Mou ichido onegaishimasu -Week 10 - September 29, 2025 - MTC/Chiba

I'm officially in Japan! Arriving here has definitely been one of the most exciting and terrifying experiences of my life. The people are amazing, the food is amazing, my comp is amazing, but being in a new country and not having a clue what to do has been scary to say the least. But the Lord provides a way!

Highlights: 

-Food! (I've tried gyouza, katsu, and onigiri so far) (all incredible)

-Companion! His name is Elder Jacaboski and he's so dependable

-Members! I've only met with them twice so far, and they already are on my top 10 people ever list.

-First Area! I've been called to Chiba, Chiba. It's pretty much as city as it gets! 

Not highlights:

-Natto (fermented beans) (not good) (yet)

-Inability to actually speak Japanese

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In reference to the title, mou ichido onegaishimasu (もう一度尾根がします) means "one more time," which is very useful when trying to understand someone who is speaking at the speed of light, but unfortunately no matter how many times I say it, I still can't understand the McDonalds cashier. 

Needless to say I have felt very inadequate. This language is hard! The culture is different! But I also have a responsibility to help as many people as I can. So far it feels like I haven't been able to do that very well, but yesterday I really broke down and just had to turn to Christ. He answered my prayers! It wasn't the answer I wanted (to be able to talk to people), but it came in the form of peace and comfort that what I was doing actually was doing something. Even if all I could say was "hello" or just simply smile at them, that was doing something. 

Elder Kearon had the opportunity to share a message with our branch in the MTC, and it ties into this perfectly, "Teach the Plan of Salvation without saying a word." That was a prophet, seer, and revelator's advice for us! The Lord loves us so much! He's not expecting us to be perfect, or to instantly do everything right. He loves the effort. The Savior loves it when we try! I hope everyone is doing well, and I know that Heavenly Father sent his Son Jesus Christ to help you. All we have to do is try! 

Elder Wardle

Pictures: 千葉駅 Chiba train station, メロンパン melon bread, Beach!, Sunset, Tokyo Temple, Missionary action figures (because why not)