First email- July 31, 2014

We were so lucky to get an email on Thursday, the day after she went into the MTC. It was her P day and it gave me great  comfort to hear the excitement in her voice, and know she was feeling the spirit so strongly there. Here it is.

Konichiwa,

      Well I am here. We only have 15 minutes right now to just give you a quick update. My P day is on Thursday, so hai(yes). I'm going to try and write Japanese... No judging. But anyway whoa sorry i don't know what to say. I am also in the process of writing you a letter so I will try and give you more info there.

     But, it is so weird to be here. It doesn't feel weird. So i am in a tricompanionship. My companions names are Cooper Shimai, and Adams Shimai. They are both from Utah and they are also going to Sapporo. Adams Shimai reminds me sooo much of Hailey Graham. But I really like them. They are super cute, and fun, and sweet. Hai, I just feel really blessed to have them. But we are the only Shimais in our zone as of right now. So we are already sister training leaders haha. Oh Dad, they still do SYL. We are not very good at it but i mean it is only day 2 so hopefully it will get better.

     Oh ya they totally just speak japanese to us.Our teachers aren't allowed to speak english to us... I might die it's fine. And we teach our first lesson in Japanese tomorrow... But, this is bad but our teachers are pretty dang cute,,, One is married though soooo. Oh ya, but the choros in our district are. so . immature. They are all 18 and it shows. Plus we are the only shimais so we are praying for some major patience. But they seem to be catching on to Japanese faster so they can help us there. 

    I already got those winter underclothes from Amazon. So that was a nice surprise! But I have so many clothes so I'm pretty sure I will be sending some back somehow. But if there is any way you can send me like some of my body spray that would be great!

    Also! Send me some pics! Family pics, pics of friends, anything. I didn't bring one. Oh, I saw Kenzee. I have actually seen her quite a bit since yesterday which is nice. I saw Carley this morning! It was so cool! 

    I don't know, it just doesn't even seem real. But the Spirit is so strong and mostly i am really tired. But i am going to wrap it up. Send me letters! I'm ok and alive i love and miss you.

    Ai shite mas.

    Kempner Shimai

Let The Adventures Begin...Sapporo bound- Into the MTC

What a tearful, beautiful, heart wrenching, glorious, spiritual day.

 

Tummies were too nervous for food, so we opted for Jamba Juices



A tender moment.



I couldn't be more proud of this family.



So blessed to be a mother and wife of this family



I love this girl.



I'm sure he will be taller than her when she gets back.



They totally look like sisters here.



So do they.



She will be such an amazing missionary.



hugs and kisses



We gathered in a circle, held hands and said one last family prayer. It was such a tender, sweet moment.



I love this picture.

At the MTC, moments before. I think it had been such a crescendo building up
to this moment, that she was totally ready for it when it happened.  



Watching her walk away I was so full of different emotions, pride, sadness
joy, heartache, gratitude, grief, but knowing she is in her Heavenly Fathers hands
makes it all so much easier.



Going, going, gone.....

'twas the night before leaving....

With the Stake President and our dear friend Rich Saunders. He gave her such a
beautiful blessing as he set her apart. There were amazing blessings and promises
given that set my mind at peace and let her know she is going  right where the Lord
wants and needs her.



With Bishop O'Hara. He has only been her Bishop for a couple of months since she
was a Snow college, but we couldn't have gotten a kinder, more compassionate, loving
Bishop. We feel truly blessed to be where we are.



Back home to finish up the packing. We made it all fit, (almost).



This is about midnight right here



She loves her sister.



Taa Daa. the first of many miracles.

Let the miracles begin...packing a girl for 18 months and 4 seasons

 Bella wanted to be a part of it all. 

Alexis does have a shoe problem.

 It doesn't even show the 2 snow boots she took.

 Reading over the list to make sure she didn't miss anything. 

Only 3 suitcases, really???

I love the deer in the headlight look that she has in this picture.

Farewell Day, July 27, 2014

 She did such a good job on her farewell talk, it was on a talk by President Uchtdorf called "Are You Sleeping Through the Restoration." She didn't sound nervous or even get emotional. She is not my daughter. The day couldn't have been more perfect, thanks to all the friends and family who helped with food and yard and everything. Here are some pictures to show the great day.