Basketball, Lessons and Elder Nelson

I look back on my weeks and trip about how much has happened in just a week. I will try and keep this a little shorter so I have time to answer some more personal emails. Sorry if I haven't gotten around to it or if I still don't today. Things are busy!

So things are pretty unpredictable here in March. They call it March Madness, I think referring to the weather. Though I just about get depressed when I hear that and think of the brackets, upsets, Cinderella stories and buzzer beaters of college basketball in March :( Earlier in the week we went to this big park here, Kokukoun. Probably the sickest park I have been to behind millennium park in Chicago. It's where we play basketball and meet people sometimes. Earlier in the morning my comp and I had gone running and it was pretty warm. When we went to the park this huge cloud moved in and at one point it was snowing. Everywhere we looked we could see the end of the cloud and blue skies and sunshine but just had this cloud of death over us the whole day.

We visited Kunitama last Monday as we do every Monday, just a member who needs some people to talk to. He hooked me up fat with a black thunder and a doctor pepper. Sooo good. Haven't had a dp in a while. I will send a pic of that. On the way there we met this man outside of his apart. Who we ended up having a mini lesson and having a prayer with him. The Spirit was pretty strong.

One random thing about Nihongiin (Japanese people) here always look way younger than they really are.  Most of the time they look about 20 years younger than what they are.

That crazy old man that can't stop laughing and talking about me showed up to Eikaiwa (English class us missionaries hold for free at the church in order to meet and make new friends, and also give service in teaching them. So much fun. It's probably my favorite part of the week. They shock me with how well their English is!). The man showed up pretty late. Which was ironic because the Japanese people in our class were asking what to say when you are late to something. He sat next to Nagano and just talked about me and could not stop laughing. Which of course makes me laugh cause I don't understand him but I know he is talking about me. I can tell Nagano gets a little annoyed that all this man wants to talk about is me. "Wow he is so tall", "he is so handsome and cool", "he is going to come out in movies", "dang he is tall, how tall do you think he is?" At the end of Eikaiwa this super creepy gay guy that shows up, started to play the piano, like he always does. He is terrible. He plays one note at a time and holds it, sounds like a two year old. But he closes his eyes and rocks his body like he is playing some master piece. Like bro you really feeling that C sharp you have been holding for the last thirty seconds? Lol. The crazy guy that's weirdly obsessed with me looks at Shu the gay guy and says "oh does she play the piano?". I have not laughed that hard yet on my mission. He realized later that it was a guy and was so proud he made us elders laugh. This guy is so crazy but funny. I got a pic with him so I could show you. It makes it even funnier that Shu is so gay and acts and looks a little like a woman. He just stares at me all the time and makes it very obvious. If he gets a chance he will touch you, so you have to keep your distance. He has smacked a couple elders butts which I think is so funny cause they feel so violated.

Here is the crazy guy who is obsessed over me. That's my "this dude is insane" face.

 We taught both of our investigators this week. It sounds like Iwasawa has made up his mind that he wants to be baptized but just isn't sure about what his parents will think. I guess they still want him to wait until after they die? Weird. Though we will see. We will hopefully get him a baptismal date this week and a date for him to have his parents convinced by and maybe if not convinced a date he will do it anyways. Jordan, our investigator from Nigeria) has a baptismal date for May 9th and this last lesson we really re-motivated him with it. Gave him a picture of Jesus being baptized and a picture I drew of the plan of salvation. With a bridge of the atonement over the hole of physical death and the 5 steps of the gospel in order to climb out of the hole of spiritual death. He is really struggling with finding work here in Japan cause he only speaks English. He is having a rough time. I shared with him (and Iwasawa who is having a hard time at work) that before I left on my mission for some reason I was sad and struggling to be myself and happy. Which isn't like me at all. I realize now how bad Satan doesn't not want me to be here talking to them and helping them come closer to God through Jesus Christ. That a lot of times Satan works really hard to bring us down so that we don't follow through and receive the blessings of what's on the other side of that struggle. I told them that they will go through the struggle regardless, but it's up to them on whether or not they will come out of it stronger or worse off. Look at what I would say is the biggest miracle of this dispensation, When Jesus Christ and God appeared to Joseph Smith to restored the true gospel to the earth. Joseph Smith felt the wrath of Satan upon him before he prayed. Imagine if he would have given in and not prayed? Satan was going to make him miserable regardless there for a little, but Joseph prevailed, and so can my investigators and so can all of you. Don't ever give up. Satan's strength is what we make it out to be. He is never too strong to keep us from coming closer to God or whatever is on the other side of our struggles or trials. It's up to us. When I said this to Jordan all of a sudden he just basically bore his testimony to us about his faith in God. That he loves to give his money to others. No matter how foolish people think he is. He knows God knows his heart and will bless him more for it. Which most likely means he will get a job. His words not mine. I was so stoked when I heard that. He is pretty motivated. What a stud. We got a pic with him. He put on that jacket just so he could get his swag up for the pic lol.

After Jordan's lesson we went to that park to play ball. So much fun. I will send a pic of us at the park with all the kids. We taught all those kids a lesson about Jesus after the game. Then my comp and I stayed a little longer and played these two really good kids. Nihongiin are really good at defense. I later figured out they are both like 29 lol. So 'guys' I guess. We ended up teaching them a lesson. Missionaries have tried to teach them many times. I explained the reason why we are in Japan is similar to how they want to share basketball with their friends because it makes them happy. I feel the same way about sharing the gospel. I also asked who the best basketball player is ever. They said MJ even tho I was saying that Bron is about there. We agreed on MJ for now. They agreed that in order to become better you should try and become more like MJ. So I said it is the same with life. Who was the best ever? Jesus Christ. So whose example and teaching should we follow in order to become better people and more happy? Jesus Christ. They were really excited but said they still are too set in their ways to change their minds. It's kinda frustrating but I hope I made a little difference. We figured out that we are all girlfriend-less and they wanted to have a group hug. Then they said it wasn't a good thing we were hugging... Haha

A member gave us tickets to a pro basketball game here. We were kind of obligated to go but we went in hopes to talk to people there. We were late and only saw the second half but it was wild! Japanese people cheer just like fans do in bball video games. Hard to explain without you seeing it, but they clap and cheer in unison, by they, I mean every single person. The cues to get people to clap are super loud. I was so overwhelmed. Half the players are Japanese. Half are black. The black guys look like giants compared to everyone else. Japanese players flop so much and their faces when they get fouled are hilarious. It's like watching anime basketball. During breaks the dancers dance to American songs like Happy - Pharell  and one by Taylor Swift. Everything is so different here but they try to implement American things, it's so entertaining.

Yesterday morning a member named Rei brought some of her old investigators (an older couple) to church for us to give them a tour. We showed them pictures in the church and explained them. As well as the baptismal font. They like music so we had elder Bennion sing for them in the sacrament room. The Spirit was way strong in there. I looked at the man and he was just sobbing. Like the homie Elder Jordan Lee would say "the Spirit had hit him like a brick". Way cool. The couple decided to stay for church and we had a lesson after. They had a great experience. Hopefully I hear how that continues. They live far away.

Later we went to a member conference for Nihongiin that Elder Nelson was speaking at. He explained the importance of members sharing the gospel through their example and simple testimonies about the gospel.

Again sorry. Time is limited. All of your emails will be answered. I have them flagged. I am getting an iPad this week I think, so I should be able to answer more then.

Love you all

Pics
1. Pepe and us at Stamina my fave restaurant. He is a member here from Peru

Make It Rain!

I wrote this email yesterday. Sorry I wasn't able to send it. I didn't have wifi. Sorry also if I haven't answered your personal emails. I really appreciate them! I just literally don't have time to answer them right now. It will be easier when I get my own iPad.

So it is straight pouring here in Tokorozawa right now. Hence the subject line. I still don't have an iPad so Nagano and I have to split the time with the iPad. Kind of frustrating. We went to Costco today. So weird. They are just like American ones. So good to get a hot dog (or three) and some Mountain Dew and pizza.

At the start of this week the less active member that we met with in my last email, Sasamori San (one we got a picture with and got another this time), called us and said he doesn't want to talk about the gospel with us ever again. Pretty sad.. We decided the next day to try and visit and serve him. We went with the intention to clean his very cluttered and small apartment. He said he didn't need it but told us we could talk. I actually was able to understand some of what was talked about this time, mostly because my very patient trainer translated my words to him, and his to me. I was praying the whole time to know what to say to him. We were talking about wars and jealousy as the cause for most of them. I had this strong feeling I should ask if he was being nuked and would die regardless if he would nuke back. He said he would which surprised me. I said I wouldn't because I would rather not have any blood on my hands approaching death and judgment. Nagano explained it in a less condemning way to him. I talked about how important it is to do the right things and insure to the very end so that what comes after life is easier and more enjoyable. It was our in to a gospel discussion and his heart was not hardened towards our words and we got a chance to testify. Don't know if he will accept our challenge to pray about what he is doing and if he should be doing something different in his life (like coming back to church) or not. But what I do know is that we taught with the Spirit and followed the promptings on what to say. He said he is too bad of a person to pray. I shared my experience of being so far from God and asking whether or not I needed to serve a mission and having the craziest experience of my life. That no matter how far we stray He is always there. I am thankful I have a companion that works hard and is patient. It's all I prayed for in terms of my trainer in the MTC. Also that he teaches with the Spirit.

We have two investigators right now. Tokorozawa is tough, but that's no excuse. One is Iwasawa who is 30 and still lives with his parents. We think he has had trouble thinking for himself. He has been meeting with missionaries for 3 years. He is what you call an "eternal investigator" but luckily I have a new perspective on him since I am a new missionary. It was looking like he might stop meeting with us. But we managed to get a lesson this week and I finally met him. During the lesson I already felt God's love for him so strong.  Love Iwasawa. The lesson started and for some reason baptism came up right away. We had a great lesson of testifying and a great church member with us to help translate some of the hard things. Watanabe (member) did some great testifying of his story of being baptized without his parents permission and how much it has done for him and his parents lives. Very applicable because Iwasawa's parents said they "want him to be baptized after they die". It's a little weird. We challenged him to pray about the decision. The next day he texted twice and called twice and didn't say anything about baptism specifically but some positive words. Idk I will let you know when I get the full story.

Our other investigator is Jordan. He is from Nigeria. Way cool kid, and he speaks English! Having a rough time living in Japan not knowing the language and trying to find work. He is 19. Soooo chill. We taught him the 5 steps of Jesus Christ's gospel. He already had a baptismal date for May 9th. We are just helping him get there. Love that kid.

Finding people to teach is really hard here. Especially since I can't really talk. Most people aren't interested in the gospel. Some are the nicest people I have ever met. Some (especially the old men) are the rudest. They will literally ignore you,  act like you aren't even there walking next to them. Sometimes they will just point away from themselves and raise their voice and basically say get out of here, even if all we said is hi... Kinda funny honestly.

Nagano and I went to meet with a member at the train station. When we went inside a group of teenagers were staring and pointing at me. Which isn't super uncommon here and not in a bad way, but it was very obvious. As we went inside we were getting on the elevator and a group of school girls were giggling. I looked over and they were all staring but looked away quickly. I waved and they shyly waved back. We went to another floor and sat down. Not long after Nagano said they had followed us and their group had expanded and they were staring and giggling again. Lol They eventually stopped. Later we hear MORE giggling. But we couldn't see anyone. I eventually look up to see 4 more school girls peeking over the balcony on the floor above us who quickly hid their faces. So funny. Makes me wish I could get that kind of attention from girls at home ;)

Japanese people are funny. They will stare and point and giggle so much with no shame. But the moment I try and talk to anyone, they all of a sudden get scared like they realize I can actually notice them doing it? They are hilarious.

We had a conference Saturday night and I got to see Belnap Choro (my comp from the MTC) miss that kid. Yesterday at church I was asked to give a talk even though I bore my testimony last week. They called me first so I basically winged it. I shared Alma 32:27. My fave scripture so far on the mish. Tough trying to think of what to say on the spot and how to say it...

Japanese missionaries usually give English classes to anyone that wants to come. It's called Ekiwa. We do it Wednesday night and Sunday morning. This last Sunday this man showed up that approached us at the grocery store. Nagano says all he does is talk about me to him. How cool, tall and handsome I am. So funny cause he doesn't know me, I think Nagano gets a little annoyed and weirded out that this man is straight obsessed with me. It's pretty weird but I mostly think it's funny. He came to English class and church after and I don't know why but he literally laughed at everything that was said. Every simple English word I taught or said he would bust up harder than I have really ever heard someone laugh. It got super annoying but was so funny. I swear to you he laughed for an hour straight in English class. He is pretty old, sometimes he would just pass out while he was laughing. We would ask if he is ok and he would wake up and start laughing again. I wish I had a video.

Dang my emails have been pretty long. Thanks to you that are reading. Everyday it gets better here. Some days are harder than others but it's all good. Love these people, this place, this gospel and all of you.

Keep it real!

Pics
1. A better picture of me and my dream forest green Audi

Turnt Up Tokorozawa, Tokyo

Wow.. I am in Nihon! So to start: I got assigned to the Tokorozawa area w/Elder Nagano! He is from Connecticut and went to school at BYU-I. He is of full Japanese decent. I will send a picture of us. This place is pretty sweet, check it on google earth! I have a lot of pictures that I won't be able to send because I am mailing on an iPad and have no method of sending the pictures from my camera. When I get a chance I will.

So last week leaving the MTC was straight crazy. Saying goodbye to my teachers was really sad. What a great job they did in teaching me the language and how to teach with the Spirit and giving our investigators the best experience possible. I am so impressed with their ability to teach so well despite their young age and lack of training. God definitely has His hand in helping them with their ability to teach and the learning process at the MTC. I got up at 2:45 after packing until 1:30 and got on a bus. Usually they just drive us to the airport from there because it is easier and cheaper but they decided to take us to the train station instead? I blew the MTC a big kiss goodbye (what a relief). We got to the train station and had to wait awhile. It was so cold. Then we took the train to the SLC tram which took us to the airport. We soon learned that our flight to Portland was delayed by like an hour and that the flight from there to Tokyo would leave before we could catch it and that we had to wait another day. It was so funny to watch missionaries freak out and stress about the plane situation. I was just chillin' cause it was out of our control. This guy said he would try to figure something out. He convinced the flight in Portland to wait until we get there because we had like 35 missionaries on that flight or something. Missionaries were so excited, a few even hugged that guy it was so funny.

While in SLC we had some time to call our family. I called and talked to the parentals. I had a calling card and every call I made my minutes got cut down a ton. I called my sister Nancy and niece Kennedy. So nice to talk to everyone and later Amber and Pearl. Sorry to the bro in laws I didn't have the time to call you. When I started my call to Nancy this man came up to me and was trying to buy my comp and me, as well as the rest of the district food for the flight. I had just had an Elder from our district take my McDonald's gift card to buy everyone food and told him it was ok. He was determined though. Stood there through the whole convo with Nancy continuing to ask periodically. This lady also came to take my picture to of me calling to send it too my family. Which was great. Just way too much going on. My mom FaceTimed her once she got the picture and the lady
answered. Which was sweet! But I was trying to call my sister Amber while FaceTiming my mom and listening to this guy asking us to buy food. We were running out of time before our flight and my calling card ran out. This guy said I could borrow his phone while he got us food to call my sister. He ended up spending like 35 bucks for everyone. Nice guy! Just stressful!

Anyways we eventually got to Portland! The flight to Tokyo was about 10 hours and we also lost a good amount of time flying over. Flight + time change was about 24 hours. I took a really nice nap and ate some good food on the plane (any food other than the mtc's). The guy I sat next to was a total alcoholic and drank a ton on the flight. He was way fun to sit next to. He said when he saw he was sitting next to a missionary he knew he would hate me but was surprised to find out I was a nice guy. He said Mormonism and him don't mix. I asked why. Of course, we got into a religious discussion. He thinks Joseph Smith is a complete fraud but believes in the bible. I explained some of my experiences and shared my testimony. I was straight chillin but he got pretty upset about it. Mostly cause he was kinda drunk, I think. Hard to explain but he was getting worked up and I just told him I love him and that we shouldn't talked about it anymore. Haha cool guy.

When we got to Japan I had my first experience with a Japanese toilet. They are insane here. There are like ten buttons to control that thing. I don't know what they all do but some of them control the seat heater, and one of them sprays your butt after you go potty. It's actually pretty nice. I like it a lot. At the airport I met my mission president and the assistants. We took about an hour long bus ride through the heart of Tokyo. SOOO sick! I love big cities. The area around Tokyo tower is so dope!! We eventually got to the mission home in Kichijoji which is such a cool place and the mission home was way nice. Sister and President Wada are the best. Sister Wada is the cutest nicest lady ever and they made us some great food. In the mornings we went running and went to the park for "radio taiso" which is where a bunch of old people go and turn on their radios to do this dance/stretch/exercise thing. We did it with them. I was laughing so hard. One of the funniest things ever. I love these people. While I was at the mission home I met a senior couple named the Powells who own Mrs Powell's Cinnamon Rolls. I guess my Grandpa and Grandma knew them and my grandpa used to always tell her she needs more raisins on her rolls. That's grandpa for ya. So funny. On Thursday I met my trainer and we took a crazy amount of train rides to get to Tokorozawa. Insane. I try to talk to everyone I can here. My companion was shocked I am not nervous and quiet. He says I have "dendo Fire" dendo is missionary work or anything related to it.

We went and met with a less active member named Sasamori. I introduced myself. That was it. No joke ~~for over an hour he talked and didn't let my companion say anything and I didn't understand anything! Like literally nothing.. I guess he was telling us that he doesn't need to go to church he knows he will go to heaven regardless. The next day we went to this restaurant here called "Sukiya." Their most popular dish is this bowl of rice with meat on top. Really simple but really good. They have this thing called "king size" which is just an insanely large bowl of their popular dish. I agreed to it but when I saw it I instantly regretted committing to it. I got it with cheese too. I guess it's some sort of challenge here and if you complete it you are a "stage one pounder". I thought there was no way, but half way through I committed to it and after trying hard to hold it down I finished every last little bit. I am seriously so proud of myself. I feel like I gained the respect of my peers and that's what really matters!

After I recovered we went to the park to play basketball. The Japanese kids here are so funny to play ball with. It's so sad how easy it is for me being at least a foot taller than everyone. I feel so bad swatting them. It feels like I am playing little kids. On the way back it was dark and I was trying to keep up with my comp on the bike and this lady just popped out on the other side of the fence. I just slammed into the side of her bike. It was hard. Totally her fault but I was really scared I hurt someone especially since she had a little girl on the back of her bike. My handlebars had turned and slammed into my crotch. Won't get into details. Let's just say it hurt. She was really apologetic.  I had knocked her child of her bike but she was fine. I had to pull my front tire out of her spokes. That was a long day and I accidentally passed out in my dress clothes on the futon for the whole night around 8. I missed dinner and the next day was fast Sunday.

Church here is a blast, the people are the nicest and so patient. I got up and bore my testimony.  I honestly was not nervous at all, the people here are so nice and welcoming. They all tell you your Japanese and testimony are great no matter how bad it was. Haha.

So far I have had sushi, sukiya, curry, roots (ehh), Nato (bleh)

I really like curry and sushi. The food here is sooooo good. I struggle with chopsticks still tho... It sucks. They have these candy bars called black thunder and an ice cream bar version of it. So good (thanks Sheehan). I am already addicted. Black thunder, not ever once!

From President Wada

Dear Brother and Sister Spackman:

Your son arrived in the Japan Tokyo South Mission on February 26, 2015 in good spirits and ready to commence his proselyting assignment. We had a wonderful time with him.

Elder Spackman has been assigned to work with Elder Nagano and they will be serving in an area called Tokorozawa. Your son can receive his mail at the following address (Mission Home address):

Elder Brett Merrill Spackman

Japan Tokyo South Mission

1-7-7 Kichijoji, Higashi-cho
Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0002

Japan

Attached is a picture of your son with Sister Wada and me, of himself, his companion, and a group picture of the new missionaries, trainers, and Assistants. We have also included a map showing the locations of the various areas in the mission. You can use it as a personal record of his assignments.

By the time you receive this letter, Elder Spackman should be arriving in his new proselyting area. The positive sustaining support he gets from you at home will be a great blessing to him. May the Lord bless you and your family as you share in your son’s mission experience.

Sincerely,

President Takashi Wada

wadata@ldschurch.org

Dear Gary and Diane,

I don’t usually add a note to President Wada’s, but once we found out who Elder Spackman’s grandpa was, we just had to add an extra picture. Please give Merrill our best and let him know that I will always put lots of raisins in any rolls I make for Elder Spackman. No extra charge!

Warm regards,

Sister Powell

Japan Tokyo South Mission

I. LEAVE. ON. MONDAY.

I really don't know if I have been more excited for something than to get out of this place and go to Japan. Holy crap. SOOO STOKED.

Really don't have much to report this week. Though all of you won't have to hear any more complaints about the MTC after this email. Guess the rules got even tighter this week to avoid "secret combinations" (basically any secret group gathering of elders). We were told we aren't allowed to do tie trades, pass down traditions (even passing down ties, clothes, etc). I brought up how many traditions our church has for example going to church weekly, Thanksgiving dinner or even Christmas. My branch pres said some traditions are good, some are bad. I just don't agree with where the line is drawn I guess...

We have been skyping Japanese church members. So hard to understand them sometimes. Though they are all sooo nice. For example no matter how bad your Japanese is they will always say it is way good. I already love these people so much and I haven't even gotten there. So stoked! 

This week was seriously just the exact same as last it feels like... It just flew by a lot faster!
I do have some pictures though!

Sorry for the lame email... Things are busy and there seriously isn't much to report...

Can't wait to get some food outside of this cafeteria, have a little more freedom and start changing peoples lives!

Pictures-

The ties I have picked up here in the MTC. This may seem dumb but I get pretty stoked when I convince an elder to make a terrible trade for one of my crap ties

The classroom I have spent like 11 hours of my day for the last 10 weeks in

Just an example of how bad the food can be here at times. That is supposed to be a french fry. lol

Ready to Go

Sorry, ready to get out of here. I feel like I am going insane in spirit prison! lol. Little things are starting to really bug me. I just want to get to Japan and start really learning the language and changing peoples lives, and eat something other than cafeteria food for once! 

Just an example of me being easily annoyed. I was walking out of the exit of the cafeteria and a senior couple were on the other side. We both started coming through the door at the same time and I tried to be very polite in saying sorry as I quickly stepped through the door and out of their way. The husband of the companionship grabbed my arm and turned me around as I walked by. He got in my face and said "Elder! THIS is a lady/sister, she deserves a little more respect. You should have let her go in front of you." I sat there shocked for a second that he had the nerve to say this. I pointed at the door and said, "THIS is the exit." He and his wife looked over at the entrance and said, "oops wrong way." No apology or anything. I usually wouldn't care and really should have more patience than that. Though I am so stuffed up here, little things make me mad. 

Otherwise, my week was very non eventful and basic. Until today. I got to see the homie Jordan Lee today who is headed out to Copenhagen, he arrived to the MTC yesterday. Also saw Aden Cowley (not sure how to spell the last name). Both good friends from high school. The amount of Elders that have come out of Eagle High is crazy. So exciting to see the amount of people that have decided to serve due to the examples of others, that now have the opportunity to be the example. Sometimes I feel like we over complicate how to change peoples lives. Loving them and being an example is where it all starts.

I have lost my retainer in the transit from Boise to here. So today I got a chance to go off campus to go to the ortho. Wow. How great it was to get out of prison after being cooped up in here for 8 1/2 weeks. The orthodontist was blasting some good music and they gave us slushies. I never knew a slushy and  music at a orthodontist office could make anyone as happy as I was in there. In the mtc they don't let us even listen to church music unless they are the ones playing it. Which is not how it will be in the field, the mtc is just super strict due to past occurrences. So that was the first music (other than hymns sung by elders) I had heard. Great experience. 

Now to add to the joy. The shuttle driver that took us back was way cool. Right before we got out to go back in the mtc he asked where we were going. He got excited and asked if we knew Gregory Sensei. Said they were good friends. I quickly told the story and he shot Gregory a text for us saying sorry and that we miss him. He also gave me his email! So great. I just sent him an email asking if we can meet up at the temple next week before we leave to at least say goodbye. So thankful for that!

Love you all and so thankful for your support and prayers. I get emotional every time I realize how many people are praying for me. I feel God's love and help every day of my life.

Ai Shite Mas,

Spackman Choro

Elder Lee and I. What a stud.

 

Igan Choro (from my district) and I at the ortho w/ our slushies. 



Gotta Work Hard

Saying goodbye to Judd Choro was sad. It made me realize how limited my time is here. Gotta work hard these last 2 1/2 weeks. He is from Salt Lake area and went to Brighton. May be a future Aggie (so of course he was cool). He reminded me a ton of some of my Bountiful and Utah friends. What a stud. Going to miss some good times with this kid here. Crazy how close you can get with someone in just 6 weeks. He and I went back to the room to grab something and I was barely able to open my door enough to go in and see all 8 chairs from the lobby chillin in my room lol. 

Since the Di Sempi, oldest elders in the zone (oldest in terms of time at the mtc), left we received 2 new districts in our zone yesterday. Haven't met them all, but they seem chill! Since Belnap and I were the only elders in our room, we took on two more. They seem like some of the coolest ones so that's good. Though one snores a lot :/ This means that my district is the new di sempi. Straight up so insane.... I'm trippin. So ready to leave but so shocked we are next. The days go by slow, weeks go by fast.

This last week we started skyping real Nihongin (Japanese people) for lessons. So hard yet so much fun they are all so patient and nice. Also willing to lie to make us feel good about our Japanese which I have mixed feelings about lolz. 

The biggest thing this week though: one of our "investigators" went to church with us. He is Watanabe (the one that doesn't believe in God). At church some of the members thought he was a missionary too. Made him feel good because he has zero self confidence and thinks highly of the missionaries. Which is great. We prepped for next lesson to tell him why they thought that, because they see more in him than he sees in himself, just as we do and most importantly God does. Though when we got to the next lesson he said he had gone to a Protestant rally in Japan and they said that we were Satan's church and a cult. We had trouble explaining it with our broken Japanese. Didn't go the best. We came back next lesson and he said that he went to Protestant church and they gave him something to read that would help his drug addiction. He said that their church would help him quicker than ours. So frustrating knowing such little Japanese. He hadn't read this book they gave him but had tried reading the Book of Mormon and had said it was impossible. We told him our testimonies and asked when we could meet again and he said never. He just wanted to go to the protestant church. We left feeling like crap...

Of course we got a chance to teach him again. The teacher that plays the role of the investigator (Sheehan Sensei) told us that we weren't speaking with the Spirit, and had us watch a video. Both Belnap Choro and I prayed to know what to do. We felt that he needed to just pray in the lesson for help. We knew God would do the rest. When we went into the lesson we talked for a bit and told him that if he prayed right there and then he wouldn't have an addiction anymore. He didn't believe us. Told us it was impossible. 

We shared Alma 32:27 and tried to explain what it means. Everyone check that scripture out! I would copy and paste but I can only have one tab open #mtcprobz. Definitely top 5 scripts for me. For those of you that don't have a Book of Mormon just look it up on google. I promise that God blesses us if we have faith, but also even if we just have a desire to believe and let that desire work in us, God will help us with the rest. 

The lessons are usually 25 minutes long, we were in there for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Our teacher later told us that he was going to drop us again and never let us teach Watanabe again if we didn't blow him away that lesson. So he just kept being difficult and wouldn't pray. Finally stopped the lesson and said (as the teacher, not investigator) Watanabe thinks we are just saying stuff, that we don't actually believe it. Something changed after that. Belnap and I spoke with a power that I have never had before. Always considered myself to be a powerful speaker but not in Japanese nor with the power of the Spirit at that point. I asked him again to pray. I told him that I promised he wouldn't have an addiction anymore if he did it. A promise I would not usually make. I saw his chin quiver. Belnap testified of similar things. You would have to be extremely shut off to not feel the Spirit in that room at that point. After an hour of pointless conversation we finally started speaking with the spirit and he agreed. He knelt down and so did we (in this super awk position that Japanese people sit in). He started praying and stopped. Stopped for about 5 minutes. I knew he felt it. He thanked Heavenly Father and said for the first time that he is happy. After the prayers he was crying. Though he was the one having the experience I would be dumb to say I didn't have one either. He said he had zero desire to do drugs, that his body didn't feel the need. Belnap asked him to be baptized and he accepted!

Though this lesson was not with a real investigator. Sheehan told us that though he was acting as an investigator he still felt God's love and help in the lesson. God knows each of us personally. I promise that. He loves and knows what each of us need. Belnap and I needed to learn how to blow people away with the Spirit. 5-10% of Japanese people take a second lesson. That is absolutely terrible. Time to change those numbers. Not by my abilities though, I am nothing without the Spirit and God. Watanabe would have felt nothing without the Spirit. I promise the Spirit is real. I have felt it and seen it change many lives and will continue to do so. If you need help with anything and have nothing but a desire to believe, let it work in your heart and humble yourself and pray about it. Pray to feel His love, for help, for guidance. You may not receive an instant answer as Watanabe did but you will receive one if you continue to show faith. I promise. 

I'm not proofreading that... Love you all!! 

Ai Shite Mas,

Spackman Choro

I found my camera!! Here are some pictures.

Judd choro and me with the best smiles we could give?

Judd and me round 2 with all the couches of the lobby in my room (someone pranked us).

Elder Maynes and me right before he left :(

#basic pic of the temple, had to do it

8/10 elders of the sickest district ever

Judd and me round 3 with Egan choro who is in my district