McKenna in Japan!: Making Rice Cakes

Notice a resemblance?

It has been kind of cold here. Mostly because we're on the ocean and it's so windy. Luckily, I don't have to worry about chapped lips because my Christmas package included a sufficient supply of chapstick :) Thanks! I hear the Seahawks are pretty good. My new companion hadn't been to the aquarium so we went there today for our Preparation Day. We were up at 5:20 this morning. I'm a walking zombie.

Sister Takei and I at the aquarium :)

Seen this before?

We got to go behind the "scenes" at the aquarium!

THINGS FROM THIS WEEK;

Last night we taught a lesson to an investigator and her family. Somehow it turned into teaching our investigator, her family and 10 kids from the neighborhood. It was a huge lesson, similar to a family home evening. I've never taught that many kids. What an adventure! I think it was kind of stressing me out a little bit though, because when I asked one of the girls how old I looked she guessed 58.... I'm aging fast. This isn't a good sign.

This week was absolutely incredible. I say that every week, I know, but this one tops them all. We worked incredibly hard and had lots of great things happen. Yesterday 6 investigators came to church! That is the most that I've ever seen here. I was so stressed out. We were at the church building from 7:30 in the morning till 5:30 at night. We taught 3 lessons, went to 3 sacrament meetings, and found 1 new investigator. I was sitting in our last sacrament meeting feeling a slightly over-my-head and having the desire to split myself into 3 to get everything done, then I sat down next to one of our investigators, took a deep breath and said a silent prayer. I clearly remember asking for patient, clarity and peace. The rest of the day went as smooth as could be. I am so grateful we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and who not only hears, but answers our prayers.

I am officially Japanese! I'll send the pictures to prove it. But I helped make rice cakes at a church activity! It involves a huge hammer... and a wonderful workout. I'll attach pictures. They're pretty funny.

The big hammer

Making rice cakes!

What a workout!

And lastly... throughout my mission I have tried extremely hard to recognize the spirit and be quick to observe. I had a really neat experience this week about following the spirit. After making rice cakes at our ward activity, Sister Takei had the great idea to grab some extra food and give it to a less active we were planning on visiting. We grabbed some and a little extra plate just in case. On our way back, I had the thought that we should stop by and try to see a new investigator, who was recently assigned to us, Yadama. I was hesitant because the last time we visited her she wasn't having a good day and was rather impatient. But we stopped by, knocked on the door and no one answered. Meanwhile I was praying the entire time that something good would come from this. I knew my companion thought I was crazy because we were already running short on time. However, on our way back down the stairs we saw her! She had just pulled in the driveway. It was beyond perfect timing. We had a wonderful gospel centered conversation and she warmly invited us back. I was so grateful for that simple prompting. It made me realize that Heavenly Father perfectly knows His children. He is keenly aware of our needs. I have a strong belief that as we are doing what is right, being obedient, and trying our best that we can became an instrument in the Lord's hands. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission. It is the hardest, most trying and most joyfully rewarding experience of my life. Heavenly Father loves us. He lives. And He is involved in the details of our lives.

Have a wonderful week! I love you!

Hawkins Shimai

McKenna