3-18-18 I feel more blessed than I can even express

Kaise hei!!

Holy smokes, we are so busy. I love it so much. We spent all morning at the mission office taking packages and finalizing our plan for zone conference tomorrow. We as zone leaders were encouraged, if time permitted, to make something (a book mark or a little card) that we can distribute to the missionaries as a reminder to apply the principle from our workshop to their teaching. Elder Hess and I decided to make a little card with a quote on one side, and because Elder Hess had heard from several sources that I could draw, a little sketch on the other. Our workshop is on Chapter 10 of the Preach my Gospel, particularly the sections Asking Questions and Listening. We are to stress the importance of asking inspired questions (so as to discover the needs and desires of our investigators and teach accordingly) and listening to both the spirit and the investigator. In a video segment from The District that I watched not long ago, I learned something really valuable about listening that I've since tried to apply to my ministry. A mission president encourages his missionaries to listen, then ask, then listen. Before asking any questions, allow the spirit to inspire you as to what you need to say or ask. The spirit will read the investigator and tell you what they need, much like Ammon was able to perceive the thoughts of King Lamoni by means of spiritual inspiration (Alma 18). After listening, ask according to the impression. After which, listen intently to the investigator. "They won't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

When they see that you're genuinely concerned about their well-being and are there to help them to come closer to the savior, they will trust you enough to listen to you and share their true thoughts and feelings. Asking questions and listening is the key to knowing what's in their hearts. 
Anyways, we decided to include this quote from PMG ch.10:

“More important than speaking is listening. These people are not lifeless objects disguised as a baptismal statistic. They are children of God, our brothers and sisters, and they need what we have. Be genuine. Reach out sincerely. Ask these friends what matters most to them. What do they cherish, and what do they hold dear? And then listen. If the setting is right, you might ask what their fears are, what they yearn for, or what they feel is missing in their lives. I promise you that something in what they say will always highlight a truth of the gospel about which you can bear testimony and about which you can then offer more. … If we listen with love, we won’t need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us—by the spirit and by our friends"

~Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 

Elder Hess also had that idea do have a sketch of a missionary with really big ears on the back, so I made it. At the mission office this morning we looked up the quote, scanned the drawing, put it all into the computers, printed it all out, laminated it, cut it, and made 32 cards for the combine zone conference tomorrow (Nausori and Korovou). Elder Hess and I are proud of our efforts, haha. Afterwards we had to pick the Kadavu elders up from the airport because they'll be joining us for conference. We probably won't have time to qito today because we have a few meetings we need to attend as well, but it's fine because we were able to get our priorities straight and done AND my back is jacked up so I've been instructed by the mission nurse to refrain from strenuous physical activity anyway. But yeah, good, busy day.

The last week was so busy, I don't remember much of it honestly. Appointment after appointment after appointment, we seldom even have time throughout the day for lunch (which always makes dinner taste so much sweeter). It's been such a huge blessing. Elder Hess is incredible, and the work is on fire. On Saturday, we were privileged to see the baptisms of three souls! One amazing woman named Uma, and two awesome kids named Violet and Claudius. We're looking at one more next week, and two more the following week. Honestly, I haven't been able to thank the Lord enough for this transfer. I feel more blessed than I can even express, and often times than I feel I deserve. The only downside is that we try to squeeze appointments in for the later part of the day or we arrive at our dinner appointments a little later, so we get home late (never too late, though) and absolutely exhausted. Planning is a struggle and we usually end up doing in the morning, when waking up on time is the next issue. However, we keep each other in check and are aware of the great blessings that spawn from the "small and simple things".

I'm way excited for zone conference tomorrow. I have a few more people I need to respond to, but I'm glad everything is going well back home!

Also, thank you all so much for the birthday wishes! We have a baptism scheduled for that day, so it will most definitely be a joyous one. 

I love you all so much, have a great and blessed week!

Khyaal rakna,

Elder Ishibashi 

Additional notes:
I was able to see Sera, Mere, Faith and Grace, my recent converts from my first time here in Nausori! Eta, the twins' mom, has since moved to Australia. It was SO nice to see them, I almost cried (but you're right Lehia, Ishibashis don't cry). I was also able to see Aunty Sia again! We'll be having dinner with her on Sunday. 

Don't worry dad, if I don't come back the same size, I can at least promise I'll come home smaller than I was when I left haha.

We left the flat in a rush this morning and put aside saying our roadside prayer before leaving our street. Not 30 seconds after our prayer would have been said, Elder Hess was occupied checking to see if he'd brought his USB when at the very last second, we both looked up to see a prius coming around the bend at us head-on at high speed, not two seconds away from collision. We were able to JUST barely veer out of the way. Had we stopped to pray, we would have been going around that bend at different times, and we may have even had time to check where the drive was while the car was stopped. Still in a rush, we decided I'd bow my head in prayer while Elder Hess drove. That was our little miracle for today, haha.

-From that rainy day in Naduna

-Leaving Labasa with my daughters (Elder Tavake and Elde Kioa)

-From Savusavu 

-Found this in the mission office this morning

3-10-18 I walked into a gold mine

Welp. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, aye? I suppose that is indeed when the Lord decides to throw his whackest curve balls.

Let me just recap the week simply and briefly, because I don't have all that much time again. 
The beginning of the week started out pretty normally, the Labasa sisters are doing way-too-good work and I had to interview like four people between Tuesday and Thursday for their baptisms on Saturday. We visited heaps of people and found a good handful of people as well. We had planned to go to Naduna on Thursday nightto set a baptismal date for George. Thursday morning, we went to a member family's house for service. As Elder Tavake painted and laughed and talked to each other, we received a phone call from President Higgins. 

Curious, I answered the phone. He immediately started asking me questions about the new area that had opened up, and how the work was going there. I got really excited sharing how the unit was quickly evolving into a branch, how well ours and the sisters' investigators were progressing, and how excited I was to see the progress of the unit in the near future. He seemed overjoyed at the news, and thanked me for the great work we were putting into the area. He shared with me how appreciative he and the branch members are of our diligent efforts. And thus, he built me up before he tore me down. Here I am, ecsthatic with the success we're seeing in Labasa, when President suddenly says in a much more grave tone "Well, Elder Ishibashi, I'm sorry to say that that is not the reason I called you this morning..."

... U'oh...

"I'm calling to let you know that an emergency transfer involving in the Hindi program is in the process, and you are involved. Elder Ishibashi, I need you to come down to Nausori to be the zone leader of the Nausori zone."

Being a district leader overwhelmed me. There were days I felt the responsibility was much too heavy for me to bear. Being in charge of nine other missionaries mortified me, as I'm sure I shared before. It came at such a shock that I have no idea what President said to me after that, except that he had prayed long and hard about the decision to have me placed in that position, and that Elder Hess would be my new companion. When he asked to speak to Elder Tavake to tell him who he'd be receiving, I definitely handed the phone over crying haha. I felt the heaviness of the responsibilities of a zone leader hit me like a wall all at once. Elder Tavake helped significantly, which I'm SO grateful for. He helped me to realize what a great growing opportunity this would be for me, and that I'd be ending where I started my mission! What a huge blessing that has been already, but I'll talk more about that later. I received a call from my mate, AP Green, several hours later and he told me that I was expected to fly out the next morning at 11am. I had one afternoon to go and vakamoce all the families I'd grown closest to in my brief time there, wash and pack all my clothes and study materials, and I was on a plane back down to Vitilevu the next morning. There to greet me at the Nausori airport was Elder Morgan, who I was replacing in Nausori. It was a really tender reunion, given it had been well over a year and a half since we were together in the MTC, and I was the last from the intake he hadn't yet seen. It was awesome to see him and to meet Elder Hess. 

Elder Hess is from Utah, my first Haole companion since Elder Sinden in Colorado! Elder Hess is awesome, way easy to get along with, super down to earth, and just overall a really pleasant guy to be around. Two things, however, stick out to me most. 

First of all, he's a work horse. He does not like to waste time whatsoever, every single minute of the last four days have been work or sleep. He's so driven, and LOVE it. I'm so happy be have my head buried so deep in the work that I don't have to worry about all the other things. We've been doing really well at getting the things that need to get done done and managing our time wisely so that the entire plan we set for the day is executed expertly. The second thing is that Elder Hess's Hindi is impeccable. He's only been out for just over a year, and he has significantly better Hindi than myself and all the other non-native Hindi elders who've been out longer than him. It comes out beautifully and fluidly, he seldom ever has to think before it comes out of his mouth. His structure and conjugations (the hardest things to get down) are near perfect, and he has a very impressive vocab. He's already taught me so much, and as honestly embarrassing as it is that my Hindi seems primary compared to his, I'm taking this as a great learning opportunity. He's always so patient and willing to help, too. 

OH, I don't think I shared this when it happened. I actually have not been removed from the Hindi program, because when transfers happened two weeks ago, the mission announced that Nausori Hindi would be the very first Hindi Zone Leader area established. And so, I feel so blessed to be a part of this groundbreaking happening. My Hindi will continue to progress, and I have no doubts whatsoever that my Hindi will be SO much better coming home than it would have been had I died in Labasa. Anyways, again, the last few days have been very hectic but awesome. I'm back in my very first area and in my very first flat. It was so cool seeing so many familiar faces in church yesterday. Funny enough, when Elder Morgan told people I'd be coming, most of them said the same thing. "Oh, Elder Ishibashi... hm, is that the short one? Fat? Shy?" Just a reminder, in Fiji, it is never intentionally rude to call people fat. Fat is literally just an adjective and if you're fat, you're fat and you know it. If you don't know it, you're about to. I love that, the short thing is different but I overlook that (get the pun? Haha I want to grow... but I'm almost 21... so I'm done... ugh). Well, I'm back, and guess what? Now I'm just short. 

When I started here, we covered the Waila and Nausori wards. We've also tucked the Naulu ward under our wings, as we get a lot of work done there as well. Herbert, Sister Ramen sends her love. I only met her briefly, but she's awesome.

Yesterday was great and so busy. The missionaries here have been KILLING it. I walked into a gold mine. We have three baptisms on Saturday, two next week, and four two weeks after that. Our district is annihilating the work in their areas. 

It occurred to me how much of a baby I was to think so lowly of this calling. I've been praying in thanks more than for assistance for the immense blessings I've received over the last few days. As hard as it will continue to be, I'm SO excited and blessed to work in such a degree, and be with Elder Hess, to be back in Waila, and to be working with such awesome people. 

I got sent HEAPS of emails (mostly pictures from U'i, thank you sis!), so I'll go check those out and we'll be heading out soon. 

Know I'm in great health and spirits, I'm SO, SO happy right now. I hope you're all doing great, awesome to know about Lehia's victories in Judo! Lehia, I'll let you know, I never won by ippon, only ever by pin. The fact that you won by 2 ippons is SICK, keep it up! Also, I couldn't see the video because this computer won't let me, but I'll see it eventually. I love you guys so much, have a, incredible and blessed week! 

Khyaal rakna! 

Elder Ishibashi 

3/3/18 I love this gospel with all my heart

Let me respond to the email first. 

Kala'i, are you kiddING ME??? HOLY SMOKES, I'm actually pretty cut that I've only been sent two videos of you singing over the last two years, and both have absolutely blown me away. It's actually insane how much your voice and vibrato has matured, it is BEAUTIFUL. I also really like how yours and Kate's voices blend together, she has an incredible voice as well. By the way, how are those followers going? I don't know if you've remembered, but I will owe you $100 for every 1000 followers you get on a singing account. I'm home in nearly two months, and I think she could help you out with that if you're not too busy and still down for the challenge. 

Your voice is actually stupid good, like I'm dead serious in saying that you could make money off those pipes. I'm excited to come home and sing songs with you again, but scared at the same time because I don't wanna taint a song you're singing. Keep that up, man! Love you!

Lehia, thats' the one. Keep your head up, never let defeat get you down. I've shared it before, but defeat is never an indication that you are not fit for that particular activity. It's simply an indication that effort and improvement are required. Whether you leave track to hit the mat full-time (I'd hope your opponents are hitting the mat, rather) or build off of the success you're seeing in pole-vaulting, do what you love more. Do what makes you happy and allows you to grow. Keep growing, love you! 

If there's one thing I wish I would have done growing up, it would be putting more time into learning to read piano sheet music. Nina, I'm so envious of you! I'm way happy you're getting a young start at playing the piano properly. Literally none of us except for mom knows how to read sheet music. That will be a huge blessing to you in the future, if you remain consistent. The same with hula dancing. I love you Nina, continue to be a blessing and example to those around you!

Dad, it's actually way sick that you get paid to travel! I never knew that, but how awesome would it have been to know how many years ago, haha. It was really cool to see you in front of all those Historical American landmarks, but it looked deadly cold. So glad you traveled there and safely back, what a cool experience that must have been! Here in this mission, that motto continues to stand. "Work hard, play hard", and my district doesn't let up when it comes to a good rugby game in the rain, which I'm grateful for. I'm even more grateful, however, that they're definitely willing to work harder than they play. 

Things are looking really good for the district right now. I'm so excited and blessed, but I'll talk about that soon. Keep strong in your calling and safe in your travels, love you dad! 
Mom, I just had a quick question. Elder Tavake's mom's maiden name is Maile Mataele. She was born and raised around Waikiki and was baptized when she was 12. We were just curious if you knew her, just because you're from the same island and are the same age. She went to Kaiser, however, and moved to California when she was like 18. I was just wondering, I love you mom!

Anyways, kaise hei!
This last week was great! Not super eventful on our part, but again, things are looking great in the areas around us. 

Given that Naduna is about 30 minutes out of Labasa by bus and about 20 by taxi, we (us and the sisters) take two days out of the week to visit our investigators there. We meet at the bus stand, bus up vata, split up and visit our families/find more, then meet up somewhere and share the taxi fare back home. We go on Tuesdays and Saturdays. We were on exchanges with the Nakawakawa Elders on Tuesday, and I was fortunate to take Elder Scofield and the truck into Naduna so we wouldn't have to pay for travel. We found no success, but found a new area we look forward to visiting again. George wasn't free, so we set an appointment for Saturday. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, were pretty average days consisting primarily of finding and visiting member families for the purpose of strengthening them and receiving referrals. Our Saturday ended up mostly being taken up by members in need, so we weren't able to reach Naduna until later, when our lesson with George was planned. Lately, Elder Tavake and I have made it a goal to pray before and after every lesson. We approached his home prepared to teach lesson 1 (The Restoration of the gospel), but we didn't have a Book of Mormon to extend to him along with the lesson, and we both felt that he needed something else. On that trail leading to his humble little home on a hill, surrounded by sugar cane, we offered a prayer that we might be able to discern his needs and teach accordingly. Afterward, we both were surely prompted that he needed to be taught lesson 3 (The Gospel of Jesus Christ). As we went about the lesson, he seemed to become more and more engaged. He answered all the questions we extended to him beautifully, and he ultimately accepted the invitation to be baptized if he came to know our message is true. When we asked at the end of the lesson if he had any questions, he posed one. It was a question I've gotten my entire mission, but he asked it a little differently than I've received it in the past. He was born into an Anglican home, and was baptized as an infant. Most people ask why they need to be baptized again and if their first one was meaningless. Instead, George simply asked if it were "possible" for him to baptize again. We said yes, and explained why it was essential. He accepted the answer, and when we visit with him tomorrow evening, we'll be extending a baptismal date to him for March 25, 2018. We see great potential in him, and he and Mili (his wife) seem very grateful for our efforts in teaching him. I'm looking forward to progressing with George and helping him towards receiving his answer. We met him in church yesterday, which was huge! I'm so excited for the upcoming weeks. 

Yesterday in district meeting, I gave an training on obedience. Something I noticed is that every single member of my district has had a history of disobedience at some point in their missions, including myself. In my training I shared, and I share with you guys now, that getting up at 6:30am every morning to do the same thing every day is often difficult. I've been struggling with getting out of bed on time, using finding time effectively, letting the spirit guide the work. I've had periods in my mission where I struggled with much worse things. People may look down on me and wonder why I would even share that unimportant information with anyone, but I need people to know that even as I'm not perfect, I'm definitely trying. I've had transfers of disobedience and I've had transfers of exact obedience, and I honestly feel blessed to have experienced both spectrums of the work because I can testify with undeniable certainty that obedience brings blessings and exact obedience does in fact bring miracles. I testified to my district and I testify now that though disobedience may be fun in the moment, it is only fun for that precise moment. The guilt will come and shroud your judgement, and your transgressions will increase. Disobedience is never, ever worth it. The joy I experienced being disobedient lead to great temporal and physical consequences, whereas the joy I experienced when I could say in confidence to myself and to the Lord that I was doing the Lord's work fully was pure long lasting. I cannot and will not preach exact obedience when I'm not practicing it myself, so I'm making a great effort now to follow the mission rules precisely, and I see a new drive in my district members to do the same. They all seemed to really appreciate the training, and I'm beyond excited to see the miracles that spawn from our newfound unity and motivation to be exactly obedient. 

I love this gospel with all my heart, and I love this work. I'm nearing two months before I see you all again, and I'm determined to come home with a changed heart and knowing that I genuinely exercised my faith in repentance, that I might not have any regrets and that the Lord might accept and consecrate my last two years of effort. I love you all so much, I'm so happy that everyone is doing well. 

Ham iis susmachaar baut pyaar kare, iis kam baut pyaar kare bhi, aur khoi dauts nahin hei iis Pita Parmeshwar ke kam hei. Ham koshiis karta hei, utaam nahin rega, lekin ham khali koshiis kare sake. Firse, ham aaplogke baut pyaar karta!

Khyaal rakna, 
Elder Ishibashi