HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

In honor of Father's Day, I thought it would be fun to show some pictures of Elder Martin Mumford's Father, Bruce,  who served a mission to Curitiba, Brazil almost 30 years ago.  (Click on any image to enlarge)

Portuguese, is the official language spoken in Brazil.

When I first saw this picture, I thought it was a joke, but then I found out that this really was Bruce's official missionary bike, that he rode EVERYWHERE in Brazil; and mostly on dirt roads like this one.

And this was the official mode of transportation for the people in the larger Brazilian cities.

'Waiting for the plane that will take him home.

These were the baptism clothes that they wore back then.  Fortunately, the styles have since changed.

Sao Paulo Brazil Temple-1981

Tracting the Tracks.

"Go ye into all the world and preach my gospel unto every creature"

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Another Fantastic Week In Shibuya!

Elder Mumford enjoys drinking coconut milk, straight from a coconut that he bought from a street vendor in Okachimachi- (Tokyo's largest permanent open air street market.)

Here is Martin's e-mail dated June 18th, 2009:

Dear Everyone,

It is another fantastic week in SHIBUYA.

(by the way, speaking of packages...  I will try and ship off mine soon.  It has a bunch of cool (but irrelevant) things I have gotten from Investigators.  (A cool fan, an ancient abaccus, a wierd hand-drum thingie), plus the letters you all have sent while Ive been in Japan).

Ok, so Shibuya.  It's the most incredible place I've ever been in.  First of all there are a lot of different challenges and benefits for serving here.  Elder Haight and Gerber are working with the Gaijin ward, which means that they get American Food for us all.

We're looking for a better email place, but there doesnt seem to be anything that is (1) clean, no bad posters, you can see your companion and (2) cheap to email at, except the one we have.  So forgive me if these are a little shorter than normal.  I'll try to consider the best stories to tell before I write the email, and if anything else cool happens, I'll just send a supplement letter.

VIDEO: Click the "PLAY" arrow to view.

So here is our schedule of some interesting events that happen each week:

1. Monday- Service: we make Onigiri (sushi) for homeless people, at the Catholic Church in Roppongi. (Apparently, we havent missed a Monday in 20 years, so it's pretty permanent)

2. Tuesday -Teach JKaiwa (Japanese Class)

3. Wednesday- Teach Eikaiwa, (English Class)

So those are certainly some blessings.  Lots of fun, interesting, productive activites.  Another amazing thing is that there are people EVERYWHERE!  From the second you step out of the apartment there are people to talk to, so that is never an issue.

The tough thing, is that everyone is in a hurry.  A rediculous percentage of the people we stop are in a hurry, or busy.  It's kind of sad.  Especially in the heavy city areas, people are almost 100% unable to talk to you.  We still try when we pass through those areas, but it's extremely difficult.

(Martin and his companion made coconut rice pudding, then served it in the coconut shell!)

We also meet a lot of crazy people.  I dont know if more people here are crazy than other places, but it seems they certainly show up a lot more frequently.  The other day we met Captain Mickey, a 'retired captain' of the navy, who was on his bike dragging some garbage around the city. He came up to us and asked if we were the missionaries, and of course we wanted to talk.  But after a while he started rambling off about the most random things in broken english/japanese... haircuts, california, strange movies, the war... and it became clear he wasn't altogether there.  So we eventually had to leave.  Then he gestured to the garbage on his bike and talked about raising his 'kids'.  We hoped that his kids werent in those bags (yikes).  But the entire time there was this crazy electric Polka band playing in the park next to us.  These kind of experiences are becoming sort of normal. 

There's always incredible things going on.  There was a Bangladesh festival the other day, right next to the Calpis Headquarters (that famous Japanese drink).  Very interesting,  we met some strange people there too.  :)

 

(Missionary Zone Conference)

Also, the one thing you dont realize is just how little time you have in a 4-man apartment.  You get home and within 10 minutes it is 10:30 somehow and time to go to bed.  Likewise the morning time sort of evaporates.  I have absolutely no time, it seems.

It's rainy season.  Two days ago we had the most violent rain storm I have ever been in in my life.  We had raingear, but we both were completely 100% soaked through.  The roads were rivers, and water was blasting in fountains UP out of the drains.  Then the next day it was beautiful and there was not a drop on the ground.  The rivers didn't even go up at all.  Japan has the #1 drainage system, I think.  I'm sure us two missionaries looked really cool just wading through the streets, not even trying to avoid it because we were already so wet.

(Pictures with the zone)

Anyways, it's been a good week, the next one should be even better!

Good luck everyone, have fun, and work hard... if you feel like it!

Love,

Elder Martin Mumford,

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Shibuya!

Elder Mumford stands by a statue of HOCHIKO; Japan's famous Akita dog.  The story goes as follows:  Hochiko the loyal  dog,  would walk with his master every day to the train station in Shibuya, where his master would board the train to the University where he taught.  At the end of each day when his master returned, Hochiko would always be at the train station, waiting for him.  One day the Professor suffered a stroke while at the University, and died.  Hochiko waited for his master to come home, but he never did.  Each day, for the next 11 years, until his death, Hochiko would be at the train station, in the evenings, still faithfully awaiting his master's return.  This statue of Hochiko was erected just outside of the train station in honor of his loyalty and devotion.  Today it is one of the most popular meeting places in all of Tokyo.
This week, Martin was transferred to Shibuya (pronounced "she-BOO-Yah")  the most densely populated section of Tokyo.  (It also has the smallest missionary apartment in the entire mission.)  Shibuya is sometimes called the "Times Square" of Japan.  The Hochiko crossing in Shibuya (shown above and below) claims to be the busiest intersection in the entire world!

VIDEO: Click "Play" to view.

And now, Here is Martin's e-mail, dated June 11th, 2009:

Dear Everyone,

Alright just to let you know the email place in my new area is ONLY 30 MINUTES.  Barely enough time to read an email and scratch out a short message.  So sorry if this week is a bit short.  Ill just give you the important stuff first in case I run out of time.

I am now located in SHIBUYA, the craziest, busiest area in the mission.  Literally I can see hundreds of people pouring by from the email place window.  You walk out of your door in the morning and there are a few dozen people within sight.  It is insane.  There are gaijin (foreigners) everywhere, and pretty much every single person speaks english somehow.  It is amazing, fun, and I think this is going to be an exciting transfer here.

We cover 2 wards, 1 Japanese and 1 Gaijin (much like Yokosuka).  On the 21st, they are actually combining all 3 Gaijin wards into one (because all the families go back to America for the summer, and all the guys stay in Japan for work).

My companion is Elder Morris, from Salt Lake City, UT.  He likes movies a lot.

The other two Elders in the apartment are;

Elder Gerber (he was my Kohai in the MTC), from Ohio, and

Elder Haight (he also really likes movies), from South Jordan, UT.

The Elders happened to walk by a movie trailer.  The look on their face says it all!  (Trunky)

This is going to be lots of fun.  Our first night here, we found out just how much Elder Morris and Elder Haight like movies.  They have seen just about every movie ever made, and probably 90% of them I have never heard of before.  Its amazing.  Me and Elder Gerber just write all of the names down so that we can watch them after the mission, but just in 2 days, I have filled 2 pages with movies, so I dont think I will be watching quite ALL of them.

Shibuya is lots of fun.  We teach English class on Wednesdays, and JAPANESE class on tuesdays.  Every monday night, we go into a Catholic church and make Onigiri (rice balls) for homeless people!  Lots of fun!

Onigiri- or rice balls.  One of the most popular "grab-n-go" food items in Japan.  Each week the LDS missionaries join with members of other religions in Japan,  for a community service project- making onigiri for the homeless.

Just one more thing, then I have ta wrap up already!

In Kanagawa-ken and some parts of Tokyo, they say 'Jyan' at the end of sentences.  Its just slang, and it really doesnt have much meaning, but the funny thing is that it sounds just like 'John'.  Uncle John might find that amusing were he to come to Japan sometime!

Were going to look for a better email place, so I think next week will be better.  Sorry for the shortness, Ill have LOTS of crazy stories next week!  Shibuya is famous for rediculous and crazy people.  This should be fun.

VIDEO: Click "Play" to view some of the fun, craziness of Shibuya!

Anyways, good luck, have fun, thanks everyone for the amaizng support, prayers and letters.  I really appreciated all the help this last week with transfers and everything.  

THANK YOU SO MUCH,

Love,

Elder Mumford

Shibuya, Tokyo, JAPAN.

Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Syrup

Elder Mumford and Elder Kowalk are coveting the precious maple flavored syrup that was sent to Elder Saunders as a birthday present.

Fortunately, Elder Saunders was willing to share his syrup with the district.  Click "Play" below to see their special Conference/Easter/Birthday breakfast.

VIDEO: Click Play

Now here is Martin's e-mail dated June 4, 2009:

Dear Everyone,

As always, it has been an eventful and crazy week in Kawasaki.  We have had a lot of experiences, from rediculous, to creepy, to amazing, to miraculous.  Ill share a few;

1. Ishitani, Kazu had a lesson this week.  We are still learning about the commandments, and this time we talked about the law of tithing.  We werent planning on it, but he was asking questions about it and we felt it was the right time to explain tithing to him.  One cool thing that helped - He was having a hard time imagining why people would give up their money to a church, and said some of these commandments sound too strict.  We told him it isn't about finding the religion that is the least/most strict, its about what is TRUE and right.  If God commands us to pay 10% we pay 10%.  If he commands us to pay 100% we pay 100%.  Then I shared a story that really helped.  It was one that Mom told us a few times at home, about when you and Dad stopped paying tithing for a little while, and fell into some hard times.  Then when you began again everything eventually turned out ok again.  That helped him understand a little bit about why we do what God wants.  Because we are blessed.

2.  We had another lesson with our favorite grandpa, Urushizako-san.  Once again, Brother Hata helped us out (with translation).  All I can say though, is that the two of them are like those two Muppet grandpas.  All they do is just sit and laugh and tell jokes and stories and laugh some more.  They are both super nice, and Urushizako-san is learning a little bit at a time, so we keep meeting.  Each time it just cracks me up, because theyre just the genkiest old fellers you ever did see.  Reminds me of the muppets every time. 

For example we were talking about commandments and how they are like the laws of the land:  If you dont keep the commandments (laws) you might be arrested.  Then Urushizako went off on a random story about how he was arrested when he was young.  Then it turned into a big old discourse on how nice it was in the detention center thing, 'They give you free food, and a free place to sleep, it really wasnt that bad at all!'  The hard thing is that he doesn't even seem to take a pause for breath, let alone a pause in the conversation.  Its so hard to stop him once he starts a story, and each story goes for 15-20 minutes. :p  Oh well.  He has a good, spiritual time whenever he comes, so at least there's that.  

Good news is, it turns out he has been keeping all of the word of wisdom (including eating meat sparingly and fruits in season) for several decades before we met him!  We read it and he agrees with everything.  Way crazy.

3. We met with some nice SGI people, they took us out to a really nice restraunt.  They want to know our opinions on EVERYTHING, including the big bang, evolution and whether people can change their destiny and stuff.  I have no idea, so I just kept telling them 'I have no idea'.

We did have a really good conversation about religion though.  I think they might want to meet us again sometime too.  Way nice.

4.  Really rare... someone actually gave us a referral off the street. He didnt have much interest so we asked if any of his friends did.  He said, 'Yeah, hold on I know a guy' and immediately pulled out his cell phone and called him up... 'Hey, its me...  I'm with these missionary people, do you want to meet them sometime?'  It was amazing.  Just so you know, in Japan, when you ask someone 'Do you know anyone with interest in any religion?'  99.99% chance they will say 'Um.... um.... no, not really.'  But we got lucky.  Basically, the saying is, 'You must ask 1000 people before it happens'.  Really cool experience.

Also, We went to Asakusa today, looking for Dad's chess set, but it wasnt there either.  That thing is so hard to find!  Not even the antique/souvenier shops (in the souvenier capital of Tokyo) had it.  So I may very well NOT be sending a package quite yet.  Theres a bunch of things I need to send home, so Ill do that within the next 2 weeks.  (Gifts Ive recieved but dont want destroyed by the moving company [curse you SAGAWA!], all the letters Ive gotten out here and want to read when I return...etct...)

Also, through the wonderfully accurate missionary grapevine (My companion was told in his Mission President Interview), I have heard that I will be leaving Kawasaki, and I have not the slightest idea where.  This Saturday (June 6) I will find out where and with who I will be going.  The following Wednesday (possibly Thursday) (10th or 11th)  I will send an email with all the new info.  (so just hang tight until then!)

Elder Kowalk, Elder Saunders, Elder Mumford, and Elder Kendall, touring China Town in Yokahama, Japan. (Click on picture to enlarge)

Aaaah!  Its almost time to go!  Today was extremely crazy, we went to Asakusa and while we were there we got all these phone calls from half the ward and half our investigators about lessons/cancelling/just wanting to say hi/crazy things they wanted us to do/other missionaries...  so now we are hoping no one calls us for this one hour, but we got to go soon to a lesson (which may or may no longer be happening, but we dont have the joint's phone number so we have to go anyways just to meet him and tell him there is no lesson and aaaargh there is a lot of stress right now!)

anyways...

today was busy.

But I wish everyone good luck, have fun and keep on keeping on.  Hope everyone can last another week without hearing my sweet words :)  Enjoy!

-Elder Martin Mumford

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Happy Birthday Buddha!

Japan celebrates the birthday of Buddha on April 13th, with a holiday called Hanamatsuri or Flower Festival.

Martin happened across a Buddhist Temple in April, where the Buddhist priest is singing Happy Birthday to Buddha!

VIDEO: Click on the "Play" arrow to view.

In early Japan, the Kumusou (Buddhist priests) would place baskets over their heads, to indicate the suppression of the ego.  (I guess this is their version of the brown paper bag)  Here  you will see the Kumusou (or "priests of nothingness") preparing for a reenactment of this ancient Buddhist ritual.

VIDEO: Click on the "Play" arrow to view.

Now here is Martin's e-mail, dated June 28, 2009

Dear Everyone,

This was a way quick week.  We met a lot of cool people;

1. Hiroki - He wants to read the book of mormon and pray about it.  He has thought about the purpose of life a lot and wants to know. :)  Awesome guy for sure.

2. Michael - A cool guy from Canada.  He's here for some school, but mostly wanders around Japan looking for fun things to do.  We're going to eat some American Burgers with him tomorrow.

3. Russian Lady - We did not meet her this week.  Which wasnt too terribly shocking, seeing as she left our last appointment in a hurry, thinking that we were the police trying to trap her.  I wonder if she said she would come back, just to 'throw the police off'.  Wierd.

4. We got a random call from a lady who is a member (??) and would like us to teach the lessons to her children who are 5 and 8.  She also wants a Tagolog Liahona.  Sounds like fun!

5.  Another lady, apparently she was baptized in America without ever hearing the missionary lessons (it seems) ... therefore we need to teach them to her... maybe.  The problem is its just speculation from a couple of ward members, because she drinks tea.  I have no idea what will happen there, but we're always up for teaching the lessons! :)

6. Shimizu wants to meet us sometime, (the person we met about 2 weeks ago).  He wants to bring a friend (they are both SGI) and we can talk.

7.  That lady we met outside of the Conbini, it turns out she didnt actually have a son interested in Christianity, she just wanted to give us some SGI magazines.  So at least we traded pamphlets.  The magazines are kind of fun too, theyre all pictures of their leader person shaking hands with famous people... Obama, presidents and prime ministers, ghandi.  Ill have to google it when I get home.

Children dress in traditional costumes for a festival during Hanamatsuri.

Nothing really shocking happened this week, but everything is continuing as normal.

Also, I heard some rumors...  I think I will be leaving Kawasaki this next transfer, so all those letters you are about to send me, just adress them to the Honbu for now. :)  Ill send you the information as soon as I can (address, new area, new companion).

The transfers just keep getting shorter and shorter, this one seemed like it didnt even happen.

Oh and one last thing, I may be sending a package soon.  Just a little one, I have kept all the letters I've recieved since coming to Japan, so I can read them all when I get back.  So... I might be sending those home, along with anything else I dont use here but might want later.

Ishitani-san (the coolest guy ever) gave us these authentic Japanese fans with the traditional paintings on the front, it was even cooler because he got our names cut into the wood!  He's a way nice guy.  Ill be sending that so I dont lose or break it. :)  You can open it up and see when you get it though.

Elder Mumford tries on Ishitani-san's really cool glasses!

Anyways, Well just keep on keeping on.  Good luck everyone with whatever you're all up to.  It sounds like a blast over there on the other side of the pond. The mission just keeps getting more and more fun!

With lots of love,

Elder Mumford.

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Another Great Week In Japan!

Dear Everyone,

We had a lot of interesting experiences this week, so I'll just share a few.

1.  We met Christina again, the lady from Russia.  We already gave her the Russian Book of Mormon, and this time we wanted to see what she thought about it.

Unfortunately, we had overestimated her English ability before.  It turns out that she really doesn't speak English that well, OR Japanese, and it's just one huge blend of English, Japanese, and Russian.  So we started explaining about the Book of Mormon.  We started by talking about God.  It was good, but she suddenly said 'I dont vant to talk about this sing, I vant to talk about... (flips through the pamphlet) THIS.'  She points to the First Vision.  Well, that's still a good topic, so we talked about it.  Then she said a word in russian and wanted to know how to say it in English.  'You know, two man, one face'.  We figured out she was talking about twins.  'No, no, those two people that Appeared to Joseph Smith wern't twins, they were God and Jesus Christ'.

So we read Moroni 10:4 in Russian, Japanese AND English, and all testified.  She felt the spirit, and was very moved.  It was very good, but then she had to go and have a smoke suddenly.  So she went outside, then came back.  And when she came back she was completely different.  She freaked out.  'Vat do you think you are doing?  Do you think you can trick me?  Try to (random russian words) money.  I cant help you with the Police (russian) Im not from this country so the (russian) no help (russian).  You think you can trick money (russian) and Joseph Smith with (russian) smoking.  (russian) in California.  Police are (russian).'  Then she said 'I have to go now.  I will come back next Wednesday, see you'.

Anyways, it was the wierdest lesson I've ever been in.  She just completely went nuts and ran out of the room.  I think she thought the lesson was some sort of a police set-up or something.  Anyways, she may or may not actually come to next weeks lesson, but if she does we are trying to find someone who can explain in russian what we are doing.  This is just us explaining about our church, not some crazy police stake-out.  Wierd.

VIDEO: Click on the play arrow to view.

(Sakura  (cherry blossom) video and pictures below,were taken on April 1, 2009)

Also, earlier that day we found a cool place. 

We were riding to a University we hadn't been to yet, and along the way there were all these little old grandmas dragging their little old husbands up this huge road.  There were people directing traffic and there were just people everywhere.  Last time we went that way there was no one there, so we decided to check it out.  So, we start to climb this huge hill.

The whole time we are passing all these old grandmas.  After many long tiring switchbacks up this mountain, we come to some stairs.  Still the river of grandmas are pouring up and down.  So we climb the stairs (super steep), and lo and behold, MORE stairs!  And more grandmas.

At this point we're really curious whats at the top of this thing, so we press on.  Finally we clear the stairs and theres a huge... rose garden.

I should have guessed.  Anyways, we found this giant rose garden and its just packed with old people with giant cameras.  So we walked around and talked to all the grandpas with cameras, and all the grandmas painting flowers, and it was just a jolly 'ol romp though the rose fields.

(Viewing a sakura park at night, with Japanese lanterns lighting the path, far into the distance.)

Anyways, Elder Kowalk's computer keeps shutting down, Im gonna switch him computers so that he can get his email done.

Thanks everyone, Good Luck, Have Fun!

Im loving all the support, letters, emails, prayers...

Love,

Elder Mumford

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Another Miracle Week!

(Elder Mumford in Tokyo with Kato-san)

(From an e-mail dated 5/14/09)

Dear Everyone,

Well, a lot has happened since we talked on the phone.  It has been another miracle week.

Things are definitely looking up out here, yesterday we had a unique day:

6:30 - wake up, study, eat...

1:00 - lesson with Urushizako-san (the 76 year old one).  He had some pretty wierd ideas about the space god, but we felt it wouldnt hurt to ask the space god whether or not the Book of Mormon is true.  He tried it and said it felt like a good thing (or at least it didnt feel like a bad thing).  We watched the Joseph Smith DVD, and he thought that was good too.  For some reason he bought us watermelon slices (and we're not about to turn down watermelon!).  Very interesting.

(Fresh fruit is VERY expensive in Japan.  Martin took this picture of grapes for sale at a street stand. The cost: 1000 yen or about  $10.00 for one bunch of grapes!)

2:30 - Walk around town looking for more people who are interested.  We decided to go down to the river (the Tamagawa).  On the way there we met Shimizu-san.  He's mid-20's, SGI, and also has lots of interest in religion.  He said that talking to us made him feel really warm for some reason. :)  He wants to meet again, and gave us his number.

3:00 - Walking a little more, we run into Kobi-san.  He was sort of offended that we said hi (in Japan it is kind of rude to greet someone on the street.  Just saying 'hello', people get offended.) But we ended up having a great conversation.  It kind of bothers me sometimes, the whole "avoid interacting with other people at all costs" culture that you see here.  People simply dont talk to someone they dont know, ever.

Anyways, he was on his way to do some voulenteer work, which was cool because we are also voulenteers.  Wa talked a little about religion, and voulenteer things, and he wanted to meet us again sometime.  He said 'I cant describe it, but you make my heart ... happy'. :)

4:00 Stopped at a Konbini (Convenience Store) and bought a Yakiimo (baked sweet potato).  I was just standing outside eating it, and said hello to one of the workers who was stacking boxes.  Turns out he was a less active member from another ward, who had moved here and stopped going to church.  Way interesting, we'll have to come back to that store again and see if we can meet sometime.

6:00 Headed back to the Eikaiwa (english class) building for a lesson with Ishitani-san.  It was great, he learned a lot, and had a lot of questions.  He was reading Isaiah, and was very, very confused.  We explained how even WE dont really understand Isaiah 100%, but you just have to keep trying, and throught the spirit you can get more out of it.

(Martin has made it safely past the "Isaiah" chapters in his reading of the Japanese Book Of Mormon!)

Then in the middle of his lesson, this russian lady walks in and sits down.  We had met her the other day and told her about English Class, but she just showed up randomly a day early, sat down and started asking 'What is this?  What does that on the board mean?'  We had been drawing the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the board.  'Baptism, vat is this?'  And so we explained everything in simple English, and she sounded more curious than interested.  But she also wanted the Book of Mormon in Russian, so we made some quick calls and got one today.

Very interesting day.  Lots of things happening, lots of miracles and suprises.  I hope every day is like this :)  But even if its not, Ill still have fun, and be able to reflect on these times.

(The Tamagawa River,on the outskirts of  Tokyo Japan)

If I could just ask for 2 more names to add to the list of prayer;

1.  Takahashi-family.  They are less active and are struggling.  The love meeting the missionaries, but for many reasons cannot come to church every week.  They are having a difficult time and would appreciate your prayers for them.

2.  Shoichi.  He just got back from California and randomly called us up.  Wants to meet again.  He had heard all the lessons before, but had only read 2 pages of the Book of Mormon before.  Again, prayers would be appreciated.  Thank you so much.

Thanks everyone for the love and support.  Things are looking up in Kawasaki.  Exciting things are about to happen here, I can feel it.

Good luck everybody!

-Love

Elder Martin Mumford

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Happy Mother's Day!

Hello, It's Missionary Mom here,

We had a wonderful, hour long phone visit with Elder Mumford on Mother's Day.  (Missionaries are only allowed to call their family 2 times a year: Mother's Day, and Christmas.)  He sounded great, and has not lost his fun sense of humor!

(Here is a picture of the "Milky" candy he sent me for Mother's Day!  The taste is similar to sweetened condensed milk, only not as sweet.)

 The package says: "Tastes like Mom".   (I'm sure that probably sounds better in Japanese than in English)

Reunion With The Kato Family!

In 2007, Martin stayed with the Kato Family in Hamamatsu, Japan, as part of a 2 week school exchange trip.

In 2008, we had the privilege of hosting Ryosuke Kato in our home in Camas Washington, as part of his school trip.

(Martin was away at BYU during this time, and when he saw this picture, he thought maybe we had replaced him, because Ryosuke seemed to fit in so well with our family.)

This past Sunday, May 3, 2009, the Kato family traveled 3 hours from their home to visit with Martin in the Hakuraku area of Tokyo.  They met Martin at the church, attended Sacrament Meeting with them, then took the Elders out to dinner.

(Kensuke Kato, Sakie Kato, Elder Mumford, Ryosuke Kato, Elder Kowalk, and Ikuko Kato;  in front of the church building.)

Here is a portion of an e-mail that I received from the Kato Mother, Ikuko:   (I am sharing her report of the visit, as she gives much more detail than Martin did :)

We could meet your son at the church early in the afternoon.(about 13:40)

We could come into the room Sacrament meeting by Martin.

After 14:30,we could talk with church members and staff, a little time. 

We could take a pictures in front of the church.

Martin and his room mate(Elder Kowalk)came back in KAZIGAYA hotel with us.

then,we went to family restaurant(Bikkuri-donkey)

We ate hamburger steaks and drinked a glass of soda etc.

Martin said:I came to Bikkuri-donkey...for the first time Today

bikkuri donkey meal:we ate...  

 Martin...three slice of pineapples and hamburger steak,rice,salad,melon soda

 kowalk...three slice of pineapples,rice,salad,coca-cola 

 Ryousuke...general hamburger steak,rice,salad,melon soda

 Sakie...TAKOYAKI(cut octopus and flour ),shortcake

 kensuke...egg hamburger,rice,salad,coca-cola

 Ikuko....mince-Japanese radish and hamburger,rice,salad,ice cream

(The Elders and the Kato Family at the Bikkuri-Donkey Restaurant in Kazigaya.)

We did not know how to live daily life,and moneys of living expense in Tokyo,the relationship 

between BYU university and church of Jesus christ of Latter-day Saints.

until now...Probably,We supposed that Martin can spend in Tokyo by his parents allowance 

every month??? 

But Kowalk said:I am staying in Kawasaki that withdraw 30,000yen from a bank account

                every month by my savings.

               (He worked a part-time job when he was school student.)

I was surprised to the cost of living...really??  30,000yen??

Usually,Japanese people can not live in Tokyo,and even 100,000Yen.

My husband said me:They can live simple life,They have no notebook (computer),and no cellular phone

                   etc...

Martin said:I have no notebook however, I go to Kazigaya every week.

Ikulo said:Why do you go to Kazigaya? 

Martin said: I can use to notebook for free there. 

Ikuko said:I could understand...

My husband said me:Martin and Kowalk are smile and a man of strong will.

                   We need to follow their example.

(Ryosuke Kato and Martin Mumford- two friends reunited again!)

Now here is Martin's report of the visit:

The Kato Family came to visit me here on Sunday!  Hakuraku is a very confusing area, because there are so many different churches there.  But, they made it to the church just fine.  We sat with them in Sacrament Meeting, and then got to talk with them afterward!  It was so fun seeing everyone again!  Ryosuke and Sakie look much older than before.  I still had a picture from my homestay in Japan, and everyone looks so different now.  I also got to hear the stories from them explaining all the pictures that they sent you (and you forwarded to me).  It sounds like they're having so much fun in Hamamatsu! 

Here is the rest of Martin's e-mail this week:

Hey, cool story...  We were sitting in the Email place on the computers, when we got a call!  It was from one of our cool investigators!  He said, "You know that last part you talked about... the Holy Ghost?  I heard it.  It told me that this is true."  And I was just completely floored.  Just a random call from someone who got an answer.

Unfortunately, he's way busy with work and had to cancel our original appointment, but I told him to just keep reading the Book of Mormon and strengthen his faith until we could meet again.  He's so cool!

So, if we could add one more to your prayer list;

Koizumi (or 'kenny' as he calls himself).  He's probably in his 40's-50's, married, sells calendars for a nearby Temple.  Just an incredible guy.  We were passing out flyers for English class and he was sort of lingering around like he wanted one, so I went over and explained it to him.  Turns out he was interested in Mormons, said he thought it seemed pretty cool, and had learned a little from buisness trips he had made there.  Gave him a lesson 1 pamphlet and we met with him later on!

And he already got an answer.  This is going to be way cool. :)

The miracles just keep pouring in.  I think we have a little more space to squeeze in just a few more, so keep on praying!  Thanks everyone for the support, prayers, letters, and something else that I forgot probably!  I really appreciate it!

See you all in 2010!

Love,

Elder Martin Mumford

TOKYOOYOKOT

 JAPANNAPAJ