Who Likes Cold Wet Windy Weather?

Let's talk about the weather. If any of you have extra sunshine or snow, we wouldn't mind some of either of those. A change to our cold windy rainy weather would be nice. Thankfully we can spend most of our time indoors although Erik's travel to school by bike results in wet pants.
Last Friday Erik went bowling for the first time in 3 years with a friend he teaches English to. 100 was broken by both of us, and the nice old ladies using the lane next to us applauded when we got a strike. Yoko is her same wonderful self. Over the weekend we were able to have dinner with a friend of hers. Yoko and her friend have known each other since Jr high school, but the last time they saw each other was 3 years ago.
At church on Sunday we studied Mark 14:32-39 and looked into the prayer life of Jesus. We were reminded of the importance of prayer. Prayer was a real and necessary part of Jesus' life showing us that if He needed it, how much more do we need it. Out of Sunday's message came a renewed commitment to prayer, so if you have a request please let us know. We would love to pray for you. Also, we thank you for your prayers; it means a great deal to us that you are lifting us up to our Creator and Lord.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!! With all the pressure to give a meaningful gift on this day, you would think that Erik would be spending a good amount of time to find something nice for Yoko. But to tell you the truth, he had no pressure all. In Japan, Valentine's Day is a day for women to give men gifts (but Erik is a rebel and gave Yoko something anyways). The primary gift is chocolate (which Erik gave Yoko). Today Erik did get chocolate and peanut butter, hot sauce, and 2 types of pesto. Since the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, Yoko definitely has Erik's heart : ) So, this seems like a good deal for men, but women, don't lose hope. In March, White Day comes around and men then need to give something in return. (The picture is of the chocolate we gave each other.)

Last week Erik's school had "Speech Day". All the students had to give a speech in Japanese. Needless to say, Erik was nervous and glad when it was over. Wednesday was a holiday, so Yoko and her mom were able to spend some time shopping, having lunch together, and working on a Bible study they belong to. It was good girl time. On Wednesday, Erik was able to talk to his folks. They are doing well and reported that the Prescott, AZ area got a real nice snowfall early in the week. Where live here in Japan, snow is rare. We had flurries a few weeks ago, but that has been it. It would be nice to see some snow.

Time Does Get Away

Since we last posted, over two weeks ago (sorry parents and grandparents), things haven't changed much in our daily lives. However, when school (for Erik) and work (for Yoko) are not occupying time, we have managed to find ourselves with not a lot of free time. Erik has subbed as an English teacher several times recently and been involved in PR events at local elementary schools. The PR events are put on by Narita International Airport (20 minutes from us) and are to encourage the students in their English learning. English speakers are brought in, and we interact with the kids in whatever activities the school has set up. These events are usually an hour or two in length and provide a little extra income. Other than the very cold gymnasiums (that's where the events are usually held, and there is no heat in them), the events are fun and seem to be enjoyed by the kids. At one event they asked for our autographs.
Last Saturday Yoko got dressed up in a kimono. It was the first time for Erik to see her in one; he thought she looked beautiful, but then, he always thinks she in beautiful. Click here for a few more kimono pictures.
On Monday Erik didn't have school, so he was able to watch the Super Bowl. He had hoped for a different outcome, but the game was still a lot of fun to watch. We had pancakes for breakfast to make it an all-American morning.
On Saturday the 24th, Erik got to play chauffeur for Yoko's mom, our sister-in-law and our two nieces (Yoko had to work, so she stayed home). Our destination was Herb Island. Erik had fun eating good food and playing with his nieces.
In being here, Yoko has had a chance to get reacquainted with people she hasn't had consistent contact with for quite a while. One of them is her cousin, Keiko. Keiko goes to the same church as we do, and she and Yoko have been able to help support each other through various events since we have been here. It has been a blessing for both of them.