Is This Real Life?

Long time no email. ごめん！Keeping up is getting harder and harder the further I get into my mission. But anyways, here's a brief recap of the last 2 weeks:

Last week we had companion exchanges with our STL. She came to Ichinomiya and Nomura Shimai went to Fukutoku. While we were out proselyting with our STL she approached a lady holding an umbrella. It was raining pretty hard and we were actually wearing rain suits (full rain coat and pants) because we had to bike in the rain. So essentially this lady is minding her own business when a Japanese person and two foreginers approach her. Our STL compliments her umbrella and then proceeds to try and introduce the gospel. The lady is so taken aback that she just says "if you like, please take" and shoves the umbrella into our STL's hands. And then she proceeds to RUN AWAY. In heels. Through the rain. It was absolutely hilarious and Cope Shimai and I couldn't stop laughing. Meanwhile our STL is running after her trying to give it back, but she keeps saying "no no no" and running. It was one of the most amazing experiences ever and now we have a cute rose patterned umbrella, so that's a fun bonus to being a missionary.

Last Monday we got a call from our mission president telling us that Nomura Shimai was being emergency transferred to Yokkaichi. Another sister had to go home due to some health issues and they needed someone to replace her. And being a companionship of three people, it was almost inevitable that one of us was chosen. But it was super sad to have to say goodbye to Nomura Shimai. We spent all of Monday night packing her up and then she left Tuesday morning. It still feels weird working without her, but I know that it is all according to the Lord's plan. On the other hand this change means that I am the only senior companion now. So this past week has involved a whole lot of adjusting to more responsibility and trying to act like I know what I'm doing, haha. I'm still learning lots about the area, but I'm hoping I can get the hang of things soon so we can see even more miracles.

Yesterday we had a Takoyaki (fried octopus) party at our Ward Mission Leader's house and it was amazing. First off, his house is SO NICE and very American. Second, there was about 30 people in total all crowded around about 5 takoyaki makers. Finally, some members from Gifu came, so I was able to reconnect with old friends! It was super fun, delicious, and such a great way to build a better relationship with the members.

Oh, and on Saturday we went to a relief society activity and talked about pioneers and my group and I made a handcart out of cookies, so that was fun. We laughed a lot with all the women in the ward and learned about just how awesome the pioneers were to do what they did. 

Today we had district activity! We went to an indo-curry place and then McDonalds and played card games. It was really fun and chill and a good change of pace. And I got to wear jeans, so that's always a win ;) But I am so very grateful for my district and for the chance I have to be a missionary and meet such amazing people that I would have never otherwise met. The people in my district are from all around the world and there's no way we would have ever come together without the gospel. This church is amazing and true in so many ways, and it can bless our lives in so many ways, but lately the biggest blessing I've felt is that the gospel brings people together. There are so many Brazilians, Americans, Japanese, Filipinos, and many other nationalities all living in Japan and all trying to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. If that's not a miracle, I don't know what is!

Other than that we've been doing lots of finding and lots of biking in the rain. Spring was nice for a while, haha, but now it's just cold and rainy most days. But that's not enough to stop us! We've been out housing and talking to people on the streets trying to get someone to listen to us. We haven't seen a ton of success yet, but I know it's right around the corner! 

Thanks for all the emails/love/letters/etc. You're the best!

愛しています!

アルマー姉妹

Sister Armour