Weird things that change in your mind while serving a mission in Japan (or anywhere, I don't really know the difference since I only have experience serving in Japan):
1. Suddenly, you can not stand ballpoint pens. Like, they are the absolute worst. How am I supposed to write in my planner with those? Who can I draw Kanji? I now have the preference of .38 frixion pens, but .4 will suffice. What is wrong with me? It's so pretencious!!
2. You pray as you're riding your bike that the light at the middle of the hill will turn red so that you can catch your breathe. If you have to do that whole hill in one motion, you're walking the second half while your Japanese companion zips by on her ELECTRIC bike.
3. The commandment you struggle with the most is coveting your companion's electric bike and super cool handheld translator. Gosh, you could do a lot of cool stuff with that translator.
4. The mission rule that's hardest to follow is not going to expensive hair salons. Is it so bad to want a really great shampoo and layering?
5. I have a new love for doing the dishes. You wanna know why? It's because if I'm doing the dishes, it means my Japanese companion just cooked an incredible gourmet Japanese meal. And I am loving that. I mean, I should really learn how to cook, but doing the dishes is fun too, right?
6. You eating a spoonful of peanut butter is just as weird to your companion as her eating dried squid is weird to you. But at least peanut butter doesn't have eyes? I'm kidding, the squid was actually pretty delicious to tell you the truth.
7. Okay, so if someone called me beautiful at home, I would be flattered and thank them. Here, I am now like, straightup embarrassed! I refuse the compliments and point out my fautls. In America, I would say that is a lack of confidence. in Japan, that' s just how things are! Plus, the Japanese are super polite so when they say beautiful it makes me so self concisous.
8. Marriage is a JOKE. We had this incredible conference with Elder David Evans from the 70 and he talked to us about how marriage is the next step. We all laughed hysterically. Like this was an episode of SNL or something. He wasn't kidding. The only people who weren't laughing were the people who were catching their flights home that day. They knew the reality and the pressure that would come. Poor kids.
9. Soooo they announced that we might get ipads in our mission, and I couldn't help but be a little disappointed in the lack pizazz with which it occurred. Where is the confetti cannon? Oprah? Sparklers? Music blasting from speakers we can't see? I think I might miss reality tv too much :)
10. Finally, I never expected that I would grow so attached to the people I am working with. The missionaries, the ward members, the investigators, and the English students are all huge influences in my life! They help me see things from different perspectives, and everyday are so supportive! It's funny, because a lot of missionaries work in ways that I honestly can't see myself doing. But then I see that they are not bad missionaries. They are good missionaries who love with all their hearts and serve the way they best know. I learn from each person I work with, and I realize every day my need for improvement.
That's about it! Some funny things I've noticed and wanted to share :) Life is good, and there is so much to be thankful for. Don't forget at this time of year to count your blessings and thank God for them. He is the reason we are here, and it is only through His Son Jesus Christ that we can repent and progress every day. I need
愛しています!
ファイスト 姉妹
I love you!
Sister Feist
1. Suddenly, you can not stand ballpoint pens. Like, they are the absolute worst. How am I supposed to write in my planner with those? Who can I draw Kanji? I now have the preference of .38 frixion pens, but .4 will suffice. What is wrong with me? It's so pretencious!!
2. You pray as you're riding your bike that the light at the middle of the hill will turn red so that you can catch your breathe. If you have to do that whole hill in one motion, you're walking the second half while your Japanese companion zips by on her ELECTRIC bike.
3. The commandment you struggle with the most is coveting your companion's electric bike and super cool handheld translator. Gosh, you could do a lot of cool stuff with that translator.
4. The mission rule that's hardest to follow is not going to expensive hair salons. Is it so bad to want a really great shampoo and layering?
5. I have a new love for doing the dishes. You wanna know why? It's because if I'm doing the dishes, it means my Japanese companion just cooked an incredible gourmet Japanese meal. And I am loving that. I mean, I should really learn how to cook, but doing the dishes is fun too, right?
6. You eating a spoonful of peanut butter is just as weird to your companion as her eating dried squid is weird to you. But at least peanut butter doesn't have eyes? I'm kidding, the squid was actually pretty delicious to tell you the truth.
7. Okay, so if someone called me beautiful at home, I would be flattered and thank them. Here, I am now like, straightup embarrassed! I refuse the compliments and point out my fautls. In America, I would say that is a lack of confidence. in Japan, that' s just how things are! Plus, the Japanese are super polite so when they say beautiful it makes me so self concisous.
8. Marriage is a JOKE. We had this incredible conference with Elder David Evans from the 70 and he talked to us about how marriage is the next step. We all laughed hysterically. Like this was an episode of SNL or something. He wasn't kidding. The only people who weren't laughing were the people who were catching their flights home that day. They knew the reality and the pressure that would come. Poor kids.
9. Soooo they announced that we might get ipads in our mission, and I couldn't help but be a little disappointed in the lack pizazz with which it occurred. Where is the confetti cannon? Oprah? Sparklers? Music blasting from speakers we can't see? I think I might miss reality tv too much :)
10. Finally, I never expected that I would grow so attached to the people I am working with. The missionaries, the ward members, the investigators, and the English students are all huge influences in my life! They help me see things from different perspectives, and everyday are so supportive! It's funny, because a lot of missionaries work in ways that I honestly can't see myself doing. But then I see that they are not bad missionaries. They are good missionaries who love with all their hearts and serve the way they best know. I learn from each person I work with, and I realize every day my need for improvement.
That's about it! Some funny things I've noticed and wanted to share :) Life is good, and there is so much to be thankful for. Don't forget at this time of year to count your blessings and thank God for them. He is the reason we are here, and it is only through His Son Jesus Christ that we can repent and progress every day. I need
愛しています!
ファイスト 姉妹
I love you!
Sister Feist