Monday, September 23, 2013

Week 16!! Another baptism!

Dear Family!
 
  This week has been a very eventful week!  I really can not believe how fast the weeks are going at this point..It's actually really weird!  But there is so much work to be done and it is so fun to be able to be a part!  There really was so many things this week, so I will try to make describe everything good, but there was a lot so I will try my best!
 
  First things first....WE HAD A BAPTISM!  We were able to baptize Sister M_____ last week!  We baptized her this last Wednesday, and we were able to do it in the OCEAN.  Yes, I have officially had my first ocean baptism.  It was such an incredible experience!  I will send a seperate email with all of the pictures, but it was so amazing!  Thank you for all of your prayers.  I really think that they helped her make that final walk out into the water and receive baptism.  I was able to have the opportunity to confirm her the following Sunday!  So I have been blessed to have confirmed two people, in Japanese, in my first transfer!  So scary but seriously one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I can not believe how amazing it is to see someone after they have been baptized, and just how happy they are, and how blessed their life can be!  Amazing.
 
  Next big thing that happened this week was the transfer.  I won't lie to you it has been kind of a hard week!  I was really sad to hear that I wasn't going to be companions with Elder Hall anymore..but I met my companion on Friday and he is so cool!  His name is Elder Pronk, and he is from Canada!  He is a really cool, chill guy and is the same transfer as Elder Hall!  He LOVES snowboarding and he has a video of him throwing a double backflip!  He is like a pro its ridiculous but he is way cool!  We picked them up from the station and we just started talking about the work and we have all the same focus so it is way cool!  We have really high expectations for Sanjo, and I am really excited to have the chance to work with him.  I think that it is going to be an amazing transfer.
 
  So along with Elder Hall and Elder Sellers leaving, things have been a little more stressful.  But really good!  Basically I am the area Sempai, Sempai means like the older, wiser person kind of thing? It's hard to explain in English but basically it kinda means like I'm the "senior companion" just for knowing the area and knowing all of the investigators.  So its been pretty intense.  I have basically been making all the decisions and making all the appointments and stuff and it has been pretty intense!  It has definitely been different..but I have loved having some more responsibility and the best part is, we have actually been really successful!  We have been able to meet with a lot of people and things are going really good!  So even though it has maybe been a little more intense, it has been really fun.  I love the challenge.
 
  So a crazy busy week trying to get my old companions out and a new companion in!  We really were all over the place, but I think that we are back on track and really have things worked out and we are just ready to go to work!  So many miracles waiting to happen here in Sanjo, I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us this transfer.  MIRACLES.  I know this church is true and I know that this work is his work.  We are trusted to bring his children closer to him and as we work our hardest, trust in him, and have that faith, he will bless us with miracles.  I have seen it over and over.  I am so blessed to be here.  I know that the people of Japan are ready to hear this message.  Times are changing, and I know that as we are BOLD we will be able to bless the lives of theJapanese people tremendously.  I am so blessed to come from such an amazing family, and have so many incredible friends to support me!  Thank you for all that you do.  It means the world to me and helps me when things are hard to know that you are back home cheering me on.  I love you guys so much!  I pray for you every single night and every single morning, and a lot of times throughout the day too.  Pretty much just constantly..haha but just know how much I love you and how much I love this gospel!
 
With all of my love,
 
Elder Cottle




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