4/30/1990

What happened today you ask? Well, I think I might just tell you. I slept all the way until 6:20. That was bad. I knocked out my alarm clock as usual at 5:00 and shoved it under my futon. Then when my companions alarm went off I woke up thinking it was 5:20 which is when he kind of wakes up. But on this particular day, P Day, he had set it for 6:20, so that is when I awoke. Dame (bad!) After scripture study, we shopped and then went to the church for yet another baptism meeting. Two young boys of 14 and 11 whose last name is Issome. They are great kids. Now their whole family except for the mother are church members and she is going to be next. She just has a fear of water. But she can handle 3 seconds Im sure!

4/29/1990

Oh, what a wonderful world! Many souls went under the water and received remission of their sins. 41 souls today came unto Christ through his name. And in this mission that is incredible not to mention that in the rest of Japan it is unheard of. I am truly lucky to be serving in the Japan, Sendai Mission. So far, this month the mission as a whole has seen 80 baptisms. We got lots of help through prayer and fasting. President Niiyama set a goal to have 100 baptisms in one month when he first came here almost three years ago. At that time people laughed at him. But now the vision is becoming a reality and is definitely within reach. It is fantastic just to be a part of this great work. And as prophesied by President Kimball, the day will soon come when Japan will supply missionaries to Russia & China.

4/28/1990

I ATE SQUID! It was indescribable. Therefore, I wont describe it. During district dendo today I was with Elder Lay. It was a good experience. There were some older people working outside in their garden, and it was one of the most beautiful yards I have seen so far. It was hard for me to go up to them while they were working for some reason, so we went to the next house. This seemed to work on my conscience for a while and we talked about it and felt it was best to give everyone a chance. So we walked back and rang the doorbell. It wasnt a great response as she shut the door almost as quickly as she opened it. But I felt better knowing that we had at least given them a chance.

4/27/1990

This morning we had a kukai (eating fest) at the church. That is, we went there to study and some of the missionaries cooked breakfast. They made pancakes and we put peanut butter and jam on top - in which was good as peanut butter is faily rare. Afterwards, I went out with Elder Lay and helped one of the Relief Society stir her soap. It didnt seem like work as it would usually. It wasnt too bad in the sense that it is service. Kore Kara- Banzai! My money came! From there I went with my companion to a baptismal interview. Here in Izumi (Big Water or Fountain) things are looking great! This month we should have at least 10 baptisms! And up til now the most ever seen has been three. The work is getting bigger and stronger. Looking forward to it!

4/26/1990

This morning we got up at 5:30 - not too much rest. Then we had to rided to Brecksa and Nobumotos bikes to our apartment for gospel study. After that we rode their bikes back to them. Then to the church and my companion had a flat tire. So we had to get it fixed. Then we went bike proselyting and didnt find too many people around. So we decided to go eat lunch. It was the first time I actually cooked. And it was still good even. Then we went to a members house and chatted and ate - a lot! They are really nice people, but I felt kin of like a statue with as much as I talked. Then to Eikaiwa (English conversation classs) It was fun. Sato san was there who we met last week. He is awesome! I also met the funniest Nihonjin yet- Steve Kun. My jaws still ache from laughing so much!

4/25/1990

Firstly, I used my first squatter today. It was interesting. Ask me about it sometime. Then we dendoed and not much came out of it. We even went to a house where we met a nice guy- then we found out that the house we were at was actually a church. The Nihon Kirisuto Kyoukai! (Japan church of Christ) Whoops! Afterwards, my companion had a training with the zone leaders. I was in the other room when Elder Wilson (AP) came to get Elder Brecksa to go to an appointment with President Niiyama. Then for some reason Elder Brecksa wanted me to go. I ended up proselyting with Elder Wilson. He makes dendo fun. We had a great time. I guess it is as fun as you make it. After the President finished it was about 10:30 p.m. Uh oh! Me and my dode had to slumber at Elder Brecksas apartment because it was so late.

4/24/1990

I saw a big dog. He wanted to eat me up. I dont think missionaries would taste too good. He was a German Shepard and he was bigger than I was, so we skipped that house. It looked like the pole he was chained to was being pulled loose, and he was drooling a bit too much. I think I should start carrying a weapon. From that, I went up to the college with Messick Chourou to a lesson. The man was 19 and has a great personality. He even had us play his Nintendo a bit. He was pretty impressed with my Mario Brothers performance. Then we went downstairs for a snack and there were five 15 year olds who lived in the apartment who wanted to practice English. It was a riot! They think all Americans have guns and then Messick reached in his coat and pulled out his hand real fast. Boy, did their eyes get big! It really was kind of funny.

4/23/1990

P. DAY! Banzai!! (yipee!) Woke up, went to the other Elders apartment and benkyoued (studied) while my companion went to a district leader meeting. Afterwards we sat and talked. It was nice to sit back and rap a little. I also went to the store to go shopping and I was down to my last sen two= which is about 8 dollars. So needless to say, we didnt get too many groceries. But we didnt need too many as we didnt eat too much this last week. Then, we got back at around 11:30 and I sat down to write letters. And boy did I write letters!. I cranked out a couple of four pagers and some postcards. I better get some good respnses or Ill be shownin some of my samurai moves when I go back. I finished writing at 4:30 - talk about cramps!

4/22/1990

This day was yesterday, and on that particular day the fact that I needed to write in my journal totally slipped my mind. Therefore, while the memories are fairly fresh, I decided to cheat a bit and write today. I figure it is better that way than not at all- Right? It was a Sunday and we had church of course. Church here starts at 9:00 a.m. with a report of the missionaries activities and investigators of the last week. Then we had the meetings, and anyway by the time we had done everything church ends at 2 or 3. Then my companion and I were feeling a bit sick and went back to the apartment, ate to break our fast for investigators and fell asleep and didnt wake up til 7:00 p.m.

4/21/1990

Oh, it is wonderful that he would care for me enought to help us find an awesome family of five wants to hear about the gospel, and has everyone above the age of eight! It was incredible. One of the first times I have done the door approach and the husband has been home. Automatically he asked us to come in. We showed him our jikoshokai (self introduction) and then his wife had fixed us some ramen of some sort. They are great people! Their whole family was genki (happy) and the cutest little nine year old girl whom we automatically became friends with. She seemed fascinated with my blue eyes. She said "目が青い" (me ga aoi) (you have blue eyes.) and she kept staring at me so I would make funny faces and go cross-eyed and she would laugh. These people are so nice. They knew it was hard for me to understand what they were saying, so they told me in Japanese and after my dode(companion) translated for me - "If you are ever depressed or are having troubles with the language just come and visit us and we will cheer you up!" Now, isnt that awesome?! I love these people. I cant wait until next time!
And it didnt stop there! I went on a split with Nobumoto chourou and we went to an appointment where they had been yesterday and Shimizusan let us right in. Nobumoto Chourou showed him his jikoshokai and thenI was about to do mine and I told Shimizusan that I didnt understand very much Japanese. So, in English he asked me how long I have been here and such. He had learned English in Sri Lanka while there for 2 1/2 years. It felt pretty weird talking to him in English- but it made things a little bit easier in a sense. Then Nobumoto chourou taught him the lesson for a while and Shimizu san seemed interested. They had a cute 3 month old baby and I was looking at the child and mentally asking him if he had some things in his memory that he could tell his dad about. It was a very spiritual moment. The baby kept looking at me as if saying "little do you know" Afterwards, I told Shimizu san in English that I had only understood a little of what they were talking about, but I testified that I had just read the Book of Mormon and knew of the truths in it, and that was why I was here in Japan to share.

4/20/1990

At first it was blah. At last it was shishboombah! I think I was pretty much spiritually drained this morning during benkyou kai (study meeting). I basically passed out. I just didnt seem to be able to concentrate. From there I went on a split with Elder Finlinson. Before we left though I felt like I needed to pray by myself. I went into an isolated room and prayed in English. It made it a little easier to say the things I wanted. Then before we went proselyting we decided to pray again as to where we should go. It must have been some divine intervention because we picked basically the same place. Then we went and found a great young man on the way. I think he was the one we were looking for!

4/19/1990

OK. We did a little bit of dendou (proselyting) today. It was a beautiful bike reide. I was tripping out. The scenery was intense. Various farms and forests, mountains and rivers. It was very pretty. It is hard for me to concentrate at those times when I wish I had my camera. We were stopped along the side of a highway trying to figure out which road to go on, when I saw cars driving by and the people were looking at us like Americans would at a bison or bear at Yellowstone. I was surprised they didnt stop their cars and try and feed us food. Then tonight Finlinson Chorou and I taught Eikaiwa or English class. It was hard because I couldnt understand them very well, and wondered if they could understand me.

4/18/1990

Basically, I studied all day today. You are probably wondering 'why' most likely so I think I might just tell you. I woke up at 5:30, showered and got dressed. I studied the lesson plan for an hour, and by the time we were about to start benkyou kai (study meeting) my companion still wasnt up. I looked in at him and he just groaned. He looked pretty sick. Well, really he not only looked sick , but was sick. So we stayed at the apartment all day, eexcept for the time we went across the street and got my companion some orange juice and I got these little cookie things with the funny stickers. Maybe Ill translate it later (Keriton Kid)

4/17/1990

Interesting. To start the day we had mugi (wheat cereal). And before that we even got up at 5:30 and went jogging and did some other various exercises. I think I am a bit out of shape but it woke me up pretty good and I was in a good mood this morning. I think that that partly came from the hour of study that we get in the morning to go over the gospel. It is great to learn more each day. Afterwards, we had training at the church and everyone except me had an interview with Church Chourou, the Zone Leader. I think I need to talk more to the Lord to work out the things that I feel inside. After we finished lunch we are fasting to see 100 baptisms this month- And we can do it! Then my companion needed to come home because he was sick. I figured that this would be a good opportunity to study some more, so I hopped in Elder Messicks futon where it was warm and I started reading a Marvelous Work and a Wonder. Interesting. Then I thought I would just close my eyes for about 5 minutes - but guess what? That is not too effective. I think I was out for about 2 hours. One neat experience that happened before I zonked was there was one of the trucks that drive around playing weird music was parked outside our apartment. After 10 minutes or so, while I was trying to study it got a bit annoying. So in a sense I started to pray for it to go away. And as soon as I finished, the music stopped! It was a great thing that helped build my faith.

4/16/1990

Today was P-Day. It started rather late - at 6:30 a.m. I woke up. Whoops! Maybe that was partly due to the fact that we switched companions and Elder Nelson slept at Elder Lays apartment and Elder Lay slept here. My companion had to go to a ZL taikai (meeting) in Sendai. So in other words, I didnt hear my companions pig alarm clock yelling 'Ohayou, Ohayou!" or good morning. Other than that I got a juicy package from the family with swome good loot in it - Jerky, Candy, Stuffing, peanut butter. Good stuff that they done have here. Then I wrote them back a 4 pager and sent Brian a Japanese card with a translation and a surprise - a dried up octopus. I am looking forward to the reaction.

4/15/1990

EASTER! YAHOO DESHITA! [was great] It was hard to constantly think about the real meaning of Easter today. The Japanese dont really celebrate it here with as much of a bang as we do in America. So first we went to church and figured that everyone in the U. S. was probably doing last minute egg buying excursions and such, because there it would have been Saturday night still. In sacrament I had to stand in front of our ward and do my jikoshokai [self introduction] It was a little nbit never racking. My face turned red and in my broken Japanese I testified and told a little about myself. Afterwards I found that I had told them I worked at a zoo instead of a a pet store.

4/14/1990

Just got back from the college that is right over the hill behind our apartment. It is a beautiful campus. Today was a bit drizzly, so I bought a kappa [raincoat] to keep the water out. Anyway, we scaled a few hills and go to the campus. Then we looked for the apartments which we were assigned to dendo at. Then my companion couldnt find his list, so we decided to go find a phone and call some other missionaries who could tell us where we were supposed to go. On the way while we were looking for a phone, Elder Nelson stopped a student to ask for directions. And guess what?! He was a kinjin [golden investigator!] He was a really happy person and was excited to meet with us on Tuesday.

4/13/1990

Firday the thirteenth was today. OOh Scary! Well maybe I guess it was now that I look at it. I just got off the phone with a real Japanese person which was a first. She was cruising and I only picked out a few words. But basically I told her to call back at 9:30 when Finlinson Chourou will be back. Also earlier I went on a split again with Elder McLellan. Two greenies out facing the world with the help of the Lord. It is not as nerve racking knowing that our Savior is backing us up. It was raining pretty hard and I figured that people didnt want to stay home when it was such nice weather. So basically, hardly anyone was home. Now to end the day my companion has got a migraine, so I am staying home with him.

4/12/1990

Yes siree! I was just spiritually re-vitalized! Tonight I was lucky enough to perform the first baptism of my mission and my life for that matter! And as my patriarchal blessing states: Baptism is something that I will be able to base the rest of my life on spiritually. It was intense I could feel the power of the Holy Ghost as I stepped into the font. Then Akama Kaoru shimai stepped down also. We were both a little nervous but got into position. I said the prayer slowly but surely to make sure I didnt make any mistakes. I was a little shaky but everything came out just fine with the help of the Lord. Then gently I led her down in the water and pushed until I saw that everything had gone under and then eased her up. The witness' then shut the curtain which meant that everything went fine. Then we just stood there and soaked it in for a moment. Akama Shimai felt it and knew what she had just partaken in: The symbolism of the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the necessary steps that must be taken to return to live with God again one day and to become like him. As I stood in the bathroom dressing room by myself in my wet baptismal clothes, I reflected on the experience that had just taken place and then my whole being started to tremor not from the chill of the water that was in my wet clothes-- but rather, it was from the Spirit of God which came to me to bear testimony of the truth of the ordinance which had just been performed. Everyone said how lovely the baptism was and how smoothly it went. It did feel good and I thank the Lord for the strength he game me and Akama Shimai in the baptism. I just want to let this feeling go throughout my body and be able to remember what a special occasion baptism is and the direction in which it leads peoples lives. This has helped my testimony grow and now I know how effective it is for others to view baptisms and see how special the performance is and the spirit that is there!

4/11/1990

Wow! Wow! Oh this is wonderful! I feel good! This was a great day. My companion is awesome. We pulled about four appointments. The people here are incredible! Some of them are starting to figure out what life is all about. This evening I went on a split with Elder Mclellan who come in at the same time as me, and it was interesting. We stopped about everyone. Went through the intro and then everyone said they were in a hurry and took off. It was a good experience though. Then to cap it off about an hour ago we had a great lesson with a great guy who feels that the purpose of life is to show and give love. He is on the ball. We see him again on Saturday. Cant wait!

[This was added on as some type of epiphany that I had this particular day]
I am here.. finally. It is something I have watched for and waited for since when I was in primary and sand the song 'I hope they call me on a mission' But then I started growing up. Getting older and taller- but was I getting wiser? Was the desire still in my heart as it had been when I was a child? I went to school and learned many things. Of course I learned about math and history, but I also learned about the ways of the world. Was I concerned at that time about what my Father in Heaven wanted me to do and had planned for me? Or was I worried about the things of the world, the various material things in which I would become so involved- if only for my own personal desires? I am now beginning to understand that through the various works of the gospel and in trying to share the happiness that comes from it with others is the real way in which we can experience true joy. There are many things to think about and many things to look forward to. That is why I came on a mission. To come to serve my Lord and to have the hope that others may benefit from this time to service. I know that I have yet begun to grow and many great things the Lord has laid in store for me will be a big factor in determining the way I lead the rest of my life and the righteous path which it will take. It might be hard to not stay in the groove of the path which has been worn down by the bicycles and feet that have been there before. Then I see the grass on the side and its beauty and feel that that is the way that I need to go-- not follow the well worn path made by man-- I will go the way of the Lord. it is much more delightful wit the grass around my feet, and being able to see-- not dirt, but a more beautiful way of life that lays in store.

4/10/1990

Kore kara - nan to iu? [now what is it called?] This morning we had an appointment, but the guy wasnt there so we are going to go back tomorrow. His house was at the top of a big hill- in which to get up it takes a pretty good amount of faith. Then after that, I went on a split with Nobumoto Chourou and guess which hill we went up again? Yes, thats right. It was pretty taihen [terrible]. We dendoed for 3 hours and did houses and apartments - and it was pretty much fruitless. But that didnt get us down. We had a great time. I have found that the language barrier doesnt matter too much. A smile always does wonders.

4/9/1990

When I llok back at things now, boy have I learned a lot. Many of the things which we went over at the MTC are coming to my brain almost automatically in conversation and so forth. I dont think I have been as thankful as I should have. I have gotten a lot of help from the Lord and my MTC Senseitachi [teachers]. I had a great day. I went to Elder Lay, Hopper, Brecksa and Nobumoto's apartment while my companion went to a District Leaders meeting. It is nice to sit back and just talk to the other elders about life; how it was and how its going to be. Then we went and colored Easter eggs. Tanoshikatta ne! [it was fun]

4/8/1990

I go to church at 9:00 today for a meeting in which the senpais [senior companions] gave the reports for the week on investigator standings. It was all in Japanese, so it basically all flew over my head so I just studied. Then we went to sacrament and I studied the lesson plan as people gave their talks. My companion did his self introduction in front of everyone in his wonderful Japanese. Now guess who gets to do it next week? Thats right! Yours truly. It should prove to be interesting. I cant wait. Then I sent with Elder Messick to an appointment at McDonalds of all places. I know what he really wanted. And he pulled a prayer commitment too!

4/7/1990

We woke at 5:00 gurai [about] today, or I did anyway and passed off some of the lesson plan. It is difficult to get up in the morning because it is so warm in the futon and so cold in the room and even in the shower. There isnt insulation and I can see my breath most of the time. From there we went and had breakfast with the district and I sat in on a baptism interview for Sister Matsuda who is getting baptized tommorow! Then we had district dendo & I went with Finlinson Choro again and met some great people. One young man we gave a Book of Mormon to. He was grewat. Afterwards, we went and saw some Jr High kids playing basebal and went and game them some Eikaiwa [english conversation] papers to come to our class. Then I played a litte ball and whacked the ball way into someones backyard. I think they were actually kind of impressed.

4/6/1990

Today was my first Zone Taikai [meeting]. It was wonderful. It started at 9:30 a.m. & ended at 6:00 p.m.- even through that the day didnt seem long. I heard quite a few great talks. After we ate we had training and went over the door approach and working on goals. It was quite inspiring. Then we had a stupendous testimony meeting. I hadnt thought about it before but one of the elders was talking about how today is the Lords birthday. And also the 160th anniversary of the church being organized. Just looking at how much the church has grown and progressed is amazing. And it is just starting to move now!

4/5/1990

I got a letter from Ashley and mom today, even though the rest of my family has forsaken me. I think it takes about 7-10 days for mail to get here to Japan from America, so they probably havent got the package I sent them a week ago. Today I was in on a lesson in which Matsuda Shimai told us some of her concerns about tithing. I understood a bit more than the first time but I didnt know until we finished that she had prayed to the Lord that if the law was right for her that she would see it in a dream and be answered-- and she was!

4/4/1990

What happened today? I dont quite recall. I will have to write about it later when I remember... OK, I think I remember now. In Japan it is now 10:10 p.m. so back home in Utah, it is most likely about 4:10 in the morning. So while the rest of my family is sleeping, I am studying and just beginning to get tired. I think it is still kind of difficult to get up in the morning. I guess I am not trying hard enough. I need to think of the reasons as to why I am out here and all of the things that I want to accomplish. Things like that should inspire me a bit... Kana [I think]

4/3/1990

I went dendoing [proselyting] this morning with Finlinson Chourou again. It was pretty nice. I am still a little apprehensive about contacting people. Its not that Im scared, but I think that it is more like I am not sure about how well I can talk to them, or how well they will understand me. I am starting to gradually pick out more and more words as I go along and even coming to comprehend a little bit out of how fast they all talk. It is gradually starting to make more and more sense. I think I need to rely on the Lord more through. I am sure many blessings will benefit from that.

4/2/1990

Today was p-day now that I think of it. First I woke early to take my dode [companion] to the subway. I split & stayed with Lay chorou at his apato [apartment]. I passed off some of the lesson plan and slept a little besides that. Then after that we went to a golf driving range nearby and hit some balls. I am pretty darn good if I do say so myself- and I am humble besides that. Then we had D.M Kai {District Meeting] and talked about how things are going in the Izumi district. Wee need to start cranking. I had the opportunity afterwards to sit in on a blessing for an Elder afterwards and see the power of the priesthood in action.

4/1/1990

April Fools!! I wouldnt have even known that today was a holiday if I hadnt seen the name on someones dayplanner. It wasnt really a normal April Fools Day. I understood a little bit more of sacrament today. It was fast Sunday- so maybe it was that everyone was talking in a manner that I am more familiar with- the religious side. I am not saying that I am really knowledgeable on the gospel side of the language, but I do understand a bit more of it than the normal everyday conversation. I feel pretty good now. I am just going to wait out the time to know the language better, and I know that the Lord will help me.

3/31/1990

I started a little slow today & didnt want to wake up too much. Then I crashed during Book of Mormon reading & felt a little bad. Then I went & statyed with Elder Brecksa who was sick, and his dode went and taught a lesson. We talked about some of his different douryous [companions] the good and the bad. Its a little scary to think that there are some elders out there who dont obey the rules. On a great note I went out dendoing with Elder Finlinson ( Who is from our stake in Holladay) who has been here for 2 months in the rain. We had to follow the spirit and get help from the Lord and we met a kinjin [golden] and I gave away my first Book of Mormon. Yatta! [yippee] it was awesome.

3/30/1990

I suppose I should be celebrating my week anniversary her in Izumi. So today we merfed [wasted time] out. we had to check on a new apartment for some other elders. It is quite luxurious by any standard. And for a missionary apt they might get a little bit big headed- because in comparison to our apt. it is a mansion. After that we helped a lady chase down her Labrador retriever. Then go on a bus to get another Elders jikoshokai that he left at the sports center. So we didnt get a lot done. We did go housing & it wasnt too fruitful. Some of the people didnt answer the door after looking through the peephole and seeing two large gaijin [foreigners] outside. I guess it scared her a little. And another after I saw her run down the hall told her 2 year old son to answer the door and say she wasnt there. So we are ganbaru'ing [hanging in there]

3/29/1990

It was nice. OK- it was better than nice, it was awesome! I went on a split with Elder Hopper and we found a kinjin [golden person] right off. He was wonderful- no excuses or anything. We asked him if we could show our jikoushokai [self-introduction] and he didnt beat around the bush, he just said "Hai" Then Elder Hopper talked with him for a while and set an appointment. It was incredible. I just stood there in awe while his Japanese flowed out. I feel that with the Lords help this man will understand our message.. Then we taught English class and it was a riot. Just to see a few Nihonjin sing "my kitty Cat craves Crave" Shini sou ni narimashita [I almost died]

3/28/1990

I saw my first baptism today. It was grand. The shimais [sisters] name was Akiko Matsuda. I got to participate in her lessons a little, but obviously I didnt say too much. It was a really special moment and I felt the spirit very strongly. As my [patriarchal] blessing says , seeing baptisms will be something on which I can base my testimony for the rest of my life by seeing the joy the gospel brings to others. And this young lady was very happy. It certainly does change lives. Her mom has even committed to baptism for next Sunday. This is a great work & I am loving it!

3/27/1990

Well one day I figure I will be able to write strictly in Japanese in here, kanji and all- but for now I will stick to the English script. I got to dendo with Elder Lay and it was awesome! He has only been out a little while and he already talks pretty well and the Japanese understand him pretty good. It looks like I have another goal to go for. We were riding down a hill, and I was about to pass a kid and Elder Lay told me to stop. That we needed to talk to this young man. I am not quite tuned in with the spirit yet because this guy seems prime!

3/26/1990

Today was my first P-day [Preparation day] in Japan. We slept. After that we went to the store and bought some interesting looking foods. I also got my new bike and it works great. I dont have to pump half as hard to get to the top of the humongous hill on which our apartment is on. At 5:00 we had DM kai [District Meeting] and set some goals for baptism and such. We have a great group and I know that we can meet them. Then Nelson choro and I went and did a little bike dendo. He stopped one guy who seemed interested in coming to English class. I hope to see him there!

3/25/1990

It is one big wave out here. I was on a little roll this morning at sacrament meeting. I hope that it was jet-lag, because I started to nod off a little. It was just a little frustrating to hear how fast they all talked, and not to have a clue as to what they were talking about. But that doesn't matter- it is going to come. I know it. I saw my first lesson and gave a little akashi [testimony]. I was pumped up with the spirit & I felt the investigators spirit as well. The daughter is going to get baptized on Wednesday! I cant wait to see it.

3/24/1990

DITTO! I had a kikai [opportunity] in which I got to with with a Nihonjin [Japanese person] today. He is awesome. His name is Nobumoto san - to omoimasu[i think]. Communication doesnt even seem to hinder us from getting along well and basically understanding each other from the inside. I guess when I look at it this was my 1st whole day of Dendo [proselyting]- kind of. We shopped a little bit too for some hitsuyou [necessary] items. The store we went to was humongous. People were everywhere. It is kind of fun to see the reaction we get from some of the Nihonjin- always doing double takes. I dont know if its bad, but I kid of like the attention. But most of all I like the Nihonjin.
[following is a small note I took from a meeting]
Where it says in the scriptures: "Man is that he might have joy"- now I know what it is talking about. This is it! I am totally happy to be here there is nothing in the world that I would rather be doing! In other words- we got an appointment!

3/23/1990

Oh what a beautiful day! I love this place! It is my daiskii [favorite] I went out to dendo [proselyte] for a skoshii [little] with a dode [companion] who has been here for four months- and he was cranking . It was great to see how rapidly everyone excels with the Lords help. As of now I am in my first area, Izumi. North of Sendai with a new dode an in my first apt. My dode leaves in two months so I know by that time I am moving on out. He is great a ZA {Zone assistant)Nelson Choro [Elder] and cruises with the Japanese. Things are looking good I am stoked!

3/21/1990

It looks like I missed most of last week- and I lost a day since getting to Japan. Oh yeah, by the way, I am in Japan, and it is awesome! It is very different- but in a good way. Everything is completely different. I haven't seen too much of the place- just the airport at Osaka & even talked to a couple of people. It was incredible to see mount Fuji & then to get to Japan Sendai and see the lights of the city and area in which I would spend the next couple of years of my life, and maybe even touch the lives of some of the people that lived in those house & make their lights a little better. Seemed like a dream come true.

Missionary Journal of Todd Miller in Sendai, Japan, 1990-1992

I will be transcribing all of my journal entries that I kept as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while serving in the Japan, Sendai mission from 1990-1992. Where I now have the pages that were written preserved in one copy, I will now make an effort to conserve them digitally to have a backup copy.
It will also be nice to 're-experience' my experiences of 20 years ago as I post them electronically.

I will be trying to keep the text and spelling like how it is written out on the pages of my journal to maintain a sense of authenticity. Occassionally, I will scan in pictures and even the pages that I wrote. There are a number of occasions where I wrote words in Japanese mixed with English. These I will translate in brackets in [English]. Also, any other editors notes will be noted in [brackets]

The journal will start after my Missionary Training Center (MTC) experience. (I seem to have misplaced those entries) The first day I have records for is from 3/21/90, after I had been in Japan for a few days.