Michael's Good Experience: Another week, another haircut...

Dear Family,

Hello everyone! How was your week this last week?? It's been pretty darn rainy here so probably about the same! I love the rain but sometimes as a missionary it's a fair bit obnoxious. This past week I sent Elder Okada home and Elder Aoki became my companion. It's been a good time overall I would say for sure!

So in the last few days Elder Okada didn't do too good of a job of packing and what not so the transfer day was pretty darn busy. But it was good none the less. We taught some lessons to brother Takeuchi and to Kato San and they went really good. Kato San is looking better and better, he's not a "golden" investigator by any means but he's trying, and that's what matters, he is actually scheduled for a baptismal interview on Friday, and if he passes he'll be baptized next week on the 26th. Since I've been with him from the start I hope he can do it but I would say there is about a 50/50 chance he either passes or doesn't. His testimony isn't super strong, but he's trying. So we'll see what will come in the next few weeks! If so maybe I could perform his baptism! We'll see!

Elder Aoki has been a really good companion so far. He's a really good teacher and really good and talking with people. He has gotten a pretty good relationship with brother Takeuchi so I'm happy about that. We've spent at least some time with Takeuchi every day for about the last week and a half. Which is a lot for sure. Today he gave me a haircut... Well tried to. He's not a super good hair cutter... But he tried. I ended up having to have Elder Aoki help and do a lot on my own to make it look a little better, but it could be worse I suppose! I look very much like I'm in the army but it's comfy and easy. Next time I'll go to a 10 dollar place though for sure.

As far as new investigators now we have 2 new people that we are meeting with regularly. The first is a man from the "former investigators" section of our area book named Suzuki. He's a nice old man who loves Jesus. So we're meeting him a couple times this week probably. And the next is a man who doesn't have much interest but he wants to do our family English program, so we are doing that until he leaves for a volunteer trip in April. His name is Hayashi. If it goes well with them you'll hear more about them next week! But we've been enjoying our time lately, I've got my study spot all set up real nice and stuff so everything is settling in nicely here in Odawara. The recent converts are strong and really helping out, it's a great thing to see.

As far as fun random things, I tried something new this week! Since Sister Law's companion transferred and a new Greenie came in we went out to sushi to meet the new sister, and I ate a squid leg sushi! It's been a while since I've eaten some weird stuff, so I tried it! Don't gag too hard when you see the picture! I've been working as hard as I can and slowly but surely it's starting to pay off and the work here is picking up. I hope everyone back home is trying new things and enjoying life too! That video of Ollie is great! Nothing quite so pure as a babies laugh. Also dads pictures were sweet! And Morgan has a nice flashy futuristic skirt! Thanks for all the good updates! As far as returning home we got our "death" letters today, so my return date is the 19th. They discourage parents coming to pick us up but it is the parents decision so if you have decided one way or the other let me know so I can tell them at the mission home.

I love you guys! I pray for each one of you individually every night, along with my investigators and things. Slowly through my mission those prayers are getting longer and longer and more and more sincere. It truly is a huge blessing that we have to be able to speak with our Heavenly Father anytime. He helps me out so much in so many ways. I hope all of you remember to say your prayers every day, all day long, because it really will make a difference. Anyways, I love you all, have a great week!

Elder Gailey

Saying Goodbye to Elder Okada