Majisuka?!‏

Konnichiwa!!
Is everyone chaganju??! (sorry old joke from the last misison president)
Hows everyone doing? Staying warm in the winter weather? It hasnt been too cold here; in fact it got up to about 65 degrees out of nowhere and then back down to snow fall within a day.... this place is pretty nuts, not gonna lie.
Im doing good here in Matsue - better than last week. My companion and I felt the huge pressure of everything thats going on here and we were super frustrated. But we were finally able to set up an appointment with the Bishop - who is incredible - and like always, the judges in Israel stand in place of the Lord as they help to lift our burdens. We talked, shared ideas, discussed needs, and rejoiced in the Gospel over a couple of hours and I think all of us feel lighter now, and things are beginning to change.
I have a lot of repenting to do - complaining a lot, not being effective, not being dedicated enough - and Im excited for the things that will be happening in the near future here in Matsue. Im going to help make it a bomb ward by the time I leave, if its the last thing I do!! (because it probably will be the last thing I do!!....... *sigh*)...
Speaking of which, I know how excited you guys are to have me come home (some of you have probably been praying so that I would break my leg and come home sooner... haha just joking, I doubt it.... ?). But I beg of you - please dont write me trunkie emails. Its already hard enough having that hanging over my head, and then mondays: spirituality, downhill. Not saying youre not spiritual, just saying that its tough. Its a time for me to do even more than Ive done so far; I have more experience now, and it becomes a time to give more and sacrifice more. Im pretty excited. Like I said, I want to be peeled off the tarmac and put on the ambulance when I return, for I have given my all.
The area is good. Our Chinese investigator got released this monday. (From the Hospital, not jail). We went to Zone Conference this last week and I got to give my first Zone Instructions - which ended up actually pretty good, with the help from the Lord.
Its been trying recently, but not nearly as bad as I imagine all of you are being tried. Dont be disappointed - "the future is as bright as your faith". Remember that with obedience, Heavenly Father will endow you with faith, which faith will sustain you through your hard times, through the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. I know that He suffered for each and every one of us so that we can find peace and joy in this life. He lives. He loves us. And together with the Father He attends to our every need. Like Isaiah, we can all feel through the Holy Ghost the Lord speaking to us, "I have engraven thee in the palms of my hands."
He will not ever forget us. He will never let us down. And He calls us to repentance so that He can heal us and encircle us in the arms of His love. How grateful I am for the Retored Gospel, and all the accompanying blessings of priesthood, comfort, knowledge, eternal families, and power to withstand temptations and trials. I know that Joseph Smith saw what He said he saw, that He truly received visions, revelations, and the Spirit of Prophecy. He is a true prophet of God, and through his faith and testimony of the Savior, has ushered in the last dispensation. That we may all gain a stronger testimony of this wonderful gospel, and feel our hearts burn with the love of the Savior daily, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
With much love!

Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission

Matuse wa .... kurai...‏

Hey everyone!!
Sorry its another short one today. I just cant believe how busy its been. Its been a really frustrating past few days here in Matsue; along with the new calling its been tough work, not having the members back us up on anything and really just working us 2 and our super awesome ward mission coordinator.... whos is now released and we got a new one, 23 who hasnt gone on a mission and has no idea what to do.
Oh well, I guess it will give us a chance to see greater miracles.
Im super tired. I love the work but its seriously getting to me. Physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I feel and am deeply grateful for all your prayers. Im sorry, I wish I could respond individually to everyone, family, friends, neighbors; theres just no time, theres an incrdible sense of urgency and its getting our Pday too. I love you. Please, please do all you can to hold on to the Lord. These are perilous times and the enemy is on the constanst attack. Do all you can to strengthen your testimony of the Savior and the Restoration and will certainly bless your lives, and the lives of the people around you. I promise in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
With all my love,

Elder Mourao

New area...

Konnichiwa!!! Got some news - cant be long though we have to go to HIroshima later today (Ill explain why in a second), and got a ton of stuff to do.
Well, Yonago was incredible. We found another investigator who wanted to be baptized, and we were also able to make another baptism date with a miracle in Kawakami-san. He finally prayed, and even had a vision.
...Unfortunately he became possessed by the devil and is now on his way to Okinawa.... Im dead serious, he wanted to kill someone. Hopefully he will get another chance at it, 2 strikes....
On my end of the table, transfer calls came.... and the number goes toooooooo...
Zone Leader in Matsue (next door to Yonago, transferring was pretty easy)!! Yep, so I guess Ill spend the next 6 months working with great companions and closer to the APs and the President. Im looking forward to it! My new companion is Elder Muraoka, from Okinawa. Super cool - like a japanese version of Will Smith. Great missionary!
Anyways, I cant even begin to describe how much the Lord poured out His Spirit in Yonago, and how many miracles we were able to see in that place. It was truly incredible, and my heart grew sad for having to leave such great people and memories. Life goes on, but Yonago will always have a place in my heart. Through the example of faithful latter-day saints, and many others, I was able to gain a deeper testimony and appreciation for the restored Gospel of our Savior. I know, without a shadow of a doubt that He lives. He loves us. And as we live His Gospel He will not only rid of us of our sins, but He will wrap His loving arms of mercy around us, guide us, strengthen us, and change our hearts so that we `have no more desire to do evil, but to do good continually`.
The Savior is my friend, Redeemer and advocate with the Father. Through those prayer filled nights and hours spend studying and feasting upon His word, I have grown in understanding, joy, peace, and as one of HIs disciples. The work is hard, but He has promised to lift and help us - and I testify that He does so, in His name, even Jesus Christ, amen.
I love each one of you and pray for your happiness and success as you seek to trust in the Lord in faith. Dearly,

Elder Mourao