Hello friends and family,
We started this week off with another trip to Camp Fuji. There are forests all around that area, and we stopped and took a picture of a dense forest. I am amazed at how thick the trees are every time I see them. Hence, the title of this blog, which I had to look up for the source. Now you've had your English literature lesson. (I am always intrigued by the origins of words and phrases.) Bonus points if you know the meaning of that phrase. If not, you can just google it, right?
Mt. Fuji wasn't peeking out this week, and neither were any of the marines for sacrament meetings, but we had a nice visit with the chaplain, who is continuing to be helpful. We pray each week for those at Camp Fuji, even though we aren't sure who they are. We took a quick selfie in the Fuji Chapel. My daughter, Katelyn, says, "If you don't take a picture, it didn't happen." There you go, Katelyn.
Our Family Home Evening this last week was a success. We made our first meatloaf in Japan. One of the single soldiers here asked if I would make it, and we topped it off with baked potatoes, corn, and rolls—just like home cooking, only in Japan. The elders taught us a lesson, and we played a short game called Tenzi. We enjoyed time with the young elders, sisters, and soldiers. This fall, we will have a few more join us when the Navy ship returns to port.
The rest of the week was spent helping with Vacation Bible School at Camp Zama. Brad took great pictures, and I helped teach the Bible section. This included teaching a bible verse and a great bible story to help make it relatable. The last day was reminding the kids to "love one another," so I showed them a short video of "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus." We had about 90 kiddos, which was a lot of fun, but we were both pretty tired by the time Friday was over.
We were able to start at the Tokyo temple again, as it had been closed for cleaning. The young sisters and elders attended, and the session was full. Elder Nelson, some others, and I help with the English-speaking missionaries, which is most of them.
We had some great Military Relations Missionary training from Salt Lake this week. The Zoom started at 4 a.m., but it was fun to see all the other missionaries worldwide. We were told that there are now 100 different missions where MRMs are serving, as the gospel continues to spread across the globe. We are grateful to be a part of "the work."
Lunch with the young missionaries this week was a birthday celebration for Sis Edwards. I always try to make what they request for lunch, and she asked for sloppy joes, Cool Ranch Doritos, brownies, and ice cream with hot fudge sauce. I signed, sealed, and delivered. I love our missionaries. Getting ready for another transfer next week.
We had our first significant earthquake near us this week. Friday evening, there was some pretty good shaking going on in our apartment. We felt a 4+ earthquake. There was no damage, and all is well, but it was a little unnerving. There was a much larger one way farther south of us a few days before.
This morning, we were blessed to join on a Zoom call with most of our family. We took a screenshot, and hearing from each of them was great. Seeing all the grandkids and how much they are growing was my favorite. School is starting, and they are all raring to go. Our grandson Jace also bore his testimony to all of us as he is leaving for a 2-year mission to Tuegegaro, Philipinnes mission, starting this week. He has been studying Tagalog and will attend the Provo Mission Training Center for more language and mission training. It was wonderful to hear his testimony, and we look forward to hearing from him each week as he serves. We will also have a new little granddaughter born this Wednesday. This grandma wishes she were there to help and snuggle but Scott and Kristin will be okay without me. We love and miss our family so much and pray for them daily.
So, we are on to another week of serving and feeding folks. We love what we are doing and are grateful for all the love and support we receive from so many. Take the time to hug. They are the those you love. They are the best part of life here on earth.
Love you all,
Elder and Sister Nelson
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