Tuesday, August 28, 2012

August 14-18 Comics










Transfer 4 but still in Matsudo


Hi family,
This transfer went by so fast! That's a good thing, it means I'm having fun. Transfer results: I'll be in Matsudo for another six weeks with Sister Mano. I'm not really surprised because she's a great missionary, but she wears me out! When I actually do transfer they may need to roll me out of Matsudo on a wheelchair. Although, the hard work is paying off---I can now bike all the way up the hill to the Kita-Matsudo hospital, and getting up the hill to the Ishijima's house is a breeze.
 
Thank you to all my siblings who wrote me the last few weeks! I LOVE hearing from you. Know that even if I don't have time to reply personally that I really appreciate the emails from my favourite people. And I apologize for not sending many pictures lately. I'll try to do better!
 
Trina sent me some questions about Japan that I thought everyone might find interesting. I'll answer them all now and maybe draw comics about them soon:
 
1.  What's the most disgusting thing you've eaten so far?
I went to a fancy sushi restaurant that served a full fancy meal, and there was some vinegary pumpkin pudding that was made with wasabi, raddish, and something seaweedy. Grooooooss.
2.  Do Japanese people basically sleep on mattresses on the floor...without bedframes?
Nihonjin sleep on futons which, yes, are basically thin mattresses. Sometimes they stack them several high (I've got two) but most only use one. It's not the most comfortable thing ever but missionaries are so dead tired at the end of the day that I don't complain. Also, in every Japanese home they have bedrooms with tatami mat floors---woven mats that are a little soft and bouncy. So sleeping on the floor isn't really all that bad. Plus since homes are so tiny it's really convenient to roll up your bed and use the space for something else. In Matsudo we're fortunate enough to have a pretty spacious apartment but it's not unheard of for missionaries---and even normal people---to unroll their futons in the kitchen and sleep there.
3.  Do Japanese people have American-sized refrigerators or little cold boxes that sit on the floor?  There was a picture you sent of your apartment with a white box - small ice box looking thing on the floor....was that the refrigerator?
That white box in the photo was actually our dryer! Not many homes have one, but we get to use it for garments so we don't have to hang them up outside. As for refrigerators, the sizes vary a lot. Ours is a bit smaller than your average American fridge, but I've seen plenty that are bigger and smaller.
4.  Describe/draw a typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Japan.
"Typical" food in Japan is hard to describe because it varies based on how traditional the person is. A very traditional Nihonjin (my trainer was one) will have rice, soup, and soybeans at every meal, but most Japanese people have a variety of western foods every day too. As for me, I eat pretty much the same as I did before my mission---cinnamon toast and yogurt in the morning, rice and vegetables for lunch, and maybe pasta and salad for dinner. I eat more traditional foods when members feed us, of course, and those usually consist of a ton of rice plus salad and several different kinds of meat. Despite this being JAPAN I've been served very little fish so far.
5.  Do all school children wear uniforms?
Yes, they do, and they are SO cute. Every school has a slightly different uniform so it's really fun to see the kids getting on the train or riding to school. Sometimes kindergarten kids wear normal clothes, but that's rare.
6.  How do Japanese feel about President Obama?
I have no idea. As missionaries we're discouraged from talking about politics, but I haven't even heard a Japanese person bring it up. The Japanese probably don't care much about American politics. For the most part they don't seem very interested in world news, but then my view is biased because my conversations with people are rarely normal since I spend all day talking about church!
7.  How do Japanese feel about America?
It depends on whom you ask. Most older Japanese people either don't care or would rather avoid foreigners (Americans included) but younger generations think American stuff is really cool. They love movie stars, tv shows (Kiko-chan's favourite movie is High School Musical), and products with English printed on them. Most Japanese I've talked to either have traveled to America (like Hawaii or the grand canyon) or want to go there at some point.
8.  Ignorant question here.....are Japanese people limited on how many children they can have like in China?
The government doesn't impose a limit, but the Japanese do end up having fewer children. It's partly because of tradition and partly because of living expenses. LDS families have more children than the average Nihonjin just like in America.
9.  Do all Japanese children learn English in school?
Yes, they do! Probably every single Japanese person knows some English, which is way more than you can say for Americans. From the Nihonjin I've talked to, English is pretty much a staple in school because it's the most convenient to learn for international relations. I love meeting people on the train who want to try to speak English with me.
10.  Do the Japanese people hate the Chinese as much as they hate the Japanese?
I've never heard of the Japanese hating the Chinese or even vice versa. We actually meet a lot of Chinese people here. I don't think the Japanese hate anyone, they're just wary of any foreigners. It's an inherent part of their culture. When I first got here I was a little shocked and even offended at how foreigners get constantly reminded how foreign they are, but it's just a part of life here. The Korean immigrants used to be persecuted a lot but I think that's died down in everyday life (although I'm not sure what restrictions the government still has on them). Being a foreigner in Japan is such a unique experience; I'm not sure there's anything like it in the world.
11.  Draw samples of Japanese fashion.  Do they pretty much look American or are they like that crazy book Calvin got that shows them dressed in crazy costumes?
Picture a sharp-looking, well-dressed person and then imagine that all Japanese people look like that. Seriously, the Nihonjin are so stylish. Hardly anyone here looks sloppy and I love it. There are some people who wear crazy costumes but it's mostly in the big cities so I don't see it much.
12.  When is their school year?
About the same as America but summer vacation is considerably shorter.
13. Wait.....what season are you in right now?  So far it sounds like it's been nothing but hot and rainy since you've arrived!
I got here at the end of spring, June was rainy, and the hottest part of summer is July-August. So yes, the weather has been fun pretty much the whole time!
14.  What religion are most Japanese?  Is faith a very strong component of their lives?
Most Japanese people claim to be Buddhist but hardly any actively study or practice. It's just a part of their culture, and it's mixed with Shinto ancestor worship. Most people have family shrines where they leave little gifts, even if they practice no other religious act. This is actually a really interesting question that we face all day long in Japan. When we contact people on the street, we like to ask people if they've been to a Christian church before (usually no) or if they've ever thought about God before (usually no). It's crazy to think that Nihonjin honestly have never thought about the Big Questions, but that's just the way the culture is here! Granted we also meet plenty of people who are devout Buddhist or Shinto but the average person makes a living and doesn't think a lot about deity. That's what makes missionary work here so challenging but rewarding when we meet people who really do want answers.
15.  Do they all have little Bonsai trees in their home that they work on or is that just for old Mr. Miagi-type Karate Kid teachers?
Most people don't have many plants in their homes but they have a TON in front of their house all in pots of different sizes and colours. It's awesome. There are some beautiful gardens and well-kept trees in Japan. Gardening is important to most Japanese people and there are many people in Matsudo area who grow their own flowers and vegetables.
 
Well I hope everyone has a great time returning to school/work/life after the summer vacation! We're definitely looking forward to all our investigators coming back from the holiday. We're going to work hard this transfer. Thank you for all your support! I love you!
 
Long Shimai

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Week 28- but who's counting


Hi family,
It sounds like everyone is working hard and getting ready for school! I'm sad to hear about Joy. I didn't spend much time with her the last four years or so but she was a wonderful dog and I'm sure you'll all miss her. We had an investigator recently who asked us about what happens when dogs die. We speculated together about the celestial kingdom and she said of course dogs go there because they have such good hearts. I bet Joy and Penny are having a ball up in heaven barking at the neighbors.
 
Missionary work has been really slow this week because all our investigators are so busy with the summer break...The Japanese people work SO hard, I'm telling you. Working too many hours is probably the #1 reason we don't meet with investigators for a long time in between visits. That's why having laptops in the mission is such a blessing because we can email them any time with scriptures and encouragement. I feel like I've written this all before! The exciting stuff makes it into my comic journal so sometimes my emails get a little dry, sorry about that.
 
Next week is transfers again already! Most of the ward members think I'll stay in Matsudo another six weeks but I'm not sure. I love our investigators and the ward members and I have a great missionary for a companion, but going to a new place woud be fun too. We'll see!
 
Here's a gem of humour from Mano Shimai: "Ever ytime a missionary knocks on a door in Japan, someone gets baptized in Mexico." It would be more funny if it wasn't so true! The work is slower here in Asia than all you Spanish-speaking RMs experienced, but I feel like Alma from the Book of Mormon: every soul is precious. We work really hard to find the elect, prepare them to make covenants with God, and help them stay active in the church all of their lives. The active members in Japan are SO strong, and you can see such a difference between their families and nonmembers. There really is a light in the countenance of disciples of Christ.
 
Thank you all for your emails and support and prayers! I'm convinced that the reason I haven't had a serious bike accident yet like all the other missionaries is because of you faithful people keeping me safe through prayer. Thank you!
 
Love you lots,
Long Shimai

Monday, August 13, 2012

Sister Long


August 5, 2012 in Matsudo in the summer


And it is HOT! I think I mention that every week because it is unbearably muggy and hot here. Apparently it's going to keep getting worse all month and finally cool down in late September. Yikes! People keep asking if I'm used to the heat because I grew up in Las Vegas, but it was different; we actually have to be OUTSIDE all day instead of inside with AC watching TV or going swimming. Count your blessings, family! Well, preaching the gospel is a blessing too but it would be nice to do so without being drenched with sweat.
 
I have some funny photos for you this week---Mano Shimai and I took "purikura," a kind of photo booth that's super popular with young girls in Japan because it lets you draw cutesy things all over. Mostly Mano Shimai just picked the ones with funny English. Also we found a sign that said "Club Jesus" and couldn't pass up the photo op. Does my raincoat look great or what.
 
Anyway, I have a question for the family this week: I've been talking with various people about using our talents to make our missionary work special. Since I don't have talents that would actually benefit me in proselyting---being good with people, being great at Japanese, or being really enthusiastic---I've been trying to think about what kind of missionary work I could do with the talents that I DO have, like drawing. I make thank-you cards for ward members, and I've drawn my own Plan of Salvation chart, but as for actually using drawing during proselyting I'm coming up blank. Any ideas?
 
Next, here's a spiritual thought from the scriptures: Alma 19:23. For some background, this is Ammon, the famous missionary to the Lamanites. His dad was really worried about him going because the Lamanites were wicked and murderers, but Ammon knew how important the work was. He was right, of course; he went to preach to them and found thousands of converts. Not everyone listened, however. There was one guy who tried to kill Ammon while he was sleeping, but the Lord protected Ammon and the guy fell dead right on the spot! The Book of Mormon says, "Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto Mosiah his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith---therefore Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord." The message I want you all to take from this is that the Lord hears your prayers on behalf of missionaries! Ammon's father had such strong faith that it even protected his son from being killed! That's pretty powerful. Completely trust that the Lord will hear your prayers to protect and help the missionaries. It will help me (us) a lot!
 
The miracle in Matsudo this week was Ambiru Akiko. Kiko-chan, the recent convert I've written about before, brought her life-long best friend to church and introduced her to the missionaries to receive a lesson. Not only did Ambiru-san want to come to another lesson the next day, she agreed to be baptized and started praying on her own right away! She sees her best friend's happiness and great example in the gospel, and because of that her heart was open to hearing the missionary lessons. What I want you all to learn from this is the importance of introducing friends to the missionaries. Member missionary work is SO important! We want members to be good examples to their friends and invite them to activities, but the most effective way to share the gospel with your friends is to be direct. "I really value your friendship and I want to share with you about what I believe because it makes me happy and I think it would bless your life too. Would you come over to my house for maybe an hour and listen to some representatives from my church?" Don't be worried about being rejected, because good friends will be honored that you want to share something so precious with them. Think of all the blessings you have from following Jesus Christ and think about how badly your friends need those blessings! Love is the true motivating factor behind missionary work, folks.
 
I'm so sorry to hear about Joy, bless her heart. She's been a great dog and member of the family. I'm glad in God's plan of happiness all dogs go to heaven! Keep me updated and I'll pray for her and all of you. Thank you for your encouraging emails and your support at home. I love you!
 
Sister Long

Monday, August 6, 2012

August 5 letter from Matsudo


And it is HOT! I think I mention that every week because it is unbearably muggy and hot here. Apparently it's going to keep getting worse all month and finally cool down in late September. Yikes! People keep asking if I'm used to the heat because I grew up in Las Vegas, but it was different; we actually have to be OUTSIDE all day instead of inside with AC watching TV or going swimming. Count your blessings, family! Well, preaching the gospel is a blessing too but it would be nice to do so without being drenched with sweat.
 
I have some funny photos for you this week---Mano Shimai and I took "purikura," a kind of photo booth that's super popular with young girls in Japan because it lets you draw cutesy things all over. Mostly Mano Shimai just picked the ones with funny English. Also we found a sign that said "Club Jesus" and couldn't pass up the photo op. Does my raincoat look great or what.
 
Anyway, I have a question for the family this week: I've been talking with various people about using our talents to make our missionary work special. Since I don't have talents that would actually benefit me in proselyting---being good with people, being great at Japanese, or being really enthusiastic---I've been trying to think about what kind of missionary work I could do with the talents that I DO have, like drawing. I make thank-you cards for ward members, and I've drawn my own Plan of Salvation chart, but as for actually using drawing during proselyting I'm coming up blank. Any ideas?
 
Next, here's a spiritual thought from the scriptures: Alma 19:23. For some background, this is Ammon, the famous missionary to the Lamanites. His dad was really worried about him going because the Lamanites were wicked and murderers, but Ammon knew how important the work was. He was right, of course; he went to preach to them and found thousands of converts. Not everyone listened, however. There was one guy who tried to kill Ammon while he was sleeping, but the Lord protected Ammon and the guy fell dead right on the spot! The Book of Mormon says, "Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto Mosiah his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith---therefore Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord." The message I want you all to take from this is that the Lord hears your prayers on behalf of missionaries! Ammon's father had such strong faith that it even protected his son from being killed! That's pretty powerful. Completely trust that the Lord will hear your prayers to protect and help the missionaries. It will help me (us) a lot!
 
The miracle in Matsudo this week was Ambiru Akiko. Kiko-chan, the recent convert I've written about before, brought her life-long best friend to church and introduced her to the missionaries to receive a lesson. Not only did Ambiru-san want to come to another lesson the next day, she agreed to be baptized and started praying on her own right away! She sees her best friend's happiness and great example in the gospel, and because of that her heart was open to hearing the missionary lessons. What I want you all to learn from this is the importance of introducing friends to the missionaries. Member missionary work is SO important! We want members to be good examples to their friends and invite them to activities, but the most effective way to share the gospel with your friends is to be direct. "I really value your friendship and I want to share with you about what I believe because it makes me happy and I think it would bless your life too. Would you come over to my house for maybe an hour and listen to some representatives from my church?" Don't be worried about being rejected, because good friends will be honored that you want to share something so precious with them. Think of all the blessings you have from following Jesus Christ and think about how badly your friends need those blessings! Love is the true motivating factor behind missionary work, folks.
 
I'm so sorry to hear about Joy, bless her heart. She's been a great dog and member of the family. I'm glad in God's plan of happiness all dogs go to heaven! Keep me updated and I'll pray for her and all of you. Thank you for your encouraging emails and your support at home. I love you!
 
Sister Long