Dear Fam-
Right now we are sitting in the temple lobby, waiting until we can go in to an Endowment session. This will be my first session in Japanese. We'll see how things go.
Yesterday I got a letter from Uncle Ethan and one from Grandma and Grandpa Waite. Uncle Ethan has a wonderful way with words doesn't he? It was so good to hear from both parties. Sounds like Nathan is doing good at Grandpa and Grandma's house.
Well, right now you are all on the HIKE! I hope. I've been thinking of you and what you might be doing and seeing this week. I know you'll all have the time of your lives whether or not things go as planned :). I'm remembering the hike Waldron's came on... oh wow. I think the Adin and Eve Waite Family motto should be, "We WILL have a fun time... Come hail or high water!" :) It's great to think of all the fun you are having together.
Well, today is the eve of my 22nd birthday. I don't feel much of anything about that. Tomorrow morning I'm going to wake up and open the presents in the package mom sent, and read all the cards and letters you've been sending for my birthday. Thanks so much everyone! And then I think I'll eat some oatmeal and raisins, and maybe some grapefruit and yogurt. Then we'll go about our usual day :) oh - for lunch I want to eat an apple. Other than that I don't expect it will be a very unusual day, which I'm kind of happy about. I haven't had much time to think about it actually.
Mom thanks for the letters from Cam. Sounds like he is doing great. This whole mission experience is just evidence to me that the Lord is serious when he says his purpose is to bring about the salvation of our souls! One of the first things I learned coming to Japan is that the Lord is just as interested in me as He is with my investigators, and He certainly isn't through with me even though I've already become a member of His church and received baptism. I've thought a lot, "The Lord isn't very good at picking effective people to share His message." Usually I'm thinking that when I realize how much I still have to learn about missionary work. I feel like I waste the Lord's time and resources because I'm still learning so much... why doesn't he just hire some professionals? Well, I've learned that it's because He wants me to become professional. He is just as interested in helping me become better through this opportunity as He is in my investigators accepting the gospel. WOW.
So we are out of the temple now. Actually while we were in the temple there was an earthquake... everything just went on as usual of course, but that's something I won't ever forget.
WOW - I just wish I had time to tell you each individually how much I love you. Thank you for all of your letters! Sister Hobbs at the mission office says I get more mail than anyone else - I'm SUPER lucky.
Miracle: on Friday we got a call from a person (we didn't know who) who wanted to meet us at the church the next day. We met and had a lesson and she has a baptismal date! Her name is Sumire and she's the most fabulous 18 year old I've ever met! Lots of faith. Anyway, gotta go. Just know how much I love you.
Love,
Waite Shimai
P.S. I just got Dad's letter about the TREK... wow! Sounds like it was quite the experience! I'm so excited for you all.
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