Week 22: Hello's and Goodbye's (Week 13 on the field)

Hey,

Almost everyone got transferred in the Naha Zone. All of the polynesians are gone, new faces came in, and it's a new era of Naha Zone Elders and Sisters. Out of our zone, Hippolite しまい/Shimai (Sister) was transferred and a Naha sister, Rush しまい, took her place. Elder Boll died (I know, that sounds horrible, but this is what missionaries call "going home"), Elder Palu was transferred to Kagoshima, and Elder Lim was sent to another area (I don't remember where). Also, The Naha しまい only have a two-man since Baquinquito しまい died and Spendlove しまい was transferred to Fukuoka. Everyone else stayed; I stayed, Gallarde しまい stayed in Shuri, Elder Takahashi stayed in Itoman, Elder Uhlig is still my companion. It was hard saying goodbye. Many of my friends were headed out and I'm not sure if I'll see many of them later. Elder Palu, in the last 2 minutes before going through security, gave away his ukelele and slyly handed one of our Senior Couple missionaries $50 (the only reason I know is that before going through, Elder Palu came back out, gave Elder Cowley a big hug and gave him a handshake--I saw there was something in Elder Palu's hand and he shook Elder Cowley's hand and Elder Cowley protested but it was too late. Elder Palu was gone through security). Elder Palu is sometimes わんぱく/Wanpaku (it means naughty or rascal) but in his case, it's with good intentions. He likes seeing people happy and he's super sweet but he always choose the uniquest ways to show it. I'll miss him for sure. Hippolite しまい was a big part of my Dendo experience to start off. It's just not the same without her. Elder Takahashi's companion, Elder Lim was headed to Kyushu as well so Elder Uhlig, Elder Takahashi (plus Elder Lim), Sister Gallarde, Sister Hippolite, and I took a district photo before we broke up (We included Elder Takahashi because he was in our district and it felt like he was still there with us.

While waiting for the others to come in, Elder LEE-- that's right Elder Lee from the MTC, my first companion, Elder Lee-- and I went and Dendo-ed together in the airport... well, technically not in the airport. We went outside and found this cool dad and son from Fukuoka that like backpacking and love nature. We talked for 15 minutes while walking and we just got to know them. After a bit, I brought up that we, missionaries, do many activities and they can help out as well; we do volunteer service, free English classes, education help, family services, work-life balance help, and obviously gospel teaching. The father was interested in serving out in Fukuoka so he sent in a self-referral. Now, when there is any help needed, he'll be notified. We finished talking to him and his son and headed back. Elder Lee was taught all the pieces in Shougi which is Japanese chess. He was proud about memorizing all of it. When we went to the airport, we caught up a bit and talked about how we've been since the MTC. He seems to be doing really well. Also during our waiting time, 14 high school girls came up to us and asked us to take a photo with them. Whatevs.

A totally new band of people came in. It'll be interesting to get to know them. It sure will be different, but I bet we'll make it through. BTW, speaking of making it through, I'm not sure all of last week's message got through. It seems like I sent something small and I worked on the email for a while... well, rip! Sorry folks.

Elder uhlig and I rocked the christmas events this week. We played our instruments really well and put up a show (one time while dressing up as santas). I sent off my Fruit Loops to give to Hippolite しまい as a farewell gift (She loves Fruit loops apparently). This is the season to give. Remember, Christmas isn't about receiving, it's about giving. Put your heart into everything you do. Try your hardest. Sometimes people don't accept that, but it's okay. You feel a sense of relief knowing you did your part, and not only that, you can have so much fun. Good luck to all! Merry Christmas! Remember the Savior in all that you do and say and he will guide your way!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believest in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Love you all and Merry Christmas!

Elder Jacob Wilson