KON BAN WA FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!
Ogenkidesuka? I have been thinking about all of you and thanking God for you! Never think for a moment that you are forgotten!
A lot has been going on here. Jenny and I are becoming acclimated to Japan and really beginning to enjoy ourselves here. We are loving the people and making lots of wonderful new friends from all over the world. A lively Korean mission team from Seoul, Korea was here this past week. It was a powerful time of ministry, prayer and worship. Here are a few pictures of our ministry time at Enoshima Beach:
We arrived at Enoshima Beach by train. This photo is of the Enoshima station. It was about an hour and a half ride from Noborito.
Here are just a few members of the team. The others were doing what they call "busking" or street performing in one of the train stations.
We looked for opportunities to share Christ with the people on the beach. Fortunately we found people that did speak some English because my ministry partner nor I could speak enough Japanese to carry on a conversation.
The sand on this beach is black. It was so hot that you could not walk on it without shoes unless you were in the water. And because the sand was black and very fine, the water was black. We stood in the wake and when the water receded our legs were black. I didn't find it inviting!
However, none of this seemed to deter these young Japanese girls that we found to talk to! They posed for this photo! What a great pic!
My birthday was also this past week and it was a good one! One of our leaders made me an apple cinnamon cake and shared her Brazilian cheese bread with me, others took me out for dinner at an Indian Restaurant. My first experience. Here is a pic that says it all:
I had spicy curry with chicken, salad and Naan bread. Oishii!!! What a wonderful birthday!
This past week we also went to Harajuku, Japan for a tour of the Meijijingu Shrine. Here are a few photos. This place is huge! These photos do not tell the whole story.
We are standing at the main entrance to the Shrine with our friend Kokoro and his father Masayuki. They are awesome hosts and wonderful guides to all things cultural! We really enjoy their company!
These two photos are of Sake and Wine barrels that line both sides of the road leading to the Shrine. These are donated gifts for the dedication of the Meijijingu Shrine.
This is just a small taste of the Shrine. You will just have to come to Japan for the rest!!
After touring the Shrine we took a look around Harajuku. We found some familiar stores like the GAP and The Body Shop. We were very excited about that! Above is a very interesting Mall entrance with mirrored walls and an escalator that takes you inside from the street. In contrast we found this beautiful store full of traditional Japanese gifts.
Just look at all those people coming to Jesus! They just don't know it yet!
Jenny and I were asked to lead the discussion in two cell groups this week. We were both excited about that and really enjoyed sharing the Word of God. And to round out the last few days, we have started learning the electric bass guitar! We are joining the band! Please Pray for Japan!!! :-)
That is all for now. It is almost 1:00 AM and I need sleep!
So for now, God Bless You abundantly!
Oyasuminasai!
Rhonda
PS: We are still awaiting our Visas. Please agree with us that these are approved soon.
