Missionary Moments

This week was a long one .....

We got to go to Stake conference however Saturday and Sunday. It was a special one where ..... a broadcast to Japan every two years. President Monson wasn't there though, only Elder D. Todd Christofferson, I say only because I have met him in person now. Did you know Bishop Gary M Stevenson is fluent in Japanese (more or less)? He also gave a talk, straight, and not through a translator. I wish we had some Japanese 12 or even a prophet, because hearing talks from english to Japanese (and then trying to interpret it back to English in my head) is not very powerful on a spiritual level,..... Even for Japanese they have to really concentrate on the words, and then translate cultural things, then they get it. The most powerful talks I have heard in Japanese are from stake presidents here, where even me hearing and understanding about 70% I can really feel it and the reaction of those around me.  

Our week this week is looking better however, with at least 4 lessons planned already. We do really need new investigators though, need to get to work on that. If you meet any Japanese people, feel free to refer them over to me. .....

In answer to the questions:

There are Dentists in Japan. More than Australia, but less than America. However, Japanese people, especially older people, have a reputation for bad teeth. Braces are not as common here and I do not need to feel self conscious at all about my own slightly crooked teeth. The MTC was a different story, because it was full of Americans.

I think I am willing to give almost any food a go, I gave up being a fussy eater a long time ago. I do not particularly like raw fish (sashimi) so much however, but I do eat it when it is given to me. I really do love Japanese food though......

Trees are everywhere on the borders. Anything flat in Japan has either a building or a rice field on it. Everything hilly or mountainous has a tree. Try to picture that. You actually get quite a good mix, especially in the more quiet areas. I saw two deer last week, staring at us (probably we surprised we were white too). Also saw some Capybaras (the big rat pig things) two weeks ago......