August 2nd - Back Home

Dear Friends - It's 10:30AM Friday morning, and the team, except for Seiko, has been back in the U.S. for almost 24 hours now.  This is the first time in over 2 weeks that I didn't have breakfast with the mission team - it feels kinda strange.  It was also the first time in 2 weeks that I didn't have a salad with my breakfast.  We even had a salad when eating our breakfasts at the hotel in Tokyo.  There are little routines around the house I"ve forgotten about and am still relearning.  The time change hasn't hit me this morning, but I'm sure I'll feel it sometime soon.
     While we were in Tokyo, Donny was our tour guide and navigator.  He did a great job of finding places for us to visit, shop, and most importantly, places for us to eat.  He found us a shuttle service when we went to Disneyland.  We had nice comfortable seats, a restroom, and a ride without multiple stops.  When going to the airport Thursday morning, he found another shuttle that went from a nearby hotel to the airport.  Although there were stops at 2 other hotels, we had reservations and guaranteed seats so we were able to travel comfortably without fighting the morning crowds on the train with our luggage.
     The three young'uns on the team, Jayden, Jonathan & Mason, are also very proficient in using the internet and GPS.  I was the only one in Tokyo, from our team, who would be in big trouble if I became lost.  When we would come out of buildings, hotels and stores, they would all know exactly which way to go and where to make turns.  I come out of buildings and spend 5 minutes deciding if I should go left or right.
     Donny, Mason, Jayeden & Jonathan all have a strong moral and spiritual compass and navigation system.  Being with them for 2 weeks in Japan allowed me to witness this in action.  They are strong witnesses for Jesus Christ and great representatives of Crossway Church.
     It's a little strange to be in the U.S. again - but it's a great blessing to be back with the family again.  There might be another post for this blog, if other things pop into my head.  Thanks to all of you who have read the blog and prayed for us during the mission trip.  God be with you and bless you.  With love, Don

"Those wild and crazy kids!"  Mason, Jonathan, Jayden & Donny excited
about the 3 types of gyoza that Chihoyo-sensei prepared for us - boiled,
steamed and grilled.

Don with Chihoyo-sensei, Chi-chan, & Kawano-sensei

Kieko Hashimoto, a church member, performed
a "gospel hula" for us.  She also played piano to
accompany us when we sang at the worship service..

Donny, Mason & Jayden when we visited Utsunomiya University.

Donny, Mason & Jonathan oblivious to the Kawanos seeing
us off from the Utsunomiya train station.

"I scream, you scream, we all scream for...."

Jayden catching flies on our bus ride to the airport.

The mission team with the Ichikawa family.  Ichikawa-sensei was the
pastor of Utsunomiya Kyokai for 23 years before retiring.  They continue
to attend the church.

Marie Ichikawa performed the tea ceremony for the mission
team.  Here she's showing Jayden how to hold the tea cup.
 

Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 2, 2019 at 1:13 PM

    Dear Don, thank you for all the updates! It has been such a blessing to hear about all the ways God used the team and all the relationships that are being nurtured. I praise God for each one of you and for your hearts to serve and bring glory to Him. Welcome home!

    ReplyDelete

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