Elder Jacob Matthew Preciado Kobe, Japan 2014-2016: Japan Week 5!

Pretty good, crazy, yet anther fast week. Where is time going!?!

Tuesday was the weirdest day I’d say out of all of them. Started out with our normal study and day prep, and we were going to visit all our neighbors! NONE OF THEM WERE HOME. Lame sauce. So me and my companion journeyed on our bikes to this older less active lady (probably took about 40 minutes to get there) and we then found out she wasn’t feeling good! We offered a blessing but she said no sorry, come another time. So we felt like we rode hecka far for nothing it felt like, but at least good exercise right!. So we headed back home.

Oh on my P-day, me and my companion stopped at a music shop, this old really small music shop. We asked the lady if they had any Ocarinas, a flute style instrument. I really wanted to get one! She said no but they could order them into the shop and showed us this catalog filled with Ocarinas all ranging from 80-120 plus dollars. So i said nope, can’t afford that! Then this other lady from the back comes out. WAIT!! I have one!! She brings out this little Ocarina and says it is really old version but is still a really good one. It was 70 bucks, but she kept apologizing. I’m sorry it’s an old version I’m really sorry. I’m really sorry! I kept saying it is fine, I’ll keep looking and she still kept saying I’m sorry! I’m sorry! and then ended up giving it to me for 30 bucks. SCORE! I am already learning a couple of songs like “Hie to Kolob” on it. Great Preparation day activity! I love it!

Oh and on our way out i see this turtle crossing the street. I am thinking it was about to die! So i had to save it! Although I didn't know what to do with it because there was no water sources around. So i gave it to these two small elementary kids and said here take this guy and go nuts! Bye! Hopefully that little guy is doing good :) after that we started becoming really successful with the work. Contacting people, finding those we needed to and such. Then ended the day with a zumba class at the church! Solid day! haha!

Got to watch General Conference finally and man was that an amazing experience. you may think its the same, but there’s something about being a missionary and listening to the words of our prophets that made it that much more amazing. I received lots of good guidance and revelation! My favorite talk was by Tad R. Callister. Made me think of you Dad! And all the things you’ve taught me growing up and how you’ve helped shape me into the man and missionary i am now. Talk made me cry for how much appreciation i have for you. Thanks Dad i love you!

We also went on another Companionship exchange with Elder Wilkin from Australia. Got stuff done! It was just a really, really fun and great experience all around. After that I had an Interview with President Welch, and he taught me so much regarding my questions. Doctrinal questions about 1 Nephi 11. I advise you to think about what you felt or learned last week, and reread …truly pondering and thinking about what it is YOU desire to understand. I found out that the way the spirit teaches Nephi, is the way I should be teaching my investigators. Teaching them as far as they can learn, little by little until they’re ready! I’m excited to apply that doctrine!

And to top of the entire week, yesterday was the 祭り！ (Matsuri)… Which is a festival they hold after the yearly harvest. To show gratitude and thanks! Saturday night as they prepped for it, We went to check out what they were doing, and this guy comes up to us and says please join us tomorrow! Represent our district! So the next day he dressed us in a Hapi and put us in the festival! I got to participate in carrying a flippin heavy Danjiri with a ton of small Japanese guys. Tons of flutes and drums playing everywhere! Alot of them were amazed and and they all flipped out! Especially when i said i was 18! Because it was such a success, they invited us to their big meal later that night (which is a very very rare opportunity for not just us but anyone) and got to meet everyone and talk and enjoy food with them. When we had to get up and leave everyone was cheering so loud and just loved us! Such a cool Experience! We noticed that now we have a good image of us elders in the neighborhood, we can easily start teaching these people. Perfect Missionary opportunity!! So pumped! Now my shoulders are jacked up and bruised from the festival but I don’t care cause it was a great experience :)!!

For this week I want you all to think about the words we heard from the prophets this past weekend. Really take into your hearts and heed to their words because they spoke the words of our loving Heavenly Father. Think of ways to apply it to your life! I testify that when you do, the things you may be dealing with will be lightened. I think of one of m favorite scriptures, Isaiah 41:13. “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee’ fear not; I will help thee”. God is there for us and he cares about YOU. Remember to always pray and study the Book of Mormon and your scriptures!

Can’t wait to talk to you and tell you about next week! I had a really good week with many great lessons. Next week will be even better! I love you all! :)

プレ氏アド長老

Elder Preciado