A Time of Relief, Celebration and Faith

 A few days ago Brian took his practical driving test for the second time. This has easily been the most stressful part of the mission. Despite years of driving, converting a US license to a Japanese one is not easy. It takes several months to get your documentation together, pass the written exam (easy) and pass the practical driving exam on a closed course. Even scheduling is drawn out over several weeks for each step. We both failed the driving exam on our first try, now Brian was taking it for the second time. In the meantime, our international driving permits expire in November and word is the Japanese government plans to make the exam even harder in October. We have met people who passed it on their first try, and others who have taken it multiple times. We recently listened to an old talk by Elder Bednar reminding us of the enabling power of the atonement. In it he tells us that like the prophets in the Book of Mormon, we may not be able to change the circumstances of our trials, but we can change how we react to them through accepting Heavenly Father's grace and acting accordingly. This helped realign our perspective. No longer did we focus on prayers on letting us pass the exam, but more on helping us learn and remember the things we need to know and do for the exam. We still pled our case that being unable to drive would seriously hinder our ability to do our work here. Brian continued to study and practice to be prepared, but having that increased faith in the Lord made a huge difference, such that we could accept whatever the outcome. 

Our translator, Brother Sakuma, got stuck in traffic and was running late. We were on our own for registering and paying for the test. However, unlike the first time, we found the people behind the counter very helpful and knew enough English to get through that part. Brother Sakuma did arrive in time for the actual exam. Brian first rode in the back seat to observe the course one more time. However, the first driver failed before completing the course and sent back to the start. Brian had in his mind exactly step by step how to execute the beginning, which included several checks before you even turn on the engine. Then, because it was a hot day, the evaluator immediately said to start the car to have the AC on. Brian made the adjustments, and proceeded with the course. He felt extremely calm and had a greater sense of clarity throughout the course. In the end he passed the exam and now has his Japanese driver's license. There were only five others, out of more than 40, that passed the exam that morning. The Lord answers our sincere prayers, but more importantly we can always trust in him, regardless of the ultimate outcome. 

There is still a lot of other things always going on. We completed the second week of the Vacation Bible School (VBS) where we led the outdoor games for the kids. At the end of the week we attended a luncheon with most of the other volunteers. We really got to make some great friends among both the Catholics and Protestants.

We supported the Young Single Adults (YSA) with a Family Home Evening (FHE) at Mike's Tex Mex, our now regular go to place for Mexican food. We hope to increase attendance since another YSA has moved into the Zama Branch.

We held our last futsol game (5 on 5 soccer) for our 7-9 year old coed team, after which we invited the kids and their families to pizza. We were a little surprised, but humbled when the kids seemed happy we were coaching the next season, but then a little disappointed that we were asked to coach the 10-11 year old boys team. That season will begin on 18 August.

During this latest period, we attended the temple twice: once as ordinance workers, then again as patrons where we did some of our family file sealings. We spent the night on Friday in Tokyo after the temple. The next day we walked a beautiful park across the street from the temple. The walk included a visit from a baby duck. Next to the park we visited a library, and even took a break at a Baskin Robbins food truck.

Over the past couple of weeks, and continuing into for a few more weeks, various communities have been celebrating a major season called Bon Odori. It has been fascinating watching the Japanese hold this festival as a time to honor the spirits of their ancestors. 

We still continue to carry out several other activities that we normally do, including Donna's ongoing quilting project. We are busy, but feel extremely blessed. In our calling here we feel blessed. Our testimonies continue to grow. We learn to trust in the Lord again and again.

Celebration Lunch after Driver's License Success

Wrapping up Protestant VBS

VBS Volunteer Luncheon

FHE with the Young Adults at Mike's Tex-Mex

Attending Zone Conference

Beautiful Evening at the Temple

Park Next to Tokyo Temple

Walking Bridge in Park

Hello Friend!

Japanese Library near Park

Enjoying Baskin Robbins near Temple

Bon Odoi Festival at Camp Zama

Local Community Bon Odori Celebration










Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 11, 2025 at 4:54 AM

    You two look amazingly happy and joyful. Thank you for sharing your experience. I actually found myself praying for you both to pass this test this time. I know without a doubt He hears and answers our prayers. You probably had many in your behalf. We are not there but are with you in this wonderful work.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 11, 2025 at 5:41 AM

    Thanks for the wonderful comment. Yes, he definitely answers prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Katrina WahlquistAugust 22, 2025 at 12:21 PM

    I love all of your pictures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2025 at 3:17 AM

      Thanks for liking our pictures. Not as nice as the ones of the kids, but they do tell a story. Dad

      Delete

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