I love my district, I
really do. It surprises me how well I know, love, and appreciate them and
I think that will only grow stronger in the remaining time I have here at the
MTC. Woot! I do have to think a little more before I write in English--no
pontificating or fancy words (other than that one) from me these days! I
embrace the idea of making errors in my spelling and grammar because the
requirement now is to be a speedy typer to try and get it all out! Well,
I probably still will be pretty conscious of how my words sound and look like,
the emails will just be stream of consciousness--as that last sentence pretty
much was.
ANYHOW, this week has been great. I feel like I am learning how to be humble a lot more--more
willing to make mistakes in speaking so that I may learn from them--and more
accepting of myself and people as we are and of hoping for/working
for/encouraging for who we may become through the Atonement of Jesus
Christ. It is so cool, the doctrine of sacrifice, service, refining,
chastening, and becoming. I am learning more and more how to love and
relish and seek these things.
Ahh, this world! Is it not
beautiful?! (Apparently this grammar pattern is used a lot in
Japan. Sweet, eh?)
Do you remember how my
setting apart talked about me helping people with the language? It is
happening and I love it. Every time I work on a translation or grammar
principle or word recognition with someone, my mind goes back to that and I am
gently yet powerfully reminded of God's awareness of us and how He can use
us when we are willing. It is AWESOME. Such a gift,
blessing, and responsibility!
The theme for this
week seemed to be preparation. Preparing to teach, preparing to serve,
preparing for lessons, preparing plans for study time, preparing plans for each
day, etc. This focus encouraged me to reflect on my own preparation for a
mission. For me, my preparation, like my decision to serve, was really
gradual but also really generous. I've thought a lot about how
serving a mission, teaching, learning Japanese, and so many other
experiences here have felt so natural or logical. It is mind blowing
and spirit lifting. I've also reflected on how the Spirit works
logically and reasonably. We had Elder Jay E. Jensen come speak at
the Tuesday devotional this week and he talked about teaching by
the Spirit, how it is "presenting well what is planned, following reason
and logic, speaking convincingly in a normal voice, and departing from the
plan (as the exception not the rule). This way teaching by the
Spirit starts with preparing with/by the Spirit. It helped me realize how
focused we need to be in this work, at every stage in it. Sometimes, to
be honest, it is really wearying. BUT, the Lord strengthens us so that we
can do it and help others come unto Christ. It is so cool, dear
reader. So beautiful!
Also, one of our
teachers was out of town this week (and a description of teachers is coming
soon, I promise. They are wonderful.) and so we had a
substitute teacher. And he was FROM JAPAN! Ahh! This
might sound kind of weird but I was just fascinated by his Japanese-ness,
listening closely to how he spoke, his mannerisms, his descriptions of Japan
(our district plied him with questions, including "Are there ninjas in
Japan?"). It was like a taste of what is to come. I
love Japanese people. I am so excited to serve among them, to
talk with them, learn with them, love them, and serve them. It is
thrilling. I love the MTC and am happy to stay here (yay for practice and
learning!) but I am looking forward to the time where I will go
there.
So, so, so much love,
Williams shimai
PS--HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SOON STEPH! YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER SWEEPSTAKES AND DO SO MUCH MORE.
WOO-HOOO!
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