Happy New Year

January 3, 2017

Dear Friends and Family,
I would like to congratulate you for all growing and learning in 2016,
and now look forward, and plan for who you want to become by the end
of 2017. Life occurs two ways, Intentionally, or accidentally. When
the day comes that we have to account for all that we have done, let
us not be found in the latter.


The new year is the biggest time of celebration in Japan! It is huge!!
We have been fed every lunch and dinner for the last 5 days straight
from the members. We have not been allowed to do missionary work from
the 31-3 (Today). Four whole days, that because of the danger/people
all being drunk and not wanting to listen, we didn't do missionary
work as far as finding or meeting with investigators. It has been
really interesting! We have studied the Book of Mormon, cleaned the
apartment, and played a ton of ping pong!


These meals with members have been really awesome. We have had some
really good food, and have been able to experience some really cool
things about Japanese culture. My companion and the other brand new to
japan elder in our apartment, had a fun time eating some really
japanesy foods that take some getting used to. I will send some good
pics of the meals that we have been eating. The Japanese members have
been so kind, and have really taken us into their families and let us
feel the love of home. One member named brother Tanji, made really
great food for us, and even made an incredible strawberry short cake,
the kinds that you buy in the stores here for like 40 bucks. And then
he opened our present that we gave him, Graham choro made these really
cool little wood half house kind of things that have pictures of
Jesus, us as the missionaries (kind of a Christmas card), and then
Sapporo temple. It was a really cool gift. We gave that to all of the
members, with a lot of missionary supplies, for them to give to their
friends or if they have an opportunity to do missionary work. Anyway
he opened our gift, and just started crying, and saying how this was
the most spiritual/thoughtful gift he has ever received. It was a very
tender, and sacred moment for us as missionaries. I love being a
missionary!! Have a very great year everyone!!! I love you all!!

Love,