11 New Missionaries, July 2012

Here they are!  Welcome, welcome to Elder Yoshizawa, Elder Kaminishi, Elder Matsunaga, Elder Roney,
Elder Honda, Sister Fujisawa, (Sister and President Baird), Elder Roney, Elder Matsatahti,
Elder K. Baker, Elder Harada, and Elder Kaneko.

Of course, there was the greeting.
Sister Fujisawa first.

Lots of smiles and happy hellos.
Elder Kaminishi with President Baird

There was a little bit of "getting to know you."
Elder Kaminishi, Elder Koesashi (commissarian), Elder Matsunaga,
and Elder Honda (facing right).

This is how the end of the Hoiza Shout looks.

And finally, dinner at home with 11 tired missionaries.
Elder Ellsworth, AP on left, Elder Barney and
Elder Koesashi (commissarian) on right.

The next day, we enjoyed the pleasure of a piano/cello rendition.
So much talent! (Elder Honda and Kaminishi)

Elder Matsunaga (left) with his trainer, Elder Nakanishi

Elder Subaru Matsunaga is from Tokyo, Japan.  He is very proud of his mother, 
who is deaf and uses sign language.  She is a wonderful woman.  
He likes to watch movies and make stories and videos.  He studied film making 
when he was in the US, and also studies editing and script writing.  It is both a hobby and a major.

Elder Nakanishi makes friends fast and is positive and friendly.  
He became converted to the Church when he traveled to Salt Lake City 
and attended General Conference.  

 Elder Kaminishi (left) with his trainer, Elder Sambongi

Elder Shimon Kaminishi has joined missionary lessons often, and has felt that 
missionary work is a gift from God.  He has recognized the strong 
testimony and great love and power of the spirit.  He knows missionary 
work is the work of God and that God will help us as we teach.  
Elder Kaminishi is from Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan  and has been 
preparing hard to go on a mission and go to college.

Elder Sambongi plans to be a dentist.  His greatest talent and hobby is music.  
He plays string bass and was a member of Utah Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra 
and played with Utah Symphony where he toured in Italy.

Elder Honda (left) with his trainer, Elder Soliai

Elder Takumi Honda comes from a family of eight.  He will serve  his mission at the same time as his younger brother.  Elder Honda is from  Tokyo, Japan and he and his brother have been going to the temple every  week in preparation.  He has lots of hobbies, and especially mentions reading,  sports, driving cars, drawing, travel, and piano.  His is very optimistic and has a  strong testimony of the Gospel.  He knows the Gospel makes us better.

Elder Soliai hasn't planned his future occupation, but he knows he can 

be successful if he remains obedient to the commandments.  

He is accepting, humorous and adaptable. 

Elder Harada (left) with his trainer, Elder Kuwahara

Home to Elder Yoshiharu Harada is Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.  His family loves to go camping, and they do it often.  Elder Harada loves to watch sports and play baseball.  He also enjoys puzzles.  His goals include learning English (to help him have a world view) and having an eternal family.  His strengths are trying lots of things, being patient, and having unity.

Elder Kuwahara wants to master English and travel.  He enjoys 

making people smile and has many friends.  He is also 

obedient and a good listener.

Sister Fujisawa (left) with her trainer, Sister Stott

Coming to us from Tokyo, Japan, Sister Kaho Fujisawa has a brother also serving a mission.  She says her family loves to talk together, and they work hard.  She has learned a lot through sports and hopes to do sports for a long time.

Sister Stott plans to become and educator, focusing on elementary students, 

but she also likes graphic design.  And temple marriage and motherhood 

are also in her plans.  She is a caring, but also determined person.  

Sister Stott always wanted to serve a mission, and when she found out she 

had to wait until she was 21, she cried.

Elder Kaneko (left) with his trainer, Elder Kishi

Elder Norikazu Kaneko is from Nakano, Tokyo, Japan.  His father, brother and he converted to the Church 7 years before his mission.  His mother has always been a member and was the influence to their conversion.  Elder Kaneko loves to cook and plans to go to culinary college after his mission.  He also enjoys sports, music and movies.  He likes to pray and feels it is a great blessing to be able to talk with God.

Elder Kishi has a talent for singing, cutting paper into wonderful animals 

and shapes, juggling and card tricks.  He is cheerful and positive and 

makes friends with everyone.  Children especially love it when he is around.  

He is a hard worker and has a strong testimony.

Elder Seipel (left) with his trainer, Elder Hilyard

Orem, Utah is where Elder Mckay Seipel calls home.  He is the youngest in a family of five and both of his siblings have served missions.  Elder Seipel wants to become an electrical engineer, get married, be a lake artist and a photoshop  artist.

Elder Hilyard is a hard worker and loves

to read the scriptures.  He says he is shy until he gets to know people

and is good at empathy.  He wants to get a degree in science or business

and master in Japanese Language.  He was surprised, though,

to be called to Japan.  

Elder Roney (left) with his trainer, Elder Shimohara

Elder Jarom Roney, from Heber City, Utah, is the third of six children.  Both 
of his older siblings are serving missions at the same time as him.  Elder Roney 
loved growing up in a small town, and has enjoyed travel, sports, board 
and card games with his family, but he doesn't care for hiking, hunting and fishing.  
Tennis, basketball and badminton are his favorite sports, and he loves to read.

Before his mission, Elder Shimohara was really into computers. He likes building 

and taking things apart.  In college, he was part of a team that built a small 

unmanned submarine. He says he is kind of serious, but when he loosens up, 

he is just a normal goofy guy. 

Elder Metsatahti (left) with his trainer, Elder Gish 

Only the second missionary to serve in this mission from Finland, Elder Niklas Metsatahti is from Turku in Suomi.  He is the oldest of six children and loves to read comics and draw.  He also enjoys board games.  He says he is kind and can  adapt to situations well.  He doesn't like giving up, and is normally cheerful.   He knows the Book of Mormon and its teachings are true.  He has liked Japan  for a long time, so he is looking forward to serving here.

Elder Gish would like to become a good father like his own.  He would also enjoy

coaching high school baseball or lacrosse.  He is outgoing and never nervous.

 It is easy for him to meet new people and speak in any size crowd.  He is kind

and wants to make people happy. Ever since he was a little boy,

he has wanted to serve a mission.

Elder Baker (left) with his trainer, Elder Finlinson

From Salem, Oregon, Elder Kevin Baker is interested in history, politics and 
studying religion.  He says they all help to further understanding of why we are here 
and how it relates to us today.  His other hobbies are reading and playing paino. 
 Elder Baker plans to enlist in the US Army and attend BYU when he finishes 
his mission.  He wants to make a difference in the world.

Elder Finlinson says that he thinks he has a small presence despite being tall.  

And he doesn't like to talk about himself.  He is also a fast learner.

Elder Takumi Honda comes from a family of eight.  He will serve 

his mission at the same time as his younger brother.  Elder Honda is from 

Tokyo, Japan and he and his brother have been going to the temple every 

week in preparation.  He has lots of hobbies, and especially mentions reading, 

sports, driving cars, drawing, travel, and piano.  His is very optimistic and has a 

strong testimony of the Gospel.  He knows the Gospel makes us better.

Home to Elder Yoshiharu Harada is Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.  His family
loves to go camping, and they do it often.  Elder Harada loves to watch sports
and play baseball.  He also enjoys puzzles.  His goals include learning English
(to help him have a world view) and having an eternal family.  His strengths
are trying lots of things, being patient, and having unity.  

Coming to us from Tokyo, Japan, Sister Kaho Fujisawa has a brother also

serving a mission.  She says her family loves to talk together, and they work hard. 

She has learned a lot through sports and hopes to do sports for a long time. 

Elder Norikazu Kaneko is from Nakano, Tokyo, Japan.  His father, brother and he converted to the Church 7 years before his mission.  His mother has always been a member and was the influence to their conversion.  Elder Kaneko loves to cook and plans to go to culinary college after his mission.  He also enjoys sports, music and movies.  He likes to pray and feels it is a great blessing to be able to talk with God.  

Orem, Utah is where Elder Mckay Seipel calls home.  He is the youngest in a

family of five and both of his siblings have served missions.  Elder Seipel wants to become an electrical engineer, get married, be a lake artist and a photoshop

 artist.  

Only the second missionary to serve in this mission from Finland, Elder Niklas Metsatahti is from Turku in Suomi.  He is the oldest of six children and loves to read comics and draw.  He also enjoys board games.  He says he is kind and can 

adapt to situations well.  He doesn't like giving up, and is normally cheerful.  

He knows the Book of Mormon and its teachings are true.  He has liked Japan 

for a long time, so he is looking forward to serving here.

Elder Yoshizawa (left) with his trainer, Elder Tojo

Elder Touya Yoshizawa comes to us from Sagamihara, Kanagawa,  Japan.  He and his two brothers were involved in cubscouts and scouting when  they were young, and really enjoyed that.  He also enjoys many games and the computer.  He says he has a good memory and great dexterity.  He has a   testimony  of prayer and has been blessed to always find answers  when he needs them.

Elder Tojo's favorite scripture (D & C 25:12) is about singing hymns.  
Singing hymns gives him peace.  Elder Tojo has a great smile 
and is obedient.  He is good with his hands at making things,
 like assembling furniture.  He also plays guitar.  

Elder Touya Yoshizawa comes to us from Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 

Japan.  He and his two brothers were involved in cubscouts and scouting when 

they were young, and really enjoyed that.  He also enjoys many games and the computer.  He says he has a good memory and great dexterity.  He has a 

 testimony  of prayer and has been blessed to always find answers 

when he needs them.

March 2012 New Missionaries

It is always a treat to get new missionaries in.  We first get their photos and learn a little about them.  We wait a few months while they are trained at the MTC.  Finally the day comes, and we wait excitedly at the airport for them to come through that door and finally be "ours."  We love it; we love them.  This month we expecially exciting because there were 8.  The more we get, the happier we are.

Here they all are at the airport, getting their first of many photos with President and Sister Baird.

Elder deOliveira first meeting Elder Augusto.

It is very exciting to meet your trainer for the first time.  It usually includes a big hug.







It's tradition to get your picture taken, showing the area you will be working in.  (All the new missionaries are on the left.)

Elder Gates will be privileged to serve with Elder Dinkel in Ina.

Bountiful, Utah is home to Elder Peter Gates.  He plans to major in Sound  Engineering.  He LOVES classical music, singing it, playing it, writing it. He says there's always room for improvement, but he is loving the journey! He wants to serve faithfully and give his all to whatever God wants him to do. He is calm and would rather listen than talk. Elder Dinkel is a driven person who wants to do his best.  He loves the Savior and has felt His love numerous times.  Elder Dinkel also loves to read and draw manga.

Bountiful, Utah is home to Elder Peter Gates.  He plans to major in Sound
 Engineering.  He LOVES classical music, singing it, playing it, writing it.
He says there's always room for improvement, but he is loving the journey!
He wants to serve faithfully and give his all to whatever God wants him to do.
He is calm and would rather listen than talk.

Elder Dinkel is a driven person who wants to do his best.  He loves the Savior and has felt His love numerous times.  Elder Dinkel also loves to read and draw manga.

Elder Benham gets to serve in Fukui with Elder Okajima.

Elder Joel Benham hales from Plummer, Idaho, but was born at Misawa AFB in Japan.  His family all loves to read books and to listen to music. He plans to work to earn money for college when he gets home. Elder Benham loves reading, drawing,  archery, roller blading, sword fighting with his brothers, laying on the roof and watching the clouds go by.  He says that he will write back to anyone who writes to him. Elder Okajima loves to sing.  He was in a choir in the YSA group in Tokyo and they made a CD.  He is very intelligent and catches on to things quickly.  One missionary who knows him says he is smart like a fox.  He is always smiling and always wants to do better.

Elder Joel Benham hales from Plummer, Idaho, but was born at Misawa AFB in Japan.  His family all loves to read books and to listen to music. He plans to work to earn money for college when he gets home. Elder Benham loves reading, drawing,  archery, roller blading, sword fighting with his brothers, laying on the roof and watching the clouds go by.  He says that he will write back to anyone who writes to him.

Elder Okajima loves to sing.  He was in a choir in the YSA group in Tokyo and they made a CD.  He is very intelligent and catches on to things quickly.  One missionary who knows him says he is smart like a fox.  He is always smiling and always wants to do better.

 Elder Sambongi will be serving with Elder Kuwahara in Ichinomiya. 

Elder Shun Sambongi is from Orem, Utah.  His parents were both born in Japan, joined the church and met at a church activity.  Elder Sambongi is the first in his family to serve a mission. Elder Kuwahara is a very kind person.  He feels God's love and knows that everyone is a child of God.  After his mission, he wants to find a job that makes people happy.

Elder Shun Sambongi is from Orem, Utah.  His parents were both born in Japan, joined the church and met at a church activity.  Elder Sambongi is the first in his family to serve a mission.

Elder Kuwahara is a very kind person.  He feels God's love and knows that everyone is a child of God.  After his mission, he wants to find a job that makes people happy.

Elder Wakamatsu will be in Suwa serving with Elder Kerksiek.

Elder Tyler Wakamatsu is from Lehi, Utah, and his family cares a lot about people.  He loves music, plays trumpet, and loves to be with family and friends.   He would like to get an education, travel the world to play music professionally, and get married. He describes himself as laid back, friendly, and energized. He wants to be known as someone who loves the Lord and keeps his commandments. Elder Kerksiek is one of those people who does not get angry easily.  He tries to be someone others want to be with.  Maybe he learned that from his family of 12.  He also finds the universe extremely complex and mysterious.

Elder Tyler Wakamatsu is from Lehi, Utah, and his family cares a lot about people.  He loves music, plays trumpet, and loves to be with family and friends.   He would like to get an education, travel the world to play music professionally, and get married. He describes himself as laid back, friendly, and energized. He wants to be known as someone who loves the Lord and keeps his commandments.

Elder Kerksiek is one of those people who does not get angry easily.  He tries to be someone others want to be with.  Maybe he learned that from his family of 12.  He also finds the universe extremely complex and mysterious.

This is Elder James with his trainer, Elder Clark.  They will be in Seto.

Idaho Falls, Idaho is happy to claim Elder Aaron James as theirs.  Elder James likes to brings things to life on paper with his drawing, and he loves Japanese culture. Elder James hopes to major in graphic arts.  He is kind to everyone and very patient. Elder Clark tries to be concerned, sincere,and thoughtful.  If he ever gets irritated, he doesn't let people know about it.  He took biology his first year of college, but he hasn't decided what he will major in when he gets home.  He knows his mission is not about him, but about what God can make of him.

Idaho Falls, Idaho is happy to claim Elder Aaron James as theirs.  Elder James likes to brings things to life on paper with his drawing, and he loves Japanese culture. Elder James hopes to major in graphic arts.  He is kind to everyone and very patient.

Elder Clark tries to be concerned, sincere,and thoughtful.  If he ever gets irritated, he doesn't let people know about it.  He took biology his first year of college, but he hasn't decided what he will major in when he gets home.  He knows his mission is not about him, but about what God can make of him.

Sister Eguchi (left) and Sister Inoue met seconds ago and are already best friends.
Sister Shizuka Eguchi is from Kai, Yamanishi, Japan.  She likes listening to classical music and going to concerts.  Doing good deeds secretly brings her much joy.  She once had a church leader touch her heart with some special advice, including reading the Book of Mormon.  She followed that advice and her life changed since that day.

Sister Inoue's goal is to go to university or specialized school, possibly in a foreign country.  Of course, a temple marriage and family are part of her plans, and even to become a couple missionary in the future.  She is cheerful and loves talking with friends. 

These beautiful sisters will be serving in Fukutoku.

Elder deOliveira will be serving with Elder Augusto in Takaoka.

Elder Dimas DeOliveira is from Paranagua, Brazil.  But he has lived and taught English in the United States.  He is a happy, enthusiastic person and loves to share the Gospel.  Elder deOliveira intends to study to get in a good university and work!  He loves to sing and watch good movies.  His goal after his misson is to become a diplomat and of course keep doing missionary work.  He says he is very rational, friendly and he loves to talk.

Elder Augusto is one of the funniest elders in the mission, according to another missionary who knows him well.  He has the ability to love anyone, and everyone loves him.  What a wonderful thing to have said about you!

And Elder Sarager gets to serve with Elder Ashcroft in Inuyama.

Home for Elder Spencer Sarager is Gilbert, Arizona.  He has three older brothers who have served missions.  He loves the outdoors and all sports.   Elder Ashcroft's mother was converted by his father, and was born in Nagoya.  How exciting for Elder Ashcroft to serve a mission in his mother’s hometown.

December 2011 New Missionaries!

We had four wonderful new missionaries come to our mission tonight. Elder O'Hara (Arizona), Elder Kuwahara (Fukushima), Elder Finlinson (Utah), and Elder Shimohara (Utah). They did great on their first night! We are excited to watch them grow throughout their mission!

From left: Sister and President Baird, Elder O'Hara,
Elder Kuwahara, Elder Finlinson, Elder Shimohara,
Elder Rust (ZL) and Elder Hollister (ZL)

The missionaries rode the train to the mission home sharing the gospel all the way! They all did great! They were willing to open their mouths and share their testimony with everyone!

Stopped for a quick picture inside the Nagoya Eki underneath the Golden Clock.

Elder Finlinson (left) and Elder Eckman- Takabata

Elder Alexander Finlinson comes to us from Oak City, Utah.  He is the third child in a family of four.  Elder Finlinson enjoys reading, hanging out with his cousins, and "table top role playing, because you can do whatever you want."

Elder Eckman is very well-read.  He is very smart and a good teacher.  

Elder Shimohara (left) and Elder Tsutamori- Nonami

Elder Samuel Shimohara’s parents converted before he was born, so he grew up in the church. He lives in Torrance, California. He hopes, when he gets home, to spend a few days listening to General Conference talks and making a plan for the rest of his life.  It will most likely involve getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

Elder Tsutamori loves many sports and has already studied engineering in college.  He is good at listening to others and pondering deeply.  Elder Tsutamori is from Hokkaido, Japan.

Elder Kuwahara (left) and Elder Ogaki- Ichinomiya Elder Sei Kuwahara is from Kawahuma, Fukushima, Japan.  He enjoys fixing motor bikes, fishing, skiing, photography and rowing.  His dream is to have a happy family.  Elder Ogaki loves sports, music and talking with people.  He has a zest for life. He has good English and plays piano.

                            Elder Kuwahara (left) and Elder Ogaki- Ichinomiya

Elder Sei Kuwahara is from Kawahuma, Fukushima, Japan.  He enjoys fixing motor bikes, fishing, skiing, photography and rowing.  His dream is to have a happy family.

 Elder Ogaki loves sports, music and talking with people.  He has a zest for life. He has good English and plays piano.

Elder O'Hara (left) and Elder Gottfredson- Kanazawa

Elder Andrew O'Hara is a Mesa, Arizona native.  His mother is a convert to the Church, as a result of ekaiwa classes.  She also served a mission in Nagoya.  His father is also a convert and served in Bolivia.  Elder O'Hara loves to draw, wrestle, read, run, listen to music and be with friends.  His goal after his mission is to become a chiropractor and help people feel better.  He could also enjoy being a cartoonist.

Elder Gottfredson likes music.  He plans to minor in music and major in something that
will provide a living.  He makes friends easily, and sees being a bit prideful
as a strength and a weakness.