at Subway and a really good curry place but other than that I would
have to say it was my 20th favorite birthday of my life so far. We
have a plan to visit all the former investigators that we have an
address for before I am transferred (don't worry, transfer calls came
and we are staying here together for another six weeks) so we had
three in a city called Gotemba that was thirty minutes away by train.
Along the way though, we planned to stop at a couple of different
stations to visit a couple less actives who probably haven't been
visited in ten years. So, we ate lunch after transfer calls and then
drove to the station, packed up our bikes, and went on the train.
First we went a station too far so we had to wait another thirty
minutes for another train to take us back. Then we go for a half hour
walk to have the less active to find nothing and then walk back.
Another less active we visited after another long walk was there but
wanted nothing to do with us. We go to the bigger city of Gotemba,
get hard-core rejected by another less active, and then visit an
investigator. Our investigator whenever we called for another
appointment had said he only wanted to meet with us if I came alone
but I told him we can't. So, in order to hear the reason, we made the
trip. He gives us a reason but it is over my head so I ask him to
clarify but then he gets a little frustrated and shuts the door as he
said to come back alone. So some hard core rejections, a
heart-breaking confrontations with a now former investigator, a couple
lost trains. It might be my fault though since I think most people
that move far away from the missionaries do it for a reason.
I did get a good birthday present from my bishop though! He called
Saturday morning to give me a talk in sacrament meeting the next day!
The topic was family traditions which is weird because the English
Class we teach had the topic of family and then Priesthood was on
family and so the Gospel Principle Lesson we taught. So I learned
some good vocab I hadn't before. It got me thinking a bit though. As
a missionary elders have different opinions on their families back
home. Some try to shut them out so they can focus on dendo. Others
are too over-occupied about them and aren't on the task at hand. Some
simply forget about them because they become so busy with
investigators and other things. It was a good reminder for me of the
importance of families. Not saying I would necessarily forget them
but they were all kind of out on the back burner.
Prepping for the talk and giving it reminded me how essential families
are. Not just in birthing and giving them food in the early years but
in the impact they have in general. I used the analogy of missionary
Dads in my talk. When missionaries are out trainer, their new
missionary is their son. So I am Elder Silva Dad. If I sleep in,
don't cook ever, and never dendo, it will be a lot harder for him to
learn how to be a good missionary. If I am a good example, then he
will be able to more easily become a good missionary himself. So it
is with parents. I also think showing the. Love is important too. I
tried to show in my talk that even though the Japanese are the most
busiest people on Earth, they still have the time to show their family
love and support. He told them about how my Dad would wake up early
to go to work at five and come home at 7, having hiked most of the
day. When he got back, he'd be tired and only wanting to rest. I on
the other hand wanted to exercise and play some basketball so I'd beg
for him to go out and play. Only now as a trainer who wants to do
nothing but email on Pday while my bean wants to party so I see how
some days he wouldn't want to. But, nevertheless, he would take 20 or
30 minutes to come outside and shoot some hoops. Now looking back, I
can see how much that strengthened our relationship and how that was
an act of love for sacrifices our time.
So I'm grateful for the good example my parents and other relatives
have left with me. I probably wouldn't be over here in Japan if it
wasn't for those forced scripture readings at night as a family, those
groggy prayers before seminary or those Family Home Evenings during
Monday Night Football. No families are perfect and everyone has made
mistakes but I am sure blessed and grateful to have a good family.
Even if you haven't had the best family you can all change that for
your family by being that good parent, spouse, or sibling. I don't
think as many people would be in trouble in life or leave the church
if we all tried to be the best family member. I testify that the
family is where everything starts and that God places us in families
to bless his children. Harold B. Lee once taught, The most important
of the Lord's work you will ever do will be within the walls of your
own homes. I think the best thing we can do to help this ever
spinning-out-of-control world is to help build the strongest family
you can. Here is hoping I can do the best to strenghten the families
of the Numazu Ward and our investigators by preaching them the gospel.
Everyone have a great week and tell your families you love them!
Love you Mom and Dad and the bunch!
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