The Letter Has Arrived At Last!

Missionaries Just Want To Have Fun Too!

Some playgrounds are just too hard to resist...Even for a missionary.

Here, Elder Mumford enjoys a quick trip down the slide. 

(Click on picture to enlarge)

Now here is Martin's letter that just arrived in the mail, dated August 27th, 2009:

Dear Everyone, 

Sorry I couldn't e-mail much last week.  Just as I was getting started, the librarian came up and told us to stop e-mailing.  This is the third library we've been kicked out of, and I am getting a little tired of it.  Japanese libraries are a little weird too; the reason you can't e-mail is because the sound of typing bothers other people in the library.  Oh well.  I'm just going to give up and snail mail my letters for the rest of my time in Kunitachi.

("Shhhhh..... You are typing too loud.")

Well, recently, it's been very busy here, because every year at this time, there is a HUGE festival in Tachikawa, and tons of little festivals all around.  Part of it is for Obon, and part of it is for Natsu Matsuri.  For example, there was a parade in our neighborhood the other day, with very elaborate, illuminated floats.  it's called Nebuta Festival.  There were lots of other parades in nearby neighborhoods too.

VIDEO: Festival in Yoyogi Park.

Click "PLAY" to view.

But the bigest parade was in Tachikawa.  Everyone was dressed up in (Traditional?) Japanese clothing- the girls in kimonos, and the guys in top-kimonos, but with a speedo on the bottom.  The fun thing is, there are a few dozen of these teams of people who carry a big...shrine-thingy, around the city.  They all have different team uniforms, (but the speedos are the same) and they carry the big decorated shrine on their shoulders, chanting.

Natsu Matsuri parade in Tachikawa.  

(This was the only picture that I could find that was vague enough to appear on this family friendly blog.)

It's very fun to watch, especially since the are all very drunk and sometimes have a hard time steering the shrine.

As with many Japanese festivals, there were of course, rows and rows of little stands selling takoyaki, okonomiyaki, chocolate bananas, yakisoba, and for some reason, fake guns!  They have lots of stands where you can "save a goldfish" out of a little pool.  Later we went to Kokubunji, and they were having similar parades and events there.  Apparently, the summer festivals are everywhere this season.

Also, I wrote a nice letter to all my MTC district, and today I'll send it out to everyone!  It's celebrating our "one year" mark .

(The missionaries place their wagers on who will be staying and who will leaving, once the transfer calls come in.)

Anyways, Elder Stavi is expecting he will be transferred, so this p-day was especially busy.  Right now it's almost time for us to finish p-day and go back out.  So I'll send another letter next week (If I stay) or an e-mail (If I transfer to a new area)  So just keep your fingers crossed until I can get all the new info to you!  Thanks!

(This is what a transfer looks like: All the transferring missionaries carry their bags, including their bike in a bag, and then meet in a central location.  They meet their new companion and then go on their way to their new area.)

Love, Elder Mumford

Tokyo, Japan

p.s. Yes, I have felt a few earthquakes but only a tiny bit.

While We Are Waiting....

Once again, we received a short note from Martin, informing us that e-mail is not possible in his current area, and that he will be sending letters through the mail for now.  

So while we are waiting for the next letter to arrive, here are some fun videos for your viewing pleasure. These were on the last SD camera card, sent home by Elder Mumford.

VIDEO !: Click "PLAY"  below to view:

NATTO:

VIDEO 2: Click "PLAY"  below to view:

Street performer in Tokyo:

VIDEO 3: Click "PLAY"  below to view:

Jazz In Tokyo:

More Funny Engrish Signs!

Many Japanese signs also include an English translation.  However, sometimes the translation is off just enough, that it makes for some humorous imagery.   Here are a few examples of signs, from the camera of Elder Mumford, along with excerpts from a letter from him,  found in our mailbox today:

(Do not let your dog pee and poo...children have lunch and play!)

Dear Everyone...

Sorry for the missing letter!  We went to our normal e-mail place, and to our astonishment, it was closed!  Upon closer inspection, we found out it is going to be closed every Tuesday from now until forever.  We are certain that they somehow found out when our p-day was, and closed the building just to thwart us each week!

Any ways, so now I am writing a good 'ol paper letter, and nothing says to the family "I LOVE YOU" more than a good 'ol fashioned handwritten letter delivered somewhat later than usual.

(Please do it outside!)

Some important news:  Dad will be pleased to know that I am now flossing religiously.  I've never been consistent. but now I'm doing it.  It's part of my FINAL YEAR RESOLUTIONS.  These are as follows:

1. Floss Daily

2. Exercise Daily

3. Finish the Bible (Old and New T.) in English so I can say I've read it.  (I'm in Jeremiah!)

4. Always be happy.  Even if I'm sick or tired.

5. Work hard, try my best, endure to the end.  This year has been fast, and from what I hear, the second year goes much faster.  So I want to use it really well.

6. Start reading the Book of Mormon (English) with foot notes.  I always ignored them before, but I'll give it a try.

(These must be some pretty special sheet protectors!)

I'm half way through my first Summer in Japan.  It's burning hot and humid, but recently, it's been raining so much that it's not so hot.  In Japan, they have these huge flying bugs called "SEMI'S".  One Semi can make an extremely loud noise, so when there's a group of them, you can hear it from quite far away.  The funny thing is that in the Summer, the semi's get so hot, that they fall out of the trees and lie on their backs until they cool down enough to fly away.  It's something that's definitely unique to Japan, and something that I find annoying now, but will probably miss once I get home.

OK, and now for some relevant news: Our investigator, Ooishi-san, who was very close to being baptized, no longer wants to get baptized.  Unfortunately, tithing is very difficult for her, so she feels that she cannot make that commitment right now.  But she still is willing to learn and meet occasionally.  Just keep her in your prayers.  She KNOWS that she needs to be baptized.  You can tell that she feels like it's the right thing to do.  I think it will work out.

(A cafe for snobbish babies?)

I got the pictures in the mail.  I was so happy to see all those incredible pictures of everyone from the reunion and the family party.  I also just barely got the CHEESE you sent.  It's actually not that melted, but we still threw it in the fridge.  We'll have a FEAST!  Elder Stavi made some authentic Brazillian food and served it with bottles of Guarana (popular Brazilian drink)  It was great!

('Not sure what kind of machine this is, but I think the sign is pretty descriptive as to what might happen to you if you touch it!)

Also Mom, Happy "29th" birthday, again! :)    I hope that things at home are as wonderful as they are here.  I miss you all!  

Thanks for Everything!

Love, 

Elder Martin Mumford

T O K Y O

 J A P A N!

Tour Of Shibuya Apartment

Elder Mumford sits at one of the study desks in the Shibuya Apartment. (His previous area)

It is one of the smallest apartments in the mission, and is shared by 4 missionaries.

This is the sleeping area for the 4 missionaries.   (But it also doubles as a closet!)

Study desk and closet all in one!

We received a brief e-mail from Martin, explaining that he will not be able to e-mail for a while, because their e-mail place is closed on their new p-day.  He will be sending news via snail mail until they are able to find a new place to e-mail.

So I thought I would use this space to share some fun videos that Martin took when he was in Shibuya!

Robot:

Video: Click "Play" to view:

Waiting:

Video: Click "Play" to view:

Every Sunday afternoon in Yoyogi park.

Video: Click "Play" to view:

HOT HOT HOT!

(Elder Gerber, Elder Haight, and Elder Mumford try to stay cool by enjoying a fresh watermelon.)

(From an e-mail dated August 3, 2009:)

Dear Everyone,

This is going to be short, sorry.  We are at a different library with more restrictions so I got to hurry.

A few important things;

P-day was changed again, from Monday to Tuesday.  It was kind of suprise because we found out the night before!  So from now on P-day will be on Tuesday...  probably...  maybe.  Just dont be surprised If Im emailing from all kinds of wierd days.

Ooishi-san is getting ready to be baptized.  She is the most prepared person I've ever met.  Its going to be great!

Elder Stavi is way funny, and we are working super hard.  Its extremely hot recently, so the days have been extra tiring, and Im getting rather burnt to a crisp.  (Its ok, I have sunscreen, no need to send me extra :)

One of these days, I'll have to show you a picture of my White-Shirt-tan line.  Its pretty bad.

(Martin's "Killer" Japanese sunscreen)

Well, this transfer marks my 1 year mark on a mission.  Its been a pretty short year in retrospect.  Probably the fastest year of my life so far.  My life seems kinda short in comparison now, because I've only had 20 of those suckers now, and Ive got a good 80 left to go  (Because Im going to be one of those way energetic genki grampas-- in Japan we call them Genki Ojiichan's).

(Elder Mumford and Elder Kowalk with Urshizako-san, their favorite Genki Ojiichan (healthy, energetic, adorable little grandpa)

Anyways, got to go real quick!  As always Ill promise a longer email next time, but ... we'll see!  Sorry!

Thanks everyone, I love all the letters and support and prayers,

Love,

Elder Mumford,

-tokyo, japan.