Another chilly, overcast-with-random-bursts-of-rain week here in Obihiro. Youd think it`d be winter here in a few weeks or something. Last Monday the 6 elders here went to the zoo, it must be mating season or something because fights were breaking out all over, we saw monkeys, kangaroos, and condors going at it. There was also a Mandril monkey sticking his tongue out at us, an elephant flicking snot at us, and other random stuff. I dont know what we enjoyed more, the animals or making fun of each other making fun of the animals. We left Tuesday to go on splits in Kushiro, where there are 4 elders, we went on splits with all of them and got back Friday. I got to party with my favorite old companion Elder Ishiga, who is on his last transfer and going home in 2 weeks! We all went to the best sushi on the island, stayed up late playing cards, and had a good time. Saturday was pretty normal, a member had a BBQ with the 11 of us and a few other investigators and all, it was this one sister missionaries birthday, I got here a wind up rat that scurries across the floor, told her to have fun with it when other people stay the night at her apt. Sunday was normal, went to church, this white family of 5 from Seattle came, I assume the dad was a missonary here 20 years ago and is back to visit, but nope. Doesnt know any Japanese, he is a heart surgeon and was here for a conference. We translated for them, they had some fun while here. Today we are going to the onsen, thats the host springs, and this week we go out on splits in the most remote are in the mission. Should be fun! Elder Andrew Kade Jones