Bring the World His Truth

ヤッホー、 (Yahho!/ Yoo Hoo... maybe in English??)     We've had down pours of rain this week but also have had really sunny days.  Let me tell you, when it rains, it pours!  I've inserted a video of how bad it was.  We went around with our Branch Mission Leader and drove hours to visit members who live far away from the church. When we started, the rain was a light sprinkle, but by the end, it seemed as if all of the ocean was being thrown on top of us.  The streets were covered in so much water, and it felt as if we were driving through a river.  Today it is raining as well, and Elder Pauperio and I are supposed to head to Kagoshima for Zone Conference, taking a 12 hour boat ride, but I hope the boat isn't delayed or our plans would be wrecked (rekt for all of you teens).       Elder Pauperio is super fun to be with.  We've tried to make the best we can with just 2 people in isolation, and I think it is work...

Hey,    This week was transfers and I've got to say, it was hard.  It was hard waiting to be transferred. Elder Larsen was transferred to Naha so we basically already lived there last transfer.  Elder Bodily then took the throne in Urasoe so I felt super left out.  Everyone was moving on and I felt like I was waiting... and waiting... and waiting.  The others were already accustomed to the other area and I was waiting for my companion.  I've found out--especially on my mission-- that change is hard for me.  The last days in Okinawa were pretty much goodbye's.  I can't wait to go back there again.  My second to last day, a friend that we hadn't been able to meet for 5 months came to see me since I was transferring out.  That was a blessing because not only was I able to see her, I was able to introduce her to the new Urasoe missionary, Elder Bodily.    I was also wrong about the boat ride.  It wasn't ...

Hey,     It's time for a new phase in my mission. I am leaving from Urasoe (After staying there for 5 Transfers-- 8 months), I'm headed off to the island of Amami-Oshima.  This island is even smaller than Okinawa and guess how I'll get there?  I'm going by a boat.  The crazy thing is that this boat ride will take 12 hours!  I'm excited as to what is to come.  What adventures will await me over there in, what I hear is, paradise.  As my days in Urasoe come to a close, this area will definitely be a memorable one.  I've seen people come and go.  I've found people and I've lost people.  I've served and been served.  Life has gone SO fast, and it's crazy to think that 8 months have gone by.  I've been trained and broken, and now am ready to take on the world.  What is to come is exciting!  As I look at the present, this all looks terrifying, but I know that God has His eyes on me and will guide me...

Hey,     We're getting a temple in Okinawa everyone!  I woke up this morning to find out that it was announced by our beloved Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.  I'm so excited!  I've spent 7.5 months in Okinawa, and have seen the hand of the Lord many many times.  One thing that I can never forget from now until eternity is the fact that I served in a land which I LOVE which came to have an announcement for a Temple WHILE I was serving here.  Not only am I super glad to be here for 5 transfers (8 months), I've been able to experience 2 General Conference sessions and both of them have had major world-shattering news.  I'm glad to be a pioneer in this "Bring a temple to Okinawa" plan.  This morning was crazy... let me tell you. We woke up and Elder Larsen quickly got out of bed to check if there were any major announcements... but he didn't find any so we did our regular routine.  Since we were in Naha for the night...