Sendai Japan Mission 2011-2014: May 2013

The Nagamachi Ward asked me if I would demonstrate to the ladies

how to make Cinnamon Rolls. The day was planned and we had

13-15 ladies come to watch the demonstration. I knew it would be

hard to demonstrate because I have an electric mixer and tools

that the Japanese women don't have. Also, I have an

American - sized oven which is unheard of in Japan kitchens.

Most women have a toaster oven sized oven which is why mothers

in Japan don't bake. They cook on the stovetop.

This cute little girl came with her mom and wore her own apron.

They wanted to get closer to see what the dough looked like.

Rolling out the dough.

Showing them how to roll up the dough after sprinkling

it with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.

I asked anyone who wanted to come and cut a cinnamon roll off with thread.

Before the group arrived, I made a batch of cinnamon rolls and

baked them while we demonstrated. When we finished

the demonstration, they were ready to add

the glaze or frosting to them and eat them.

Sister Takatsu

The Shimai serving in Nagamachi came and helped me

serve the group a hot-out-of-the- oven roll to all the ladies.

It was nice to be of service to the Ward. We are only able to

attend church in Nagamachi 2-3 times per year. The ladies are

so nice and supportive of me and the English speaking sisters

serving in the office. We love them.

Just a few hours before the 15 new missionaries arrived, these 15 trainers were given some training to prepare them to get the new missionaries started in their missions on strong footing. They were nervous and excited. This is obviously a new era in the mission.

After the announcement last April (2012) by President Monson that the age was being lowered for missionaries being called on missions, we have wondered how that would effect our mission. We were told by the Missionary Department that our compliment would go up-especially for sisters. As days passed we watched missionaries show up "in the pipeline" who were assigned to the Japan Sendai Mission grow by leaps and bounds. Very quickly we blew past the compliment number and realized that by September of 2013, our mission would double in size. We don't know if or when these large numbers will level off but we are thrilled to be able to welcome so many wonderful, prepared missionaries into the Japan Sendai Mission.

At the airport, Sisters Noonchester and Rollins made sure the

missionaries felt welcomed by the office staff.

They all arrived safe and sound at 9PM!!

Our largest group of 15 missionaries arrived this month but that translates into 45-50 pieces of luggage that needed to be transported out of the airport. We have decided our only choice is to rent a big bus that would transport them from the airport to the Nagamachi church where all the luggage was dropped off and then on to the Mission Home where a bowl of soup and bread was waiting for them to eat before bed.

It was raining in Sendai when they arrived. We loaded the luggage under the bus quickly.

The next morning after breakfast was served, we traveled to the Nagamachi Church for their training. This picture was taken after they met their trainers. What a fabulous group of missionaries we have been sent!!

Luggage was organized by area where it was going.

The Assistants were magnificent organizers and presenters. We love Elder Everett (who finished his time as AP today) and Elder Christensen and Elder Ohori,

5 of the 15 new missionaries.

Anxious Trainers

Anxious new missionaries about to meet their new trainers and find out where they will serve.

Elder Tsushima with his trainer Elder Miyaki. They will serve in Aomori.

Elder Nepia with his trainer Elder Kim. They will seve in Miyako. They are opening this community to young missionaries again since the big earthquake and tsunami devistated the town.