Elder Watkins Japan Nagoya Mission: Cuz Baby Your A Firework!

Girls at the Matsuri who asked for a picture with us! We felt like rock stars.

Fireworks show at matsuri!

Veteran Missionaries who served here and in Brazil! Super awesome guys.

Fireworks show at matsuri!

Konnichiwaaaa!

This past week we had a Matsuri (festival) in our area. They have a ton of them in the summer. This one was pretty cool, even tho it was raining on and off all day. (We wore rain gear all day). But there were a lot of cool folks at the matsuri. People adore us young Americans, they would say "hello" to us and say random English phrases. One lady gave me free fries. A group of young girls wanted to get a picture with us. I enjoyed the attention, they are so funny haha.

We also met some new friends at the maturi including a new investigator and some past missionaries from 3 years ago. One of them served here in Seto as well as Nagano (like me) and some other places. One of them served in the Fukuoka Japan mission and another in Brazil. They were way cool and chilled with us the rest of the evening, which included an awesome fireworks show and traditional Japanese music. (and some modern favorites too like Let it Go from Frozen and the title of this email by Katy Perry)

   Also this week I kokaned in Seto with Park Choro who serves in Nakatsugawa. So I got to be Sempai for a day. Haven't done that in a while. I wasn't really sure what to do. I am just starting to really figure out this area too. We just walked around and "OYMed" to people. Not many folks were out tho. But it was still fun. I don't know what I'll do whenever I become a real Senior companion tho.

    We also had the Assistants to the Pres, Elders Lazaro and Tsukamoto at our DTM, those guys are way cool. Lazaro was my old Zone Leader and Tsukamoto is my grandpa. They came to film us OYMing to people for a video they are making for the mission. I didn't get to be in it this time cuz I had to catch the train, but it looks way cool.

   Well lastly, this week is the 21st anniversary of the Power Rangers! My childhood heroes who always inspire me to do what's right and be a hero. I feel like one of them right now, I am a ranger in a sense. I go out and fight evil and it is tough but one day I won't be a ranger. And that will be strange. So I need to make the most of the time I have now to invite every body. I may not always know what to do, but I know that we can receive revelation that will tell us what the Lord needs done.

   Well, have a great week getting back to school and all. And as always, may the Power protect you all.

Love,
Watkins Choro