Sister Sierra Freed - Japan Fukuoka Mission: August 2017

Random

Random Email for my Mom

The most beautiful thing besides the people. As in landscape wise, would have to be the sunsets here in Japan. They really are beautiful. The only way I could help you with describing the beauty of the land. Would to describe it the same way you would as if you were panting a picture. When describing the sunset at first it looks simple, but
after you see a new hue of red or orange, it changes. It is always new, and takes a lot of time to process. Similar to how difficult it is to find the right color or blend, it is also difficult to find the right word to describe the sunsets here in Japan

The moons here are also very pretty, the most memorable ones were when I was in Hikari Hiroshima. When we would be biking home at night. During Christmas they had a lot of lights at night. And by default since the city is so big, there were lots of city light as well. And they would reflect off the various rivers we would bike over. It reminded me of the stars.

But really, I have realized that to me. It doesn't matter what I am looking at. But who I am looking at it with. I think Hikari was especially beautiful because of the people I was with at the time. Same thing here in Kagoshima.

The people here are refined and dignified. It is something you have to experience to appreciate. People here are responsible and take care of themselves and others. It is nothing like America, haha. Even though the politics are different. The people are the best.

I am so blessed to be here. Really. My companion and district are awesome. I am learning how to interact with so many different kinds of people. And really rely on the Savior. Things are still difficult and the mission is hard, but it is definitely more bearable. And I am learning that through the Savior and Faith, you can always turn the incoming Waves/trials into something to Surf. To have fun, instead of sink.

August 6th

August 6, 2017
From Kagoshima

There was a typhoon this past Sunday, but we are all safe and sound. It wasn`t nearly as big as people thought it would be. So we had a small little sacrament meeting of our own. We studied Jacob 5, and read about the Everlasting Covenant of marriage. Then we bore testimony to each other. Unfortunately we were unable to partake of the sacrament, but we will this coming week. And we are very excited for it.

This week we are going to Kumamoto again for Zone Conference and it will be loads of fun seeing old faces from Hiroshima. Oh and as you know there is a new missionary here in Kagoshima! His name is Elder Silva, he is from Brazil!

As a spiritual though, for missionaries.. We always try and work on Christ like attributes. And so for this transfer I am putting Ether 12:27 to the test! I know that because of the Savior my weaknesses can become strengths, and I can change to be a better person.

The district and Elder Yeakley from the MTC!

Welcome Elder Silva!

Iso Beach on P day!

Heart attacking a member! Mikawa Shimai!

July 30th

July 30, 2017
From Kagoshima

Yuri is on the left and Rumi on the right. They helped us get into our Yukatas!

Glathar Shimai, me, elder chestnut, elder Kimura, elder Kawabata, Sasaki fufu/couple, elder wholston( transferred to Iwakuni), elder and sister packer.

Is picture is the most recent. It gets pretty hot here.

Well as you know I am with sister Glathar again! And I am so happy! Also turns out that one of my companions who I broke, is now my STL. Haha, and the sister who I broke train is a trainer now. I am so happy for the, and I can't wait to see the many miracles Glathar Shimai will see! To all the ward members out there! I just found out about LDS tools! So hopefully I will be able to write letters now! Woohoo!

This month we are studying charity. And in PMG one thing that sticks out to me is how like faith, in order to gain more charity, we have to act on it. I also love how like Heavenly Father, charity is eternal, and never changing. Thank you for all your prayers. I feel them.

We have a new investigator named May. She is 20, and Shinto. She told us that she thinks Christianity is great, but that since she is Shinto. She can not convert. She said that since her grandfather passed away, in which she believes he is a god. That she can not join another religion. But in response to that, we promised her that she could have an even stronger relationship with her grandfather through the church. The spirit was very strong during the lesson, and we have much hope for her.

Thank you always for the prayers. I feel them, and I am always so grateful for them. I have successfully stayed on my bike too! No injuries thus far.

Much love always

Freed shimai

July 24th

July 24, 2017
From Kagoshima

Still staying in Kagoshima with sister GLATHAR! I am so happy, and I can not wait for his next transfer! Mom Fuji the one you and dad have been praying for, has a baptismal date for the 8th month and the 20th day! Thank you for your prayers!

I just want to thank everyone so so so much! Especially with the language! I finally feel like I am understanding Japanese more, I am getting a lot more comfortable with Speaking Japanese, and sometimes even think in Japanese! It is such a miracle, and a huge answer! Please see that!

I love you all so much, and if you have time, I highly recommend you read Elder Neal A Maxwell's talk from 1987 called "Overcome...Even As I Also Have Overcome."

I know this church is true. Please keep praying for us! And that we can make a baptismal date with Yoshiko san for this transfer. She has been investigating for almost 2 years! We are hoping to make it before this transfer!

Love you guys lots!
Sister Freed

July 16th

July 16, 2017
From Kagoshima

Dear Everyone,

So for this week well, I guess I should start out with the earthquake that happened this past Tuesday, it happened at around 10 or 11 ish. It was during our District Meeting, so everyone was already gathered together and no one was hurt. At first the tables started shaking and I thought it was one of the elders trying to annoy us sisters, haha, but then it got bigger and the room started shaking for a good 5 seconds.

After it stopped, the zone leaders, Elder Kawabata and Woolsten, called all the districts in our zone right away and luckily no one was hurt.

We also had "Junkai`s" with the sisters in Taniyama and I was with Sister Wihongi from Australia, Queensland. She is an incredible missionary and I learned so much from her. She is really dedicated and works with all her might mind and strength, even when she is sick, she works till the very end. Her teachings skills are amazing, and she helped me make a language plan for my Japanese. She is such a hard worker and currently sick. Please pray for her to get better soon!

I just wanted to bare testimony of how powerful the members here in Japan are, especially the Kagoshima branch! The branch is small, and very far away for some, so far, that it takes some members over 90 minutes, one way to get to church. Some take taxis, trains, and buses all in order to take the sacrament and attend meetings. The members are full of service, and inspire me to be like them when I get back home. They are small in numbers but huge in spirit, they are definitely in the service of God. They are incredible, and help us missionaries all the time. Whether it is a last minute effort or helping us find good hospitals. They are full of charity and always a blessing to be with and serve the Lord together!

Sister Glathar and I at Ikeda Shimai's house!

Left side of the table is Elder Kawabata, Elder Chestnut, and Elder Woolsten. On the right is an investigator of 6 years, her name is Y san. Then it is sister Glathar, me and Elder Kimura.