Fred and Paula’s Most Excellent Adventure

We decided last P-day to go to Universal City. It was a fun and memorable day. The weather cooperated with a beautiful spring day. The adventure started even before we arrived by riding the train and then subway in Osaka. It was packed body to body, a full contact sport. When we got in the subway, we were jam packed. I was wondering if the door would close. Then we stopped at another station. An additional 5 people got on the train. We were absolutely smashed together. The people at Universal City all wore crazy hats. It seems the more outlandish the hat the more they enjoyed them. I loved seeing these little cuties. Our favorite spot was the Harry Potter castle and village. They have really strived to recreate the book. You walk through a forest before arriving at the village. We saw the flying blue car, Mirror of Erised, the talking pictures on the walls, the Fat Lady guarding the door, the Sorting Hat, Dumbledore's office and many more.  We would have bought some butterbeer but

 We took a trip to the opposite side of our mission on the coast of the Sea of Japan to help some missionaries in that area. While we were there, we stopped to walk through Izumo Taisha, one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan. The exact time that it was built is not known but records from 950 AD describes the shrine as being one of the highest buildings exceeding 48 meters tall. In the year 2000, remains of enormous pillars  were discovered and has lent credence to the shrine being so tall. This is a replica that was in a museum of what the shrine might have looked like so many years ago. The top shrine was the house of God. People can be seen climbing the stairs toward God. In some ways, this looks like the covenant path from our church. Man makes covenants to follow God. As we keep the commandments, we improve and come closer to God. Through Jesus Christ we can be forgiven and stay on the path to return to God. It is rare to see a Japanese flag flying. I have c

What have been up to? Lots. We drive all over our mission fixing apartments, bringing missionaries to new areas, anything the mission president needs.  We love being able to see beautiful Japan on the way. We teach English Connect for Missionaries three times a week. We teach English Connect training once a week at district councils. One of the missionaries told me that "Sister Allan is changing the mission one pumpkin loaf at a time." I thought this was funny as I do bring treats to the missionaries along the way. I don't even want to think about how many pounds of butter, sugar, flour, and chocolate chips I have gone through during this mission. I've burned out one mixer and working on the second. We removed old rusty mission bikes from a church parking lot. I love the Japanese bridges. This is a performing monkey that just happened to be at a rest stop on one of our drives across the country. He really loves his stilts. When his trainer took them away from him, he

 As we approach the close of our mission, I begin to reflect what I have learned through this experience. I kept a 'spiritual thoughts' note in my phone. Whenever the spirit spoke to my heart, I wrote it down. I am amazed at the inspiration that I have received during this time of our mission. I have kept a journal and a scripture notebook. These are reminders of all the Lord has blessed me. This mission has been priceless. I will be ever changed for good because of it. One of the most important blessings is the strengthening of my testimony of Jesus Christ and my desire to follow him. My testimony has been strengthened by many mission/zone conferences, personal study of the  Savior, music, and prayer. It is hard for me to express my testimony but the words of this song reflects my feelings. Savior, Redeemer of my soul, Whose mighty hand hath made me whole, Whose wondrous pow'r hath raised me up. And filled with sweet my bitter cup! What tongue my gratitude can tell, O grac

For our P-day (preparation day), we went to the knife stores in Sakai. We found a 5th generation blacksmith, Mizuno Tanrenjo. He creates knives the old fashioned way by forging carbon steel, heating it until it is red hot, and then hammering the metal out thinly. We got to see the workshop. The blacksmith was working with a blade and hammer when we arrived. We did not get to see the whole process but there were pictures taped to the wall so I took a few pictures of the pictures. I feel it is only fitting to make a moral to this experience. We are in the hands of the master blacksmith. God allows the fires of life to burn out our impurities, soften our hardness, and then he can mold us into the person we are meant to become. Mizuno-san also makes ceremonial swords for the sumo tournaments. This is Fred by some of the swords. We bought a vegetable knife which I am so excited about. We have been using a vegetable knife for several months. We found it while cleaning out a missionary apartm

President and Sister Halvorson gave the missionaries a Daruma doll for New Years.  The Daruma doll is rich in symbolism and is a sign of good luck for the new year. The eyes are blank. Once you determine your goal,  you color in the first eye. At the end of the year, you complete your goal and finish the other eye. The Daruma doll wobbles but won't stay down. If you tip it on it's side, it uprights itself. This is symbolic of perseverance in striving toward your goal. You may falter but just pick yourself up and keep trying. President Russell M. Nelson, the prophet gave us a New Year's Message for 2023... Be Patient... Be Persistent.. Be Prayerful...