Week 18: Zone Conference & Thanksgiving (Week 9 on the field)

Hey,

It's been a while but that's because this week was Zone Conference. I'll explain more in a bit. Elder Uhlig and I are working super hard. We DENDO (spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ) anytime we can. Since Elder Uhlig is now a zone leader, and we live 20 minutes away from the other zone leader, Elder Palu and I go on splits (companion exchanges) a lot. We've been given the focus of going and visiting less active members, but that's not all we do. President Mack really likes to emphasize the focus that we should get to know the members more and build relationships so we can get more investigators in a different way. We've visited families along the way and It's been full of miracles. I've been to visits with Elder Uhlig and Elder Palu. During zone conference, all the other, smaller, island missionaries flew in to Okinawa. You guessed it... Elder Lee was there! It's been the same amount of time I've been in the field as I was in the MTC. A full eight and half weeks. Looking back, I've seen my Japanese improve, my work ethic improve, and my love for the area has grown so much. I compared the MTC as strengthening my testimony and pretty much "all about me". I got there and they teach to increase my knowledge, and improve my testimony but here it's all about using that knowledge and testimony to build other people's faith. Anyway, when I was practicing the musical number my district was singing in Zone conference, I saw Elder Lee's companion, Elder Stalk, poke his head through the door. So, when practice finished, I headed outside. When I opened the door, I saw Elder Lee. I said "Heeeyyy!!! There he is!" We shared a hug and caught up. He and his companion are on Miyakojima and they've had a baptism last week.

During zone conference, Elder Uhlig was planning the meeting with Elder Boll, so Elder Palu and I were on splits a bunch. Elder Palu and I were on splits for the full day on Tuesday. Since Elder Uhlig and Elder Boll were in Naha with the Assistants to the President, Elder Palu and I went back to Urasoe. We saw miracles. We worked diligently and by the end of the Junkai (splits), we found 2 great people who accepted a Book of Mormon. We met a man named Miyagi who taught us a bit of the martial art, Budo. He had an interest in our English classes and so we might see him more. We then, at night, met a 17 year old girl named Norika. When we talked on an intercom, a girl asked us to wait, and she came down to the door. We talked about school and what class she likes and what she is studying. We invited her to Eikaiwa (English class) but she was interested more about what we did other than that. I introduced the Book of Mormon; speaking to her about Lehi's family leaving Jerusalem and having to leave everything behind, trusted the Lord and were blessed by being able to go to the American, and testified how she can strengthen her family's relationship. We talked for a good 30 minutes then she gladly accepted the book. She wanted to take a photo with us, but she didn't have her phone with her so she said, and I quote, "Next time".

The other awesome thing that happened this week is Miura, the man Elder Boll and I found while doing Junkai's a while ago, is getting baptized! If you don't know what I'm talking about, go look at my past message about my weirdest experience... I think I mentioned him. He passed his baptismal interview and will be baptized in the coming weeks. I've been able to see him progress and even teach him more and more. Even though technically he's not my investigator, I still feel great that Elder Boll and I were able to find this amazing dude weeks ago.

Since it is thanksgiving, I just want to share what I'm thankful for. While I have been on my mission, I've felt a mix of emotions. I've had my ups and my downs, but I'm thankful for my trials because it makes me stronger and makes my ups even better. I'm thankful for my family. I've been away from them for almost 5 months. I have grown to cherish everything that I receive... especially on my mission. I'm grateful for such an amazing mission area. I'm grateful for my zones, my districts, and especially my amazing companions. I am grateful for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and his willingness to sacrifice himself for our sake so we can gain eternal life...even if we aren't perfect. I'm grateful for the time and effort I have to serve the Lord with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength for these next 2 years. I'm grateful for being placed in Okinawa.

Remember, I love you all!!

Elder Jacob Wilson