Still in Takasaki

     Last week for P-day we decided to bike up a mountain in our area for fun. It was a beautiful Spring day and we thought it would take 2 hours to reach the top. We rode our bikes for an hour to reach the foot of the mountain and then started up as it gradually got steeper. We had to change gears to as low as it would go and still had trouble getting up the mountain. Eventually we got off of our bikes and started pushing our way up the mountain. Covered in sweat, we decided to check how much further we had to go. It didn't look good. We still had 6 KM to go, uphill. We decided to go until the top and not regret turning back. What was once a warm pleasant day gradually turned back into winter as we noticed snow and could see our breath. That didn't stop us, nor did the signs that said to beware of bears, we were determined to reach the summit no matter the cost. It sucked! We were freezing our butts of and our legs were shaking they were so tired. But, we made it to the top! There was nothing cool there it turns out and all we really got was bragging rights of saying we did it. At least we weren't quitters.
     We sent off our transferring missionaries and all made it safely to their new areas. We had 4 missionaries come in straight from the MTC and its exciting, to work with them. Elder Ito had a big, buff, baby boy that he brought home who also likes wrestling. We don't wrestle as missionaries but I thought it was cool.
     We went and hung out with the samurais again and cut stuff, including my finger, off! Nah, just kidding. I did cut myself though. I turned my brain off for a second and must've unconsciously wondered how sharp a samurai sword is because I touched it. Instant cut right at contact. That thing was way sharp! I didn't even feel it, it just slid through with zero resistance! Anyway, it's a tiny little thing that a band aid fixed right up but I learned that I need to be less curious and more careful. The samurai we gave a Book of Mormon to has read some of it and likes it! It's pretty cool to work with him.
     We found a kid on the street who looked lost and helped him out, then traded contact info. We called him up later and had dinner and told him about our English class. He came to that class and met members that we had invited and became friends with them. They left together and thus the progression towards baptism begins. It's only a matter of time now. Anyway, we're excited for how this is going to turn out.
     That's about it for this week! Love you all, stay safe!
Elder Rogers

Easter tie (we handed out all the eggs and candy my Momma sent me to the members and kids on the street)