Happy New Year from Japan!

A children's book that I have used to help me learn kanji (Japanese symbols).

An investigator, myself and Sister Wedekind

Time is racing by.  I have never been so tired at the end of each day.  I could fall asleep at a moments notice.  

The furniture is in the new church building!  I am so excited!  We won't meet there until January 12th though which is a bummer.  Today we should get our transfer call.  It's 3 o'clock and we still haven't gotten a call.  I'm nervous, but excited.  I love these people.  These members in the military branches are so strong.  Everyone is employed, engaged in missionary work and self sufficient.  They love missionary work and are excited to help.  I am one blessed missionary to have the opportunity to spend so much time here in Okinawa.  

I got some great advice from our Military District President's wife the other day.  She said that if you're not having fun you're doing something wrong.  I love that!  The other day I was outside with Sister Capener in the rain and wind for 5 or 6 hours.  It was miserable weather, but all I could think about was how happy I was.  I love Okinawa.  I love these people.  I'll take any chance I have to serve them.  And while I'm at it I might as well have a huge smile on my face.  You can't help but love the people you serve. 

I am so grateful for everyone who sent me a package, letter or email.  Thank you notes are on there way out as we speak!  

Mom sit down for this.  I went to a sushi go-around the other day with a member and her friend and guess what?!  I not only ate sushi, but I liked it.  This is coming from the kid who wouldn't eat anything slightly unusual or green before her mission.  It's a miracle!  

What?!  A sushi bar!

My friend and I at the sushi bar.

I had a great Christmas.  I really felt Heavenly Father's love.  I stayed super busy.  Even Christmas day, Sister Capener and I were visiting investigators and less actives.  However, on our way home Christmas Eve to our apartment I was thinking about home.  I was thinking about you guys and real beds (although I have nothing to complain about futons) and maps where I can read and understand the instructions.  I said a silent prayer to Heavenly Father that I would be able to be happy.  That I could have a good attitude and feel loved.  I looked up a minute later to someone waving frantically off the side of the road.  It was one of our sweet members from the Japanese ward (congregation).  She had seen us biking home so she grabbed some hot chocolate for us.  I barely had time to say thank you before she was gone.  It was my Christmas miracle :) Heavenly Father heard my prayer and sweet Sister Aiko answered it.  I am so blessed!

The Cochrans and I on Christmas Day.

A gingerbread building contest.  Sister Capener and I won.  The Elders just didn't have what it took to beat us. :)

Acting out the first Christmas :)

When I first got on my mission, I was in awe when my senior companion (usually the missionary with the most experience) would hear someone's situation and then pull out a scripture that went perfectly with how they were feeling.  I remember seeing her doing that and thinking someday I wanted to be able to do that.  Well, the other day we knocked on a door and much to our surprise a man opened the door really upset.  He had been crying.  He told us that his best friend had just passed away.  My heart went out to this man.  I reached for my Book of Mormon and shared one of my favorite scriptures with him.  Alma 40:11-12.  http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/40?lang=eng  He thanked us and invited us back.  As I walked away from his doorstep, I had a flashback to my first week in Japan and remembered my silent thought that I wanted to some day be able to do that.  It was so neat.  It was definitely Heavenly Father's inspiration, but it was still cool! 

Lastly, on a funny note.  We played soccer this morning on base.  We had tons of  non-members and members there.  Soccer is not particularly my sport (some of you may already know this).  My feet have yet to be able to catch up with my head.  I'm working on that.  Anyway, I miraculously got the ball all by myself.  I headed up the field totally excited.  I must have had a huge grin on my face.  Well I forgot that there would be a goalie there to halt my progress.  Long story short, I didn't score but I did full on tackle that poor man.  It was a football move more than a soccer one.  Totally embarrassing!  

Well I hope you have a wonderful week!  I love you!  

Wishing you a happy New Year from Okinawa (or where ever I get transferred! :)

Sister Hawkins