The Last Melon

This week were able to see Yamaguchi Kyoudia be baptized. It was probably the best day of my mission. He was so nervous and excited to be freed from the burden of sin. He was brought to tears as a member shared with the ward the wonderful expereince she had in jointing in his lessons, and told of his conversion and deep faith. It was so well done!!!!!! I think we all need a little introduction like that when we get baptized.  Afterword he shared a beautiful testimony of the atonement and why we need Christ. I think he should be called as a ward missionary. 

Gustafson Kaicho and Shimai were able to come which was great! So many  members came as well. Me and Sister Sanders  sang I feel my saviors love. Elder Fender played the guitar! 

I am excited to see you all, but also feeling sad to go. But- what lies ahead is always better that what is left behind. Which way do I face? Forward!

Love you! 

Sister Nelson

Yamaguchi Toshimi Kyoudai Was slammed into the covenant waters of baptism on Sunday, November 30th.  Guess what Lewis, Sister Davidson made me that sweater!! hahaha

Ciao! 

ITS FREEZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello! I am so cold I might die. I am sorry for your snow problems. We just were woken to some friendly freezing rain this morning.. luckily it stopped in time for us to have p-day! 

Good job to Dad in your hunting success! Yoku Ganbatta ne!

Sorry if this letter is short, We cant find the remote for the heater in here and my hands might freeze off in a minute. 

This week we were able to meet with Yamaguchi San and taught the commandments- he was so cute when we taught tithing and he said yeah well I have some money since I dont smoke or drink  anymore so I can just give that to the Lord. Also he said any time he thinks of drinking or smoking my face pops into his mind and he thinks DONT DO IT! He got a priesthood blessing from a great member of our ward. I love the priesthood!!!!!!!!!!!! yesterday at church he was like Nelson, when are you going home? I was worried you  might not be at  my baptism!  He looks like a different person. The atonement changes lives and I am so happy to be a witness of it. He said Every day is happy! 

We met with some other investigators and taught a lot about the Restoration this week. It was a great reminder of how much I love the poineers and Joseph Smith. Cant wait to go to Nauvoo!

We had a Thanksgiving lunch with the Relief Society! it was fun we had Stew and chicken and pumpkin pie and chocolate cake from costco!! So delicious!!! I got to bear my testamony and talk about special thanksgiving traditions.

I have to watch out becuase all of the sister keep asking me for recipies and to teach them how to cook- I guess I should have kept my mouth shut about all the great american foods haha. But its way fun to talk about cooking and share ideas with the sisters here- they would go crazy for pintrest! So i am going to make a cookbook before I leave. Any suggestions?

Also I am putting together a concert to sing at tenjin, a train station *kind of like singing at union station. We are going to sing on the 13th. Its the missionaires and the YSA. Except I might actually be in america at that time...But I know it will be great! 

Great to hear about Missionary success at home- I will keep them in my prayers!

Love you guys!

Sister Nelson

Konnichiwa!

Konnichiwa!

This week was really busy! Ill just tell you a few stories from lessons and such;

We had a lesson with Kai san and we felt really impressed to talk about the temple and eternal families. It went really well and she said she really wants that! She is Buddhist but is kind of looking for other options. Mostly because she wants to get married in a church and wear a cute wedding dress, not horns like they do in Japanese weddings. But the temple was perfect for her! She got to know Manami Shimai and she is going to do some stuff with the YSA. It was great! She reminds me of camilla capibara...I know that is like t he most unnattractive compliment ever- but she is actually really cute.

We met with Yukari San- She came to the baptism of one of the members children and she actually wore grey! She never wears anything but black. We are making progress! She said she wants to get baptized but has some personal things to work out. It was a great lesson about Christ and his purpose. 

We got to sing at the baptism- we sang Baptism. During a talk about repentance the Mom of the boy, Nobuki kun, mentioned how a lesson we taught their son had a really big effect on him. We did the thing with 2 cups filled with water. One is us and the other is Heavenly Father. then the kid gets to put in as much nasty stuff as he wants like soy sauce and ketchup and bullion and cinnamon. etc. then we say, that represents our sins. We dont really look like heavenly Father when we sin. Because of Jesus Christ, we can be like Heavenly Father again and be clean. Then the missionary drinks the nasty water- this time it happened to be me. It was the NASTIEST time I have done that. apparently 8 year old boys like to put in a lot more sins than the average person. Anyways, so you drink the nasty water and then you say that jesus Christ cleans your cup out and fills it up with good water...etc, Its a great representation of the atonement. ANyway so the mom was so impressed and said that Nobuki kun really came to understand the atonement, he said mom, they did that for me, huh. It was like  a ahah! Moment. So cool. ANyways the baptism was so great. And Yamaguchi san came.

Speaking of that cutest guy- He is doing so great! We taught the restoration, plan of salvaion again and the Word of Wisdom. He is trying so hard to keep it! Please keep him in your prayers because his desire to repent and come unto Christ is real. Thank you for always praying for my people. 

Yamaguchi san also said he wants to go to the temple. Seriosuly, talk about the temple with people. SHow them a picture. Everybody wants to go there. And if they say, can normal people go in there? 

Say YES! 

they can go in there, everybody can go in there. Thats the purpose of the Gospel.

I learned that in Sunday School the other day. The Japanese are such great teachers.

Okay so we had mission prep with all the YW and YM and YSA! It was so fun we did some proselyting and a testamonym eeting and stuff. We were asked to sing a little imprompteau so we sang baptism again. The girls I dendoed with were so humble and cute- they have such strong testamonies at such a young age. I asked one of them what she wanted to do after high school and she said I want to start a family. I was so impressed with that answer- SHe has her head on straight. it took me comming out on a mission to realize that thing. Family comes first- always. 

Speaking of MIssion preperation- There are many among your friends who would accept the gospel if you would have the faith to share the gospel with them! 

Quentin L Cook says it the best. So think about it, how would you feel if your best friend went with you to do a temple session next week? Or if they came with you on the pioneer trek this summer? It can happen! If there is anybody I can pray for so that they can come unto christ, let me know and we will pray. 

Here is an activity we have been doing as a district; you call another companiohnship and ask what you can pray for for them and then for the weekend you pray sooo hard for them. and they do the same for you.- everything we asked for help with came to pass! It has happened 2 times now.  The power of prayer is amazing. I encourage you guys to do it in YOung womens or young mens? What could happen? a lot of good. a lot of testamonies strenghtened. sorry I cant spell. 

Anyways Ill get off the soap box. thanks for reading this email. I am so thankful to have a great family and friends like you!

See you in 3 weeks! 

Ive been waiting my whole mission to say that!- guess the movie!

Love, Sister Nelson

We are safe!

Hi!

We are safe! Dont worry the storm was way not even bad. We just had to stay inside all day so we did some weekly planning that was way overdue and made some cookies for all of our people and Translated some music. Me and Elder Malcolm are singing the Prayer on Sundayand we needed to translate it into Japanese so we worked on that. Over the phone, dont worry the elders were not in our appartment. It was fun. I was really suprised we were allowed to sing that in Sacrament meeting, but when we were practicing for fun the other day, the Stake President came in and was like when are you singing this? Its great! So now we are doing it for real! 

Yamaguchi San came to Conference! He said he was so impressed and that the things that were said really helped him to understand what he was reading in the Book of Mormon. He loved the music too. Also he read the first half of the Gospel principles book...all the way up to fasting. And then he was like  yeah Im great at that- I was homeless for a year! OH my gosh he is my favorite person ever! We taught him about the plan of salvation and he was like how could you not believe this? and he just has the cutest smile ever and just smiles all the time and wears this cute hat to church and I seriously just get so happy whenever I see him! The light of Christ is literally shining out of his entire being! Also the other day when we were teaching him, he said, you know what the hardest part about being homeless was? Typhoon season. 

How sad! we say Kawaiso! it means like pathetic in a cute sort of way. Like oh, you poor dear kind of thing. 

Conference was GREAT! I had so much personal revelation...but here is the thing- a lot of it came after conference when I was studying my scriptures and Patriarchal Blessing. It was a really neat experience and I feel really great about my future, despite being a transfer student and stuff, I know why I need to transfer now and I am so exicted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just want to encourage everybody to write what you got out of conference down in your journal so you can remember for later when you have a hard time and need to remember who you are and who is on your side. I know the Lord answers all of our prayers- even the very smallest and even the very biggest- Have the faith and you will see signs. Doctrine and Covenants 68;10. 

We went to a members house for dinner....I was in the midst of eating some fried rice when I noticed not all of the grains were the same size....and some of them had EYES!!!......THEY WERE BABY FISH! SICK!!!!!!!!!!.....You think youve gotten through a meal safe when a surprise goody sneaks up on you from behind and punches you in the throat! 

While in-between appointments, we had a few minutes to do some tracting. We decided to only contact people with red shoes (its a big city and lots of people(  and sister Lewis was like is this too specific and I was like Lets have faith!....The first red shoed person became a new investigator! We have a lesson on Sunday- please pray it goes well! Her name is Miho. Thanks!

Hope you have a great week! 

Konnichiwa!!!

Konnichiwa!!!

Here are some hilights from this week.

 We set a goal this week to have a member present lesson every day we werent doing splits- and it worked out!!
We didnt have an appointment for satuuray but then the elders joint for their lesson invited ius into their lesson to eat dinner so we ended up being present for that lesson so we still got to teach a lesson even thought it didnt count for us- God answered our goal and prayer.

Wet met with Yamaguchi san and he wants to join the church! He is the cutest smiliest old man ever. I love him. he is 63 and he was like yeah I wanted to run the fukuoka marathon this year but it was 100 dollars- Who has that kind of money!? I can just run it myself!
Anyways he is so receptive to the message and was so excited when we talked about the spirit- hes like yeah I think that was probably the spirit!!!!!!!!!! fushigi da ne!!?

So I woke up yesterday and had something in my throat. Swallowed- I was a spider. Sick. I coulnt even drink water because I was fasting.

We had a fun FHE last night with some cute families and investigators. It was a way intense discussion about how the church is different from other churches.  It was great for the members to bear their testimonies.

The weather has been cooling down- its kind of nice out I like it!

We had fun Splits with four sisters in our zone, it was fun and I got to work with Sister Smotherman again!


 Lots of miracles are happening! Please keep Aashrit, Yamaguchi san, Asami san, and Yamasaki san in your prayers!

Love you!

Sister Nelson

Konnichiwa!

Konnichiwa!

Okay this week was awesome too. We had a lesson with Aashrit san- we watched finding faith in Christ and afterword he was going on an on for like five mintues about how he believes in Christ now and that he is so happy and has this feeling he cant describe and he is so thankful for this knowlege. It was proabably the best lesson of my life. He had such an amazing experience with the spirit and converted me all over again. THE CHURCH IS TRUE!

We were able to meet with Asami San. guess what! SHe is a SHOEMAKER! how cool!

We met with Yamaguchi san again- Gues what! He read HALF THE BOOK OF MORMON IN A WEEK!  how does that make you feel seminary kids, when you are asked to read the whole thing in a school year. not so impossible? yeah pretty much. These investigators leave us no excuses, you know? I stand all amazed. He said a cute prayer asking that we could be albe to meet again. and then he invited himself to church. 

I am so sorry this will be short. I am just burned out of thinking today. 

We did a fun junkai with the Nakagawa Sisters. I was with Sister Smith. We set a goal to find an investigator that was thityish with kids and was open minded. We set out to do some trackting and the first area we went didnt feel right so we wprayed again and went to a new area. The first or seccond lady was exactly the kind of person we wanted and prayed to find! She wants to meet again! wahoo! 

I got to sing in a trio with 2 other sisters in a baptism yesterday for the other elders investigaor, ching san. He is from china. We sang I need thee every hour. I sang alto!!! for once! it was so fun!!! It was great to sing like that again. 

I hope you all have an awesome week! And have a great General Conference!

Dont stop, Dont give up! 

Love,

Sister Nelson

Fukuoka!

Hello Pet,....You may call me Aunt Vicky!!

I think that might be the first thing I say to Kaite when I get home.

So this week was transfer week. I left Chickushino and moved a 20 minute train ride to the City of Fukuoka! It is the biggest city in the mission and the place with the mission home. It was fun to see President and Sister Gustafsen on Sunday. Its a little intimidating but, Injanai. 

This week was prety sunny! I was so happy. Fukuoka is REALLLY hilly and our appartment is at the top of this huge hill. mozeltov. Its the city- so basicaly like being in Chicago. Maybe not as big but lots of city life stuff. Also lots of cool stuff to do. We used to go to Fukuoka all the time in Chikushino for pday because it was so close. There are like 12 missionaries here becuase of the APs the office boys the 2 ZL companionships, and 4 other sisters and 2 other elders that cover the outlying area of fukuoka. WOW. 

Also something cool- the temple is also in our area! The temple is on a huge hill as well. There is no way to get there that is not uphill. There is no easy way to get to the temple!

This week was hard to leave Stamatia and Nozomi, but its okay because I get to go on splits there! Also guess what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stamatia got her Fiance visa so she is okay to move to america after she does a check up in Tokyo. YYYYYYYYYYYESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! She got it the day that I left. I am so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have some great stuff going on in Fukuoka. One miracle this　week was a lesson with Naruni San. He is from Nepal. We got to his appartment (it was a first lesson) hoping that he would actually be there and he was. We started talking in Japanese but figured out he likes english better (they had been trying to meet before and he cancled 2x. Sister Lewis old companion was Japanese, so we think he had to cancel so we could do the lesson in english!) anyway. he had all of these great questions about Jesus Christ and God and he was like is there a way I can confess my sins and be forgiven? and I was like..................um YES! it was way cool. He also prayed at the end of the lesson. He had prayed before for help from God and he felt like he had recieved it (he got in an accident earlier this year) so I know he was prepared. His prayer was so awesome and beautiful. He was like I didnt even know what to say but I just started and it all came out! I wish I could type it all up here. It was the best first lesson prayer of my mission. 

We met a few times with this cutest less active that doenst know much about the gospel so we are starting at square minus zero with her but she is way cute and has a real intent to know if this is true and I know if she excercises her faith she will know.

Okay so about the apartment- its a huge!!!!! apartment! it could fit like six girls but  there are only two of us! I really like it. And my new companion is Sister Lewis. She is on her last transfer. I am so excited she is the best companion ever and is a great friend already. She is about five five, way cute and has black curly hair and shes way skinny and looks like jo from little women. 

One sad peiece of news. My camera kind of was dropped and it was an accient but he is not doing so well. I am going to try and get it fixed but we will see so I am sorry if I dont have tons of pictures!!!!!!!! but I can get them from other missionaries so dont worry. 

I am still on my bike! I am actually borrowing Ito Shimais bike right now because mine isnt here yet. 

The 200 people was mission wide- we wanted to get 200 non members to church as a mission. ANd we got 205! it was way cool. 

Have a great week! Good luck with Football and School and Cross Country! you guys rock!

Sister Nelson

The Most embarrassing moment of my mission!

KOnnichiwa! yay it was my birthday!!

Twenty twooo - o-o! yeah I just quoted Taylor Swift okay. I dont remember any good music. Sorry.

It was the best birthday! It was fast sunday, and as a mission we fasted that 200 non members could come to chruch. We had 205!!! yayy!!! Also, I got this text from Stamatia:

Reading about God gives me this undescribable feeling, I dont know how to put it in words exactly but its like Strength and Safety and Comfort and Calmnes. and also it feels like I have once strongly believed in him.

OH my gosh yes best birthday present ever! I was like YES YES!!! you DID believe in him! She seriously converts me more that I convert her. 

Anyways so that was awesome. On monday the district took me out to lunch at a burger place to celebrate! It was fun! Ill send a pic of the outfit I had to wear. Also here is the deal. We were walking back to our bikes and I was walking next to Elder Vance and all of the sudden he goes   `Sweet Body` and I was like.....WHAT???????????  and then he says all hurriedly `IT WAS A SIGN! I WAS READING A SIGN!" Oh my gosh hahahahahahahahaha it was the funniest most awkward moment of my mission. There was a sign for a store called sweet body. hahaha Im still dying of laughter. 

So here is the big news:

I am transfering! To fukuoka city, fukuoka. The heart of the mission! I will also be a Sister Training Leader! I am excited and nervous but It will be great!

I am SO sad to leave chickushino. I dont really want to talk about it. So Im not going to for now. 

We had a fun thing this week where we went on splits with some of the girls in our ward that want to go on missions! We did some tracting and taught and prepared a lesson together for Nozomi. It was so good and she realized that she has a testimony! WAHOO!

okay gomen I have like two mintues to write this thing bc I was reading all of your birthday emails! thanks! 

I wanted to share this quote with you: I found it in my scriptures this morning. Its Elder Holland

preparatory faith is foremed by expereiences in the past. by the known, which provides a basis for belif. but redemptive faith must often be excercised toward experiences in the future- the unknown, which provides an opportunity for the miraculous. Exacting faith- mountian moving faith- precedes the miracle and the knowlege...Faith is to agree unconditionally, and in advance to whatever conditions God may require.

I know that this is true. We HAVE to trust God. We have to have faith if we are going to succeed in this world. I read Alma 49 and was inspired about how we ensure our families escape this life unharmed: PREPARE. Seriously read Alma 49. Its way inspiring. Especially vs 27 and the whole thing. 

Okay I gotta go! LOve you!!!! 

Wet

I am doing wet again today, and tomorrow, and every day this week. The forecast is Ame Bakkari! (only rain).  I think I am going crazy. I probably am becoming a mermaid. except more modest than Ariel.

For yesterday I made curry soup for dinner. The other day we had this delicious chicken at a members house. It is grilled with peaunutbutter and miso and has a PB/rasin glaze on top. SO GOOD.

We also had watermelon soup at another members house. It was actually good! I have been experiementing with trying to make american foods. I made some toasted raviolis the other day with lumpia wrappers! It was actually super good!

This week was fun- We had a FHE at a a members house and the YSA were there and Nozomi came! It was great for her to bond with strong ward members and the YSA more. We did the Coke/mentos experiment to explain how our testamonies grow when we share them.

We had a lesson with a new investigator named Nakamura San. It was a great lesson and we talked about the Godhead and the purpose of the Book of Mormon. Sadly, She is rooted in her own Christian faith and does not want to Try the experiement of the Book of Mormons Goodness. But She did pray for us- in the name of Jesus Christ!! It was a great prayer, and she is a great Christian Lady. I know she will be baptized one day. I know the spirit led us to her hosue and needed us to plant that seed. The Lord IS gathering Israel. Even though its a lifetime of effort for us- its all in a days work for the Lord. :]

We didnt meet with Moe Chan this week, but we are tonight!

We had some great Role play lessons with members. They helped us out a lot. I am feeling kind of stuck with my Japanese right now- I feel like I plateaued a little bit and want to keep improving. Maybe I need to have a Japanese companion! But I know that I receive the Gift of Tongues when it is necessary, and as long as I have faith in that, It doesn't really matter how good my Japanese is. Preach the Gospel, and if necessary, use words. (Elder Holland is the BEST)

Thank you for your prayers and love!

Miss you guys!

Love you!

Sister Nelson

Hi!

Hi! 

So this week was awesome. We have been doing a TONN of finding, but it payed off! (is that how you spell that or is it paid? I cant remember. I also cant remember a lot of things and its frustrating. but is fine!)

Anyways. We Found this cutest 13 year old named Moe chan. She was having to spend the night alone because her mom was working a 24 hour shift for the first time. So we taught her how to pray and told her that God would help her feel safe. We shared the first vision with her and she was way impressed and thought it was so cool!. We went back the next day to dropp off some cookies and a note. We went back yesterday to follow up and she was so excited! She said she wants to learn more and shared the pamphlet we gave her with her mom and her mom wants to learn too and even though she is busy we can keep teaching Moe chan! So we talked about the Godhead and prayer again and she prayed! AHH I am so excited she is so cute! We have another appointment tomorrow. Please pray for her and her family! She is so prepared!

We went to go heart attack a cutest old lady  member who has a bad family situation the other day and it was quite a walk to her house, we have to take the train far out and then walk for an hour to get there. Anyways we were wanting to do some finding on the way. So before we left we prayed to confirm our plans. I had a terrible feeling that we shouldnt go. So we prayed again, Immedietly, my feeling was replaced by the spirits warmth and he said that Satan didnt want us to go out there. So I knew there was somebody we needed to find. We had set a goal to go to newer houses because we wanted to find a newlywed couple. So on our way home, I noticed this yellow house that was pretty new. I had a feeling we should go. But I was way tired and hungry so I tried to brush it off but it came back stronger. So I thought, If my companion agrees, then we will go. She was like yeah! So we went. It turns out, the lady that lives there was a former investigator in Korea a long time ago. She agreed to hear the lessons again! Wahoo! She has a family as well so I hope we can teach them too. MIRACLE! I am thankful my companion has faith in me and the spirit and the Lord. 

We had interviews this week and mostly I talked about how there are bird eating spiders everywhere that make me want to throw up....Maybe I should have focused on more spiritual things but its fine. But seriusly, there are these HUGE spiders that have their webs inbetween TELEPHONE POLES. that is how big they are. I am throwing up thinking about them. sick. Its like lord of the rings just came to life. ANyways my interview was good! President said that we are losing 42 missionaries in december and january, so that is like 1/5 of our mission! Crazy! So he is trying to focus on training all the new missionaries so that we can keep progressing after my doki (the people I go home with) leaves. wow. I am going to work on being a better teacher and helping my companion to know how to teach well and with the spirit. She will be a great teacher because she is very sensitive to the spirit and tries to be obedient. She is also so helpful with cleaning and stuff. Its nice. 

I am happy to be coming home at the begining of december so I can hang out with you guys before school!!! 

My ward is great- They are so helpful and always checking up on us and helping us practice our Japanese. We got to teach one Sisters Husband this week who isnt a member so that was cool that she trusted us with that. He told us he thinks he has felt the spirit before! How cool!

Companions are good- we are working hard and trying to keep things fun. 

New food....my companion loves spam and hot dogs and spaghetti so I eat a lot of that. Its new so I am adjusting to that but its fine haha shes a great cook!  I have no idea if I will stay or transfer, this is my 4th here but anything goes!

Love you! Study hard and Stay in school! 

Sister Nelson

Konnichhh!

Konnichhh!


First of all, My favorite Elder Holland talk is one from a fireside that they just republished in a recent liahona. Its called Never Check your Religion at the Door, or something like that. That talk basically was written for me. - I hope your co-worker willl like it! You are such a good missionary!!

It sounds like Nauvoo was so fun! I cant wait to go next summer! People always freak out when I tell them we are related to Knewel and Lydia Knight. They also freak out because they think Im related to this cool army guy named Nelson San. I have no idea who they are talking about...


Anyways this week was great! and busy.

Well it has stopped raining and become a desert of humid. but I LOVE the sunshine! its my happiest time. I dont care how hot it gets. When there is sunshine, I am happy.

We found 2 new investigators and one of them is a Family!!!!!!!!!! I seriously have been praying so hard for this! The Dad is an old investigator from a while ago.

We went back to See the LA Miura Chan and she said she talked to her mom about us comming the week before and she said she doesnt think it was a coincedence and she wants to come back to church!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Stamatia is so awesome. She hasbeen reading the bible like crazy and read some passages that really helped her to understand how the scriptures can influence our lives and we can get direction and feel gods love.　She is seriously converting me- her insights are fantastic. I love her!

Nozomi is great- she did well at 2 job interviews so we are praying for her!

Fukui Shimai got a priesthood blessing this week for the first time. It was a really sacred experience and I am so thankful to have elders in our area. I love the priesthood. I never want to live in a home without it.

Fukui Shimai shared a great poem with me about a rose. basically what i got from it is that I need to show people the Rose inside of them (the beautiful things) and they will conquer their own thorns. I am going to try to uplift more and tear down less.

We had a lesson with Nagaou San which was kind of hard beause she thinks all of this gospel stuff would be great if it was true- but she thinks its a fantasy, because we have to overcome our own trials. I think she feels let down by God because of somethings that happened in her past. But I testify that God Loves All of us. Trials happen for several reasons, and none of them mean God wants us to feel bad about ourselves or Him. But everybody has agency, so sometimes we get hurt because of our agency or the choices of others. Thats why we have the Atonement. We overcome those hard places and in return recieve Knowlege from above about our divine nature. We are CHILDREN OF GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So lets act like it !

I am like a star shining brightly,
Shining for the Whole world to see.
I can do and say, happy things each day,
for I KNOW Heavenly Father loves ME.

Okay so I wanted you guys to read Daniel 5: 25-27 and see if you get the movie reference. I laughed so hard because I was like no way this came from the Bible!!!!!!!


Love you have a great week!!!!!!!

Sister Nelson

Konichiwa!!!

Konichiwa!!!

So I only have a few minutes today to write- we had a really busy day today but I am SO HAPPY FOR ALL THE PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This week was great! We had some serious miracles. One day we decided to fast for our investigators when they were going through a trial. We did but I was feeling really let down about something so I needed a little miracle- Well we got it. We had a few minutes to proselyte at the end of the day so we prayed and I felt like we needed to do some appartments. Which is wierd because I never like to do those at that time of day. So I walked right up to this odd little one in the corner and what do you know! It was a less active! Cutest college girl! She was so suprised to see us and thought the bishop had sent us but he didnt and then she started to cry because I think she recognized that Heavenly Father is Aware of her.

We also had some great lessons with investigators. The Nagaou coupple (they are grandparents) and Oshiro San are awesome! We had lessons about the plan of Salvation and the Nature of God. Oshiro San asked us to pray for her parents, and then when we did in the closing prayer she was like thank you! I am going to go ask them how they are feeling.

She has great faith!

I got to sing in Sacrament meeting yesterday. That was fun. I sang My Heavenly Father Loves me. It was ward conference so we had a lunch with everybody after church.

I feel really In with the ward right now- therre are so many people who I love and I hope I dont get transferred next week.

Sorry this is short!


Love you guys!!!!


3 Nephi 15.... I read it today about the Law of Moses and it Was a great study!!!! (It helps if you read it with the bible dictionary under Law of Moses)

Love you!

Sister Nelson

Konichiwa!

Konichiwa!


So apparently my Japanese voice is different from my english voice. Its true. But Fukui Shimai pointed that out today. She is fluent in English. She said it was cute so its okay. I actually try to coppy this cute girl in my wards japanese. People understand me better when I use that accent.

This past Sunday, a lady was giving a talk and started talking about how she got some really good advice from a good friend about fasting and how it changed her life. ....I realized halfway through the talk that the friend she was talking about was me! I was really touched that she had such a good experience after I testified to her of the importance of fasting and how it brings miracles. She had come to me a few weeks before feeling pretty down. I love her! She was more of a miracle to me that my advice was to her.

We met this cute less active old lady when we went to visit some Less Actives with a member. She called me later that night and we talked for about 30 mintues. She is way cute but it was funny because she was like sometimes I am crazy because I am old so If I ever dont answer the door its becasue im having a crazy day! She also loves pink.

Today we went to the BEACH in fukuoka for pday! it was awesome! While everybody else played Volleyball in the sand, Me and a few people got to have a jam-sesh singing a bunch of songs and harmonizing like the good old days! it was great! Elder Malcolm and Polister brought their Ukes so it was awesome. It made me so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also I got to wear pants so that was fun.

We had a ward activity where we made international food and did international games. I played the piano and accompanied me and elder vance to sing Edel Weiss.. that was something I havent done in like ever, so that was fun and scary. Also, we taught Are You Sleeping in french, spanish and English and did a round! it was so fun a bunch of members kids brought their friends. It was great to be a music person again for a night! I loved it!

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!

Love you!!

Sister Nelson

me and Bean #2! (Carvalho Shimai) We just came up 104 stairs so we look great!

We went to this robot exhibit with all of these awesome new robots--- this one is supposed to help old people not feel lonley. Its for single old people and its a  special friend! haha. there was also a lot of segues. And droid-things. I felt like Luke Skywalker

​

the elders I sang with today :)Elders Malcolm and Pollister 

Happy Natsu!

Konichwa! yayyy Happy Natsu! (summer)

This week was awesome. So we had a great lesson with Nozomi San about fasting and she fasted on Sunday! yayy!!! She is trying to find a new job.

Stamatia San is awesome. She shared a great analogy about learning about God. She compared it to a great relationship. She said I really want you to have what I have with my relationship with my fiance, but I cant give it to you. You have to find it out for yourself. Thats like you guys and your relationship with God. I need to find out for myself!

We had a great activity where we taught american food cooking to the ward and their friends and our investigators! it was way fun and we had a great turn out!  The best part was that Shinagawa San came- she is a members gym instructor and we have met with her before and are in good contact. but she is the BEST! she looks like Gabby Dean except taller.　Anyways she teachs pilaxing, kickboxing, and other work out classes. One of them is called Beauty Queen and its like model walking and posing work out stuff. Its just for girls haha she is so cute and funny. The funnier thing is that the member who refered us to her is like 60 and she does the beauty queen class! haha Ward activites are the best places to indroduce your friends to the church. We are working on an open house activity for the future.

We met with some less actives to do some mogi lessons so Sister Stevenson could practice her Japanese and we could do a Lesson with the LAs. One of them was with Kamogawa Shimai.　She recently had a baby and hadnt been coming so she could take care of her baby. her husband isnt a member. Anyways I asked her if we could help with anything and she thought for a minute and then opened up with some stuff that has been weighing on her mind. We read some scriptures together about how we are the means of bringing salvation to our families (3 nephi 18:32) and she was like wow I totally forgot the eternal perspective. It was such an awesome moment. I looked at her and said in English, Never Give Up. She totally understood and we both started crying. I love her!!!!!!!!!!! When her husband converts one day she wants to do a couples mission! how awesome! I know he will get there. He came to church yesterday so they could bless Te chan (tay chan)!!! it was a way cool blessing. They basically dedicated his life to missionary service.

So training is going great and stuff but I feel like Training is learning how to be okay with throwing your child under the bus and trusting that God will save them.

We found an old seminary video and we were watching it the other day but it explained the Plan of Salvation really well. It compared it to a three act play. Act one is the premortal life, act two is mortal life, and act three is after this life. We are like actors who come into the play in act two, not remembering what happened in act one. We have to study the script (the sciptures) in order to be able to perform successfully. We have to remember that everything turns out okay in act three. That is what helps us get through act 2.

Hope all is well with you guys, and that you are relying on the script to help you with act two. The Savior is the Hero. You are the good guys- Satan is the Bad guy. Turn to the script to find out if the other characters in your play are good or bad.

Thank you for your love, letters, and support.

Love you!

Sister Nelson

Me and Buddah

yeah I think the artist did a pretty good job. I only posed for about three minutes.

​This is me and Sister Stevenson

this is Kamogawa Shimais daughter Mae Chan (may chan)

Here is a map showing the two places Olivia has served in. Ube is on the inner coast and chikushino is highlighted...in a mountain area.
Just in case you were wondering. :)

Konichiwa!

Well it is starting to get hot! I am scared for the rainy season which should start at the end of next month. I need to learn to love rain fast. I am so thankful it was clear skys most of last week. That was a huge blessing.

 

i am feeling more comfortable getting around this area now- I am getting better at using the Maps to find peoples houses! its a little bit mendokusai (inconvenient) because I cant read kanji but its fine! we always get there eventually!

 

So this week we were at a members house and he gave me a really good perspective about how Heavenly Father feels about our eternal progress and salvation. He said

 

How would you feel if one night your family didnt come home..and never came home?

 

I was like...wow. That would be rough.

 

This work is so important.

 

 

This week we had threee investigators at church!!!!!!!!! We were able to teach Nozomi San about how the church is like disney land- there are all of these awesome fun things and blessings and many other similarities like idols (I made the comparison between micky and God...is that okay?) Anyways we talked about how all you ever hear about disney world land whatever is how fun it its but you never hear about what you have to do to get in. You have to buy a ticket. Baptism is the ticket- just the ticket. the blessings come after we get into the park. The best is after you buy the ticket, not just in having a ticket or buying it. It was a great lesson.

 

We met this new investigator who believes in this religion that is a branch of budhism. but they believe in alien gods. They call them The Elohiem.....and they fly around on UFOS...so It will be intresting to share the gospel with her. Wish us luck!

 

Good luck with Finals and

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MELISSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its her golden birthday so everybody give her some gold!

 

 

Thanks for your prayers and support- Love you!!

 

Sister Nelson

Konichiwa!

Konichiwa! Okay to start things off I have a question for Grandpa.

If people accept baptism in the Spirit world, when do they get to move up to paradise? do they have to wait until the resurrection? Thanks! 

It was great to talk to everybody today!! 

So transfers happened this past week. Sister Kuchar transffered out which I am way sad about but its okay. My new companion is a BEAN fresh from the MTC. She is from Utah and is half Samoan and half English. She is awesome!! Her name is Sister Stevenson. 

My favorite part of this past week was going to Fukuoka to sing for the Stake Presidents in the mission. It was part of a Mock- open house to show the stake presidents what President Gustafson whats us to do every 3 months in order to give members a chance to bring friends to an activity. I am really excited! Anyway it was really great to sing agian. Me and Sister Bush did some Duets and then we sang with 3 Elders on a few songs. it was way fun and really good for my soul.

we had a referral a few weeks ago from a member who we hadent been able to make an appointment with but she called us this week so we met with her on Friday! it was so awesome. her family had investigated the church a few years back so she has even been to church a lot! She really loves the feelings she gets when she comes to church. She is a fitness instructor and does pilaties! we bonded over that. She is basically a taller version of Cassie Ho from Blogalaties! I love her!

We watched a movie about the restoration with Another investigator and she was like wow this is cool can we watch it again next week?! so we are doing that this week. She also is thinking about a baptism date. She wants to get baptized before she moves to America in the Early fall/end of the Summer. I love her! She asked what she had to do to be baptized. And so Ive been thinking a lot about the qualifications for baptism. sometimes we dont invite people to church because we think they wont be willing to make changes in their lives- but that is not fair because that is the whole point of the atonement. We just need a desire to become closer to Christ and the Spirit will help us do the rest! thank you for all the missionary work you have been doing! Please pray for the missionaries in your home wards that they can find investigators and people to teach. 

Good luck with finals and stuff- I cant believe Ive been gone for a whole school year already!!!!

Love,

Sister Nelson

Hello!

Hello!

Okay lets just get it out now. I AM GETTING A BEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

yes. I am training. oh my gosh why me I have no idea. I dont know her name yet so that will have to come next week. We have transfers on thursday.

This week was pretty busy. We had some good lessons with Nozomi and Stamatia San. The Lord really has been guiding us - especially in our use of scriptures. 

I read a really good quote about when youth investigate the church, it says

Sometimes you hear adults say what is right or wrong. But when you have a friend your age who says the same thing, you follow that person. 

I was like oh my gosh that is so true! We hear about teens who fall in with the wrong crowd all the time because of their friends. So what if the opposite could happen? how many lives could we save? How many parents could sleep better if we reached out to the youth- reached out to friends our age?

We need to be better leaders instead of just standing alone. Make a posse people! 

Yay to Grant and welcome home to Jeremy! 

On Sunday we got to go to Fukuoka to the mission home so sister Cullison could draw characatures for families at the zoo (it was boys day on monday so it was a big holiday weekend.) We had a little booth outside the temple/mission home which is right outside the zoo. It was so fun to hand out ctr rings and filers and advertise for Sister Cullison! She is an amazing artist! After that we went to the mission home for dinner. Sister Gustafsen made us dinner just for us! it was so delicious and american! We were just sitting in the huge mission home eating dinner by ourselves. way fun. then the APs came in to make dinner and then President and Sister Got home so we talked with them for a while and then went home!

Sister Cullison is transfering to UBE!!! haha so funny I am so excited for her cause ube is the best! except for chikushino is the best too.

We had a fun dinner with our Bishops family yesterday- his wife is Edna Mode from the incredibles. except way cute. But she made us this AWESOME traditional japanese dinner for Boys day with lots of cool helmet and fish stuff. Ill send some pictures. But then we had this awesome picture taking thing where we made funny faces- Bishop said if I shared them I had to tell people he was my special friend and not my bishop. I love him. Also he freaked out when I told him I knew where branson was. he loves the Osmonds. 

Okay Gotta go- TALK TO YOU ON MONDAY FOR ME AND SUNDAY FOR YOU LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Sister Nelson

ps. thanks for the package and th cds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

also pps my clothes are holding out good- some are nasty but heres the best thing- thrift stores here are just as good as they are in america!!!!

​these are the helmets I learned how to make. 

this is sister Kuchar. Shes the best. 

When bishop was teaching us how to make them, he kept saying riyoho wich means both but we have this inside joke about yoho wich means nothing so we kept saying yoho! and bishop thought that meant like im done! in english or somehing so he wouldnt move on to the next step unless we said yoho! it was way fun. So now we call these yo ho hats.

this is an oragami helmet! so cool I learned how to make them! (actuallly a way simpler one....this kind is way intense.)

 yep.. thats my bishop!