Transfers, February 12, 2013, Finishers

Wouldn't you know it. Time marched on and we had transfers again.  Our finishers have become a part of our heart.   As you anticipated the great joy of seeing your son or daughter walk off that plane, we were saying goodbye to the following amazing and wonderful missionaries, who we have grown to love with all our hearts. Is there some way we could just keep them, AND keep getting the new ones?  Oh, but I'm asking their parents that question.  I guess you want your wonderful, testimony filled, matured and inspired children back.  I guess we'll just have to keep having transfers.

We sadly said goodbye to:

 

Elder Broderick Danielson

From left, Elder Roney, ward member, Elder Danielson

Missionaries are Elder Larkin, and Elder Danielson on right. 

According to missionaries who know Elder Danielson, he 

is outgoing and gets along well with others. He is musically talented  

and people like to be with him.  He is very excited to teach 

what he has known to be true his entire life.

Elder Peter Farnsworth

This is one of my favorite pictures.  The essence of "missionary."
And the "SHINKO" in the background?  "FAITH"

Service and Smiles
Elder Burnett and Elder Farnsworth

Elder Farnsworth is a hard worker and according 

to other elders, he never complains.  He also loves 

to tell stories and is very good at it.

Elder Zachary Gish

Elder Gish (left) and Elder Hara with two darling
Matsumoto princesses.

Elder Gauthier and Elder Gish

Elder Gish loves to break dance, and even managed to get 

himself in a mission video doing a bit of it.  He loves his companions, 

and for that matter, he just seems to love everyone.

Elder Chad Hilyard

Just a little kick to the soccer ball.

From left:  Elder Farnsworth, Elder Ito, Elder Hilyard, and Elder Matson

Elder Hilyard said at the beginning of his mission that he was shy until he 

got to know people.  He must have overcome that on his mission, because 

other missionaries describe him as someone who loves talking to people and 

who is very good at it.  He is friendly and positive and funny.

Sister Mariah Hunt

Sister Saito, Sister Yamada, and Sister Hunt

Beautiful inside and out.  Sister Fujisawa, and Sister Hunt on right.

Sister Hunt is a good writer.  But what people love most about her is 

that she gets along well with everyone.  She is easy to talk to and warm-hearted.  

Elder Axel Kerksiek

Elder Adachi, and Elder Kerksiek on right.
Doing what missionaries do best.

Elder Wakamatsu and Elder Kerksiek on right, at Suwa Castle.

Elder Kerksiek is easy going with a good sense of humor.  

He can find humor in about anything, so he makes missionary 

work fun.  He is very easy to get along with.

Elder Joshua Matson

Elder Matson on left, with Elder Dunn and two genuine, bonafide Samurai Warriors.
Actually, it's the other way around.  Two genuine, bonafide missionaries.

Elder Ahuna and Elder Matson.  Don't you think
missionaries look more handsome
when they are serving?

Elder Matson gets kudos from other missionaries for being 

hard working and obedient.  He loves to learn and seems to want 

to know everything he can.  He is also very good at Japanese.  When he gets 
home, he will be working on dance and taekwando.

Sister Chalese West

Sister West on left, with Sister Adachi and Sister Hunt.

Darling workers.  From left, Sister West, Sister Masuda, Sister Adachi, Sister Nishimuro

Sister West stands out as being FAST.  She loves to run and 

can do it well.  But she also has great spiritual gifts--she is kind, 

patient, has good knowledge of the scriptures, and a sweet testimony of the Gospel.

and Sister Maori Takatsu

Sister Takatsu loves the Book of Mormon!

Sister Takatsu and Sister Stott

Sister Takatsu has a wonderful knowledge of the scriptures.  

You can tell that by just looking at her scriptures; they are well loved!  

She also has good English and loves to smile and laugh.

2012 Shimai Taikai

Shimai Taikai (or for those of you who speak English, Sisters' Conference)  A delight for every female in any mission.  It was a feast!

From left:  Sisters Rogers, Yamada, Eguchi, Shimoji, and Ishihara

We feasted on the spirit, on words of inspiration and wisdom from President and Sister Baird.

Sister Baird shared Romans 10:15--And how shall they preach, except they be sent?  as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach to gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  She reminded the sisters of how their feet walk miles, ride miles, stand to bear their testimony, rush to serve, and more.  Truly, these sister do have beautiful feet.

She talked about the spirit, and how blessed we are to feel it in our lives.  She shared a story that Sister Holland told.  She was living in a big city and was called to work as a stake missionary.  It was scary for her.  One day she finished reading the Book of Mormon while she was riding on a bus.  She felt such love for it and felt the influence of the spirit as she completed the book.  There was a man sitting next to her, and she just looked at him and said, "This book is so true."  He asked what it was, and as she told him about it, he wanted to read it.  He ended up joining the Church.

Elder Ellsworth and Elder Ito taught us that when we prepare to teach people, our goal is to help them feel the spirit.  And for practice, we thought about the good traits of our companions and asked what we could do to help our companion feel the spirit.  True conversion comes through the spirit.  Through the spirit, we can know the things our investigators (and companions) need.

Sister Baird gave one of the sisters a timer and asked her to set it for 7 minutes.   She could then share one thing that had changed her life for good on her mission, or a favorite teaching moment, or one of the greatest tests she had on her mission and how she overcame it.  We then enjoyed 7 minutes for each sister there to share her heart and testimony.  It was wonderful.

Then Sister Baird shared her testimony of how the mission has changed her life and what a blessing it has been to her.  She has had many experiences that have confirmed to her the love of the Lord.

President Baird then taught us, about faith in Christ, about what John meant when he said "I have need to be baptized of thee," about covenants and the Atonement.  He taught us the doctrine of Christ.  And he left us with his testimony:  "I love this Jesus.  For his complete obedience, example, sacrifice, patience, because he first loved me and loves me continually.  ....Our purpose for being here is to bring others to Him (Alma 18:8)."  And we felt the truth in his words.



We feasted on each others love, joy and friendship, and sharing our hearts,

Sisters Adachi, Hunt, and West

Sisters Fujisawa, Stott, Takatsu, Eguchi, Thayne, and West

Sister Urano and Sister Barney

We feasted on being creative and visiting while we created.  Tables set up in the dining room were loaded with everything one could possibly want to decorate cards, scrapbooks, bookmarks, and photo albums.  We all brought our photos and went to work.  But that was just filler between the great conversation and love that was shared among the sisters.


And we feasted on delicious food.

Around table from left:  Sister Fujisawa, Ishihara, Shimoji, and coming
back on right, Sisters Adachi, Thayne, and Eguchi

Again from left:  Sisters Matsuhashi, Rogers, Thayne, Stott,
Takatsu, Baird, Silva, West, Hunt, and Yamada

Sisters Silva, Hunt, West, Yamada, Urano, Barney,
Matsuhashi, Rogers, Thayne, and Stott

It was wonderful and, as you can see, a bit of fun, too.

Seated in front from left:  Sisters Hunt, Adachi, and Thayne
Seated on sofa:  Sisters Eguchi, Thayne (maybe), Yamada, Rogers (we are pretty sure that's her), Takatsu, and Hunt
Standing:  Sisters Ishihara, Shimoji, Fujisawa, Baird, Stott, Silva, Barney and Matsuhashi

More Missionaries, A through I

There are several of our very wonderful missionaries who were here in the mission when we arrived, but who for one reason or another, didn't get their photos into our blog before they left.  We want everyone to know a little about each one of these great missionaries.  So, alphabetically, here they are:

Elder Shingo Adachi

Elder Nelson and Elder Adachi

Missionaries who knew Elder Adachi said he loves people and enjoys talking to them.  He always has a loving feel about him and is easy to love.  He had the privilege of serving in the mission at the same time as  his sister for a while.  We have had a chance to see Elder Adachi since he returned home.  He is now teaching seminary! Elder Miguel Beal Front, from left: Elder Katanuma, Elder Beal, Elder Eyring Elder McKenzie, Elder Hanson Wilsonville, Oregon is home to Elder Miguel Beal.  His father served a mission in Portugal, where he met Luis, who would later become his wife.  Elder Beal grew up speaking both English and Portuguese.  Elder Beal likes listening to music, archery, eating ice cream, and other things common to someone his age.  He would like to become an aeronautical engineer or graphic artist.  He says he is quite outgoing and is quick to adapt to change.  He hopes to become more independent while on his mission. Elder Johnny Biesinger Elder Jonny Biesinger has two sisters, both married, and he is from Sandy, Utah.  His mother is from Japan and served a mission in Osaka.  His family has hosted many Japanese students in their home over the years.  Elder Biesinger loves music and plays piano, drums, guitar, tuba and other instruments.  He also enjoys the good workout of sports.  He says he is loud, which can be good and bad.  He is very outgoing and is excited to serve in Japan with people he already loves. Elder Zachary Brown Elder Zachary Brown hales from Gilbert, Arizona.  Prior to his mission, he loved computers, anime and gaming.  He is savvy with technology and types fast.   He believes that wherever he ends up is where he is supposed to be,  but he would like to be a standup comic.  He says he talks a lot, is a comedian,  and learns quickly but masters a little more slowly. Elder Kylan Brox Elder Santin on the left and Elder Brox is on the right. From Las Vegas, Nevada, Elder Kylan Brox comes from a family of 9.  He loves swimming, piano, drawing, traveling, leadership and learning.  He loves making others happy, being creative, growing and improving.  He wants to go to Oxford University to study biology, medicine, sociology and business.  He likes to make others feel good about themselves and be a role model, and he keeps himself in shape.  He has always looked forward to serving a mission. Elder Fernando daSilva Elder Fernando Filho daSilva is from Manaus, Brazil.  He has 7 people in his family, and he and his brother are the only church members.  He likes to play soccer and volleyball.  He wants to learn to speak English and Japanese fluently and go to college.  He would like to own a computer company.  He is patient, enjoys talking to people, and always seeks to have the Spirit. Elder Heito deSouza Elder Heitor de Souza is from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and comes from a family who is strong and active in the Church.  He enjoys soccer for fun, and also participates in rugby,  karate, and basketball.  He relaxes by drawing and loves studying the scriptures.   His biggest dream is to study at BYU.  After graduating, he wants to go back to Brazil and help his country.  He would even like to be president of Brazil.  He says he is somewhat shy, and doesn't get mad easily.  He has had some wonderful experiences  with prayer and wants to be more humble to listen to the answers.  He has always wanted to serve a mission. Elder John Eitel Missionaries standing are Elder Eitel, left, and Elder Hansen Elder John Eitel is from El Dorado Hills, California.  He is very likable and has  a fun sense of humor.  Surfing is one of his favorite pursuits.  He was thankful  to learn and grow in Nagoya. Elder Henry Eyring Elder Eyring is third from left. Elder Walters is on left.  Sorry, we weren't able  to identify the other two elders. Henry Eyring is from Rexburg, Idaho.  He has a delightful sense of humor.  And yes, most of you may know his grandfather.  Elder Eyring talked to absolutely everyone he came in contact with. He was the perfect example of opening your mouth.  He said all of his expectations were met on his mission, especially the promise of more happiness than ever before.   Elder Yuta Fujiwara Elder Fujiwara is on the right.  He and Elder de Souza are teaching Buzz how to be a missionary. Kyoto, Japan is home for Elder Yuta Fujiwara.  His family is six members strong and he has a sister and a brother who are older than him, and a younger sister.  His mother is good at making the family laugh.  Elder Fujiwara is a good skate boarder.  He also likes to draw pictures on the computer.  He would like to design things in the future and have a happy family, treasuring the time with them.  He wants to also be a good example.  He has a good ability to focus, can feel love for everyone and makes friends easily. Elder Ross Hansen Elder Eyring and Elder Hanson, on right Elder Onda and Elder Katanuma on left. Gleneden Beach, Oregon is home to Elder Ross Hansen.  His father owns a small company that does a lot of business in Japan.  Elder Hansen enjoys computers, technology, and sports, with interest also in math, science, politics and economics.  He will continue pursuing a degree in electrical engineering and economics when he gets home, with a long-term dream of working for NASA or national defense.  He says he is reserved and can be a perfectionist, but he strives to be be tolerant and accepting of different opinions.  He is especially grateful for the scriptures and prayer. Sister Eve Hart From Puyallup, Washington, Sister Eve Hart comes from a family of six children.  Music has been an integral part of her family, school and church life.  She plays piano, sings, writes poetry and creative fiction, and journals.  She hopes to become an editor and would eventually like to publish a book (or several).  She says she is spontaneous, self-motivated, and something of a perfectionist.   Elder Scott Heaton Elder Eyring, left and Elder Heaton Elder Scott Heaton comes from Provo, Utah.  Elder Heaton is a very capable young man, a natural leader and has a wonderful testimony.  He developed a deep love for the people in Japan, which is good, because his father and all of his older brothers served in Japan as well.  He called his mission "greater joy than he had ever experienced." Elder Craig Howells Elder Howells is seated in white shirt. On his right is Elder  and on his left is Elder daSilva Standing from left, Elder Beal,  Elder Warner and Elder Onda, From Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Elder Craig Howells has six siblings.  He loves his family, and has an exceptionally close relationship with his grandfather.  He loves all sports, and has a natural gift with soccer.  He also plays basketball, and does jumps on a bike.  He likes to read, especially biographies, histories, or philosophy.  And he loves the scriptures.  He studied Portuguese for three years in college.  He really enjoys school a lot, and may major in zoology, and get a masters or PhD.  He says he never shows anger physically, is comfortable speaking with strangers, and likes to help others who have problems. Sister Deina Ige Seated:  Sister Ige,  Sister Wright, and Sister Koyama Standing:  Sister and President Baird, Elder Eyring, Elder Beisinger, Elder Heaton, Elder Wright and Elder Stevens Sister Deina Ige hails from Provo, Utah.  Her father is Japanese, but has never lived there and doesn't speak the language.  She has two older sisters and a younger brother and she loves her family.  She enjoys karaoke, piano, running, basketball, baking, outdoors, medical stuff (She is studying nursing.), and reading.  Sister Ige calls herself easy going and carefree.  She is easy to get along with.  She likes to make sure everyone is included and feels welcome.  She has always known the Gospel is true. Elder Daiki Ishijima Elder Daiki Ishijima comes from Matsudo, Chiba, Japan.  His parents have both served missions, and all four children in the family plan to do the same.  Elder Ishijima is first to do so.  He loves piano and trombone, and also enjoys children, including handicapped children.  Naturally, he plans to become an elementary school teacher.   He has often worked with the missionaries and it has strengthened his tesimony.