Monday, June 1, 2015
A Very Late P-Day, a Million Lessons, and Hiking Mount Takao
こんにちは友達と家族！
This is a long one! Good luck!
月曜日
We started our day with a good work out to wake up. Then we had our
studies. After we went to Machida so my companion could fill out his
application for BYU. When we got to machida we decided to walk around
the Tokyo Twins while we were there. So we went to a few Sports
stores, and to the Diaso on the top level. Then we went off to go find
lunch somewhere. We decided on Sushi which is the 3rd time in a week!
Then off to the machida church to email. On our way we stopped by the
recycle shop where I bought my katana my first transfer, and I found a
backpack for 15 dollars! Perfect! Backpacks in Japan are ussually
really really expensive. As we continued we found a barber to cut out
hair, we had been looking pretty scraggly, the woman who cut my hair
was deaf, but she was really sweet, and did a good job. Continuing the
journey we made it to the machida church where my companion got on the
computer and began his BYU application. However just as we were about
to start filling it out the application the server went out! So we
were stuck there, which was a little frustrating. We emailed then took
the bus back to the train station with our giant backpacks. We must
have looked like a couple of confused hikers with our backpacks,
shirts and ties on. On the train we were able to talk to a few people,
but then we got a call from John, our friend from China, asking us if
he could bring his friend to the Wada Family Home Evening too. We said
of course! We met the two in Kichijoji, and went to the FHE. We
arrived a little late, so I am sure they were as confused as we were
as to what was going on. After the lesson they asked us about what we
believe and what makes our church different. Excellent question! My
companion and I pulled out our Chinese Book of Mormon and went to the
Wadas kitchen while everyone else socialized in their living room. We
taught the entire restoration. David, johns friend, said that he felt
like a whole in his heart was being filled! It was such an amazing
experience. Sister Wada even bore her testimony about how the gospel
has changed her life! They asked how they could join or make covenants
so we talked about baptism and invited them, and they accepted! It was
awesome! The lesson ended at 9! So we had walked to the train station
and began our journey home. We planned on the train since it was so
late, but we were so busy planning we missed our transfer train and
we're going way far into the other mission. We got off quickly and
headed back. On the next train we saw a drunk man who was sleeping and
drooling all over himself, we felt really bad for him so we woke him
up and gave him a pamphlet,we then hopped of the train but looking
back he looked at us with wonder. It is sad but Japanese trains smell
like alcohol after 9 at night. On the platform we met a man from
napal! We talked a little about the earthquake that was felt there and
talked a little about the gospel too. My companion had the restoration
pamphlet in Nepalese! It is brand new! So we let him see it on his
iPad. He then said he was really interested and asked if we could
email the pamphlet to him. We got off the train, and just as we were
about to get on the escalator to go up a man fell on my companion, he
was drunk, if we weren't there who know what would have happened. We
then walked to 7/11 grabbed some dinner and set the email then walked
home. We got home at 11:30, exhausted and ready for bed.
火曜日
We woke up at 6:30 because we were not feeling working out early. So
for our work out we did stretches, and crunches. Our studies were
good, we still sound like dying cats when we sing. Our studies ended
early so we could go to sushi with one of our friends! This would be
sushi time number 3 since I have been here. I'll tell you what, there
will never be a sushi merry go round in America, there are way to many
laws. We had a great time getting to know our friend more, he is an
Eaikiwa student and currently studying biomechanics at a local
college, we had a lot to talk about! After lunch we went to the church
and planned for our 4 other lessons! We had a lesson with Inoue who is
great! We planned for a certain lesson however during the beginning we
both had the feeling to teach something entirely different! It was
such a great lesson. That lesson went a little over, and our next
appointment stood us up. So that worked out conveniently, we had some
time for dinner, or combini food. We got cinnamon sugar sembe, and
chicken. It was pretty good. Then our recent convert came for a
lesson, he is a great guy. Then, just before we were about to start
the lesson, the zone leaders came in asking if we could split for
lessons that they had double booked. We also had a lesson after, so
now we are triple booked. We had a quick lesson with ishikawa Kyodai,
and then split, elder Cook and I went together to teach a man they
found on the street. He went to to a different church so we had to go
to the station to find him. We planned to bring him to the church give
a quick church tour and set up a return appointment. However he had a
lot more interest, so we taught an hour long lesson. We were supposed
to only have a 15 minute lesson but it turned into an hour lesson! So
the guy we were supposed to teach after the "quick church tour" was
waiting down stairs. The other elders in the area, came to the church!
We had called and called and called them, but they didn't answer, and
didn't even plan on coming to the church that night, but they went
because Elder Eaton got something in his eye and had to wash it out!
So they met our other friend and were able to teach him, and set up a
return appointment! What an awesome miracle!
水曜日
After studies, we went out to dendo. We planned to go visit a member
in the ward. However both of us had the feeling that we were missing
something big, and neither of us could put of finger on it. We prayed,
and had the feeling to go back to the church. As we were walking back
an old man called us over and wanted to talk to us. We talked with him
for a little bit then he asked us if we had 300 yen, way confused. We
said yes, but why. The old man wanted some juice, since we aren't
allowed to give others money we went to the vending machine 100 feet
away and bought one. It was a good feeling being able to serve him. In
Japan there are vending machines everywhere, at least one on every
street. We then went to the church and called the hombu about John and
David, since they live in the other mission. And my companion finished
some training that was needed for his iPad. We came home for dinner, I
was exhausted so I slept. Then we went to Eaikiwa! We teach the
intermediate class with the sister missionaries. Elder Coggins'
southern accent definitely sticks out. After Eaikiwa we came home and
planned for the day!
木曜日
During studies we had to go to the church to drop off Elder Eaton for
district leader training. However on the way we ran into other
missionaries that decided to come to our apartment, so we went back
with them. Elder Coggins and I wanted to eat lamb for lunch really
badly so we went to Indo Curry! It was delicious! Then we went to the
church to do our weekly planning. We finished it remarkably on time.
Then went out to visit a potential investigator living a little bit
away. He wasn't home, so we housed the surrounding area. We found a
man who had read the Mormon Kai, which is the first version of the
Japanese Book of Mormon! It was pretty cool! We talked to him for a
little while, and at the end he tried to give us a plant! But we asked
if we could get it next time. We then ran to the combini to grab some
"dinner" as I was walking out side, a man walked up to me and said
"morumon Kyokai"...uh yes? He then beckoned me outside, so I called my
companion over. He then asked for a Book of Mormon! We tried to set up
a return appointment with him, but he didn't have time. But we knew he
walked to the seven eleven so we waited a little bit to give him a
head start and followed him home. It worked! He lives really close! We
then rode to the church, wrote presidents letters, and waited for the
zone leaders so we cook go on splits. I went on splits with Elder
Cook, we did some contacting, and then went to go visit on of their
investigators. However he wasn't home, so we wrote a note and left.
Then we split back, because the other lesson was over. We weren't
expecting such a short split, so we decided to house a nearby area. We
ran into an old lady who knew missionaries before! We had a great
conversation with her, and were even able to bring up our family
history program! It was a good ending to our day.
金曜日
We woke up and went on a run, and I'll tell you what, running in the
morning is awful. When I was getting ready in the morning I got out of
the shower to find that our zone leaders came over and were eating our
granola! As missionaries we like our American granola. We then had a
lesson with our Chinese friend, Adam! It involved a lot of pictures
because his Japanese is okay, and his English is okay too. We were
able to get across what we felt like he needed to hear though. After
the lesson we waited for one of the other elders investigators to go
get sushi! However he said he was busy, so we couldn't go with him!
What a bummer, we then decided to go out and eat yakuniku instead. It
was pretty good, they played "modern music" which was really weird to
hear after not listening to it for so long. You really miss music
until you hear it again and question yourself as to why you listened
to it in the first place. After the yakuniku experience we went to
Toyoda! It isn't home of the car company, but it is home to a few
members or so we thought. It started raining so we bought a cheap
umbrella, which broke. We were able to to talk to a few people, and
pray with others however in the rain isn't as effective. We tried to
find a few people's houses, which turned into a giant game of cat and
mouse. That was a fun and busy time. We came back to the apartment to
find that there was nothing to eat. So we went to family mart and
bought mobadofu mix. It was good, we are getting used to bland food
sadly. After dinner we went out to go find a Chinese less active
member for Adam next time. We walked all the way out there, and his
address is different. An old lady opened the door and freaked out and
slammed the door. Well I guess she doesn't live there. So we came home
after a long walk. As we began planning, we got a call from the zone
leaders saying we had scouting Eaikiwa the next day...surprise! Well
that wasn't expected, and my companion would be joining us since
another Elder was busy and couldn't make it. That made for an
interesting surprise.
土曜日
We woke up worked out, then put normal clothes on and went to Takao!
We met a few of our Eaikiwa students there and hiked the mountain with
them! The hike was steep, but really beautiful, it reminded me a lot
of Tennessee. The photos we took were amazing! You can see most of the
Tokyo area. On our way up the mountain we bought these black straw
hats, they were entirely worth it. On the summit you can see Fugi! It
was so cool! We had to get to the scouts in Eakiwa in two hours. To
hike down the whole mountain it takes 2 hours. However the chairlift
takes 30. You bet your buckets we took the chairlift! The chairlift
was great! We tipped our hats at everyone we passed. Then hopped on
the train home, changed, and got on the train to machida! Eaikiwa was
great! We had a blast with our students. They had a hard time
understanding my companion who has a southern draw sometimes. After
Eaikiwa we went to this hole in the wall katsudon place, it was really
good, halfway through dinner we got a call from the district leader
asking us to come to district meeting that night since it was
rescheduled. So we ended dinner early and went to the church. On the
way there we took the train home and met a drunk old man who really
fired up my poor companion. Poor guy. But we got off and it was okay
in the end. During district meeting the zone leaders had to leave to
for a lesson. One of the Zone leaders, elder Rockwood, was translating
for sister Suzuki. Since they left, they needed a new person to
translate, so I volunteered. My Japanese is nowhere close to his, but
it made translating fun, and gave me something to stay awake. My
companion and I were exhausted from our busy day. While I was
translating, the room began to shake, we were on the third floor of
the church building! It shook for a good few minutes so we left the
building and went downstairs. It was an eventful end to our day!
日曜日
We got ready for church and went to DCS, there we were able to talk
about our investigators, and ask for help from the ward. Since it was
the firth Sunday we were all combined, it was good because I was able
to get a whole bunch of new words! Sacrament was great was well, we
learned that L. Tom Perry died though, which was kind of sad. After
church we went home, and took a power nap and had a small lunch, then
had our studies. Studies were good, after we went to the church to
contact a ton of people that we have been putting off for a while now.
We contacted all of them and went back to the apartment and ate
dinner. After dinner we rode bikes to go visit the man who we tracked
down. We narrowed it down to an apartment complex, as we were looking
for so we began housing. We found one college student who was really
interested. However as we were teaching him, the man whom we gave the
Book of Mormon to came up to us! He asked for another copy because his
corner was bent. Saying sure we gave him another one. And continues
teaching our college friend. Then he came again! And asked for another
one since it was bent as well! We did a switch-a-roo and sent him on
his way again. We realized that he might have a little bit of a mental
problem, which could have been the cause. We talked with him for a
little bit after the lesson with the college student. Then we went
back to the church, when we got back I found another hole in my pants,
I realized this is from friction on my bike, not tearing them
physically. We then ended our day with a conference call. As I was
asleep that night I felt another good sized earthquake, however it
wasn't too bad so I went back to sleep.
愛してるよ！
Elder Dunn
This is a long one! Good luck!
月曜日
We started our day with a good work out to wake up. Then we had our
studies. After we went to Machida so my companion could fill out his
application for BYU. When we got to machida we decided to walk around
the Tokyo Twins while we were there. So we went to a few Sports
stores, and to the Diaso on the top level. Then we went off to go find
lunch somewhere. We decided on Sushi which is the 3rd time in a week!
Then off to the machida church to email. On our way we stopped by the
recycle shop where I bought my katana my first transfer, and I found a
backpack for 15 dollars! Perfect! Backpacks in Japan are ussually
really really expensive. As we continued we found a barber to cut out
hair, we had been looking pretty scraggly, the woman who cut my hair
was deaf, but she was really sweet, and did a good job. Continuing the
journey we made it to the machida church where my companion got on the
computer and began his BYU application. However just as we were about
to start filling it out the application the server went out! So we
were stuck there, which was a little frustrating. We emailed then took
the bus back to the train station with our giant backpacks. We must
have looked like a couple of confused hikers with our backpacks,
shirts and ties on. On the train we were able to talk to a few people,
but then we got a call from John, our friend from China, asking us if
he could bring his friend to the Wada Family Home Evening too. We said
of course! We met the two in Kichijoji, and went to the FHE. We
arrived a little late, so I am sure they were as confused as we were
as to what was going on. After the lesson they asked us about what we
believe and what makes our church different. Excellent question! My
companion and I pulled out our Chinese Book of Mormon and went to the
Wadas kitchen while everyone else socialized in their living room. We
taught the entire restoration. David, johns friend, said that he felt
like a whole in his heart was being filled! It was such an amazing
experience. Sister Wada even bore her testimony about how the gospel
has changed her life! They asked how they could join or make covenants
so we talked about baptism and invited them, and they accepted! It was
awesome! The lesson ended at 9! So we had walked to the train station
and began our journey home. We planned on the train since it was so
late, but we were so busy planning we missed our transfer train and
we're going way far into the other mission. We got off quickly and
headed back. On the next train we saw a drunk man who was sleeping and
drooling all over himself, we felt really bad for him so we woke him
up and gave him a pamphlet,we then hopped of the train but looking
back he looked at us with wonder. It is sad but Japanese trains smell
like alcohol after 9 at night. On the platform we met a man from
napal! We talked a little about the earthquake that was felt there and
talked a little about the gospel too. My companion had the restoration
pamphlet in Nepalese! It is brand new! So we let him see it on his
iPad. He then said he was really interested and asked if we could
email the pamphlet to him. We got off the train, and just as we were
about to get on the escalator to go up a man fell on my companion, he
was drunk, if we weren't there who know what would have happened. We
then walked to 7/11 grabbed some dinner and set the email then walked
home. We got home at 11:30, exhausted and ready for bed.
火曜日
We woke up at 6:30 because we were not feeling working out early. So
for our work out we did stretches, and crunches. Our studies were
good, we still sound like dying cats when we sing. Our studies ended
early so we could go to sushi with one of our friends! This would be
sushi time number 3 since I have been here. I'll tell you what, there
will never be a sushi merry go round in America, there are way to many
laws. We had a great time getting to know our friend more, he is an
Eaikiwa student and currently studying biomechanics at a local
college, we had a lot to talk about! After lunch we went to the church
and planned for our 4 other lessons! We had a lesson with Inoue who is
great! We planned for a certain lesson however during the beginning we
both had the feeling to teach something entirely different! It was
such a great lesson. That lesson went a little over, and our next
appointment stood us up. So that worked out conveniently, we had some
time for dinner, or combini food. We got cinnamon sugar sembe, and
chicken. It was pretty good. Then our recent convert came for a
lesson, he is a great guy. Then, just before we were about to start
the lesson, the zone leaders came in asking if we could split for
lessons that they had double booked. We also had a lesson after, so
now we are triple booked. We had a quick lesson with ishikawa Kyodai,
and then split, elder Cook and I went together to teach a man they
found on the street. He went to to a different church so we had to go
to the station to find him. We planned to bring him to the church give
a quick church tour and set up a return appointment. However he had a
lot more interest, so we taught an hour long lesson. We were supposed
to only have a 15 minute lesson but it turned into an hour lesson! So
the guy we were supposed to teach after the "quick church tour" was
waiting down stairs. The other elders in the area, came to the church!
We had called and called and called them, but they didn't answer, and
didn't even plan on coming to the church that night, but they went
because Elder Eaton got something in his eye and had to wash it out!
So they met our other friend and were able to teach him, and set up a
return appointment! What an awesome miracle!
水曜日
After studies, we went out to dendo. We planned to go visit a member
in the ward. However both of us had the feeling that we were missing
something big, and neither of us could put of finger on it. We prayed,
and had the feeling to go back to the church. As we were walking back
an old man called us over and wanted to talk to us. We talked with him
for a little bit then he asked us if we had 300 yen, way confused. We
said yes, but why. The old man wanted some juice, since we aren't
allowed to give others money we went to the vending machine 100 feet
away and bought one. It was a good feeling being able to serve him. In
Japan there are vending machines everywhere, at least one on every
street. We then went to the church and called the hombu about John and
David, since they live in the other mission. And my companion finished
some training that was needed for his iPad. We came home for dinner, I
was exhausted so I slept. Then we went to Eaikiwa! We teach the
intermediate class with the sister missionaries. Elder Coggins'
southern accent definitely sticks out. After Eaikiwa we came home and
planned for the day!
木曜日
During studies we had to go to the church to drop off Elder Eaton for
district leader training. However on the way we ran into other
missionaries that decided to come to our apartment, so we went back
with them. Elder Coggins and I wanted to eat lamb for lunch really
badly so we went to Indo Curry! It was delicious! Then we went to the
church to do our weekly planning. We finished it remarkably on time.
Then went out to visit a potential investigator living a little bit
away. He wasn't home, so we housed the surrounding area. We found a
man who had read the Mormon Kai, which is the first version of the
Japanese Book of Mormon! It was pretty cool! We talked to him for a
little while, and at the end he tried to give us a plant! But we asked
if we could get it next time. We then ran to the combini to grab some
"dinner" as I was walking out side, a man walked up to me and said
"morumon Kyokai"...uh yes? He then beckoned me outside, so I called my
companion over. He then asked for a Book of Mormon! We tried to set up
a return appointment with him, but he didn't have time. But we knew he
walked to the seven eleven so we waited a little bit to give him a
head start and followed him home. It worked! He lives really close! We
then rode to the church, wrote presidents letters, and waited for the
zone leaders so we cook go on splits. I went on splits with Elder
Cook, we did some contacting, and then went to go visit on of their
investigators. However he wasn't home, so we wrote a note and left.
Then we split back, because the other lesson was over. We weren't
expecting such a short split, so we decided to house a nearby area. We
ran into an old lady who knew missionaries before! We had a great
conversation with her, and were even able to bring up our family
history program! It was a good ending to our day.
金曜日
We woke up and went on a run, and I'll tell you what, running in the
morning is awful. When I was getting ready in the morning I got out of
the shower to find that our zone leaders came over and were eating our
granola! As missionaries we like our American granola. We then had a
lesson with our Chinese friend, Adam! It involved a lot of pictures
because his Japanese is okay, and his English is okay too. We were
able to get across what we felt like he needed to hear though. After
the lesson we waited for one of the other elders investigators to go
get sushi! However he said he was busy, so we couldn't go with him!
What a bummer, we then decided to go out and eat yakuniku instead. It
was pretty good, they played "modern music" which was really weird to
hear after not listening to it for so long. You really miss music
until you hear it again and question yourself as to why you listened
to it in the first place. After the yakuniku experience we went to
Toyoda! It isn't home of the car company, but it is home to a few
members or so we thought. It started raining so we bought a cheap
umbrella, which broke. We were able to to talk to a few people, and
pray with others however in the rain isn't as effective. We tried to
find a few people's houses, which turned into a giant game of cat and
mouse. That was a fun and busy time. We came back to the apartment to
find that there was nothing to eat. So we went to family mart and
bought mobadofu mix. It was good, we are getting used to bland food
sadly. After dinner we went out to go find a Chinese less active
member for Adam next time. We walked all the way out there, and his
address is different. An old lady opened the door and freaked out and
slammed the door. Well I guess she doesn't live there. So we came home
after a long walk. As we began planning, we got a call from the zone
leaders saying we had scouting Eaikiwa the next day...surprise! Well
that wasn't expected, and my companion would be joining us since
another Elder was busy and couldn't make it. That made for an
interesting surprise.
土曜日
We woke up worked out, then put normal clothes on and went to Takao!
We met a few of our Eaikiwa students there and hiked the mountain with
them! The hike was steep, but really beautiful, it reminded me a lot
of Tennessee. The photos we took were amazing! You can see most of the
Tokyo area. On our way up the mountain we bought these black straw
hats, they were entirely worth it. On the summit you can see Fugi! It
was so cool! We had to get to the scouts in Eakiwa in two hours. To
hike down the whole mountain it takes 2 hours. However the chairlift
takes 30. You bet your buckets we took the chairlift! The chairlift
was great! We tipped our hats at everyone we passed. Then hopped on
the train home, changed, and got on the train to machida! Eaikiwa was
great! We had a blast with our students. They had a hard time
understanding my companion who has a southern draw sometimes. After
Eaikiwa we went to this hole in the wall katsudon place, it was really
good, halfway through dinner we got a call from the district leader
asking us to come to district meeting that night since it was
rescheduled. So we ended dinner early and went to the church. On the
way there we took the train home and met a drunk old man who really
fired up my poor companion. Poor guy. But we got off and it was okay
in the end. During district meeting the zone leaders had to leave to
for a lesson. One of the Zone leaders, elder Rockwood, was translating
for sister Suzuki. Since they left, they needed a new person to
translate, so I volunteered. My Japanese is nowhere close to his, but
it made translating fun, and gave me something to stay awake. My
companion and I were exhausted from our busy day. While I was
translating, the room began to shake, we were on the third floor of
the church building! It shook for a good few minutes so we left the
building and went downstairs. It was an eventful end to our day!
日曜日
We got ready for church and went to DCS, there we were able to talk
about our investigators, and ask for help from the ward. Since it was
the firth Sunday we were all combined, it was good because I was able
to get a whole bunch of new words! Sacrament was great was well, we
learned that L. Tom Perry died though, which was kind of sad. After
church we went home, and took a power nap and had a small lunch, then
had our studies. Studies were good, after we went to the church to
contact a ton of people that we have been putting off for a while now.
We contacted all of them and went back to the apartment and ate
dinner. After dinner we rode bikes to go visit the man who we tracked
down. We narrowed it down to an apartment complex, as we were looking
for so we began housing. We found one college student who was really
interested. However as we were teaching him, the man whom we gave the
Book of Mormon to came up to us! He asked for another copy because his
corner was bent. Saying sure we gave him another one. And continues
teaching our college friend. Then he came again! And asked for another
one since it was bent as well! We did a switch-a-roo and sent him on
his way again. We realized that he might have a little bit of a mental
problem, which could have been the cause. We talked with him for a
little bit after the lesson with the college student. Then we went
back to the church, when we got back I found another hole in my pants,
I realized this is from friction on my bike, not tearing them
physically. We then ended our day with a conference call. As I was
asleep that night I felt another good sized earthquake, however it
wasn't too bad so I went back to sleep.
愛してるよ！
Elder Dunn
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Hachioji, a new way of introducing the Book of Mormon, and my southern companion.
こんにちは友達と家族へ！
This week has been busy, and exciting!
月曜日
We woke up at 4:30 to go play table tennis. However when I woke up I was not feeling it, so I told Elder Clark that we should wake up at 5:15 instead. It was pretty exhaustive. We started our studies early so we could have somewhat of a p day. After studies we cleaned then went to a recycle shop in the area. I found some cool old ties for a dollar so that was wonderful. We then came back to the apartment and packed our bags. However my bike didn't fit in the bag! So I borrowed Elder Clarks. Then Elder Sawyer and I headed off with our bikes and carry ones to the eki. There the sisters surprised us to say goodbye! That was a fun surprise. We then got on the train and got going. I got off at the first eki, and then boom. Alone. One of the weirdest feelings there truly is as a missionary. I walked alone to the next platform then got on the train and headed off to my area. When I arrived there I met Elder Coggins and Elder Gaily. We had to wait for Elder Gaily's companion before we could leave. He missed one train which caused him to be over a half hour late. As we were waiting there a member stopped us and started talking to us. He is a friend of basically all the members. While I was getting to know him my companion was stopped by a woman who then spoke to him and I for over 45 minutes. We were both very confused at what she was trying to get at, I had the feeling she was trying to confuse us. After we left that conversation we went to the church and planned for the rest of the day. We then bought groceries and headed back to the church, then to a drug store for sunscreen and soap. After that we began talking to people. We stopped a lot of people and talked to them. You can talk to a lot more people with two gaigen more that with nehongen. We were able to pray with a high school student and testify to him as well. After we talked to a few people we went to the apartment where the member who found us in the eki helped us take our stuff to the apartment. We then changed and went to a near by school to play this German game which is a cross between badminton and volleyball with some investigators. It was kind of complex but a lot of fun.
火曜日
We woke up and had studies. Then after studies we ate lunch and got to know everyone. Elder Eaton is from Springdale Utah, and Elder Gailey is from Seattle, Washington. It was neat to hear about everyone's families. We then went to the church to email, (sorry to everyone that thought I emailed a different day). After we went back to the apartment because we forgot the phone. Then back again to get my companions belt, then back again for chirashi. It was a funny way to start the day. We then went to the train station, however we got lost because my companion hadn't remembered how to get to the area. We finally figured it out and toke the train. Then went to go and find a member to pray with, on our way we were able to talk to a few people, some of the, were decently excited. But most weren't excited to see us. When we got to the members house we found out that they weren't the home. So we wrote a note. Then a man on a scooter came by, we thought it was the member so we started talking to him. Turns out he wasnt but he wanted to speak English so we invited him and he speed off before we could talk anymore. We then tried to find another member but we got lost. (I am starting to believe that this transfer will be a lot of being lost). We took a picture off to the side with a fantastic view of Hachioji! We the. Walked back to the train station after talking to some people. At the station we met a man from the United Adam emirates! He was really nice and even promised I he had time to come to church! Way nice guy. We then found these punk kids who wanted to talk to us in all the English they knew. Which was hilarious, because my companion who is from the south just used a thick accent and confused them. It was pretty funny, when we were leaving my companion called one of them Tom Cruise and they looked shocked it was pretty funny. We then went on our way home for dinner. However we ran into a college student and taught him a 45 minute lesson and were able to pray with him! It was so good! However we didn't have time for dinner so we got on the bikes to go meet with another potential investigator. It was busy! He wasn't there so went to a combini grabbed something quick and went to the church to eat and to teach a lesson to one of the recent members. We taught the law of chastity it was a great lesson! We then went back to the kitchen, finished dinner and came home.
水曜日
Some days I wonder how much is able to happen in one day, today was no exception! We woke up and had to cut studies off early to go to the eki to meet the Tama elders who had a referral for us! He is from China but living in Hachioji! We took him with us to the church where we were able to give him a church tour and show him around then we were able to set up another appointment with him around dinner time. It was a cool little miracle we had. Then Mise Kyodai came to the church as we were about to leave and asked if he could take us out to lunch. "Well er courze you can misser" as my companion said. We called the other elders and invited them as well. He took us to a hole in the wall catsudon shop, or fried pork! It was delicious! I have been told it is one of the most delicious ones in all of Tokyo! After lunch, we walked to the Assistants/Zone leaders apartment to help one of the missionaries who will be going home tomorrow. We went to the church so he could take his bike apart. It was kind of a strange experience to see, I feel like I still have a ton of time and in reality I have a decent amount however seeing a missionary come to the realization that his mission is ending is very bittersweet. After we helped him we walked back to their apartment and talked to a few people along the way. After we dropped him off we went to go walk to our apartment to get a notebook that my companion needed for our lesson that night. We had the prompting to go to the park, there we saw a guy in a cowboy hat. Here is the experience in my companions own words, "well yer see, me and Elder Dunn was walkin' though park an saw dis here man wit a funky hat on. What does Elder Dunn do? I'll tell yal what he did. He goes up to 'em and says "mighty fine hat sir" he responds thank yer. Den Elder Dunn notices that he done got a Native American necklace on. So what does he say? "Hey you like native Americans? Yeah, well here we got this here book that talks all about 'em. See here (flips to the introduction and finds where it talks about native Americans)." My companion has a thick southern accent, however his Japanese has none whatsoever, unless it is a new word then it is there. We were able to then teach him for over an hour and pray with him, and set up a return appointment. My companion turned to me after as we were walking away and said that shouldn't have worked as well as it just did. I guess he needed to hear about the American Indians to have an interest in the gospel. We then walked to the Eki, however our Chinese friend who we set an appointment with that morning never showed up. So we talked to another guy on a park bench and were able to pray and set another return appointment with him for Saturday! Since our other appointment fell through we went to 7-eleven for dinner. This transfer I will more than likely tasted all the combini food japan has to offer. Then to the church for our lesson before Eaikiwa. The lesson was going great until we brought up baptism. Then it tanked really badly, like there have been few lessons I have seen go that south, it was really sad. It ended up taking the whole Eaikiwa time. Which was about 2 hours. Afterwards we went upstairs and discussed the lesson and found out that the kid who we had just talked to at the eki talked with his parents and they told him he couldn't meet with us anymore. That was kind of sad. After Eaikiwa I was able to stop a man who was on his way out. We talked for a little while, he thought I was 30! It is happening with more frequency now. We talked about all kinds of things, however he wasn't interested in hearing about our special message, it was too bad. But I gave him the opportunity to learn more, that is what matters. We then went home and planned for the next day!
木曜日
We awoke and were able to have normal studies! We then went to the church for a lesson with the guy we met at the park. He didn't come. It was kind of sad. We couldn't even get ahold of him. We then came back to the apartment for weekly planning. On our way home we stopped at a combini and bought some snacks, before that though we were able to pray with a man! It was long but enjoyable we were able to talk about a lot of our investigators. We had the feeling in the middle of planning to go to a Chinese investigators house and leave him a note. He wasn't home but we left the note anyways. Then came home did a little bit more then ate dinner, we then went to the church to go on splits with the Zone leaders for a lesson. I went with Elder Rockwood and we taught the restoration to one of the most prepared people I have ever met. It was an amazing lesson. We were able to set a date with him for the 20th of next month. It was a neat miracle! We then went to go visit a family of which the father was just recently baptized! He is an old man, he was kind of grumpy, but really funny! We invited the family to take lessons however they declined for the time being. We the ran to the Eki to split back with our companions than we sprinted home to make it on time. During planning our investigator from China called us, who we left the note with earlier in the day, asking if we could have a lesson tomorrow! Uh...yes!
金曜日
We woke up early so we could study for a lesson that we had at 8 in the morning. We then got dressed, ran to the church. The lesson ended a little early sadly because he had to go to Japanese class. We were just getting started too, it was a little frustrating. After the lesson we went out to lunch at Go Go Curry, their mascot is the Gorilla, and the curry was delicious. We then began on a journey that would encompass our following 6 hours. We planned to walk to a less active members house and talk to people along the way. We set up a few appointments with people along the way. We have been trying to focus on praying with people as we meet them. I love the responses we get from different people when we ask if they have ever prayed. Usually it is a no, or yes I pray to myself. Huh, I wonder how that has blessed your life. We met a guy named Honda on a road with literally no one on it working on his motor bike! We talked with him for an hour and were able to teach the first lesson and pray with him. It was awesome! When we got to the less actives house, the wife who is not a member, was not happy to see us at all and told us to take his name off the list. We told him we couldn't do that. It was kind of frustrating with how far we walked for, but it's okay. We talked to the other people we needed to. After we then talked to a man for a few kilometers, sadly he had no interest. We walked by the church and I had a feeling we had to go to the apartment that myself and another Elder had found last Transfer. My companion said that he has visited them 5 times now with no answer. We visited them and they were home! We were able to talk to them and kind of set up a return appointment. When we made it back to the apartment we couldn't find anything good to eat, so we decided to walk to sushi. It was delicious! Then we walked home and were able to talk to a few more people.
土曜日
We awoke and worked out hard, like exhausted ourselves. It is nice to have a companion so willing to work out in the morning. During companionship study we realized something very important...neither of us can sing to save our lives. After studies we had district meeting. It was good, every district is a little different, this one is no acceptation. I am the youngest elder in the district, there is a brand new nehongen sister though. We had to leave early to go on splits in order to get to scouts in machida. Scouts was fun, we played games and talked about hobbies! Afterwards we went out for ramen, it was pretty good! Then to Takao to split back with our original companions. We split back then only had enough time to come home. It was a really quick day.
日曜日
We awoke, got ready and went to the church for DCS, there we were able to talk about our investigators. During it the insoles in my shoes burst, probably from all the walking. This caused my brown shoes to look really interesting. So we had to go back to the apartment before Priesthood while we were there we found out that we left our phone. We went back, during priesthood I was able to read along in the liahona. My reading in improving a lot, however writing and speaking are still coming along slowly. The rest of church was really good, we were surprised that one of our investigators came to church after working an all night shift because he was curious! The Ward secretary came and talked to him afterwards, it was a great experience for him. We also were able to set up a return appointment with him. After church we took a picture as a district, minus the zone leaders. Then mise kyodai and I took a picture together because we were matching. We then came home from church, changed, ate lunch then went out to find the guy who I talked about American Indians with. We couldn't find him, but decided to go and visit a less active instead. It took us 3 hours by foot to get there with all the people we talked to. One man invited us golfing, and another gave a Book of Mormon out to. Then we arrived at the rock and roll guys house (my companion calls him rock n' roll so I don't know his name). He was a nice guy however he told my companion that his Japanese is terrible, and to bring back someone who could eat better. He took it pretty hard, I mean who wouldn't, he studies like no one I have seen and for the most part can speak really well, but his southern drawl can interfere sometimes. Most of the time he has no accent at all though. We left his house, after a frustrating conversation. We ran into a man who loves scuba diving and invited us to come with him sometime! Too bad we can't swim! We then went home, with sore feet from all the walking and ate dinner. Then off to the church to work on area books and put all the lessons in.
Well that was our week in a nutshell!
Love Ya'll!
Elder Dunn
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