Hello loved ones!

We survived the typhoon!! It actually passed over the Kobe mission and we just had some really heavy wind and sharp rain for a night and during study the next day. We were super excited to see a typhoon and we had filled up our bath tub and turned off our gas and got out all the emergency stuff. We had lots of cancelled appointments because our less actives didn't want us out biking in a typhoon to see them. Although we'll be out dendoing regardless, so it really just keeps us from being inside and sheltered from the storm, but it's okay! It wasn't a problem anyway. Apparently the storm was really bad in the southern-most island of Japan, but the Lord has His hand over the mission, which I'm grateful for, but I also really wanted to bike in a typhoon. There will probably be another one sometime (:

We had interviews with President Welch this week and it was amazing. He is an absolutely incredible spiritual giant. I don't have much time to finish this email, but the rules of mission work have changed-- it's world-wide now. All missionaries are balancing their missionary work with rescuing and retaining less-actives!!!! The sisters in this mission are still completely focused on rescuing and retaining and teaching their families and helping them become eternal families by receiving baptism and going to the temple. I really enjoyed typing that sentence. Missionary life is the best.

You are all in my prayers, always. I am so grateful for your support and testimonies and love. I'll try and get some pictures on here really quick because I have to write my mission president. He's amazing.

All my love,

Daniels shimai

p.s. one of these is of the rice field behind our apartment. I took this one a couple of weeks ago, but I lost it when my camera broke. BUT the bishop's son got my pictures back for me and I owe him my life

this other is a picture of 2 banners I received in the mail from the wonderful women at girls' camp in the Grand Rapids, Michigan stake. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! that was the most thoughtful thing ever! also, I high-fived the traced hand. That was clever. I forgot it was summer in America-- they don't have summer break from school here so it seems like a normal day always. That is why you should live in America