Saturday, April 30, 2011
April 29, 2011 -email
WOW! Hello family!
This week has been long with no P-day until today...
Yesterday I ran into Elder Clawson and he said he had something for me from my mom. He reached into his shirt pocket and gave me a dollar bill that was folded into a 'V' shape and had a sticky note wrapped around it that said "Buggy Buggy". I'm still pondering the meaning of it all. He looked so happy to be here.
Then, this morning we were hurrying to make it to the temple and as I was crossing the street I saw a couple of joggers on the other side of the road. One of them had a maroon hoodie on with a yellow football logo and I thought it was odd how similar it looked to the hoodies Cam had made up for the football players when he was on the team. I kept staring at it as I got closer and realized it was indeed a West Side sweatshirt. (This keyboard is so terrible... pardon all my spelling errors please!) Anyway, I wondered who it could be and then they called out my name... It was my own Aunt Ann and Aunt Amy! We were in such a mad rush I didn't even have time to think of things to say to them besides hello and just shock at the chances of us running into each other... I didn't even catch the reason as to why they were in Provo. Now I assume it must be for Women's Conference. It would have been crazy if you had been with them Mom... I was a little sad that I hadn't seen you too but only for a few seconds because then I decided it would probably just make us both cry or something. I love you though! I hope you have fun with your sisters this weekend! Crazy that you are just a few blocks away right now.
So the group of Japan-bound missionaries that is ahead of my group all made it to Japan and are doing work there! Also, Parts of the Tokyo and Sendai missions are opening back up and missionaries are back (according to the church website). Anyway, with every group of missionaries that comes to the MTC for 12 weeks, they are joined for their last 3 weeks by a group of missionaries that are from Japan and are serving in Japan. So, the Japan-native missionaries who will be flying back with my group will be here next week and then will fly back to Japan with us. We found out yesterday that there are 12 Elders and 16 Sisters! The group ahead of us only had 4 or 5 sisters. My companion, as Coordinating Sister is in charge of orienting all the new Japan-bound sisters when they arrive so she will have a lot to do when the 16 Sisters get here. Her job is to keep in touch with the Branch Presidency and sort of serve as a mini relief society president for all of us. My job is to accompany her to the Branch presidency meetings and to pick the music for sacrament meeting. It's a pretty 'cushy' calling (as mom would refer to it).
Also, last Tuesday Elder Richard G. Scott graced us all with his presence and delivered a fabulous devotional. It was great to see and hear him. Naturally, we were all a little shocked this past Tuesday when Elder Dallin H. Oaks and his wife walked into the Fireside room. Wow. Lots of good stuff. I love hearing from Elder Oaks, and especially from his wife (who apparently served in Sendai, Japan).
I have received TONS of mail this week - lots of letters and things from people in the community. Also, I got a letter from my mission president that just said that we are expected to arrive in Japan on a Tuesday and we will stay in the mission home for some meetings and to receive our area assignments the next day. All seems to be going normally. Also, the letter had a sticky note on it from Sister Hobbs, Mrs. Grimms Mom. Remind me again what the Hobb's are doing there...?
Not much time left... so I'll hurry:
Mom - I really want to know how your combined lesson went on Sunday...
Phone password: I was pretty sure it was 5289 but it could be 5170... let me know if those don't work.
Is the FIFA world cup really in Japan this fall?
Push that blue Honda off a cliff for me please. I will definitely learn Japanese better if I know it's not burdening the Waite premises with its parasitic actions towards the family finances.
Also, I am so excited about Amy Hurrens call. I have been having dreams about her and I being here together. Could you send me her home address?
One more thing: I ran into a Sister Weight here who has lived in Indiana and knows the Mark Waite Family there. We talked about Josiah and what a great guy he is
N\LOVWE!!
This week has been long with no P-day until today...
Yesterday I ran into Elder Clawson and he said he had something for me from my mom. He reached into his shirt pocket and gave me a dollar bill that was folded into a 'V' shape and had a sticky note wrapped around it that said "Buggy Buggy". I'm still pondering the meaning of it all. He looked so happy to be here.
Then, this morning we were hurrying to make it to the temple and as I was crossing the street I saw a couple of joggers on the other side of the road. One of them had a maroon hoodie on with a yellow football logo and I thought it was odd how similar it looked to the hoodies Cam had made up for the football players when he was on the team. I kept staring at it as I got closer and realized it was indeed a West Side sweatshirt. (This keyboard is so terrible... pardon all my spelling errors please!) Anyway, I wondered who it could be and then they called out my name... It was my own Aunt Ann and Aunt Amy! We were in such a mad rush I didn't even have time to think of things to say to them besides hello and just shock at the chances of us running into each other... I didn't even catch the reason as to why they were in Provo. Now I assume it must be for Women's Conference. It would have been crazy if you had been with them Mom... I was a little sad that I hadn't seen you too but only for a few seconds because then I decided it would probably just make us both cry or something. I love you though! I hope you have fun with your sisters this weekend! Crazy that you are just a few blocks away right now.
So the group of Japan-bound missionaries that is ahead of my group all made it to Japan and are doing work there! Also, Parts of the Tokyo and Sendai missions are opening back up and missionaries are back (according to the church website). Anyway, with every group of missionaries that comes to the MTC for 12 weeks, they are joined for their last 3 weeks by a group of missionaries that are from Japan and are serving in Japan. So, the Japan-native missionaries who will be flying back with my group will be here next week and then will fly back to Japan with us. We found out yesterday that there are 12 Elders and 16 Sisters! The group ahead of us only had 4 or 5 sisters. My companion, as Coordinating Sister is in charge of orienting all the new Japan-bound sisters when they arrive so she will have a lot to do when the 16 Sisters get here. Her job is to keep in touch with the Branch Presidency and sort of serve as a mini relief society president for all of us. My job is to accompany her to the Branch presidency meetings and to pick the music for sacrament meeting. It's a pretty 'cushy' calling (as mom would refer to it).
Also, last Tuesday Elder Richard G. Scott graced us all with his presence and delivered a fabulous devotional. It was great to see and hear him. Naturally, we were all a little shocked this past Tuesday when Elder Dallin H. Oaks and his wife walked into the Fireside room. Wow. Lots of good stuff. I love hearing from Elder Oaks, and especially from his wife (who apparently served in Sendai, Japan).
I have received TONS of mail this week - lots of letters and things from people in the community. Also, I got a letter from my mission president that just said that we are expected to arrive in Japan on a Tuesday and we will stay in the mission home for some meetings and to receive our area assignments the next day. All seems to be going normally. Also, the letter had a sticky note on it from Sister Hobbs, Mrs. Grimms Mom. Remind me again what the Hobb's are doing there...?
Not much time left... so I'll hurry:
Mom - I really want to know how your combined lesson went on Sunday...
Phone password: I was pretty sure it was 5289 but it could be 5170... let me know if those don't work.
Is the FIFA world cup really in Japan this fall?
Push that blue Honda off a cliff for me please. I will definitely learn Japanese better if I know it's not burdening the Waite premises with its parasitic actions towards the family finances.
Also, I am so excited about Amy Hurrens call. I have been having dreams about her and I being here together. Could you send me her home address?
One more thing: I ran into a Sister Weight here who has lived in Indiana and knows the Mark Waite Family there. We talked about Josiah and what a great guy he is
N\LOVWE!!
April 19, 2011 -email
Dear Kazoku-
I hear all is normal (chaotic) at the house of Waite. That's good to know. Reports from Dad only confirm my belief that we will never be people of sanity, and I sometimes question your reports of being 'blessed' for having missionaries right now... : ) Overall it can be concluded that the blue Honda is more trouble than it's worth! But, I'm glad to hear that the suburban is finally off the basketball court. I think I may actually learn Japanese faster knowing that.
How is Cam doing? Any news on his investigators? Is there any way that his e-mails could be forwarded to me? And could someone tell me his e-mail address so I can write him myself? I sent a letter to him last week but I sent it to the address of his house... do we know if that is a trustworthy mailing address or should I just send things to the mission home address? I really want to hear from that guy.
Life at the incomparable compound has been abnormally exciting this week! Our Sempai (the missionary group just ahead of us that's bound for Japan) left yesterday morning. It feels good to know that they are all going to Japan still.
Also, I met my mission president this week! One morning Sister Derricott and I had just finished climbing all 96 stairs and were about to head into our classroom when our teacher introduced us to a man with the last name of Albrecht... I did a double-take at his tag and realized it was President Albrecht. He chatted with us for only about a minute and then had to go. Later that morning though he was back in the building and he gathered up all the Tokyo-bound missionaries (including those in the group ahead of us who have been "permanently re-assigned" elsewhere), and just talked to us for about 10 minutes and let us ask him questions. His home is in Orem and he came back from Tokyo for about a week and a half to see family because he doesn't have anything to do in Tokyo since all his missionaries are gone.
Everything he said was very very positive - the best things I've heard about Tokyo since I've been here. I've often wondered what Tokyo is really like right now because reports are all so varied. Some make it sound like there's a lot of permanent damage and others just say there is a lot of mess that will need to be cleaned up. Anyway, my impression of what's actually happening over there keeps changing and his report of things was more positive than anything I've ever heard. He said he feels safer in Tokyo right now than he ever would in Seattle (no offence Seattle...). He said that chances were high that those of us coming in May would be coming directly to Tokyo. We asked more about that and he said, "Tokyo is completely safe for missionaries, it's just a matter of making sure that everyone else realizes that”. I would say there's almost a 100% chance that you who are coming in May will come directly to Tokyo, and that those of you who have been "permanently reassigned" will be coming to Tokyo shortly.
He also said that if things go on the same track they have been lately, that the Tokyo mission will be the first mission to use laptops. Apparently he has been really pushing for them because it's such a useful way to communicate with investigators and members - especially in Japan because most people go to work before we are out proselyting, and don't come home until after we are already in bed. Anyway, it felt good to see and talk to him and hear a first-hand report of how things are across the pond. He will be the mission president there until next summer.
Also, we got a new district leader and zone leaders this week - an exciting change, and my companion Sister Derricott was called to be Coordinating Sister. As her companion, that automatically makes me Music coordinator.
Got to go! Wow, my e-mail time is dwindling! I will try to squeeze in everything.
I hear all is normal (chaotic) at the house of Waite. That's good to know. Reports from Dad only confirm my belief that we will never be people of sanity, and I sometimes question your reports of being 'blessed' for having missionaries right now... : ) Overall it can be concluded that the blue Honda is more trouble than it's worth! But, I'm glad to hear that the suburban is finally off the basketball court. I think I may actually learn Japanese faster knowing that.
How is Cam doing? Any news on his investigators? Is there any way that his e-mails could be forwarded to me? And could someone tell me his e-mail address so I can write him myself? I sent a letter to him last week but I sent it to the address of his house... do we know if that is a trustworthy mailing address or should I just send things to the mission home address? I really want to hear from that guy.
Life at the incomparable compound has been abnormally exciting this week! Our Sempai (the missionary group just ahead of us that's bound for Japan) left yesterday morning. It feels good to know that they are all going to Japan still.
Also, I met my mission president this week! One morning Sister Derricott and I had just finished climbing all 96 stairs and were about to head into our classroom when our teacher introduced us to a man with the last name of Albrecht... I did a double-take at his tag and realized it was President Albrecht. He chatted with us for only about a minute and then had to go. Later that morning though he was back in the building and he gathered up all the Tokyo-bound missionaries (including those in the group ahead of us who have been "permanently re-assigned" elsewhere), and just talked to us for about 10 minutes and let us ask him questions. His home is in Orem and he came back from Tokyo for about a week and a half to see family because he doesn't have anything to do in Tokyo since all his missionaries are gone.
Everything he said was very very positive - the best things I've heard about Tokyo since I've been here. I've often wondered what Tokyo is really like right now because reports are all so varied. Some make it sound like there's a lot of permanent damage and others just say there is a lot of mess that will need to be cleaned up. Anyway, my impression of what's actually happening over there keeps changing and his report of things was more positive than anything I've ever heard. He said he feels safer in Tokyo right now than he ever would in Seattle (no offence Seattle...). He said that chances were high that those of us coming in May would be coming directly to Tokyo. We asked more about that and he said, "Tokyo is completely safe for missionaries, it's just a matter of making sure that everyone else realizes that”. I would say there's almost a 100% chance that you who are coming in May will come directly to Tokyo, and that those of you who have been "permanently reassigned" will be coming to Tokyo shortly.
He also said that if things go on the same track they have been lately, that the Tokyo mission will be the first mission to use laptops. Apparently he has been really pushing for them because it's such a useful way to communicate with investigators and members - especially in Japan because most people go to work before we are out proselyting, and don't come home until after we are already in bed. Anyway, it felt good to see and talk to him and hear a first-hand report of how things are across the pond. He will be the mission president there until next summer.
Also, we got a new district leader and zone leaders this week - an exciting change, and my companion Sister Derricott was called to be Coordinating Sister. As her companion, that automatically makes me Music coordinator.
Got to go! Wow, my e-mail time is dwindling! I will try to squeeze in everything.
April 12, 2011 -email
Flammy-
Thanks for ALL the letters and e-mails! I'm trying to send this to Cam too, but the e-mail address I'm putting in for him is just a guess (camden.waite@myldsmail.net ) so if that's wrong could you forward this to him. Also, I've written him 3 times but only once did I remember to put on the extra postage required, so who knows if anything will ever get there. I used his house address... do we know if that's a good address to use?
Well, life at the incomparable compound continues! I'm so glad to see that Hallsie had a Happy Birthday! Her cake looks fantastic, Mooze. And Belle is adorable - I hope she sticks around so I can meet her when I get home. Dad dear-eldered me about her and I was unusually excited about it. That night I had a dream that I had acquired 5 baby kittens and was taking care of them here in the MTC... not really the same as having a dog at home.
Hallie- Dad told me about your object lesson last week for FHE - that's a great idea. Are all the feathers picked up yet in the basement, or are some of those 'lies' still floating around?
That's great that Sariah is going to college - tell her I wish her the best in her decision! And keep me posted on what she ends up doing if you can.
I think the password to my cell-phone is still 5289. Good luck with that.
Finally: THE HIKE! How exciting! Please do expose as many details as possible about who and when and where and how it will all be taking place. I'm a little jealous. But not really because guess what? When you are all on the hike I will be in JAPAN! I think it's a reasonable trade-off. And.... CONGRATS to Sadie Christine for making the cut this year. Good luck Sadie! Where will Janie be staying for all of this? And who else is on the short-list of people vying (<-- Spelling?) for a spot on the adventure? I can't wait to hear about it.
Thanks for all your many many many prayers and letters. They make a difference I can feel. Time is flying by and I understand now how people say that a mission is like living 4 life-times: things will come up that I need to resolve or work on that in normal life would take me at least a week to really understand and do something about, but here I work on it and resolve the matter in a matter of hours or just a day... it's weird. Kind of feels super-human, which I guess it really is because I definitely can't do that on my own. Anyway, it's astounding how blessed I am.
I love you all!
-Waite Shimai
PS- Will someone go on a jog for me around Clifton? ...kidding.
Thanks for ALL the letters and e-mails! I'm trying to send this to Cam too, but the e-mail address I'm putting in for him is just a guess (camden.waite@myldsmail.net ) so if that's wrong could you forward this to him. Also, I've written him 3 times but only once did I remember to put on the extra postage required, so who knows if anything will ever get there. I used his house address... do we know if that's a good address to use?
Well, life at the incomparable compound continues! I'm so glad to see that Hallsie had a Happy Birthday! Her cake looks fantastic, Mooze. And Belle is adorable - I hope she sticks around so I can meet her when I get home. Dad dear-eldered me about her and I was unusually excited about it. That night I had a dream that I had acquired 5 baby kittens and was taking care of them here in the MTC... not really the same as having a dog at home.
Hallie- Dad told me about your object lesson last week for FHE - that's a great idea. Are all the feathers picked up yet in the basement, or are some of those 'lies' still floating around?
That's great that Sariah is going to college - tell her I wish her the best in her decision! And keep me posted on what she ends up doing if you can.
I think the password to my cell-phone is still 5289. Good luck with that.
Finally: THE HIKE! How exciting! Please do expose as many details as possible about who and when and where and how it will all be taking place. I'm a little jealous. But not really because guess what? When you are all on the hike I will be in JAPAN! I think it's a reasonable trade-off. And.... CONGRATS to Sadie Christine for making the cut this year. Good luck Sadie! Where will Janie be staying for all of this? And who else is on the short-list of people vying (<-- Spelling?) for a spot on the adventure? I can't wait to hear about it.
Thanks for all your many many many prayers and letters. They make a difference I can feel. Time is flying by and I understand now how people say that a mission is like living 4 life-times: things will come up that I need to resolve or work on that in normal life would take me at least a week to really understand and do something about, but here I work on it and resolve the matter in a matter of hours or just a day... it's weird. Kind of feels super-human, which I guess it really is because I definitely can't do that on my own. Anyway, it's astounding how blessed I am.
I love you all!
-Waite Shimai
PS- Will someone go on a jog for me around Clifton? ...kidding.
April 5, 2011 -email
Kazoku (family),
Wow - what a crazy time you've been having since I left! I love getting news about all you tell me - the weather, conditions in Japan, family gatherings, sports, local hooplah... I love it all.
Conference was indeed fabulous. Elders Oaks and Uchtdorf are ALWAYS 2 of my favorites. I also loved Elder Scott's talk too - it's so interesting to sometimes just hear stories about people and their families.
Dad- DO NOT look for my dictionary. I don't want it with me - I'm trying to figure out how much I can leave before flying to Japan.
I hope Cam is doing well. Could you forward me his e-mail this week, along with his e-mail address? I'd like to send a message to that guy. And what was the comment he made about missionaries and/or the apostles being the celebrities of the church??? Also, I've been praying for him to have a 'white Sunday'... is that missionary lingo? I have no idea what that means.
Today marks off the first month of my mission... time is flying by! Life at the 'incomparable' MTC continues. One day this week when I went to the gym to exercise, after doing a couple laps around the track I went to the stretching area to do some leg exercises. I was huffing and puffing along, and I looked behind me and 4 of the little Sisters from Japan were following me. We were a sight. I decided to give them more than they bargained for and led them through a fairly intense routine. They don't speak English a lot which made the whole thing sort of odd. : )
HAPPY BIRTHDAY this Sunday to HALLIE! I love you Hallsie and will be thinking all about you on that day! You'll be 6 right?
Mom, how was the Young Women's broadcast? You did end up taking the youth down on a trip right? All of us Sisters here were able to watch it this weekend while be Elders went to priesthood meeting. I kept thinking of you and all of your Young Women. It was a really good meeting I thought.
Dad- I don't mind that you thumbed through my sketchbook... it contains some of my very favorite things. I never put anything in there with the intent of having someone else lay eyes on it though, so don't judge all of the weird things I have. And recently I went through it and scribbled out a lot of the pages I no longer refer to because I was planning on transferring it all to a new book - so that's why some of the pages have colored pencil all over. I'm glad you liked that quote; it is pretty powerful. The story is that it was written by a man in Rwanda who was put in jail and told he would be released when he denied Christ/his religion (or something like that). He wrote that message after that I think. I heard the quote in a class at BYUI and jotted down a few of the phrases and then googled it later. I did eventually find the quote and a little bit of the story behind it but there wasn't a lot of information.
Also, you should know that my 2 favorite pages in my sketchbook remain the '100 things I learned from my mother/father".
Got to go!! I love you all!
-Love Waite Shimai
Wow - what a crazy time you've been having since I left! I love getting news about all you tell me - the weather, conditions in Japan, family gatherings, sports, local hooplah... I love it all.
Conference was indeed fabulous. Elders Oaks and Uchtdorf are ALWAYS 2 of my favorites. I also loved Elder Scott's talk too - it's so interesting to sometimes just hear stories about people and their families.
Dad- DO NOT look for my dictionary. I don't want it with me - I'm trying to figure out how much I can leave before flying to Japan.
I hope Cam is doing well. Could you forward me his e-mail this week, along with his e-mail address? I'd like to send a message to that guy. And what was the comment he made about missionaries and/or the apostles being the celebrities of the church??? Also, I've been praying for him to have a 'white Sunday'... is that missionary lingo? I have no idea what that means.
Today marks off the first month of my mission... time is flying by! Life at the 'incomparable' MTC continues. One day this week when I went to the gym to exercise, after doing a couple laps around the track I went to the stretching area to do some leg exercises. I was huffing and puffing along, and I looked behind me and 4 of the little Sisters from Japan were following me. We were a sight. I decided to give them more than they bargained for and led them through a fairly intense routine. They don't speak English a lot which made the whole thing sort of odd. : )
HAPPY BIRTHDAY this Sunday to HALLIE! I love you Hallsie and will be thinking all about you on that day! You'll be 6 right?
Mom, how was the Young Women's broadcast? You did end up taking the youth down on a trip right? All of us Sisters here were able to watch it this weekend while be Elders went to priesthood meeting. I kept thinking of you and all of your Young Women. It was a really good meeting I thought.
Dad- I don't mind that you thumbed through my sketchbook... it contains some of my very favorite things. I never put anything in there with the intent of having someone else lay eyes on it though, so don't judge all of the weird things I have. And recently I went through it and scribbled out a lot of the pages I no longer refer to because I was planning on transferring it all to a new book - so that's why some of the pages have colored pencil all over. I'm glad you liked that quote; it is pretty powerful. The story is that it was written by a man in Rwanda who was put in jail and told he would be released when he denied Christ/his religion (or something like that). He wrote that message after that I think. I heard the quote in a class at BYUI and jotted down a few of the phrases and then googled it later. I did eventually find the quote and a little bit of the story behind it but there wasn't a lot of information.
Also, you should know that my 2 favorite pages in my sketchbook remain the '100 things I learned from my mother/father".
Got to go!! I love you all!
-Love Waite Shimai
March 29, 2011 -letter
Family,
This morning at 4:00 a loud voice came over the intercom from the main office & it was some guy asking for a sister who was supposed to be at the travel office (apparently she was flying out today). I didn’t get back to sleep for quite a while so since today’s p-day I decided to take a nap. I have just climbed into bed & someone just turned on a vacuum right outside my room. Blah.
I did have a spectacular breakfast though this morning – cracked wheat & raisins & some cottage cheese & a strawberry & a bagel with wild berry cream cheese. I’m stuffed.
Sunday I had an interview with a member of my branch presidency. He asked what the best thing about being at the MTC was. My answer: my companion. Then he asked what the worst/hardest thing was. My answer: I wish I could take naps. I get really tired some days. It’s not because I have trouble sleeping though either, in fact I’ve been really blessed to be able to fall asleep within ½ hour of climbing into bed. And physically I feel like I have plenty of energy. So really it’s just the monotony of trying to take in so much information at once that gets me feeling a little exhausted. Since that interview I’ve thought about how great it is that my biggest trial is that sometimes I need a nap☺. I tell my companion all the time that if I were the MTC President I’d keep everything the same about this place except that I’d add nap time, snack time, & a recess or two.☺ It sometimes does feel like we are back in 1st grade, being herded from one activity to the next. . . learning to read & write all over again. . . people telling us to be obedient. Sometimes it cracks me up to think about it like that.
I don’t have a ton to say. Not a whole lot of exciting stuff happens here. I did hear that last week there was another pretty big after-shock earthquake in Japan. I don’t know how true that even is though. The missionaries who are ahead of us are set to leave for Japan next week I think. The ones who were going to Tokyo & Sendai have been assumedly put into other missions, but I don’t think anything will be set in stone until they get to Japan. Even then I’m sure a lot will be up in the air.
I just hope that I can at least serve a part of my time in Tokyo.
Well today we go to the temple – that should be good. Then tonight we have a fireside.
Anyway, keep updating me on all that’s going on at home.
I ♥ U All!
♥ Sister Waite
P.S. My doryo (companion) & I lovingly refer to the MTC as “The Compound”. Ha ha
This morning at 4:00 a loud voice came over the intercom from the main office & it was some guy asking for a sister who was supposed to be at the travel office (apparently she was flying out today). I didn’t get back to sleep for quite a while so since today’s p-day I decided to take a nap. I have just climbed into bed & someone just turned on a vacuum right outside my room. Blah.
I did have a spectacular breakfast though this morning – cracked wheat & raisins & some cottage cheese & a strawberry & a bagel with wild berry cream cheese. I’m stuffed.
Sunday I had an interview with a member of my branch presidency. He asked what the best thing about being at the MTC was. My answer: my companion. Then he asked what the worst/hardest thing was. My answer: I wish I could take naps. I get really tired some days. It’s not because I have trouble sleeping though either, in fact I’ve been really blessed to be able to fall asleep within ½ hour of climbing into bed. And physically I feel like I have plenty of energy. So really it’s just the monotony of trying to take in so much information at once that gets me feeling a little exhausted. Since that interview I’ve thought about how great it is that my biggest trial is that sometimes I need a nap☺. I tell my companion all the time that if I were the MTC President I’d keep everything the same about this place except that I’d add nap time, snack time, & a recess or two.☺ It sometimes does feel like we are back in 1st grade, being herded from one activity to the next. . . learning to read & write all over again. . . people telling us to be obedient. Sometimes it cracks me up to think about it like that.
I don’t have a ton to say. Not a whole lot of exciting stuff happens here. I did hear that last week there was another pretty big after-shock earthquake in Japan. I don’t know how true that even is though. The missionaries who are ahead of us are set to leave for Japan next week I think. The ones who were going to Tokyo & Sendai have been assumedly put into other missions, but I don’t think anything will be set in stone until they get to Japan. Even then I’m sure a lot will be up in the air.
I just hope that I can at least serve a part of my time in Tokyo.
Well today we go to the temple – that should be good. Then tonight we have a fireside.
Anyway, keep updating me on all that’s going on at home.
I ♥ U All!
♥ Sister Waite
P.S. My doryo (companion) & I lovingly refer to the MTC as “The Compound”. Ha ha
March 29, 2011 -email
Flammy--
Thanks a bajillion for all the DearElders. I was especially grateful to hear the details of the events surrounding Aunt Amy's Funeral. I don't have much time to even really think about life outside the MTC anymore, but when I do it's comforting to know that all is well.
I'm learning in 'biblical proportions' and the days are flying by. It seems like yesterday that I was sitting here typing to you. Things keep happening so fast... I feel sort of like I'm too busy receiving blessings to ever be able to pause and take account of all I've received. It's crazy. Japanese is tough but I'm soaking in as much as I can. It's similar to trying to get a drink from a fire hose - there's just so so much to try and take in. I really do love the language though and having the Nihon-jin (Japanese) missionaries here right now has been so motivating. My companion is still the best ever. I love her to death and I learn so much from her. Someday I'll have a companion that I have to work with to get our relationship to be good, but right now is not that day.
This week I feel like I've truly become a missionary. I don't think about a whole lot besides preparing to teach the people of Japan. I LOVE using Preach My Gospel - it's an incredible resource. I'm not the best at teaching, but I can tell I'm getting better whenever we practice. Another thing I have loved being able to learn is time management. Cam e-mailed home once from the MTC saying that he had become ultra time-conscientious and hated to even waste 10 minutes. I can feel myself getting that way too. I hope he's doing well.
Sunday was Fast Sunday and we had a 2-hour conference with the whole MTC (this was separate from Sacrament meeting). The MTC president spoke about the atonement. It was especially interesting to sit and listen to him talk about Christ's sacrifices during the very last hours of my fast.
Then in Sacrament meeting we had the usual bearing of testimonies (all in Japanese). Some of the missionaries who have been here longer got up and bore their testimonies and I felt really good because I could piece together parts of what they were saying. Then some of the Japanese missionaries got up and spoke and I caught a word or two if I was lucky... : )
I've also started reading the Book of Mormon in Japanese. It's pretty slow going because I still don't have all the alphabets memorized. I'm in 1 Nephi chapter 2 right now. This week I was reading and understood a word for the first time: 'prophet'. I was so excited!
By the way... when is Easter? I'm looking forward to General Conference this weekend. I'm trying to decide on a good question to have in mind when I listen.
My time is almost up. Which is sad, but also good because this is one of the only days of the week that we get to eat hot breakfast and that means: cracked wheat. Hooray! Most days we have to just stick with cold breakfast because we have gym right after and are in our gym clothes.
I love you all so much! Thanks for all you prayers and letters. They help a lot.
Sorry this letter is a little dry.
-Waite Shimai
PS- I still miss my dictionary.
Thanks a bajillion for all the DearElders. I was especially grateful to hear the details of the events surrounding Aunt Amy's Funeral. I don't have much time to even really think about life outside the MTC anymore, but when I do it's comforting to know that all is well.
I'm learning in 'biblical proportions' and the days are flying by. It seems like yesterday that I was sitting here typing to you. Things keep happening so fast... I feel sort of like I'm too busy receiving blessings to ever be able to pause and take account of all I've received. It's crazy. Japanese is tough but I'm soaking in as much as I can. It's similar to trying to get a drink from a fire hose - there's just so so much to try and take in. I really do love the language though and having the Nihon-jin (Japanese) missionaries here right now has been so motivating. My companion is still the best ever. I love her to death and I learn so much from her. Someday I'll have a companion that I have to work with to get our relationship to be good, but right now is not that day.
This week I feel like I've truly become a missionary. I don't think about a whole lot besides preparing to teach the people of Japan. I LOVE using Preach My Gospel - it's an incredible resource. I'm not the best at teaching, but I can tell I'm getting better whenever we practice. Another thing I have loved being able to learn is time management. Cam e-mailed home once from the MTC saying that he had become ultra time-conscientious and hated to even waste 10 minutes. I can feel myself getting that way too. I hope he's doing well.
Sunday was Fast Sunday and we had a 2-hour conference with the whole MTC (this was separate from Sacrament meeting). The MTC president spoke about the atonement. It was especially interesting to sit and listen to him talk about Christ's sacrifices during the very last hours of my fast.
Then in Sacrament meeting we had the usual bearing of testimonies (all in Japanese). Some of the missionaries who have been here longer got up and bore their testimonies and I felt really good because I could piece together parts of what they were saying. Then some of the Japanese missionaries got up and spoke and I caught a word or two if I was lucky... : )
I've also started reading the Book of Mormon in Japanese. It's pretty slow going because I still don't have all the alphabets memorized. I'm in 1 Nephi chapter 2 right now. This week I was reading and understood a word for the first time: 'prophet'. I was so excited!
By the way... when is Easter? I'm looking forward to General Conference this weekend. I'm trying to decide on a good question to have in mind when I listen.
My time is almost up. Which is sad, but also good because this is one of the only days of the week that we get to eat hot breakfast and that means: cracked wheat. Hooray! Most days we have to just stick with cold breakfast because we have gym right after and are in our gym clothes.
I love you all so much! Thanks for all you prayers and letters. They help a lot.
Sorry this letter is a little dry.
-Waite Shimai
PS- I still miss my dictionary.
March, 22 2011 -letter
Mom & Dad,
It was good to be able to talk to you yesterday. I’m glad I decided to call. I wasn’t going to at first but it was good to hear how things had gone. President Harris who told me about it all was super considerate. (Mariah is talking here about Amy Shumway dying. Eve)
This morning some Japanese missionaries arrived – they’ll only be here for 3 weeks but it’s cool to hear the language from native speakers. I don’t understand a word.
At breakfast I found out that my mission president in Tokyo has been sent home. . .Who knows what that means.
I hope all goes well this week with Aunt Amy’s funeral. I’m glad to know everyone will bne there to say goodbye to her. That should be a really good meeting.
I’m learning so much here. Dad thanks for all your letters and words of encouragement. I feel bad that I can’t respond to them as much as I would like to but know that I love all of the info you send. Congrats to BYU for such a good season! And I hope the trailer gets un-stuck eventually. There’s a soprt of peace that accompanies all your stories about the crazy happenings at home. Peace in knowing that life there is going on as usual☺. And also, thanks for all the thoughts and quotes you put in the post script – they are great. What you said about becoming like a child again is true – in the MTC you sort of start all over & begin learning from scratch.
Mom, thanks so so much for sending Grandma’s talk/book $ all the emails. I’ve thought a lot about what Uncle Greg said in his email to Cam about how you & Dad know how to ‘live after the manner of happiness’. . .that’s so true. And, most of all, thanks for that wonderful card you send. I read it over & over & smile.
FYI: I’m going to try to send along a bunch of thank you cards that I have written but don’t have addresses for. Could you pass them on to their recipients for me? Sorry to add one more thing to your list.
Also – Dear Elders arrive as a sheet of paper that has been folded up & held with a little sticker. The sentences & paragraphs look fine ~ much better than they do when you paste all the text onto their website. They aren’t hard to read at all. (Dad asked).
I wish I could write so much more but we don’t have time.
I ♥ U!
Love,
Waite Shimai
P.S. Could you print off one of our most recent family pictures (that Sis. Swenson took) & send it. I forgot to do that.P.S. Sister Derricott heard about Papa Jay’s jerky from an Elder who know about Clifton. She says to tell you she loves jerky. . .☺
It was good to be able to talk to you yesterday. I’m glad I decided to call. I wasn’t going to at first but it was good to hear how things had gone. President Harris who told me about it all was super considerate. (Mariah is talking here about Amy Shumway dying. Eve)
This morning some Japanese missionaries arrived – they’ll only be here for 3 weeks but it’s cool to hear the language from native speakers. I don’t understand a word.
At breakfast I found out that my mission president in Tokyo has been sent home. . .Who knows what that means.
I hope all goes well this week with Aunt Amy’s funeral. I’m glad to know everyone will bne there to say goodbye to her. That should be a really good meeting.
I’m learning so much here. Dad thanks for all your letters and words of encouragement. I feel bad that I can’t respond to them as much as I would like to but know that I love all of the info you send. Congrats to BYU for such a good season! And I hope the trailer gets un-stuck eventually. There’s a soprt of peace that accompanies all your stories about the crazy happenings at home. Peace in knowing that life there is going on as usual☺. And also, thanks for all the thoughts and quotes you put in the post script – they are great. What you said about becoming like a child again is true – in the MTC you sort of start all over & begin learning from scratch.
Mom, thanks so so much for sending Grandma’s talk/book $ all the emails. I’ve thought a lot about what Uncle Greg said in his email to Cam about how you & Dad know how to ‘live after the manner of happiness’. . .that’s so true. And, most of all, thanks for that wonderful card you send. I read it over & over & smile.
FYI: I’m going to try to send along a bunch of thank you cards that I have written but don’t have addresses for. Could you pass them on to their recipients for me? Sorry to add one more thing to your list.
Also – Dear Elders arrive as a sheet of paper that has been folded up & held with a little sticker. The sentences & paragraphs look fine ~ much better than they do when you paste all the text onto their website. They aren’t hard to read at all. (Dad asked).
I wish I could write so much more but we don’t have time.
I ♥ U!
Love,
Waite Shimai
P.S. Could you print off one of our most recent family pictures (that Sis. Swenson took) & send it. I forgot to do that.P.S. Sister Derricott heard about Papa Jay’s jerky from an Elder who know about Clifton. She says to tell you she loves jerky. . .☺
March 22, 2011 -email
Hello Flammy-
Can you do me a favor? Can someone PLEASE record Janie singing 'You are my shunshine'? I miss that little stinker.
Yesterday, after talking on the phone with dad and mom about Aunt Amy, I was sad for about an hour afterwards. Sad that she is no longer with us, sad for her children and Uncle Rick, and very very sad that I wouldn't be at the funeral to see everyone gathered and to gain closure from the whole thing. I had been praying for her all week, praying that Heavenly Father would bless her and her family with any and all miracles that he could see fit to bestow upon them. Each time I felt re-assured that all would be well, but I didn't know what that meant. Sunday night, I prayed for her and wondered if my prayers were even needed anymore - so many things could have transpired since the last time I had been able to hear any news. It was an odd feeling and I just wondered what had happened since I had last received an update. When I was called to the office Monday morning I was pretty sure I knew what I would hear. Anyway, I haven't had much time to think about it all since yesterday morning, but it crosses my mind and I know I don't need to worry. Dad's family especially has always had a way of knowing how to pull together and give support after events like this, and I can picture it all happening at Uncle Caleb’s house: people sharing memories, and then funny stories, and then maybe jokes and laughing, and then discussing what needs to be done next, and finally retiring to bed at an hour much later than usual, but feeling better about things none the less. I so wish I could have been there. Tell the Shumway kids I'm thinking of them. And give Uncle Ethan a hug from me- it was so wonderful to be able to talk to him right before going into the MTC.
Change of topic: Japan. We don't know what is going to happen with all of us who have been called to the missions that have currently transferred all their missionaries to other areas. It's interesting to note, though, that currently there are more missionaries in the MTC that are Japan-bound than there ever have been before. Now we know why. One of my teachers said that many prophesies have been made about Japan. One of them, she thought was by Pres. Eyring, was that Japan will one day be a/the highest baptizing country. Unfortunately, no one ever hoped that events like the past ones would lead to the fulfillment of that prophesy, but those of us who have been called there are all praying that they will be much more receptive to the gospel now. It's sort of odd to think about how much I think about and pray for those people that I haven't even met. And it's also strange to think that the Tokyo that most of those people know and remember, is a place I will never see. I will never see Tokyo the way most people know and love it.
I hope this week goes well for you all. I love learning Japanese. My companion is better than I could have ever asked for. The MTC food still never settles quite right, but I'm doing spectacular.
CAM: Thank you SO much for the Japanese Hymn book you gave me for Christmas. I use it every day here. Good luck with that new companion. It cracks me up to think of the two of you walking around surrounded by a bunch or short little Mexicans. : )
Love you all.
-Waite Shimai
PS- My class is at the top of 5 flights of stairs. We think we climb an average of 1,500 stairs each day. Not counting the ones to our bedrooms...
Can you do me a favor? Can someone PLEASE record Janie singing 'You are my shunshine'? I miss that little stinker.
Yesterday, after talking on the phone with dad and mom about Aunt Amy, I was sad for about an hour afterwards. Sad that she is no longer with us, sad for her children and Uncle Rick, and very very sad that I wouldn't be at the funeral to see everyone gathered and to gain closure from the whole thing. I had been praying for her all week, praying that Heavenly Father would bless her and her family with any and all miracles that he could see fit to bestow upon them. Each time I felt re-assured that all would be well, but I didn't know what that meant. Sunday night, I prayed for her and wondered if my prayers were even needed anymore - so many things could have transpired since the last time I had been able to hear any news. It was an odd feeling and I just wondered what had happened since I had last received an update. When I was called to the office Monday morning I was pretty sure I knew what I would hear. Anyway, I haven't had much time to think about it all since yesterday morning, but it crosses my mind and I know I don't need to worry. Dad's family especially has always had a way of knowing how to pull together and give support after events like this, and I can picture it all happening at Uncle Caleb’s house: people sharing memories, and then funny stories, and then maybe jokes and laughing, and then discussing what needs to be done next, and finally retiring to bed at an hour much later than usual, but feeling better about things none the less. I so wish I could have been there. Tell the Shumway kids I'm thinking of them. And give Uncle Ethan a hug from me- it was so wonderful to be able to talk to him right before going into the MTC.
Change of topic: Japan. We don't know what is going to happen with all of us who have been called to the missions that have currently transferred all their missionaries to other areas. It's interesting to note, though, that currently there are more missionaries in the MTC that are Japan-bound than there ever have been before. Now we know why. One of my teachers said that many prophesies have been made about Japan. One of them, she thought was by Pres. Eyring, was that Japan will one day be a/the highest baptizing country. Unfortunately, no one ever hoped that events like the past ones would lead to the fulfillment of that prophesy, but those of us who have been called there are all praying that they will be much more receptive to the gospel now. It's sort of odd to think about how much I think about and pray for those people that I haven't even met. And it's also strange to think that the Tokyo that most of those people know and remember, is a place I will never see. I will never see Tokyo the way most people know and love it.
I hope this week goes well for you all. I love learning Japanese. My companion is better than I could have ever asked for. The MTC food still never settles quite right, but I'm doing spectacular.
CAM: Thank you SO much for the Japanese Hymn book you gave me for Christmas. I use it every day here. Good luck with that new companion. It cracks me up to think of the two of you walking around surrounded by a bunch or short little Mexicans. : )
Love you all.
-Waite Shimai
PS- My class is at the top of 5 flights of stairs. We think we climb an average of 1,500 stairs each day. Not counting the ones to our bedrooms...
March 14, 2011 -email
Mom and Dad and Flammy, and Elder Waite,
The Gift of Tongues is real! I absolutely LOVE Japanese. Truly. It reminds me of Hebrew - except that I really like it.
I don't have much time so excuse the rushed typing. (And, yes, PLEASE print off Uncle Greg's e-mail and send it. I looked at it and he essentially wrote my talk... only it's a lot better in his words. Wow.)
The apples here taste fine. I can't say the same for much else but that's ok. I love you all and miss you! MTC life is grand. It sort of feels like a bootcamp version of Retreat for Girls.... especially since usually the bathrooms are full of people singing songs from Little Mermaid in the showers, and doing so much before it's even 7:00 am ( I love you Ruby!) I'm guessing that that's not a complaint that the Elders have? Thankfully I can usually find a different restroom to use. Really though, being a sister here has got to be a completely different experience than being here as an Elder. It reminds me of what Spencer Barzee told me once about it - that Sister's here can get away with murder. I might almost agree with that. All over there are signs saying "ELDERS: DO NOT..." It's sort of funny.
Happy Pi day yesterday, Happy Ides of March today, and Happy St. Patrick's Day on Thursday.
It's been fun to be here and think of all the other people that have been here recently that I know. I keep expecting to come around a corner and see Camden or Cody or Josiah. I've seen Sister Jessica Jones a couple times at lunch and Sister Stegelmeier also. And one of my Branch Presidency members grew up in Panaca and is a Wadsorth. I talked to him for a minute and he said he knew of Grandma and Grandpa Wadsworth and that he is grandpa's cousin or something.
Hannah, How did the play turn out? I was thinking of you all weekend.
Congrats to Uncle Jacob and Aunt Trista about having a new one in the family! How exciting!
Dad, thanks for the dearelders. I've heard about the tsunami. My Companions dad was flying there when it happened and he had to go to a military base of some kind - but He's ok. Another sister in my zone has a dad there who said that it felt like wearing rollerskates on a slick icy surface that is covered with marbles... yikes. We are all praying that the peopel will be more receptive to the gospel because of this. Also dad- can you fill me in on the March Madness events? How is BYU doing? What about USU?
That's all I can think of to say right now. I love you all!
Love,
Waite Shimei
(Sister Waite)
The Gift of Tongues is real! I absolutely LOVE Japanese. Truly. It reminds me of Hebrew - except that I really like it.
I don't have much time so excuse the rushed typing. (And, yes, PLEASE print off Uncle Greg's e-mail and send it. I looked at it and he essentially wrote my talk... only it's a lot better in his words. Wow.)
The apples here taste fine. I can't say the same for much else but that's ok. I love you all and miss you! MTC life is grand. It sort of feels like a bootcamp version of Retreat for Girls.... especially since usually the bathrooms are full of people singing songs from Little Mermaid in the showers, and doing so much before it's even 7:00 am ( I love you Ruby!) I'm guessing that that's not a complaint that the Elders have? Thankfully I can usually find a different restroom to use. Really though, being a sister here has got to be a completely different experience than being here as an Elder. It reminds me of what Spencer Barzee told me once about it - that Sister's here can get away with murder. I might almost agree with that. All over there are signs saying "ELDERS: DO NOT..." It's sort of funny.
Happy Pi day yesterday, Happy Ides of March today, and Happy St. Patrick's Day on Thursday.
It's been fun to be here and think of all the other people that have been here recently that I know. I keep expecting to come around a corner and see Camden or Cody or Josiah. I've seen Sister Jessica Jones a couple times at lunch and Sister Stegelmeier also. And one of my Branch Presidency members grew up in Panaca and is a Wadsorth. I talked to him for a minute and he said he knew of Grandma and Grandpa Wadsworth and that he is grandpa's cousin or something.
Hannah, How did the play turn out? I was thinking of you all weekend.
Congrats to Uncle Jacob and Aunt Trista about having a new one in the family! How exciting!
Dad, thanks for the dearelders. I've heard about the tsunami. My Companions dad was flying there when it happened and he had to go to a military base of some kind - but He's ok. Another sister in my zone has a dad there who said that it felt like wearing rollerskates on a slick icy surface that is covered with marbles... yikes. We are all praying that the peopel will be more receptive to the gospel because of this. Also dad- can you fill me in on the March Madness events? How is BYU doing? What about USU?
That's all I can think of to say right now. I love you all!
Love,
Waite Shimei
(Sister Waite)
Friday, April 29, 2011
March 10, 2011 -email
March 10, 2011
Mom, Dad & Family,
I Love You! When you read this, go to the cupboard and break out that Sangria that’s hiding behind the nut chopper (If you haven’t already done so).
My companion is Sister Derricott. I want to be her. I love her so much. We get along seamlessly. She is 24 & graduated from BYU-I a couple of years ago. Super independent – we go so well together. She’s essentially the apex of cool, not to mention gorgeous. She’s going to Tokyo as well so we will be pretty familiar with each other by the time our mission ends. Her dad lives/works in Tokyo now actually and she grew up there for a few years when she was really young so she knows a little Japanese. She’s got a great personality and long blond hair and a thin face.
The day you dropped me off was hectic. That night we (all the brand new missionaries) had a meeting and met our MTC President. He had everyone stand up when the place they were from was called out. When he called out Idaho I stood up. There were quite a few of us. Then he asked if any of us had milked cows. I raised my hand and so did 1 other sister. He had us come up to the front and tell everyone where we were from. The other sister hadn’t actually milked any cows, just raised calves, which still counts. Anyway, so then after I told everyone where I was from he told everyone to watch out because I know how to work hard. Then he said thanks & motioned to shake my hand. As we did so he faked a really weak handshake & then made fun of me for having such strong milker hands. . . I’ve been getting some funny looks since the whole thing was over.
Anyway, got to go. It’s so busy. I love you all!
Sister Waite
P.S. Mom, you would love it here because it’s mostly Elders so when we sing hymns they sound fabulous.
P.P.S. I was assigned to be Senior Companion tonight.
Mom, Dad & Family,
I Love You! When you read this, go to the cupboard and break out that Sangria that’s hiding behind the nut chopper (If you haven’t already done so).
My companion is Sister Derricott. I want to be her. I love her so much. We get along seamlessly. She is 24 & graduated from BYU-I a couple of years ago. Super independent – we go so well together. She’s essentially the apex of cool, not to mention gorgeous. She’s going to Tokyo as well so we will be pretty familiar with each other by the time our mission ends. Her dad lives/works in Tokyo now actually and she grew up there for a few years when she was really young so she knows a little Japanese. She’s got a great personality and long blond hair and a thin face.
The day you dropped me off was hectic. That night we (all the brand new missionaries) had a meeting and met our MTC President. He had everyone stand up when the place they were from was called out. When he called out Idaho I stood up. There were quite a few of us. Then he asked if any of us had milked cows. I raised my hand and so did 1 other sister. He had us come up to the front and tell everyone where we were from. The other sister hadn’t actually milked any cows, just raised calves, which still counts. Anyway, so then after I told everyone where I was from he told everyone to watch out because I know how to work hard. Then he said thanks & motioned to shake my hand. As we did so he faked a really weak handshake & then made fun of me for having such strong milker hands. . . I’ve been getting some funny looks since the whole thing was over.
Anyway, got to go. It’s so busy. I love you all!
Sister Waite
P.S. Mom, you would love it here because it’s mostly Elders so when we sing hymns they sound fabulous.
P.P.S. I was assigned to be Senior Companion tonight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)