Mission Shinkansen

I've been thinking about you all so much! 😘
We are still on the high speed Train ride. We are praying at the end of this first 6 week transfer, we will know more of what’s coming ahead. 

I have so much to write to you and the family. We haven't really had a p-day yet. Each day is so full of scheduled activities, plus the unexpected. I can’t even keep the mission hours of 6:30am-10:30pm. We are keeping the extended hours of “earlier to rise and later to bed!” I told Pres that I really need to keep just the mission schedule outlined in PMG (preach my Gospel). 😉

Our IFR (infield representative), Bro Thomas, at church missionary headquarters said that we are being truly "baptized by fire." He told us the experiences we've had so far, usually happen during the first year, not the first three weeks on a new president’s assignment. That's probably why it feel likes it's been 3 months already! Pres. Caplin says it feels more like a year to him!

Today, we have an Elder here at the hospital just going in for an emergency appendectomy. We have another Elder needing to fly home next week for a special cardiologist appointment. A few years before his mission he had a heart valve replacement and last week in his 6 month checkup he was told he needed a "defibrillator." So he's flying home to TX for a second opinion. He is not being released and hopefully will be able to finish his mission. Sunday we had 3 Elders spend the night at the mission home (we had to take them to the airport at 5am yesterday-Monday). Two Elders are going home for foot surgeries (one broken foot and one painful bunions). The other Elder Nield (Lehi) just finished his 2 years and was returning home two weeks early for a basketball camp/scholarship. We had a wonderful weekend attending his two baptisms (Elia of Honduras & Jaztene of the Philippines) on Saturday night. Pres. Caplin and I were able two weeks earlier to go with Elder Nield on a missionary discussion with Elia. My assignment was to ask Elia to commit to baptism (she's been through all the lessons and hadn't committed yet). I prayed during the lesson for guidance and help. Two scriptures came to my mind: 2 Nephi 25:26 & 2 Nephi 31:10-12. I shared them with her. She was touched by the spirit and said she was now ready to be 

baptized.  Then Pres. Caplin asked if July 21 would be a good date. She said "yes!" Elder Neild was so happy. What a great way to end his mission. I played the piano for the baptism and sacrament meeting (Spanish). Pres Caplin did the confirmation in Spanish (but the blessing part in English). It’s been amazing meeting these many faithful spanish speaking members and investigators from all over the world.

We have so many stories to share! I'm hoping to get to the computer before bed tonight.

Tomorrow begins our Mission Zone Conferences! Oh, what a high speed train we are on. It's the mission Shinkansen for sure!! 🚊 Hoping for a Depot stop soon. 

Hugs and kisses to you all. 😘

Happy Pioneer Day! We love you.

Love,
Sister Toni (Hermana Caplin this week)