First week in 日本(Japan)

So we left the MTC at like 8 in the morning. We got on a big bus and we shipped out to the airport. We literally ran around the whole airport looking for a phone bank that wasn't taken up by missionaries. I love you all and am sorry that I didn't get to talk to you. Here is my badge. We took up the whole back of the plane and flew to Portland. We got off of one plane and onto another one. The whole time I was surrounded by missionaries, so I didn't get to talk to anyone about the gospel. I sat and ate plane food the whole time while reading the Ensign and the yellow grammar book, "Pikachu".

We landed after a whole day had passed thanks to the dateline. We landed and went through customs, which was a little stressful. We all got through just fine, but one sister was a little shaky afterwards. We all got our gaijin cards and split. Kobe and Fukuoka left immediately. Nagoya left a little after that. President and Sister Warnick were waiting at the exit for us and you got that picture. We loaded up a different bus and went through Tokyo. It took about an hour and a half. Had a little interview with the Warnicks. They are really nice. We spent the fist night getting paperwork taken care of. I would love to tell you how that went, but it was a blur.

We spent our first nights in Japan in the relief society room in Kichijoji on futons. We woke up and went for a run to the Keon (park) for radio taiso. That was basically a bunch of old people and missionaries stretching in the middle of the park. We went and had French toast at the homebu (mission home). Then it was into training for us. We trained until like 3 and then went to do dendo (basic term for missionary work). We went around the train station looking for people to teach. We found one person that wanted to come to eikaiwa, but not really interested in the gospel. Then we went to dinner and I had my first real ramen. Very eggy. It was very good though. Then we had a little devotional and went to bed. We woke up and played dodgeball, after which I had my fist run in with a Japanese bidet toilet. That was weird. Warm and it takes a minute to start, so it makes me jump every time. Then more training. After this batch of training we met our companions. My companion is Elder Battaglia.He is from Portugal. He has been out for a year and is a great trainer. I am his third beanchan. We serve in the Shonandai area of Fujisawa.

Flag of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

The apartment is about 4 minutes from the stake center. There are four of us in the apartment. Elder Battaglia and me, and Elders Porter and Muranaka. There are  6 rooms in our apartment. Kitchen, sleeping area, bathroom, laundry/shower, and two studies. I have a top bunk now. So fun food I have had. Tofu, porridge, jelly soda and barley tea. Those are all pretty good.

So I have taught 2 lessons in Japanese, and those went really well. Battaglia Chōrō usually has to fill me in on the details. I already love the people here. They are all so nice. There is one family, the Satos they took all of the beanchan-tachi to get bikes. I forgot to take a picture but will send it in a little bit. It is a black, sleek, Canadian road bike. There weren't any American brands or schwins. The Sato family is so nice and musical. Sato Shimai and Kyōdai are in charge of the choir.

Everyone seems to think that I am pretty jōzu (skillful, adept) at Nihongo, but I still have so far to go. I can pretty much only sing, pray, and bear a simple testimony.  I will keep working though.

So dendo miracles. I was on splits with Dowdle Chōrō, from Atsugi and we found a guy who told us to come back latter. Battaglia Chōrō and I went back and he came to the church with us. He was prepared. He asked inspired questions right off the bat. He accepted a soft invitation to baptism right there. His name is T. Yamada. I could feel the spirit during the lesson and I think that he did too. We taught him that God is our loving Heavenly Father. He really liked that. I shared a scripture from the 12 weeks program with him. It was Alma 32:27-37, about faith. If I hadn't studied that day, I would not have been prepared and we wouldn't have a new investigator. I am so glad we went housing when we did. I can testify that if we are diligent in our study, our effort, and prayer, everyone can see miracles everyday.

We have 2 other real investigators, but I haven't met them yet. It has drizzled, but we are supposed to have a big typhoon tomorrow. Not too big, but big enough that we might have to stay in tomorrow.  What else can I tell you about....? How about church! It was ward conference and we had a missionary correlation meeting before. It felt really long and I don't think I dozed of for too long. We also sang in the choir. We sang "There is Sunshine in my Soul Today". That was fun. Singing in Japanese is one of my favorite things to do.

Eikaiwa flyer - directions to chapel
from the train station

We went shopping today and I had absolutely no idea what I was looking at. I could only read things that weren't in kanji like carrot (キヤロツト) The ward is huge. With about 150 members. They are all so kind to the missionaries. Also, we are at the church all of the time for meetings, lessons, and study because of the wi-fi. After church (because it was a 5th Sunday), there was a sando party! Lots of weird sandwiches. My favorite was the bread and strawberry jam! I have talked to so many people. I love it here! Fun activities like eikaiwa, sports night, and gospel principle class.

Eikaiwa. Eikaiwa is not our mission here. It is a good finding tool though. Members and non-members meet and mingle while learning English, which is advised in PMG. I have taught in a beginner class and the advanced class. It was really fun. What is almost as fun is riding trains. I like trains, it is a flat roller coaster that you can dendo on and they can't leave!

This is my new zone. They are great dodgeball players. By the way, I have switched from a lot of volleyball to a lot of dodgeball. We play at least twice a week.

This is a new game I learned today. They use it to decide who prays. I remember when Gavin taught me "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock" and how confused I was. Now I get to lead super Jan Ken Po

Well I don't remember much else that I can think of. It is plenty humid, but it is just like Houston. We walk a lot, but now I have a jitensha (bike). If you have any questions, please, just ask. I would love to answer whatever you want to know. Translation is pretty mentally tiring, even though Japanese sounds just like it did at the MTC, so my brain is pretty fried right now. I love hearing from everyone and thank you for your prayers, stories and encouragement.
Ai shite imasu!
マーフィー 長老！

Fujisawa ふじさわし Week 1

We finally received Connor's assignment letter from his mission president this morning just before 4:00.  Here is the letter and the attached pictures.  The Google map on the Maps page has been updated with a pin at the Chapel in Fujisawa.  We are not sure of his exact area boundaries but it should be close. We expect to hear from Connor on Monday.  Please pray for Typhoon Lionrock to continue to weaken.  It has gone from a Cat 3 to a Cat 2 over night and as of this morning it looks like Tokyo will take a direct hit sometime late Monday or early Tuesday.


August 26, 2016

Dear Brother and Sister Murphy,
Your son arrived in the Japan Tokyo South Mission on August 23,2016 in good spirits and ready to commence his proselyting assignment. We had a wonderful time with him.

Elder Murphy has been assigned to work with Elder Battaglia and they are serving in an area called Fujisawa. Your son can receive his mail at the following address (Mission Home address):
Elder Connor Scott Murphy
Japan Tokyo South Mission
1-7-7 Kichijoji, Higashi-cho
Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0002
Japan

Attached is a picture of your son with Sister Warnick and me, of himself, his companion, and a group picture of the new missionaries, trainers, and Assistants. We have also included a map showing the locations of the various areas in the mission. You can use it as a personal record of his assignments.


By the time you receive this letter, Elder Murphy should be adjusted to his new proselyting area. The positive sustaining support he gets from you at home will be a great blessing to him. May the Lord bless you and your family as you share in your son’s mission experience.

Sincerely,
President J Paul Warnick

Safe Arrival

Here is the email we just received from Connor's mission.  Hurray!!!!

Dear Parents,

We just want to send you a quick note to let you know that your missionary arrived safely in Japan on Tuesday, August 23, 2016

President and Sister Warnick had dinner with the missionaries, visited shortly, and then sent them to bed for a much needed rest.

Today is orientation and training day. On Thursday they will meet their new companion who will be their trainer. In the afternoon they will be off to their new area to begin their missionary work. Pictures will be taken and you will receive another email with pictures attached.

Our Mission’s preparation day is on Monday. This is the day missionaries can email family and friends. When missionaries have a temple day, which is normally on a Tuesday, this becomes their preparation day. Please have your missionary let you know when temple day is so you will know of the change.

Thank you for entrusting your missionary to us in the Japan Tokyo South Mission. We so appreciate all you have done to get your missionary ready for this experience!

Sincerely,

Sister Loftus
Japan Tokyo South Mission Secretary

Cleared for take off

Connor traveled from the MTC in Provo, Utah to the Salt Lake City Airport and will be in the air at 11:15 headed for Portland and then Tokyo.  He was able to call his mom just before he boarded and is excited and anxious to get there.  He is in good spirits and after a short lecture from momma bear is ready to open his mouth and speak. There are 19 missionaries traveling to his mission today including the 4 from his district.  His old companion Elder Schow, Sister Fishburn and Sister Taylor.  We noticed Friday that Tokyo was in the path of then Tropical Storm Mindulle. After watching over the weekend as it strengthened and weakened, we thought we were in the clear Sunday as the forecast was for landfall as a weakening Tropical Storm.  Monday morning we learned that it had worsened and finally came ashore as a Category 1 Cyclone.  Our thoughts are with the people of Japan as they clean up after this storm.  The same flight that the missionaries are on today was cancelled Sunday afternoon.  We are glad that they are not spending a night in Portland though he could have checked in with several families he knows there. We know Alex and Aubrey would have been to the airport post haste.

About half way there.  It will be a sleepless night for mom.  He should be arriving before 4:00 pm Tokyo time. That makes it 2:00 am in Houston.

So we know that his plane landed at 3:16.  One minute behind schedule.  We will let you know when we hear from him.  His new p-day should be Monday.

Week Eight - MTC

Travel Plans have arrived.  Connor will have time today and on Saturday to get packed and will be flying out on Monday unless Delta can't keep their power on.  Cross your fingers.  He should arrive in Japan sometime on Tuesday afternoon. 

Brother Challenge:  Connor challenged his younger brother to try this activity - We are extending it to all.  Get a copy of the Book of Mormon.  I will buy one for anyone accepting this challenge, just let me know.  As you read it, highlight every mention of Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, God or Lord.  There are many who don't think that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a Christian religion.  Accept this challenge and judge for yourself.

Updates from Connor:

So we ship out Monday morning at 6:30am. We should have a straight flight to Narita, but we might have a layover somewhere on the west coast.

Thursday - went to the doctor for Greer Chōrō. It took about an hour. I had a good nap.

Friday - pizza day! Best day of the the week that isn't a devotional day. Good game of volleyball.

Saturday - temperature dropped. We played volleyball outside because the gym was super crowded and the sand didn't burn our feet. We got our katakana tags and flight plans.

Sunday - Daniel Judd spoke today. He talked about the importance of conversion for converts and ourselves. I watched "seventeen miracles". I cried again. I cry in all of those movies. When you recognize pioneers that are your ancestors, it gets to you.

Monday: really sore throat today. Went to the doctor to make sure it wasn't strep. Chestnut Chōrō keeps talking in his sleep. We took pictures with the district.

Tuesday - Bonnie L. Oscarson spoke tonight, the General Young Women's President. She spoke encouraging words of trusting in the Lord. Something that she quoted was the story of Sarah and Abraham. In it, an angel told them "is there anything too hard for the Lord". There is nothing that the Lord can't do if we have faith.

Wednesday - last time at the temple. We did some endowments after initiatory. It was great. The temple is a wonderful place to feel the Spirit and the love of God.

The next email I send out will be from Japan, so wish me luck!
Jā nae!

Week Seven - MTC

Thursday - went to the MTC doctor with Greer Choro (Connor's companion). He has really bad luck with his body.

Friday - went off campus to the doctor! It was great! I took a nap in the waiting room. I get to go again tomorrow. It will be a good nap. We did miss pizza day though, but we got to play a great game of volleyball.

Saturday - not much happened today. I have learned about 7 of the kohai's names. There are 33 of them. The water went out in our building, so I had to fall on my water bottle reserve to get ready for Fast Sunday.

Sunday - President Holland spoke. It was about Joseph Smith. A lot of songs we sang helped bring the peace of the Spirit. We learned the Mormon tabernacle choir version of Praise to the Man in one sitting. The choir director shared a story about the power of a hymn and how it is basically a prayer to God and he feels joy when we sing with purpose and the right mindset. There is no doubt in my mind that Jospeh Smith is a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is a true book. If you are having that doubt, get on your knees and ask God because he was at the First Vision and he would love to let you know it.

Monday - we cleaned the classroom today and got a good score. We go back off campus on Thursday.

Tuesday - got to do a puzzle today. Oh, and Elder Anderson came. He told us that our calling is not hard at all. If we put our trust in the Lord and "be a SURE witness of Christ" we will do well. That does not mean our mission is easy. We need to love those we serve as we bring ourselves and others to love God and others. If we "are not discouraged and are courageous" we will return with honor.

Wednesday - I had about 3 bowls of broccoli cheese soup. We are going into SKYPE TRC.


breakfast this morning with another district

     

Week Six - MTC

So we leave the MTC this month!

Some things that I have learned:
     the difference between "sake" and "sakae",
     that there are at least 2 elders in Pakistan and 2 in Vietnam,
     the pizza here is the best,
     the senpai leaving is sad,
     the salad here is good,
     when Stephen B Allen comes, you won't fall asleep,
     service is even better for you when no one notices,
     sewing is a easy skill to practice when you are fixing ties, and
     even the most useless looking textbook can be useful.

So, I did about the same thing as my first couple of weeks. The only difference is that we are the senpai now, with ~33 kohai. The cafeteria keeps getting more and more crowded, and there is lots of construction going on. It should be done by the time Gavin gets here. I can't wait until we are out in Japan! It is going to be so fun. We reviewed a lot of bunpo this week and learned about the culture of Buddhists and the Japanese. I put a suit in for dry cleaning. Everything else was pretty much the same. We did get some cool posters from the senpai's room. Yeah, maybe next week will be different.


We sent questions to Connor this week and were happy to receive the following answers.

Q: How is it going at the MTC? A: Everything here is going great!

Q: Do you need another pair of pajamas? A: I do not need another pair of pajamas but I appreciate the thought.

Q: What would you like in your next package? A: I would really appreciate that poetry book from Grandpa Brockbank. There are a couple of lessons that I could use those in.

Q: What time do you get up in the morning? A: I wake up at 6:15 every morning. (note from Dad - this is an extra 75 minutes of sleep every day due to early morning seminary)

Q: What have you been eating for breakfast? A: Our breakfast is always cereal, eggs and hash browns, or biscuits and gravy. On Sunday morning, they only serve cereal and muffins.

Q: What has been your favorite devotional? A: My favorite  devotional has been Spencer J Condie. He is an emeritus seventy. He talked about how speaking fluently and speaking quickly are completely different. He also shared a story about when his son went on splits with the missionaries. They were talking about the first vision and the investigator doubted that it happened. He told the man "why don't you just ask God, he was there." Condie also reminded us that the Spirit is the one that teaches the investigator.

Q: What is the biggest mistake you have made with the language? A: The worst mistake that I have made is saying "sake" instead of "sakae" which is "alcohol" instead of "glory". So we were asking if Kimura-San wanted celestial alcohol instead of celestial glory.

Q: When are you leaving for Japan? A: I leave for Japan on August 22nd, the day everyone goes back to school.

We were also forwarded a welcome letter to Connor from his mission president with some good information. "Upon arriving in Japan you will be met and brought to the mission home to stay overnight. You will arrive on a Tuesday evening and the following day, Wednesday, will be filled with interviews, orientation meetings, and training. On Thursday you will meet your new companion, You will then be on your way with your companion to your new area that same day."