Amysan

Yesterday, we had a picnic at the park near where we live. It’s right near the waterfront. It was so humid yesterday – even though the park is really only a couple blocks from where we live, i think we were all dripping sweat by the time we got to the park. Ridiculously hot. We set up a tent and put some tarps on the ground, and waited for people to show up. We had invited some of the families and kids from VBS to the picnic and a few said they would be there. The area where we live is about a 40 min train ride from where Nokendai Community Center is and so we weren’t sure if people would show up. It is not very common for people to travel that far to go to church or attend a picnic. Still it was a pretty good turnout. Shortly after a few of the families arrived, a man came by our tent letting us know that there would be a water balloon competition happening at the park. The kids were invited to participate. It was completely unplanned and unforeseen. Our group ended up winning the water balloon competition and won 6 Sony electronic drawing devices – think of an electronic Magna Doodle. I believe this was planned by God. We had won 6 devices – 5 of them were won by members of the Japan team. Obviously, we weren’t going to keep these because we didn’t want to pack them for our trip home. So we decided to give them to the families. We had won enough prizes to give one device to each family that was present. No kid was left without a prize. They were so happy to receive them. THis picnic was an opportunity to bond further with the moms and the kids. I was able to talk with one of the moms a bit more about my life and to learn more about hers.

Afterwards, we met with Shirley and Kohichi for a session of debriefing. We talked about what could be improved this week, what went well, what new ideas we could incorporation for next year. It’s amazing that this week has gone by so quickyl – and yet at the same time, it feels like I’ve been here for so much longer than just a week and a half. I feel God has done so much through our time here – please continue to pray for the Japanese people. I had questioned whether the kids would understand my testimony and I got my answer last night over dinner. Shirley’s two daughters, Emma and Clara, were sitting on my lap after dinner and we got to talking about siblings. I told them that I had 2 sisters too – just like their family. Emma says “You said you also had a brother. And he went to heaven when he was 9. And you said you were sad and angry”. It’s amazing sometimes the details that kids will remember.

All in all, we’re approaching the home stretch! today we are packing, cleaning the condo, going to church at Nokendai Bible Church (at the community center) and meeting up with the other half of the team afterwards. Then tomorrow (Monday) we all head out to Tokyo for one day of sight-seeing. Tuesday, we fly out. I’m ready to come home!!!

Thank you all for taking this journey with me and for being faithful in prayer. The team could not have done this without you!