Snow, Sakura, Squirrels!

頼もう！

Soo spring started on Wednesday, or was supposed to. Instead, we were blessed with snow! It didn't stick a whole lot but, me being me, I love snow either way! 

We stepped up our streeting game this week. We asked people around the station where we could eat certain foods(takoyaki or Mexican food) or where we could see sakura. Almost everyone stopped and we were able to talk to a ton of people! One person told us he wasn't interested but he said he will upload a video of us on his Instagram to see if his followers were interested. Never had that before but hey, props to him for being a missionary too! 

We had some time today to look at some sakura and go to a squirrel park! So many squirrels, guinea pigs, and bunnies! Way fun! That's about all the energy I have to write. Until next week! Enjoy General Conference!

-チャブ長老

Snow!

District sushi run!

Squirrels and Guinea Pigs!

So cute!

Feeding squirrels!

Lessons Learned

Kia ora! 

With it being transfer week, it was a bit busy. Cleaning is always fun though. A clean living environment is key to happiness at home haha!

I realize I had a typo in last week's letter. Elder McDonald transferred and Elder Hemi came in his place. 

A couple people we housed were busy and said it was okay to come back another day. There was one person though that told us to keep trying to visit if they weren't home. So that was kinda nice. We also met with 望月さん earlier this week for the first time. He doesn't have a whole lot of interest, but definitely potential.

We did have a pretty interesting experience though. A guy we talked to ended up teaching us some lessons. Before I get into this, recently, I haven't been as 元気. I started thinking of some goals; one of my goals is to be more confident. Through some studies, I realized I need more Christ-like love and charity. Back to the story now. As we were talking to this guy, we had trouble saying anything; no words came to us. After explaining a little bit about why we became missionaries and the Restoration, he said he still didn't understand what we were trying to say. By the end of the conversation, we were pretty disappointed in ourselves. Rather than letting it get to us, we learned that we need to be more diligent in our studies so we can teach more simply and better. I also took it as another answer to how I can be more confident. Better studies, and more love and charity. 

I was reminded of the last few verses in Moroni 7 from the Book of Mormon. In 44, it says we need charity, or else we are nothing. I love the last two verses; too good for me to paraphrase. 

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

We are all sons and daughters of God. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. We all have our own gifts and talents. Let us find joy in each other's successes and support those in need. As we strive to be filled with love and charity for all, we can become who He wants us to be. 

-Elder Chab

チャブ長老 

愛しています(^-^)

Polynesian Party! Transfer 12!

頼もう!

It rained a ton this week, especially Thursday. We biked pretty far to visit some people on that day. I found a raincoat so my top half was good, but my pants were way soaked. Yay rain!

We had the long-awaited Polynesian night this Saturday. Over 300 people came! There were so many dances and songs; an amazing turn out. I got to drum for a few dances and danced a couple as well, including the haka! I hope I can come back next year!

As for transfers, my companion and I are staying. McDonald長老 is staying, and Hemi長老, the previous AP, is coming in his place. It's gonna be a party this next transfer! 

Nothing much else this week. Have fun!

-Elder Chab

チャブ長老 

愛しています(^-^)

Haka!

More haka!

Backstage!

Lavalava=命

Back in black!

Lavalavas are life!

Haka face!!

Talent 伝道!

頼もう！

I can't believe it's March! It started off with some great clear skies but now it's raining! 

We've been focusing on new ways to 伝道 as a mission recently. It's been a whole lot of fun to see the different ways that have come up. The sisters held fruit, including bananas and grapefruits, and compared it to the gospel. My companion and I used my rubik's cube and we were able to compare it to the Restoration of the gospel. The solved cube was Jesus Christ's gospel when He was on the earth. When He left, people changed it (scrambled the cube). People tried to fix it (try to solve it) but couldn't return it back to what it was because they didn't have the authority(solving method). So, God restored the gospel through Jospeh Smith (solved the cube). People understood it pretty well and it was a lot of fun! Plus I got to use some of my talent :) 

We had some practice on Friday for this week's upcoming Polynesian Night. It was great to see people from all over the mission come together and put in effort to make this event happen. I'm excited! 

On a side note, someone thought my companion and I were Vietnamese :)

I was feeling a bit down on Sunday because I didn't understand too much of what was going on, including the language. I felt kinda like a ragdoll and I think I needed some encouragement. After we got to our apartment, my companion and I talked a bit. Then the other elders called us, telling us to join them for dinner at 武内家's house. We talked about some doctrine and had some good laughs. I loved the atmosphere in their home; a true testimony that a home founded upon the principles of the restored gospel will prosper. Also, it was a sign for me that our Heavenly Father watches over us and will give us a boost when we need it. I'm so thankful to be around such amazing people. 

Always remember Christ. Don't just learn about the gospel, live it. And, use your talents to serve your fellow brothers and sisters!

-Elder Chab

チャブ長老 

愛しています(^-^)

Lt. 島村!

Back with Elder Schow! 

Wonderful People

武内家 and our recent converts!

Got better with the silly faces!

My 愛する同僚！