Thursday, November 8, 2012

Zone Conferences and the Beautiful Ritsurin Park



November 6th, 2012

Hello to all of my loved ones! 

This is going to be a quick one.

Sorry I am writing a day late. Yesterday we had a Zone Tai Kai. All of the missionaries on Shikoku got together here in Takamatsu. We had training from President Zinke and the Assistants. It was awesome! The theme was all about remembering. We know all of the stuff we need to do to be a good missionary. We just need to remember to do it. I really wish I had more time to talk about it but I really don`t. Sorry! 

Today was great! We actually went to one of the most famous parks in Japan. It`s called Ritsurin Koen. It`s a 30 minute bike ride from our apartment and all of the ward members have been telling us we need to go. We went with our investigator U----- Shimai. She is just so great! She is kind of like my Japanese mom. And I think she thinks of us as our American daughters. I just love her. 

We`ve been working with her to help her accept a baptismal date. She`s had almost all of the lessons and she picks the concepts up SOOO fast. She is amazing. She is just really worried about her family. Religion has a really bad image here in Japan. Her husband and her son said they would basically disown her if she were to affiliate with a church. They don`t know she`s been meeting with us. We asked her to read some certain scriptures about baptism and pray about them. We asked her how it went today, she said it was really good. There was a scripture that was exactly what she needed. She didn`t tell us what it was, or what the implications are. She said she wanted to wait until our next lesson to explain it. So we have to wait ‘til Thursday...I can`t wait! There is power in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. It can truly change people`s hearts. 

Ah! I really don`t have that much time. But just to explain last week...umm....
Friday we had a Zone conference in Okiyama which was also awesome. The theme of the mission is `True Disciples One and All`. This is the vision Zinke Kaicho has. This is what he wants us as missionaries to be. The training that we received on Friday from the Zone Leaders was all about this. I have such a long ways to go to be a true disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but I am excited for the challenge confronting me.

I got to see Hansen Shimai there again which was fun. The MTC seems soooooo long ago. It`s weird to think it hasn`t even been 2 transfers...

Our investigators are doing well. I---- San (San is just what they use for like a Polite Mr./Mrs.) had a good lesson. We explained the restoration. Some of the parts were a little rocky, but when I recited the first vision she sat there for a minute, thinking, then looked up and said, `That`s great!` (except in Japanese). I know she wasn`t referring to my Japanese. But the Spirit is definitely there as you testify of the divinity of this church. I love it! 

O----- Family...ma...they are doing alright. I don`t know how much interest the mom has which is a bummer. But her awesome member friend brought the O----- daughters to church with her on Sunday. They could only stay for sacrament meeting which was also a bummer, but I am excited to go back next week and talk to them about it! 

We haven`t had a chance to meet with them this week. She has a super crazy schedule. But we have an appointment next week so hopefully we`ll get to teach them more. 

We`ve tried a couple times to go and visit Tattoo man. Unfortunately he is usually sleeping or at work. We haven`t quite figured out his schedule yet. But we are determined for him to at least listen to what we have to say. 

Yay! Congratulations to Nathan and Tiffany! You`re baby looks beautiful! I am glad she is healthy and safe!! 

Well I really am almost out of time. We have to go prepare for Eikaiwa. I think you all are awesome! Thank you for all of your prayers. I can feel them when the work gets hard. I know they are also blessing our investigators. 

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Love, Dobson Shimai




p.s. Here is the best burger known to man. We pass this little diner frequently. Santa`s diner. We decided to try it last preparation day. (It`s all about the food, right dad?). It was SOO good. I didn't think I really missed hamburgers. But when I ate it, I was in heaven. oh. It was soo good!!! We took the Elders back on Friday for district meeting. You can imagine their delight!!!







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