Merry Christmas from Tokyo!

So, I was transferred to Tokyo!
I am serving in the Tokyo 2nd (English speaking) Ward.
Crazy!
This is where I grew up (it was called Tokyo 3rd ward then).
I was baptized here when I was 8 years old!

I didn't dream I would be assigned to this area and was a little concerned about switching over to English, but when I walked in this building and realized that this is where my testimony began, I realized that this is where God wants me at this time.
It has been so wonderful seeing so many dear friends of my family from many years ago.
The members here are having a hard time calling me Sister Orton because they still remember me as a 13 year old girl named Emily.
I spoke in Sacrament meeting and there happened to be a man visiting from Saipan (where my little brother is serving his mission). I won't see my brother for 3 years because of our missions overlapping, but it was great to see someone he knows and get news of him.
My new companion, Sister Gates, is great! We are already hard at work with some really wonderful people.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is such a blessing! It is such a beautiful thing to see how it can change lives for the better. And it is an even better thing to be able to play a small part in helping others find and learn the gospel!
I couldn't ask for anything more!
Merry Christmas!