I Am Daisenpai

こんにちは皆さん！

As I go through these last 2 weeks of my MTC experience, it really makes me appreciate all the things that I will miss once I'm in Japan. Don't get me wrong, I'm very ready to go to Japan and actually be in the field, but there are some aspects of the MTC that I will miss. For instance, 4 Square during Gym Time. Seems a little ridiculous to miss, but it really is an integral part of our zone. Christensen Chourou and I have an amazing rivalry against each other that most of the times just ends in us being really, really sassy to each other. But I actually got him out this past few times, so we're going to have to have a final showdown before we leave. James Chourou also has a fun thing he'll do, where every time he is in the king square, he will become "slug king". Essentially he lays down on the ground and tries playing from there. It's dumb, but so funny and a nice break from the normal routine. We all really enjoy it and I'll miss it once I'm gone.

Another thing I'll miss is the devotionals every week. Last night we had one by Elder De Feo of the 70, and he spoke on how to be a better missionary. My favorite part was when he talked about plans. He mentioned that we all need plans in our lives. Through plans we can accomplish more things and be organized. But we also need to remember that the Lord had a plan for us and that when our plans fail, we must rely on the Lord. That really touched my heart. I've certainly had lots and lots of plans go wrong and have questioned why. But I always remember that whatever happens, it's all according to God's plan. I know that me being on a mission right now is part of His plan; I know that whatever happens with investigators out in the field is according to His plans; and I know that when I get back, whatever I end up doing will be according to His will. It's those kind of insights that make each devotional so amazing. I only have 3 left, so I really need to make the most of them.

Speaking of devotionals, here's a random story, haha. I haven't been super homesick since I came to the MTC. Sorry family, but I think spending 3 years at college kinda got rid of any homesickness I might've had. However, before the devotional on Sunday we started singing "Nephi's Courage"--the primary song--and I remembered singing it with my family just about every week for family night. That memory made me really miss my family, but above all it made me really appreciate the memories that I have. The amount I learned through family prayer, scripture study, and regular family home evening has been extremely helpful as I go through my mission. I'm so grateful for my family and the fact that we frequently were reminded to have courage like Nephi's.

As I mentioned before, this last week we got even more kohai. Which makes my district Daisenpai, and our kohai became the senpai. Very confusing, but very cool. We are now the most "experienced" missionaries here at the MTC. Which is ridiculous considering we barely know what we're doing, haha. But they seem to think we do, so at least we're good at faking it. We got one district of 9 kohai. They are:

Harris Shimai and Johnson Shimai

Dean Shimai and Hayward Shimai

Cordero Shimai and Baquinquito Shimai

Bolin Chourou and Hoopes Chourou and their 3rd companion who will be arriving late tonight due to some visa issues

They are all so sweet and already way more dedicated than us, haha. I'm really excited to get to know them better before we leave. Which is in 12 days! Still can't believe how fast these past 7 weeks have gone by. I can only imagine how fast the days are going to go once I'm in Japan! Before I know it I'll be home ;) 

But before I get too far ahead of myself, here's another interesting story from this past week. On Wednesday nights we have started doing Skype TRC (Teaching Resource Center). Which means that for a half hour every Wednesday we Skype with some member in Japan and teach them a lesson. Which is super cool, but also super hard. Because they are just in Japan, their Japanese is amazing and they talk super fast and it's great, except...I have no idea what they're saying. It's really hard to teach a lesson when you don't know what the other person just said. I'm really hoping that tonight will go by better than last week, but if anything it's a really good learning experience!

Other than that, my weeks are pretty much all the same. Most days blur together and I'm not sure if it's Tuesday or Saturday, but at least they're all fun and full of the Spirit. 

As always, thanks so much for all the letters and packages and emails, they make every day sunnier <3 (speaking of which, Provo is very hot right now and I'm loving it, but I know Japan will be even hotter and I can't wait!) 

愛してます

アマ姉妹

--Armour Shimai