ALCON:
The coolest thing that happened to me this week was the chance to be able to go and climb mount Takao. It took about two hours to climb it. I went with all the other missionaries in my district including their English class students and two college aged guys that we met a few weeks back. It was a lot of fun and we were all able to have an extremely fun time. We could see Mount Fuji really really well from the top and took a lot of pictures. I got a lot of looks because I was carry a backpack full of things that I took with me for splits and was carrying my large wool coat too. It was really hot. I also met a Judo team and talked to them for a while.
My iPad is freaking out so I can't send any pictures. I'll send some next week.
I love you all!
Very Respectfully,
Elder J. Alan Farr
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Hello from 鎌倉!
Dear Everyone,
Things in Kamakura have been pretty good. This week the weather was really nice so we had the chance to talk to a lot of people. I'm pretty sure that this week we set the record for meaningful contacts with 225 people talked to. It's been fun talking to just about every single person who crosses our path. Elder Christensen has definitely shown me how to have a fun time and work hard at the same time. I've also learned this past week not to judge anyone by the way they look. We've had some pretty cool conversations with some really mean-looking people. It just goes to show that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
Is week I was invited to attend a leadership,training for the missionaries Kichijoji. I came out of it learning a lot, but I also think that I'm going to be training next transfer too. I don't think km ready to train. Especially not an American. My Japanese isn't nearly as good as it should be right now. It certainly comes in waves. Sometimes I feel like my Japanese is absolutely amazing, and other days like it's getting worse. Basically Japanese is a huge lesson in humility and patience as well. During the leadership training I had to give a message on leadership and how the savior did. I think it went pretty we'll except I talked wayyy to fast for the interpreters.
Other than that, we just went around and talked to a lot of people. Nothing more exciting than sharing the Gospel! Hopefully something email-worthy happens next week, but for now, take care! And have a great week!
Very Respectfully,
Elder J. Alan Farr
Things in Kamakura have been pretty good. This week the weather was really nice so we had the chance to talk to a lot of people. I'm pretty sure that this week we set the record for meaningful contacts with 225 people talked to. It's been fun talking to just about every single person who crosses our path. Elder Christensen has definitely shown me how to have a fun time and work hard at the same time. I've also learned this past week not to judge anyone by the way they look. We've had some pretty cool conversations with some really mean-looking people. It just goes to show that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
Is week I was invited to attend a leadership,training for the missionaries Kichijoji. I came out of it learning a lot, but I also think that I'm going to be training next transfer too. I don't think km ready to train. Especially not an American. My Japanese isn't nearly as good as it should be right now. It certainly comes in waves. Sometimes I feel like my Japanese is absolutely amazing, and other days like it's getting worse. Basically Japanese is a huge lesson in humility and patience as well. During the leadership training I had to give a message on leadership and how the savior did. I think it went pretty we'll except I talked wayyy to fast for the interpreters.
Other than that, we just went around and talked to a lot of people. Nothing more exciting than sharing the Gospel! Hopefully something email-worthy happens next week, but for now, take care! And have a great week!
Very Respectfully,
Elder J. Alan Farr
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Another week in Kamakura!
Hello!
Oh where to begin? This week has been so hectic. On Monday, we got our toes sucked by fishes. I sent those pics, on Tuesday we had interviews with President Wada. We do this just about every other transfer. He tells us what we need to become better people and better missionaries as well as answered any personal questions that we might have concerning whatever the case may be. He helped answer a lot of my questions concerning being a good Leader.
Tuesday night we witnessed a miracle. After running around for an hour or so to find a guy over 20 to come to the church and play ping pong with us so that we could be obedient to the rules and also play ping pong with our female investigators. We called out to a man on the street, and he played with us! It's was crazy to see how quickly our prYer was answered. He had never been to a church before, but he said he was down to play some more ping pong, so we got his number and plan to call him soon for another round of ping ping!
Wednesday we taught English class, nothing too exciting. I only had two students in my intermediate class. One was a member and the other a non-member. We learned a lot of English. We also did a lot of push-ups too for some odd reason our English class coordinator enjoys making the missionaries do push-ups whenever we lose in an English-based game.
Thursday it was pretty rainy, so no one was out to talk and we did a lot of housing in order to spread the message. Basically I froze to death. I got soaked within an hour and my shoes have just finally dried out.
Friday, I held my second District meeting. I ran it differently than most of the district meetings that I've been too. I ran some team-building exercises and made my district teach the plan of salvation without using words. I figured that if they could teach it without words, then the little English or Japanese that they all know would be a HUGE asset to them. It was an experimental training, however everyone seemed to be having a good time and become closer as a district. Also, I had them convinced that we were going for a group run. I REALLY want to PT my district, but they might hate me for it. I'm still debating whether or not to do it.
Saturday, I met my first Midshipman here in Japan. Her name is 1/C Jones from 27th company and she's doing some sort of leadership conference here in Japan. I was wondering how long it would take me to find one. It only took 5 months! After talking to her and her Japanese friends we went to the Shonan-Dai 湘南台 church and practiced to sing in a concert that was to be held later in the afternoon. The concert was super weird with a lot of funky, old Japanese women rapping in Japanese and what not. Afterwards, we went to a members house and had a practice lesson. We taught the plan of salvation. They made us some sack-dinners. They were delicious.
Sunday president Wada came and taught the Ward about missionary work and what's going to happen in the area. Afterwards we went out and proselyted as normal.
Today, I took my District out to lunch at a ramen shop and then we had a fun day at 江ノ島 island. We got some ice cream and even went in this huge tower that you could see all of the coastline from. There were a couple of destroyers out in the water. I bought a Daruma. And wanted to buy a flat octopus chip pancake like thing that everyone was eating but the lines were too long. Afterwards, we helped with a candle lighting ceremony for the victims of the Tsunami and earthquake several years ago at one of the Buddhist shrines. It was a packed P-Day. But everyone had fun. I nearly froze to death. This country is freezing.
Anyways, Japan is the Best! I love being a missionary here!
Love,
Elder Farr
Ps. Next month we get Facebook. Oorah.
Pics:
Sets of 1000 paper cranes by our house, it's close to this shrine that's in a mountain, Enoshima island district picture, district Selfie in the Sakura, view from top of the island, candles with messages of hope and inspiration, midshipman
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Oh where to begin? This week has been so hectic. On Monday, we got our toes sucked by fishes. I sent those pics, on Tuesday we had interviews with President Wada. We do this just about every other transfer. He tells us what we need to become better people and better missionaries as well as answered any personal questions that we might have concerning whatever the case may be. He helped answer a lot of my questions concerning being a good Leader.
Tuesday night we witnessed a miracle. After running around for an hour or so to find a guy over 20 to come to the church and play ping pong with us so that we could be obedient to the rules and also play ping pong with our female investigators. We called out to a man on the street, and he played with us! It's was crazy to see how quickly our prYer was answered. He had never been to a church before, but he said he was down to play some more ping pong, so we got his number and plan to call him soon for another round of ping ping!
Wednesday we taught English class, nothing too exciting. I only had two students in my intermediate class. One was a member and the other a non-member. We learned a lot of English. We also did a lot of push-ups too for some odd reason our English class coordinator enjoys making the missionaries do push-ups whenever we lose in an English-based game.
Thursday it was pretty rainy, so no one was out to talk and we did a lot of housing in order to spread the message. Basically I froze to death. I got soaked within an hour and my shoes have just finally dried out.
Friday, I held my second District meeting. I ran it differently than most of the district meetings that I've been too. I ran some team-building exercises and made my district teach the plan of salvation without using words. I figured that if they could teach it without words, then the little English or Japanese that they all know would be a HUGE asset to them. It was an experimental training, however everyone seemed to be having a good time and become closer as a district. Also, I had them convinced that we were going for a group run. I REALLY want to PT my district, but they might hate me for it. I'm still debating whether or not to do it.
Saturday, I met my first Midshipman here in Japan. Her name is 1/C Jones from 27th company and she's doing some sort of leadership conference here in Japan. I was wondering how long it would take me to find one. It only took 5 months! After talking to her and her Japanese friends we went to the Shonan-Dai 湘南台 church and practiced to sing in a concert that was to be held later in the afternoon. The concert was super weird with a lot of funky, old Japanese women rapping in Japanese and what not. Afterwards, we went to a members house and had a practice lesson. We taught the plan of salvation. They made us some sack-dinners. They were delicious.
Sunday president Wada came and taught the Ward about missionary work and what's going to happen in the area. Afterwards we went out and proselyted as normal.
Today, I took my District out to lunch at a ramen shop and then we had a fun day at 江ノ島 island. We got some ice cream and even went in this huge tower that you could see all of the coastline from. There were a couple of destroyers out in the water. I bought a Daruma. And wanted to buy a flat octopus chip pancake like thing that everyone was eating but the lines were too long. Afterwards, we helped with a candle lighting ceremony for the victims of the Tsunami and earthquake several years ago at one of the Buddhist shrines. It was a packed P-Day. But everyone had fun. I nearly froze to death. This country is freezing.
Anyways, Japan is the Best! I love being a missionary here!
Love,
Elder Farr
Ps. Next month we get Facebook. Oorah.
Pics:
Sets of 1000 paper cranes by our house, it's close to this shrine that's in a mountain, Enoshima island district picture, district Selfie in the Sakura, view from top of the island, candles with messages of hope and inspiration, midshipman
Monday, March 3, 2014
Another week in sunny 鎌倉!
Friends,
This past week has been a good one. I have had a lot of fun working with Elder Christensen and Elder Barker. We're becoming more unified than we were at the beginning of the transfer and as a result, we're starting to see more and more success with the work. We're inviting people to meet with us and to hear the lessons. We have a lesson tonight with Riki-San, an English student who has been attending for several months now. He wanted to learn a little bit more about why three Americans would be hanging out in Japan teaching English for free and a little bit more about our beliefs. How cool is that!? Slowly but surely the work is beginning to move forward here in 鎌倉! I'm 100% positive that we will see a baptism in the following weeks.
The weather has been really crazy this week. It's been warm and raining and super duper cold this whole week. I have no idea how weather works but I guess Japan is in one of those weird places where the weather freaks out. I've been working out hard by myself and have been feeling a lot better because of it. I'm trying to convince my companions to run with me but they kind of just like to hang out in the house.
I talked with some really cool Americans this week. On our way back from splits in Hodogaya, we saw some really confused Americans so we talked to them. Turns out one was a class of 1989 graduate and that he service selected Subs coming out of the Academy. He five and dived. But he stayed with the nuclear community and is working with the navy doing so,etching. It turns out that he is really good friends with Andy Musselwhite's father! What a small world! It was a really really cool conversation and they all asked a lot of good questions about our church and our beliefs. It was in all a really good conversation and a great first contact with the church. Plus I met another Academy guy on the other side of the world. I guess it's true that there are always Academy affiliated people all over the world!
This week I conducted an exchange with Elder Otsuka and spent the day working with him in the Hodogaya area. The exchange was rather successful. We did different types of finding such as Kubaring Eikaiwa Chirashi, Housing, and Streeting. He had mentioned to me that they hadn't been as successful with the meaningful contacts as they should be so we we went out and talked to everyone! He believes that since he is Japanese and can't use the excuse that he is A foreigner to stop people, that he can't call out to people and talk to them. I think that this might be one of the reasons that they're not being. As successful. I tried my best to explain that we have different strengths and abilities and that we should use ours to our advantage to talk to people about the Gospel. I believe that as Elder Brooksby and Elder Otsuka become a more unified companionship, that they'll be able to become more effective in sharing the gospel, playing off the strengths and weaknesses of each other. In all, it was a very successful splits. I learned some Japanese and hopefully I was able to teach Elder Otsuka how to become an even better missionary. I look forward to my splits with Elder Brooksby in the coming weeks.
Today for Pday we decided to do some cultural exploration. So we decided to get our feet done. We went to this shop kind of off the beaten path where they have all these tanks filled with fishes. You put your feet in the tanks and all these tiny little fishes start munching on the dead skin on your feet. Apparently this practice is banned in the US. But it's quite the experience! After 20 or so minutes the shop keeper asked us if we enacted to try the "challenge" tanks. They were filled with even bigger fish who would latch on and lick you (kind of). It felt like a cats tongue on your feet. Afterwards, she gave us all this foot cream for our feet to soften up. It was a really cool experience and my feet feel really clean now!
The past week has been really fun. Hopefully the weather isn't as crazy as it has been lately!
This past week has been a good one. I have had a lot of fun working with Elder Christensen and Elder Barker. We're becoming more unified than we were at the beginning of the transfer and as a result, we're starting to see more and more success with the work. We're inviting people to meet with us and to hear the lessons. We have a lesson tonight with Riki-San, an English student who has been attending for several months now. He wanted to learn a little bit more about why three Americans would be hanging out in Japan teaching English for free and a little bit more about our beliefs. How cool is that!? Slowly but surely the work is beginning to move forward here in 鎌倉! I'm 100% positive that we will see a baptism in the following weeks.
The weather has been really crazy this week. It's been warm and raining and super duper cold this whole week. I have no idea how weather works but I guess Japan is in one of those weird places where the weather freaks out. I've been working out hard by myself and have been feeling a lot better because of it. I'm trying to convince my companions to run with me but they kind of just like to hang out in the house.
I talked with some really cool Americans this week. On our way back from splits in Hodogaya, we saw some really confused Americans so we talked to them. Turns out one was a class of 1989 graduate and that he service selected Subs coming out of the Academy. He five and dived. But he stayed with the nuclear community and is working with the navy doing so,etching. It turns out that he is really good friends with Andy Musselwhite's father! What a small world! It was a really really cool conversation and they all asked a lot of good questions about our church and our beliefs. It was in all a really good conversation and a great first contact with the church. Plus I met another Academy guy on the other side of the world. I guess it's true that there are always Academy affiliated people all over the world!
This week I conducted an exchange with Elder Otsuka and spent the day working with him in the Hodogaya area. The exchange was rather successful. We did different types of finding such as Kubaring Eikaiwa Chirashi, Housing, and Streeting. He had mentioned to me that they hadn't been as successful with the meaningful contacts as they should be so we we went out and talked to everyone! He believes that since he is Japanese and can't use the excuse that he is A foreigner to stop people, that he can't call out to people and talk to them. I think that this might be one of the reasons that they're not being. As successful. I tried my best to explain that we have different strengths and abilities and that we should use ours to our advantage to talk to people about the Gospel. I believe that as Elder Brooksby and Elder Otsuka become a more unified companionship, that they'll be able to become more effective in sharing the gospel, playing off the strengths and weaknesses of each other. In all, it was a very successful splits. I learned some Japanese and hopefully I was able to teach Elder Otsuka how to become an even better missionary. I look forward to my splits with Elder Brooksby in the coming weeks.
Today for Pday we decided to do some cultural exploration. So we decided to get our feet done. We went to this shop kind of off the beaten path where they have all these tanks filled with fishes. You put your feet in the tanks and all these tiny little fishes start munching on the dead skin on your feet. Apparently this practice is banned in the US. But it's quite the experience! After 20 or so minutes the shop keeper asked us if we enacted to try the "challenge" tanks. They were filled with even bigger fish who would latch on and lick you (kind of). It felt like a cats tongue on your feet. Afterwards, she gave us all this foot cream for our feet to soften up. It was a really cool experience and my feet feel really clean now!
The past week has been really fun. Hopefully the weather isn't as crazy as it has been lately!
Monday, February 24, 2014
It's getting warmer in 鎌倉！
Shipmates,
It's been a fun week here in Kamakura. The weather has been cooperating a lot and thankfully it hasn't snowed too much. The weather is looking pretty good too. It's been really sunny with clear skies. Kamakura has literally exploded with so many tourists. The trees are starting to bud, hopefully Sakura comes soon! I'm excited to see this whole city explode with pink cherry blossoms. I've only seen pictures but I can't imagine how awesome it'll be in person.
Today for P-day we celebrated Elder Barker's birthday. We went to a katana shop and talked to one of the old men in the shop. Well kind of... He mostly talked and we kind of nodded our heads like we understood. From his miming actions, and the works that I could pick out, he was talking about Vietnam, getting stabbed by a katana, planes, and exploding heads. I don't think I understood him completely. Obviously my listening comprehension needs a little work. A member from the Ward is having us over for a little birthday celebration and inviting her neighbors, and her son is inviting one of his friends too. It'll be a good way to introduce her friends to her missionaries in a non-confrontational environment.
I love the Kamakura Ward. They definitely have that missionary spirit about them. English class this week had a lot of members come to support the program. They are so willing to help out with the work. 英会話 was fun, the students are all really cool, and Elder Christensen and Elder Barker are both really great teachers. We decided that we're going to invite some of the students to hear the lessons since a lot of them like the church, the missionaries, and especially the members. I taught the intermediate class, and the way it looks, I'm going to be teaching it from now on so that the class can get used to the teaching style of one teacher. It's good that I taught swimming lessons for two years because it's kind of the same, except with old Japanese people. And English and not swimming.
I am a huge fan of the Kamakura area as well. I've had a lot of opportunity to talk to Americans who are lost and are trying to find their way around. My connection to the Navy has proved useful in conversations with many people and allows for natural conversations to take place. I talked to this guy who was an aviation ordinance worker for the Navy. Basically his job was to take care of the bombs and missiles that they put on planes that are launched from a carrier. He was really cool, and we talked about how the navy is cool and how Japan is cool. I told him what I wanted to service select and he gave me his opinions. It's interesting Americans are about 50/50. Some completely blow us off, and the others, are completely down to talk! Last Wednesday, we helped translate for an American who didn't really know what a store clerk was telling her. It's nice being able to speak a bit of the lang age. We're definitely at an advantage over the Americans on Base.
I've finally seen all the area this week and it's interesting to see just how different the place is from Fussa! There are these guys who pull around these carts with people in them and give them tours. They're mostly for the Japanese and I've never seen an American on one, but I think that it would be cool to ride around on one. I would enjoy it regardless of comprehension ability!
Things are going well here in Kamakura. Unfortunately none of our investigators are really progressing, but I know that with Faith all things are possible! Just have to keep on pressing forward despite any setbacks.
Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Joshua Farr
Pictures: Big Buddah, Freezing on a beach, the church building, the katana shop
It's been a fun week here in Kamakura. The weather has been cooperating a lot and thankfully it hasn't snowed too much. The weather is looking pretty good too. It's been really sunny with clear skies. Kamakura has literally exploded with so many tourists. The trees are starting to bud, hopefully Sakura comes soon! I'm excited to see this whole city explode with pink cherry blossoms. I've only seen pictures but I can't imagine how awesome it'll be in person.
Today for P-day we celebrated Elder Barker's birthday. We went to a katana shop and talked to one of the old men in the shop. Well kind of... He mostly talked and we kind of nodded our heads like we understood. From his miming actions, and the works that I could pick out, he was talking about Vietnam, getting stabbed by a katana, planes, and exploding heads. I don't think I understood him completely. Obviously my listening comprehension needs a little work. A member from the Ward is having us over for a little birthday celebration and inviting her neighbors, and her son is inviting one of his friends too. It'll be a good way to introduce her friends to her missionaries in a non-confrontational environment.
I love the Kamakura Ward. They definitely have that missionary spirit about them. English class this week had a lot of members come to support the program. They are so willing to help out with the work. 英会話 was fun, the students are all really cool, and Elder Christensen and Elder Barker are both really great teachers. We decided that we're going to invite some of the students to hear the lessons since a lot of them like the church, the missionaries, and especially the members. I taught the intermediate class, and the way it looks, I'm going to be teaching it from now on so that the class can get used to the teaching style of one teacher. It's good that I taught swimming lessons for two years because it's kind of the same, except with old Japanese people. And English and not swimming.
I am a huge fan of the Kamakura area as well. I've had a lot of opportunity to talk to Americans who are lost and are trying to find their way around. My connection to the Navy has proved useful in conversations with many people and allows for natural conversations to take place. I talked to this guy who was an aviation ordinance worker for the Navy. Basically his job was to take care of the bombs and missiles that they put on planes that are launched from a carrier. He was really cool, and we talked about how the navy is cool and how Japan is cool. I told him what I wanted to service select and he gave me his opinions. It's interesting Americans are about 50/50. Some completely blow us off, and the others, are completely down to talk! Last Wednesday, we helped translate for an American who didn't really know what a store clerk was telling her. It's nice being able to speak a bit of the lang age. We're definitely at an advantage over the Americans on Base.
I've finally seen all the area this week and it's interesting to see just how different the place is from Fussa! There are these guys who pull around these carts with people in them and give them tours. They're mostly for the Japanese and I've never seen an American on one, but I think that it would be cool to ride around on one. I would enjoy it regardless of comprehension ability!
Things are going well here in Kamakura. Unfortunately none of our investigators are really progressing, but I know that with Faith all things are possible! Just have to keep on pressing forward despite any setbacks.
Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Joshua Farr
Pictures: Big Buddah, Freezing on a beach, the church building, the katana shop
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Hello from 鎌倉
Everyone,
I'm finally out of my first area and into my second. It's crazy just how time flies when you're having fun! I moved to Kamakura on Thursday and even though I've only been here a few days, I think that I'm going to love the place. It's exactly what I imagined coming to Japan would be like. The city is great, Elder Christensen has yet to show us the whole area, but extrapolating from what I've seen, the whole area is amazing. The best part I think, is that a lot of American tourists come from the Naval Base in Yokosuka therefore I have an instant connection with them. It's really easy to get meaningful conversations with the tourists because they all speak a language that I fully comprehend.
Elders Barker, and Christiansen are both super excited for the work. They're both full of energy and eager to hasten the work of salvation. I expect there to be many miracles in the up coming weeks. We have some pretty lofty goals for this transfer, but we believe that if were strictly obedient, uplift one another and most importantly follow the spirit, then we will be able to have a baptism this transfer. As long as we do everything that we can to be worthy of those who are seeking the truth.
This week I had a pretty cool experience regarding faith. After transferring in, Elder Christensen informed us that they were behind on their 'Meaningful Contacts' and that we needed to get over 25 that day in order to meet our goal for the week. We tried our best our first two days to make up the difference and meet our goal, but to no avail, we couldn't meet our goal, and the number of meaningful contacts needed on Saturday to meet our goal was 25. It seemed like a daunting task, but all three of us press forward with faith that we could do it. We wanted to get at least 20 before dinner so that we could get the last 5 afterwards while housing some apartments close to our house. Luckily for us, it had snowed heavily the day before and there were plenty of service opportunities for us to do.
We went to 青木姉妹's house one of the members who lives near by and asked if we could borrow shovels. Something about three large Americans with shovels opens people up to service. People were coming up to us asking for our help. We helped lots and lots of people. And indirectly helped even more by clearing out snow from several small intersections and pretty sharp turns. We were heading back to 青木姉妹's house and were kind of bummed out because we didn't get 20, we were at 19. We went to return the shovels, and talked to her neighbor for about 30 seconds saying hello and what not but weren't really able to make it any sorts of meaningful. Then we went to 青木姉妹's house to return the shovels. While we were talking to the member, her neighbor walked by asking if she could pay us to help,her shovel a parking lot that she owned close by. 青木姉妹 explained that we were volunteers and that we would probably be more than glad to help out. We offered our help, and did our absolute best clearing out the parking lot. We were able to talk to her about what we do and a little bit about our church. We got 20 before dinner, and were able to get five more afterwards as well. Even when it looked like we weren't going to be able to make our goal, we pressed forward with faith and made it. It seemed like all he people who would be willing to hear us were placed in our path that day. It strengthens my faith that this is the Lord's work.
I was told that I would face many challenges on my mission. I've faced a lot of difficult things, like being reject and yelled at, sleeping in a room with no heat, and even having conversations with people where I can't fully understand what is being said. Even though these things are annoying and sometimes a little anger-inducing, I have begun to learn that by leading a more Christ-like life, that I can go through these trials more easily. I think that enjoying every moment and learning to find the good in situations as well as in people helps us to have a more enjoyable lifestyle. That's definitely one thing that I'm starting to get better at. I don't think ill ever master it, but I can try my hardest to come close!
Being a district leader now, I have this burden of responsibility placed upon me to do certain things. People often think think that because they are placed in a leadership role they have to change who they are to fit some mold that pertains to that role. I for one, don't think that this is so. I believe that ones individual personality, as well as their skills and talents are best used to help that role. As District leader, I plan to use the skill set that I have been gifted with I order to help those in my district to be the best possible missionaries they can. To not only fulfill their purpose and invite people unto Christ, but to learn to have fun and enjoy their work. I feel that if we're having fun, then the gospel becomes, in the eyes of non-members with whom we talk to, as this desirable trait and not some commodity that we, as missionaries, are trying to sell. If I can do that, I think my service as district leader will have been a success.
Elder Christensen and Elder Barker are both amazing missionaries and also really good at Japanese. I know that I'm going to learn so much from them. I am naturally very competitive and so I will be trying my best to reach the level of missionary that they both are at right now. I know that as we progress, we as a companionship will become ever better than we were only just a few days ago we we transferred.
It's been a fun few days here in Kamakura. I'm loving the place, the city, the nature, and most importantly the members and the residents of this great city. I am super excited to see what kind of miracles happen over the course of the next 6 weeks!
Very Respectfully,
Elder J. Alan Farr
Pictures: Kamakura Station, Hachimangu Shrine it's a very famous shrine in Kamakura, Gate to Kamakura from the Hachimangu shrine, Hachimangu, A Kotasu, it's a headed table with a hole in the ground for your feet. It's the only thing keeping me alive in our apartment since it's so cold and we can't run all the heaters for fear of the breaker shutting off every three minutes. I love our Kotasu.
I'm finally out of my first area and into my second. It's crazy just how time flies when you're having fun! I moved to Kamakura on Thursday and even though I've only been here a few days, I think that I'm going to love the place. It's exactly what I imagined coming to Japan would be like. The city is great, Elder Christensen has yet to show us the whole area, but extrapolating from what I've seen, the whole area is amazing. The best part I think, is that a lot of American tourists come from the Naval Base in Yokosuka therefore I have an instant connection with them. It's really easy to get meaningful conversations with the tourists because they all speak a language that I fully comprehend.
Elders Barker, and Christiansen are both super excited for the work. They're both full of energy and eager to hasten the work of salvation. I expect there to be many miracles in the up coming weeks. We have some pretty lofty goals for this transfer, but we believe that if were strictly obedient, uplift one another and most importantly follow the spirit, then we will be able to have a baptism this transfer. As long as we do everything that we can to be worthy of those who are seeking the truth.
This week I had a pretty cool experience regarding faith. After transferring in, Elder Christensen informed us that they were behind on their 'Meaningful Contacts' and that we needed to get over 25 that day in order to meet our goal for the week. We tried our best our first two days to make up the difference and meet our goal, but to no avail, we couldn't meet our goal, and the number of meaningful contacts needed on Saturday to meet our goal was 25. It seemed like a daunting task, but all three of us press forward with faith that we could do it. We wanted to get at least 20 before dinner so that we could get the last 5 afterwards while housing some apartments close to our house. Luckily for us, it had snowed heavily the day before and there were plenty of service opportunities for us to do.
We went to 青木姉妹's house one of the members who lives near by and asked if we could borrow shovels. Something about three large Americans with shovels opens people up to service. People were coming up to us asking for our help. We helped lots and lots of people. And indirectly helped even more by clearing out snow from several small intersections and pretty sharp turns. We were heading back to 青木姉妹's house and were kind of bummed out because we didn't get 20, we were at 19. We went to return the shovels, and talked to her neighbor for about 30 seconds saying hello and what not but weren't really able to make it any sorts of meaningful. Then we went to 青木姉妹's house to return the shovels. While we were talking to the member, her neighbor walked by asking if she could pay us to help,her shovel a parking lot that she owned close by. 青木姉妹 explained that we were volunteers and that we would probably be more than glad to help out. We offered our help, and did our absolute best clearing out the parking lot. We were able to talk to her about what we do and a little bit about our church. We got 20 before dinner, and were able to get five more afterwards as well. Even when it looked like we weren't going to be able to make our goal, we pressed forward with faith and made it. It seemed like all he people who would be willing to hear us were placed in our path that day. It strengthens my faith that this is the Lord's work.
I was told that I would face many challenges on my mission. I've faced a lot of difficult things, like being reject and yelled at, sleeping in a room with no heat, and even having conversations with people where I can't fully understand what is being said. Even though these things are annoying and sometimes a little anger-inducing, I have begun to learn that by leading a more Christ-like life, that I can go through these trials more easily. I think that enjoying every moment and learning to find the good in situations as well as in people helps us to have a more enjoyable lifestyle. That's definitely one thing that I'm starting to get better at. I don't think ill ever master it, but I can try my hardest to come close!
Being a district leader now, I have this burden of responsibility placed upon me to do certain things. People often think think that because they are placed in a leadership role they have to change who they are to fit some mold that pertains to that role. I for one, don't think that this is so. I believe that ones individual personality, as well as their skills and talents are best used to help that role. As District leader, I plan to use the skill set that I have been gifted with I order to help those in my district to be the best possible missionaries they can. To not only fulfill their purpose and invite people unto Christ, but to learn to have fun and enjoy their work. I feel that if we're having fun, then the gospel becomes, in the eyes of non-members with whom we talk to, as this desirable trait and not some commodity that we, as missionaries, are trying to sell. If I can do that, I think my service as district leader will have been a success.
Elder Christensen and Elder Barker are both amazing missionaries and also really good at Japanese. I know that I'm going to learn so much from them. I am naturally very competitive and so I will be trying my best to reach the level of missionary that they both are at right now. I know that as we progress, we as a companionship will become ever better than we were only just a few days ago we we transferred.
It's been a fun few days here in Kamakura. I'm loving the place, the city, the nature, and most importantly the members and the residents of this great city. I am super excited to see what kind of miracles happen over the course of the next 6 weeks!
Very Respectfully,
Elder J. Alan Farr
Pictures: Kamakura Station, Hachimangu Shrine it's a very famous shrine in Kamakura, Gate to Kamakura from the Hachimangu shrine, Hachimangu, A Kotasu, it's a headed table with a hole in the ground for your feet. It's the only thing keeping me alive in our apartment since it's so cold and we can't run all the heaters for fear of the breaker shutting off every three minutes. I love our Kotasu.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
I still don't know how to send out mass emails...I'll ask around this week.
Dear Friends,
I cannot believe that my third transfer here as a missionary is sooncoming to a close! Time is moving much to fast, I don't want it to go any faster or I'll miss too much! Unfortunately time cannot be stopped, slowed, or delayed. It is up to me to make the best use of my time to accomplish the most good possible. I guess that this is what is meant when we talk about working Smart, Hard, and Inspired. If were not working smart, hard, and inspired then we will miss those of us who have been prepared and they will lose the chance to hear the gospel! I'm beginning to internalize that as a missionary.
This week started off pretty rough for Elder Ford and myself. We didn't see much success both Monday and Tuesdays As much as we reached out to people and tried to talk to them about the gospel, nobody seemed to want to talk to us. But as we tried our best to be obedient and open our mouths, we began to see more and more success throughout the week. Monday and Tuesday were just small trails of our faith. We finished the week off strong with over 90 Meaningful contacts.
We haven't had anyone agree to hearing the lessons yet, but I know that as we keep asking and keep inviting people to various 'Seven-days-of-conversion' events that people will begin to see how being a member of this church is different than being a member of another church as well as how much joy and happiness we have as members. I have faith that in due time Fussa, as well as the whole mission will begin to see more and more success as we continue being diligent! We however have found a lot of Potential investigators. It's just turning them from potential investigators into actual investigators is the next step!
I was privileged this week to go on splits with my wonderful district leader, Elder Merrill. He and I were able to proselyte around the Fussa area together. It was interesting being with my old companion again. He is a really good missionary and tries his absolute best. Our goal for the day was to get 35+ meaningful contacts. We didn't reach our goal but learned that if we had been smarter and taken just 10 more solid minutes to plan better we would have easily surpassed our goal for that day. It just goes to show that working hard isn't just it. I learned that my Japanese is much better than I've been giving myself credit for and that I should be pushing myself a lot more in the language than I have been.
On Monday we got our transfer calls! Elder Ford and Elder Soto are now Companions, Elder Merrill is training a new missionary straight out from the MTC and I am going to Kamakura. Its a shame that I have to leave all of my friends and fellow missionaries here in Fussa, but I am really really excited to labor in the Kamakura area with Elders Christensen and Elder Barker. They both were in my district in the MTC so I know them both really well. They're both very hardworking missionaries and really smart. It's going to be interesting being companions with two other very young missionaries, but i am really really excited to see what kinds of miracles are coming our way in Kamakura. I don't know how to read kanji so the hour and a half train ride to the other side of the mission will be very very interesting. I need to learn "I'm lost, help!" in Japanese. The ones I know in Japanese that I rather enjoy are, "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?" And also the ever favorite, "Excuse me, where can I find the free food" Those two phrases have never let me down!
The craziest things happened this week. Along with the 60+ degree weather we had on Monday, it snowed all day on Saturday. It snowed over 12 inches in twenty four hurs. It snowed so much that both sets of church were closed and all of Fussa (including the trains) was shut down. After our morning studies in the apartment, Elder Ford and I trudged through the icy storm to the church. It took us about a half hour to get there. We got the snow removing equipment as well as some brooms and set on our way. From about 1230 until 2130 we helped people clear off their cars, get cars unstuck, as well as shovel snow from driveways, walkways, and even streets. We were soaked and cold by the end of the day. We were so tired that we didn't even change out of our clothes. We just passed out on our futons. The following day the snow had stopped and we got up and left the house as soon as we were up and our shoes dry. We shoveled snow until about 1630 that evening. Lots and lots of snow shoveling. I was so sore on Monday. The temperature has warmed up a bit and now almost all the snow has been melted away. It's mind knowing how quick all this snow came and how quickly it all went away!
It's been a hectic week here in Fussa and it's sad that I'm leaving on Thursday. I am however really excited to start a new adventure in Kamakura Japan!
Very Respectfully,
Elder J. Alan Farr
Pictures:
Me and take the Fussa mascot, me on a bridge freezing, me on a bridge freezing, me freezing, abandoned bikes in a huge pile
I cannot believe that my third transfer here as a missionary is sooncoming to a close! Time is moving much to fast, I don't want it to go any faster or I'll miss too much! Unfortunately time cannot be stopped, slowed, or delayed. It is up to me to make the best use of my time to accomplish the most good possible. I guess that this is what is meant when we talk about working Smart, Hard, and Inspired. If were not working smart, hard, and inspired then we will miss those of us who have been prepared and they will lose the chance to hear the gospel! I'm beginning to internalize that as a missionary.
This week started off pretty rough for Elder Ford and myself. We didn't see much success both Monday and Tuesdays As much as we reached out to people and tried to talk to them about the gospel, nobody seemed to want to talk to us. But as we tried our best to be obedient and open our mouths, we began to see more and more success throughout the week. Monday and Tuesday were just small trails of our faith. We finished the week off strong with over 90 Meaningful contacts.
We haven't had anyone agree to hearing the lessons yet, but I know that as we keep asking and keep inviting people to various 'Seven-days-of-conversion' events that people will begin to see how being a member of this church is different than being a member of another church as well as how much joy and happiness we have as members. I have faith that in due time Fussa, as well as the whole mission will begin to see more and more success as we continue being diligent! We however have found a lot of Potential investigators. It's just turning them from potential investigators into actual investigators is the next step!
I was privileged this week to go on splits with my wonderful district leader, Elder Merrill. He and I were able to proselyte around the Fussa area together. It was interesting being with my old companion again. He is a really good missionary and tries his absolute best. Our goal for the day was to get 35+ meaningful contacts. We didn't reach our goal but learned that if we had been smarter and taken just 10 more solid minutes to plan better we would have easily surpassed our goal for that day. It just goes to show that working hard isn't just it. I learned that my Japanese is much better than I've been giving myself credit for and that I should be pushing myself a lot more in the language than I have been.
On Monday we got our transfer calls! Elder Ford and Elder Soto are now Companions, Elder Merrill is training a new missionary straight out from the MTC and I am going to Kamakura. Its a shame that I have to leave all of my friends and fellow missionaries here in Fussa, but I am really really excited to labor in the Kamakura area with Elders Christensen and Elder Barker. They both were in my district in the MTC so I know them both really well. They're both very hardworking missionaries and really smart. It's going to be interesting being companions with two other very young missionaries, but i am really really excited to see what kinds of miracles are coming our way in Kamakura. I don't know how to read kanji so the hour and a half train ride to the other side of the mission will be very very interesting. I need to learn "I'm lost, help!" in Japanese. The ones I know in Japanese that I rather enjoy are, "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?" And also the ever favorite, "Excuse me, where can I find the free food" Those two phrases have never let me down!
The craziest things happened this week. Along with the 60+ degree weather we had on Monday, it snowed all day on Saturday. It snowed over 12 inches in twenty four hurs. It snowed so much that both sets of church were closed and all of Fussa (including the trains) was shut down. After our morning studies in the apartment, Elder Ford and I trudged through the icy storm to the church. It took us about a half hour to get there. We got the snow removing equipment as well as some brooms and set on our way. From about 1230 until 2130 we helped people clear off their cars, get cars unstuck, as well as shovel snow from driveways, walkways, and even streets. We were soaked and cold by the end of the day. We were so tired that we didn't even change out of our clothes. We just passed out on our futons. The following day the snow had stopped and we got up and left the house as soon as we were up and our shoes dry. We shoveled snow until about 1630 that evening. Lots and lots of snow shoveling. I was so sore on Monday. The temperature has warmed up a bit and now almost all the snow has been melted away. It's mind knowing how quick all this snow came and how quickly it all went away!
It's been a hectic week here in Fussa and it's sad that I'm leaving on Thursday. I am however really excited to start a new adventure in Kamakura Japan!
Very Respectfully,
Elder J. Alan Farr
Pictures:
Me and take the Fussa mascot, me on a bridge freezing, me on a bridge freezing, me freezing, abandoned bikes in a huge pile
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