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

T.[J].o.[A].k.[P].y.[A].o.[N]

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

Continuing in Kawasaki

Elder Mumford has tried many new and interesting foods while serving in Japan...

Including INAGO-  (Grasshoppers)

"I'm supposed to eat this?  You're joking, right?"

"Actually, they're kind of sweet and crunchy!"

"Now only 18 more to go"

Exerpts from Elder Mumford's e-mail dated April 30th

Dear Everyone,

1.  I am staying in Kawasaki with Elder Kowalk!  This will be the first companion I have stayed with for 2 transfers, and we are already lined up for a great transfer.  This last two weeks, have been packed with miracles, and they just seem to keep coming.

2.  The Bednar Conference was great!  He is a really funny guy.  We got to ask questions and he asked us questions and it was simply amazing.  (By the way, you know how he gave the parable of the pickle a while back?  Well it turns out that now, whenever he goes to a Stake Conference, the members always give him several pickle recipies.  But the thing is, he hates pickles! He said that looking back, he should have made it the parable of the apple pie.  :)  So just a heads up, if Elder Bednar ever comes to Stake Conference, give him Apple Pie recipies, not Pickle recipies.

We were walking to the second conference in the evening with Ishitani-san, and all the sudden I look back behind us and theres Elder Bednar walking about a meter away.  It just took me way by suprise.  He's really nice though, and it was the best 'meeting' Ive ever been in.

Anyways, this week is Golden Week, where everyone has the day off, all day every day.  Its really cool.  Unfortunately all the post offices are closed at random hours, and only open briefly at times I dont know. :(

Which means I'm not sure if I will be sending my Package today.  This is going to be a Mothers Day/Dad's Birthday Pakcage, and its really packed!  Inside you will find my Journal, Transfer 3 plaaner, lots of fun cool Japanese stuff, some letters, and an SD Card with 140 pictures!  Unfortunately I couldnt find a chess or Shogi set for dad.  I looked around Kawasaki, and even checked some of the little antique places up in Shibuya, but nothing sold chess or shogi sets.  Ill keep looking, but Im not even sure where to go to find one.  :(

What???  Is that what I think it is?

Don't worry folks, it's just "Kid Beer" (Non Alcoholic)  Elder Fukuda received a bottle of "Kid Beer" from his parents, as a joke, on his 20th birthday (20 is the legal drinking age in Japan.  Since they know he can't drink real beer, they sent him "kid beer" instead)

We also had a few more lessons with our Miracle man, Tetsuo-san.  We wrapped up the commandments, and he has no problems with any of them, except for maybe the word of wisdom.  He smokes and wants to quit, but Its difficult.

One funny thing though, he wants to be baptized, but he doesnt want anyone else to see.  We told him that the ward would probably attend, and he wanted to know if there was any way to avoid that.  Come to think of it, it would be pretty scary for someone to be baptized in front of a lot of people, but he'll remember it as a good experience later. :)

He's all set, but just needs to overcome smoking.  Its just wierd though, because he doesnt have the slightest problem with anything that is required of him.  Usually people have big problems trying to adjust their lives to the standards of the church, because in all honesty its a really difficult thing.  But he is willing to try, and is simply waiting to 'feel ready'.  He hasnt got his big spiritual witness yet, but he feels good about it and wants to go foreward with it.

If you could simply pray for Tetsuo-san to have the strength to overcome smoking, and the faith to get his answer, that would help him so much.

Now for some Q's & A's:

1. What is your church schedule on Sundays?  We need to figure out a time for the Mother's Day Phone Call.

Church in Kawasaki

9:30 Get on the train (1H)

10:30 Ward Planning (Missionary Work)

11:30 Priesthood Meeting

12:30 Sunday School

1:30 Sacrament Meeting

2:30 Set up appointments with members

3:30 Leave Church on Train (1H)

4:30 (about) Get back to apartment

That whole block is pretty booked solid.  But I would probably be able to make the call before or after.  I havent heard a single word form anybody about calls yet, so I still dont know when they will actually happen.  All I know is that it will be like the Christmas calls.  We will call you first (5 min) and set up a time, then you'll call us.  Ill be sure to include more details next week when I find out.

(Elder Fukunaga is having a difficult time making his Mother's Day phone call.  Too bad he picked a phone booth that is over 60 years old.)

2. Are the people in Japan worried about the swine flu?  I noticed that people in Japan sometimes wear face masks in public.

Everyone wears masks when they are the slightest bit sick.  If they have a sore throat, or a cough, or a runny nose they will wear a mask.  Some people just wear masks because they think they are cool, or dont want to talk to other people.

Its not an epidemic or anything, just everyone in japan wears those face masks.  Kinda wierd when I got here, but now Its just normal.  Missionaries do it too if the get a cough.  Its just polite.

I dont think many people in Japan are worried about swine flu.  Its just rare and Mexico is so far away.  Nope, not much fear over here. :)

3. The Kato Family said they may try to visit your church.  (This is the wonderful family that Martin stayed with in Japan when he visited 3 years ago, as a high school student.)

Yup, they called and are coming to Sacrament Meeting.

However, Sacrament meeting isn't really the best place to chat and talk about old times, so Im seeing If we can't meet at a members house or go somewhere afterwards.

I cant wait to see them!  WooooO!

4. Japanese is difficult.  We've been trying to learn a little here, incase we ever go to Japan.  But there's this thing you add sometimes at the end of certain phrases and it sounds like "hakuna matata"  It's so confusing to know when to use that.  

Yes, that is really hard in Japanese.  For example, 'If it won't be warm'... becomes 'atatakakunakattara'.  Or 'It must have been warm'... 'atatakakunakerebanarimasen'.

5. I would like to get your egg nog recipe.  Would you be willing to share?

I have the Egg Nog Recipie!   Here it is;

1 Egg

3 Cups Nog

Mix.

(just kidding :)

Ok, here we go;

The Tokyo Missionary's Noggin Fogger Egg Nog;

1 Egg

1 Cup Milk

1/4 Tsp. Vanilla (probably extract)

3 Tbsp. Sugar

1/2 Cup Whippin' Cream

1 Tsp. Nutmeg

Beat Egg till thick, Add vanilla and a sprinkle of salt.  Gradually beat in sugar, stir in milk, then whipped cream.  Add Nutmeg.

(However, we usually just throw all the ingredients into the blender at once and blend away, it still turns out just fine).

Thank you everyone, for everything.  Keep on keeping on and good luck and have fun!

"If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right" - Elder Cook  (That applies in life as well as in missionary work).

-Love,

Elder Martin Mumford,

nTaopkayJo :3

From The Land Of The Rising Sun

(Martin visited the famous "Ramen Museum" - which is designed to look like a busy street in Tokyo in the year 1958 , before modernization changed the face of Japan.)

 Exerpts from Elder Mumford's latest e-mail: 

Dear Everyone,

First of all, I appreciate all your help, but you've got to stop praying so much.  We had way too many miracles this week, and maybe you could just keep it down a little bit next time. :)

Essentially, we have been teaching 1 or 2 lessons every day since the day I emailed last.  It's just a non-stop stream of people who are interested in the gospel.  Let's start from the beginning...

Right now, we are working with these people:

1. Tetsuo (new)

2. Urushizako

3. Ishitani

4. Ippei

5. Taku (new)

Tetsuo.  He is our miracle man.  He recieved an Eikaiwa (English class) flyer, and gave us a call, wanted to know 'the things of God'.  Which was amazing by itself because I can count the people I've met that want to have anything to do with God here, on my fingers.

So he wanted to meet the same day.  We hurried back to the building where we teach, and met Tetsuo.  It turns out he lived in Nebraska for 4 years, and some missionaries there helped him out with learning English.  Now he speaks perfectly fluent English.

So we sat down and started talking about God.  We explained that God's church has been restored through Joseph Smith and introduced the Book of Mormon.  Of course, first of all, he needed to know for himself if any of this is true, so we explained how we can get that answer.  Not just hoping and believing, but an actual answer.

And he wanted to know.  He said, 'what do I have to do?'

Essentially, by the end, we left with a goal for him to be baptized on May 2nd, by which point he would try and get an answer.  He also said he would read 100 pages a day.

Since then we have met with him 2 more times, and are meeting again this Friday.  He already knows about lots of the commandments from his time in America and with the Nebraska missionaries.  He is simply the most amazing person we have ever taught.  Right now he doesnt have a job, but goes to many seminars and job interviews every day.  We'll have to see what happens!

(View of Mount Fuji, across Tokyo Bay in Jogashima)

We also had a fun lesson with Urushizako.  Normally, because he is 76, I cant understand a single word of his Old People Japanese.  So we brought a member couple about his age to help translate.  The downside is that each one of the older people, at some point went on kind of random tangents and told stories that didn't really have to do with the subject at hand.  But, it was a good way for him to meet members of the church.  We taught him about the plan of salvation.

When we taught about 'paradise', he really liked the sound of it and wanted to go there.  However, when we taught about the 3 kingdoms, he didnt want to LEAVE paradise.  He said that the judgement sounded too scary, and he just wanted to stay in paradise forever.

He also believes some very interesting things.  He read a book about how the Universe knows what you want, and if you want something bad enough, you will get it.  I think I heard about that book before my mission too.  Anyways, he asks the 'Space God' to tell him where to go and what to do every day.  For example, after coming to church with us, the space god told him to WALK back home instead of taking the train, which took him a good 5-6 hours.  Every day he goes out and buys random things... instruments, kimonos, childrens toys, all because the space god tells him to.  Makes me a little worried, but hey, Im just hoping that he will have a good time and feel good influences from coming to church and hearing about the gospel.  Maybe we can even build upon that, talking about the Spirit, how it can direct us... not exactly in the same way though.

So he's a funny guy.  He just laughs at everything and is just the most energetic little old guy youve ever seen.  

Taku-san is a person we met recently, wants to know if this church is true and is reading/praying to find out.  He's a really nice guy, a high school student.

So that's essentially the people we are working with right now.

(Food is very expensive in Japan.  Here is a single cantaloupe with a price tag of  3980 yen, which is equivalent to approximately $40.00 US dollars.)

As far as transfers go, Im not sure yet.  I have a feeling I'll probably leave Kawasaki, but I dont know.  President Hill sometimes tells you in the interviews if he has already decided, but I havent heard anything, so I'm still not sure.  We will find out this Saturday, and then the following Thursday or Wednesday?  Im not sure, but that week I'll email with the new info If I go.  Elder Kowalk is for sure staying in Kawasaki though.  It's been lots of fun, so I'll miss him if I have to leave.

Oh yeah, the term, 'Bruce'.  This comes from an Elder Tilly, but essentially "when you see an American walking with a Japanese girl, he is a 'Bruce', because to the Japanese they are Batman, but we know who they really are."

Lots of times, in Japan, all you have to do is be American and everyone loves you.  At least thats the opinion of many missionaries here.  It seems to be true, too. :)

Anyways, I'll give you the new information as soon as I can.  Thanks for everything!  I've been having a great time this week, and Im way exited for the Elder Bednar Conference tomorrow.  We get to ask questions for 3 HOURS!  Its going to be intense.

Good luck to everyone wherever you may be, whatever you may be doing, and whatever kind of food you like..

Love,

Elder Mumford,

Tt Oo Kk Yy Oo

Jj Aa Pp Aa Nn

Dominos Pizza? And Other Japanese Specialties

This is an ad for dominos pizza in Japan.  When you call the number, you have a choice of ordering a chicken with apples and almonds pizza; or a bologna with grilled eggplant and zucchini pizza!  (Or half and half) Though this sounds interesting, we recently sent Martin some ingredients so he could make some good old American style pizza.  The following is his report:

(Click on images to view larger)

I am so full!  Today we baked the pizza, and used all the ingredients in one go.  We decided to make an AMERICAN style pizza, with an extra thick crust (stuffed with pepperoni and cheese and sausage), and then the normal toppings (double layered) on top.  It was so beautiful.  Then Elder Kowalk made 'Chocolate Melting Cake', a rec5-5e he rec5eved fr60 a fr5end.

H00... the 2eyb6ard 5s 25nd 6f 0essed 4- and  5 d6nt 2n6w h6w t6 f5x 5t...  5 g4ess 533 14st g5ve y64 th5s 35st

4 = the 3etter after t

5 = the 3etter after h

6 = the 3etter after n

- = the 3etter after 6

1 = the 3etter after 5

2 = the 3etter after 1

3 = the 3etter after 2

0 = the 3etter after 3

Yeah, 5ts 25nd 6f strange, b4t y64 05ght have t6 trans3ate th5s.

S6 th5s wee2 was a0az5ng!  We went t6 Ha242ar4 f6r c6nference, and 5t was s6 c663!   g4ess that 14st as a 05ss56nary y64 have s4ch a d5fferent -ers-ect5ve and you get way exited about different things.  Ah, I found out how to fix the keyboard.  I guess Ill just leave the stuff above for you to figure out! :)

Anyways, they had all 3 wards meeting at the same time, which was all around 350 people or so.  They had a separate room for English, which was pretty much just missionaries and a couple people from the wards who spoke English very well.  As a missionary, conferences are the big events that you look foreward to, and the week essentially ends on Thursday.

(Here is one of those Japanese specialties: Ikameishi- Hollowed out squid, stuffed with rice and tasty bits)

When we ate the pizza and kake today, we both felt so sick, because we werent used to such greasy food.

Pretty much everything in Japan is good for you, and when you havent had a slice of greasy pizza in a long time, it hurts when you do.  I think that is a good warning to all the missionaries returning home soon.  Take it easy on the foodstuffs.

(Konnyaku: or Devil's tongue popsicles - Only in Japan!)

Some cool things we have made in the apartment:

Melon Pan (delicios bread in Japan)

Egg Nogg (Elder Kowalk has a recipie)

Fried Rice

Okonomiyaki

Every kind of Spaghetti you kan think of

(The name "Calpis" doesn't sound very appetizing in English, but in Japan it is a very popular drink.  The taste is similar to a watered down yogurt smoothie.  The name "Calpis" was formed by taking the "cal" from "calcium" and the "pis" from the word "sarpis"  which means "supreme taste"!  The Word "sarpis" is also used to describe the "essence of Buddhist teaching." )

Missionary work in Japan is a very different experience.  Everyone you talk to here will tell you that they have never even thought about whether or not God exists before, and they have never even imagined there was a purpose to life before.  For some reason, everyone knows the Catholic cross -cross thing where you point to your head and shoulders.  When they see our nametags they always do it and laugh.

Most people have heard of Christianity before, but dont have any real image of it.  Some people know the titles 'Protestant' and 'Catholic' and ask us which one we are.

And as I mentioned before, by far the most common response we get when religion is mentioned is 'Im buddhist'.  It always bugs me a little, because were not here to talk to Christians, were here to talk to Buddhists, thats exactly the point!

However Im finding out good ways of talking to people that helps them understand the deeper message.  Even though we are two completely opposite people from different countries, different religions, and different stages of life, we both NEED this gospel.  The fact is that it helps everyone, and it may sound arrogant to claim that there is only one way to be truly happy, but it is true!  If there really is only one way, then how important it is to find out what it is!

Recently we had someone correct us.  We told him that we knew that what we are saying is true.  He stopped us and told us that we couldnt know, that we are too young and havent experienced enough, researched enough, thought enough about it to have come to such a decision of truthfulness.  I thought about what he said, and he is right.

We cannot know that this is true by ourselves.  We can think it is true, we can have a 'good feeling' about it, and it might even make sense to us.  But unless we KNOW, and can guarentee, can proove that we KNOW, we have no right to say that we know.

Fortunately, this church is an exception to the rule.  We CAN know.  If God actually gives you an answer, a witness, if God actually individually proves to you that this is true, you can say that you know.  I know.  God told me that this church was true a long time ago.  I will never in my whole life, no matter what happens, be able to deny that there is a God and that he gave me a real, physical answer that proved to me the truthfulness of it.  And thats not all;

Everyone can get this answer.  Its not even that hard.  Just follow the promise that Moroni gave, and you will get an answer that will prove the truth to you.  And this is what we are sharing with people.

Despite all this, there are very few willing to listen or try it.  We're still looking! I still have yet to meet someone willing to try it out.  Many people are curious about religion, or english, or whatever, but simple arent willing to try and get an answer.  Im having high hopes though, some of the people we are teaching may very well try it soon.  All they have to do is try.  :)

(Marborofu Gyoza- This is what you get when food is scarce and you have to start combining random foods that are in the apartment.  (Don't wory, we only had to do it once)  We learned that Maborofuba and Gyoza don't really go together.)

Anyways, back to the daily happenings.  There are these huge black alien-bugs called 'Semi's.  They are massive, dumb, and extremely loud.  Theyre starting to come out (summer), and it really raises a din sometimes.  Its like a cricket, but they just put off so much more noise.

Also, where we live there are lots of 'Nora nekko's (stray cats).  Just everywhere you go there are these cats darting off into the bushes.  I think its cool, but not when they get into the garbage.  The crows also get into the garbage here, and spill it everywhere sometimes.

Anyway, The time here is just rushing by... this last week and a half I cant even remember it.  Each day is just so quick that its just a series of getting ready for bed... and next thing you know you are getting ready for bed again.

Yes, good luck to everyone.  Keep working hard, studying hard, and have lots of fun!

-Love, Elder Mumford

T       J      T      t       E

 o     , a    . h   s  p    e v

  k  o    p n   e e    l   c   e

    y       a      B       a      r!

P.s. remind me to tell you about 'Bruce' in Japan. :)