Miracles & Mormons
One interesting thing that has reoccurred throughout our stay in Japan, is how our homeland culture appears before and amongst many conversations. What culture is that? Utahns? Republicans? Mormons? Polygamists? SLC? How about all of the above. We have met many people who are actually from Utah, some even from home cities of Ogden and Holladay, quite randomly. Then we have met those (Americans and many Japanese) whom have never even met someone from Utah, let alone may not know of its existence unless you mention the 2002 Olympics or Jazz.
But something that defines Utah is the whole Mormon culture aspect. We have had many strange and random events relating to this.
1. One day while wandering a small city, back on Shikoku, we just walked out of a convenience store talking about funny Utah things and noticed a church cross steeple off in the distance of a few blocks. (Now for those who don’t know of Mormon churches, they definitely would not ever have a cross anywhere on the building) I jokingly remarked, “oh, speaking of Utah there’s a Mormon Church.”, then we began crossing the street and low and behold two Missionaries were there talking to an elderly Japanese man. Talk about coincidence!
2. Just a week ago, temperatures were amazingly nice, so we went on a walk around our home city. We enjoyed a long leisure river park stroll. Soon we got hungry and decided to head back. As we walked through new neighborhoods, again we randomly were talking of Utah, and I had pondered “since we now live in a much larger city, I wonder if a Mormon church exists here.” The heavens then opened shooting a beam of light down, well not really; but within 100 feet a Mormon church meetinghouse appeared. We definitely could identify it with its very plain facade and lobby decor of Kinkade and Friberg paintings. Again talk about coincidence!
Anyways, besides these strange events, Samantha has also involved herself in several rather humorous discussions enlightening our new friends to Mormon culture. Let’s just say her method definitely wouldn’t fly down in Provo, Utah. Telling about gold plates, Joe Smith, angels, magical hats, words of wisdom, the PBS documentary on Mormons, no smoking or drinking, pioneers, and the South Park episode All About the Mormons. Oh my dear Samantha is quite the cute and funny little character. I sometimes jump in to correct a few things, but all in all she practically knows enough about Mormons as much as a Mormon.
Our Utah Motherland is becoming more and more popular with its uniqueness, being able to refer of Mitt Romney, Sundance, the Broadway Book of Mormon musical, Big Love, the state that doesn’t drink, Jell-O, Sister Wives, highest ranked pill popping state, Moab, Prison Break, a possible Chinatown being made, free outdoor concerts, and those amazing Ski Resorts. I’ve always wanted to leave and distance myself from Utah, even telling people I was from California; but the more I learn how bizarre and abnormal Utah is (especially to those whom have no knowledge of the state) the more I am glad to say I came from Salt Lake City.