April 19, 2000

Dear Family,

Well, I got the news! I'm transferring tomorrow morning to Ueda - in Nagano prefecture. I will be Senior companion and District Leader. My companion will be Elder MacDonald from Provo. I hear he's a very hard worker. He's been in Japan about six months.

This sure has been a great time in the Honbu! I've learned so much, especially from watching the AP's good examples and other people. I've loved working so closely with the Dendoubucho! I had lunch with him and Sister Komatsu today, as a farewell lunch (we had udon - thin noodles!) They're so wonderful, fun, and have so much understanding and love. The Dendoubucho wanted me to tutor him on his computer before I left, too, so we did a bit of that today (hisashiburi! [it's been a long time!]} It was fun. I sure love President and Sister Komatsu. It'll be tough to see them go in a few months.

Well, now I'm onto other important things, regular missionary work, and the like. I'm a little scared and feel very inadequate, but that's okay, because I AM inadequate; at it forces me to rely on the Lord to get things done. I know he can help me (he has to - becuase I sure can't do it by myself) )

Ueda, like most of Nagano-ken, is very spacy (spacious?) - many beautiful mountains, a lot of rice fields, not many tall buildings or cities.  Plus, the area is HUGE! About 10 - 15 times the size of Matsudo area, I estimate. It would probably take 3 - 4 hours to ride from the top to the bottom of the area, but I'll find the true numbers soon - I just estimate that from looking at the map.

This week's been very good, with loving friends at Eikaiwa, Stake and Zone Conference, and other apartment, but the best thing that happened this week was that...

Carl got baptized!!! Carl Wakamoto - from Adachi! The genius, funny inventor I played football with and talked to so much. He got baptized! I'm so happy! He is such a wonderful person, I'm so happy he recognized the truth and obeyed, and can now have all the joy Heavenly Father wants him to have.

I love this work and this Gospel so much! I know this church is true! I'm grateful for Jesus Christ, and his sacrifice and love. You all are the greatest! Thank you for your endless encouragement and support.

Love,

Elder Brandon Pearce

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