Week 97: June 10, 2017 - The rains came down

Hey everyone!

It is now the rainy season in Japan, at least according to everyone we

talk to! I guess it doesn't mean much, because I don't feel like it's

raining that much more, but we do get some precipitation pretty much

every day. Comes down, cools you off, and helps you keep going. Though

since I've thought about it, just a completely different season than

Virginia has. It's always crazy to see how people have grown and

adapted to their circumstances. One of my favorite things about being

a missionary.

With that, we had junkais this week, which gave us a chance to work

with many other missionaries and see how they have grown, and grow

from their testimonies. On Friday I was with Elder Rolin, from Brazil,

and we had a way good talk about what it means to be a leader. He was

called as a district leader a couple weeks ago, and it's already crazy

to see the change. As he elevates himself to who he knows the Lord

needs him to be, I've been able to see his district follow that

example, and elevate themselves. So it was amazing to see the power of

example, and to work with him. The other blessing was to watch the

small, seemingly simple things, such as going to a convenience store

to use the bathroom, turn into miracles. In the above incident, we ran

into Alex, who I met about 5 weeks ago, and he is busy studying

Genesis at college. To know that this is his time, and to know that

God has and will prepare his way, is a peaceful knowledge, even if we

can't see how the path will flow.

After that, I worked with Elder Wheeler, who reminds me, as do a lot

of missionaries now, about where I was a year ago. He has a crazy

desire to work, study, learn, and help the people around us, our

beloved brothers and sisters in Japan. Yet, to paraphrase the Bible,

we are all still learning to 'cleanse first the inner vessel'. The

true measure of success comes not from the outward results of your

supposed actions, but rather, from the growth you experience. As we

grow with our companions, with the people we meet, then the bonds of

friendship are created that will span eternity. We have to be the

change we wish to see in the world, because that is where growth, and

repentance, starts. With us. And with that, building off the faith and

desire to change, the Lord will bless us with miracles, such as

meeting a college kid who used to go to church in Kagoshima before he

moved to college. This is His work, and He guides those who listen and

strive to lift the world. I have never felt that more than the past

few days.

It's been a full, fulfilling week, and lots of things learned. Also,

congratulations to Rebecca for graduating!

Love you all!

Elder Woodhouse