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| Zone P-Day |
Alright. So the Takao area has a small section of city that
our apartment is in and the rest of it is literally just mountains. On our map
we have stickers that mark where church members live and also less active
members. There is one infamous number on our map known as Number 7. Why is it
infamous you may ask? Because it is significantly farther than literally
everyone else in the area. Like I'm talking way deep into the mountains. Much
farther than last weeks ramen shop escapade and entirely uphill. Bear
with me, this info applies to later on in the email.
So my beloved companion ended up getting a pretty gnarly
cold and stayed in the apartment. At that same time our district leader Elder
Tree also went down for the count. So Elder Wayas and I decided to take off for
the day. As usual our Tuesdays were blank. We were about to plan a regular day
around the city. But then we both looked at the map while recalling last weeks
shenanigans at the ramen shop. We both looked directly at that little green dot
with the number 7 on it. The rest is history.
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| A work in progress... |
We visited Yamaguchi San along
the way, helped with his car a bit, and then took off since it was raining. The
rain got heavier the deeper we went in the mountains. Finally we arrived at
this shack in the middle of the woods. We knocked on the door and... no one was
home. But there were some neighboring homes and we went to the house just up
the hill. An older man opened the door and we had an amazing talk with him
about life. After setting up another time to meet we asked for his name before
we left. Our jaws hit the floor as we realized that this man was in fact the
number 7 we were looking for. I guess there was a slight mix up on our part
with the address haha. He doesn't remember being a part of our church but then
again he also forgot our names and why we were at his house soon after that,
and we basically had the exact same conversation twice. So now we may or may
not be working with an Alzheimer's less active.
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| Number 7 |
On the way back down it became night time and the mountain
roads aren't exactly lit. So we ended up spending some time in what seemed like
a horror film until we came across a lonely home with the lights on. Although
the old lady there was surprised to see two soaking wet Gaijin at her door step
she was very kind and gave us some encouragement before telling us that she
wasn't that interested in some of the cleanest humble Japanese I've ever heard.
Although we were freezing it was a very good night of knocking on creepy homes
that have really nice old people inside. Also on the way back down we went to
go visit last weeks arm wrestling champion. He said he's glad we came to visit.
But to come back when it's bright outside. That we will do.
While making our way back to the city Elder Wayas and I were
frozen and hungry. We ended up stopping at this really fancy looking Soba
Restaurant. It was so fancy it had a glass room at the front where you could
see them traditionally make their hand made Soba noodles. Elder Wayas and I
were actually incredibly surprised at how decent the prices were, and also the
portions. While deciding whether or not to go in two Japanese grandmas came out
and told us that it's cold outside and low key strong armed us into the
restaurant. Although the prices were decent they were still kind've high for a
missionary. When I expressed my concern to Elder Wayas he looked at me dead in
the eyes, still kind've shivering, and said, "treat yo self". The man
is filled with wisdom. It was delicious. After we finished we noticed that we
were the only ones left in the place so I did what I always like to do whenever
I go somewhere really traditional and has delicious food. I ask them how they
make the soup. Next thing I know Elder Wayas and I are in the back kitchen
where they showcase the process and ingredients they use to make delicious
food. The head chef came out and gave us samples of all the different
ingredients they use and how they are only the finest of ingredients. They
invited us to come back when we have some free time and they'll teach us how to
make their special hand made Soba noodles. Then they gave us a discount and
called us hard workers. They were Buddhist, but expressed a lot of respect for
what we do as missionaries and would love for us to come back so they can teach
us how to cook. Elder Wayas and I celebrated our wonderful evening with some
cheap convenience store ice cream.
Before finishing up this email I just want to express that I
know The Gospel is true. I've seen it change lives including my own. Sometimes
it's really hard to explain, but it always makes sense in the end. It's made so
many positive impacts on my life and encourages me to help and support others.
I'm so glad I'm out here. Be excellent to one another, and always keep your
head up. Life ain't too bad.
Party on,
Elder Cuff
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