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.