Sent at 5:15 PM Monday June 10, 2013 Japanese time.
Oh Konichiwa!
Well let's see what's new... oh yeah...
I'M IN JAPAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My first area is Fukuoka City, Fukuoka! Yes, I'm in the
biiiiiiig city... and let me tell you something- Satan is ALIVE here! I know
because he tried to kill me as soon as I got here!
So let me tell you a story.
So, as you know- In Japan they drive on the wrong side of
the road... And also- they go as fast as they want. ALSO- everyone rides bikes.
So... The minute I got to my new apartment (which is the smallest apartment I
have ever been in- maybe 480 square feet), the first thing my new companion
(who is Sister Andaca, from the Philippines) said to me was- "Hey, so
we've got to go teach a lesson! Let's go!" That's not what almost killed
me. Here's what is- we had to go to the mission home to borrow a bike, because
our area covers the ENTIRE city and our teaching appointment was 45 minutes
away by bike... so when we got to the mission home, we were informed that all
the brakes on the bikes were broken... except one... the District Leader's
bike... Our zone leader is really tall... So... I took the bike anyway! As soon
as I rode away, I realized what a huge mistake this was. The bike was HUGE! I
couldn't maneuver it! The seat wouldn't go any lower! When the old ladies would
see me riding towards them, they would yell "Danger, danger!" Haha...
I fell over a LOT. I almost got hit by a bus too... It missed me by less than
an inch. Half way through the ride, I realized what a mistake this was. I was
totally miserable. I was scraped up so bad on my shins. The bike was so tall it
was digging into my sitsbones. I began crying because I could feel my poor
little derriere starting to bruise. It was gnarly. I felt like giving up and
weeping, but my companion was riding so fast, that I couldn't stop. She was
darting across the street and in-between cars... and I just had to keep going.
When I stopped crying, I remembered how discouraged I was earlier in the
morning when I had to go out and contact. I couldn't even say the phrase,
"I am a missionary from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints" It's so hard in Japanese... So I decided- I know that all the
forces are trying to stop me right now, but I have been blessed. I will ride
this bike and I will get to my appointment! For the rest of the ride, all I
said through tears the whole time was, "I am a missionary of the church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." "Watashi wa matsu jitsu seito
iesu kirisuto kyokai no senkyoshi desu!" I said to everyone I rode by! I
said it to Satan, and he left me alone!
The second time he tried to kill me was the next day! I
found out that I would be speaking in church in 2 days! So... He made me lose
my voice. I got very sick... I couldn't speak at all. I had a fever and
couldn't breathe... It was really funny because I've been so healthy lately! It
came out of no where! But I got better...
The third time he tried to kill me was when I had to return
the District Leader's bike. My poor little bottom was so bruised, and I was so
sick that I could hardly ride the bike! I was in so much pain by the time we
got to the mission home. When I got there, I just prayed, "Heavenly
Father, I just need a tender mercy right now!" Just then, out really cute
A.P. came walking out- "Sister Roberts! You got a letter!" I did??? I
opened it and it was from my mommy. It was so loving and encouraging, I burst
into tears right there... in front of everyone. Needless to say, my conpanion
made me go home and recover!
So to that end... Why am I telling you all this? To
complain? No way. I'm leading up to the big stinger.
I found out why Satan wanted to kill me.
When I got to church on Sunday, I was shocked to see that
there are only about 200 members in this entire city! Only 1 ward! When I saw
that, I knew why...
I was sent to this city perhaps because I am the only one
determined enough to want to save it! 200 members is simply not enough! I have
been here for 4 days and we have already committed 2 to baptism. Satan knows
what is going to happen to this city while I'm here. There hasn't been a
baptism here in 2 years. I am the first 19 year old to ever serve here and I'm
determined! I see that this place can become paradise! And it will. I am going
to open my mouth and share the gospel and never stop until my work is done!
Miracles are coming to Fukuoka! I know why I am here!!! There is a greater deed
that needs to be done and I will be the one to do it!
After I realized that, Satan has left me alone. We found the
perfect bike, we got baptisms, and I have been safe!
I love you all!
I'm off to work again! Good luck in all you do!
Roberts Shimai!
Oh, yeah... and the food is weird here =)
#Japan!!!!!!!!! I'm finally here!!!!!!!!!
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