Month in Japan

So Saturday is the mark of our one month being in Japan. It almost feels like we have been here longer, but nonetheless I think we are enjoying every minute of it. We are growing so much as a couple and the culture around us. I am very eager to start learning Japanese better, because it would be so nice to converse and be able to understand the Japanese more.

To catch you up on our month. On October 9th we went to Fuji Safari with Mary and JT. Fuji Safari had so many different animals like lions, tigers and bears OH MY! There were also zebras (my favorite), and elk (which made me think of my grandpa), they had baby cubs which we were unable to make it in time to take a picture with and get to hold, but next time we go it is for sure happening! The thing is though it is a drive through and you go in your cars!

You drive through and the animals will actually come up to and walk in front of your car. It is so amazing! That day we were supposed to go to a Fuji Q to ride the roller coasters but it was raining. We have noticed that it rains at least twice a week. :) It is crazy, but pretty great.

We also went to a Ramen house which was so delicious and makes for some pretty good practice for using chopsticks. I am getting pretty good, I must say. Going out and socializing with the Japanese is such a great experience! I would probably say hands down they are the most polite people in the world that I have met thus far in whole.With our new friends Justina and Oscar, we went to a place for beef bowls! It is considered the Japanese fast food, you wouldn't guess it though, the first bite of it was epic!

We also went with them by train to Fushikawa to the Shoa Park, where they had so much and we didn't even get to see half of the entire park. What we did see was they had a water park that wasn't going, boat rides, beautiful gardens of flowers, and Japanese men playing croq

uet. There were so many people walking around, the Japanese live in such small places that they go out of the house as much as they can. The only thing is I don't know how they do so much, because everywhere you go it costs money. It is kind of sad how bad the exchange rate

is.

Right now I am doing Introduction to Macroeconomics for one of my classes and it has made me want to learn and understand things better about our economy and how it works. It is really cool to get the Japanese side of the spectrum in our online conversations with classmates as well. School has been taking up most of my time during the days, but its great I am getting into a groove with my schedule and I love it. Focusing on eating better, exercise, my education, growth in the church, and getting close to my love is great. I think we are stronger members of the church here than we were in Utah of all places. The church here is extraordinary and people are so welcoming everywhere you go. We went to the Temple last night with a few members from our ward and it was a wonderful experience. I was really nervous, but after going back I can't wait to go again.

The Temple is just so amazing and so peaceful. One Japanese lady came up to us and talked to us for a bit and it was so nice, it was hard to understand her english at times but showing her we cared what she said and enjoyed talking to her I think it meant a lot to her for us to take the time.

Japan is definitely where we need to be. As much as I miss all my family and friends I know that this is where we need to be. I love every chance I get to talk to everyone and send messages and it almost makes me feel a bit closer. Sayonara!