All good things must end...

Back Row: Sister Nagano, Elders Ogata-Higashi-DiCastri-Tsuchida-Bennett and President Nagano
Front Row: Sisters Hakes-Cook-Gushiken and Crandall

Preparing the last meal... 

Eating the last meal... 

-With President Nagano

Signing the Mission Quilt

終わり

Matsudo Zone Conference - September 2016

Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you know, I will be returning to America this week. I will no longer be using this email, so I would encourage you all to send emails to my personal email account, ameliacrandall@gmail.com, from now on.

Also, I will be speaking in Sacrament Meeting this coming Sunday. You are welcome to come hear me bear testimony.

Lehi 49th ward

Sunday September 18, 2016  1:00 pm

3180 N 300 W

Lehi, UT 84043

Thank you all for your continued support!

With love, Crandall Shimai

クランダル姉妹より

LAST LETTER FROM SISTER CRANDALL'S DAD...

Dearest Crandall Shimai and my beloved family:

This my last Hapa email to Crandall Shimai as before next Sunday she'll be removing the nametag and become as one of us -- a non-set apart member of the Church.

I will miss hearing about your adventures, hardships, good and interesting experiences from Japan. We'll miss the dropping in of Japanese words which make no sense to us but mean the world to you.

I'll miss seeing your face as you eat foods that may be strange to us but have become the norm for you (at least to see and smell). Maybe we'll do sushi if you're up to it...

I'll miss the anticipation of waking up most Monday mornings hoping there will be a message from you with a pic or video letting us know you're okay and happy.

I'll also miss your Mom's counting down the days to Mother's Day or Christmas so we can speak with you live... (Five days from now we'll hold you in our arms!)

I'll miss enjoying the videos and hearing your fluency in Japanese and your obvious love for the people over in that part of our Father's kingdom.

Those are some of the things I'll miss. I have a few "I suppose" thoughts about the next few days and next week.

I suppose you'll be staying in the mission home with the President's family and with the other returning missionaries. You'll have great lasting memorable experiences with Pres. & Sis. Nagano who've taken such great care of you. You'll likely shed some tears of joy and sorrow for the separation you'll have to endure.

I suppose you'll get one more chance to go through theTokyo temple. You'll also receive a new recommend from Pres. Nagano.

You may have the chance to see some places you didn't have the time to see, or didn't get to see because of mission rules, etc. It'll make you love Japan even more.

You'll get the chance to say good bye to a few lucky people still on your list. They're lucky because they got to know and love the girl we've known all along.

I suppose you'll get on a plane with excitement and sadness Friday. Sad because it's not an easy thing to just get on a plane and go back without some serious planning and resources. Sad because you'll miss the people and the good experiences. You'll be excited because your big life is so ahead of you.

You'll be excited to see your mom --  she's really relaxed (NOT!) about your return. I'm excited. I just don't show it like she does...

You'll be excited to see the Rah and meet Danny. You'll be completely different than the way Sarah described you to him. That's okay, you two have been apart for years and you've changed.

You'll be excited to unite with Darci again. She's still the great sis and she has grown so much in many wonderful ways. You'll like the condo she's rented and shares with sisters...

You'll be especially excited to see Claire who's all growed up, kinda. She adores Darci and "forces" her to do all kinds of things with her... She'll be that way with you too. You'll love Jessica! She'll be afraid at first and then she'll warm up. You'll also love getting together with Robert & Linds.

Honu has missed you and will be thrilled to have you back!

I suppose you'll be curious about what our Father has in store for you. Just like your mission you'll have to allow Him to disclose it one day at a time. Know that your best days are in front of you. We so look forward to being there for some of them.

Just in case you've forgotten what I look like I've attached a recent photo of me. I hope you know that this father couldn't be more proud of the service you've rendered. You have blessed our family since you departed.

Our Heavenly Father would certainly say: well done thou good and faithful daughter!

This week will be a roller coaster of emotions -- most of them good. We look forward to embracing you this Friday evening and welcoming you home.

Love, Hapa

Lessons Learned in the Temple

Dearest Family:

This week was just perfect.  It was so special.  I had the opportunity to go to the temple with Miki, and it really was the best day ever.  I've looked forward to going to the temple with Miki for my entire mission, and it was so amazing to finally be able to go!  As I sat in the endowment with her, I had this overwhelming feeling that my mission was successful.  I've had a lot of ups and downs on my mission, a lot of miracles and trials, but through it all I feel that I was able to give my all to the Lord.  I was able to give Him my whole will, and because of that my mission has changed me.  I would not be who I am today if not for my mission.

I'm so grateful for all the people I have met on my mission, for the wonderful friends I've made and the many people I've been able to talk to.  I learned so much about myself and about how to open up to others.  I've learned a great deal about charity, and what I need to do to become more like my Savior.  I've learned so much more than I could possibly write, and I know that I will continue to learn more throughout my life.

I love Japan.  I love the people, the land, the culture, and even the bugs.  I love being here, and I will miss everything when I go home.  But, I know that the Lord has so much more in store for me, and I look forward to seeing and experiencing it all.

I love you all so much!  Thank you for your continued support throughout the last year and a half.  I look forward to when we can reunite as brethren and sisters in the Lord.

I know this church is true!  I know that He is the Way to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.  I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, my Savior.  I am grateful for living day prophets and continuing revelation.  I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the light that it brings into my life.

With love, Crandall Shimai

つくば祭り

Dearest Family,

We had zone conference this last week, and it was really weird to be one of the returning missionaries and to bear my testimony.  I actually cried during my testimony, which makes me think that maybe I will be just like my mom.  (*^^*)

On Saturday we had a kubarikai with the ward.  Only a few people showed up, but it was still fun.  Since it was raining and no one was on the streets, we just posted the apartments near the college. Afterwards there was a ward party, and we ate Nagashi Soumen in the church's parking lot.  They set up bamboo that they ran water through so that they could send noodles and stuff down for everyone to eat. That was a terrible description, so I'll send a video.

After the party, we went with Misaki (recent convert) and Yuuka (investigator) to the Tsukuba Matsuri and watched the parade.  It was so cool!  The taiko drums were amazing, and the Omikoshi were so beautiful.  Whenever I see so much culture, I just feel like I want to live in Japan forever.

This week I have the opportunity to go with Miki, one of the first people I met when I came to Japan, to the temple for her to receive her endowment.  I am so grateful for the relationship I have been able to build with her.  I am grateful for her example and for her diligence in the Gospel.  She is such an amazing person!  I am so excited for her to make eternal covenants with her Father in Heaven.

I love the temple!  I love the blessings and knowledge we can receive there.  I look forward to going more regularly when I return home.

I love you all!  Have a fantastic week!

Love, Crandall Shimai

札幌神殿奉献式

Dearest Family,

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate via broadcast in the Sapporo Shinden dedication! It was an amazing experience! Elder Stevenson conducted the meeting in Japanese, and President Whiting was able to share his thoughts in Japanese as well. I feel like that was very special for the Japanese people. President Nelson (I love him) spoke in English, and was so excited to speak that he often cut off his translator. It was a very special meeting. I was happy to use the white handkerchief I brought from home for the temple dedication in the Hosanna Shout. It was interesting doing it in Japanese. I memorized the lyrics for The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning in Japanese, but was disappointed when we only sang two verses. It was a really great experience though, and I felt an even greater bond with Japan. I will truly miss this place and these people so much.

We've had a lot of rain these last few days (taifuu season), and the other day we saw a rainbow! It was pretty large. I can't remember the last time I've seen a rainbow.

Yesterday we watched The Restoration video (the hour long one) with Yuuka. It kept skipping and freezing, which was probably Satan's fault. It was still really powerful though. We should be meeting with her parents in a week or two.

I am so grateful for Joseph Smith, that even at such a young age he thought so deeply about religious things and was willing to stand by the answers he received. I cannot think of anyone more courageous or more steady than him. Truly, 「Joseph Smith has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. 」I am so grateful for his example and for his many sacrifices. I know that he was foreordained to be the prophet of the Restoration. I know that he truly did see God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, in the Sacred Grove. I know that he received all of the Priesthood keys necessary for our salvation, and I know that we still have those keys today.

I love you all! Crandall Shimai より

筑波山

Dearest Family and Friends,

My father complained that I did not say more about Sister Hill, so I guess I'll write just a little bit more.

Sister Hill is from Sandy, Utah, the third of four children.  She is super funny and already has a deep love for the people here.  She works hard and is unafraid to try new things.  She's really sweet and a huge support to me.  I am so grateful for her, and I know that she will see so many miracles throughout her mission!

This last week was 山の日、or Mountain Day!  It was the first annual Mountain Day, so we decided to organize a ward activity where we all go hike 筑波山 Mount Tsukuba together!  Only two people came, but it was still way fun.  It was my first time hiking it, and my legs have been ゼリー since.

We ate dinner at a little pond last week, and we had fun playing with the duck and looking at all the turtles.  I'll attach some pictures.

As it is summer break, a lot of our time has been spent teaching English to all of the kids who are out of school.  It has been a lot of fun.

Today is Obon, my favorite holiday.  As you may remember from last year, it is a holiday celebrating (or honoring, I guess) our ancestors.  The Japanese people believe that during this time of year, the Spirit World is closer to the earth, so everyone goes to their graves and prays to their ancestors.  I am so grateful for my ancestors and their choices.  I would not be where I am today, with a knowledge of the restored gospel, if it weren't for my ancestors' decisions.  I look forward to when I can truly embrace the Spirit of Elijah, find my ancestors, and perform saving ordinances in their behalf.  I know that families are forever!

I love you all!  Please be safe!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Lastborn in the Wilderness...

Dearest Family & Friends... This is Sister Hill!

Sisters Hill & Crandall with the Naganos

Arriving Missionaries 8/2/2016

Note from Crandall Shimai's mission president:

​Brother Crandall,

Thank you for your kind message. We love Sister Crandall very much and she has been one of the most trustworthy sisters we have had in our mission. She loves the Lord, the gospel, her companions and the people in Japan. We have asked her to train again and she is doing a wonderful job. Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter of God!

Best regards,

永野　卓司
日本東京伝道部　会長
161-0031東京都新宿区西落合4丁目25-12

Takuji Nagano
President
Japan Tokyo Mission
4-25-12 Nishiochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 161-0031

Training Part 3

Dearest loved ones,

This last week has been crazy. My dear companion returned home early because of health issues, leaving a hole in my heart.  反田姉妹はイエスキリスト以外に一番素晴らしい宣教師です。これから頑張って下さい！愛してるよ〜💙！

I transferred to Kamagaya and worked with Fukuda Shimai, a transfer one missionary, for a week. Tomorrow I will be returning to Tsukuba with a new missionary - my third!  If I count the two that I've follow up trained, I guess I can say I have five trainees. :3 genealogy!

I'm pretty excited to be training my last transfer.  I look forward to all of the miracles we will see together during my last six weeks.  Although I've been in Kamagaya for the last week, I've been able to plan a lot of things for next week, so hopefully my bean has a great first week in the mission.  I'm excited for how things will go this next transfer. I really want to make things happen!

I love you all!  I know this church is Christ's restored church! I know that there are living prophets on the earth today.  I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God, and that it is the most correct of any book on Earth.  As I've studied the Book of Mormon, I've come to learn that the more knowledge we have, the greater capacity we have to feel - happiness, sorrow, love, pain.  Knowledge gives us a greater ability to choose.  I want to strive harder to increase my knowledge so as to become more like my Savior.

Have a fantastic week!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Pokemon Go!!

Dearest Family and Friends,

It has been another busy week!  Sadly, as I near the end of my mission I really have no more desire to write emails.  I'll be home in a few weeks anyway, right?  So, you get another short email this week.

We met with Yuuka and watched Meet the Mormons together!  I love that movie.  I was very close to tears at several parts.  Wow, maybe my heart is opening?  That would be great.  I'm tired of being a rock all the time.

We had interviews this past week, and President Nagano already told me my transfer call for next week... It's a secret, though.

A member brought four friends to church.  That was unexpected.  But it was fun to have the chance to participate in the English class.

I had the time to study a little bit about Joseph Smith this past week.  It's hard to get answers among all the turmoil of life, all the chaos of the world.  With so many wars of opinions out there, it's hard to focus, but as we take some quiet time and turn ourselves over to the Lord, we can find amazing things.  We can realize that what is right and what is wrong is actually really clear.

I love you all!

Love, Crandall Shimai

bless4!

Dearest Family and Friends,

We learned this last week that Meet the Mormons 2 came out in America (you can see it at Temple Square and in the visitors centers).  We saw a promotional video of bless4 singing I am a Child of God for it on facebook.  Woohoo!  I'm way excited to see it. Let it be known that Sister Crandall liked bless4 before they appeared in Meet the Mormons.

This last week was good.  I really enjoyed going to the temple.  We were able to meet with Yuuka Shimai twice this last week, and we finished all of the lessons with her!  Now we just wait for her to talk with her father and get his support.  She's so ready, though, and she really wants to be baptized!

I know that this is the Lord's work.  He is constantly guiding us. Even in our moments of weakness, He is there supporting us.

I love you all!  Have a great week!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Sister Amelia Crandall

Japan Tokyo Mission

4-25-12 Nishi Ochiai

Shinjuku-ku Tokyo-to 161-0031

Japan

Temple PDay

Dearest Family and Friends,

It has been a fun week!  We met with Yuuka san again and taught the Plan of Salvation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I got this picture from Tanda Shimai.  We took it last Sunday when we taught her the Restoration.

Today was temple PDay!  I always love going to the temple!  It was crazy seeing so many missionaries that will be gone next transfer.

As I've been studying the Book of Mormon these past few weeks, the Christlike attributes of knowledge and virtue have really stood out to me.  I believe that it is as we grow in knowledge we grow in our ability to exercise agency, and as we choose to fill our lives with that which is good, then we will find true joy.  I encourage you all to fill your lives with those things and those people that matter most!  Never lose sight of your eternal potential!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Life and Death

Dearest Family,

Wow, it suddenly got really hot this last week.  And it's not even summer yet.  I don't know what I'm going to do.  Probably just evaporate or something.

Our area has suddenly found new life.  We got a referral last week from a girl in Canada, who will actually be coming to this mission as a new missionary in September (when I go home).  Her friend did a study abroad in Canada for a year, and requested to meet with the missionaries here.  Having only an address, we visited this girl, and miraculously she was home!  She was shocked that we had come so fast, and upon talking with her we learned that while she was in Canada she had received all of the missionary lessons and wanted to be baptized.  Wow, it's like the Lord just handed us a kinjin.  She came to church yesterday and we set a baptismal date for July 24th.

As for the death part of the email title... on Sunday morning, we opened the door to leave the apartment and were shocked.  There was blood on the walkway and feathers everywhere!  I think a pigeon got attacked by a crow early in the morning, leaving behind a bunch of feathers and few other remains.

I'm sorry, I'm sure you all wanted to know that.  We cleaned up most of the feathers and decided the blood stains on the ground aren't worth the effort.

I've come to love the Book of Mormon even more this last week; something which I didn't think was possible.  It's amazing how every time I read the scriptures, my love for them grows.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true!  I know that through that book we can draw closer to our Savior!

I love you all!  Have a fantastic 4th of July!

Love, Crandall Shimai

I'm Gonna Die!!

One of the English phrases I taught to my new companion this last week J

Dearest Loved Ones,

This last week has been so amazing!  After saying goodbye to Sister Burke, I went to the Honbu to pick up my new companion.  Her name is Sister Tanda, and I first met her in Kisaradzu when she returned home early from her mission in Koube for medical reasons.  She will be in the Tokyo Mission for two transfers, and then will be returning to her mission in Koube.  She is at transfer six right now, so I'm not actually training, but it has still been a lot of fun.

Tanda & Crandall Shimai with President & Sister Nagano

We saw a crazy miracle on Thursday.  One of our Eikaiwa students brought a friend, and upon finding that it was too hard for her, Tanda Shimai offered that we teach a private English lesson.  She said that we would like to share a gospel message as well, and the lady readily agreed!  It was a miracle!

We've been praying really hard to teach a family.  We are both determined to find and baptize a family before I go home in September.  Well, yesterday at church, a member came and got us during Sunday School and told us that a mother and her daughter had come to church!  We were confused but, come to find out, the mother that has been bringing her three year old daughter to children's Eikaiwa every week decided she wanted to see what church was like.  We went to nursery together, and then afterwards we shared a short message about God with her and then set up expectations to meet with her and her husband before kodomo eikaiwa to talk about what we believe!  I am so excited to see where things go!

I'd like to invite you all to read President Eyring's talk from April 2003, “A Child and a Disciple.”  I truly believe that there are people all over the world who are prepared to hear the Gospel!  I know that we can all share the Gospel, no matter our strengths or weaknesses.

I love you all!  Please be safe this week!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Training, Round 2

Dearest Family and Friends,

As expected, I will be training this transfer, and probably for the rest of my mission!  I am so excited to have this opportunity to work with bean faith again!  I love training.  I'll meet my new companion this Wednesday at the Honbu.

This last week, our zone had a goal to prayerfully drop those investigators that were not progressing.  As we have had zero focus investigators all transfer, we decided to prayerfully choose which less actives to stop focusing so much attention on.  We've been able to narrow our list down to five names, and this last week we had WAY more time for finding.  I've never cared much for housing (I've always preferred street contacting), but I finally bit the bullet and we spent most of the week knocking doors.  On Saturday, we prayed and decided to go house around one of our investigator's (Okay, so I guess we do have investigators?  They just never meet with us because everyone here is too busy) apartments.  It was a small neighborhood, and we didn't have too much time, but we found two women who said we could come back later (they were too busy right then) and a man who was WAY interested in learning more.  He came out of his house to talk to us (usually people just talk to us through their interphones) and asked me for the Restoration pamphlet I was holding!  We're hoping that we can teach his whole family so that we don't have to refer him to the elders... We decided to go back yesterday, and we knocked a few more doors.  We found another woman who said we could come back later, and we found ANOTHER man who was way interested in religion!  We even set up expectations that we are going to come back with a friend.  We gave him a Restoration Pamphlet to prepare, and we invited him to include his whole family.  In this little neighborhood of 20-30 homes, we found three women who said we could come back later and two solid men who are interested in learning more!  I think we're going to go back again when we can.

We found another lady this last week.  Her name is Lyne, and she is from Laos.  She was way interested in church, and she really wants us to meet her sons (probably to help with English...).  Hopefully we can meet with her again before she moves back to America at the end of this month...

Yesterday we had Stake Conference, but it was really interesting.  The first thirty minutes we heard from the Stake President via broadcast from Matsudo, and then we watched a broadcast of Elder Bednar and some other general authorities.  It was really new, and it was amazing to me to see how technology allows us to be connected all over the world.

I am so grateful every day for the opportunity I have to be in Japan at this time.  I know that this place is so ready for the Gospel.  I feel that the people are just waiting for someone to invite them!  I know that as we invite others to come unto Christ, we are fulfilling our missionary purposes, whether as full time missionaries or as member missionaries.

Have a fantastic week!

Love, Crandall Shimai

救いと贖いの主。。。

Dear Family and Friends,

Sorry, I'm short on time today!  I just want you all to know that I love you!  We were able to talk to a lot of people this last week, which was great.  I have really enjoyed working with members here in Tsukuba.  The members here are stellar.

On Sunday we sang Savior, Redeemer of My Soul in Japanese in Sacrament Meeting.  It was really beautiful, and I really felt the Spirit.  We sang with a member, Yoshie Shimai.  She is going back to BYU this week.  Her friend came to hear us sing, and it was fun to watch as Yoshie Shimai helped her friend understand what was going on during the meeting and then gave her a Book of Mormon all marked up and beautiful.  She's a natural.

I know the church is true!  I know that God answers our prayers!  Just keep trusting Him!  Heaven is cheering you on!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Here's a Joke for you!  How do you turn water into ice in one second?

...like this!     水 ーー＞ 氷

Barbecue

Dearest Family and Friends,

I'm pretty sure my email titles get lamer every week.

Wow, this last week went a lot better than the week before! Mostly because we were actually in our own area this week. We've met with a lot of less actives, and we're slowly but surely working through all of the PIs in the area book.

We were able to visit a member referral this last week. She actually doesn't live in our area, but we got permission from President Nagano to visit her since the member was willing to drive us and go with us. This woman is from Taiwan, and she talked our ears off. We asked if we could share a short message, and she said she was too tired; then continued to talk our ears off. It was pretty amusing. She excitedly accepted a Chinese Book of Mormon, and we left a Plan of Salvation pamphlet with her. I'm excited to see how things go with her.

There was a barbecue at a members' home (the same member who gave us the referral) yesterday, and WOW their house is HUGE! It's big compared to American homes, which means it is GIANT here. The father is an architect, and the mother is an interior designer. It's a beautiful home. Anyway, we got there about an hour early, and they were shocked when we said we would go dendou around nearby. I think it made them really happy. Anyway, the barbecue was SO GOOD. I definitely ate too much food.

Crazy miracle: Yesterday, before church, we got a phone call from a number we didn't know. It was someone who had received a chirashi from us several weeks ago! He was asking if he could come to church... Well of course! He came, and then he even came to the barbecue afterward! It was way cool. Hopefully the elders can continue to meet with him.

The church is true! The work is true!

Have a great week everyone!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Sister Amelia Crandall

Japan Tokyo Mission

4-25-12 Nishi Ochiai

Shinjuku-ku Tokyo-to 161-0031

Japan

ゾーン大会 (Because everything looks cooler in Japanese)

Dearest Family and Friends,

Switching with Sister Tausinga!

This last week was really interesting.  We had surprise exchanges (I mentioned that last week, I think) and then temple PDay.  On Wednesday, Sister Burke got sick, so we were inside all day.  Thursday was Zone Conference, which was AMAZING!  All in all, we really only had Friday through Sunday to dendou here in Tsukuba.  It was kindof weird.  I'm excited to have a full week in my own area this week!

Zone Conference was all about how to feel the Spirit, how to receive revelation from God.  I got a lot of great insights the whole time - even during the prelude music!  I love to hear from President and Sister Nagano.  Whenever I am with them, it is confirmed to me that they are supposed to be my mission president and wife.  I am so grateful for them!  I am grateful for their revelation and their guidance for this mission.

I know that the church is true!  I know that God is our Heavenly Father!  I know that He leads and guides us.  I know that we have a living prophet today.  I am every grateful for continuing revelation from a Father who cares about each of us individually.  He knows what is best for each of us.  He is always there to take us by the hand. Remember, the first eternal truth is that God loves us!

I love you all!  Have a great week!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Sister Amelia Crandall

Japan Tokyo Mission

4-25-12 Nishi Ochiai

Shinjuku-ku Tokyo-to 161-0031

Japan

Matsudo Zone Conference

Matsudo Zone - May 2016

President & Sister Nagano

Temple Weekend

Dearest Family and Friends,

Wow, this last weekend was great!  I was able to go to Matsudo on Friday for Zone Meeting!  It was so great to be back in my first area!  I was so excited.  That church is so beautiful... I can't get over it.  It could probably be a temple.  We then had half day exchanges and I got to work with Sister Oda for a few hours!  It was way fun!

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to go with a recent convert in Tsukuba named Misaki to the temple to do baptisms!  It was my first time seeing the baptistry in the Tokyo Temple.  It was really small, but it felt so 懐かしい。It made me want to do baptisms every week again.  I was blessed to see a less active from Koshigaya there in the temple, Sano Shimai!  I love her so much, and I was grateful for the opportunity to visit with her for a minute.

We were informed on Saturday that the Sister Training Leaders had to change their exchange schedule, and we went back to Matsudo for exchanges on Monday!  I spent the day with my beloved Tausinga Shimai.  During my first transfer, we spent a lot of time together as our companions were both Sister Training Leaders.  It was fun to be back together again during Sister Tausinga's last transfer.  I was able to lead her all around as we visited with less actives and other members.  We surprised Miki at our Skype mogi lesson, and I had so much fun teaching her the Word of Wisdom.  That lesson stands out in my memory as the turning point in our lessons with Miki.  That was when she went from being another investigator to an actual progressing investigator.  It was really special to me to relive that moment.

Sister Burke & Sister Crandall

This morning we went to Tokyo and did a session in the temple!  I love being in the temple.  It is amazing now to be able to get insights from hearing it in a different language.  I know that the ordinances in the temple truly are necessary for our salvation.  This is God's plan.  The temple is where our families become eternal.  The temple will always have such a special place in my heart.

I love you all so much!  I am so grateful for all of your love and support!  Please continue to be safe.

Love, Crandall Shimai

PS:  Oh yeah, there was an earthquake last week.  Everyone has been writing about how big and scary it was... I didn't think it was that bad.  It seemed pretty short and not very destructive.  According to the members, it originated from Tsuchiura, which is a city in Tsukuba area.  Maybe it just wasn't as severe right in the epicenter?  I don't know.

Anyway, I love you all!

Tsukuba!

Dearest Family and Friends,

Konnichiha from Tsukuba!  I arrived here last Wednesday, and it was nice to see all of the plant life.  There's even a (small) mountain here called Tsukuba San.  We were supposed to hike it, but due to some problems with my ankles we had to cancel.

There aren't too many investigators here, but there are a bunch of daigakusei walking around!  I will talk to all of them!  I will find those who are prepared!

We had a Relief Society activity this last weekend, and it was nice to get a head start on learning names.  This ward is just a little smaller than Koshigaya ward. It shouldn't take too long to remember names.  I have already been impressed at how willing members are to drive us around.  We've already been able to visit with several less actives.  I am really looking forward to working here in Tsukuba.

Oh, I learned this last week that Tsukuba does have Kanji!  It's usually written as つくば、but it originally came from 筑波。I think that there are just so many foreigners at the college here that they probably changed it to the phonetic characters instead.

I am grateful every day for the opportunity I have to serve in this beautiful country.  I love the people, I love the culture.  I love the Gospel, and I know that there are those who are ready to receive me.

Have a great week!

Love, Crandall Shimai

Sister Amelia Crandall
Japan Tokyo Mission
4-25-12 Nishi Ochiai
Shinjuku-ku Tokyo-to 161-0031
Japan

つくば

Dearest Family and Friends,

With another transfer under my belt (except I guess I don't wear a belt... under my arm かな), I will be moving from Koshigaya to a new area!  I've been in Koshigaya for six months, so It'll be hard to leave.  But, at the same time, I am a little tired of all the ekis and roads in this little area.  I'll miss it, but I'm excited to go somewhere new!

As many of you may have guessed already (based on the title of my email), I have been transferred to つくば！ For those of you who don't speak or read the Celestial Language, I've been transferred to Tsukuba!  It's a part of Matsudo Stake, so for exchanges I'll be able to return to my beloved bean area!  I look forward to working with Sister Burke, a sweet sister who is deathly allergic to fish.  Sorry Dad, I probably won't come home loving sea food.

This last week was a lot of fun.  Miki, my recent convert from Matsudo, came to Koshigaya on Tuesday and we had lunch together!  It was so fun to talk with her.  She is currently a Relief Society teacher in Matsudo Ward, and she'll probably start taking the temple prep lessons soon!  She loves interacting with the sisters' investigators there.  I didn't know this, but Miki told me that to get baptized she changed jobs!  She wanted to be able to come to church every Sunday, so she quit working at the company where she was employed and started working somewhere with the expectation that she wouldn't have to work on Sundays.  She says that it's farther away, and it's a little 大変、but she loves being able to come to church every week.  I love Miki so much, and I look forward to going to the temple with her this August/September!

We had the Yamashita Kaichou conference this last week.  President Yamashita from the Asia North Area Presidency and his wife came and spoke to us about everything under the sun - from cleanliness to opening our mouths to loving our companions to having effective study... It was really insightful, but a little overwhelming.  He and his wife are both super adorable, though.

The next day we had MLC in Tokyo all day.  That was also really inspiring.  It was probably my last MLC of my mission though as I am no longer a Sister Training Leader and I will probably be training my last two transfers.

Saturday we had a youth activity, and only one youth came.  Shion kun is a trooper!  (yeah, his name is Shion, like Zion!)  There was also an investigator who brought a friend and a few single adults that came.  All in all, it was a fun activity.  I shared a short thought from the scriptures and then taught them a hula dance.  Sadly, none of the young women could come, but I feel like it was a success.

I'm so grateful for my mom!  Mom, I love you so much!  I hope that you had a wonderful Mother's Day.  Please know that I am always thinking of you and praying for you.  神よまた逢うまで!

I am ever grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, for His Atonement, and for His love.  I know that He lives.  I know that He loves me.  I know that He sacrificed Himself for me, that I can return to my Father in Heaven.  I am ever grateful for this important truth, that He loves us!

Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Crandall Shimai