Happy December yayyy
For our Eikaiwa class we had a Thanksgiving party!! We explained what the tradition was then made little turkeys, it was so fun. Also we had to explain to them what a turkey is... I was very confused on how they did not know that vital information already.
We also made chocolate chip cookies and everyone loved them!! It was great because usually Japanese people do not like American things because it is too sweet.
Anyone remember Sister Oota? She was my first baptism and is seriously the sweetest. Well, she got to go to the temple this weekend!! I am so happy for her! This is the message she sent us... Google Translate was used, but I think it makes sense...
"I was able to visit the temple for the first time without any problems
It's all thanks to you all.
I feel like I've been purified once again.
I'm filled with gratitude to everyone
I'm really grateful to have been guided to this opportunity
"
Ugh I am so happy for her. This is Gods work. This is why I am a missionary, to bring the joy of Jesus Christ and His atonement to people's lives.
On Saturday I really did not feel like I was in Japan. In the morning we met with a woman from Cameroon (Central Africa). She is not interested in reading the Book of Mormon, so we do really good bible studies with her. That afternoon we helped teach another woman from Cameroon Japanese. In the evening, we ate dinner at a man from Ghana's house. I literally traveled to Africa. It was so fun though. They were all so nice and spiritual. Oh and earlier in the week we had dinner with Reonita and her grandkids!
I think that is all I will write today... gomen. (Sorry in Japanese)
But I will not leave you without a spiritual message!
It is officially Light the World season! A tradition our church has every year. Everyday leading up to Christmas, INTENTIONALLY do something that "lights the world". Maybe that means smiling at someone you walk by, complimenting someone, calling your mom, ANYTHING! Anything that you think would give a little spark in the world.
I love this tradition because it shifts the focus leading up to Christmas more towards the true meaning. Jesus Christ.
I love you
God loves you!
LETS LIGHT THE WORLD!!
<3 Sister Peterson
12/02/2024
I expected this, but I transferred out of Gokiso. It was really sad saying bye to everyone because I was there for about 4 months. But my new area is Toyama, in the countryside like Matsumoto was. So I left the city and am back in 田舎.
A member in Gokiso did my nails and I am obsessed with them. She is actually a professional, literally lived in New York for 5 years for this. Her family is half Peruvian and half Japanese and they cooked the best meal. I will miss them ugh.
We got to celebrate a member's birthday with her and her family! (She is the one in the green) it was so fun and her food is so amazing. Her granddaughter goes to BYUI and she was begging me to become her friend when I get home. Obviously I said yes because that would be so fun!! She made us homemade pizza and it was one of the most homeliest meals I have had in a while.
I got my transfer call to Toyama and my new companion is Sister Macdonald!! Toyama is beautiful but you guys I am FREEZING. And it isn't even the coldest time of the year yet. I'm so nervy. Sister Macdonald is amazing. Just amazing. I am a little worried we get along too good that sometimes we get distracted from missionary work. But also I am so excited to work with her and I know we will see so many miracles.
My first time streeting with her we talked to a man and it was the best and funniest convo ever. He spoke broken English which made it even better. He told us he was born on Dec 25 and he is Jesus. We later clarified that he is *trying* to be like Jesus. So we randomly broke out in song singing about trying to be like Jesus and he loved it. It was amazing. I was able to snipe a pic of him walking away smiling.
I was reading The Living Christ (everyone should read right now!!! It is pretty short!!) and this sentence really stuck out to me.
"We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary."His life is the center of EVERYTHING. His life did not end when he died on the cross. It had me thinking, am I making Christ the center of my life? His presence is so pure and pungent, am I constantly seeking it? Leading up to Christmas I really encourage everyone to reflect on this in terms of your life. Even if it is small, how can you make Christ the center of your life a little but more? And also I am commanding you to read the Living Christ because it is short and so amazing!I love you all!God loves you!Make it a good week!!<3 Sister Peterson12/09/24
