10 more days--Our mission is coming to a close

10 more days-- our mission is coming to a close. What an amazing experience this has been!! We have seen God's hand in our life in so many ways. We feel the windows of heaven have been opened to us that there is not even room to receive it. We have grown closer to each other and closer to the Lord.

We arrived when the sakura trees were blooming. Now, they are blooming again. Walking under the blossoms gives you a sacred feeling that you are somewhere very special. This is my favorite walking path. There is a lady who cares for these flower boxes every day. I have enjoyed seeing them on my way to the river walk.

Today, I saw a miracle with the ward choir. They asked me to lead the choir when we first arrived. I have sang in many choirs, all of my life. I have never led a choir. We started out just singing hymns but eventually added more and more difficult music.  I wanted to sing "Let Us All Press On". This is a difficult piece sung by the Choir at Temple Square. I had high ambitions.  I found it difficult for me to lead, for the accompanist to play, and for the choir members to sing. (Let's not mention that we sang it in Japanese, written in Hiragana.) We pressed on with the goal to sing the last Sacrament Meeting before we leave.  We did it!! 

I told the choir. I love this song because we are all pressing on in the work of the Lord. I told the members of the choir when we see each other again, I pray that we will be strong and continuing in the Lord's work.

The highlight of this day was the baptism of my dear friend. She has had a difficult journey that has led her to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know she will be blessed as she continues to follow Him.

We are sisters in Christ. I am glad our paths crossed at this important crossroad in her life.