Sorry for the late email we had a Temple day and it was
gorgeous! Also nothing super crazy really happened this week, but we have been super
productive. We have a progressing investigator! He's super nice and loves
reading, he seems excited but you never know with some people. A lot of people
here will tell you what you want to hear because they believe it avoids any
type of confrontation, but most of the time they don’t follow through. It's a
bit frustrating but we'll see how things go.
Also, the expected bike crash finally happened, the roads in
Machida are super narrow and always busy, most the time I'm having to ride in
the gutter since there isn't always a sidewalk. A car pulled out in front of me
at a turn and instead of plowing into the side of this small old lady's sedan,
I took one for the team and endoed over
the handle bars since my front brakes are stronger than my back brakes. I'm all good though, but I was upset
about the hole in my suit pants...
Other than that, my week has been pretty normal, slowly
getting used to things and the language is coming in fast (Mainly because of my awesome Japanese companion).
We've been making an effort to stop by the homes of ward members and dropping a
quick message while going around looking for people. It's been awesome because we’re
really starting to develop friendships with the members. A lot of Japanese
people are naturally shy, but once you get to know them, they become some of
the goofiest, nicest people you'll ever meet. Honestly, they’re absolutely
hilarious and always give us food. Always.
Also, here are some fun facts about Tokyo, specifically the
Machida area.
1. 7-11 IS
THE SPOT, that place is always a party, has Wi-Fi, and the best snacks. Also
extremely clean bathrooms.
2. Our
apartment, 7-11, and most Japanese residences have fancy toilets, the seat is
heated and there's a fun little control panel with a bidet if you don't feel
like cleaning up yourself. I would not suggest it though the water is usually
cold.
3. Along
with other conveniences, there are vending machines with all sorts of fun
drinks just about everywhere, including neighborhoods. They can be expensive, and some are cheaper
than others, especially the one by our church building. Just imagine, a vending
machine in every neighborhood. That, my friend, is Tokyo.
4. Alley ways
are your friend, especially if you want to find cheap and delicious ramen or
curry shops (they're everywhere). Seriously, Japan doesn't really have a
ghetto. Although it's rare to find a trash can, the streets are very clean,
most people don't lock their doors, and the popular thing to do here is have
good manners. It's a term called おもいやり(omoiyari) which is
basically respect for others, or
courtesy. This applies to most situations, except for the roads, that’s
where all that pent up animosity is unleashed. Seriously, it’s an absolute mad
house out there. But in all honesty, people really respect their city. It's
awesome.
5. It's
hard to find bad food. Everything's soooo good.
6. The
trains are packed, like a can of caviar. But I'm taller than most people so I
can breath just fine.
Also a small child
ran up to me with all of his friends, pointed at me and yelled, "外人!"
(Gaijin) which basically means, "White Guy!" They all proceeded to
yell "Hello!" But they can't pronounce their "l" so it sounds like "Herro". It was
hilarious.
愛していま！ カフ長老
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