Mom and Dad,
Good to hear you made it back from Hawaii safe and sound.
This last week it's been really nice weather wise, but it's been getting warmer
and I can definitely feel the humidity. It's been great on my skin, nose, and
eyes, but it definitely can become a bother when we're out dendo-ing. It's only
getting warmer from here on out too - joy! In Kochi there are some places we go
housing like you described, Dad. I'm not sure if there's anything that they're
called or referred too, though. But, there are also some more rural/inaka areas
too that we've gone housing in.
About the letter I sent you, it was a
picture drawn by one of the Eikaiwa students. She's an older lady who's really
energetic and speaks a lot and loudly. She's really nice though, and she drew a
picture of Elder Day and I and had everyone at class that day write a note about
us to send to our parents. I thought it was pretty funny, but
sweet.
It's been a good week. We've been blessed to find quite a few
Potential Investigators. We also visited a former investigator who wants to
keep meeting with us, and we called another former investigator who was too busy
to meet before but has a yasumi on Sundays now and would like to
meet.
It's been a bit concerning with our 17 year old yakusokusha. We
went out to eat with him this last
Friday night just to talk about his concerns and to talk to him
about receiving answers to prayers. He still hasn't asked his parents for
permission to be baptized. He's kind of scared of them - he says they have a
bad image about religion. That, and he and his parents don't have much of a
close relationship - not a bad relationship, but not good either. He also says
he hasn't felt that he's received a confirmation of the truth of The Book of
Mormon. But he is so solid and has so much faith. He really believes it's true
and Joseph Smith was a prophet. We pray hard for him and have faith that he'll
be able to receive an answer.
The other concern we have with him is being
able to meet with him and teach him all of the lessons - and more importantly
make sure he is converted to Jesus Christ before he is baptized. We were
supposed to meet with him yesterday and Saturday - but
he caught a cold and wasn't able to meet or come to church. Since he's busy
with school most other days, we had planned out when we would teach him things
so that he would be ready for baptism on Mother's Day. Even though these
problems have arisen, we are really trying to have faith. When President Zinke
announced the Mother's Day goal, it was clear it was a goal that he had received
revelation about - that every area in the mission could have a baptism on
Mother's Day. We trust that revelation and trust that the Lord will provide a
way for it to be fulfilled. We are going to do all we can and then trust and
have faith that the Lord will provide for the rest.
Lately I've been
studying the power of the Atonement. I started rereading the Book of Mormon
looking for and marking specific references to the Cleansing power which opens
the door to The Spirit and revelation, and the Enabling power which allows a
mortal man to accomplish and fulfill revelations and things beyond his own
power. It's interesting to see the pattern in just the first 7 chapters of
Nephi. Lehi receives a revelation, Nephi and His brothers go and do all they
can working with faith, and the Lord makes up the rest. The revelation is
fulfilled. It's truly how a missionary should work, I feel. Doing all we can
to be obedient, clean and worthy - allowing the Spirit to be within you to guide
every thought, word, and action. Receiving revelation for setting goals and
finding and teaching. Acting on that revelation with a belief that we'll be
able to accomplish it, and trusting that the Lord will make up what we can't
do. Then, seeing the miracles that take place as the Lord gathers His sheep.
It's an amazing privelege to be able to help in this work, and I hope to be able
to have the faith to work miracles according to the Lord's will.
I'm
happy and healthy. Sleeping well, and we've definitely got plenty to eat. Life
is good, dendo is great!
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013 - Week 15
Mom and Dad,
Do you realize that you both e-mailed me pretty much the same thing? We're in Hawaii going to awesome places, eating tons of delicious food and visiting with family and friends. Part of me was jealous when I read it, then I remembered I'm in Japan and I felt better again. Haha! I'm really glad to hear that travels have been safe so far and you're having a good time. Seems like the weather in Utah is still a bit less than Springtime-ish. Hope it warms up soon. The weather here has been pretty good lately. We got the okay to go without suit jackets, but we're still wearing them some days because it's been pretty cool lately.
It's transfers week, but I'm staying in Kochi with Elder Day. It's his last transfer, and my second. During weekly planning last week we discussed a lot about what we want to accomplish this next transfer. We really want to work hard. He wants me to learn and be ready for anything. Our mission is going to be experiencing plenty of growth over the next few months. It's possible I could train by my third of fourth transfer, or be with another third or fourth transfer missionary. It's so exciting to consider how much the Lord is hastening His work - especially in this part of the vineyard! In any event, there's still so much I need to learn! I'm sure I'll always feel that way as a missionary (as is the case with anything in life) but right now especially where I'm still just starting out, I feel as though there's so much I need to get down.
Things have gone well this week. We found a new investigator housing this past week, and met with him for the first time last night. When we met him we were doing sing-song housing. We'd sing a hymn for whoever we talked to before we asked if they wanted to meet again - we felt it would be a great way to invite the Spirit. He was probably the 3rd of 4th house we knocked on that night. He's 37 and he and his siblings live together with their parents. When we first housed into him it was really funny. He opened the door and jumped a bit in surprise to see two foreigners in suits standing on his front porch. After a bit of an awkward pause I said "O genki desu ka?" and he just laughed. Then after we were talking for a bit, I was getting tripped up in what I was saying and just said "We want to sing you a song!" without explaining why. He laughed at that too, said something to someone in the other room and they laughed too. In retrospect, if 2 gaijin showed up to my house for no apparent reason, asked me how I was doing then said they wanted to sing me a song, I'd probably just laugh too. Anyway, Elder Day jumped in and explained a little more about who we are and what we are doing, and the guy was really cool about it. We sang "Nearer My God To Thee" in English and he thought it was great. We talked with him about eternal families and things, and he agreed to meet us again. At first, it just seemed like a funny housing contact to me, but looking back I realize the Spirit helped to orchestrate and guide that contact. My awkward and Ganbaro (just doing my best) Japanese helped to warm up the situation and open him up to what we had to share and want to meet with us again.
Like I said earlier, we met with him just last night. In this mission there was a training plan set into place to help potential investigators turn into investigators. Essentially, in the first appointment you have with a potential investigator you do all you can to help them feel God's love. You introduce some basic and magnificient restored truths like God is Our Loving Heavenly Father, The Atonement of Jesus Christ, the 3 big questions of where did we come from, why are we here, and where do we go after we die and ask them questions to help open their mind to the influence of the Spirit. It's so amazing how it feels when you start talking with somebody about the fact that God is their loving Heavenly Father. That you can talk Him. That through Jesus Christ, you can be with your family forever in happiness. When we talked with this man, it was absolutely incredible to see the expressions on his face and the pondering in his eyes as he began to feel the influence of the Spirit as he considered Eternal Truths that have probably never crossed his mind. It was really a wonderful experience that reminds me of the basic and fundamental truths that completely change the way I view everything - I'm a son of God and all of these people around me are my brothers and sisters.
It's crazy to think it's already been a transfer! It's been great so far, and I have so much to learn! I hope to never be content with how much I've learned and always strive to improve. Ganbaro!
I hope you continue to enjoy Hawaii and continue to be safe!
I love you,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
Do you realize that you both e-mailed me pretty much the same thing? We're in Hawaii going to awesome places, eating tons of delicious food and visiting with family and friends. Part of me was jealous when I read it, then I remembered I'm in Japan and I felt better again. Haha! I'm really glad to hear that travels have been safe so far and you're having a good time. Seems like the weather in Utah is still a bit less than Springtime-ish. Hope it warms up soon. The weather here has been pretty good lately. We got the okay to go without suit jackets, but we're still wearing them some days because it's been pretty cool lately.
It's transfers week, but I'm staying in Kochi with Elder Day. It's his last transfer, and my second. During weekly planning last week we discussed a lot about what we want to accomplish this next transfer. We really want to work hard. He wants me to learn and be ready for anything. Our mission is going to be experiencing plenty of growth over the next few months. It's possible I could train by my third of fourth transfer, or be with another third or fourth transfer missionary. It's so exciting to consider how much the Lord is hastening His work - especially in this part of the vineyard! In any event, there's still so much I need to learn! I'm sure I'll always feel that way as a missionary (as is the case with anything in life) but right now especially where I'm still just starting out, I feel as though there's so much I need to get down.
Things have gone well this week. We found a new investigator housing this past week, and met with him for the first time last night. When we met him we were doing sing-song housing. We'd sing a hymn for whoever we talked to before we asked if they wanted to meet again - we felt it would be a great way to invite the Spirit. He was probably the 3rd of 4th house we knocked on that night. He's 37 and he and his siblings live together with their parents. When we first housed into him it was really funny. He opened the door and jumped a bit in surprise to see two foreigners in suits standing on his front porch. After a bit of an awkward pause I said "O genki desu ka?" and he just laughed. Then after we were talking for a bit, I was getting tripped up in what I was saying and just said "We want to sing you a song!" without explaining why. He laughed at that too, said something to someone in the other room and they laughed too. In retrospect, if 2 gaijin showed up to my house for no apparent reason, asked me how I was doing then said they wanted to sing me a song, I'd probably just laugh too. Anyway, Elder Day jumped in and explained a little more about who we are and what we are doing, and the guy was really cool about it. We sang "Nearer My God To Thee" in English and he thought it was great. We talked with him about eternal families and things, and he agreed to meet us again. At first, it just seemed like a funny housing contact to me, but looking back I realize the Spirit helped to orchestrate and guide that contact. My awkward and Ganbaro (just doing my best) Japanese helped to warm up the situation and open him up to what we had to share and want to meet with us again.
Like I said earlier, we met with him just last night. In this mission there was a training plan set into place to help potential investigators turn into investigators. Essentially, in the first appointment you have with a potential investigator you do all you can to help them feel God's love. You introduce some basic and magnificient restored truths like God is Our Loving Heavenly Father, The Atonement of Jesus Christ, the 3 big questions of where did we come from, why are we here, and where do we go after we die and ask them questions to help open their mind to the influence of the Spirit. It's so amazing how it feels when you start talking with somebody about the fact that God is their loving Heavenly Father. That you can talk Him. That through Jesus Christ, you can be with your family forever in happiness. When we talked with this man, it was absolutely incredible to see the expressions on his face and the pondering in his eyes as he began to feel the influence of the Spirit as he considered Eternal Truths that have probably never crossed his mind. It was really a wonderful experience that reminds me of the basic and fundamental truths that completely change the way I view everything - I'm a son of God and all of these people around me are my brothers and sisters.
It's crazy to think it's already been a transfer! It's been great so far, and I have so much to learn! I hope to never be content with how much I've learned and always strive to improve. Ganbaro!
I hope you continue to enjoy Hawaii and continue to be safe!
I love you,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013 - Week 14
Mom and Dad,
Definitely felt that earthquake! It was about 5:30 Saturday Morning and our cell phone started buzzing. It was an earthquake warning - and we got it just as things started shaking. I woke up, and it almost felt like someone was shoving me side to side - it was weird. Mostly, I was just kind of annoyed and went back to sleep. In hindsight, I probably should have been more concerned or thought to do something more than just roll over in my futon. Haha! Later that morning we got an e-mail saying we needed to check our church building for damage. We left during study time on a Special Ops Dendo Mission. I'm happy to report that the church building was just fine.
We watched General Conference in the Sunday School room. I don't know if I mentioned before, but our church building used to be a kon bini (convenience store). It's pretty small, but it's a nice building. They had all of the sessions on DVD at the church, and the DVD's had about 6-7 languages, including English. Elder Day and I just sat together in the room watching General Conference - the members were in the chapel. We watched Priesthood session first, then Morning, then Afternoon (we were switching DVDs back and forth with the members). It was a really great conference! It's kind of cool listening to the General Authorities talk about missionaries and missionary work. It's interesting when they talk about currently serving full-time missionaries, because I'm one of them. I think so much differently about their admonitions to members to always share the Gospel wherever you may be. This church and The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is the means for our fellow children of our Heavenly Father - our literal Spirit brothers and sisters - to attain eternal life and happiness. How could we not want to share that?
It was really exciting hearing all of the emphasis on young Aaronic Priesthood holders during Priesthood session. Elder Callister's talk was awesome! It's so vital that all of the youth are as prepared and strong as they can be for when they grow to missionary age. It's so exciting to see the work of saving souls grow and grow!
Sunday was really good too. 2 of our investigators (and 2 other non-members) were able to come and watch Conference. One of them - I mentioned in a previous e-mail - is from Congo and though his mother tongue is French, watched it in English with Elder Day and I. He really perked up during Sunday Morning (I think) when President Uchtdorf talked about visiting Africa. After the session, our investigator said it really is an impoverished place - but that many people there are happy because they are Christian. As he talked about it, he remembered a friend of his living in Tokyo who works with her husband at the Congo Embassy. He hadn't been in contact with her for a while, but he remembered she's LDS. He called her right then and had a good conversation in French, then handed the phone to Elder Day and they talked (she knows English too). She told our investigator to go to church and take his family. It was awesome! He said he really respects her and her family - she's a wonderful mother and everybody loves their family. He said they work for Congo's government, but they don't really get paid anything (not sure why) but they're the happiest people and they're always helping and serving others. It was really good that that came up - because he's been thinking a lot about whether or not he wants to be baptized because he was baptized Catholic as a child. He said that our Church is true and that the teachings of the Prophets and Apostles were true. But, he's still not sure about baptism. It's a little heartbreaking because we really want he and his family to receive the blessings of The Restored Gospel, but we're really hopeful that he'll accept baptism by proper authority soon.
As for our investigator with the JW friend - we're not sure what's been going on. She got out of the hospital last Monday, and we had an appointment set up with her at her apartment for last Friday. We went and our doseki came, but she wasn't there. We checked back at the hospital again just in case, but she wasn't there. We went back to visit her again last night, and this time when we got to her door there was light on in the peep hole and the electric meter was turning. We knocked and rang the doorbell and waited for a good 3 minutes. Then the peep hole light started got dark and light again like someone had looked through it - we said hi but nobody opened the door. It looked as though somebody looked through the peephole a few more times while we were standing there, then they must have left the door because the light was constant again. We slipped a note into the mail box on the door and walked away. We haven't drawn any conclusions yet, but we aren't up to discount the possibility that she doesn't want to meet with us again. We hope her JW friend hasn't done something to change her mind. She's a sweet older woman and we really want her to receive the Gospel.
Our 17 year old Yakusokusha is doing really well! We taught him all of Lesson 1 on Saturday and he really seems to believe it and wants to develop a relationship with God. We asked him if his parents know he's been coming to church and meeting with us and he said they still don't. We really need him to though, because he'll need their permission to be baptized. He said his parents kind of have a weird image of religion in general, so we're hoping they don't have a bad reaction when he talks to them about meeting us and coming to church. He's so solid and I'm really excited that he's on his way to be baptized on Mother's Day - but we're still working hard to have more Yakusokushas for our goal, because there's always a possibility his parents will go hantai (opposite/opposing).
This last Tuesday we had interviews with Zinke Kaicho. It was amazing getting to talk to Kaicho one-on-on. Dad, you asked me how I'm progressing and that's what I talked about with Kaicho. These last few weeks I've been trying really hard to understand how I receive revelation. I haven't felt lately that I've been receiving or recognizing revelation and it's been a little frustrating for me. The night before interviews I had a realization - one of the reasons I haven't been receiving as much revelation is because I'm not willing to act on it. I realized that I need to humble myself more and have real-intent before The Lord will trust me with more specific direction about how to do His work and the power to carry out His direction. During the training meeting before interviews, Kaicho taught on that precise thing. He talked again about Ether 12. All we need to do to gain the Lord's help is humble ourselves and have faith. It's really just that simple. After the meeting when I talked to Kaicho I told him about the previous night's realization. He helped me realize that that realization was revelation - it certainly didn't come from Satan, and I couldn't have figured that out on my own. He joked that I'm like an AA member who's realized and come to admit the problem - but was thrilled that I've come to the realization of what's holding me back so early in my mission. He said coming to the realization and coming to admit it has gotten me about 75% there - now I need to execute. Just be humble and willing to accept whatever The Lord directs me to do, work my hardest to do it, and have faith that He will make up for what I can't do. Kaicho said it's a mindset shift - and it's one I've been trying hard to make. To just give it all - whole heart, might, mind, and strength - to The Lord. I'm certain it's not going to be easy and will take time - but I trust that as I step into the dark the Lord will illuminate my path.
I'm happy, I'm healthy, and I'm a missionary. Life is awesome!
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
Definitely felt that earthquake! It was about 5:30 Saturday Morning and our cell phone started buzzing. It was an earthquake warning - and we got it just as things started shaking. I woke up, and it almost felt like someone was shoving me side to side - it was weird. Mostly, I was just kind of annoyed and went back to sleep. In hindsight, I probably should have been more concerned or thought to do something more than just roll over in my futon. Haha! Later that morning we got an e-mail saying we needed to check our church building for damage. We left during study time on a Special Ops Dendo Mission. I'm happy to report that the church building was just fine.
We watched General Conference in the Sunday School room. I don't know if I mentioned before, but our church building used to be a kon bini (convenience store). It's pretty small, but it's a nice building. They had all of the sessions on DVD at the church, and the DVD's had about 6-7 languages, including English. Elder Day and I just sat together in the room watching General Conference - the members were in the chapel. We watched Priesthood session first, then Morning, then Afternoon (we were switching DVDs back and forth with the members). It was a really great conference! It's kind of cool listening to the General Authorities talk about missionaries and missionary work. It's interesting when they talk about currently serving full-time missionaries, because I'm one of them. I think so much differently about their admonitions to members to always share the Gospel wherever you may be. This church and The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is the means for our fellow children of our Heavenly Father - our literal Spirit brothers and sisters - to attain eternal life and happiness. How could we not want to share that?
It was really exciting hearing all of the emphasis on young Aaronic Priesthood holders during Priesthood session. Elder Callister's talk was awesome! It's so vital that all of the youth are as prepared and strong as they can be for when they grow to missionary age. It's so exciting to see the work of saving souls grow and grow!
Sunday was really good too. 2 of our investigators (and 2 other non-members) were able to come and watch Conference. One of them - I mentioned in a previous e-mail - is from Congo and though his mother tongue is French, watched it in English with Elder Day and I. He really perked up during Sunday Morning (I think) when President Uchtdorf talked about visiting Africa. After the session, our investigator said it really is an impoverished place - but that many people there are happy because they are Christian. As he talked about it, he remembered a friend of his living in Tokyo who works with her husband at the Congo Embassy. He hadn't been in contact with her for a while, but he remembered she's LDS. He called her right then and had a good conversation in French, then handed the phone to Elder Day and they talked (she knows English too). She told our investigator to go to church and take his family. It was awesome! He said he really respects her and her family - she's a wonderful mother and everybody loves their family. He said they work for Congo's government, but they don't really get paid anything (not sure why) but they're the happiest people and they're always helping and serving others. It was really good that that came up - because he's been thinking a lot about whether or not he wants to be baptized because he was baptized Catholic as a child. He said that our Church is true and that the teachings of the Prophets and Apostles were true. But, he's still not sure about baptism. It's a little heartbreaking because we really want he and his family to receive the blessings of The Restored Gospel, but we're really hopeful that he'll accept baptism by proper authority soon.
As for our investigator with the JW friend - we're not sure what's been going on. She got out of the hospital last Monday, and we had an appointment set up with her at her apartment for last Friday. We went and our doseki came, but she wasn't there. We checked back at the hospital again just in case, but she wasn't there. We went back to visit her again last night, and this time when we got to her door there was light on in the peep hole and the electric meter was turning. We knocked and rang the doorbell and waited for a good 3 minutes. Then the peep hole light started got dark and light again like someone had looked through it - we said hi but nobody opened the door. It looked as though somebody looked through the peephole a few more times while we were standing there, then they must have left the door because the light was constant again. We slipped a note into the mail box on the door and walked away. We haven't drawn any conclusions yet, but we aren't up to discount the possibility that she doesn't want to meet with us again. We hope her JW friend hasn't done something to change her mind. She's a sweet older woman and we really want her to receive the Gospel.
Our 17 year old Yakusokusha is doing really well! We taught him all of Lesson 1 on Saturday and he really seems to believe it and wants to develop a relationship with God. We asked him if his parents know he's been coming to church and meeting with us and he said they still don't. We really need him to though, because he'll need their permission to be baptized. He said his parents kind of have a weird image of religion in general, so we're hoping they don't have a bad reaction when he talks to them about meeting us and coming to church. He's so solid and I'm really excited that he's on his way to be baptized on Mother's Day - but we're still working hard to have more Yakusokushas for our goal, because there's always a possibility his parents will go hantai (opposite/opposing).
This last Tuesday we had interviews with Zinke Kaicho. It was amazing getting to talk to Kaicho one-on-on. Dad, you asked me how I'm progressing and that's what I talked about with Kaicho. These last few weeks I've been trying really hard to understand how I receive revelation. I haven't felt lately that I've been receiving or recognizing revelation and it's been a little frustrating for me. The night before interviews I had a realization - one of the reasons I haven't been receiving as much revelation is because I'm not willing to act on it. I realized that I need to humble myself more and have real-intent before The Lord will trust me with more specific direction about how to do His work and the power to carry out His direction. During the training meeting before interviews, Kaicho taught on that precise thing. He talked again about Ether 12. All we need to do to gain the Lord's help is humble ourselves and have faith. It's really just that simple. After the meeting when I talked to Kaicho I told him about the previous night's realization. He helped me realize that that realization was revelation - it certainly didn't come from Satan, and I couldn't have figured that out on my own. He joked that I'm like an AA member who's realized and come to admit the problem - but was thrilled that I've come to the realization of what's holding me back so early in my mission. He said coming to the realization and coming to admit it has gotten me about 75% there - now I need to execute. Just be humble and willing to accept whatever The Lord directs me to do, work my hardest to do it, and have faith that He will make up for what I can't do. Kaicho said it's a mindset shift - and it's one I've been trying hard to make. To just give it all - whole heart, might, mind, and strength - to The Lord. I'm certain it's not going to be easy and will take time - but I trust that as I step into the dark the Lord will illuminate my path.
I'm happy, I'm healthy, and I'm a missionary. Life is awesome!
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013 - Earthquake in Kobe
Email from the mission home
We were awakened by an earthquake this morning at about 5:30. Everyone is fine and there seems to be no damage of any significance. It was centered about 25 miles south of Kobe.
We have a couple of Japanese sister missionaries just a few miles from the epicenter serving in the Sumoto Branch. They called within a few minutes of the quake. They reported that they were fine and that some church members were with them already. They were nervously laughing with the members. A lot of things in their apartment had fallen off shelves but nothing was broken. The sisters were a little shaken and began running to the mountains in their PJs in case of a tsunami. After a bit of clean-up they dressed and went to assist some members at their homes
今朝、午前5：30に地震によって起こされました。皆無事ですし、特に大きな被害は無いようです。震源は神戸から25マイル南に下がったところでした。
私たちの中には震源から2‐3マイルしか離れていない洲本支部で奉仕している日本人姉妹宣教師がいます。彼女たちは地震の2‐3分後に電話し、自分達が無事で、すでに何人かの会員たちと共にいる事を報告しました。彼女たちは会員たちと強張りながらも笑っていました。アパートではたくさんのものが棚から落ちましたが、壊れたものはありません。姉妹たちは少し震えながらパジャマのまま山へ走り始めました。少しの掃除の後、彼女たちは着替え、何人かの会員たちを助けに行きました。
We were awakened by an earthquake this morning at about 5:30. Everyone is fine and there seems to be no damage of any significance. It was centered about 25 miles south of Kobe.
We have a couple of Japanese sister missionaries just a few miles from the epicenter serving in the Sumoto Branch. They called within a few minutes of the quake. They reported that they were fine and that some church members were with them already. They were nervously laughing with the members. A lot of things in their apartment had fallen off shelves but nothing was broken. The sisters were a little shaken and began running to the mountains in their PJs in case of a tsunami. After a bit of clean-up they dressed and went to assist some members at their homes
今朝、午前5：30に地震によって起こされました。皆無事ですし、特に大きな被害は無いようです。震源は神戸から25マイル南に下がったところでした。
私たちの中には震源から2‐3マイルしか離れていない洲本支部で奉仕している日本人姉妹宣教師がいます。彼女たちは地震の2‐3分後に電話し、自分達が無事で、すでに何人かの会員たちと共にいる事を報告しました。彼女たちは会員たちと強張りながらも笑っていました。アパートではたくさんのものが棚から落ちましたが、壊れたものはありません。姉妹たちは少し震えながらパジャマのまま山へ走り始めました。少しの掃除の後、彼女たちは着替え、何人かの会員たちを助けに行きました。
Monday, April 8, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013 - Week 13
Mom and Dad,
I am so excited to tell you that just yesterday the 17 year old young man we met just a week ago from last Saturday accepted an invitation to be baptized! We set a baptismal date for Mother's day! I'm so excited that he's made the decision to begin down the Gospel path back to our Heavenly Father. He came to church with us yesterday and he said he enjoyed it. It was fast and testimony meeting, and he felt something special during the testimonies of the members. We actually don't have General Conference until this next Saturday and Sunday - we watch the sessions on DVD at the Church.
We had another investigator this last week accept the invitation to be baptized. However, he's leaving for a few months because his job is doing some sort of a transfer thing (I think he works in construction) and so we weren't able to set a date. But I have a really good feeling about him. We are going to refer him to the missionaries in the area he's going to be at (he said he'll still meet with them). Another one of our investigators knows that she needs to be baptized, but she's not sure about setting a date with us. She's got a Jehovah's Witness friend she's been meeting for a year or so, and she says she's split between being baptized with them or us. But, she's got a lot of doubts about the Jehovah's Witness teachings and we feel confident and are praying that after meeting with us another couple of times she'll feel the Spirit whisper to her heart what's true. I really wish I could tell you the names of my investigators, but we're not supposed to. Since these e-mails get forwarded everywhere and to everybody, we're instructed to respect the privacy of our investigators and not include their names.
I have felt so blessed these last few weeks. God has allowed my companion and I to see successes. I remember in the MTC a speaker talked about 2 types of success as a missionary. The first is based on your commitment to be obedient and work your hardest. The second is more about whether or not your investigators progress, getting new investigators, baptisms, etc. The first you can control. But the second is dependent on the agency of others - and while your actions may influence it, ultimately success in the second sense is a gift. Only God can soften hearts and bring about changes that effect the eternal salvation of a soul - and I feel grateful that I've been blessed to see such success occur.
It's so wonderful to hear about General Conference and I'm so tanoshimi! (excited/anticipating) I love hearing about everyone being together at home for conference. It's definitely makes me miss home a bit, but I'm super excited to be able to experience General Conference in Japan! I'm not sure if they'll have it in English for Elder Day and I. If it's in Ni Hon Go then I will ganbarou! (do my best)
Philip is a father already?! Whoa...I sort of forgot that Kari was pregnant. Gomenne. (sorry) But I didn't think it would be so soon. Haha! Super taihen (worrisome) to hear about Uncle Troy. I hope everything goes well for him, and I will not forget him in my prayers. Please tell him I love him and wish I could be home to raid his pantry. Michael Moos is coming to Kobe?! That's saikou! (the best) If I remember correctly, he was in my music theory class. He's awesome!
Mom, to answer your question, we e-mail from a gaijin (foreigner) lounge/center/place. It's kind of like a library...I'm not really sure what to call it. But, we can use computers with internet access for free.
Dad, to answer your question, we were...whitewashed? (I think that's what it's called - don't really know or care). Elder Day was new to the area as well. It wasn't too bad though since we had Nakatsuka Choro for a few weeks. He had been here the whole time his visa had been delayed - so he helped us get around and meet the investigators and things.
I love you so much and always love to hear about things at home. Thank you for all of your encouragement, support, and words of wisdom.
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
I am so excited to tell you that just yesterday the 17 year old young man we met just a week ago from last Saturday accepted an invitation to be baptized! We set a baptismal date for Mother's day! I'm so excited that he's made the decision to begin down the Gospel path back to our Heavenly Father. He came to church with us yesterday and he said he enjoyed it. It was fast and testimony meeting, and he felt something special during the testimonies of the members. We actually don't have General Conference until this next Saturday and Sunday - we watch the sessions on DVD at the Church.
We had another investigator this last week accept the invitation to be baptized. However, he's leaving for a few months because his job is doing some sort of a transfer thing (I think he works in construction) and so we weren't able to set a date. But I have a really good feeling about him. We are going to refer him to the missionaries in the area he's going to be at (he said he'll still meet with them). Another one of our investigators knows that she needs to be baptized, but she's not sure about setting a date with us. She's got a Jehovah's Witness friend she's been meeting for a year or so, and she says she's split between being baptized with them or us. But, she's got a lot of doubts about the Jehovah's Witness teachings and we feel confident and are praying that after meeting with us another couple of times she'll feel the Spirit whisper to her heart what's true. I really wish I could tell you the names of my investigators, but we're not supposed to. Since these e-mails get forwarded everywhere and to everybody, we're instructed to respect the privacy of our investigators and not include their names.
I have felt so blessed these last few weeks. God has allowed my companion and I to see successes. I remember in the MTC a speaker talked about 2 types of success as a missionary. The first is based on your commitment to be obedient and work your hardest. The second is more about whether or not your investigators progress, getting new investigators, baptisms, etc. The first you can control. But the second is dependent on the agency of others - and while your actions may influence it, ultimately success in the second sense is a gift. Only God can soften hearts and bring about changes that effect the eternal salvation of a soul - and I feel grateful that I've been blessed to see such success occur.
It's so wonderful to hear about General Conference and I'm so tanoshimi! (excited/anticipating) I love hearing about everyone being together at home for conference. It's definitely makes me miss home a bit, but I'm super excited to be able to experience General Conference in Japan! I'm not sure if they'll have it in English for Elder Day and I. If it's in Ni Hon Go then I will ganbarou! (do my best)
Philip is a father already?! Whoa...I sort of forgot that Kari was pregnant. Gomenne. (sorry) But I didn't think it would be so soon. Haha! Super taihen (worrisome) to hear about Uncle Troy. I hope everything goes well for him, and I will not forget him in my prayers. Please tell him I love him and wish I could be home to raid his pantry. Michael Moos is coming to Kobe?! That's saikou! (the best) If I remember correctly, he was in my music theory class. He's awesome!
Mom, to answer your question, we e-mail from a gaijin (foreigner) lounge/center/place. It's kind of like a library...I'm not really sure what to call it. But, we can use computers with internet access for free.
Dad, to answer your question, we were...whitewashed? (I think that's what it's called - don't really know or care). Elder Day was new to the area as well. It wasn't too bad though since we had Nakatsuka Choro for a few weeks. He had been here the whole time his visa had been delayed - so he helped us get around and meet the investigators and things.
I love you so much and always love to hear about things at home. Thank you for all of your encouragement, support, and words of wisdom.
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
Monday, April 1, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013 - Week 12
Mom and Dad,
I forgot to bring my camera this week to the e-mail place, sorry. I keep saying it, and maybe next week I'll actually do it, but I'll send some pictures soon.
Another great week! My Japanese is improving sukoshi zutsu (little by little), but definitely improving. Something that I've done better at this last week is slowing down and taking it easy when talking to people. Also, just having confidence in what I'm going to say makes a huge difference. As it goes for just about anything, if you're confident, you come across as being more competent than you actually may be. Understanding what others say is still challenging, but there's not much in my power I can do to help that. I pray often for the Gift of Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues, because as is taught in PMG, seeking the gifts of the Spirit will help you learn the language more quickly than anything else. The Spirit is so key in all aspects of this work.
Yesterday we had Shibu Taikai (Branch conference) and President and Sister Zinke came to the branch. Almost everyone in that is in the ward came - it was kind of crazy. Normally there are like 14 people at church, and this week there were like 30. But it was really good! It was great to see the Zinke's and hear their talks in Seisankai (sacrament meeting). They gave amazing talks centered on Christ's resurrection and Easter. There was also a Shokujikai (food "meeting") after church was over. It was a potluck, and there was plenty of really good food.
We also had a great experience with a getting a new investigator yesterday. We were streeting on Doyoubi (Saturday) and I talked to a younger looking guy. We talked for a bit and he agreed to meet with us on Nichiyoubi (Sunday). He was going to come around 2:00 pm but by 2:30 he still hadn't showed up. We called him, and it turned out that he had just gotten lost finding the church. After walking a few blocks from the church, we found him and all went back to the church together. There were still plenty of people at the church because of the Shokujikai, so we grabbed 2 young men - 1 with his mission call to Sendai - to come doseki (member lesson) with us. We talked to the guy (he's 17 and in high school) about what he believes and what we believe, and talked a lot about how God is our loving Heavenly Father. He seemed genuinely interested, and when we brought up baptism, he said he thinks that it's something he wants to do. Beyond that, his Sundays are free! (a bit of a rarity in Japan. Most folks either work Sundays) He's the first investigator I've been able to be apart of finding and beginning to teach. It's really exciting for me, and I really hope he accepts the Gospel and starts on the path back to Heavenly Father.
Our other investigators are doing well as well. A lot of them are very close to becoming Yakusokusha (investigator with a baptismal commitment). My companion and I have faith that by the end of this week we'll have more than one Yakusokusha with a Mother's Day (maybe earlier) baptismal date. It's been interesting, though, just how many Christian or Christian influenced people have been in this area. One of our investigators was meeting with Jehovah's Witnesses for a year (she doesn't think their teachings make any sense though) and 2 of our investigators are Protestant. We ran into a guy the other day streeting who said that Jesus is inside of everybody and he's been saved. My companion even said that this has been a really "Christian" area.
One kind of funny experience I'd like to share. We were housing and we came across a really funny guy. He was in his 40's I think. He thought it was cool that we were from America. He likes how in America we have big cars and he thinks we have funny movies. He was really surprised (not impressed necessarily, he thought it was unusual) to find out that we didn't drink or smoke. He spoke a little English, but mostly all he said was "Beer and nachos" "Motasaiku" (motorcycle) and "Icy Hot". As we were starting to wrap up the contact we gave him a chirasshi (flyer) about church. Inside is a picture of Jesus, and the first thing he said was "Obi wan kenobi!" I thought it was pretty funny.
Dad, my bike is in really good shape. The Elder that had it before was nicknamed the "Maid" of the mission. He was a really clean person and always cleaned the apartments really well. He also kept his bike really clean and good.
So exciting to hear about everything going on, good to hear everyone is well.
Thanks for all of your love and support,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
I forgot to bring my camera this week to the e-mail place, sorry. I keep saying it, and maybe next week I'll actually do it, but I'll send some pictures soon.
Another great week! My Japanese is improving sukoshi zutsu (little by little), but definitely improving. Something that I've done better at this last week is slowing down and taking it easy when talking to people. Also, just having confidence in what I'm going to say makes a huge difference. As it goes for just about anything, if you're confident, you come across as being more competent than you actually may be. Understanding what others say is still challenging, but there's not much in my power I can do to help that. I pray often for the Gift of Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues, because as is taught in PMG, seeking the gifts of the Spirit will help you learn the language more quickly than anything else. The Spirit is so key in all aspects of this work.
Yesterday we had Shibu Taikai (Branch conference) and President and Sister Zinke came to the branch. Almost everyone in that is in the ward came - it was kind of crazy. Normally there are like 14 people at church, and this week there were like 30. But it was really good! It was great to see the Zinke's and hear their talks in Seisankai (sacrament meeting). They gave amazing talks centered on Christ's resurrection and Easter. There was also a Shokujikai (food "meeting") after church was over. It was a potluck, and there was plenty of really good food.
We also had a great experience with a getting a new investigator yesterday. We were streeting on Doyoubi (Saturday) and I talked to a younger looking guy. We talked for a bit and he agreed to meet with us on Nichiyoubi (Sunday). He was going to come around 2:00 pm but by 2:30 he still hadn't showed up. We called him, and it turned out that he had just gotten lost finding the church. After walking a few blocks from the church, we found him and all went back to the church together. There were still plenty of people at the church because of the Shokujikai, so we grabbed 2 young men - 1 with his mission call to Sendai - to come doseki (member lesson) with us. We talked to the guy (he's 17 and in high school) about what he believes and what we believe, and talked a lot about how God is our loving Heavenly Father. He seemed genuinely interested, and when we brought up baptism, he said he thinks that it's something he wants to do. Beyond that, his Sundays are free! (a bit of a rarity in Japan. Most folks either work Sundays) He's the first investigator I've been able to be apart of finding and beginning to teach. It's really exciting for me, and I really hope he accepts the Gospel and starts on the path back to Heavenly Father.
Our other investigators are doing well as well. A lot of them are very close to becoming Yakusokusha (investigator with a baptismal commitment). My companion and I have faith that by the end of this week we'll have more than one Yakusokusha with a Mother's Day (maybe earlier) baptismal date. It's been interesting, though, just how many Christian or Christian influenced people have been in this area. One of our investigators was meeting with Jehovah's Witnesses for a year (she doesn't think their teachings make any sense though) and 2 of our investigators are Protestant. We ran into a guy the other day streeting who said that Jesus is inside of everybody and he's been saved. My companion even said that this has been a really "Christian" area.
One kind of funny experience I'd like to share. We were housing and we came across a really funny guy. He was in his 40's I think. He thought it was cool that we were from America. He likes how in America we have big cars and he thinks we have funny movies. He was really surprised (not impressed necessarily, he thought it was unusual) to find out that we didn't drink or smoke. He spoke a little English, but mostly all he said was "Beer and nachos" "Motasaiku" (motorcycle) and "Icy Hot". As we were starting to wrap up the contact we gave him a chirasshi (flyer) about church. Inside is a picture of Jesus, and the first thing he said was "Obi wan kenobi!" I thought it was pretty funny.
Dad, my bike is in really good shape. The Elder that had it before was nicknamed the "Maid" of the mission. He was a really clean person and always cleaned the apartments really well. He also kept his bike really clean and good.
So exciting to hear about everything going on, good to hear everyone is well.
Thanks for all of your love and support,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013 - Week 11
Mom and Dad,
So I got some news from the Mission President in our weekly e-mail! The Missionary Committee in the Church just adjusted the e-mail policy for missionaries. We're now able to e-mail any friends, family, recent converts, ward leaders - just about anybody. So instead of just being able to receive e-mails from anybody and then having to reply snail-mail, we can reply via e-mail.
It's been a great week! Elder Nakatsuka left for the Honbu just yesterday. It's sad letting him go and I'm going to miss him, but I'm very excited for him. Since he's already an amazing senkyoshi, he'll be a blessing to the MTC and he'll absolutely rock his mission in Florida.
I'm happy and healthy, but I'm not going to lie, this isn't easy. Japanese is definitely muzukashii. It's frustrating to me not always being able to communicate what I want to, and not being able to understand everything everyone says. At times I do feel a little overwhelmed with the thought that I'm going to have to learn this language and culture. But every time I look at my name tag I remember that I've been called of God to do His work. I feel faith that so long as I wait on Him, have patience with myself, and do my best, He will provide a way to accomplish those things. I'm also reminded that the language isn't the biggest barrier to bringing souls to Christ. Zinke Kaicho taught the whole mission something very amazing and true which I would like to share. It's about the enabling power of the Atonement. There are two sides of the Atonement - the cleansing power and the enabling power. Through the cleansing power we are freed from sin and are able to have the Spirit with us. After we have been cleansed, we qualify for the enabling power. That is the power that gives us the ability to do things in this work. After the Spirit has given us guidance as to what we should do, we are also entitled to have the power to do it. He pointed out that in Ether 12:27 when the Lord says that He gives men weakness - weakness in the singular. That weakness isn't that we're not good teachers, that we can't speak Japanese, or that we don't work hard enough. It's that we're mortal. Mortals in and of themselves don't have the power to do things of eternal significance. As missionaries we are engaged in a work of eternal significance - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. We don't have the power to change hearts to get people to begin to walk the straight and narrow path, but God does. In order bring souls unto Christ we need to access that enabling power of the Atonement, because without it, we won't be able to do this work. I wish I could go more into depth about this, but I haven't the time! Kaicho is absolutely amazing!
Anyway, on a lighter note, the food here has been splendid! The bread (pan) here is so oishii!!!! Elder Day knows how to cook the ingredients and things here so I've just been helping chop vegetables. But we've been eating very well - udon, soba, kimuchi, curry rice, etc. We've been out to eat once or twice - McDonalds and we ate at Sushi Ro (conveyor belt restaurant). We've been over to a member's house for dinner once. It was because they wanted to visit with Elder Nakatsuka for one last time. The members and people here are incredible kind. After sacrament meeting they always give us a basket full of food. They give us cans of food, fruit, bags of rice, sushi, and just about everything. We are very blessed!
The weather has been pretty nice. It hasn't been super humid as of late. Mostly overcast, and we had one rainy day this last week. The raincoat I have is great, and my shoes have been good with the water too. It's been a pretty pleasant temperature, probably 60's or 70'sF. Don't know the actual temperature it's been, but it's been great for dendo. It's definitely starting to warm up though, and I think that Zinke Kaicho said that around General Conference time is when we get the okay to take off our suit coats.
About my debit card. I was actually able to get a bike and a helmet from an Elder who was leaving at the same time I was at the Honbu a couple of weeks ago. I was able to buy it with the yen I had on me. I did withdraw about 12,000 yen this last Saturday, and there's a chance I might be using my card today for shopping - electronic jisho, dendo bag, etc. Please let me know what the balance is like by next week. I think I should have more than enough in there right now.
As it were, I think having things sent to the mission home is the best idea. I actually don't remember our apartment's address right now, but even so, in the letter we got from the Zinke's I think it said it's safest to just have things sent to the mission home because of transfers and things.
Mom, I also wanted to tell you about a mission-wide goal that we have. This last week we received a letter from Kaicho saying that as a mission we have a goal for every companionship to have a baptism on Mother's day. Obviously, the investigators are our number one aim and priority in this goal, but Kaicho said that we're also doing it for our mother's. In order to show my thanks to you for all of the love you've shown to me and all that you've taught me, I'm going to work hard to bring a soul to baptism for you. To start a soul on the path to eternal life and happiness, to say thank you to you. Please pray for me to be able to find, teach and accomplish this task.
Thank you for your love and encouragement. I don't think I need anything at the moment. I'm well enough and where I'm supposed to be.
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
So I got some news from the Mission President in our weekly e-mail! The Missionary Committee in the Church just adjusted the e-mail policy for missionaries. We're now able to e-mail any friends, family, recent converts, ward leaders - just about anybody. So instead of just being able to receive e-mails from anybody and then having to reply snail-mail, we can reply via e-mail.
It's been a great week! Elder Nakatsuka left for the Honbu just yesterday. It's sad letting him go and I'm going to miss him, but I'm very excited for him. Since he's already an amazing senkyoshi, he'll be a blessing to the MTC and he'll absolutely rock his mission in Florida.
I'm happy and healthy, but I'm not going to lie, this isn't easy. Japanese is definitely muzukashii. It's frustrating to me not always being able to communicate what I want to, and not being able to understand everything everyone says. At times I do feel a little overwhelmed with the thought that I'm going to have to learn this language and culture. But every time I look at my name tag I remember that I've been called of God to do His work. I feel faith that so long as I wait on Him, have patience with myself, and do my best, He will provide a way to accomplish those things. I'm also reminded that the language isn't the biggest barrier to bringing souls to Christ. Zinke Kaicho taught the whole mission something very amazing and true which I would like to share. It's about the enabling power of the Atonement. There are two sides of the Atonement - the cleansing power and the enabling power. Through the cleansing power we are freed from sin and are able to have the Spirit with us. After we have been cleansed, we qualify for the enabling power. That is the power that gives us the ability to do things in this work. After the Spirit has given us guidance as to what we should do, we are also entitled to have the power to do it. He pointed out that in Ether 12:27 when the Lord says that He gives men weakness - weakness in the singular. That weakness isn't that we're not good teachers, that we can't speak Japanese, or that we don't work hard enough. It's that we're mortal. Mortals in and of themselves don't have the power to do things of eternal significance. As missionaries we are engaged in a work of eternal significance - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. We don't have the power to change hearts to get people to begin to walk the straight and narrow path, but God does. In order bring souls unto Christ we need to access that enabling power of the Atonement, because without it, we won't be able to do this work. I wish I could go more into depth about this, but I haven't the time! Kaicho is absolutely amazing!
Anyway, on a lighter note, the food here has been splendid! The bread (pan) here is so oishii!!!! Elder Day knows how to cook the ingredients and things here so I've just been helping chop vegetables. But we've been eating very well - udon, soba, kimuchi, curry rice, etc. We've been out to eat once or twice - McDonalds and we ate at Sushi Ro (conveyor belt restaurant). We've been over to a member's house for dinner once. It was because they wanted to visit with Elder Nakatsuka for one last time. The members and people here are incredible kind. After sacrament meeting they always give us a basket full of food. They give us cans of food, fruit, bags of rice, sushi, and just about everything. We are very blessed!
The weather has been pretty nice. It hasn't been super humid as of late. Mostly overcast, and we had one rainy day this last week. The raincoat I have is great, and my shoes have been good with the water too. It's been a pretty pleasant temperature, probably 60's or 70'sF. Don't know the actual temperature it's been, but it's been great for dendo. It's definitely starting to warm up though, and I think that Zinke Kaicho said that around General Conference time is when we get the okay to take off our suit coats.
About my debit card. I was actually able to get a bike and a helmet from an Elder who was leaving at the same time I was at the Honbu a couple of weeks ago. I was able to buy it with the yen I had on me. I did withdraw about 12,000 yen this last Saturday, and there's a chance I might be using my card today for shopping - electronic jisho, dendo bag, etc. Please let me know what the balance is like by next week. I think I should have more than enough in there right now.
As it were, I think having things sent to the mission home is the best idea. I actually don't remember our apartment's address right now, but even so, in the letter we got from the Zinke's I think it said it's safest to just have things sent to the mission home because of transfers and things.
Mom, I also wanted to tell you about a mission-wide goal that we have. This last week we received a letter from Kaicho saying that as a mission we have a goal for every companionship to have a baptism on Mother's day. Obviously, the investigators are our number one aim and priority in this goal, but Kaicho said that we're also doing it for our mother's. In order to show my thanks to you for all of the love you've shown to me and all that you've taught me, I'm going to work hard to bring a soul to baptism for you. To start a soul on the path to eternal life and happiness, to say thank you to you. Please pray for me to be able to find, teach and accomplish this task.
Thank you for your love and encouragement. I don't think I need anything at the moment. I'm well enough and where I'm supposed to be.
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
P.S. The sakura has been so beautiful! Haven't had a chance to take any
pictures, but I will try to and share them next week! Last P-day was crazy with
me being new and Nakatsuka Choro leaving, and this one has to be cut short a
couple of hours because we're leaving tonight to go to the honbu in Kobe for a
training session. We're leaving tonight and staying the night because of how
long it takes to get there.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013 - Week 10 - Wow. I'm in Japan
Mom and Dad,
Wow. I`m in Japan! It`s absolutely amazing to be here and doing the Lord`s work! The area I`m in is called Kochi. If I`m not mistaken, it`s the largest area in the Mission. Getting here took about 5 hours on a bus from Kobe. The weather has been nice, it`s not super humid here, but humid nonetheless. It`s been pretty clear this last week, but it`s been raining pretty good today.
At the moment I`m in a threesome. Elder`s Day and Nakatsuka. Elder Nakatuska is called to a mission in Florida, but he hasn`t been able to go to the MTC in Provo because of an issue with obtaining a visa. He`s been in the Kobe mission since January, I think. He`ll be leaving for the MTC next Sunday. Elder Nakatsuka is Ni Hon Jin and is an amazing missionary. He`s so much fun and he works very hard. His English is excellent, and he`s a pretty good cook as well. Elder Day is my Trainer. He is awesome! He is a very relaxed fellow, but works hard and has been a super good example for me. He is from American Fork and will be returning home in June.
The apartment is pretty semai (small). I didn`t expect much, but Elder Day even said it`s the smallest apartment he`s been in. There`s a room for the toilet, another for the bath and shower, a small kitchen with a small 2 burner stove, another room where we sleep, and another room with 2 desks where we study. It was pretty dirty though, so we spent a little extra time this morning doing some cleaning. I forgot to take pictures of it, but hopefully I will before next Preparation Day (which, just FYI are on Mondays).
Things have been good and busy this last week. We`ve had lessons everyday this past week. The first one I got to teach in was on Friday. We taught an older lady about the Plan of Salvation in a member`s home. My Japanese is far from perfect, but I was able to bear my testimony about how a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation has helped me and how prayer has helped me. The second lesson I got to teach was on Friday and it was with a middle aged man at the church building. It was in English and that was a little strange because I didn`t practice many of those in the MTC. He`s from Congo and in Japan getting his PhD and studying cancer or something (he`s super smart!). His first language is French, so his English isn`t perfect. It was such a sweet experience though, when at the end of the lesson as he was leaving he said his heart was full and he is always so happy after meeting with the missionaries. We were able to bear testimony that those feelings are from The Spirit.
Streeting and Housing has been good. It always makes me a little sad, though, that so many people shove us off when we are offering them truth. We are offering them happiness, peace, hope, and most importantly eternal salvation. However, I take comfort in something I heard from the last fireside and from a video of Elder Holland I watched while in the MTC: The reason why people aren`t lining up outside of the door of our apartment to receive the truth of the Restored Gospel is because salvation is not a cheap experience. It never has been, and it`s not intended to be. Something Zinke Kaicho has had a huge focus for us is on gathering the elect. As it says in D&C 29 (I think) that we are supposed to gather the elect, or those who are prepared to receive it. We will find, or the Lord will bring to us, those who are prepared to accept the Gospel and enter by the gate of baptism on to the straight and narrow path.
It`s so good to hear about everything and everyone at home! Have fun in St. George, and tell Marisa I say good luck! Tell Josh French Ganbate for me! Kelsey`s going to California? Sugoi! That`s so exciting! Tell her I say congrats and good luck! Anyway, I`m doing just fine. I`m happy, healthy, and doing the best work there is to do!
Love you!
Elder Kyle Hutchings
P.S. It`s all right for my siblings and Grandparents to e-mail me. Everyone else should send a letter. Just another reminder that if you`re going to send anything to the mission home, it needs to be done through Government mail services only.
Wow. I`m in Japan! It`s absolutely amazing to be here and doing the Lord`s work! The area I`m in is called Kochi. If I`m not mistaken, it`s the largest area in the Mission. Getting here took about 5 hours on a bus from Kobe. The weather has been nice, it`s not super humid here, but humid nonetheless. It`s been pretty clear this last week, but it`s been raining pretty good today.
At the moment I`m in a threesome. Elder`s Day and Nakatsuka. Elder Nakatuska is called to a mission in Florida, but he hasn`t been able to go to the MTC in Provo because of an issue with obtaining a visa. He`s been in the Kobe mission since January, I think. He`ll be leaving for the MTC next Sunday. Elder Nakatsuka is Ni Hon Jin and is an amazing missionary. He`s so much fun and he works very hard. His English is excellent, and he`s a pretty good cook as well. Elder Day is my Trainer. He is awesome! He is a very relaxed fellow, but works hard and has been a super good example for me. He is from American Fork and will be returning home in June.
The apartment is pretty semai (small). I didn`t expect much, but Elder Day even said it`s the smallest apartment he`s been in. There`s a room for the toilet, another for the bath and shower, a small kitchen with a small 2 burner stove, another room where we sleep, and another room with 2 desks where we study. It was pretty dirty though, so we spent a little extra time this morning doing some cleaning. I forgot to take pictures of it, but hopefully I will before next Preparation Day (which, just FYI are on Mondays).
Things have been good and busy this last week. We`ve had lessons everyday this past week. The first one I got to teach in was on Friday. We taught an older lady about the Plan of Salvation in a member`s home. My Japanese is far from perfect, but I was able to bear my testimony about how a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation has helped me and how prayer has helped me. The second lesson I got to teach was on Friday and it was with a middle aged man at the church building. It was in English and that was a little strange because I didn`t practice many of those in the MTC. He`s from Congo and in Japan getting his PhD and studying cancer or something (he`s super smart!). His first language is French, so his English isn`t perfect. It was such a sweet experience though, when at the end of the lesson as he was leaving he said his heart was full and he is always so happy after meeting with the missionaries. We were able to bear testimony that those feelings are from The Spirit.
Streeting and Housing has been good. It always makes me a little sad, though, that so many people shove us off when we are offering them truth. We are offering them happiness, peace, hope, and most importantly eternal salvation. However, I take comfort in something I heard from the last fireside and from a video of Elder Holland I watched while in the MTC: The reason why people aren`t lining up outside of the door of our apartment to receive the truth of the Restored Gospel is because salvation is not a cheap experience. It never has been, and it`s not intended to be. Something Zinke Kaicho has had a huge focus for us is on gathering the elect. As it says in D&C 29 (I think) that we are supposed to gather the elect, or those who are prepared to receive it. We will find, or the Lord will bring to us, those who are prepared to accept the Gospel and enter by the gate of baptism on to the straight and narrow path.
It`s so good to hear about everything and everyone at home! Have fun in St. George, and tell Marisa I say good luck! Tell Josh French Ganbate for me! Kelsey`s going to California? Sugoi! That`s so exciting! Tell her I say congrats and good luck! Anyway, I`m doing just fine. I`m happy, healthy, and doing the best work there is to do!
Love you!
Elder Kyle Hutchings
P.S. It`s all right for my siblings and Grandparents to e-mail me. Everyone else should send a letter. Just another reminder that if you`re going to send anything to the mission home, it needs to be done through Government mail services only.
Sunday, March 17, 2013 - Japan Kobe Mission Home
Dear Brother and Sister
Hutchings,
Your son has safely arrived in
the mission and is in his new area with his trainer. It was a pleasure to spend
some time together with him in the mission home. We will let you hear the
details directly from your missionary, but we are sending you a picture of your
missionary with us and one with him and his trainer.
We have also attached a map of
the mission with the names of the different areas.
Also, please feel free to
visit our mission blogs to see additional pictures of your missionary and other
happenings in the mission. The web addresses are: http://preachinghisgospel.wordpress.com
Thank you again for sending us
such a wonderful missionary. We look forward to working with him in the coming
months.
Sincerely,
President and Sister Zinke
Japan Kobe Mission
 |
| Kyle with President & Sister Zinke |
 |
| Elder Day, Elder Hutchings, Elder Nakatsuka |
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wednesday, March 13 - Made It to Japan
Hi Mom and Dad,
Just sending an e-mail from the honbu (mission home). Just letting you know that travels
have gone splendidly and I'm here safe. My luggage and everything made it fine.
Zinke (it is pronounced zeenkee) Kaicho (President) is amazing!
I'm so excited to be here! Know that I'm well and everything is
fine!
Love you,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 - Week 8
Mom and Dad,
Sorry, no Ni Hon Go this e-mail. This computer doesn't have the same capabilities. Anyway, it's so great to hear about everything. So good to hear about Auntie Laurie and Uncle Paul. Tell them Aloha for me! Tell Auntie Laurie thanks for her letters. They're inspirational and have been very helpful. I've appreciated letters and packages from everyone. Unfortunately, I won't have room to take them all with me, so I'm going to be sending a big envelope of some of my letters home soon. Please just put it in my room somewhere.
So, I got my travel plans! We're leaving SLC next Monday the 11th and flying Delta to LAX. We've got about a 4 hour layover there, and then we fly to Narita on United Airlines. In NRT we have about an hour layover and then we go to Osaka, ITM on All Nippon Airways. So exciting! I am completely ready for travel and everything. I've got everything I need and should be good to go.
Stevens is going to Sendai!? Honto ni?! Sugoi desu yo!!!! Saiko! Subarashii! ii desu yo! Yoshi!!!!!!! I know he'll make an amazing missionary for Japan. He's definitely more than capable of picking up Japanese.
I have had amazing opportunities to hear from some amazing people this past week. This last Sunday I got to hear from the Provo temple President and his wife, Brother and Sister Daines. To start off, yesterday the Head/President of International MTC's, President Mills, came and had a meeting for the Japan going missionaries. He served in Japan when he was young and as a mission president, so that's why he does it just for the Japan bound missionaries. He talked a lot about expectations. He talked about how sometimes going to a country people tell us how it is there - not many baptisms, how the members are, etc. Essentially what I learned and what he taught is that we can't let anyone tell us anything is going to be any way. If we do, then our thoughts, actions, and feelings are hindered. The only expectations we should be worried about are God's. Mills Kaicho talked about many of the prophecies regarding missionary work in Japan. He showed us pictures of Chapels in Japan, built multiple stories high. But right now, they only have one ward meeting in them. He told us we need to see Japan as God envisions it, and to work to fulfill the expectations God has. He also urged us to seek God's expectations for us through fasting, prayer, scripture study, and reading our patriarchal blessings. Something very insightful he said is to talk to those with keys and allow them to turn them. Our mission presidents, branch presidents, bishops, district and stake presidents in our areas are entitled to receive revelation for the work of the Lord, and that is something we should seek after. They can help us to know of God's will.
Another amazing experience was last Tuesday. I was privileged to hear from Elder M. Russell Ballard. He is such a gentle and sweet man, and he reminds me of the Savior in those regards especially. He spoke about how God has always trusted young people. It is so true, isn't it? From David in the Bible to the 2000 stripling warriors, God has always entrusted the young to do His work and work for righteousness. Another thing I found particularly insightful was that we know the Gospel. We've heard it from the time we were children. We must have confidence in our knowledge, and we must draw upon the personal experiences we have had living the Gospel. PMG is the efforts of the Prophets and Apostles to condense and simplify all of the essential doctrines and principles. It's more a refresher for us, and a guide to make sure we are teaching all we should. But, we shouldn't worry too hard about learning the lessons in PMG, because we really do know it. The apostles are so wonderful, and I have been so lucky to be able to hear from 2.
I am so excited to go to Japan! I love you all, and I thank you for your support. I might be able to call you from the SLC airport depending on how the timing works out. I'll probably call the home phone if that's the case. Just FYI.
I love you,
Elder Hutchings.
Sorry, no Ni Hon Go this e-mail. This computer doesn't have the same capabilities. Anyway, it's so great to hear about everything. So good to hear about Auntie Laurie and Uncle Paul. Tell them Aloha for me! Tell Auntie Laurie thanks for her letters. They're inspirational and have been very helpful. I've appreciated letters and packages from everyone. Unfortunately, I won't have room to take them all with me, so I'm going to be sending a big envelope of some of my letters home soon. Please just put it in my room somewhere.
So, I got my travel plans! We're leaving SLC next Monday the 11th and flying Delta to LAX. We've got about a 4 hour layover there, and then we fly to Narita on United Airlines. In NRT we have about an hour layover and then we go to Osaka, ITM on All Nippon Airways. So exciting! I am completely ready for travel and everything. I've got everything I need and should be good to go.
Stevens is going to Sendai!? Honto ni?! Sugoi desu yo!!!! Saiko! Subarashii! ii desu yo! Yoshi!!!!!!! I know he'll make an amazing missionary for Japan. He's definitely more than capable of picking up Japanese.
I have had amazing opportunities to hear from some amazing people this past week. This last Sunday I got to hear from the Provo temple President and his wife, Brother and Sister Daines. To start off, yesterday the Head/President of International MTC's, President Mills, came and had a meeting for the Japan going missionaries. He served in Japan when he was young and as a mission president, so that's why he does it just for the Japan bound missionaries. He talked a lot about expectations. He talked about how sometimes going to a country people tell us how it is there - not many baptisms, how the members are, etc. Essentially what I learned and what he taught is that we can't let anyone tell us anything is going to be any way. If we do, then our thoughts, actions, and feelings are hindered. The only expectations we should be worried about are God's. Mills Kaicho talked about many of the prophecies regarding missionary work in Japan. He showed us pictures of Chapels in Japan, built multiple stories high. But right now, they only have one ward meeting in them. He told us we need to see Japan as God envisions it, and to work to fulfill the expectations God has. He also urged us to seek God's expectations for us through fasting, prayer, scripture study, and reading our patriarchal blessings. Something very insightful he said is to talk to those with keys and allow them to turn them. Our mission presidents, branch presidents, bishops, district and stake presidents in our areas are entitled to receive revelation for the work of the Lord, and that is something we should seek after. They can help us to know of God's will.
Another amazing experience was last Tuesday. I was privileged to hear from Elder M. Russell Ballard. He is such a gentle and sweet man, and he reminds me of the Savior in those regards especially. He spoke about how God has always trusted young people. It is so true, isn't it? From David in the Bible to the 2000 stripling warriors, God has always entrusted the young to do His work and work for righteousness. Another thing I found particularly insightful was that we know the Gospel. We've heard it from the time we were children. We must have confidence in our knowledge, and we must draw upon the personal experiences we have had living the Gospel. PMG is the efforts of the Prophets and Apostles to condense and simplify all of the essential doctrines and principles. It's more a refresher for us, and a guide to make sure we are teaching all we should. But, we shouldn't worry too hard about learning the lessons in PMG, because we really do know it. The apostles are so wonderful, and I have been so lucky to be able to hear from 2.
I am so excited to go to Japan! I love you all, and I thank you for your support. I might be able to call you from the SLC airport depending on how the timing works out. I'll probably call the home phone if that's the case. Just FYI.
I love you,
Elder Hutchings.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 - Week 7
父と母、
I'm always so glad to hear that everyone
is doing well! I hope Grandma Ingrid is still hanging in there.
Tell おばあさん (obaasan)I say がんばって下さい(ganbatte kudasai). I absolutely love
hearing about Miriam and Lillia. I'm pretty sure I've said it before,
but out of anyone or anything about being home, I miss those two little
angels the most!
It's so great to hear about all of the people who
are growing ever closer to receiving a mission call. I am so excited to
hear where Matt Stevens will be going! It is absolutely amazing how
many missionaries there are (even though it does for long lines at the
cafeteria sometimes...haha!)! Mission calls are truly received by
prophets through revelation. There have been a good few speakers from
the missionary department in the church, and they've all related amazing
experiences they've had when they've been with one of the 12 Apostles
and seen a mission call assigned. It is something that I marvel at
everyday as I put my nametag on. I have been called by a prophet of God
to represent the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that I don't
fully understand the power of the calling of a missionary, nor do I
fully comprehend what it truly means to be a missionary. But I do know
that the work of spreading the Gospel and bringing souls to Christ is of
utmost importance, and I try my best each day to learn how to Preach
His Gospel in His way. Being a missionary is great!
Sounds like you've got plenty of adventures coming up
in the next little while. I completely forgot that you are going to be
headed to Hawaii! すばらしいですよ！ I would say I'm jealous,
でも....私は日本へ行きます!!! (demo...watashi wa, Ni Hon e ikimasu!!!)
私は日本語がしんぽしています。けれども、いつもかいぜんできます！（watashi wa, NiHonGo ga shinpo shite imasu. keredomo, itsumo kaizen dekimasu!)
Japanese is coming along more and more. I'm very excited, because a group of 日本人せんきょうし(NiHon jin senkyoshi) just arrived yesterday!
It's going to be so helpful to have native speakers to practice with
and to learn from! They'll be leaving the same time that we will.
I'm still leaving on March 11, so far as I know. I
haven't been told anything else otherwise. I'm sure I'll be receiving
more information about it either this week or the next. It's so crazy
to think that in two weeks from yesterday, I'll be heading to Japan! すごいですね？時間がどこに行きましたか？(Sugoi ne? Jikan ga doko ni ikimashita ka?).
Today
I was able to go and do sealings in the Temple. It was an amazing
experience! I acted as a son for quite a few sealings. The sealer had
studied Japanese for 60 years and had once worked in the Tokyo temple.
It was amazing to hear him talk about his experiences!
I'm doing great, and I love you so much!
Elder Hutchings
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013 - Week 6
Mom and Dad,
Since yesterday
was President's Day, if you sent something via DearElder.com I won't
get it until this evening. I got Dad's e-mail, but I haven't gotten
anything from Mom. That's okay though. Things are going great here in
the MTC. My birthday was great, and I had a good day. Thank you for
the package, and tell everyone who included things thank you for me.
I've been so busy and I'm not sure if I'll be able to write a letter to
say thank you to everyone. The weather has been growing ever sunnier
and warmer, it's such a pleasant change. It's crazy to think that
including this week I've got 3 weeks left of my stay in the MTC. As
much as I love the MTC, I do wish to get into the field and helping
people come closer to Christ. But I don't get annoyed about it because I
remember that even though I have been assigned to labor in Japan, the
Lord has called me first and foremost to be a missionary. That means I
am to do whatever the Lord wants me to do and do my best to represent
Jesus Christ and work my hardest wherever I am.
This week I read an amazing talk titled, "The Fourth
Missionary" by Laurence E. Corbridge. If you're able to find it, Dad,
or have heard of it already, I think it would be so great to share with
the young men. For that matter, I think it's a great talk to share with
anyone. It talks about how there are four main categories of
missionaries, the differences between them, and why they turn out the
way they do. It has really helped me to put into perspective what I
want to become not just as a missionary, but as a child of God working
for eternal progression.
The Ni Hon Go is coming along well. I'm able to
communicate better and better every day. Teaching and explaining the
Gospel in Ni Hon Go is improving. I can't fully express everything I
want to, but that will come with time and practice I'm sure. It is
truly the Lord's work that I am called to do, and as such I must study
and learn the Japanese that the Lord wants me to. I read this week in
Preach My Gospel chapter 7 about language study. In the chapter there's
a quote by Elder Holland (I think it's on page 128) about how we need
to hold onto the abilities that the Lord has helped us gain. After our
missions we need to keep practicing our mission language. He says
something along the lines that the Lord has invested much in us, and may
have use of those abilities later. So I'm just curious, how do you
think your Ni Hon Go is, Dad? How is Jason's Chinese? (Craig probably
doesn't have to worry so much about his Canadian.) It might be worth
considering and praying about if a little language study would be good
for you to hold on to the abilities that God has blessed you with while
you were serving Him full-time.
I don't think I need or want anything. Thank you so
much for your support. Dad, I've gained a few pounds. I think I weigh
146 now, compared to about 142 when I entered the MTC. I've been
running nearly a 20min 5K twice a week, running stairs one day,
stationary biking another, and I do an upper body workout on another
day. I feel fantastic. Eternally tired, but fantastic!
I love you so much!
-Elder Hutchings
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 - Week 5
お父さんとお母さん、 (otosan to okasan)
私はいつもげんきですよ！ (watashi wa itsumo genki desu yo!)
I'm
doing great! The 日本語 is coming along just fine. Hapi長老 (choro -
elder) and I taught a lesson in District meeting this past 日よう日
(Nichiyobi - Sunday) about
Enduring to the End. It went very well. An interesting thing I
learned from one of the Elder's in my district is that one of the
reasons we are charged to endure to the end here in this life is because
it is preparation for the eternities. Part of enduring to the end is
always learning and growing, and since we will be doing that for all
time and eternity, it is so essential that we learn how to do so now. I
had never thought of enduring to the end in that way. It's truly
amazing how many new insights can be gained by teaching rather than
being the "student." I'm so excited to enter the mission field, because
I will be able to have that opportunity of being taught while I'm
teaching much more frequently.
That's so great that Shannon did a good job! I'm sure
she will be an incredible missionary. She's such an amazing person.
I'll probably have time sometime this week to look up that talk you
mentioned that she used. If you're able to, tell Shannon that I love
her and wish her luck!
I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Great
that Grandpa is healing and able to get around well enough. It's so
wonderful to hear about how Lilia and Miriam are. I'm not going to lie,
out of everyone there is to miss, I miss those two the most! Grandma
Ingrid is finally figuring out her Kitchen Aid, eh? I remember she was
having some trouble with it. おもしろいね (omoshiroi ne - funny, eh?)
Great to hear about the Priests and Teachers
activitiy! Tell those young men to pay attention, because they
definitely will be using those skills that they learn. A couple of
weeks ago one of the buttons came off of the sleeve on one of my suit
jackets. I had to sew it back on, and you had better believe that I
remember that evening at the Lewis' home.
Jolly 長老 and his どうりょう (doryo - companion) are the Zone
Leaders. Jolly 長老 isn't in my district, but I see him around plenty.
His district's classroom is right next to mine, and he lives on the same
floor in the same residence hall as I do. Oh, and I most certainly
have seen Elder Leavitt around! I've met so many people I know while
I've been here. It's amazing to see all of my friends from high school
serving the Lord as full-time missionary.
すばらしい！！！ (subarashii - wonderful) That's wonderful to
hear that Brent and Annie are engaged! I am so happy for them! Please
keep me up to speed on the details of their wedding.
I can't say that I need anything. The MTC is still dandy and I'm doing well.
Thank you for all of your love, support, and prayers.
あいしていますよ！(ai shite imasu yo! - I love you!)
Elder Hutchings
ハチングス長老
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013 - Week 4
Otosan to Okasan!
I've been doing absolutely
fine as of late! The weather has been getting better and better. It's
absolutely crazy to think that it's already February! Oh, Aaron Jolly
and his companion were appointed to be Zone leaders this last Sunday! I
know that he will be an amazing Zone leader and will greatly magnify
his calling. I can't tell you just how amazingly much I am learning. I
have learned so much about being an effective tool in the Lord's hands,
about the Gospel, and about Japanese as well. I learned
something amazing while listening to a talk by Elder Bednar in class yesterday.
He talked about an experience he had while he was on his mission that
involved Elder Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve (It has something to
do with a 20 Marc note, if you can look it up I highly suggest you do).
Anyway, what I learned was that we will rarely realize that we are
being led by the Spirit in the moment. So often I have felt that if I'm
being led by the Spirit I will know it and I will know precisely that
it is guiding me. But that's seldom the case. Elder Bednar said that
as long as we are striving to be good boys and girls and simply doing
what we know to be right, the Spirit will guide our actions. We must
not be seized with anxiety because we don't know whether or not the
decisions we are making and things we are saying are from the Spirit.
So long as we are worthy and trying our best to do what is
right, the Spirit will guide us.
So about my everyday life, I'm sorry I didn't do this earlier, but just to give you an idea of what my average day is like:
6:00 am. Wake up and get ready for the day
7:00 - In my classroom planning for the day with my companion
7:45 - Breakfast
8:20 - Gospel, missionary fundamentals, and language class, progressing investigator
11:20 - 12:20 - Personal study time
12:20 - Lunch
1:20 - Gym time
2:45 - Language study
3:55 - TALL lab time - TALL is a language learning computer program
4:55 - Additional study time
5:25 - Dinner
6:10
- Gospel, missionary fundamentals, and language class, progressing
investigator (morning and evening classes have a different sensei)
9:10 - Additional study time
9:30 - Get ready for bed
10:30 - Bed
That's how my days are every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Thursdays and Saturdays only differ in that gym time is in the evening
at 8:00 so some of the other things are switched around. Tuesdays are
P-days, as you are well aware.
I'm glad to hear that everyone and everything is well.
Mom, the Elder from Hawaii is an Elder Ammon Pollister. He's headed
for Fukuoka and says he really loves Paul, Laurie and all of their
family.
I love being a missionary. In the MTC it has been busy
and it's been a lot of hard work. But it bringing souls to Christ is
the most important work I can do. Thank you for your love and support.
Love,
Elder Hutchings
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - Week 3
Butler
Kyodai and Butler Shimai talked to me about how they ran into you,
Mom. I didn't realize that you knew them! Butler Kyodai took the photo
this last Sunday just after Seisan meeting.
I have met Fish Shimai. She's really awesome. I ran into her shortly after entering the MTC and told her that I knew her sister's roommate.
The package was awesome! Thank you so much for all of the junk! Tell Craig thanks for sending the frogs and trail mix. Goodness me, I eat way too much food here in the MTC! Besides gym time, most of my life is just classes and studying. I'll eat a huge meal, have class and study for a few hours, eat another huge meal, study for a few hours again, eat more food, then have class and study then go to bed. Sometimes at mealtimes I don't even know if I'm hungry, but I eat just to eat. It's no wonder that a lot of missionaries get chunky when they're in the MTC!
I'm really sorry to hear about Uncle Wayne's father passing away. I send my condolences and love. I send Rich my love too. I hope he recovers well. It's good to hear that Grandpa is still doing well.
Things are going just fine here in the MTC. The Ni Hon Go is coming along bit by bit, my companion and I are still getting along just fine, and I'm learning how to better be a tool in the Lord's hands everyday.
I love you and appreciate your love and support.
--Elder Hutchings
I have met Fish Shimai. She's really awesome. I ran into her shortly after entering the MTC and told her that I knew her sister's roommate.
The package was awesome! Thank you so much for all of the junk! Tell Craig thanks for sending the frogs and trail mix. Goodness me, I eat way too much food here in the MTC! Besides gym time, most of my life is just classes and studying. I'll eat a huge meal, have class and study for a few hours, eat another huge meal, study for a few hours again, eat more food, then have class and study then go to bed. Sometimes at mealtimes I don't even know if I'm hungry, but I eat just to eat. It's no wonder that a lot of missionaries get chunky when they're in the MTC!
I'm really sorry to hear about Uncle Wayne's father passing away. I send my condolences and love. I send Rich my love too. I hope he recovers well. It's good to hear that Grandpa is still doing well.
Things are going just fine here in the MTC. The Ni Hon Go is coming along bit by bit, my companion and I are still getting along just fine, and I'm learning how to better be a tool in the Lord's hands everyday.
I love you and appreciate your love and support.
--Elder Hutchings
 |
| Elder Hutchings & Elder Hapi - taken by President Butler (Branch Presidency) |
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - Week 2
Dear Mom,
Let Marisa know that I did get her letter. I wrote her a letter last week but didn't get a chance to go to the store and get stamps and envelopes. I'll be sending letter it sometime this week. Good to hear that she's still dancing like a maniac!
Tell Ally Duffin congratulations! That is so cool!!! I'm so excited for her! Serving a mission is so amazing no matter where you go or what language you speak. The promised blessings and the fruits of missionary service are incredible!
Things have been going great here. The Ni Hon Go is coming along all right and things are great. The food is okay and I'm just fine. There's really nothing new or strange to report.
Well okay, I guess something awesome did happen this last week. The Tuesday devotional speaker was Elder Holland. He gave an incredible talk about the power associated with a missionary's call. It was an incredible experience to have an Apostle of Jesus Christ directly addressing me as a part of a group. It never fails to amaze me how powerfully true Apostolic direction and promises are. It's incredible to me to know that so long as I am striving to do what the Lord wants me to, I'm promised incredible blessings. The Preach My Gospel manual is full of them, as was Elder Holland's talk. Something else really amazing was that he said a dedicatory prayer for 2 or 3 new MTC buildings that were recently completed. The blessing was amazing. It's incredible to hear the specific blessings, consecration, and dedication that the MTC has. The MTC is truly a wonderful place where servants of the Lord can be prepared.
I love the MTC and have had a wonderful time here so far!
Elder Hutchings
My district (Left to Right): Me & my companion Hapi Choro, Watanabe (Provo) and Hansen (California) Shimai, Benzon (Utah) and Moretti (Brazil) Choro, Oliveira (Brazil) and Jensen (North Carolina) Choro.
I love my District!
Let Marisa know that I did get her letter. I wrote her a letter last week but didn't get a chance to go to the store and get stamps and envelopes. I'll be sending letter it sometime this week. Good to hear that she's still dancing like a maniac!
Tell Ally Duffin congratulations! That is so cool!!! I'm so excited for her! Serving a mission is so amazing no matter where you go or what language you speak. The promised blessings and the fruits of missionary service are incredible!
Things have been going great here. The Ni Hon Go is coming along all right and things are great. The food is okay and I'm just fine. There's really nothing new or strange to report.
Well okay, I guess something awesome did happen this last week. The Tuesday devotional speaker was Elder Holland. He gave an incredible talk about the power associated with a missionary's call. It was an incredible experience to have an Apostle of Jesus Christ directly addressing me as a part of a group. It never fails to amaze me how powerfully true Apostolic direction and promises are. It's incredible to me to know that so long as I am striving to do what the Lord wants me to, I'm promised incredible blessings. The Preach My Gospel manual is full of them, as was Elder Holland's talk. Something else really amazing was that he said a dedicatory prayer for 2 or 3 new MTC buildings that were recently completed. The blessing was amazing. It's incredible to hear the specific blessings, consecration, and dedication that the MTC has. The MTC is truly a wonderful place where servants of the Lord can be prepared.
I love the MTC and have had a wonderful time here so far!
Elder Hutchings
My district (Left to Right): Me & my companion Hapi Choro, Watanabe (Provo) and Hansen (California) Shimai, Benzon (Utah) and Moretti (Brazil) Choro, Oliveira (Brazil) and Jensen (North Carolina) Choro.
I love my District!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - Week One
Hey Mom and Dad!
The MTC is awesome! I'm absolutely loving it! The food is all right (my stomach has been a tad on the fritz adjusting to it, but I'm all right) and very plentiful!
My companion is Elder Hapi, and he is also going to Kobe. He is from Australia, but he's of native New Zealand descent. He is an amazing guy and we get along great. He's funny and he laughs a lot. There is another companionship in our room. Elder Oliveira (from Brazil) and Elder Jensen (from North Carolina). They are also going to Kobe and they are so much fun to be around. It has been a bit strange adjusting to having a companion, but it's a good kind of strange. Like I said, Elder Hapi and I get along great and we're basically like brothers.
The Ni Hon go is coming along wonderfully! The gift of tongues is real and the Lord truly blesses those he calls to learn a new language. I have been learning Japanese so much more quickly than I ever have before. Beyond that, 2 Elders (Moretti and Oliveira) in my district are from Brazil so they are learning Japanese (completely new to both of them) from an English speaking teacher. It has been absolutely incredible to see how amazingly quickly they've progressed and how they've been blessed. My sensei is an amazingly loving guy and is so supportive of me and the rest of the district.
It's really cool that they have us teaching lessons to investigators already. The first appointment we had with a kyudosha was last Friday, and it was all in Japanese. My companion and I struggled a bit, but it's really amazing how the Spirit works through you and you can feel it's presence and feel it testifying to you and your investigator of the truth of what you're saying, even when you don't entirely understand what you're saying.
Sunday was amazing. In sacrament meeting they blessed the bread and water in Ni Hon go. The talks were in Japanese and we sang the hymns in Japanese. It was super cool!
Jolly Choro and I have been able to see each other quite frequently. Beyond seeing him around classes and just walking him around, I normally walk or run with him during gym time. It's so nice to have a friend to talk to and share my thoughts with. Though I'm making many friends I really love being able to have a close friend around.
Justin is going to Pennsylvania?! That's so awesome! Tell him congratulations for me. He's going to be an incredible missionary.
By the way, please keep using DearElder.com. They send me a hard copy of the letter you send the same day, whereas with e-mail I have to wait until P-day to read it. It's nice to have letters earlier so that I can read them and start to think about what to reply to you throughout the week, rather than having to read and reply on P-day.
I'll try and send you some pictures soon! I love you and miss you all so much.
Elder Hutchings
The MTC is awesome! I'm absolutely loving it! The food is all right (my stomach has been a tad on the fritz adjusting to it, but I'm all right) and very plentiful!
My companion is Elder Hapi, and he is also going to Kobe. He is from Australia, but he's of native New Zealand descent. He is an amazing guy and we get along great. He's funny and he laughs a lot. There is another companionship in our room. Elder Oliveira (from Brazil) and Elder Jensen (from North Carolina). They are also going to Kobe and they are so much fun to be around. It has been a bit strange adjusting to having a companion, but it's a good kind of strange. Like I said, Elder Hapi and I get along great and we're basically like brothers.
The Ni Hon go is coming along wonderfully! The gift of tongues is real and the Lord truly blesses those he calls to learn a new language. I have been learning Japanese so much more quickly than I ever have before. Beyond that, 2 Elders (Moretti and Oliveira) in my district are from Brazil so they are learning Japanese (completely new to both of them) from an English speaking teacher. It has been absolutely incredible to see how amazingly quickly they've progressed and how they've been blessed. My sensei is an amazingly loving guy and is so supportive of me and the rest of the district.
It's really cool that they have us teaching lessons to investigators already. The first appointment we had with a kyudosha was last Friday, and it was all in Japanese. My companion and I struggled a bit, but it's really amazing how the Spirit works through you and you can feel it's presence and feel it testifying to you and your investigator of the truth of what you're saying, even when you don't entirely understand what you're saying.
Sunday was amazing. In sacrament meeting they blessed the bread and water in Ni Hon go. The talks were in Japanese and we sang the hymns in Japanese. It was super cool!
Jolly Choro and I have been able to see each other quite frequently. Beyond seeing him around classes and just walking him around, I normally walk or run with him during gym time. It's so nice to have a friend to talk to and share my thoughts with. Though I'm making many friends I really love being able to have a close friend around.
Justin is going to Pennsylvania?! That's so awesome! Tell him congratulations for me. He's going to be an incredible missionary.
By the way, please keep using DearElder.com. They send me a hard copy of the letter you send the same day, whereas with e-mail I have to wait until P-day to read it. It's nice to have letters earlier so that I can read them and start to think about what to reply to you throughout the week, rather than having to read and reply on P-day.
I'll try and send you some pictures soon! I love you and miss you all so much.
Elder Hutchings
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013 - MTC Day
Kyle (Elder Hutchings) spent the morning do his final packing and putting the finishing touches on his room.
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| Final review of the packing list |
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| Everything are in these two bags |
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| Good-bye dog |
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| Good-bye house and snow |
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| Last "Healthy" meal before entering the MTC |
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| Yum |
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| 5 minutes to drop off |
Tuesday, January 8, 2013 - Getting Set Apart
Elder Hutchings was set apart as a full time missionary at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Grandpa & Grandma Hutchings, Mom & Dad, Kyle, Grandma Ingrid, Marisa, Jason
Kyle with his Grandma's (Amazing Kyle is so tall considering the height of his Grandmas & Mom)
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