Sister Avynlea Peterson: Week 75: Nagano, Nagoya; Companion: Sister Wentz

Last one!!

Hi everyone!!

I really can't believe I am writing my LAST EMAIL! If I'm being honest I am really excited. Hehe I'm gonna miss Japan and the people so much, but boy am I ready for those goldfish crackers.

I had my last zone conference and genuinely it was last one best one. We talked lots about the Book of Mormon which was perfect because I am getting through my goal of reading the whole thing this transfer. One of the things talked about was that we really do not understand how special it is that we have the Book of Mormon and how much it is worth.

I have felt its power so much as I have been reading it and I am so thankful for the truths it teaches and the guidance it gives. I love the Book of Mormon and I know it is true.

Kameda. Oh Kameda. I will never get over this man haha. He really wanted to come to church for my last Sunday but buddy fell off his bike right in front of his house and hurt his おしり, so he couldn't make it. BUT we went over to see try to get him to come anyways Sunday morning and although he declined our kind invitation, he himself brought up the Book of Mormon. How he is still reading it and trying to understand it. He is trying because he feels its truth and it's importance. AHHH THIS MAN I LOVE HIM. Before we met him he was NOT religious and now he is talking about the Book of Mormon and asking us to pray for him. God is so perfect.

We had a busy week with lots of member meals! More member meals in 1 week than I have had my whole time in Nagano. Jk, but the numbers are pretty close.

1. Our favorite buffet with our fav member we call Birthday Kaichou. Because he for some reason always jokes that we have the same birthday and it always happens to be the same day we see him.

2. Lunch with Noriko 姉妹 although she had to finish a client's hair, so really it was lunch with the elders, then she came at the end and paid for it.

3. Yakiniku with the Ezakis! My favorite people! They were BLOWN AWAY at how much meat the elders kept ordering. It was pretty funny.

4. Caliegh 姉妹 is our American member who is so sweet to us and had us come to her little apartment for lunch. It was a good time.

5. McDonalds with our regular eikaiwa people. We stayed out a little too late, but had so much fun with these people. Our ages are all very different, but I feel so connected to all of them!

I realize that does not seem like a lot, but in 1 week it is! And I loved every second of all of them!

There have been a few full circle moments as I have reached the end of my mission which has been really cool. Let me write out a list for ya.

- First and last zone conference in Matsumoto. The zone has changed so much since my first, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

- my last night before I go to the honbu (mission home) will be spent in Matsumoto.

- on Sunday a member whom I had met my first Sunday came to our branch AND I was able to have a fully understandable conversation with her! Woop!

Because of these full circle moments, I have also reflected a lot on my testimony and the things I have learned. I wish I could write them all in here, but there are too many. But I will bare simple testimony to you of the most important things I know.

I know this church is the truest church on the earth. It is run by our loving Heavenly Father, His son Jesus Christ and through living prophets. The greatest thing to ever happen on this earth was the atonement of Jesus Christ of which I will never stop thanking my Heavenly Father for. Because of Jesus Christ we can be made clean. We can make the worst mistakes, and after a sincere desire to change, we can keep going as it becomes a thing of our past. I love the atonement and all the strength it gives. I know the Book of Mormon is the true word of God, the key to salvation! By reading and applying it's teachings to our lives, we WILL come closer to God. The god who is OUR Loving Heavenly Father. With a perfect plan for each of us. Always trust in His plan and that He is making you stronger. I just want everyone to know that I, Sister Peterson know, testify, and bare record of these things. There is too much evidence for these things not to be true. It is through the power of the Holy Ghost that I know them. I love it. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I also want to add how grateful I am for this beautiful country. Japan will always be a super holy place to me. You look around anywhere and see God's beauty jumping out at you. Whether it is in the BEAUTIFUL lush and green mountains or passing by all His busy children on the street. The Japanese people are so polite, considerate, and respectful. I am honored to have learned this language and embrace the culture. I wish every single person here could understand the true gospel we have to teach because they would live it so well. I mean look at the members here who are so strong and sacrifice so much. I know someday the church in Japan will be HUGE and pray I will get to see it. I will forever associate this place with the tiny and big miracles from God. It gives me goosebumps thinking about how much it all means to me. Japan and its people will forever hold a special place in my heart and I couldnt be more grateful!

Thank you all for sticking with me and supporting me always! I will see you this weekend!!

Homecoming talk is this Sunday, August 17th at 9am. Message me if you want the Zoom link or the address!

I LOVE YOU ALL

GOD LOVES YOU

MAKE IT A GOOD WEEK!

<3 ピーターソン姉妹

08/11/2025

Last Eikaiwa for real.

Eikaiwa regulars and McDonalds Mashup.

It wasnt til after this experience when Wentz 姉妹 pointed out the really cool reality behind it. We, 2 Americans sat and talked to this old man and this young boy about how everyone should respect and love eachother on what we didnt realize til after to be the 80th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bomb drop. The second bomb after Hiroshima!