We've arrived in Japan

Homer Family,

Alright, so here I am in Japan. The plane ride went well. I sent a letter from the Mission Home out to you all about the plane ride and stuff. The plane was huge and had two decks on it. We were shoved in there pretty tight for around 14 hours. I slept for a lot of it but there were some long parts. They gave us two meals that were good. Some guy on the plane asked if my comp and I had the same first name, guess I need to get used to that kind of stuff.

So we got into Tokyo and were a little late so we had to hustle. They told us in SLC that we wouldn't get our bags until Osaka, but when we were going down the stairs we saw them unloading our bags so we got lucky. We got through customs and practically ran but made it with 10 minutes to spare. The flight to Osaka was only about an hour. We met the President, his wife and the assistants outside and from there we headed to the mission home. Ate food there and went to bed. I was jet lagged for about two days, but I'm over it now.

Lots of training over the next day. It was fun trying to talk to the new Japanese Elders. I have ALOT to learn, but am ready to tackle the challenge. It will take awhile but I am excited. The next day we got our trainers. My trainer is Elder Swartz. He is from Florida and is on his last transfer. We headed out to our apt. from there. Took trains which was a new experience and talked to some college aged guys and gave them English class pamphlets (we hand out alot of those.) We got to the apt., which ic cool. Sliding doors (not paper) and tatami mats, I will send some pictures to you when I can. We are with 2 other Elders also, Elder Murphy and Stinton, both are great Elders. We had a lesson after that so we rode more trains to meet someone in front of McDonalds, but he never showed up which was a disappointment. While I was standing there some girl rode by on a bike and when she saw me she turned around and yelled Akai, which means red, and looked pretty amazed. I get a ton of funny looks and stares from everyone, it makes me chuckle. Anyways we just contacted for the rest of the day.

The next day we went and got me registered so I can get my Gajin or foreigner card and also got my bike. It cost me around $580 for the bike, light, basket on the back and insurance, which is average. It's a good one. Giant is the brand. After that we went and did transfer planning and contacted again. We had 2 appointments that day both fell through. Sunday was great getting to meet all of the members. They all tried to speak simply to me but I still had no idea what was going on half of the time, but I will get it sooner or later...I hope. After church we ate then went out and tried to contact but it was a bad evening. We only got one decent one.

So here we are, its P day, next week it will be on Tuesday because of Zone Conference. We cleaned the apartment and planned for shopping. Hopefully we get some good contacts tonight and can do some lessons soon.

So that's Japan. It's really crazy in this area. Iam in Nishinomia. It is near Kobe and is pretty much part of Kobe. Straight up city. I haven't seen any fields or grass like at home, it's all city. Alot of fun getting to see new stuff. I just can't wait until I know what people are saying and when I can read the Kanji all over, it will be better. It's exciting and I am glad to be here.

I need to get Burns's address, Drew's and Spencers, Trents, Bishop Burr and Brandon's addresses too. Oh and say hi to Cami for me. She wrote to me every week, it was awesome, send me her address too.

Alright, I think that's it for this email. Crazy week. It is fun seeing all sorts of stuff and getting to do actual missionary work. I am excited for our first baptism and we are going to have to work hard to get it but I think we will.

Love you tons.

Cam