Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Final Week in the Land of the Rising Sun

Dearest family,

I am looking forward to seeing and speaking with you in about a week. Until then, this week will be the best week of my mission. We have filled our planners with appointments with investigators and we are going to work our hardest that we possibly can. I don't want it to end but I recognize that there is a time and a season for all things. I love the work and the people here in Japan so, so much.

The main thing I would like to do next week before I head back to the CG is just spend time with family. I hope that's okay. I know it will be a pretty hectic few days, haha.

Thank you so so much for your love and support while I have served here. This has been a monumental almost-2 years, a life-changing and soul-shaping experience. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It has been nothing but sweet memories. I'm looking forward to another week of such memories.



I love you and I love my Savior. He is truly at the helm as we sail the stormy tempest, and we have nothing to fear. Of this I testify boldly, having gained a personal witness and conviction of the reality of the Savior.

With apologies to my past companion Elder Charlton (who probably won't see this anyway), I leave you with these final words, which don't take effect for another week or so yet: mission accomplished.

Love always,
Elder Naylor
ネイラー長老


The tables have turned

Hey family,

I love you all so much and it feels crazy that I will be seeing you in about two weeks. But for now I am feeling more motivated than ever to just preach and teach and turn Fukuroi upside down, haha.

saying goodbye in Meito
It has been so great to come back and visit with the people here in this area whom I love so much. I am sad that there has been some recent disobedience in this area that has caused some problems with trust and effectiveness but those problems are going away and the work is going great. We have seen a lot of miracles this past week. I have two new companions, Elder C and Elder J. Elder C is from Brazil and I have known him since he first came to the mission last summer, we are great friends. Elder J is a new missionary that I remember picking up at the airport earlier this winter, I am very impressed with him and we are all getting along great and working hard.

I really love the work here so much. I don't want it to end. I hope all is well back home, you are always in my prayers. I love you!

Love always,
Elder Naylor


a recent convert here in Fukuroi has a Japan Coast Guard hat, I love it!

Elder S and I, reunited in the Fukuroi apt this week . . . I trained him here almost a year ago, and now he is my zone leader in Shizuoka! The tables have turned, ha!

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Holy Week

Dearest family units,

It's been a great week, and we are preparing for Easter. Happy Easter to everyone! Things are going well here. The new AP Elder S is transitioning smoothly and he is wonderful. I am grateful to have him taking my place, and I know that the missionaries are in good hands.

This past week has been kinda crazy because President Yamashita is away from the mission for 10 days (he has been asked to attend General Conference and get his new assignment from the Brethren), so we have basically been in charge for the past week. It has been nerve-wracking not having the President here, but so far things have been going relatively smoothly.

I am really excited to head back to Fukuroi next week, on Tuesday! I am looking forward to just working as hard as I possibly can, focusing on nothing but straight-up missionary work and building up the area.

It has also been really a weird feeling coming down towards the end of everything, and I confess I have caught myself crying on more than one occasion this past week. I love it here so much.

I hope all is well for all of you. Thank you so much for all of the emails and letters and love. It means so much. I hope you have a wonderful Easter. Here's a message I know you will appreciate. I love my Savior!

Then said Jesus unto them, Be Not Afraid . . . Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28)
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I have been in contact with Mrs. Rose from the CG and she said to go ahead and wait to call her until I get home. With regards to the flight plans, I would love to be able to attend church back in Boise on Sunday if that's a possibility before flying back east, but I understand if that wouldn't work out. If that wouldn't work out, then maybe a Saturday flight would be best so I could attend church back east on Sunday. Please let me know whatever works best. Thank you so much.

I love you!!!!

Love always,
Elder Matt

Picture: Today was the last day playing soccer with the bros, so we took a picture! I will miss them!!

soccer with Elder Levitate