! (a rope and the "Holy Ghost" helping, at the beginning after you
raise your hand the helper comes... the end is a room with a picture
of the Savior... so iu kanji) More "experience" lessons will help our
investigators "feel" more we think. 


Shimaitaikai (women's conference) was great. (we did our ansho! It was a little stumbly but we made it! Yeah D&C 4! I definitely was up early still trying to memorize. 
I know that the Lord really helps His servants!) At the conference all of the sisters made a lamb, that was the theme...and talked about the virtue of sisters! I guess I don't like things where I have to do the same thing over and over again, like I was supposed to do to make this sheep, so my companion finished him for me... she is so nice! My sheep is George on the left sitting on his ball of yarn. . ha ha. President asked us to rise up to the virtues we know we have, they had a great list. 

Yesterday we had Stake Conference, but it was broadcast to the saints from the
states... and President Uchtdorf and Elder Oaks spoke! It was so
great. Whenever I hear talk about the youth, I get so excited. I've
probably written that in my journal like 6 times recently, how much I
love the youth and want to work with them! The rising generation
really is the future of the Church in Japan. So great! It was cool
because President Uchtdorf held up a temple recommend and the new
FTSOY (For the  Strength of Youth) book, and commented that they are about the same size. He promised that the standards in there would help the youth get to the temple. I wanted to write our youth (my buddies!!!) and tell them the value of following these standards... and to get a FTSOY book and remember to follow these standards. A lot about commandments also, and the rescue of less-actives. So great.


We ate with a member this week, and she prepared such a yummy meal with all sorts of dishes! I'll send a pic. So sweet. We had sakura rice... which actually has
flowers in it...and a lot of other great things. Who knew???

All of the spiritual feeding must occasionally have some really good physical food... (which happens a lot in Japan). Afterwards, my comp told me we can't visit her often because she goes all out and she doesn't have very much money. So sweet.


And! At Shimaitakikai I found out that our sweet investigator got permission from her mom to be baptized!!! Yes! I was so excited. 
This gospel is miraculous. I feel so often that I am just a simple teacher, but He 
is the master teacher. I feel privileged to get to bear His message. He is miraculous 
and the work is true!


Love until next time, 
Andason Shimai 


And, I love you you sweet fam!!!
You are so great, every one! Press on and rejoice in the work... how
he wants us to be happy! :)


Getting crafty in the kitchen to take some treats around!

We saw this truck with a truck. So funny.

Wow, can I just say... Dad looks great in a captain's suit! And

his beautiful ship wife! (ha ha. what do you call a captain's wife...)
So fun! How fun to spread the joy of the gospel. What lucky young adults 
to have you as leaders!


Note from Sister Jen's mom:
Here is the picture of which she writes, and an explanation...

Scott is the second counselor in the Riverton, Utah Young Single Adult Stake, and has many opportunities for fun service in this calling.  He was asked to pull together a "Summit" (conference/activity) for the stake and one other stake.  It did come together due to much diligence and a lot of help...and it happened this week-end. Approximately 1500 young adults gathered at the Jordan Institute of Religion and the adjacent Salt Lake Community College South Campus for a "Cruise" complete with "EFY" young adults leading group games, amazing entertainment (including Jessie Clark Funk, Susan Gray, Josephine Scere, Polynesian Dancers, and the Nate Anderson Trio), spiritual nourishment (including Sherrie Dew and John Bytheway), an incredible luau, and a dance.  Scott dressed the part of the "ship captain" and did his thing. Thanks for the hat, Laura! The Summit ended with a Sunday night fireside at the tabernacle in SLC featuring a YSA choir, a speaker (Dan Clark), and his daughter, McCall who sang some solos and a duet with David Osmond (who also did a solo), and a choir. Such a great event!  Thanks to all who helped!!!


From the mission president's blog (address is on the side bar)

We attended a baptism Sunday.   This one was for a young married couple from China.  They are here doing post-graduate work at one of the universities in Kobe, Japan.


They were introduced to the church by one of their professors who is from Venezuela.


They were taught the gospel by a New Zealander from Australia and an American.  


At the baptismal service the opening prayer was given by a young man who was just baptized last week.  He, too, is from China.  There was a talk given by an elder from Brazil.  The chorister was Japanese.  The pianist was American,  and the congregation included saints from England, The Philippines, USA, Brazil, China, Australia and Japan.  Quite a little meeting of the United Nations!


Heavenly Father truly does love all his children.  The prophecies of the gospel reaching every nation on earth are rapidly being fulfilled.  I know of almost no other place in the world, other than in this church, where a simple, modest baptismal service like this one could take place with participants from such a vast array of countries and appear relatively normal.  The Church of Jesus Christ takes the Savior's admonition to, "Go ye into all the world..." seriously.  The fruits are sweet, aren't they?