I know it's selfish...and it's just a picture on the wall

3/13 日

So, I called the Abeno sisters, like, a billion times to make
absolutely SURE that the baptism was on. A whole lot of crazy things
happened, but it finally worked out and we went. It was a lot of
fun--T Shimai is crazy good at naturally transitioning to gospel
topics. We taught a couple of solid lessons.

But the baptism. I know it's selfish, ...
...and I was the one who planned it to be like it is, but...
I'm so sad I'm not the one to stand in E's baptismal picture that
will hang on the ward-house wall. I worked so hard, SO hard,
and lost years of my life trying to get her baptized, and in the end,
because I was transferred and am not that area missionary anymore,
it should and will be Sisters M and S in the pictures. And in Y 's baptismal
picture, too. (She's getting baptized next Tuesday).
Darn. I'm so sad.
I worked so hard.

"But what is done in secret shall be rewarded in heaven." That's what
I'm hoping for. In all reality, it really is just a picture on the
wall.

And they know that I'm their missionary. When B Shimai (E-chan's mom)
hugged me goodbye, she said, "Thank you. I will always remember you. I
cannot forget you. You are my joy. Thank you."

I'll always remember you, too, B Shimai.

Something that was really surprising was that when the Bishop gave the
closing remarks, he gave me a hat-tip in front of the congregation.
And a White Day present :)

Thanks Bishop. It was a little rough, but I'm really glad we were able
to work through everything together in the end.


So, folks, this is Sanzu Shimai closing up another hastily-written
letter from Kitarokko, preaching repentance and baptizing converts.
Well, that's the plan anyways.

Five weeks left in the vineyard.


This week was really crazy, and I can only send you pieces of some of
the days right now, but this week, I got a letter from my recent
convert in Imabari that he's getting sealed to his wife two days after
I leave. Way to go! I feel my mission coming to a close, and it's
eating my heart. But in a good way. I'm glad to see everything finally
coming to a happy end.



Love,
Sanzu Shimai