What is Love?

(November 2)

Happy November! It's crazy to think that 2015 is almost over - I'm so excited to spend the first 360+ days of 2016 serving the Lord! The weather here is cooling down, and we've pulled out the tights and sweaters. Everything is still pretty green, though. I do miss North Carolina/Tennessee fall. 

This week, we found a new investigator! Her name is Maasa, and she is golden. She asks a lot of good questions about why we need the gospel and how Jesus Christ can help her specifically. She likes to learn from us, and we love answering her questions. No matter how complex a question or idea might be, everything in the gospel relates back to love. Want to be like Jesus Christ? Show love. Want to receive blessings from God? Love your neighbor. Why does God give us hard things or commandments? Because He loves us. Every time we act in obedience to His commandments, He reaches out in love to us! I'm so grateful for that!

This week, I received some specific direction to use my talents to help others (show them love, as it turns out). I thought about music and working with kids, but didn't really see how those would help me find people to teach and invite unto Christ on any given day. Well. God loves me, so He provided a way! Three, actually. Yesterday, we contacted an 86-year-old lady (Japanese people never hesitate to tell you their age if they're over about 70. It's so cute!) who was not interested in hearing about the gospel. We saw that she had a piano in her front entryway, so Sister Chun took a shot and asked if I could come in and play her piano. Only one other time in Japan have I actually entered the house of someone we contact. But she agreed! We had a nice time talking with her, and of course I loved playing her piano. On the way back to our bikes to go home for dinner, we ran into this adorable group of Japanese kids. They saw me and immediately asked where I was from. When I said America, they were so excited! We gave them stickers and took selfies. Again, not a typical occurrence. Then, before we could get on our bikes, we happened to run into an Eikaiwa student who lived in the neighborhood we were leaving. He invited us into his house and asked me to play his piano. I played some songs, and we also sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" for him and his wife. It was a strange coincidence that I know could only have been from God. He provides so many opportunities to fulfill His commandments if we just act in faith!

Our Halloween party was a success! We probably had 30-35 people there, which may not seem like a lot, but it is for the group here! We had fun games for the kids (my favorite being the room full of balled-up newspaper where they try to find the little ball hidden somewhere within), a costume contest, pictures, and made takoyaki (octopus, cabbage, ginger dumplings. SO GOOD.). It was so fun to be with members and neighbors and friends, having a great time!

On Saturday, our friend Tom got baptized. He is from China and a huge Tom Hanks fan. He is so awesome, and I'm excited to see how the gospel continues to change his (and my) life!

Wise words from my companion: "Today is the only November 2nd I am ever going to be a missionary. I already woke up, so I might as well get off this bed and do something good." Motivation was slightly lacking yesterday morning. But it's so true! 

"'Make each day your masterpiece!' - John Wooden" - Jim Jorgensen. 

I love you all! Have the best week!

Love,

Sister Janette Jorgensen

Japan Fukuoka Mission
9-16 Hiraozyosuimachi, Chuo-ku
Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Japan 810-0029

On the Origin of Pinapples

(from October 25)

Do you know pineapples grow on a bush? And they are, in fact, berries? I sure didn't. The 83-year-old student in our English class however is an expert on pineapples. I asked the harmless question, "where do pineapples grow?"  And then witnessed a debate between an elder and this older gentleman, his argument was, "I once read a book on the origin of pineapples. "In America, that would be some sort of sarcastic joke. And now, I will probably use that as a comeback. But it was the funniest thing I had ever experienced… All of us doubled over laughing, while he looked around, confused at what we thought was so funny. Oh, unintentional humor. The best.

One night this week, we were walking down the street at about 8:30 PM, when a man in a suit and a white hat was walking towards us. I thought he looks kind of sketchy, but we say good evening to him as he passed. He turned around and said, "wait, are you the Mormon missionaries? "We said we were, and he said, "oh, I saw you in the newspaper!" He then looked at me, "are you the one that's related to Abraham Lincoln? My friend has the copy of his movie that you signed." WHAT. A month later, and I'm still raking in the celebrity status! Hopefully when I meet President Lincoln in heaven, he doesn't resent me for this. It's just so funny! The guy was all too excited to shake my hand. The life of a foreigner in Japan. 

My birthday was a lot of fun! We ate dinner at the home of one of our investigators. He had worked to prepare this meal from Saturday night until Monday! It was delicious, but so much food, it was all I could do to keep going. Japanese people are so generous! Wednesday night, a member family called us during finding at night and told us to come over right now - and gave me a present! I felt so much love! Being 20 is exciting, but a little scary. Am I supposed to know how to live life now??

Wednesday, we learned calligraphy, but my Japanese writing skills are C- at best, so that was an adventure. It's such an art - welcome to Asia!

The work in Japan continues on! We are working hard at building up the church here in Beppu. We are learning a lot about faith and relying on God to direct us in what he wants us to do. Thank you for all the prayers and love! Sending it right back at you!

Love,

Sister Janette Jorgensen

Japan Fukuoka Mission
9-16 Hiraozyosuimachi, Chuo-ku
Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Japan 810-0029

Best of Both Worlds

(from October 18)

Hi everyone! I don't have a ton of time today - lots to do today! I am happy my birthday is on Pday because I get to do shopping and and fun things during the day, and then go out and do dendo (missionary work) at night. Thank you for all the birthday wishes, mail, and love. Sending it all right back at you!

This week, we went to another city to have interviews with President. It was so nice to talk with him about how I have progressed over the past two months in Japan. I can't believe I passed my four-month mark! Time really does fly when you're having fun. At the same time, I can't believe it's only been four months. It seems like I have been a missionary forever.

We are working to build relationships with church members here, and find more people to teach. The days are long, and sometimes we don't talk to very many people, but I know that the Lord blesses those who try hard and are obedient to him. In life, whether we want to find people to teach, get a good grade on a test, or just make it through the day, we can all receive help! I encourage all of you every day to pray and ask God to help. Even missionaries to be reminded of that sometimes. I received yet another reminder this week.

We continue to see miracles from our obedience and diligence. I love this area and the people with whom I associate every day! This is the work and gospel of Jesus Christ! If you want to know how I feel, read Ammon's story in Alma 26. I loved studying Alma this week. I was reminded that even though God is all-powerful and doesn't need anything from us, He chooses us to allow us to help him and have our own experiences. It's a whole lot more work for Him, but He does it out of love. What a blessing!

Alma 32:26-41. Experiment upon the word! I love you!

Sister Janette Jorgensen

Japan Fukuoka Mission
9-16 Hiraozyosuimachi, Chuo-ku
Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Japan 810-0029

God Has a Plan

(from October 11)

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well :-)

One thing I learned is that God molds and modifies people in order to fulfill his purposes. I used to be fluent in two things: French and sarcasm. Now I can do neither without extensive headaches and thought. So I don't even try anymore...I wasn't called to speak either of those. I'm happy to be learning Japanese and the language of the Spirit. They keep me more than busy!  My companion think she's curing me of sarcasm. I'm not sure any human being could eliminate that part of my personality. Therefore, it must be the hand of God. It's all part of the plan!

This week we taught lessons to an investigator named Danjo. He has been taught by the missionaries before, but never wanted to be baptized. We felt that the Lord wanted us to try teaching him. So we taught him out of the Book of Mormon starting at First Nephi chapter 1, reading with him and talking about what it said. He made a lot of good connections and seem to understand very well! However when we challenged him to be baptized, it was clear that he is not ready. We are sad that he is not getting baptized now, but know that God has a plan for him, as He does for all of us.

Probably the hardest thing I did this week was bike up the mountain to a hospital. Oh the irony. By the time we got there, I thought I was going to die. But I stayed on my bike the whole time and did not have to walk. Because I did it once, I know I can do it every time we go up to the hospital. I know that as we work hard and accomplish hard things, our faith increases. We can always receive God's help for whatever problem or situation we may be facing. I received God's help this week in a lot more than just biking up a mountain.

In other news, I am developing the "the second stomach" that is common among the missionaries. On Saturday, the members fed us lunch, a huge dinner, and then an investigator took us out for ramen. I thought I might explode, but it was actually quite delicious! We don't get fed by the members very often, but when it rains it pours!

The biggest blessing of this week was to watch General Conference. From General Conference, I received answers to a lot of the questions I had and some questions I didn't know I had. I know that the profit, Thomas S Monson, was called by Jesus Christ to lead the church today. The prophets and apostles are guided by God to know how to help the members of the church. One of the major themes I noticed was love. I think in every talk, the speaker mentioned love. I felt the love of God as I listened to the general authority speak. I know that as we follow their counsel, we will give and receive love in our lives and be happier!

Pray always that you may come off conquer! God loves you and has a plan for you! I say this to people countless times every day, but it never loses its meaning. I hope that each of us will take time to ponder and reflect on the meaning of that message. I know that as we do, our lives will have more meaning and direction, and we will be able to conquer the challenges that come up in our lives. I love you all!

Sister Janette Jorgensen

Japan Fukuoka Mission
9-16 Hiraozyosuimachi, Chuo-ku
Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Japan 810-0029

Feeling the Love

(from October 4)

Hi everyone! Hope this email finds you well and happy!

This has been a crazy week. We're having a harder time teaching lessons, as our investigators are starting to fall away. But we still teach lessons on the street and spend lots of time finding. It's amazing but people actually do agree to pray with us on the street, then and there, even if they have never heard of God before. It proves to me that we can feel the spirit and love of God at any time and place. 

This week, I experienced four new unique-to-Japan (or at least foreign-to-me) foods. Japanese McDonald's: so good! I had a shrimp burger (shrimp, lettuce, and sauce..whatever you want to call that). And I decided I like ketchup! Almost 20 years in the making, I leave America of all places and then decide to like it. That happened because a member bought it for us. When people buy you food, you eat it. Plus, ketchup is pretty harmless in terms of foods members could give you. 

Less harmless: natto. Fermented soy beans. Japanese health food and disgusting. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I also ate intestines (why would anyone eat that? It's not gross, just weird and rubbery. If you're going to take in calories, they might as well be delicious) and a little fish - bones, eyeballs, and all. And lived to tell the tale! I'd never choose to do that at home, but I guess missions give us all sorts of ways to grow!

MIRACLE: my money supply was running low because this month, I get about 60% of what I usually get per month. I was worried about paying groceries, transportation, fast offering, etc. Then, out of the blue, I noticed the flap of my purse where I keep money was really heavy. I found that there was a tear in the lining inside. Behind the lining, there were coins! This morning, I dug out the coins and found 3225¥ (about $32) in my purse! That is huge! That was the exact amount I needed to pay fast offering for this month and groceries for this week. I don't know why I didn't notice it sooner, but the Lord sent me manna when I needed it! I know that as we do our best to follow His commandments, we receive more blessings than we can think of!

This week, Sister Chun and I have been talking a lot about the Plan of Salvation, mainly things that aren't explicitly taught or maybe even known. The more we think and talk about these things, the more my testimony of and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has been strengthened. Maybe right now I don't know what spirits are made of, how the process of judgment works, or the nature of heirs of the terrestrial glory, but I know the Plan is perfect because its Creator is perfect. It's fun to think about deep things like this, but the important thing to remember is that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father and by following His direction, we can be eternally happy with our families. The most important things we can know are taught to four-year-olds. The rest comes as we are able to receive it - line upon line, precept upon precept. The Lord never gives us more trial, temptation, knowledge, or responsibility than we can handle. 

It's an honor to be a missionary here in Japan. I'm grateful every day for the miracles, challenges, growth, and setbacks that come because I know they are all for my good and that of those around me. Whatever phase of life we may be in, let's enjoy it to the fullest while looking for ways to ease others' burdens. That's what Christ would do. 

I love you all! Thank you for your love and prayers!

Love,

Janette

Never Forget to Show Hospitality to Strangers

(from September 27)

I'm sure it was a beautiful, eloquent statement in Japanese, but when it was translated into English in the middle of a sacrament talk, it was all I could do not burst out laughing. My English is suffering badly - either I don't speak it or I see places with awfully-constructed phrases. Apologizing in advance. 

It's been a good week - not much new has happened. Yesterday Sister Chun and I taught Sunday School for the first time. 45 minutes on The Creation...could I even do that in English? Sure couldn't in Japanese. It was a struggle. Thankfully, people participated some and we made up some semi-relevant questions. Ohhhh, it was so hard. We don't know a lot about the creation in the first place! One of the mysteries of God that show His love for us. 

The Japanese is coming well, despite the lesson. We taught a less-active member this week, and when I spoke, the words just flowed. I'm so grateful for that! I know it was the power of God helping me then and always. Japanese sounds natural, even if it's a word I don't understand. I never would have expected that to happen. But the gift of tongues is real and is supporting me in my efforts to reach the gospel to God's children here in Japan. What a blessing!!

I made a quesadilla this week! It was the first I had had in four months. How I have missed Mexican food! But I love the food here too - haven't eaten anything I don't like :)

I've studied the Book of Mormon a lot this week, more than my usual "a lot." I always feel God's love for me as I read it. The gospel of Jesus Christ (how to be happy in this life and in eternity) is laid out so plainly, even amidst the old-English style. I've been able to apply it to my investigators' lives as well as my own. I loved 2 Nephi 25:28 - "the right way is to believe in Christ." Roger that :) part of showing our belief in Christ is praying every day. Sometimes I'm so tired, I fall asleep praying, but I know God hears the part I do say and understands the rest. If we pray to Him every day, we will receive the help we need and more. 

The Church is true!

I love you all!

Sister Janette Jorgensen

Japan Fukuoka Mission
9-16 Hiraozyosuimachi, Chuo-ku
Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Japan 810-0029

A Celebrity in Our Midst

(from September 20th)

Useless fact about me: I am eleventh cousin to Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president of the United States. I don't even know what eleventh cousin means or how we know that...but I am. For some reason, I mentioned that to some men here in the church group and they about flipped. Turns out Lincoln is their number one hero in life! Walk in to a church activity this week, a guy comes up to me with Henry Fonda's "Young Mr. Lincoln" on DVD and asks me to autograph it! No joke! It was all I could do to not burst out laughing. But I obliged. A few days later, another man comes in with a three-volume set of "Team of Rivals," also about Lincoln, and asks me to autograph them! What?? Again, obliged. Hilarious. I feel a little weird about autographing things about him as though I have any significant thing to do with him. But it's so funny, I can't do much else! Anyway, do your family history and figure out what historical figure you're related to! (Then go to Asia and become famous).

It's been a great week! P-Day is Tuesday this week because transfers are happening on Thursday. I can't believe it's already been a whole transfer (six weeks)! Sister Chun and I are staying here in Beppu, and we are happy about that. I have to finish being trained, anyway. We have seen miracles here! I have progressed so much in the language and talking to people about more things than just the gospel. Still have a very long way to go, but I'm grateful to be improving!

We weren't able to meet as much with our investigators this week as we wanted, but we continue to meet new people and teach them, even if the message is only for five minutes. I know this is the work of the Lord and that He is preparing people to learn more about Christ and how they can be eternally happy with their families. Being separated from my family is giving me a new appreciation for God's plan of happiness. What a time to be alive!

I started the Book of Mormon again two weeks ago and am now almost through with 2 Nephi. I'm making a list of Christlike qualities I see in Nephi and working to develop them in myself. We can all learn so much from the scriptures! Before my mission, two hours of scripture study every day sounded insanely long. But it goes by fast! I'm grateful for the hour of personal and hour of companion study every day. They strengthen my testimony and help me be a better missionary. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass!

I love you all! Thank you for the prayers and support!

Love,

Janette

Words on the Street

(this is from September 13 oops)
Hi everyone! Hope this email finds you well and happy!

This week has gone by super fast. A lot has happened! One of the
things we're doing more of now is teaching lessons on the street. So
we get off our bikes and talk to someone, ask if we can pray (that's
the new thing), share a message/teach principles, and then close with
a prayer. We call it LOTS. I'll be honest, I had so little faith in
this finding approach...who wants to pray on the street with two
foreign strangers in white helmets anyway? Prepared people, that's
who! I know that God is preparing people to receive the gospel, and so
even if it seems weird from the outside, they're ready to hear it!

I'm getting to be friends with a little five year old girl in the area
here. She is a handful - lots of energy, free-spirited little thing
who takes great pleasure in throwing things around and beating up the
elders. But we play and draw on the white board together, and she even
gave me a hug! It was a victory!