Saturday morning we had a breakfast with the military branch on base and there are few things I love more than this branch, and then just combined that with delicious american breakfast food and you're set! Then we took a train to our Japanese ward and Elder Shriver (from Lone Peak Highland believe it or not) taught the Relief Society sisters how to make american pizza, which was a blast! Then after that, we headed straight back to Iwakuni to a members house to watch the Kintai Bridge Fireworks! Japanese fireworks are as awesome as you hear. Their huge! It was such a fun day!
Lets see, on Friday we went on splits with the Japanese sisters. And of course on splits, you always see amazing miracles. We were having a lesson at the door of this new investigator and at the beginning she was talking for like 15 minutes about how she's not really interested in religion and just politely rejecting us, but then as we talked and got to know her more, by the end of the lesson, she was asking us where the church was and when church is and told us that she'll come at the end of the month! Holy cow! What a miracle!
On Monday we went to a pottery class with a member. I cant tell you how good it felt to be in an Art room again. It was like coming home, i loved it! Yesterday I went on another split with Parmley and Chapman Shimai, because my companion, Malone Shimai went to Fukuoka for Trainers training meeting! Yup. She's getting a new missionary again, and you know what that means ... I get another new companion!!! Holy Cow! I've had so many companions! 12 Transfers 11 companions! I guess the Lord is trying to teach me to get along with a lot of different personalities, because I can tell ya, none of them were the same. I'm not complaining though, I've loved all my companions SO much!!!! I've learned so much for each and everyone of them. And this is just another opportunity to meet and get to know someone new. I dont know who it is yet, but we'll find out today ;D
Anyway on our split we taught their investigator named Kelley. She is so GOLDEN! She grew up around the church in Idaho and has family and friends that are Mormon, and has even been to church a few times but she herself was never baptized. She told her story of how just 2 weeks ago she was feeling bad for not going to church in a few months because she was sent to the Military base, and all within that week, she met 3 members and the couple missionaries by chance. Her boss was a stake president. A member and the couple came into the doctors office where she worked. She said it was amazing because until then, she hadnt heard about anyone being Mormon around her for 2 months. Anyway, one way or another, we finally met with her, had a lesson and invited her to baptism and she said yes! Right when Sister Parmley invited her to become a baptized member of the church, it wasnt even a moments hesitation and with tears in her eyes, she said, "Yes. Yes. Absolutely." She talked about how its been out here in Japan with the Navy and Marine Base. 20 years old, all by herself, surrounded by strict schedules, 24 hour shifts, no sleep, rude men and perverts. She had been looking for light and she felt that she found it. We taught her the restoration and I just could feel how much God love his daughter. He was looking out for her the whole time. So amazing!
Well I love you all! I can't believe it. As of this week, I am starting my last transfer here in Japan. I am on my last 6 weeks. I can't believe where the time has gone. It was so fast and yet, I feel like its been so slow and so long that I can scarcely remember what my life felt like before my mission. Missionary work is all I feel like I know anymore. So weird. But I"m excited to sprint to the finish.
Love you all! See you soon!
*Sister Stevenson
P.S Ummmmmm,........ Some just got my transfer call. I, transferring :D
(AGAIN!!!!!) to UBE. It's in the same zone as Iwakuni. And my companion is Akuta Shimai! I love this girl! I've been around her my whole mission. She's been in my same district and zone nearly my whole
mission. And me and her are the new Sister Training Leaders. Holy cow, I thought the lord was going to let me have a nice graceful, quiet death for the last of my mission, but nope! He's putting me to work!
I just want to cry. I love Iwakuni so much. I love these people so much. If I could have it my way I wouldnt leave. But at this point in my mission, I've learned to many lessons that it's not about what I
want. It's never been about me. It's about the will of the Master and other people.
Pray for me because I'm gonna need it!