May 28, 2018--Pedal to the metal

This has probably been the most stressful week of the last 2 years...we are trying frantically to put together a baptismal service while trying to help M san commit to finally talk to her husband, all the while continuing lessons and trying to make time to find. Add to that daily follow-ups from various Mission leaders and branch and district leaders, trying to prepare for and schedule an interview, help her prepare a testimony, throwing together logistics for the service, all on top of our normal dendo. I love it. I love dendo!!

On Sunday, Mie san came to the morning sacrament meeting like regular, then came to the Misawa branch in the afternoon for the first time. The members were super nice and friendly and supportive, the talks were solid, and the Sunday School teacher helped involve her in the lesson/discussion, it was so great. We showed her the font and got her a dress, she is so ready and so excited. But,  still hasn’t talked to her husband! We fasted on Wednesday, the night she was planning on talking to her husband...then she didn't end up talking to him. But she committed to do it on Saturday, so we fasted again...and it fell through. Sunday, same thing, again. We went forward with the baptismal interview on Monday, and she passed with flying colors!! But obviously cant be baptized unless her husband says it’s ok. She is planning on having the talk tonight, for real this time. Please pray that she will have the courage she needs!

I am so tired. I am tired to my bones. But I love it so much. I can feel the Lord sustaining me. Yesterday we helped an old lady pull weeds in front of her house and listened to her share her thoughts about the problems with government welfare programs. We just smiled and nodded, and listened. Sometimes what people need most is just another person to listen to what’s on their mind.

I love feeling like I can dedicate all my efforts to doing as Christ would do—to lift and love others. There is no other way of life that leads to true fulfillment. The mission is such a blessing, such a privilege. I want to live just as He lived, even after the tag comes off.

Please pray for M san! We will probably fast again. Basically the whole district, then the whole zone, then the Mission president and wife, and probably the whole Mission are praying their hearts out for her to have the courage to ask her husband, and for her husband’s heart to be softened.

Today we are going to the beach for a much-needed break :) Then it will be pedal to the metal, hitting the grind with everything we’ve got. Check facebook on Saturday to see if there are some baptism pictures!!!

愛してるよ！
--
パスケット長老
Elder Paskett

1 - service picking up gomi at the umi (trash at the ocean)
2-4 post-baptismal interview celebration!