Haisai!

Konnichiwa!!
How's it going? Sounds like things are still pretty interesting on your side of the pond - well, just outside the missionary world really. If you don't have people infected with pig diseases, you have airliners disappearing in the ocean. It's a crazy world right now, that's why I'm thankful for the Gospel. It helps us to know that there is meaning to all of this, and I know that if we come closer to Heavenly Father, we can have a stronger assurance in this life. It's truly an amazing power. This week was definitely interesting, and while not that busy, it felt just rushed by. The Izumi family is coming along good, we have family home evening with them tonight, so we're pretty excited. They've been reading the Book of Mormon, and they're also praying. It was really exciting to teach them to pray, because they really had no idea of how to do it, and especially the mom really likes it. She says she prays 4 or 5 times a day now! We're prettty excited about them, and just as I felt the confirmation before, I feel that they'll be baptized while I'm still here in this area. Hopefully we can talk a little bit more about baptism this week.
We really didn't have that many lessons this week, but we were able to spend some really good evenings with some members. It just amazes me every time: they are probably the only Christian family in the 5-block radius that they're in, and out of 300,000 people that live in this area (if not more), only them and 80 others come to Church every Sunday. That is faith. That is dedication because they know of God's promised blessings. And truly, the Gospel has that power. I really undermined that before I came, but I've started to realize that what we're telling people is the most powerful force in this planet. And when the Spirit testifies to those that are prepared, it's just unbelievable! I'm so grateful to be here. I'm grateful for the members in Japan, and all their sacrifices, their love, and help. They're truly examples here. And sure, Church here, has a little different feel, but when you see people from 5 or 6 different countries, hearing the Gospel in 5 or 6 different languages; hearing how they are children of God, and that through His plan, they can be happy here, and in eternity; all while meeting in this (by American standards) tiny meeting house in Hiroshima Japan: that just blows my mind! It's all one truth, and it's being told to every one in their own tongue, and language. All because one young boy decided to kneel down, and ask his Father in Heaven for guidance. One prayer. One simple act of faith. Wow. We've been really blessed lately. We're seeing so many miracles and success. Of course, the mission is hard, but it's fun - and rewarding. I can't imagine myself doing anything else. I look back, and it's been almost a year since I went into the MTC in Provo, UT, and what a year it's been! This work is just amazing.
And I've seen myself changing, improving, and slowly becoming a better person (i think... better yet, I hope :) ). But it's so amazing, because it's not me doing the change. I can't change my desires and appetites as much as a monkey can't will himself to think as a human being. However, there's a stronger power acting on me, and it's through the Atonement. Not only does it overcome Spiritual and Physical death, it also helps those who are willing to submit to the Father to become better persons and to really have a true change of heart. And through the Holy Ghost, this mighty change of heart is wrought upon us, so that we have no more desire to do evil, and like Nephi, to despise sin. (well, I'm not quite there yet, but I'm working on it). And just seeing that change in others is unbelievable! It's truly a wonder. Kinda makes you think huh?
Well, I hope all is well, and that you are all happy in spite of the world circumstances. Just remember what the Savior said: be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. It's true, He has. Love,

Elder Mourao