Japan Ebetsu 19 months 2 week -93

Our Christmas gifts.

Our Mario Party Group.

                      This is my companion right after he got a bass from a member. 

We have too much fun. all of the time. 

                                           Eating Pomegranates with the Miyauchi family. 

This was our New Years Party. With the Otahara family. It was the greatest.


Oh Come Let us Adore Him

It has been 10 days since I last emailed. I will share 10 experiences from this week.

1. Christmas.  Family you all sound great. It was amazing being able to talk to you all.  You all sound fantastic and I am so excited to see you soon. After we finished Christmas calls we came back to Ebetsu and a beautiful family invited us over to their house for dinner. We had Christmas Mexican food! It was amazing. There were 6 missionaries and about 8 family members in one room just talking and eating. It was loud, fun, and crowded.  Crowded in the good kind of way. The members didn't have that much time because they were going to go caroling as a family so we ate and took off. The missionaries then broke out into a huge snowball fight and ended our Christmas walking home in the snow.

2. Investigators. They are starting to appear! We have a family investigator. Usui family. It is a mom and her 3 kids. The mom is crazy. Seriously crazy. And her kids and just as crazy as her. We helped her shovel her snow and then had a snowball fight with the kids.  A great way to become best friends with a family.

3. Song writing. I wrote a little song a few months ago as a joke. It was a song that only has 3 chords. But my companion heard it and loved it. He made sure that I finish writing the song and we make a band.

4. Made a band. We were visiting an investigator who is a young college guy who is really busy with graduating. We woke him up so we didn't really want to take too much of his time, so my companion just asks him if he wants to join our band and play at coffee shops. Turns out Suzuki san is a pro at guitar and want to join our band. We now have bass, guitar, vocals/keyboard. And our band name is Monter Hunter.

5. Finding. There was a nearby old investigator that we went to visit after making our band, but he wasn't home. So we went to a house that we visited before but the grandma was busy so she couldn't talk. Pinged the door and her son answered. He quickly came to the door and let us in. We have NEVER met the guy at all. My companion just runs into the house takes off his jacket and sits down. The guy was an investigator from about 3/4 years ago and got lost in records so nobody has been contacting him. He was sooo cool and nice. 23 years old and willing to listen. He also plays drums. He joined our band.

6. Members. It is New Years Eve week and everyone and their dog is inside. Nobody leaves their houses and going around pinging doors is pointless. So we go to members houses and party with them! We have appointments with members every day this week. For Lunch and Dinner. And miracles are coming from them. The members are too funny, too nice and we are having too much fun with them. One member is 74 years old and speaks English to Japanese people. He fed us sushi. One of my favorite days ever.

7. Pakastan. (Spellcheck) After eating lunch with a member we went outside and started a snowball fight. A car was coming so we got out of the way and saw that they were not Japanese. My companion and I run after their car and go talk to them. It is a family from Pakastan. We became best friends with the 18 year old son and are now going to teach them English! It was a huge Culture shock in a country where I already experienced culture shocks.

8. Pomegranate. (spellcheck) Some how we ended up with a Pomegranate after visiting with the family from Pakastan and were caring it with us as we were pinging doors. We went to visit a less active member family and the mom came to the door. We asked her if she likes Pomegranates and she said she has never had one. She called her kids down and we ate a Pomegranate. Quickest way to some ones heart is a eating a Pomegranate together.

9.  New Years Eve. Last year I fell asleep before midnight and I was determined to stay awake this year. The way we kept ourselves awake was by playing Silent Library. A game where your draw cards and the one who kids the blank card receives punishment. BUT the hard part of the game is you cant make any noise. So there is no talking and no laughing while you are punishing people. It is too funny and too horrible. But it kept me awake until midnight. The countdown was fun and then we yelled from our balcony. My scream Echoed. Not because it was loud, but because I was the only person outside. Japan was sleeping. It was a great New Years Eve.

10. Christmas Eve. We went to Asahikawa and had a zone activity. We played human Mario Party, ate Indian Curry, watched the Christmas Devotional and partied hard. The thing that stood out the most to me was the during the devotional they song O come all Ye Faithful. The lyrics in that song, "O come let us adore him" really hit me. I though about this year and how much closer I have come to Christ. I am so grateful for Him. I know that He is our Savior and I am so grateful for the opportunity to testify of Him. I get these moments sometimes were I realized my time is short. This was one of them. I only have 3 months left to help others come unto Him. I am ready to give everything I have.

I love you all so much. Thank you for the Christmas Packages, letter and love. It was the best Christmas Ever. Be excellent to each other!

-Mecham Choro.

Japan Ebetsu 19 months 1 week -92

                              The only thing that matters

I have transferred. I am in a new area called Ebetsu. It is amazing here. The welcome we had on Sunday was amazing.  The 3 new missionaries get up in church to share our self introductions and our testimonies. It was so funny watching the ward get into our talks. They would laugh way louder than needed and would even make clapping motions. I got up to talk and whenever I said something that a member liked they would give me the thumbs up. It was too funny. They also make comments to the people next to them about how they think what we said was great or how they think missionaries are the greatest. It was so cute and funny. They also get super spiritual and quiet when they need to. I am soo happy to be in this ward. 

We went Caroling with some members of the ward last night. There were about 15 of us and we got into cars and visited less active members and sang to them. Then attacked them with cookies. It was so funny. Members are so bold. There is this one REALLY cute old guy in our ward named Otahara Kyodai. He is 77 years old and is short. We finished Caroling and went back to his apartment to go eat dinner that his cute wife made us. Before we went to go eat he made us go around to random people and sing to them. He would go up to them and say, "Merry Christmas!! (In English) Can we sing to you and give you cookies?" Too fun.  This is going to be a great ward. 

My new companion is Elder Velasquez. We have only been together for about 4 days and we are already having a blast. He is my hero. He is a 24 year old guy from Texas who is half Italian/Mayan (yes like the ancient mayan people.) He has already graduated from College and has had a lot of life changing experiences that led him to a mission. 

We were out walking around our first day in a Area that we don't know AT ALL. We have a giant map and walk around with it looking like cavemen. We went to go visit some old investigators and nearby less active members. Well it took us forever to find these houses, but that didn't stop us from talking to seriously every single person we see. Whether they be in their cars, sledding down a hill, shoveling roof off of their side walk, chasing their dog, or running away from us, we go and talk to them. We have made SOOO many friends this week just from talking to every one. It is too much fun. 

For example we saw this old man throwing snow off of a cliff so we went to go ask him if he wants help. He ran away and we say a young guy walking by. My companion yells at him, "HEY! do you speak English?" "No." "What is this guy doing? Why do people from Hokkaido throw their snow?" they guy then says to us in perfect English "What are you guys doing?" From there we talked to him for about an hour and we are going to help him take his English tests so he can come to America. 

Because we just opened this area there is a lot of time we have to walk around and figure out where we are going. While walking one day Elder Velasquez and I were talking about life and all of the things that have happened to us. Elder Velasquez has done everything you can ever dream of. He has lived in the poorest city in the Western Hemisphere. (some town in Nicaragua) He has been to India, London, Guatemala and other places all over the world. While in Guatemala he was baptized into the Shaman religion, was in a plane crash and attacked by the native jungle people, and had a random Guatemalan man fly them to Machu Pichu in a plane with a broken window for 50$. I could go on about everything he has done, but I have no time. While talking about this we came to realize what really matters in this world. What are the most important things in life and what you really need to experience.
The only thing that matters in this life is Christ. 

Because of Him we can live with our families forever. He has shown us how to have this blessing and the only thing that matters in this life is that we follow Him and do what He has invited us to do. 

I am so blessed that I have the opportunity to testify this Christmas season, to every single person I see, that Christ is the reason, He is the Gift, and He is the only thing that matters. I am having so much fun here. I love this mission experience. I love this Gospel. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I love you all so much! Be excellent to each other.

-Mecham Choro.

Japan Eniwa. Chitose transferring to Ebetsu 19 months-91 weeks

Haramai Family and missionaries.

Haramai Family

Just the Haramai Family.

                                       So the Christmas party is this week. I am transferring. Worst thing ever.

 

                                               BUT we had rehearsal SO I got to see all of it. Too  cute.

                                                      They said I look great.

 

                                                           I thought so too.

I got to see the Ikeda family again! My best friends!!!!!!

Exactly a year ago I helped put up the Ikeda family Christmas tree. I got to do it again this year!!!!!!

Last weeks adventure of exploring the Potato Chip factory.

Families Can Be Together Forever.

We arrived at the church at 8:30 in the morning. The Baptismal service was to start at 9:00 so I changed into the baptismal clothes. I come out of the door and the Haramai family is walking into another room to get changed. Nodoka is the first to run out and see us. She is jumping and her smile is the biggest I have ever seen it. "yay! yay! yay! yay!" She grabbed my hands and jumped up and down smiling at everyone she saw. Kazune was next to come out. She came out in a beautiful handmade baptismal dress. Nodoka ran over to Kazune and they jumped together. Other kids saw them jumping and ran over to jump with them. Haramai Shimai and her husband walk out next. Haramai san looked a little nervous, but was ready. We took pictures together and then walked into the chapel. The Haramai family sat together up on the stand. I sat up on the stand next to Yamaguchi kyodai and watched the Haramai family the whole time.

The baptismal service started by singing "Choose the Right" The first song that Haramai Shimai and Nodoka heard when they came to church the first time. Nodoka and Kazune love that song and sang it as loud as they could. Yui, Kazune's good friend gave the opening prayer and Haramai Shimai stood up to introduce her family.

The introductions started with Kazune. Kazune was born 8 years 2 months ago. She loves being happy. She always smiles at everyone and you can see the light around her. When she was a child she always made sure that others were happy before she was.

Haramai Shimai then introduced her husband. They have known each other since they were 17. They went to High School together and have dated since then. They have been together for about 25 years now and have never once fought. Haramai san is a strong example for his family and is always doing his best so they can be happy.

The baptismal hymn was played and we (The Haramai family, Yamaguchi Kyodai and I) walked to the font to get ready. Yamaguchi Kyodai baptizing Kazune, and me baptizing Haramai san.

Kazune went first. She was so happy. She stood in the water looking up at her family. I stood right next to her dad as we watched from the sides. She went under and came out even happier than before.

Haramai san was next. We walked into the water and looked out at the Haramai family. Kazune was just baptized so she was watching from the side. Haramai Shimia and Nodoka were at the very front of the font. I was about to start when Nodoka reaches out to her dad and says "Good luck!" Her dad pats her on the head. I had to take a big breath because I was about to lose it and cry all over the place. Haramai Kyodai kept his eyes open when he went under the water because his daughter told him that you can see angels above you if open your eyes.

Haramai Kyodai came up out of the water and looked over at his wife. His wife was being hugged by many members who kept saying "Your family is forever!".

We changed, and went back into the chapel. The missionaries and the primary children sang "I am A Child of God" and "Teach me to Walk in the Light" to Kazune and Haramai Kyodai. Kazune and Haramai Kyodai then shared their testimonies and we ending by singing "Families Can Be Together Forever."

Kazune and Haramia Kyodai received the Holy Ghost during Sacrament meeting. Yamaguchi Kyodai conferred it upon them and gave beautiful blessings. Haramai Kyodai received the Aaronic Priesthood and is prepared to help bless his family even more than he already has been doing.

 

We also had Zone Training meeting, splits in Tomakomai, visited with Tokiwa san (the extremely prepared young father who was just busy with work so couldn't meet but asked his boss to switch his day off to Sunday so he could come to church), prepared for the Christmas program, and got our transfer calls. I am sadly, soooooo sadly, leaving Chitose.Eniwa. I will be opening an area in Ebetsu. There are already 2 Elders there right now, but I will be going in with Elder Valazques, making the area 4 Elders.

 

BUT nothing compares to the joy of watching the Haramai family taking the most important step they will ever take in their lives to becoming eternal. They have worked so hard to get to this point.

Kazune and Satoshi Haramai were baptized yesterday. It was the happiest day of my mission.

I know that families can be together forever, and I am so happy that I was able to be apart of the Haramai families step in becoming eternal.

 

I love you all so much. Be excellent to each other!

 

-Mecham Choro.

Japan Eniwa. Chitose.18 months- 4 week- 90 weeks

Welcome Welcome Sabbath Morning!!! We went crazy shoveling the parking lot before church. The primary children helped us and then we have a snowball fight.

I think it is a snowman from Frozen? I don't know.  A member made it and told us to take pictures with it.

Forcing ourselves to eat. We really blessed the food. 

A member forced us to have a BBQ outside during a blizzard. It was torture. The member wasn't even outside with us hahaha. The meat was raw. We couldnt start the fire. And our bodies were freezing. Hahaha too fun.

airport pictures. #yolo

Ape.

Chocolate fountain.

There is a random Chocolate factory in the airport. I went crazy.

           So for our district activity this week we did the trunkiest thing ever. We went to the airport!!! It is so much fun.

 

                           I didn't even get trunky because I was too busy taking pictures with everything.

This week was too much fun.

Horse.

This is probably inappropriate. (just like my spelling.)

Kissing Polar Bears in an Airport.

Monkey wallpaper.

                                                Caught in the act!!!! Missionaries watching a movie preview.

 

                                                                             They we are so trunky.

 

                                                               I then humbly chastised them for their sins.

Our district eating Ramen.

District Ramen Selfie.

 Welcome Welcome Sabbath Morning

This week was busy. Every day just meshed together into one giant dream. But this dream was amazing.

Monday we went to the airport and took lots of pictures. (I took lots of pictures) the other missionaries were kind of distracted and scared so I just went crazy. We had some appointments that night, but they all fell through and we got SOAKED in the crazy rain.

Tuesday we had an appointment scheduled with Tokiwa san, our favorite young father who showed up to church the day after we found him. So we called him an hour before the appointment to wake him up (yes he was sleeping at 2 in the afternoon) and he didn't answer. 30 minutes later he calls us and says he is busy and can't meet, but he will see us at church on Sunday. Huge bummer. He didn't even show up to church on Sunday, but we are going to go visit him tomorrow, because he won't answer his phone. It seems sketchy, but I have a lot of faith in Tokiwa san so it will all work out. OH Tuesday a member forced us over to her house for a Yaki Niku party (BBQ). It was a mess. Monday was tons of rain and Tuesday was a blizzard. She made is do a BBQ in the blizzard. Too funny. I was so angry and didn't want to smell like smoke, but then I got over it and ate raw meat like a Laminate. Our prayers were answered and our stomach and bowels were safe.

Wednesday was Mission Leadership Kaigi (don't know the word in English... Meeting group thing?) It was good. Boring details and no time to talk about them.

Thursday was Factory Tour day! We went with Matsuda san to tour a potato chips factory! Matsuda san and I were just extremely obnoxious and made fun of everything. At the end the tour guide lady took our group picture and we were just being too crazy. We were really nice to the tour guide and she loved it. She likes crazy people and thought we were way fun. So we invited her to Eikaiwa and she said she will invite everyone that comes to tour the building! YES!

Friday was splits.

Saturday. Okay so on Thursday we planned a seriously hard core lesson to share with Haramai san to help him prepare for baptism. He told his wife the other day that his faith was weak and he didn't know if he was ready for baptism. So we went hard planning this lesson. We planned it for 2 hours I think. It was a really cool experience planning it. The spirit was really guiding our thoughts and we were really teaching together.

We had an appointment on Saturday with the Haramai family. We went over and started the lesson. "Haramai san, Do you feel that you are worthy and prepared for baptism?". "Yes."  "I'm sorry, one more time?" "Yes." The whole lesson we planned was not needed. Haramai sans faith grew in one night. It was so amazing. He told us about his experiences with prayer and how much his family is changing and how happy he his.

Sunday we went to church and had a party in the snow. I was a little nervous the whole day for Haramai san. After church he had the baptismal interview. Normally they last a while. Haramai san came out in 15 minutes. That scared me.

"I am ready to be baptized next week." YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haramai san is all ready for next week. He passed the interview and will be baptized with his daughter next week on a beautiful Sabbath Morning.

I love you all so very much. Be excellent to each other.

-Mecham Choro.

Japan Eniwa. Chitose.18 months- 3 week- 89 weeks

#yolo

So cute. It hurts.

Family Home Evening with the cutest family in the world. I want to kidnap them.

Whenever we heart attack members I always draw our faces. I have gotten so good. Hahaha. It is so ugly.

Pizza with Narita san and her cats.

It was soooo good.

This was our Thanksgiving meal. Rice. Stuffing. Mashed potatoes. Hahahahah it was so gross. Oh and chicken.

They still do Christmas!!! Even in Japan! (this is probably the only house in Japan that does it.)

Thanksgiving Miracles

Christmas Miracles are great stories, but this week Thanksgiving miracles were out of control.

First I was super depressed when the week started. Monday was not the greatest email day and I was just bummed about life and like such as. I was being a serious Debby Downer and just ignoring everyone and everything. I didn't let other try to make me happy and I just looked like a fool being sorry for myself. Tuesday I tried to change my attitude, but I was still a loser. Wednesday was a little bit better, but then night came around and I didn't eat because we didn't have time so I went back to depression mode.

Thanksgiving showed up and my best friend Narita san was here to save the day. She made us Pizza! We went over to her house for Thanksgiving and had a great time. We talked about Enos and the power prayer has. I learned a lot just reading it with her. She asked great questions and it a really cool experience to feel "being edified" together. Thursday night we again were busy so I didn't have time to eat dinner, but I did make myself eat ice cream in honor of Thanksgiving. (I am pretty sure I lost weight this year.)

We went on split in Hokodate and then came back. (more happened but I have no time and I want to get to the juicy stuff.)

SATURDAY. It is a special day. It is the day we get ready for Sunday. We go outside, and we knock on some doors, so that we can find people for..... SUNDAY?! We went housing near our apartment and found an AMAZING young dad. Tokiwa san. He is 32 and has a 5 month old son. He loves America and looks like a hipster. We talked to him for about 2 hours when we met him, gave him a Book of Mormon and he asked us if he could come to church tomorrow. YES YOU CAN. He had an accident at work so he is taking time to recover and has all the time in the world to listen.

SUNDAY came around and Tokiwa san showed up to church. He really listened and asked a lot of questions. He really wanted to know why we are here. Why we believe in God and how can 20 year old guys can be missionaries. We shared with him our conversion stories and he said, "I want to believe. What do I need to do." We are more than excited to be working with him. We are going to visit him tomorrow. I will take pictures.

THEN..... SUNDAY NIGHT. Haramai san was busy with work and could not come to church. We were really nervous that we would not be able to meet him and talk about baptism with him. The second he got home from work, Haramai Shimai called us and we went over to their house to talk to Haramai san. We talked about how much their family has progressed recently and how they are ready take the step of baptism.  The kids were being very loud and I was nervous about inviting the spirit. I want the Haramai family to be together forever so much and all that we have been working for was coming down to Haramai san saying yes or no. His daughter picked a day and turned to her dad and said, "Will you be baptized with me?" Haramai san said yes! He is committed to being baptized in two weeks with his daughter. We are going to continue to work and pray very hard for that family. And we are so grateful to have been apart of these amazing miracles this week.
Thank you all for your love and prayers. I feel the love. I feel it! I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH.

Be excellent to each other.

 

-Mecham Choro.

Japan Eniwa. Chitose.18 months- 2 week- 88 weeks

The Mecham family. This was the companion I trained (my bean) and this is his companion that he is now training (his bean)

You can tell it is Mecham blood by our ugly faces.

It looks like beer. It is apple juice. #yolo.

When the less active member took this picture she said I look like a half human half woman monster. Hahahaha

We went out to eat with a less active member. The one on the left. (this is a weird picture, I just had to show you who she was.)

Too weird...

So a member gave me this ball. Apparently they are SUPER rare in Japan because only Grandmas and Grandpas have them. And they dont make them in Japan anymore. They are hand made string balls. Too cool for school.

I got an invitation from Miki Chan (A member)  for her birthday!!! I think she is turning 11? too cute.  

 Permission

We are going to a orchestra concert today. A member bought tickets for us and REALLY wants us to go with her, so I am short on email time today. Sorry it is quick but thick one. Ew that sounds weird...

We called Haramai Shimai on Thursday to ask how her husband was doing. Last Sunday we committed them to really think about Baptism and a date for baptism. On Thursday we found out something crazy.

Haramai san made the decision to drive 6 hours to visit his father. His dad is Buddhist and Haramai san is the oldest son, so when it comes to carrying on the family religion, it goes to Haramai san. If Haramai san wants to be baptized he has to have permission from his father. (really he could get baptized without it, but that would be dishonor on family! #English) So the Haramai family made the decision to go together. The decided to leave Saturday and come back Sunday.

Many miracles helped them recognize that now is the time to go. Their car broke down a week ago and they got it fixed just in time. Haramai Shimai and her Daughter were baptized exactly 2 years ago this last Wednesday. Haramai san is now praying and reading the scriptures with his family and feels that things are starting to connect.

The Haramai family means so much to me and I want them to be happy forever. Getting permission from his father is the make it or break it point in being baptized. Our district wanted to fast for Haramai san. But we also needed permission for that. I called President Nakatsuka and he told us to be careful for our health, but pray and fast hard.

Yesterday I heard from the missionaries in the area where Haramai san's father lives, that the Haramai family came to church on Sunday. They were there for the whole 3 hours. And Haramai san has permission to be baptized.

In about 2 weeks that whole family will be taking the most important step in being together forever. I can not wait. Please pray for them. Haramai san still needs help with his faith. But I know he will be baptized soon.

This news just blew everything else out of the water. But this week was still just as fun and amazing as any other week. We laughed at funny names of people we met (somebody's name was 'now-after-rice field' Wow that is only funny for people who know Japanese.... my humor is horrible) we ate lots of delicious food, we are getting colder and colder and we are safe from earthquakes!

I love you all so very much. Be excellent to each other!

 

-Mecham Choro.

Japan Eniwa. Chitose.18 months- 1 week- 87 weeks

1/11 in Japan is Pocky day. So we ate them.

Ate them like Champions.

I love Okinawa people.

A member wrote this for me. It is Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 Too cool.

We watched a fire this week. And ate peanuts. This was from our apartment. Hahah we are weird.

I got Mangos! From Taiwan!

This is the neck warmer Narita san bought me. I hate selfies. I am just too cute. #humility.

                                                             

                                                           Priesthood Power

Almost every Tuesday after English class we are sprinting back to the apartment so we make it back at 9:00. The second the train doors open we burst out and run down the stairs to the ticket office and get out as fast as we can. One week we opened the doors to get outside of the train station and began to run back to the apartment when we hear from behind us say very slowly (in a voice that sounded like a witch) "Melchizedek Priesthood! Bahahahahahaha(seriously a witch cackle#spellcheck)" It was a less active member who works at the airport so she can't make it to church on Sundays. She knows a little bit of English and so she tries her best to speak it to us whenever she can. She really misses the church and wants to come back. She really likes the Priesthood. She told us how much power we have and how we need to use it. Then she painfully waved goodbye to us as we ran back to the apartment. I was too busy laughing at how funny the situation was to realize that a less active member just testified to us about the priesthood.

This week we finished all of the lessons with Haramai san. There is nothing new that he needs to know before he gets baptized. He is prepared and just needs to decide for himself to be baptized. We started the lesson with a prayer and the daughter jumps in the second we say amen. " I want to be a Sister Missionary when I grow up!" This got her dads attention. "I mean, I know about God. I am lucky. I know who God is and it makes me happy. I want everyone else to know about God and be happy. That is why I want to be a Sister Missionary." She is 8 years old and not even baptized yet. Well that immediately#spellcheck brought the spirit into the room.

We taught about the organization of the church. The things missionaries used to teach after baptism. But in the end we REALLY focused on the Priesthood. We shared our experiences of how the Priesthood has blesses our lives. Of how a worthy Priesthood holding father blesses a family more than they know. Haramai san was really interested and focused probably more than he ever has. We testified, shared experiences and ended with asking about baptism. Kazune wants to get baptized this month. Her dad wants to wait. He needs more time to think. But with the testimony and faith that Kazune has, he will be baptized this month.

This week was cold. It snowed. The first snow of the year was a blizzard hahaha. I wanted to take pictures, but the snow was too crazy my camera couldn't take a picture. It snowed for about 4 hours, stopped and then melted the next day. Now it is just dry cold. It will be such a fun winter.

We also went shopping with our best friend Narita san! She bought us winter hats. Too nice of her. Then we all ate donuts.

There are always exciting things happening in Hokkaido. I love being here. I love this mission. I love this church. The Priesthood truly blesses our lives. I am so grateful for the family I was born into and the worthy and honorable Priesthood holder father I have.

I love you all so much! Be excellent to each other!

 

-Mecham Choro.