Well, can you believe it!? I didn't transfer!!! This will be my fifth month in Matsudo! I don't mind, I love the people, the area, my companion. The tough thing is that it makes it even more likely that I'll transfer next month - transfer day is December 20th - right before Christmas, so that my be hard on Christmas mail, the phone call, plus I'll have to celebrate Christmas in a new area with people I don't know. It might be a little rough, but I'll ganbatte (hang in there). If possible, it might help to try to get the Christmas mail to me before the 20th - otherwise, it could be a while before it catches up with me.

On to the week. Last Friday (P-day) we went to a cool Buddhist Temple grounds nearby. They were pretty and I took some pictures.

Well, the exciting things this week were a lesson with Takasugi san on Sunday, at which he said he believes this is the only true church; but for some reason still won't come to church. He works all day, six days a week, so he probably feels he needs a rest.

Tuesday was really fun, as we went to the Abiko Stake Music and Art Festival! There was some great art (paintings, drawings, quilts, origami, balloon animals, sculptures), and also a wonderful display set up in the hall with information and pamphlets about the churches beliefs. It was good because a lot of non-members and investigators came. Kisha san (and four of her 7 children) came! They could only stay until the first part of the music portion was over, but that was the best one for her and her kids to hear, I think. It was a really creative medley of Disney songs, done by one of the wards. But it went through the Plan of Salvation! 

They started out with Mickey Mouse (a man with Mickey ears, dressed in white) being given a farewell hug or handshake by his friends, also dressed in white (leaving the Spirit World) - as people played "A Whole New World" on handbells. They went through Mickey's life like that, performing different songs in different ways and having the plan of salvation acted out in front. It was a little hokey, and pretty funny, but i felt the spirit and hope (and prayed) Kisha did too.

We (my companion and I) also performed a number with our ward "choir" in the classical/church section of the program: "Easter Hosannah" from the Primary Children's songbook. I love performing. It reminded me of those great madrigal experiences. Those are some of my best memories. We spent the rest of the night thoroughly cleaning the apartment. My companion is very thorough. He practically took the stove apart to clean it, and now it looks like a whole new stove!

Wednesday I was so excited to go teach Yakumaru san that morning. We would teach the 2nd discussion and she would commit to be baptized. It was pouring rain and cold, so I got thoroughly drenched on the way there, but I was just so excited to teach her so she would know how and actually work toward getting closer to God. Unfortunately, she wasn't home. 

Well, as we were riding around that day I was truck by the beauty of the autumn leaves. The colors were so vibrant and beautiful against the gray, smoggy sky. But as I pondered them, they reminded me of repentance and baptism, the very things we were going to teach Yakumaru san about that day. The leaves change color, representing the changes we have to make in ourselves as we repent, but that change isn't enough. The leaves must die, and be again reborn for the tree to again bear fruit - just as we must completely bury our old self and be reborn again, beginning our new life as a disciple of Christ, through baptism. It's a wonderful and beautiful process. I love the ways God created nature to symbolize the Gospel. All things denote there is a God. (Alma 30:44)

Eikaiwa was wonderful that night, because I did interviews. Bro & Sis Hall were nice enough to teach (I asked them earlier), but Jennifer got sick so stayed home with the baby, and Andre taught both classes. But it was wonderful. I only got to interview four people. In the interviews we talk about Eikaiwa, what they like and don't like, suggestions for improvement, and to test their skill level. Then we introduce what we do as missionaries and invite them to hear the discussions. They are one on one interviews - in English. Two people out of the four had interest and we made appointments to teach the first discussion! Eikaiwa is the second most effective finding method, next to members. Members 40%, Eikaiwa 25% I was surprised and pleased. I'm excited to get some new investigators.

Well, there's my week! I'm pretty happy - I love being a missionary, serving the Lord and helping His children. I love this perfect, beautiful gospel and I know it's true. This work is the greatest!

Thank you for all your letters and love. It's getting colder and I'm wearing sweaters now. This is a beautiful place - I'm grateful that I can be here. 

You're a wonderful family! I love you!

Elder Pearce