We Took a Trip

For the first time since arriving in Japan, we traveled more than 2 hours from where we live. Saturday night we got on a bus in Tokyo and Sunday morning we arrived in Tsuyama. Tsuyama is the city Erik lived in 10 years ago. This was the first time for Yoko to visit this part of Japan, so Erik played tour guide and showed Yoko some of the local sites. This region of Japan is famous for Momotaro aka Peach Boy. Tsuyama in listed as one of the top places to view sakura (cherry blossoms) in Japan. With spring coming early this year, we were hoping to see the sakura in bloom, but we were about a week early. Here is how the sakura looked for us and how they look when in bloom (enlarge these pictures by clicking on them).
Most of our time was spent with friends. We had a great time catching up with them which usually involved a delicious meal. It was a quick trip as we left Tsuyama Tuesday night and arrived back in Tokyo Wednesday morning. We used the night bus for transportation as it is economical and day time is not used for traveling, but it doesn't provide the best night's rest. As a result, we both had to take a nap on Wednesday. We really enjoyed our trip and look forward to the next time we can see Tsuyama and our friends.

Common in Japan

Here are a few images that you might find interesting if you have not been to Japan or are not from Japan.
This picture was taken on the train. The 5 "masked" women were traveling together. This time of year it is very common to see people of all ages wearing masks. The mask wearing say 1 of 3 things: A) "I am sick, so stay away" B) "I don't want to get what other people have" or C) "I am trying to avoid the pollen that is prevalent right now".
While these plants look like cabbages they are not for eating. They are planted in winter as decoration.

Broiled whole fish. Yes, you eat the entire thing. There are a number of fish here where you eat the entire thing. These are about 5 to 6 inches in length. Itadakimasu!!!

Sea World Fun

Last weekend we went to Sea World in Kamogawa (this can be read in English) with Yoko's mom. Is in a great setting as you will see by the map, and has a lot of great things to see. We were able to see the Killer Whale (video below, Sea Lion (video below) and Beluga Whale shows. In addition to the shows, we enjoyed seeing all the marine life that they have on display.


Yesterday, Friday, was Erik's last day at Japanese school, but this is not the end of his studying Japanese. The past 6 months he has learned a lot, but the one thing that was lacking in the class was conversation practice. So we are currently looking for places where Erik can work more on his listening and speaking (good thing we are in Japan : ). This past week, Erik's class took the beginning level Japanese proficiency test. With much relief, Erik can say that he passed the test. Demonstrating his proficiency via a test is not a goal of his, but since everyone else in the class passed, he is sure glad he did too.
We continue to have dinner every Thursday night with Yoko's dad. It has been a real neat time for Yoko as she is really getting to know him again. Since she moved to the U.S. some 9 years ago, her contact with him had been very limited. These regular meetings have enabled her really connect with him on an open and personal level.

Yes, Most of Our Events Involve Food

All is well in here in the Land of the Rising Sun. We are "genki". We had our first real snow of this winter yesterday. It covered the ground, but that was about it.

At our church there is a couple we have become friends with. He is from Germany; she is from Japan. They met in England, and their common language is English. The have an infant daughter who gets cuter every time we see her. Saturday they had us over to their home where we had wonderful fellowship and excellent German food (dinner and breakfast). We spent the night at their home and then went to church with them Sunday. It was the first time we have spent the night away from our apartment since coming here. It was a nice change. (German Dinner: Red Cabbage, Potatoes, Beef with Veggies and Salad -Oishii!)

At church on Sunday we had a special event after the service. A couple that was on the verge of divorce had a recommitment ceremony. About a year ago their marriage was basically over. She hated him because he was not what she had come to want in a man. He came to our pastor for marriage counseling (our pastor is a marriage counselor by profession). During the ceremony, our pastor mentioned how the husband was like "crushed tofu" when he first came to see him, but soon the love of Jesus touched his heart, and he was born again. In the mean time, the wife also came for counseling through the urging of a friend who attends our church. She stated in a session that she had no intention of changing her mind about divorcing her husband no matter what our pastor said to her. Needless to say, she did change her mind, a full 180 degrees. In seeing the change in her husband from his new found life she came to the Lord also. Our pastor said that the husband went from "crushed tofu" to "jelly" to "iron", and the wife now says that he is the best person for her. This change, especially in her life is a testimony to what only the Lord can do. It encouraged us about those we are praying for. It was a wonderful ceremony and celebration about the restoration that is found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

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.