Hi, another new member here, posting from Japan.

Hi people, I've been reading this site on and off for a few years, but this is my first time to have the confidence to reg lol.

I'm interested in lots of things, I think I'm pretty hard to classify (or I'd like to think so anyway lol) but I try to be honest with my feelings and opinions. I'm going to have some political and religious views that bother a lot of people I think, but I will try not to be annoying about it. One thing I really respect about this board is how you all are so polite to each other and well mannered. I can't tell you how refreshing that is. I'll try to be worthy of it myself.

About me...lets see...I'm 22, female, American. I'm not in America right now, though. I'm in Japan. This is also a big part of the reason I decided to post here. I really find the Japan threads quite useful and informative and I'm hoping I might be able to contribute something as an on-the-ground witness to events so to speak.

The backstory on that is that I was an LDS (Mormon) missionary here. I'm not any longer. In fact, I have formally left the church after a series of events caused me to deeply question my faith. I still am trying to find my way forward with that whole kettle of fish. Let's just say the last few months have been earth-shattering for me: First spiritually and then in actual literal fact when the earthquake hit. The other Sister who was with me (we work in pairs) returned home but for reasons I'm not fully sure of I want to stay here. I think I am called upon to help the people here. Not as a missionary but as a human being with two hands and a heart. I want to go dig ditches, wrap bandages, hand out bottled water, whatever, for the refugees, with no thought for myself or for anything. I think it is Providence that first I left the chuch and then the quake happend. The events have made me not a religious person, which was my identity before, but simply a human being who wants to respond to people in pain.

I can't go up north yet for a bunch of different reasons and actually I'm not sure I might not ever be able to. For now I am staying in Tokyo and I'm doing what little I can, which isn't much because basically I'm broke lol but I've never been happier and never felt more like a real human.

Anyway, that's what I can bring to ATS.

What else...I have strong political opinions like I said about just about everything and everyplace lol so I will need to take my mind off Japan in those kinds of threads. I also like the speculative stuff, aliens, spirituality and philosophy, all that good stuff...bring it on but be gentle lol

reply to post by Partygirl


Welcome!

I am also a individual who grew up Mormon, but ever since a series of events dealing with things unknown/unexplained that started when I was five, I started to question what I was being raised in and how nobody from that church could ever answer my questions (I love to ask questions and challenge things, especially when the answers just don't add up.) I denounced that faith when I was 12, but couldn't get away from it until I was 18, and I'm still having problems with church members who can't face the fact I am never coming back. I also have opinions and views that quite a bit of people don't agree with or don't want to hear, so I'm glad to hear someone else who was raised as I was is thinking for themselves and can question things too!

Welcome on ATS..

I think you allready showed that you are polite enough to handle conversation on this board, i think you really are a good human being, your drive is the best a human can have (helping others without thinking of ones self), to me that says a lot about a person. I hope for you and all other people in Japan (And affected area's), that everything is going to work out well.

I'm not really a frequent poster, but do read up a lot of stuff here on these boards, it can be helpfull but it also can be a pain in the *ss sometimes.

I hope you have a good time on this forum,

Greetings, Bauwser.

yokouso pa-ti garu!

dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

watashi wa osutoraria-jin desu, mochi watashi no uchi wa nagano-ken desu.

ja mata ne!

reply to post by Partygirl

Welcome and it is nice that you are willing to be a source of on the ground info channel about what is really going on in tokyo. I hope you can find some japanese family who can offer you the hospitality of staying with them. Cost of living is very high in japan and it is difficult to survive without an income. Keep in touch with ats and maybe someone can help you out by introducing their relatives to you.

reply to post by Partygirl


Welcome! I give you much credit for your bravery and choices to stay in Japan! I will say that faith in a higher power is all that's necessary. Belonging to a specific religious organization is not bad but limiting, in my opinion, of course.

Stay grounded in your higher power and you will prosper in many ways during these trying times. There is something to be said for how powerful prayer is and can be.

Greetings and good luck.

reply to post by Partygirl


Welcome to ats. I am happy to hear you have abandoned your old faith in order to find your own path, i hope that turns out well for you.

Hi girl, your most welcome

reply to post by Partygirl





Hi Partygirl, and welcome to the Introductions Forum, a place to say hello to the ATS community. For now you can reply to any thread in any member forum you wish, as well as send & receive (PM's)Private Messages to Staff only for now. Once you have achieved 20 posts, you will then be able to start your own threads and additionally send & receive messages to and from fellow ATS members.

Some handy links, links and more links.

Index of Important ATS Related Threads

Start Here - ATS Freshmans Forum

Hey new members!! Come here if you need advice

Starting a New Thread ?... Look Here First

Terms & Conditions Of Use (Please read)

Rules for Avatars and Mini-Profile Background images

Signature Guidelines




Take your time and enjoy. If you have any questions just ask.

Sauron,
Super-Moderator.

Hi Partygirl, welcome to ATS. Now, prepare for a lot of flags and lot of dudes trying to strike up convos lol.

reply to post by Partygirl


A warm welcome to you, PartyGirl.
I know where you are coming from.I was raised in a Baptist home from birth until I was 18.One Sunday I told my parents I wasn't going anymore (that went over REAL well
) That was 24 years ago, and with the exception of a few weddings and funerals, I have not stepped foot in a church since. That does not mean I am not spiritual, but I gave up on 'organized religion" a long time ago....
Anyway, again welcome and please be safe over there.....

From somebody deep inside the Mormon Vatican; Welcome to the board.