Wakakunaku nachatte iru n ne. Try saying that one three times fast.

9/7

WELP. Soon, I will be less young then I currently am. Although this
happens every day, I will soon hit two milestones: my birthday and

the 1yr mark of my mission.

In the US, the adult years that we celebrate are 18 and 21. In Japan,

it's 20. Twenty-year-olds actually celebrate their twentieth year in February

in an event called the Seijinshiki. Not sure if it's a holiday or if you just pick

your favorite day, dress up in a kimono, and take pictures of yourself
looking traditionally adorable.

****

On P-day, we went and had another blueberry snowcone at Japan's
fourth-best snowcone shack in the nation. Everything in Japan is
naturally more intense than in America. That includes, but is certainly

not limited to, snowcones. This snowcone is 720 yen, which is

approximately 7 US Dollars. It is a sit-down, choose-your-favorite-from-

our-five-famous-flavors miniature restaurant. I would rate the snowcone's

actual value at 550 yen, but it's good enough that this is the second time

that W. shimai and I have gone there. Because some things are just

important in life. Snowcones--intense, real-fruit-and-syrup snowcones—

happen to be one of those important things.

We also stopped by a pretty solid recycle shop and found some pretty
amazing Engrish shirts. Man. Engrish is one of God's gifts to mankind.
Made our week.

This week, the SGG (English speaking Japanese) members treated us

to a “welcome” lunch at the Gaikokujin Hotel. It's pretty fancy, and they

were so sweet for treating us (This, by the way, is my 3rd “welcome” lunch.

The 1^st “welcome” lunch was for me, then the next one was for P. shimai,

and this one was for W.shimai.)

After, we went to the church and waited for our (recently engaged) person

to show up for a lesson. He didn't show up. Later, he called us.

Him: I'm so sorry! I forgot it was Tuesday!
Me: No, don't worry, it's fine.
Him: ...
Me: ...So, do you have anything fun going on later tonight?
Him: *Burst into a set of nervous giggles* ...Yes.
Me: Ah, okay, have fun. *hangs up*

There was no need to ask what it was. I just wonder if I'll still be here
when they get married...

On the way back, we decided to stop by and see a woman who sometimes

comes to church. Her shop was closed, so we gave her a call, and her son (who

we’ve been teaching), picked up the phone, told us that she was in the hospital.

We asked if there was anything we could do for her, and he said, "No, I think

we're okay. Just keep praying for her, and that's fine."

Us: Speaking of prayer, are you praying?
Him: Of course.
Us:  :B

Highlight of the week.

I'd like to end by saying that this gospel is true and it's important.
It matters and will truly affect and improve every facet of your life,
every aspect of your personality, every wound, weakness, strength,
talent. It can ease fears and lift you when you're downtrodden. It can
heal you. It can improve you. I know from personal experience that it
can and does answer any and every question that has any kind of
longstanding importance. Yes, it can save you. Even when you don't
know that you need saving. I love this gospel because I've seen it
change people and more importantly, I've seen it change me. It's true.
It is the Truth. Prayer works, God loves his children.

I say these things in the name of our perfect Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.