Konnichiwa!

Skyping with Namatame before her baptism

New hairstyle

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皆さんこんにちは！

I can't even begin to describe how amazing this week was. To be honest I had a rough day Monday just kinda being down on myself for a lot of things. By the end of the day I said a prayer and felt better but Tuesday was amazing. In the morning during personal study for some reason I just couldn't focus and I kept looking at my wall with pictures and quotes. I got the impression to read one of Morgan's postcards and finally I took it down and it said exactly what I needed to hear. She talked about baptism and how I shouldn't be afraid to invite people to baptism and our job is to invite and their job is to accept. I had been really down that I hadn't been able to see a baptism yet but I was humbled. During that personal study I realized that I had just been thinking about myself and relying on my own strength. I finally was reminded Who's work this really is.

But wait, it gets better. A few hours later we had interviews with President and Sister Nagano and I ask President some questions on finding approach ideas and stuff but he advised me to talk to Sister Nagano about that. She said exactly what I needed and it confirmed what I learned earlier that morning. She said don't be afraid of "no's" but I told her I'm not so sure I'm afraid of the "no's" because I'm used to that, it's the "yes" that sometimes scares me because I don't want to mess it up.. She got a good laugh out of that. She told me I need to practice. She said so much that I learned from for my mission but especially for my whole life. If I learn the language of the Spirit the Lord can trust me with His work. She said learning the language of the Spirit is just like learning a foreign language; you have to make mistakes to get better. She also talked to me about baptism and it's okay if I don't see baptisms, as long as I'm following the Lords will through the Spirit, He is pleased and loves me. She told me to rely on the strength of the Lord and to look for that phrase in scriptures to help me and help people I teach. President and Sister Nagano are seriously incredible. President Nagano is like the candle, giving us the tools and ideas, and Sister Nagano is like the flame giving us desire.

So. Long story short, we set two baptismal dates this week!  Wednesday we met with Mayumi San and taught her the first lesson and it went amazing! The spirit was so strong and she wasn't quite sure she believed everything yet but she said she really wanted to know and committed to baptism! She's even reading the Book of Mormon on her own and asking us questions about it which is amazing! She is so cute and we met with her again Saturday and taught the plan of salvation with a member and I think that's when she really had a strong spiritual experience. We had just watched the worldwide missionary broadcast the day before and it was a lot about the spirit in conversion and it was amazing to see the spirit in her eyes when she gained a testimony of the Savior. She liked the lesson but it really hit her when we showed Because He Lives. There was a different light in her eyes and afterwards she kept saying how amazing Christ is and how incredible it is that He really was resurrected. She came to church again yesterday and had a great time and we made another appointment for this coming week!

I also wanted to share a cool experience that happened the same day we taught Mayumi the restoration. We taught her first and the Spirit was so strong. My Japanese was no where near perfect but through the spirit she was able to understand my words. A few hours later we had an appointment with another investigator who has been meeting with missionaries for awhile but sees no need for the gospel in her life. She just likes the missionaries and the members. Well, we had a member with us and we had planned to teach the exact same lesson as with
Mayumi but the outcome was completely different. The spirit was not there, I kept stumbling to find the right words and the investigator just wasn't interested. There came a point where I was about to stopthe lesson and say, "thank you for your time, but I want to go find someone to teach who will actually listen." But I didn't. Instead, when she said, "I just don't have a base like you all do. I wasn't raised with religion so I just had to make my own things up." Then right away a I threw Helaman 5:12 at her. "12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." She kinda was in shock. I told her to build her foundation on Christ and I testified of that. But shortly after she changed the subject. Lesson learned, there are prepared people and not prepared people. I just need to find the ones who are willing to learn.

Also, Vy is back! She is the most pure spirit I've ever met. She is from Vietnam. She had been sick for awhile and had a lot of essays to write but after next week or so she has a break with school. Anyways, we met with her and Horie kyoudai at the college and taught her the restoration. The language barrier is a little difficult but she understands through the spirit. We reset her baptismal date and she is so excited! She also came to church yesterday and had a great time. She has such a sweet calming spirit and people just love to be around
her. I'm so excited to continue working with her.

I was also able to skype my old investigator Namatame Shimai right before her baptism. I'm so blessed to be able to work with so much amazing people. I have learned and grown so much this week and I know it is because I am trying my hardest to understand and ask for the strength of the Lord. I know this is His work and He truly does have
prepared people here in Mito. I love being a missionary and I am finding so much joy in the work! Thank you for all your love and support! I miss you all! I love you!

Love, Sister Lacey

光陰矢のごとし！

She found Cheerios! But didn't have her basket
on her bike, so she used her coat :-)

At the Tokyo Temple

光陰矢のごとし！

Hello everyone! Time is flying! I can't believe I have been a
missionary for a year now! Part of me feels like I've been a
missionary my whole life but the other part feels like I just got
started, it's crazy. This week has been amazing. Filled with ups and
some downs but the Lord has a perfect plan!

Can I just mention again how much I love Mito?! It is so amazing! The
only downside is it's a huge area with only four missionaries and a
ton of less actives. The ward is great though and they have so much
faith. Most of the active members live a half hour or farther by car
so they make a good effort to come to church.

Okay, so on to this week! I have a lot to mention so here goes!!

An awesome miracle happened on the way to Zone Meeting. We had a long
trip and had a few good conversations but then we met Sakiko and her
parents. We talked with them for awhile but mainly just Sakiko. She is
21 and had so many questions for us. They were definitely the "kinjin
questions." She asked questions like "can you tell me about Jesus
Christ?" Or "Why do you believe in Jesus Christ." Just amazing
questions like that. Can you imagine our faces? What better questions
can someone ask a missionary who is a servant of the Lord?!? We
answered her questions and testified to her. We were able to easily
give her a Book of Mormon and we got her phone number. She lives in
our area but sadly pretty far but she said if she has time she may
come over to Mito. We texted her the other day and so far no response
but hopefully soon!

I'll break up this email with some funny stories of the week. I was
talking to this lady on the train who actually knows English and knows
about Mormons because she used to live in America and she said Mormons
are very nice haha. We were able to have a decent conversation about
the church but she wasn't too interested but thought what I was doing
is good. But she asked me what my hobbies were (she told me to talk to
her in Japanese so I could practice) and I said "joubutsu." She looked
at me funny and started saying something about Buddha and then I got
confused. Then I realized I said the wrong word. I said "No no I mean
jouba!" It was hilarious. "Jouba" means horseback riding and
"joubutsu" means becoming a Buddha, or going to heaven. It was so
funny and we both started cracking up.

We also saw a huge miracle on Sunday! One of our members girlfriend
came to church! She came to the Christmas party that was here last
month but this was her first time to sacrament. She stayed for all
three hours and seemed to enjoy it all. Afterwards we grabbed a member
and taught a lesson with her. We explained our purpose to her and she
really wants to learn. She really opened up to us too about her life
and shed some tears. She's not completely sure if she believes in God
and everything but she is more than willing to learn. We gave her a
Book of Mormon and also set up an appointment later this week. I'm
really excited for Mayumi and I have a lot of faith that she will come
unto Christ.

I was able to go to the temple twice this week! One for temple Pday
and the other for a convert in Oshima Shimais bean area. It was so
great to be back and feel the peace and comfort in the Lord's holy
house. I few days ago I was just feeling really off for some reason. I
was a little down on myself and just wasn't feeling good. I kept
assuming the worst and that I was a terrible missionary. I know those
were negative things thrown at me by the adversary. After we got home
from the temple I was wondering why I kept feeling bad and hard on
myself when I had just gone through the temple. I really think it was
satan trying to bring me down and ruin my peaceful feelings in the
temple. I said a prayer and then a simple thought came to my mind.
"Sister Lacey, you're just exhausted. Take a breath." I felt so dumb.
I kept being hard on myself for feeling tired and just feeling like I
wasn't trying hard when I finally realized that in like 10 days I've
had to travel to and from places and I did the math and it's over
24hrs of bus and train. Thankfully all the big events are almost over
so I will be able to just work in Mito haha.

Oh, real quick. Speaking of trains. When I was traveling to Mito by
myself the other week my station was the last stop of the train. The
Japanese translated to "this train will terminate at Tsuchiura." It
kinda scared me for a second because I thought it meant like explode
or something. Gotta love the way Japanese translates into english.

After the temple I was talking to a member who was in the session with
us and he asked what area I was in. He told me that in my area there
is like a giant Buddha station thing that you can go to the top. He
told me to go up there and be like Samuel the Lamanite and tell
everyone, "kuiaratame nasai!" (Repent!). It was so funny. And who
knows, maybe I'll take his advice haha.

I just want to end with two quotes I found this week that really
touched me and I'd like to share them with you all.

"When the light finally dawns and it finally comes to you that this
gospel really is true and the work matters and that God is not going
to come down and do it Himself, we realize that we are the only hands
He has got, and that we are the only feet He has got. When somebody
knocks on the doors, it is with our knuckles. When we make contact on
the street, it is our voice on that street corner. When we work with
the less-active, Moroni and Mormon and Alma and Joseph Smith are not
going to come down and go in that door and to that teaching; it is you
and it is me, it is just people who get up every morning and do the
work of the Lord the way those men did it in their era and in their
day and their age, and in their time, but now it is our time. When we
come to know this, then we will get on with the work."
- Jeffery R. Holland

"God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work
with you. All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and
trust in the Lord."
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
(thanks to Morgan for giving me this quote in her quote book!)

I feel like those quotes really go together. This transfer I can feel
that I have been being way more diligent; as being a missionary and
studying the language. I am really figuring out what it means to truly
serve with all your heart, might mind and strength. At first I was a
little down on myself for not working as hard as I could or should
have sometimes during my mission but the second quote really helped me
realize that the Lord is willing to help me now. If I show Him I'm
ready and committed right now, that is enough. He will help me. He's
waiting to help me and is eager. He's just waiting for me to open my
mouth, to knock on doors, to be the missionary He knows I can be. I
know it is only through the Savior that I am able to help accomplished
His glorious work.

I love you all so much! I love being a missionary especially here in
Japan. My love for the people of Japan have grown so much and I am so
blessed to be here. I hope you all have a safe week! Aishiteimasu!

愛する、
レイシー姉妹

あけましておめでとうございます！

Traveling to Mito, Japan

Sister Lacey with her new companion Sister Oshima

Saying goodbye to Shinobu

More goodbyes

Happy New Year! I realized I forgot to say that last week. It doesn't even really feel like a new year so sorry haha.

Ahhhh! Morgan is home!! That is so crazy! That's going to be me soon enough! I can already feel these last 7 months slipping right through my fingers. It terrifies me.

But, I'm in MITO!! I can already say I am in love with the area and the members. No to mention I probably have one of the nicest apartments in the mission lol. The weather is definitely a lot nicer here and people thought I was crazy yesterday for wearing a short sleeved shirt. I had a jacket but I took it off during church. Everyone kept saying, "samuikunai no?" (Are you not cold?) and I would say, "Niigata-ken kara kita dakara.." (I came from Niigata so therefore..) it was all pretty funny. But it was so hard to leave Sanjo though. I didn't realize how close I had gotten with everyone there but I know there is a lot for me to learn and do here in Mito. Before I tell more about the area I want to share a cool thing that happened.

I had the most powerful spiritual experience during transfer day. We have a new rule for the mission where each missionary is encouraged to travel by themselves to a new area so we don't all meet at the mission home and waste time. They just want us to get to our area as soon as possible. So once I and the other missionaries leaving Niigata arrived in Tokyo we were all supposed to separate and go to our different areas. I thought I'd be fine working the trains because I was "raised" using the trains in Tokyo when I was a bean chan but I was a little terrified to be alone. I hadn't been alone with out a companion for a year! When it was time for me to norikae (transfer) onto a different train I said a little prayer in my heart that all would be well and then I left the others. As soon as I was on my own I wasn't terrified at all. I've never felt a power come over me. It was almost as if I felt a shield around me. I hadn't felt that specific feeling before but I knew without a doubt I was feeling the companionship of the Holy Ghost. I felt so comforted and protected. I was by myself for a few hours traveling until I met Sister Oshima and it all worked out! We almost missed our train because we didn't have a specific spot where we were meeting but we miraculously saw each other and then ran on our train. I know Heavenly Father had a hand in that and that He protects His missionaries. And now I can say I can survive traveling in Tokyo haha. 

Sister Oshima is amazing!! I'm sad I will only have one transfer with her because this is her last transfer but I'm so grateful I get to work with her. I am already learning so much. I haven't worked this hard in a long time. I'm not saying my previous companions haven't worked hard but mine and Sister Oshimas personalities work well and I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and working on my confidence. She is so awesome and we've been learning that we're happier when we are constantly working. Even though we're dead tired by the end of the day, I go to bed with a smile knowing we worked as hard as we could that day. 

Mito ward is seriously amazing! Everyone welcomed me in nicely and a lot seem to have dendo fire. Sister Oshima and I are trying to learn basic Japanese Sign Language because there is a little girl in my ward with hearing problems and she seemed so happy when I told her my name in sign language. It's really fun! There are a good amount of less actives but I know, with the members help and guidance from God, we can bring them back. One of our members works at a community center thing and invited us to a gaijin party and we got a couple PIs! One actually was a previous investigator but I'm not sure from how long ago. We are going to try and contact her and see if she would like to learn again. 

Yesterday, we had a few hours for streeting and housing and not going to lie I was a bit nervous because I hadn't streeted or housed for that long in some time but it was well worth it. Sister Oshima is straight and to the point and if people are not interested she moves on and doesn't seem to take things personally so that has been a huge example to me. We found a new investigator too! We knocked on the door and she said "dozo" telling us to come inside. She was surprised when it was us because she thought it was her granddaughter. But she kept saying "kawaii, kawaii" (cute) to both of us and turns out her granddaughters first name is the same as Oshima Shimais! She kept patting us on the cheeks and it was just really funny. We told her about or message and she said she is Buddhist but we said that's okay and we'd still like to teach her about it. She said we could come back anytime! I'm not entirely sure if she has complete interest in our message or just talking with us but we're going to give it a try!

There was also another obachan that we housed into and she was so nice and friendly. But we were sharing our message with her and she seemed to like it and we asked her if we could share more and she said no and that we should share it with younger people who have more life ahead of them. (She's 85). We told her all can hear our message but she said no. It made me sad but determined to find those who are looking or waiting for us to share the message of happiness with them.

This transfer I really want to be more bold and confident. I received a letter from Jason this week and he shared Moses 6:32-34 which went perfectly with my goals!

32 And the Lord said unto [Sister Lacey]: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

33 Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you.

34 Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

I know that this is the Lords work and He is here right beside me. I'm so thankful for the opportunity I have to dendo in Mito. Everyone is right when they say your last 6 months fly by but like I've said before I'm going to do my absolute best to completely fulfill my purpose. Thank you for all of your love and support! Oh and I'm so happy I get to go to the temple again tomorrow!! I love you all! 愛しています！

愛するレイシー姉妹

P.s. I'm getting on later to respond to personal emails, love you all!

Transfers! Ah!

Having some fun after a long day :-)

On exchanges with Sister Butler

She needed some spice for her food

She missed holding babies so she made one out
of rice when they had to stay in all day for New Years

Saying goodbye to some branch members

愛する家族、

Hello everyone! So... I'm being transferred! I felt this one coming
and guess what? I'm getting another Japanese companion!! Sister
Oshima, I've never met her before but she has only one transfer left.
I'm going to an area called Mito that borders the Sendai mission. I'm
really excited but also a little heart broken to leave the members and
friends I've made here in Sanjo. Since I'm getting a little more
comfortable in Japanese I was able to really bond with the members
here and since Niigata is so far away from everyone else who knows
when I'll see them again. But I am so grateful for the friendships and
things I've gained and learned while working here in Niigata - The
Land of Miracles!

Last week was definitely very interesting. For a couple of days we
couldn't leave our apartment during the New Years. For New Years a lot
of people clean their house, go and pray at a shrine and sleep. So New
Year's Eve we cleaned our apartment all day long. We felt so lazy that
we didn't leave but our apartment sparkles haha. I can definitely
testify that the Spirit abides in cleanliness.

The next day was a day of Book of Mormon reading and it was awesome!
We didn't read all day because a member invited us over to watch a
movie called "Ben-Hur." We got permission from the mission president
to go and it was actually a really great 4 hour movie. It was weird to
watch a movie but it was nice to let my body rest. I agree with Morgan
that man the mission makes you a little tired. But I am so determined
to make this last part of my mission the best! Especially because when
I got my transfer call Elder Miller hinted that I'm training next
transfer so I gotta learn as much Japanese as I can!

I've gotten really lucky because it almost seems like winter is over
and spring is here. But I'm leaving and people have told me that Mito
is warmer. But I'm heading there on Wednesday, so you'll hear about it
next week! I'm so excited to be able to go to the temple again though!

Well, that's about it for the week, I love you all so much! Have fun
with Morgan and give her a hug for me! I also just want to testify
that I know the Book of Mormon is true. I was able to finish it the
other day and it is without a doubt the word of God. The spirit has
confirmed with me time and again that through the teachings of the
Book of Mormon we can receive eternal joy and happiness. Have a great
week! 愛しています！

Love,
レイシー姉妹