Monday, January 27, 2014 - Week 55

Mom and Dad,

Sometimes I think like I'm losing my mind when I feel like a week passes in
only 3 seconds.  That being said, I just don't even know what to think when
I feel like 2 weeks are gone in 3 seconds.

This last Friday Elder Hoshino and I had a chance to kokan with one of the
District Leaders in the Zone.  I had the chance to sit down with him during
the exchange and give him some training about the role of a District Leader
and talk with him about some of the questions he had and some of the ways
we as Zone Leaders feel he can improve.  We discussed a lot about vision,
goal setting and making plans.  It was all in Japanese too, since this
District Leader is Ni Hon jin (Japanese).  I've been doing a lot of things lately that
I never would have expected to do.  Before I came on my mission in the
first place I never thought I would find myself in the leadership of the
mission.  As such it never did or would have occurred to me that there
might be the chance that I would have to train another mission leader on
his responsibilities and about vision for him personally and for those in
his stewardship - on top of that all in Japanese.  Anyway, I've been
re-reflecting on vision and goals lately.  It was a good reminder and
revamp for me on the vision and goals I made for myself at the beginning of
this month.  We also finally received the January Ensign in English this
last week, and so I read President Uchtdorf's message and I really enjoy
his hard drive example.  I took a really good think over the importance of
having all of our goals aligned.  Really judging and making sure that our
daily goals are supporting weekly goals, weekly to monthly, monthly to
yearly, yearly to our huge life goals, and that the huge life goals we have
are in line with God's work and glory.

We had Mission President interviews this last week.  It was great get a
chance to spend some time with everyone in the zone and have fun and talk
about dendo.  In my interview with Zinke Kaicho (President) we talked about the Lord's
economics.  The Lord's deal is an all or nothing sort of gig.  He already
has all and has given His everything
for this work.  As such, it is natural and fair that He expects all things
from us.  In particular Kaicho and I talked about the difference between
our best and all we can do.  Our best is something that *we* always set the
standard for.  When we give our best we are giving as much as we think we
can, but the Lord knows things about us that we don't and He knows truly
how much we can give.  Thus there's a necessity to always be proactive in
our efforts, but to simultaneously always be seeking the Lord's
expectations and directions.  We talked about a lot more than that, but
that was the part that left the biggest impression on me.  As a side note,
Zinke Kaicho is the man.  The end.

We had a mini kokan with the Assistants the night of interviews.  They
aren't going to be able to kokan with us properly this transfer so they
came over and just stayed the night with us and we discussed the
application of the training we received during interviews and what things I
should focus on as the Missionary/Tranining Zone Leader from here on out.
 Again, another conversation I never would have expected.  The Assistant
over Missionaries/Training this time around is Ni Hon jin, Aono Choro.  I
pretty much only thought I'd have to worry about learning Japanese to make
friends and teach people and stuff. I was severely mistaken.  But luckily I
get by with the Japanese I've been blessed to learn so far.  Kokans with
the Assistants are always fun, though.  Elder Carver (the other Assistant)
brought one of those belts you strap around your abs that like shock you
and make you flex.  I wore it and it feels really strange.  Not bad, or
painful, just weird, but it definitely makes tensing up your core more
comfortable than the electric pulse it sends through you.  Carver Choro
also forgot to take it with him when he left, so Hoshino Choro and I have
been having fun with it this last week.

I am super excited for this next Sunday.  Nakatsuka Kaicho is going to be
visiting our branch.  His son was my companion in the first few weeks of my
mission when there was a san-nin in Kouchi.  Also, he visited Kouchi Shibu
while I was still there.  He's going to speak in our Fast and Testimony
meeting and then since Hoshino Choro and I are in the Branch Leadership
we'll be going with him to another branch building for another meeting with
other Branch Leaders in the District.  Should be way cool, and way
spiritual.

I'm healthy and happy and surviving the cold!

Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings

Monday, January 20, 2014 - Week 54

Mom and Dad,

Yesterday Hoshino Choro and I had a bit of a unique opportunity.  Because I'm in the Branch Presidency and he's Elder's quorum president, we went to the District Correlation Meeting in Fukuchiyama.  It was way cool to be there.  It was so enlightening and interesting to experience and be involved in the thoughts and planning that goes on at a District Level.  It was awesome to be able to hear about all of the different Branches' dendo plans and themes.  I always enjoy a chance to interact with the District President - he is an incredible Priesthood Leader and he teaches simply and uses examples effectively.  Hoshino Choro and I were given a bit of time to report about and discuss the progressing investigators and yakusokusha (committed for baptism) in the Zone.  We were also given some time to talk about the 400 non-members to church goal.  For that we basically just taught a lesson that we normally teach to investigators to help them understand the importance of coming to church.  In short, we simply draw the connection of coming to church, taking the sacrament, accessing Christ's Atonement, and obtaining a happiness which leads to everlasting happiness.  We did it in the context of "Did you realize just how amazing it is to invite your friend to church?  That by inviting them to church you're inviting them to take the first steps to accessing Christ's Atonement, and thus to obtain true happiness?"  I feel like it went well.

I feel so blessed to be in the position I am as a Missionary, Zone Leader and Branch Presidency Member.  With the latter two I have a chance to plan, organize, administer, and minister by the Spirit.  And with the former, I have a chance to be out in the fight.  It's incredibly fun, and I'm reminded of the phrase, "Duty is joy."  As I fulfill my duties I feel the greatest joy.  I also feel many of the Lord's promised blessings of Spiritual and Physical support and strength as I give all I can for this the greatest work.

Yesterday was a great day for more than just the incredible experience we had at District Correlation meeting.  In Toyooka there is an investigator named E. Kyoudai (Brother).  He was a yakusokusha (committed for baptism), but due to his job he became legitimately incredibly busy and we haven't been able to meet with him at all last transfer.  We were able to contact him a few times, but after a while even the contact ceased.  He stopped picking up his phone and wouldn't reply to e-mails.  We tried visiting him any number of times, but he was never home.  Last week we had the thought, "Have we been doing ALL we can do to get in touch with and help him?"  We realized we hadn't.  We still hadn't tried visiting him in the morning.  Last Sunday morning (the 12th) we got up early and visited his home before DCS.  He wasn't home, but for the first time we were able to talk to his mom and found out that he's normally home on Sunday morning.  So, we decided to go again yesterday.  We got up a bit earlier this time, it normally takes about 20 minutes to get to his place by bike anyway, but yesterday there was more snow on the roads than last week as well as more ice.  We visited him and he was home!  We had a good chat about how he's been lately, how his job has been and how things will be from here on out, we talked about what times during the day would be best for him to make contact, then I hugged him and we left.  He had to work yesterday and has had to work every Sunday for the past couple of months.  But Sunday will be a yasumi for him and it should stay that way from here on out, so he's going to come to church.  Beyond feeling an incredible amount of relief that E. Kyoudai honestly has been busy and that the biggest problem isn't necessarily that his desire has dropped or that he just wanted to stop the whole church thing, I suppose what I've come to feel and learn from all of this is that I can't be afraid to try something else, something new.  Just show faith, act, and then let the Lord take care of everything I can't.

I don't feel like I'm the same person I was a year ago.  A month ago.  Even since just last week.  In the New Testament it says if you lose yourself for Him, you'll find yourself.  Matthew 10:39 I believe.  I feel so strongly that is happening to me.  It comes out a lot when I share my experiences and bear my testimony.  As I have worked to throw away my extra stuff, and keep giving more to Him, in a rather un-explainable sort of way I've come to understand how I feel and what is actually in my heart.  As I write out my experiences and the feelings I have for Gospel Principles I've come to see what's in my heart, what I actually believe and why I believe it, and I've really rather come to grips with myself - something I don't feel like I've ever been able to do before.

If I could make any requests for the next package it would be big candy bars like the big Cookies and Cream and the Symphony bar you sent with the last one.  I ended up taking those to Eikaiwa (English class) and sharing them with all of the students.  They thought it was pretty cool that we have such gigantic candy bars in America.

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

PS.  Thanks so much for the pictures!  And Happy Birthday Dad!

Monday, January 13, 2014 - Week 53

Mom and Dad,

I entered the MTC a year ago from last Thursday.  Weird.

Dad thank you so much for refreshing me on that training.  As I've been doing a lot of thinking about long-term goals, I've come to remember the importance of shorter-term, and even daily goals.  I've been trying to work out a good system for setting daily goals, and the revelation comes.  I remember you told me about the 3 positives and 1 area of improvement thing I believe it was the day I entered the MTC.  I remember writing it on a green note card and then finding that in my backpack and applying it.  It was effective, and I am excited to try it again.

Along with goal setting I've been turned again lately to showing faith.  God works miracles according to our faith.  As such, if we're not showing faith daily then the power needed to move the great work will likely not be afforded to us.  Furthermore, our personal growth weakens, and we become a dull and difficult to use tool for the Lord.  Setting goals shows your faith because you're aiming to move just a little beyond what you know you can accomplish.  It's a small step into the dark, and working to accomplish that goal opens the way for the Lord to pour out His blessings and power.

This last Friday we had a New Years Taikai (conference) in Kobe.  For an hour or two before the Taikai everyone played dodge-ball in the cultural hall of the Kobe church.  It was way fun, but I came to find out just how many muscles I haven't been using.  My arms were sore from throwing, and all of the side to side movement and jumping did a number on some of the muscles around my legs.  The Taikai was amazing.  President Zinke's vision is incredible and inspiring, and we talked a lot about what as a mission we'll be focusing on for the next while.

The weather has been lovely.  Snowy, melting, more snow, freezing cold sleet, and it's snowing as a type.  I'm still on the hunt for boots.  I really want to find something decently oshare (stylish), but haven't found anything in my size yet.  I ended up buying a new dendo bag this last week.  The strap on my other bag was close to giving up.  We went to a fishing shop looking for some water proof gloves, and I ended up giving in and buying one of the bags they had.  It's bigger than my last bag, completely waterproof and very rugged.  Made by Shimano.  It seems like it can handle with ease the rigors of being a dendo bag.

Mom, the thing I was thinking I would have you send were my Saucony Hattori running shoes.  The really thin, minimalist running shoes.  I'd like to have those around for when things start warming back up in the coming months.  

Tell Vardee and Jerry hello for me.  Tell Sister Sosa hello too.  It makes me happy to think that the wonderful people I knew haven't forgotten about me.  

I'm so happy and so glad to be a missionary.

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

The next few are some pictures I took yesterday.  We walked to the church pretty early because we had to leave our bikes there the night before.  We needed our bikes to go visit an investigator to see if they could come to church.  It was -2C, but absolutely beautiful.  I'm wearing a trench coat that I found in the apartment because I also left my other coat and gear at the church.

To explain why all of our stuff was at the church, on Saturday evening we went over to an investigator's house for dinner.  But, they were kind enough to pick us up at the church, so before they came and got us we had just left all of our stuff at the church with the plan being that we'd be brought back to the church and then bike back home.  But, as it were, dinner and our discussion ran a little long, and this investigator knows about our rules as missionaries, so he just drove us to our home Saturday night.

Monday, January 6, 2014 - Week 52

Mom and Dad,

As this new year has come and I'm drawing near my half-way point I've been doing a lot of looking back.  Looking back and evaluating is an important thing to do.  But there are also great dangers in looking back.  Looking back at this last transfer and this last year - in my life in general - as a Missionary and a leader and a human being there are a lot of things I wish I would have done differently.  A lot of things I wish I would have done better.  I know hindsight is always 20-20, but despite realizing that from my mistakes and failures there is something to learn, in my life I feel I've never been much good at forgiving myself and I'm rather good at flogging myself over even the smallest of things.  I will say with honesty that I kind of sunk into that this last week.

But there's no time or reason to feel sorry for yourself in the Lord's service.  I've realized many things and changed in many ways in this great work.  As a missionary something I've been learning how to do much more effectively is rather than just letting all of those shoulda-coulda-wouldas turn to darkness and destructive regret, is learning from them and identifying ways to avoid past mistakes and improving.  I've learned how to make honest apologies to others who I feel I've let down or failed, and how to go about asking for and receiving feedback on how to improve.  It's much more helpful and it brings about a lot more growth and progress for everything when I don't let a mistake turn into a reason to throw a brick at my head.  Just learning how to repent and applying my energies for good is something I've realized the Lord has really helped me change in myself as a missionary.

I appreciate what you sent me about President Uchtdorf's message in the next Ensign.  We'll probably get the new Liahona soon and I'm excited for it.  I've been reviewing his talk "You can do it now!" from last conference lately as I've been considering my vision for myself and for my mission this year and from here on out.  I've definitely been feeling the need to remember the importance of now as I've been setting goals.

Just another little thought that I had and something I've noticed in connection to what I shared last week about belief.  As my actual stance on what I believe has congealed in my heart, it's so much easier to share with other people. It invites the Spirit so much more to declare honestly what you believe, have felt, and experienced than when you put on the facade that you believe or know something more strongly than you actually do. It's so much easier to just open your heart and say what's inside of you - because no matter how hard anyone tries they can't argue with or take away what YOU have felt and experienced.

This last week for new years we've been treated a bit more than usual.  The Branch President had us over for dinner.  They fed us sushi, and it was so good!  Also, the other day a member came by and brought us sashimi, also incredibly delicious.  Just last night we went over to the "Active Non-members" house and had the most delicious karage I have ever eaten.  Karage is like Japanese fried chicken, and it's so scrumptious!

Weather was unusually warm (but still not warm at all) this last week.  All of the snow we got basically disappeared, and it was just super cold rain for most of the days.  But it's snowing again today.  Yoshi.

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

Monday, December 30, 2013 - Week 51

Hey Mom and Dad,

It snowed about 15 inches or so over the course of Saturday and Sunday.  It makes getting around by bike wicked fun and a bit of a pain.  But it warmed up yesterday afternoon and it's sunny today, so at least the roads have enough clear space that we can ride in relative safety.  If I can, I'm going to try and find a pair of boots or something that I can wear.  I've stolen a pair of overshoes and a pair of bigger rain boots from the house here, but those look rather strange to wear if I'm not wearing my rain gear, and they also have the draw back of not keeping my feet very warm.  I was thinking if I could find some decent looking and decent priced boots that would keep things warm and dry it would be nice.  If I do find something, I'll purchase it with my debit card, just heads up.  If I don't find anything, then no worries.

I feel like I'm losing my mind.  Time is going so fast.  Another transfer has passed and in just a week it will mark one year from when I entered the MTC.  Elder Hoshino and I are both staying in Toyooka, as it were.  There are a few changes in the Zone with folks transferring out and in.

Yesterday I conducted Sacrament Meeting in Japanese.  It was definitely an interesting and fun experience.  I'm sure I'll be doing it quite often from here on out.  So that will be fun and it's definitely something I'm hoping to improve on.  The conductor of the meeting has quite an influence on creating a spiritual atmosphere in the meeting.  The tone of voice, level of formality (especially in the Japanese language), speed you talk, and the way you conduct yourself factors fairly heavily into whether an environment where answers to prayers and guidance from on high can be felt through the Holy Ghost is created.  Other than conducting sacrament meeting, another responsibility I have is to help with Dendo in the branch.  We don't have a Dendo Shunin (Mission Leader), and the Branch President is rather busy, so I play a supporting role there.

I wish to express my thanks for the Christmas cards from the family and neighbors.  I've gotten one from Alan and Brenda, Larry and Hattie, Craig and Whitney, the Teasdales, among others.  It makes me happy to see the pictures of everyone and getting the chance to see how everyone is growing.

I enjoyed the call.  It was nice to talk for a bit to everyone and hear how you're all doing.  I'm sure grateful that nobody has spontaneously combusted or anything like that.  It's nice to not have to worry much about home and family and be able to just dendo (do missionary work).  I've been meaning to send out some letters lately, by the way, and I hope to do so soon.

For whatever reason, as I'm drawing near the half-way point in my mission, I've been thinking a lot about belief.  In the Japanese language especially, there's a real difference between how they interpret "I know..." and "I believe...".  It's fascinating to me, but it's led me to realize a few things.  Life is good.  We have no reason to despair.  Either there's a God in heaven or there's not.  As I've chosen to test if there is a God and to follow what God has said, I have come to firmly believe that God exists.  He's always kept His promises, and even when it seems like there's no reason to trust Him, just following His way has never brought me regrets.  I've never seen Him, or heard His voice so I probably can't say that I know for sure He's there, but because of what I HAVE experienced, felt, and seen, I have no grounds to deny that He is not and I choose to believe that He is.  I don't know or understand everything, but I don't care to.  I know enough.  I believe He is there, I believe and trust in what He has said, and I'm not afraid to change what I am in order to fulfill what He wants.  I do believe He knows better than me about everything, so why on earth would I question His ways, character, and current or past works?  I believe that as a man I can't comprehend all that God has done or will do.  But I also firmly believe and have faith that trusting Him will only lead to good for me, for now and forever.  Sometimes believing has been really hard for me, even as a missionary.  But I've gotten comfortable with the uncomfortable feeling of taking the step into the dark, letting go of what my physical senses and brain tell me makes sense, and trusting in His ways.  I do believe His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.  What I believe to be God's way has only brought me joy and joy to those around me, so I aim to keep on going in His way.

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

Monday, December 23, 2013 - Week 50

Mom & Dad,

I sound like a broken record, I know, but it's really freaking me out how fast time seems to go.  I feel like I'm losing my mind sometimes the way things are going.

This last Saturday evening we got an e-mail from a member of the District Presidency who lives in our branch.  He said he was going to need to talk to us the next day during Dendo Chosei Shukai (Missionary Coordination meeting).  "Okay," I thought, "Probably just something to do with how the missionaries in the Zone can work better with the members."  Then we got another e-mail which said he'd be interviewing us one by one, I'd be first, and that he'd gotten some sort of OK from Zinke Kaicho.  My thoughts quickly turned to, "What's going on, eh?  This doesn't seem normal."  It certainly didn't stress me out or anything, but it definitely got me to thinking; yet despite all of the thinking, I could not come up with any particular reason such an interview would be necessary.  Sunday morning came and we were in DCS discussing our Progress Record and how things had been going for the week and such.  Then in pops the District Presidency member and motions for me to come.  We sat down in the Branch President's office and had our interview.  I don't feel it's all too necessary to go into the why, but I was extended the calling to be the second counselor in the Toyooka Branch Presidency.  I accepted the calling, and as such I have various responsibilities pertaining to it.  I was sustained in Sacrament Meeting and in this case I was set apart.

It's not so far fetched for a missionary to serve in a Branch Presidency, because I know of many cases where they serve as the Branch President, etc.  But never in a million years would I have thought that I would ever be in such a situation.  I'm a missionary, a Zone Leader, and now the Second Counselor in a Branch Presidency.  It's a really humbling thing, and it's really lead me to realize that the Lord trusts me.  That's a realization that carries with it some weight - knowing that the Lord trusts me implies that He expects a lot of me.  But I'm also filled with the peace of mind that I have the Lord's help and that He will prepare a way for me to fulfill the responsibilities He has given me.

As a side note, Elder Hoshino is now the Elder's Quorum President.  We've both got a bit more on our plates now.  But I have great confidence and a firm belief that it will only be for our benefit and for the benefit of God's children.

This last Saturday night our branch had the branch Christmas-kai.  It was loads of fun, and there was an excellent turn out from members' friends and family, and 2 of our investigators in Toyooka came too.  We've been practicing a couple of songs with the Sister missionaries and a few members over the past few weeks that we sang.  It went well and was a lot of fun.  I'll send some pictures if I can.

It's been a full week full of many other happenings which I wish I had the time to write about.  I am so happy and am finding an incredible and soul filling joy in the service of the Lord.  Thank you so much for all of your love and support.  I'm looking for ward to the call this week.

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

PS.  I got the package by the way, thank you so much!  Elder Hoshino is way happy about the Snickers.

Christmas-kai.  I'm not going to lie, I think I had more fun here than at most ward Christmas parties.

I wore a santa hat at the Christmas party.  I also let my buddy Shoya kun (he's a potential investigator) have at things with my camera.  He took a lot of really funny pictures.

This is what I see in the train ride to District Meeting Friday mornings.
 Really pretty sunrises and clouds and stuff.

Monday, December 16, 2013 - Week 49

Mom and Dad,

Every night Hoshino Choro and I seem to have the same discussion - how on earth did we get here?  Didn't we just get out of our futons not just 30 seconds ago?  And now we're here again!  It's kind of spooky just how fast things are going.

So about the Christmas call.  Just like on Mother's day you'll need to call me because our phones can't make international calls.

You'll need to call me when it's Christmas for you.  It would be best if you could call at about 9:00 our time.  If I'm not mistaken that should be around 5:00 in the afternoon for you.  Or it could be 6, I don't remember how it goes with daylight savings time and all.  Again, 59 minutes maximum.

So an update on T.Kyoudai - he has a member record!  Yoshi!  We know he's been baptized, but we're not sure if he's been confirmed yet.  The mission office said that the record will be sent our way soon, so we're curious to find out a little more about him.  We're still meeting with him and working closely with the Branch on helping him out.  He is absolutely incredible.  He has so many awesome questions and he has such a sincere desire to learn and grow closer to God.

It's been hanging around 0-5C this last week and we finally got a good few whacks of snow.  It was snowing a little when we left our house to go visit some potential investigators (who live about 30 minutes away by bike) so luckily we wore our rain gear.  Nevertheless, wearing rain gear and biking almost always leads to sweat, and so when we got there and took our gear off, we froze.  The ride back wasn't much fun, either.  But we're going to be gearing up today and getting a few things to make working in the cold a wee bit less uncomfortable.  The snow hasn't been sticking around, but I'm sure that will change over the next few weeks.

So about money and stuff, I (so far as I know) don't have control over which account I pull out of when I got to an ATM here.  I had no idea that it was pulling out of savings.  In any event, I don't foresee any huge need to pull out cash in the near future, but I'll likely be making some debit purchases, just FYI.

Funny that you mention the light display in Osaka.  There have been a lot of advertisements for it in trains and such over the past few weeks.  Looks like it would be pretty cool.  Definitely nothing of that sort in Toyooka, but a few folks put Christmas lights on their houses.  Yoshi.

Yesterday we went to Fukuchiyama and the branches combined their church meetings.  There was an excellent shokujikai (food fest) afterwards, and then everyone watched the Christmas Devotional.  I would say that I absolutely loved the Christmas Devotional, but I actually didn't get to watch it.  Because we're Zone Leaders, Hoshino Choro and I ended up having a meeting with the District President during the time everyone else was watching the Devotional.  I caught the last few minutes of Elder Nelson's talk and the last song, it was nice.  Maybe I'll watch the Devotional someday, maybe not.

I love you.  Thank you so much for all of your love, concern and support.  I'll try and send some pictures if I can.

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

Elder Hoshino and I may or may not have bought some way cool glasses at a recycle shop and then vainly took our photo in the reflection of a train.

Some way cool natural formations called the Genbudo caves.  Not too far from where our house is.

Last week we went to Mister Donuts.  They had Charlie Brown sweets.  Couldn't resist.

Monday, December 9, 2013 - Week 48

Mom and Dad,

This last week came and went in a flash.  It's been a full week.  I feel like I'm losing my mind sometimes because of how quickly everything is moving.

I got the envelope!  Thank you so much!  I love the hat!  It will be perfect to put in my bike basket and wear when I get to places.  I anxiously await the next package!  Please express my thanks to Grandma and Sister Shepherd for the money, it means so much to me to have their support.  I send my love - and somebody hug them for me (I can't hug them because I'm in Japan and also I can't hug females anyway, so onegaishimasu!)  It's been chilly and humid as usual here - I'm glad to hear things are frigid in good old Utah.  We haven't gotten any snow yet, but the way things are looking and feeling, it's an "any day now" kind of situation.

This last week we had an incredible experience.  For privacy purposes, I'm only going to refer to people by initials.  On Thursday we we received a phone call around 3:00 in the afternoon.  It was from a man who addressed himself as T. Kyodai (brother) who said he needed help.  He asked us if we could meet at the church at 6:00, and so we agreed.  Because of the kyodai thing, we figured he might be a less active and decided that it would probably be best to have a doseki there, so we called the incredible M. Kaicho and he graciously agreed to help us out.  We ended up going to the church at about 4:30 for some reason or another, and when we got there we received another phone call from T. Kyodai.  He asked us if we could meet right away instead of at 6:00, and we said, "Uh...sure.  That shouldn't be a problem.  Let us call our friend and make sure that's all right and we'll call you back."  After asking the M. Kaicho (branch president) if he could come right away (to which he responded yes, and in super-heroic fashion arrived at the church only a few minutes later) we reconfirmed things with T. Kyodai.

While we were waiting at the church, we filled in M. Kaicho on everything we knew to that point.  He went in and checked the membership records and we found nobody with the name T..  Shortly thereafter, T. Kyodai showed up to the church.  We sat down with him and simply started talking.  We started by expressing our love to him, and expressing how much we wanted to help him.  We pointed out just how awesome we thought it was that he had sought help, and started asking him some simple questions and he opened up and told us just about everything.  He's 54 years old right now and his life has been pretty stressful lately.  He's concerned about his job, his and his sister's health, and how his breath smells (legitimately, he was concerned).  In trying to find help he had sought out a lot of other churches and religions, but hadn't felt like it was helping him like he needed.  Somewhere along his searching, he remembered that he'd received help from Mormons in the past.  He also remembered that he had been baptized by Mormon missionaries about 30 years ago.  Because he remembered those things about Mormons, he decided to try and get a hold of them.  Somehow he got a hold of a missionary in Kobe, and they gave him our cell phone number.  He then called us (the call we received at 3:00).  Between calling us the first and the second time, he told us he had called a Protestant Bokushi.  But when he was talking to the preacher, something just felt wrong, and there was something different about us, and that's why he called again and wanted to meet right away.

After a little more discussion, we came to find out that after being baptized 30 years ago he moved around a lot, had plenty of hard times, and thought a lot about God and who God is.  He really just wanted to do what is right and grow closer to God.  He had been praying for all of those years, but he never had felt he was doing it right.  What he really wanted was for us to teach him how to pray.  Thinking through things, though, before we went guns blazing into how to pray, and thinking things through, we asked him more about God and his personal image of Him.  We explained how important it is to know who you're praying to, and then simply explained who God is, and what that means to us.  It was moving to see just how excited and right it seemed to him - to see his face and his eyes light up as he heard that God is His Heavenly Father.  After that, we taught him how to pray, and demonstrated to him how to pray.  He really clued in to the fact that you can use your own words, and that you're really just talking to God.

I could write more about that lesson and what went on, but I know you're busy and have a lot of letters to read.  I'll cut to the chase and write my take aways.  I feel like that  was one of the best lessons I feel that I've ever had the privilege of participating in.  The Spirit was so strong, and I feel like I learned so much about everything from that lesson.  As Hoshino Choro and I looked back at it, we realized that what made it so good was that we truly applied and followed the all of the training that we have been receiving from Zinke Kaicho.  We really followed what we've been learning - and what we receive from our Mission President is truly revelation and direction from God.  That's why that lesson went so well.  We really took time to listen and sympathize (something that M. Kaicho is incredible at, which is why I love him as a human being and as a doseki), and then read the air and allowed the Spirit to guide us as we asked him more questions and taught him Eternal truths.  We shared our feelings and experiences, and truly opened our hearts.  At the end of the lesson T. Kyodai said that what he felt and the help he received was 10 or 20 times that of what he was expecting from talking with church people.  He also said he never felt like he could talk so openly about his feelings.

As a side note with T. Kyodai, there is still no proof that he was baptized or confirmed a member of the church.  He remembered in detail where it happened and the names of the Elders back then, and we can't see any reason he would have to lie.  I asked the Recorder to do some digging, and we're awaiting any developments.  It's our thought, though, that if there is no record or proof that the ordinances were performed, that he be counted as an investigator.  We're waiting for the confirmation on that before we count him, but we're still going to meet with him and help him from here on out.

This last week we had a ZTM and it went quite well.  We went to MLC on Tuesday, and then had Zone Training Meeting on Friday.  It was a good chance to reinforce what was learned at Zone Conferences which we had recently and to do some good training on how we can all improve to move the Lord's work forward.  Something we really emphasized was True Discipleship.  Our mission has a theme of "True Disciples - One and All" and we are dedicated to becoming no less than followers of Jesus Christ in our heart of hearts.  At MLC we came to realize that True Discipleship hasn't been emphasized enough, so it was something we focused on in ZTM.  It was my responsibility to do the teaching on it, and I'll be honest, it was a bit of just me getting on a soap box and preaching, but I put my heart and kidneys into that "sermon".  I really focused on our intentions and if we're really serving because we love Him and I referenced Jeffery R. Holland's talk "The First and Great Commandment."  I shared my experiences and I feel like it was all impactful, but I guess the true measure of all of it will be to see how much it shows up in the results.  As a companionship, we intend to follow up heavily on what was discussed at ZTM and to really keep everyone focused on becoming True Disciples.

This last week came and went in a flash.  This is truly the Lord's work.  I'm grateful for all I am privileged to learn and do in His service.  All of the amazing people I meet, the True Disciples who help me and serve alongside me make impressions on me that will affect my life and others in ways that they don't know.  I am so tired.  But I am filled with a joy and a fire that swallows up any fatigue, hardship, or sorrow.

There's a lot more I wish I could tell you about this last week, but I fear that my time is running short for today.  I'll send some pictures if I can today or next week, and try and get in some of the other things I've learned.

Love,

Elder Hutchings

PS. Most of the story about T. Kyodai was copied from my letter to Zinke Kaicho - so if there's anything you don't understand or if I wrote something like "Kaicho, ..." then I'm sorry.

Monday, December 2, 2013 - Week 47

Mom and Dad,

It's December!  I don't understand what it means!  Time goes so fast!  

You know, as it were, if you hadn't said something about Thanksgiving in last week and this week's emails, I would have all but forgotten it exists.  We had nothing special for Thanksgiving, and I kind of forgot about it.  Anyway, we had a couple of snow flurries last week.  One hit when we were studying in the church.  It was rather cool because from the window we could see the snow start falling by the mountains afar off, and work it's way over the rice fields until it reached where we were.  Otherwise, it's definitely dropping in temperature, but it's not been too bad because most of the days have been sunny.  However, I did learn something this last week about the snow around here.  There's no powder.  It's very heavy and burdensome.  That's what one of our investigators and one of the members said, guess we'll see how it is when it starts falling more and sticking around.

  

This last Tuesday we had a Zone Conference at the Honbu (Mission home).  It was an excellent opportunity to hear from President Zinke and the Assistants.  It was also very fun to see and mingle with all of the people in the surrounding Zones as well.  Elder Hoshino and I were assigned to give one of the Ansho's for the beginning of the meeting.  We recited D&C section 4 in English and Japanese.  It went well and we didn't screw up.

This week I've been thinking a lot about receiving revelation and guidance.  Specifically, lately I've been thinking a lot about past experiences and fresh perspectives.  When I review past experiences and revelation when it comes to considering how to proceed, I've been found that taking time to think through what the Lord has already taught me yields solutions and opens doors for further light.  At the same time, sometimes taking a fresh look on things is one of the best ways for me to obtain guidance.  One of the best things I ever did in the MTC was purchase a small copy of the Book of Mormon.  It is without highlight, note, marking, or any such thing.  Because of that, when I search it's pages for guidance my mind isn't led to think one way and doesn't get distracted by past information.  I'm able to see things from a new perspective and my understanding is able to grow in a different direction than from where it's gone before.  The Spirit of the Lord communicates with and works with our minds and hearts in very fascinating ways.  I'm grateful that as a missionary I'm afforded such an opportunity to understand and learn more about how the Lord speaks to me.

To answer your questions about Hoshino Choro, he is from Japan from Iwate Ken.  Iwate Ken is in the Sendai mission I believe.  Elder Hoshino is the man!  We're getting along great and having tons of fun with dendo and being Zone Leaders.

I still haven't received anything package wise.  That might be because we've got MLC this Tuesday and I'll be going to the Honbu and they're just planning to give it to me when I go there, or it might be because it's just not here yet.  About the next package, if it's not too much to ask, I'd like to onegai (request) some Snickers for Elder Hoshino.  He seems to like them (gets one almost every time we go to a konbini (convenience store)).

Just a heads up, I'm probably going to be buying some more thermals, warmer socks, and a few odds and ends over the coming weeks.  I'll be using my personal funds for that, so I just wanted to let you know.

I love you.  I'm so grateful for all of you do and for all of your help and all you do to support me.

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

Monday, November 25, 2013 - Week 46

Mom and Dad,

This last week has actually not been quite so bad weather wise - hasn't rained much and it's mostly been sunny.  The days have been mild, but the evenings are still down right chilly.  I've realized this last week, though, just how much my attitude has changed about things.  I've come to quite enjoy and love the challenges that come from things like uncomfortable weather, etc.  The more I've come to feel in my heart and let the fact that this work is about helping those around me gain Eternal Bliss through Jesus Christ, I can't help but just smile at everything and see the opportunity and beauty in it all.

It was a bit crazy this last week with transfers and all.  Eikaiwa (English class) on Tuesday night was way fun.  One of the members brought treats and we had a mini-goodbye party with the Eikaiwa students for Kawabata Choro (Elder), Uenami Shimai (Sister), and Petit Shimai (Sister).  It was a lot of fun.  I'll send a picture if I can.

On Thursday we went down to Kobe and I hooked up with Hoshino Choro.  Hoshino Choro is only 6 weeks behind me in mission age, and one of the coolest people and incredible missionaries I've ever met.  First off, he's got this deliciously smooth and low voice.  He is an incredible teacher and is loaded with stories and examples, pictures and diagrams which he uses (I'm certainly going to morau (borrow) as many as I can).  Beyond that, he is wicked fun.  He went to BYU Hawaii for a semester before his mission (he's 22 right now) and so he's full of the Aloha spirit.  He also worked at the PCC.  He is going to be the investigators Zone Leader for this transfer and I'm going to be the Training/Missionaries Zone leader again.  

Something I've been learning from Elder Hoshino is to create success.  I feel like I was good at having an attitude of creating success rather than being a creature of circumstances before, but I've realized that just this past transfer I kind of got complacent and haven't been as proactive in finding ways to more effectively move forward God's work.  It's so important that we are always striving to improve and never settle for good enough, always search for a better way and to be as efficient as possible.

It's so crazy to think that Lily is 3!  It's also drawn my mind back a year ago.  If I remember correctly, it was just before we headed over to Craig and Whitney's for Lily's party when I got and opened my Mission Call.  Odoroku beki desho?

I wait in anxious anticipation for the package!  Tanoshimi ni shite imasu!!!  Thank you so much for always sending me stuff!  If I could make some onegais (request) for the next one:  toothpaste, razors, more of the CO Bigelow shaving cream, and protein powder.  Hoshino Choro was a rugby player before so he loves working out, and I've been working out harder since this last transfer and I've been making green smoothies lately, so I think some protein would probably be good to throw in.

I love you!  I'm having so much fun and I absolutely love what I'm doing!

-Elder Kyle Hutchings

PS.  Just thought you should know Mom, little sis, Whitney and Brittany, just about every female lately who has looked at my pictures and seen you always says, "Ah!  Kanojotachi wa bijin desu ne!"  Bijin means a beautiful woman, and the kanji is literally beautiful and person.  You're all beautiful!  Love you!

One of the members made us hats.  This is how we normally look in our house until the heater gets going.  Woot!

The Eikaiwa (English Class) goodbye party!

More fun from Eikaiwa (English Class)!

We ate dinner with some members at a less active/part member family's house.  Hoshino Choro is on the far left.

Monday, November 18, 2013 - Week 45

Mom and Dad,

Holy cow!  It's transfers week again!  I've been in Toyooka for 6 weeks, and now I'm in my 7th transfer.  After another transfer, I'll have hit my halfway mark.  It's so crazy to think of how quickly the time goes!

Elder Kawabata is going to be transferring to Shimogamo in Kyoto prefecture, and I'm going to be sticking in Toyooka and my new companion is named Hoshino Choro (Elder).  He's Ni Hon Jin (Japanese), I'm pretty sure, and I'm going to be training him on how to be a Zone Leader, should be fun!

It's been a chilly week.  Haven't gotten snow yet, but temperatures have been dipping down to about 40F lately in the mornings and evenings.  Had a couple of days with some really chilly.  With the humidity, even just 40 feels pretty nippy.  

It's been a really good week.  I've learned a lot about just how powerful sharing personal experiences this week.  I wish I had more time to explain, but the computer I'm using is really slow.  Essentially I've come to see how when we open up our hearts to others, they'll open up to us.

Smart Choro?  I want to say he's from New Mexico.  He's going to be a District Leader in place of my beloved Barney Choro.  Barney Choro lives in West Valley I think, and he's going to be returning.  He's been a District Leader in this Zone, and he was my Zone Leader when I was in my 2nd and 3rd transfers in Kochi.  I'm sad to see Barney Choro go, but he's returning in honor.

Sorry, this computer is slow and my companion has to pack.  I apologize for the really short email.  I'm happy, healthy, and I love what I'm doing!  I'm looking forward to the package!

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

Monday, November 11, 2013 - Week 44

Mom and Dad,

It's been another excellent week in the Lord's service.  I love the work and I feel so privileged every day to be called and set apart to preach the Gospel.  This week we've had quite a few days that were rather nice weather wise.  Mild and sunny in the day, but quite chill in the mornings and as soon as the sun starts going down.  Since Saturday we've been having some stormy weather come in, I'm not sure if there is any relationship with the storm in the Philippines, but it rained all day and was pretty windy yesterday and it's raining pretty good right now.  Speaking of the Philippines, we found a Philippine-jin investigator this last week.  She's really nice and speaks pretty decent Japanese.  She gave us both those little cans of coffee and we told her we don't drink coffee but she insisted we just take it and give it to our friends or something.  So right now we've both got a can of coffee on our desks at home.  We feel pretty wanapaku.  Haha!

Last Monday and Tuesday the Assistants came and did a kokan with us.  It was so much fun!  They came Monday night and stayed over, then Tuesday we split up to work.  Elder Kershisnik went with me and we went to the church and he gave me some training on being a Zone Leader.  Through his training and example, I feel like I learned so much about being a missionary and a leader.

Elder Kershisnik gave me a homework assignment this week about "Who called you here? and What are the implications of that?"  He assigned me some scriptures to study and pray about.  I've come to realize more powerfully that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called me to this work.  I've also come to feel just how close my relationship with Deity should be.  I've realized that my working relationship with Jesus Christ needs to be closer.  Working with Jesus Christ shouldn't feel much different than working with my companion - because we are promised repeatedly in the scriptures that He will be with us.  Through realizing this about myself, I've come to realize how it relates to me as a missionary and a Zone Leader.  As a True Disciple Missionary I need to help the investigators here understand their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ didn't just save all of humanity, He saved and suffered for them personally.  Also, that as a True Disciple Leader, I need to help the missionaries under my stewardship understand and strengthen their relationship with their Redeemer and the great Commander in this war.

I'm so grateful for the examples that are all around me.  The examples of companions, church members, mission leaders etc.  The examples around me are a lot more real and relate-able to than trying to meet the lofty standard of "What would Jesus do?"  Sometimes that's a rather difficult question to answer straight off.  But when I first ask questions like "What would Day Choro do?" or "What would Kaicho do?" I'm better able to understand how I can become more like Jesus Christ.  I hope that makes sense.

I don't know if I already mentioned it, but we've got one investigator who is in his 90's and is a genki little guy.  He has fields and works and farms most of his days.  This last week we got to help him harvest edamame.  Basically just gathering up the plants then picking off the decent sized bean pods that haven't been eaten by bugs.  It was fun!  After we finished helping him we taught him a bit about the Plan of Salvation.  We have to basically shout at him because he can't hear well.

Oh, just something funny I think I forgot to mention last week.  During the Saturday evening district conference, Zinke Kaicho spoke and had all of the missionaries stand up and introduce themselves.  After the meeting was over, the District President came up to me and said: "Gee you haven't even been out a year yet and you're a Zone Leader, you must be pretty namaiki."  I understood him all except for namaiki.  My companion and one of his counselors that lives in Toyooka both laughed and agreed when he said it.  I was still in the dark, so I pulled out my dictionary and looked it up, and it was translated as meaning: "saucy".  The members around these parts are so much fun!

 

About the hat, a Nylon and Grey would be great.  A large would probably be best.  Please send that face mask too, I would appreciate that.  One other thing could you send me some more contact lenses?  I haven't really been wearing contacts until lately - but it's been better to go with contacts as things have been colder and wetter here and glasses fog up easy.  I've got enough to last me another month or two, but it would be good to have more on hand.

I love you, thank you so much for all of your support!

Elder Kyle Hutchings

Monday, November 4, 2013 - Week 43

Mom and Dad,

This last week has been a lot of fun! It's been ridiculously humid in Toyooka lately! It makes it feel really cold in the evening and the morning, and it's pretty warm during the day. On the big bridge next to our house there's a sign that tells the temperature so people can use caution in case the temperature gets to freezing. The other day we had to go to the church in the morning. Everything was foggy and chill and the sign said 8C on our way out. When we were coming back to our home the skies were clear the sun was shining and the sign displayed 20C. We've still been having some rainy days lately, but from what the members say it should be turning to snow before too long.

I've been doing just fine with money. I've been doing a lot of traveling here and there for meetings, but it's just how the timing of everything worked out lately. This last month I got a little less money in my MSF account, and where I transferred this last month and had all of the meetings (and beyond just traveling to the meetings, there's buying lunch and what not too), and went on an exchange, my cash ran short quick. The way reimbursements work is that you fill out a paper form with a list of travel expenditures and mail it to the mission office. It's a bit of a pain for me and the mission office to go through a lot of those, so usually I wait until I have a more substantial reimbursement before I send the form. It usually takes about 4 days for it to get processed and the money to get into my account. I'm really doing all right on money. I get about $300 every month in my Mission Support Fund account. Between Elder Kawabata and I we're able to eat tons and have surplus on less than $50 of groceries in a week. I'm really doing fine, it was just a bit hectic this last month.

I'm all right with sweaters and scarves - I can just get those here.. However, if I could make an o-negai (request), it would be one of those...what are they called?...mad bomber hats? (I think that's what they're called, you know, with the fur, ear flaps and what not?). I haven't been able to find one here and I'd like one for the winter. Also, I had a Saucony runner's beanie at home that would probably be nice for wearing under my bike helmet when we're riding in the cold. If you can find that and send it that would be great, if not, don't worry about it.

Mission Leadership Council was very good. It was awesome being in a room with the leaders of the mission and with Zinke Kaicho and being able to spend time discussing how we can better help move the Lord's work forward. It was at the honbu (mission home), and we got to eat Costco pizza for lunch. Oishikatta desu! (delicious)

This last Saturday and Sunday there was a District Conference. It was awesome to hear from the District President and some of the other church leaders over the district. I found out that the Relief Society President here is the oldest woman serving as a Relief Society President in the world. She gave a talk and it was rather difficult to understand what she was saying, but there was a powerful spirit and sweetness in her words. Zinke Kaicho and Shimai came for the meetings on Saturday and Sunday, it was great to see them again and hear from them. During the Priesthood meeting on Saturday and the Sunday Morning meeting and the Dendo (mission) Fireside Sunday afternoon, I translated for the younger missionaries and a couple of foreigners living in some of the branches around here. Translating what people are saying from Japanese to English on the spot is so hard! But it was fun and I feel like it really pushed my language skills.

Thank you so much for all of your love and support. I'm so happy and I love this work!

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

p.s. We made a pumpkin cake last Preparation Day in our rice cooker. Sometimes my companion is just as weird as I am (but usually he's the one throwing me the "What on earth are you doing?" look). It's great!

Elder Kawabata with our pumpkin cake

Monday, October 28, 2013 - Week 42

Mom and Dad,

Goodness me! Marisa is 16! That's crazy! I'm glad to hear she had fun going on a date and going to Masquerade. I'm happy to hear all went well with Grandpa's surgery. I keep him and all of the family in my prayers.

It's been another excellent week. The weather is getting really chilly. Another typhoon came and passed and It's been cloudy just about every day and rained about half of the week. I've been rocking the sweaters and I found a sweater vest in the house, too. Probably next week I'm going to go buy a hat and a scarf. There's one of each in the house already, but they're old, nasty, and not oshare.

This last week we had interviews with Zinke Kaicho. It was great to have some time to talk with him about how things are going and how dendo is and all. Since I'm a Zone Leader we also discussed a bit about how the missionaries in the Zone are. I don't know if I explained before, but we separate the responsibilities for investigators and training/missionaries between the Zone Leaders. Elder Kawabata focuses on investigators and I focus on missionaries and training. Because of that when I talk with the Assistants and Kaicho we tend to focus on how we can help further the Lord's work by helping the missionaries in the Zone under my stewardship. I absolutely love being a Zone Leader. It's such a blessing for me to serve in this way, and it's been wonderful to feel the Lord's help and influence as I ponder, study the scriptures, and work with the District Leaders to help the missionaries in the Zone. I've been thinking a lot about Dieter F Uchtdorf's talk in conference a year or two ago about lifting where you stand. I've definitely found that is the easiest and best mindset to have as a missionary and as a servant in God's kingdom. It doesn't matter if I'm in a regular companionship in the trenches, or if I'm a District Leader or an Assistant - all that matters is that I have an eye single to His glory (not the merits and congratulations of others) and serve with all my might.

We've been working hard this last week and I feel the confidence and joy that come from serving the Lord. I've been keeping positive and I'm trying to show the Lord my faithfulness and trust that He will move His work forward through me. We haven't been having much success with finding lately, and I'm doing my best to not be discouraged. In Preach My Gospel chapter 1 it explains about being a successful missionary. It says essentially that it's okay to be sad when people don't accept your invitation to come closer to Christ, but to become discouraged is not okay. I feel that discouragement springs when we choose to lower our faith and confidence in the Lord when things don't go as we hope. With sadness, I seem to understand that it comes out of a love for the people we serve. The great missionaries of the scriptures were often grieved and saddened at the wickedness of the people. They were sad to see people sinful, because of their love for them and the desire for their happiness and salvation. I feel a bit sad, but it only serves to motivate me to try to bear more powerful testimony, and to do all I can to help the person behind the next door or "ping-pong" box I talk to.

It hasn't all been soldiering on knocking doors in the rain this past week though. There's a yakusokusha in Toyooka who is absolutely incredible who we've been able to meet with a few times this past week. He is just an awesome guy who honestly just wants to do what is right and have Eternal Life. Because he understands his relationship with God and has a good understanding of the big picture, accepting the commandments has been no problem for him. It's beautiful and inspiring to discuss God's commandments with him. He asks many good questions, and while he does have concerns about whether or not he'll be able to keep the commandments, he moves forward with faith and does his best. His date is for the 10th of November, and it definitely seems like he's going to make it.

Tomorrow I'm excited for the opportunity to attend Mission Leadership Council. The Zone Leaders, Sister Training Leaders, Assistants, and Kaicho will all be there. I'm sure it will be an inspiring and motivating meeting where we can discuss how to best help the Lord move His work forward. But goodness, I've been doing a lot more traveling lately as a Zone Leader! I'm poor getting poor waiting for travel reimbursements!

I'm happy and healthy and I love what I'm doing! Thank you so much for your love and support!

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

Monday, October 21, 2013 - Week 41

Mom and Dad,

This last week was splendid!  I am absolutely in love with Toyooka.  It's such a beautiful area.  The weather here changes pretty quick, but it's been mostly ended up nice this last week.  One evening when we were by the Eki (train station) a sign said there was 91 percent humidity and it was 15C.  There were a couple of days with heavy rain, and a couple of days were pretty chilly, but other than that it's been really pleasant.  Since we're in and surrounded by mountains and the thick forest and vegetation it feels a lot like being in Jurassic Park sometimes.  There's so much humidity that there's fogginess and a lot of low clouds around the mountains.  It's really pretty, but yesterday we went to go visit a potential investigator who lives up a little canyon.  When I was riding my bike up the small road in the mountains with the light of the sun all but gone with the onset of night and the thick forest on both sides of me, the light on my bike muffled by the shrouds moisture in the air, I couldn't help but feel like I was going to get jumped by a pack of raptors or something.  It's fun!

Dendo (missionary work) in the inaka (country) definitely involves a lot more knocking on doors.  I was almost on the verge of thinking that it's different or more difficult this last week, but the Spirit helped direct my thoughts and I've come to see otherwise.  It doesn't matter at all where you are, the basic principles for missionary work are the same.  The necessity to rely on the Lord and follow the Spirit are constant.  God's promise and invitation to "Ask and ye shall receive" is unaffected by how many rice fields there are.  And regardless of your location the Gospel is still true and the magnificent power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ remains infinite, eternal, and necessary to carry out the work of Salvation.

This last Wednesday my companion Elder Kawabata had to go to the hospital.  He had to go last transfer to get a check up for some symptoms he was experiencing, and he was instructed to come back after some tests had been performed and things had been examined.  I won't go into detail, but he found out he has an illness that will stick with him for the rest of his life.  It's pretty rare and there's no known cure, and will require him to take medicine daily.  A bit taihen desu ne?  But he's a genki guy who's one to see the opportunity in things.  As we talked about it that night, he said, "God's given me a great tool that I can use to help other people.  I can better help those with physical illnesses and afflictions, because I've got one."  His attitude of "No obstacles, only opportunities" is inspiring to me.  We've still been getting along great, and working great together.

In the Zone I'm over there are 2 districts and 17 missionaries.  It's one of the smaller Zones (probably because it's inaka (country)).  It's funny because one of the District Leaders in the Zone was my Zone Leader for my 2nd and 3rd transfers.  We visit the districts probably at least once a transfer - to go to their district meetings.  But this transfer the way things have worked out we'll get to see the whole Zone probably 3 or 4 times.  There are going to be 2 Zone Training Meetings it seems, interviews with Kaicho (mission president) are this transfer, and there's also going to be a District Conference (this District in reference to the smaller version of a Stake) soon.

I was able to meet everyone in the Zone this last Friday because there was a Zone Training Meeting.  Once a month the Zone Leaders and the President have a meeting, and shortly there after the Zone Leaders communicate and have a meeting with their Zones about what the President feels the mission needs to focus on to help further the work of the Lord.  As I am a new Zone Leader I actually missed the last meeting with the President, but Elder Kawabata filled me in and we planned well and our ZTM was great.  That same day in the evening we had a meeting with the District President and because of that we headed back to our area pretty late.  The train we were on that night hit a deer.  Since when does that ever happen?  I guess only in the inaka (country).  Anyway, the train sat there in the middle of nowhere for about 20 minutes until things got cleaned up and checked out.  By the time we arrived at the eki (train station) in Toyooka, we jumped on our bikes and cooked it back to our home.  We got inside the door 2 minutes before curfew!  Woo!

On Saturday one of the investigators of the Sister missionaries in this area received baptism.  It was the first baptism I've been to as a missionary.  It was a beautiful experience.  The Branch here in Toyooka is very strong and they have a lot of dendo (missionary work) fire.  They are loving, incredibly helpful to us as missionaries, strong in the gospel, and way willing and ready to accept this new sister into their branch family.  Yesterday during Sacrament Meeting I got to stand in the circle as she was confirmed.  It was incredible to stand there  and listen as the Branch President confirmed this good sister a member of the Church, conferred the Gift of The Holy Ghost, and blessed her in Japanese.  It was a wonderful feeling to be a part of it in the first place, but it felt way cool that I was able to understand it all.  I felt such a sense of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for all of the help He's given me, and all of the progress I've made thus far.

Love,

Elder Kyle Hutchings

p.s. Oh, mom, to answer your question, there really aren't that many primary kids in Japan - at least in the areas I've been. The primary was maybe 8-10 in Takatsuki, in Kochi there was 1, and here I think there are like 3. But the few there are are way fun and sweet and they love the missionaries.

This river is pretty close to our house. We cross the bridge over it just about everyday. I took this picture today - the weather is beautiful.

Far over, the Misty Mountains cold...

Our house!

The view outside the church. It's pretty much surrounded by rice fields.

The Church building. And Elder Kawabata.

A picture from the Baptism on Saturday. The older lady in the middle with the flowers got baptized.

Most of the branch members came to the baptism. There are about 20-30 active members.