Great Ward

I have the best ward! I got up, got ready, got out the door, made it to church a lot earlier than usual (the lights were with me today) so I had a chance to cool down a lot before the meeting started, I greeted the members there, tried to chat a bit, and then the meeting started. Elder Norawong did his best to translate for me (as he usually does) and I appreciate it a lot. I know he feels badly because he's only been here since November and sometimes he just gets lost. But I always reassure him. It's the difference between knowing a few words and getting the gist of the talk and 50-80% of the material. It means a lot to me!

Then we had Sunday School. Fujimura-Kyodai read the English teaching manual because he knew I would be there. (I almost didn't go because I felt so sick this morning!) He said he only understood 40% of it, but I was touched that he went to such great lengths to try and include me. The lesson was on consecration and I had some promptings that helped me understand a little bit better what happened to get me to Japan. After church I was visit taught by Rika-Shimai and Fumie-Shimai. They were very nice and so sweet. I love my ward. I barely understand them and I often feel overwhelmed at how little I am able to communicate on my own with them, but I can tell they love me and that means SO much to me. On the way out, Hoshino-Kaicho caught me and asked me about a calling. So yay! The week after next (next week is branch conference) I will get a calling! YAY! I'm so excited! :D

After the meetings I got to Skype with Nod, my Maman, my Papa, Angèle, and Adri. It was so nice to talk to them. We told funny stories and about what was going on in our respective lives.

Then I pedaled home, cooled down, read for a little bit, and cooked my lunches for the week. I just took a shower (to help cool off) and then here I am. I am fairly stressed about how this week will turn out. I'm trying to have faith. I keep praying in my heart that the Lord will help me to use my time wisely so that I will be prepared to teach all my classes. Being in Japan has really made those verses about prayer in Alma 34 very meaningful for me. I've had concerns and wanted some specific help and been prompted to ask for the things that I need and to constantly express gratitude for the small blessings I receive. I say it often, but it's true: God is good. (Really He's much more than good, but the aliteration and the phrase are nice - and recognizable so others usually will agree quickly). I hope you all have a wonderful Sabbath (enjoy stake conference family!). XOXO, A

the key in my plan to survive the summer