3-24-18 I'm doing awesome

Kaise hai, parivaar!

Boy, has this week been incredible. One to remember, most certainly.
I'm so proud of the zone for everything they've accomplished. Our zone is racking in saints like nothing, and it's such a blessing to see their diligence and hard work pay off in the form of a saving ordinance being performed by people who have been taught, prepared, and converted by the spirit to the restored gospel. I feel like Alma, not being so proud of myself for having been a part of their conversion, but being aware of the incredible blessings they will see as a result of their faith and conversion. This work is so, so rewarding, especially when it's difficult. 

It's been a really busy week. Zone conference on Tuesday was amazing. It stressed how we need to apply what we've learned throughout our missions, whether it's building off of good experiences we've had or learning from the negative experiences. We were reminded that each and every one of us are in the exact place we're appointed to be at precisely that time we're supposed to. Heavenly Father's plan for each of us is mysterious, often times disappointing, but always and unfailingly correct. There is a reason, even a great reason, behind every trial we face. 

We were also reminded that our investigators have unseen trials that they may not be all that comfortable with sharing with the two young men sitting on their couch. Thus, we were reminded of the importance of asking inspired questions that we might discern and teaching according to such concerns.

Side note: I have listened to nothing save General Conference addresses for the last two weeks, and I've had my head in the Book of Mormon for the last two months. I'm in this spiritual high that I so miss, haha. 

Our training went well, and everybody loved the cards. In interviews with President Higgins on Wednesday, as always, the discussion concluded with President Higgins asking of I had any questions or anything I needed help with. That is always my favorite part of the interview, when I can have a one-on-one lesson with that spiritual giant of a man. I shared my concern that I didn't know how to be bold with love when dealing with disobedient missionaries, and I've been feeling particularly weary and impatient with consistent disobedience within the zone. When I discover something, I basically play good cop-bad cop in my head, where I either say 'everything is fine and hahaha maybe that wasn't such a good idea', or I'll say 'figure out why you came out on a mission as soon as possible because I'm over having to talk to you about this again'. Granted I've never had to go the latter way, but unfortunately, the first is the one I typically resort to. President suggested that I correct disobedience at the very moment that I see it, but never to put them down. As Jesus with the adulterous woman, he did not justify nor did he belittle the magnitude of her sin; he simply didn't mention it. He didn't rebuke or condemn her, either. He allowed her to feel and know that despite her sin, she was loved, and sent her off with a very bold and simple command: Go, and sin no more.
He shared with me that I don't need to be hostile, nor do I need to be "too friendly". I need to have a love for God to correct them that they might be more diligent in carrying out His great and sacred work, and I need to have a love for them that they'll see the blessings in their work as they apply the changes we as their leaders and examples suggest. I've already been able to apply that instruction, and I've seen great results. 

I don't remember much of Thursday, but I remember finding out the apple pie I'd bought had mold in it about halfway through eating it and tanking a full bottle of sprite in ten seconds feeling like the carbonation seared away all the bacteria I'd just eaten, though that's probably not how it works. We also had the best chicken curry and roti I've had in a very long time with a man that threatened he wouldn't feed us or the other elders again if I didn't finish all the food he put before me. I failed, but he gave me another chance. I did it on Thursday, and he was so proud of me. I think that was just a good, simple day full of appointments.

We spent Friday in Suva, as the auto repair shops here take roughly between four hours and two days to repair a grinding transmission. We took our Hilux in for its every 10,000 km checkup, and were granted permission to visit all of Elder Hess's recent converts in Suva while we awaited the repairs (he had no shortage whatsoever of recent converts, in fact, we didn't have time to visit them all). We visited the chapel when we found out that interviews with President Higgins were in the process for the Suva zone, so we stopped by and I was able to visit with Elder Tui'one (now serving in Nasinu) and the other Hindi elders serving in that zone. Being a Hindi elder is honestly so cool. Fijian elders don't bother speaking Fijian to each other because everyone else, including Hindi elders, at least understand the language. The inquisitive looks we six Hindi elders got conversing with one another in a language only we knew and understood in a room full of missionaries was priceless. 

The Hindi program has evolved so greatly since I began my mission. New Hindi areas are pending, as is a Hindi ward in Suva. Hindi branches are currently being established in Nadi, Labasa, and Navua. I see in the near future a Hindi district. The work for the Indian population in Fiji is about to skyrocket, and I feel so blessed to be a part of the pioneering of this feat in the church.

We were able to witness the baptism of Riya Singh on Saturday. She requested cake, and I (in my charitable heart) offered to purchase it. I discovered that an old investigator (and mother to some members in Nausori ward) still worked at the cake shop we purchased the cake from, and I was blessed to get 50% off. All this time, I had forgotten it was my birthday. There were too many other things we had to worry about, and we had a really busy day ahead. While waiting for our baptismal candidate to come to the chapel, the STLs called and requested to speak to me. When I took the phone (which was on loud speaker), a very enthusiastic "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISHI!" blared from the speaker. At the moment, I remembered two things: 1) it was my birthday, and 2) I didn't want Elder Hess (or anyone) knowing it was my birthday. I don't like the attention or recognition that comes with it being my birthday, it's always awkward for me, especially on the mission. Anyways, Elder Hess gave me dagger eyes as I struggled to quickly silence the phone through my expressions of gratitude. He was a bit upset that I didn't tell him, and it blew his mind that I'd bought a cake for someone else on my birthday. In reality, I'll have many more birthdays after that. Riya will only be baptized once. So unfortunately ironic, however, is that at the shop, the cake was introduced to me as a chocolate cake. When the youth leaders tasted the frosting, Elder Hess and I were pulled aside and asked to taste the frosting. It tasted great, but admittedly a bit off somehow. It altogether occurred to me that I had accidentally purchased, brought to the baptism of a 13 year old girl, and placed before a crowd of active members with vanilla ice cream, a coffee flavored cake. My investigator will be hearing about this. I felt so bad. The day ended with a few great lessons.

Yesterday was awesome. On top of being able to confirm Riya myself and give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost, we had five people referred to us by several different families. We seem to have gained the trust of the Hindustani membership in the wards we cover, and we're seeing great blessings as a result. 

Another side note: Hindi is the language. Hindu is the religion. Hindustani is the race, being Indians.
Anyways, after church we had heaps of excellent lessons with freshly referred family members, all of whom have a greater desire to be baptized than a lot of people I've met in my mission. Last night during weekly planning, Elder Hess and I probably high fived about fifty times realizing how much great work we're getting done and how much more we're looking at in the coming weeks/transfer. Interestingly enough, also, we haven't had any success whatsoever on the few days we've been able to knock on doors or search for people. Everyone we're seeing has been a referral. We have SO many referrals. It's awesome.

Everything is great right now. My Hindi is improving significantly and I'm becoming more confident in using it. Elder Hess is fantastic, we're definitely warming up to one another and we're getting along great. We make sure to pray before and after literally everything we do, for protection and for susceptibility to spiritual inspiration and promptings. Again, I'm in this sick spiritual high. Our investigators are progressing beautifully towards their baptisms in the coming weeks. Our district and zone are working really hard right now. Some missionaries aren't exactly obedient, but instilled within them is a desire to be obedient and share the gospel with the power and gusto that one only can having the spirit with them. We're working on awaking that desire and encouraging them to apply it. Despite little complications, the zone is doing an impeccable job at teaching, preaching, and working as missionaries ought to.

I'm doing awesome, I'm in great health and spirits.

OH, I've unlocked the perks of having an intake elder as AP. The mission has made a change whereas initially, the missionary will receive their departure itinerary within the last three months of their mission. However, the itinerary is now not sent out and they receive their itinerary manually the week they leave and enter the mission office. Elder Green asked the office sister to guide us to my itinerary. I'm not trunky, just curious. My flight from Nadi will be on Saturday, 19 May at 9pm. I'll be flying to LA with Elders Tiafala and Hunkin, and I think I read that I should be arriving at the Hilo International Airport at about 7pm Saturday evening, 19 May. Let me know when/if I'll be expected to give a talk. 

It's more scary than anything, thinking about how little time I have left here. However, it's so motivating at the same time. This is definitely what 'Io and Herb talked about, seeing the most miracles in the last few months. 

Ham khali mangta tora sami le aur aapan gawahii shea kare. Iis Pita Parmeshwar ke kaam hai, aur uu hamlogke pale hai. Khali mango uuse pucho, aur uu hamlogse madat karii. Uu saamtaim wahaa hai hamlogke liye. Iis zindagi kabikabi mushkil rhega, aur hamlog dhir mamla aur taklif milega. Uu hamlogke dhil aur dhimag jane hai, lekin uu kuch nahin karii agar hamlog nahin vishwaas ki pucho uuske. Ham abhi saabchiij ke bare me kushii lage, Pita parmeshwar dhir ashivaad hamme deii hei, aur ham janta hai ki ii jon khaaran hai ki hamlog chuna ki saab mishin niyam ke palan karta hai. Ham janta hai ki Pita Parmeshwar aur Ishu Masih zinda hai, aur uulog hamogke baut pyaar kare. Iis girjaghar sache hai, aur Russel M. Nelson ek sache bhavishvekta hai. Ham iis kaam baut pyaar karta, aur ham iis kaam apaan puhra dhilse karega iis bachaa sami hamaar lage. Dhanbaad saabchiij ke wastin hamaar julum aur pyaari parivaar, ham tora dinse aaplogke dekhega! Iis hamaar gawahii Ishi Masih ke naam se, emen.

I love you guys so much, so glad everything is going well back home! Give my love to Carson, please! 

Have a great and blessed week, I love you guys! 
Khyaal rakna,

Elder Ishibashi