Hello all,
Elder and Sister Nelson continue to take lots of steps out their door to various places and activities. At the end of the day, we ask each other how we are feeling, and so far, the response has been in favor of continuing to walk. (Not a lot of other options) However, one day, when we managed over 14,000 steps, we were both done. That day, we decided to tromp around and take cherry blossom pictures. Apparently, there is a lot to see and, in Elder Nelson's case, take pictures of. We figured this would be our last chance to see the beautiful blossoms here in Japan, so we walked and walked. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
For FHE this last Monday, we had the young elders and sisters over for spaghetti and meatballs. And the meal was a hit. Afterwards, we watched a conference session and sent them home with happy tummies. The elders brought some Japanese snacks to munch on during the session, and they downed quite a few of the easter basket chocolates I purchased for their baskets this weekend. If you put it out, it will get eaten. All three of our elders are from the Philippines, and they love chocolate. We love having them in our tiny apartment.
On Tuesday, we were back at the temple. Taking the train is getting easier. Elder Nelson has the route pretty firmly cemented in his brain, and mine is getting close. Just 4 trains and a little over an hour, and you are there. We chose to come directly home afterwards to hopefully not get stuck in the rush hour crush on the trains. That was a much better decision than last week's. It wasn't raining either, so that made it pleasant as well.
Elder Nelson taught his first Family History introductory class at the post library on Wednesday. He had a few people show up. Some have a bit of experience and others have none. His next class is this Wednesday. This time, they are supposed to bring their computers and try things out for themselves. There are lots of things to learn, and some of them are excited to get started. That evening, we were invited for dinner at the Guisinger's home, and it was a wonderful visit with them. They are members of our branch. Sis Guisinger makes the best sourdough bread. I hope she will teach me before we leave.
Thursday, we planned a big commissary shopping trip. A twenty-minute walk there with an empty wagon and a twenty-minute walk back with a very heavy, somewhat unwieldy wagon. Not so bad because going home was all downhill. We stocked up on everything we will need for the rest of the week.
On Friday, we had district council meeting at the Yamato building. We are currently only taking sandwich fixings for the young elders and sisters. We packed up a large jar of peanut butter, several small jars of jam, and Wonder Bread for them. They had fun making their own sandwiches.
After our meeting and lunch, we had a member meet us, and she took us and two of the sister missionaries to a Single Mother's Food Bank called a Boshikai to drop off several large bags of donated food from the members in our branch and the Yamato ward. Most of it was staples for cooking. The staff cooks meals for single mothers and their children so they don't go hungry. Some of the sweet children were peeking out the window at us, as the curious little people that they are. I'm sorry we can't take pictures of them. The workers were very appreciative of our donations, and it was a "feel good" moment for all of us.
Saturday was a very busy day with a branch breakfast at the park on Camp Zama followed by our volunteer opportunity with the Red Cross for Kodomo Matsuri (Children's Festival). We had a spin-the-wheel activity for prizes, including some yummy, homemade cookies. Yes, they were made by Sis. Nelson. I tried to make them small, which was a challenge, but the kids loved them no matter the size. A lot of children came and the weather was perfect. That night, one of our YSA, Hosea, offered us a ride to a local ramen place for dinner. We enjoyed talking to him and catching up on his busy life. He hopes to get married later this year. His fiancee is currently doing basic training in Texas with the Air Force. They are both from Samoa.
Sunday was a stormy day, and we had hoped to have a family over for breakfast and a conference session. They canceled at the last minute, but the food did not go uneaten. The young elders and sisters came in the afternoon for a conference session and enjoyed breakfast for dinner. The cinnamon rolls were large and delicious. We all enjoyed hearing the words of our prophet and other leaders. The missionaries also enjoyed the coloring sheets and candy. One of them reminded me, "We might be big people, but we are still like little kids." I think that is quite true.
Our daily activities keep us very busy, but we are enjoying all the "work" there is to do here. Our calendar stays very full, and we are grateful for every opportunity to serve our branch and community. We rely on our Heavenly Father to give us the strength to do it all, and we are finding joy all along the way.
Love to all,
Elder and Sister Nelson
I hope you were able to sing while you walked and walked and walked and walked! What a blessing you two are to all who know you. Hopefully, the walking will bring you blessings until you are able to drive again.
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