Call me "Ammon"

[The other day we visited a man] named A-Kyoudai, and he has Parkinson's. He's in the hospital for the whole week every other week, and he's a Mormon. He can't speak and he can't move, but he is very aware. The only times he's ever responded in any kind of way was when we asked him if he wanted to take the sacrament. The first time D. Shimai asked him that, he cried. He is amazing. Truly amazing. He only went *less active* because the home teachers were changed and didn't know that they had to bring him the sacrament. So, for years, he just dropped off the map. It is such a privilege to teach him.

…

So, for personal goals, I've been working on becoming Ammon :D I'll work on him for the next week or two, then I'll move on to Amulek. [Ammon and Amulek taught about God in ancient times. You can tell by Sydney's list that their lives were a little more eventful than hers.]

Some things that I've put on my *Be Ammon* list--

JOY

Everything is about God. Always think of God, always thank God.

Everything is a gift from God.

Impress your fellow servants with remarkable feats of strength.

Sling powerful stones.

Ready all manner of weapons.

Simple testimony, simple joy, simple doctrine.

Be a diligent, faithful, and humble servant

Every opportunity a service opportunity

[For those of you who don't know Sydney well, she was smiling when she wrote the list above.]

And I have more, but Z. Shimai:s waiting. See you next week!

Love,

Sydney

[Here's an excerpt from a copy of her weekly letter to the mission president.]  

[Dear Mission President,]

... 

It:s a little weird having D. Shimai (Sister D.) gone. It's really weird having D. Shimai gone. I'm just trying to fit into the mantle (of the senior missionary). It's a good thing God qualifies his called, because I am most certainly not qualified. 

... 

We'll be dropping a pamphlet and a couple scriptures by [a woman who asked to be baptized (name removed)] place tonight or tomorrow. I'll let you know how that goes. It was an idea from S. Chourou [Brother/Elder S.] and I really liked it. By the way, apparently S. Chourou has a first name. I think it's *Dallin the Destroyer* or something. Just a rumor, though. I don't actually believe he has a first name.

…

Speaking of, I've been being a wuss about moving to a new character, but I'll be going to Amulek in my character study, soon. I still think Ammon's cooler. Meh.

Last thing: I thought that a Nihonjin (Japanese) companion was the only way my Japanese could get better. You threw me a curveball with Z. Shimai. Her Japanese is better than mine, but improvement has definitely been expedient. It's nice to grow as a companionship. D. Shimai was a little more like a mom. Z. Shimai's a friend. She's very sweet, and she talks to literally everyone. I thought I was outgoing, but that girl is on fire.