Week 40: May 8, 2017 - Basketball for Days

Hey everyone!

I guess I spilled the big news from last week, but Elder Dibble came

in from Kumamoto last week! It's way exciting to get to work with him,

because I'd already met him once when I was in Omuta, but mainly

because he is ready to work. And after a couple weeks of teaching

nonstop, some slower paced door knocking has been long missed. Sadly,

he will be heading up to Fukuoka this week for leadership training

with Elder Barker, so I won't even get to work with him this week, but

it's a start. Of course, I'll have another five weeks after this, so

we are ready to roll!

With that said, and the big news being transfers, the only other news

I have was a surprise split with Elder Rowe, who is in the neighboring

area. Due to his companion leaving, I got to go down and keep him

company on transfer day until his companion came. It was fun for me,

because he was in the apartment when I was in Yamaguchi, and I loved

getting back together with him, even if just for a day. We spent the

entire day outside, talking to everyone we could, and as a result,

there are two more people in the world that might come to church, that

are willing to meet missionaries more, to know how they can be blessed

through the gospel, through living prophets, through personal

communication with God. Of course, two of 7,000,000,000+ isn't a large

number, but being a missionary reminds me of a commons quote. "To the

world, you may be but one person, but to one person, you may be the

world". Obviously a single missionary can't be himself change

everything in the world, teach every person. But bit by bit, step by

step, and person by person the army of God is marching forth. I'm so

glad to be marching as part of it, to bring His truth to the world.

Sadly, that's really all I did the past week. Next week is Mother's

Day, so congratulations to all the amazing mothers in the world! In

honor of that, I might have more to say then! Love you all!

Elder Mitchell Woodhouse

Week 39: May 1, 2017 - One more transfer down!

So, the past week has been really busy. I guess that happens when you are in a three man, with members, less actives, investigators, and all the other bits and pieces that come with being a missionary. So building off of that, the big news is that this week is transfer week, and I get my new companion! His name is Elder Dibble, and from the couple times I've meet him, he's a great guy. Just so happens to be 6'9" or so, and so basketball just got a touch more lopsided, but he's a great guy. I'm way excited, and hope to finally break the pattern. My first companion was for 10 weeks, next was 8, then 6, then 4, then 2, and now Elder Dibble. But only time can tell what happens next. 

Besides transfer week news, we had a miracle that is still unfolding. The Fousts, our senior couple missionaries, have been doing a family home evening class on one of the military bases, and last week, they had a guy just randomly walk in, which was the first time ever. Then, on Sunday, our ward mission leader texts us to say he is driving two people to church from the base. When we get there, it happens that one of them was the walk-in to FHE! The best news is, he (Tyler) has plans to come back next week, to learn more. It shows me that if we work hard, if we are trying our best, God will put miracles in our path, every single time. It also shows the importance of members, because the only reason Tyler found the church, or the Fousts, or really any part of it was because of Mormon friends when he was younger. It brings to mind the words of one of the apostles, who roughly said "The symbols of our church are the members. When they live with the light of Christ, there is no better message we can send to the world". 

Another amazing part of the past week was a surprise fireside on Sunday night. As missionaries, we learned on Saturday that a group called Bless4, Mormon Japanese pop singing family, would be coming. Thankfully, both Takasora and Yudai, two of the people we are working with, could come, and so we also got to join in. It was beautiful to hear their testimonies, both on the pure power of missionaries as representatives of God, and as they sung, through music. My favorite song was called "Mary did you know", which just shows how different people can share the Spirit in different ways, according to their own talents. 

Those were the large events from the week, with many more, ranging from the depths of sickness in the apartment to days of teaching lessons all day to service and barbecues. The work continues to be a blast, and it can only go up as our attitudes improve!

Love you all!

Elder Woodhouse

Week 38: April 24, 2017 - And Elder Sherrill is gone!

Hey everybody!

So, the big news from last week is that as of Wednesday, Elder

Sherrill is gone! It was always a possibility, but we learned last

Monday night that he would be transferring up to Fukuoka to be the

next assistant to the president, starting officially next transfer.

So, that same day, I moved into a trio with Elder Barker and Elder

Mizukawa. While Elder Sherrill is taking care of the mission as a

whole, a role he will be well suited for, the three of us will watch

over our island and city of Okinawa! From the little time we had

together, I learned a lot from Elder Sherrill on how to be a good

person, just all around, all the time, someone you can trust. And, now

I get the chance to learn from even more people! The best part it,

just as Elder Bednar taught in general conference, we as missionaries

are called to the work, not to an area, or even in this case, a

companion. No matter what, I still have the honor and privilege of

teaching people about their loving Father in Heaven, who knows and

cares about them, and has a plan for each and every one of us. What

greater call could I have?

With the big news out of the way, we only had one other major thing

happen last week. Due to the proximity of everyone on the island, we

had a double zone pday, where ~34 missionaries got to gather together

and play capture the flag. It was an amazing chance to run around, and

to see the people I didn't get to talk to at zone conference. Now,

with the exception of Elder Nukaya, my MTC companion, I have met every

single person I knew in the MTC face to face and gotten to talk to

them. It's been amazing to see already how people have changed, and to

think about how I've done as well.

Now that I've stated the major, their really isn't anything else to

report on. The work is progressing, maybe not as fast as the

missionaries would like, but we are as impatient as anyone else. The

key is to remember that this is God's work, and his timeframe. As long

as we work our best every day, and strive, through prayer and study,

to stay in line with his will, everything will be taken care of. Our

only challenge is to purify ourselves, because tomorrow the Lord will

work miracles among us. It is my missionary promise that as we look

inwards, and clean the inner vessel, the outer world will become much,

much brighter.

Thank you everyone for your emails and support, your letters and

packages. Especially in this Easter season, it has meant a lot to know

that I am loved by so many people around the world.

Love,

Elder Woodhouse

Week 37: April 17, 2017 - Zone Conference, Easter, & Castles

Hey everybody!

As would be expected from any missionary, the past week has been

pretty cool. From Monday to yesterday, we went to a castle, had a

double zone conference, and Easter dinner! All cool, and all

fulfilling.

The first highlight was the castle trip. Of interest, I learned that

the Okinawan empire historically was a completely separate empire than

the Japanese and Chinese. They functioned as a trade hub for the

entire Pacific Ocean, and had many streaks of wealth, and destruction.

Due to that, the empires seat of power, Shiri Castle, has been

preserved and rebuilt time and time again. So it was amazing to visit,

and see the history, to think about how long it has been there, how

many generations of power had passed through. For me, the memory and

pondering helps to relate more to the people of the island.

Secondly, we had a conference from President Egan, and because Okinawa

is so far away, we brought both Ginowan and Naha zones together.

Obviously, the training was amazing, and one of my favorite parts was

talking about attitude. You will find everything, everyday, so it is

our job to choose to look for the positive instead of the negative.

But among the cool parts was reuniting with the last member of my MTC

district I haven't met. Both Elder Nukaya and Elder Coleman were at

the meeting, so I could see both of them. It's cool to see how fast

things have passed, and how much people, including me, have already

changed.

Lastly, for Easter, we had a family invite us and some members over

for dinner. It was way nice of them, and amazing to feel the warmth of

the Spirit and the Savior in their home. Truly this is a special

season, and an amazing time of the year.

Love you all!

Elder Woodhouse

Week 36: April 10, 2017 - Conference!

Hey everyone!

It's only a week behind those of you in the US, but now I've finally

watched general conference, and it was, as would be expected, amazing!

So, I'd like to start this week off with a couple talks that I

enjoyed, and then some small experiences from the rest of the week.

The first talk I would like to talk about was near the end of

Priesthood session, and was give. By President Uchtdorf. In it, he

talked about the "right way to do discipleship". Of particular note

was the constant reminded that it matters not what we do, but how we

do it. Are we serving because we want to, or because we have to? Are

we leading as Christ would, or for the glory of men? As always, I love

the reminder to check our hearts, to look inwards, and see what we can

improve. As we clean ourselves, our outlook on the entire world will

change, and we will be able to do even the smallest tasks, like

cleaning up after horses, with a smile.

The other talk I really enjoyed was given by Elder M. Russell Ballard,

and focused on setting goals in line with the Saviors. But on a

smaller level, it is really just setting goals to improve ourselves,

for that is His goal, to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal

life of man". This is only achieved as we constantly stretch

ourselves, constantly improving. And setting goals with the end in

mind, small goals leading to larger ones, knowing why we are working,

these things will all help us move forward faithfully and properly.

Additionally, Elder Ballard also called for an introspection of

ourselves, as who knows us better then us? Again, at least in my mind,

as we turn inward to improve, and exert ourselves to always serve

outwards, to work for others, that is the best way to find joy.

My last little note for this week is just a thought on Easter, as it

is approaching, and is on many people's mind. Easter is a celebration

of life, a rejoicing over the knowledge that Jesus Christ has overcome

death for all of us. But, just as was mentioned in conference, it is

also a celebration of comfort through the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit

of Promise. The earthly ministry of our Savior allowed for Him to

suffer all for us, and his resurrection allows Him the perfect

knowledge and comfort for all of us. So as we celebrate Easter, it is

a time of joy, of love, of peace, because it is a symbol of all that

we just heard, the words of God through the mouths of His prophets.

I'm so grateful to have the chance to teach and spread this glorious

message of truth.

 

Until more excitement next week!

Elder Mitchell Woodhouse

Week 35: April 3, 2017 - One Full Week on Okinawa

Hey everyone!

One full week on Okinawa is now complete! It's crazy how different things are from mainland already. Mainly it's the weather, but we've also found some cool service opportunities and met some fun people on the street, so as of now, the island is pretty fun.

The big activity from the past week was a service project for the McMenamy couple from the military branch. They own some property on an island off the coast of the Okinawa, and needed help weeding and cleaning up all of the land. So they picked us up Thursday morning, and we worked all morning, before taking the long and scenic route home. It was fun to see all the beaches and different parts of the island, but the best part was just getting to go help people. In my mind, there are very few things better than lending a hand, and seeing the results. And, as bad as it sounds, I missed doing yard work, so it was a blast. 

The other news from the past week is that one of our friends from the island took of to Tokyo for college. From the time I got here (which I guess isn't that long) we have had two 19 year old guys coming to eikaiwa, and being down to meet, learn, play basketball, do most anything. But, that's drawn to a close, as Mitsuaki has left to start college, learning to be a veterinarian, and Yudai is in cram school now, preparing for college next year. It's a crazy schedule, and I'm glad that as a missionary, I only have one focus, which is to teach about the peace that comes through Jesus Christ. In a land where most people know next to nothing about Him, it's a humbling and exciting calling. 

And on that note, the last thing that happened this week was the release of the new Easter video, "Prince of Peace". As always, it is a simple video explaining the foundations of why we have Easter, why we need a Savior, and what the power of Christ can bring into our lives. I love the simplicity of the message, and I can promise as well that I have felt the peace He brings. For anyone interested in watching, the link is  https://www.mormon.org/?player=bc.

That's it for this week! I'm looking forward to hearing the words of the apostles when conference is broadcasted next week, and I'm excited based on what everyone has sent. Thanks for all of the love and good wishes!

Elder Woodhouse 

Week 34: March 27, 2017 - Greetings from...

Hey everybody,

I'll start with the biggest news I've had in a while, at least

Pertaining to me. Due to various things, one being Elder Erickson

being called as a trainer, I am no longer in Omuta! 6 weeks and

shipped out, and it was all way too fast. I have a few pictures from

the last pday, where I crammed as much history as possible, but

suffice it to say that I'll miss it. However, because I had to leave,

I am now on...

Okinawa!

Crazy how quickly things change. So while I won't be able to send any cherry blossom pictures, I'll send some of the beach, and the greenery as soon as I get down to them. My new companion is Elder Sherrill, so I'll probably have some pictures of him and the other elders in the apartment, Elder Barker and Elder Mizukawa, sooner or later, as well. Sorry to disappoint, I know I promised flowers last week!

Leaving Omuta was a big surprise, and it was a touch hard. For starters, we had only just started expanding our horizons, and spent last pday looking at old coal mines, white tigers, and famous okonomiyaki. But the harder part is leaving the people, like Kodzuma (pictured) and Ippo, who are both preparing for baptism, and becoming more Christlike every day. And the members, who I got to know well because they were all so helpful. I can't think of a time where we didn't get help that we needed, where people didn't rearrange their lives to help the missionaries. So it was sad, even after such a short time.

But, now I have more members and more missionaries to work with! As part of Okinawa, we are right next to Kadena Air Force base, and so besides the Japanese ward we get to serve in, we also serve in the Gushikawa military branch. So lots of English, lots of Japanese, and lots of fun. I've only been to church once, but everyone in the area is very nice, and from the time I got here on Thursday, we haven't had to cook a single meal in the apartment, nor eat a meal with just missionaries. It's surprising to be here, but I'm ready to work hard and try to love the members as much as they already seem to love me.

That's the big news for this week, thanks for all the love, prayers, and letters. Love you all!

Elder Mitchell Woodhouse