Week 52: July 31, 2017 - On an Island, again!

So, after 15 hours of travel, I've arrived! There is now one more

happy, smiling missionary on Amami!

I guess my week technically started before transferring, but it was

hectic saying goodbye to people, and getting Elder Barker ready to go

home. It was a pleasure working with him, and I'm glad we had the

chance to work and learn. The peace in all of the hectic things was

dinner Wednesday with the Nishihara couple, who have helped us so much

with Sachiko and Takuya. It was great to get to talk to them one last

time, and thank them for all of their kindness, assistance, and

strength in the Lords work.

And then I left for Amami, spending most the day alone on a boat,

which was kinda weird. It was a great chance to get caught up on

studies and my journal, but besides that, and lots of pretty views,

not much crazy stuff happened. But, after the ride, I got to Amami,

and got to meet Elder Jo again!

From that point, everything has been hectic once more. We are busy,

happy missionaries, trying our hardest to find the people the Lord has

prepared. Right now, the branch is a little small, but all the members

are strong in faith, and ready to work with and help the missionaries.

We even spent a lot of Saturday visiting less-active members with

Iwamoto Kyodai and Nagatomo Kaicho, who was just visiting for the

weekend, but it is clear to me that the members care about everyone

else. It's a sign of Gods love, because as our Father, he cares about

each and every one of us individually. He sends us love and peace as

we need, and I can feel His love for all of the people on this island

of 44,000, and the chance to serve all of them is amazing.

And that doesn't even count the miracle of Sachiko and Takuya's

baptism on Saturday. Obviously, being a 12 hour boat ride away made it

so I couldn't make it the service, but I heard it was amazing and

filled with the Spirit as they bore their testimony. I'm so glad I had

the chance to work, teach, and help the understand the importance of

the gospel, and the role their Savior has in their lives.

I'm excited to see what other miracles and experiences the Lord has in

store for this island. It's amazing to be here, and I love every

chance I have to be a missionary and His representative. Love everyone

back at home!

Love,

Elder Mitchell Woodhouse