Kamisugi Transfer 8 Week 6

Hey loved ones! 

No time this week but the news is I'm headed north to Aomori to be companions with elder Kugai, finally, a Japanese companion again! Aomori is the coldest place in the mission for the months of February and March so wish me luck! I'm looking forward to our apartment- has some fun people! And I'm looking forward to the change. Heading to the mission home tonight for some more training tomorrow and tomorrow evening I'm headed on my own to Aomori- a 4 and a half hour bus ride:)

The Kamisugi district that I so dearly love is having a HUGE change. There are 2 more elders joining in the apartment and they are joining as a district with another area to turn our 6 person district into 12 people! Nuts! And it's complete chaos making room in the apartment, kinda relieved I don't have to stay for it. 

No change with much else this week. Stayed busy and saw multiple miracles personally this week from choosing to listen and obey even the smallest urges or promptings from the Holy Ghost. Talked to a lot of people this week on the streets and it was overall a good last week here in the city. Going to miss the amazing dendou Fire and missionary support of this great Ward but I've been called to a different part of the Lord's vineyard and am looking forward to the next chapter of the mission! 

Love you all!

Our investigator Sam and his "girlfriend". They always buy us way expensive delicious food/ The Hosois. You can find her on FB for more missionary pics

Kamisugi Transfer 8 Week 4

Hey guys!

Some more snow, some great meetings, learned a lot and achieved goals this week.

Yesterday's Sunday school lesson was from the Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 16-22 and it was a single verse we talked about that changed my entire attitude and perspective on life. 
1 Nephi 18:16 "Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions. "
Nephi was nothing short of a valiant servant and faithful follower of God's command. He was exactly obedient, he worked hard, diligent, faithful, set a good example to his family, and he believed and trusted in God. Yet, on their way to the promised land of America his older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, tied him and bound him to a mast of the ship they were aboard so tightly he couldn't even move... For 4 straight days he was tied up! Why? Because Nephi chastised them for forgetting the reason why they were able to make it to where they were- Well on their way to America, happy and healthy. They partied and rejoiced and began praising themselves for being able to make it all that way. But, what Nephi was trying to tell them, it was because of God and His goodness. His brothers basically said to Nephi's chastisement "ah, shut up little brother. What are you trying to do talking to us like this," and tied him up. This is what he got for his faithfulness to God and for standing for what's right in front of his complaining family! Goes to show how far God will test some of us and it's up to us, in those times of unfair trials, whether we are made or broken (make it or break it). 'Making it' meaning the Kelly Clarkson meaning of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", growing stronger and closer to God through the trial OR 'breaking it' meaning you give up on God, and turn your back on Him for the test He has given you. Storms of the sea began from the first day Nephi was tied up. The direction of the boat lost course and the weather got more and more severe to the point where the boat and everyone on board's life were in danger. His brothers, being as ignorant and foolish as they were, didn't realize that if only they would listen to and follow the counsel of their younger but wiser brother they would be saved form the tempest. When Laman and Lemuel finally realized what was happening and that their lives were in danger, they untied him. Nephi's wrists and ankles... I can't imagine how badly they hurt and how swollen they were but the first thing Nephi says is this verse of scripture, "I did look unto my God and praised Him all day long!" Even though we are a lot of the times like Nephi, simply giving it our all, no matter how awful, trying, unfair, defeating and beating life's trials can be, this is how we should respond to any affliction AND to any blessing, at all times in all places, in good times and bad. Praise the Lord. Give thanks, and trust in good things to come. 

That's what I learned this week. Don't know what else to tell you so I'll attach some pics.

Elder Robins

ロビンズ長老

In the city. Shinkansen (bullet) train coming through on the tracks.

Me and some members all the way back from the MTC! My MTC companion, Elder Thompson on the left and Elder Morris on the right. They are such studs.