Hey everyone!
Thanks again for your concern, the part of Japan where I am (Kumamoto)
is still safe, and didn't get hit by weather at all. I've also heard
from the Hiroshima area, where it was worse, that all missionaries are
doing fine, and recovery is well on its way. Thanks for all the
prayers and thoughts!
With weather out of the way, we had a decently exciting week, with the
capstone probably being meeting President and Sister Mack! Due to the
number of missionaries they are meeting, it was impressive, because
they managed to meet each individual one on one for a couple minutes.
It makes me sad, because I won't get to keep learning from them that
much longer, but the training we did get was very well thought through
and spiritual. President Mack talked a lot about the doctrine of
Christ, our five foundations of faith that build us through life. In
order, that is Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, The gift of
the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. The key, as he taught, is
that these aren't simple things you do once, or once a week, or even
once a day. The goal is to interlace them into your very being, until
you are the living gospel, because then your very actions will teach
others more of the Savior. So, his challenge was to think about what
we can do, as individuals, to weave this doctrine more fully into who
we are, and become more as our Savior. Really a deep challenge, and
one that I'm still working on identifying. But a great conference,
where I learned and thought a lot.
After that we had junkais with Beppu, which allowed us to go ham with
the extra elders, and learn more about them. I think that it is one of
my favorite things I've been able to do, is to develop relationships
with individuals, and grow, not through them, but with them, as we
elevate each other. Such a unique opportunity that God gives each of
us, to be the leaven in the lives of all.
Our other way cool experience was after Beppu went home, as Elder Burr
and I were street contacting. We met these two kids on Thursday, both
15/16 students at one of the Christian high schools in the area. They
were nice, said they wanted to learn a little more, so we set up an
appointment for Saturday. As we keep talking over text, we learn that
not only both of them would be coming, but, in fact, the entire boxing
team would come to the church to learn about Christ after practice.
So, Elder Burr and I get to teach seven of these amazing young men
about the restoration. It felt like I'd already moved into the young
men's presidency! But they were very mature, had good questions, and
just a spiritual experience for all of us. And, of course, we got a
picture with them!
It was a great week!
Love you all!
Elder Woodhouse
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