Mission Trip Day 2

On our second day, we drove out to one of the many temporary housing areas to put on a BBQ and spend time with the families living there. I'll admit, I was surprised there are still people living in these temporary housing units. It was my understanding after our trip last year that they really were supposed to be just temporary. When I asked our translator Michio about that, he explained the terrible position many of these people are in. Most of them had earthquake insurance but not tsunami insurance and so the government won't reimburse them for the loss of their homes. Also, many of these people are still paying the mortgage on the homes they lost. So they cannot afford to rebuild on their land.

While small, you can see these trailers have some electricity and satellite service

While we sat outside, preparing food and trying to make simple conversation with a couple of people, Michio made house visits to some people he knows are really struggling. He shared with us later that one old woman had confessed to contemplating suicide. But when she realized that we were there and that she hadn't been forgotten, she sat up and ate some food. We were really encouraged to see that our presence was significant, even if all we technically "did" was grill a few dozen burgers and dogs and speak a few words of broken Japanese to the residents.

I've got to give major credit to our male leaders Joel and George. It was probably 95 degrees out there that day, with high humidity. But they slaved over that hot grill for a couple of hours to help feed dozens of Japanese people plus our team.

We formed an assembly line to serve the residents

We loved this guy's hat.

Making new friends. They taught us the name of several flowers in Japanese. Finding common ground in any way we can.

After the BBQ was over, we went to a local mall to soak in some A/C, play some arcade games and indulge in some Baskin Robbins.

Then, that night we had another devotion and spent some time encouraging one another. We wove a web of friendship, tossing a ball of twine from person to person and telling that person why we like them. I was almost moved to tears at the end when they insisted on going around the circle and talking about why they like me. (I swear, I didn't put them up to it...) It will be difficult to leave this group when the time comes...

Miyako Mission Trip 2012 - Day 1

This August, we took another mission trip down the coast to serve the people who are still dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. It's been well over a year but there are still thouands of people stuck in temporary housing, struggling with loss and hopelessness. It was great talking to our Japanese contacts again, and driving along the same streets - seeing how much rebuilding they've done. The people in Louisiana could take some notes from the Japanese...

Sorting debris for recycling or burning.

Lots of empty foundations

We spent three days in the area - sleeping in the same flat. This time, we had an opportunity to expand our ministry to different groups of people. The first day was very similar to our mission trip last year. After a four hour road trip, we visited a couple of elementary schools to minister to children.

At the first school we put on a short program inspired by this summer's Vacation Bible School. The teens taught the Japanese students the meaning and motions of a song called "You Can Trust God". I enjoyed watching all of them dancing around together. Then the Japanese class swapped out and performed a traditional dance for us. After that, we did some craft projects and rough housed a bit. They were so cute!

Our full team with the school. We gave them all VBS tee shirts.

After that, we moved on to another school that we visited last year and put on a BBQ and played with the children. It was great recognizing students and teachers from last year and seeing how they've grown. They had the big mural we created last year hanging on the wall with photos of us. One of the older teachers was so great. She had a sharp sense of humor but also a strong love for God. She asked all of the students pray before the meal and thank God for sending us to them. Once again, they seemed humbled that we would praise and thank God for an opportunity to serve them. He is doing great things in this community.

Me in front of the mural we painted last year

Some of our girls showing off the cute thank you card the kids made for us

After a long day of traveling and playing in the extreme heat it was a relief to return to our room sit down and rest - even if it was stifling and cramped with 16 bodies crammed into an unairconditioned space. We cooked for ourselves, had a nice group devotion, and then played many, many card games till it was time to sleep.

The girl's sleeping area. They were packed in there like sardines but didn't seem to mind.

We had fewer boys so they got the separate, smaller room with bunks.

Playing card games. They didn't like it when Ms. Kim beat them... ;^P

Conclusion of James

This summer our youth group split up into small groups to study the book of James and spend some time building stronger friendships. We also took this as an opportunity to push them to grow in their faith. The boys focused on developing and sharing their testimonies while we challenged the girls to memorize the entire book of James by the end of the summer. At first I thought that was a long shot but maybe the competitive spirit would motivate them to memorize some scripture. But I am humbled to report that we had 3 students memorize all 5 chapters, and another get all the way through chapter 3.

Memorization is something I really struggle with. One of the reasons we encouraged our students to work on this was to hold myself accountable to doing the same thing. They totally showed me up, though. I've only gotten through the end of chapter 2 so far. But I'm not giving up! I love the book of James. Not just because I have a certain affinity for the name... ;^) So much hard-hitting, practical wisdom.

Tanebo Rice Art

Our explorations continued later that first week with a road trip out to see the Tanebo Rice Fields near Hirosaki. Every summer, farmers in the area plant different types and colors of rice in such a way that a beautiful picture appears when the plants grow. Tourists gather at the end of the summer and wait in long lines for a turn to ride up to the top of an observation tower and look down at the feat. We enjoyed viewing the design from up close on the ground as well as from the air. Definitely worth the two hour drive!

my adventure partners

The Big Buddha

We always say that keeping busy is the best way to cope with separation, so I spent that first week doing a lot of exploring with my friends. Our first stop was to see the 5 story wooden pagoda and big Buddha statue at the Seiryu-ji Temple near Aomori. This is one of the major landmarks in our neck of the woods - something most people go to see at least once. My friends and I waited to see it for ourselves until it was lit up with hundreds of candle-lit lanterns for the Obon festival. Obon is one of the major Japanese holidays. They travel home to honor and pray for their deceased family members and loved ones. At twilight, they hold services for the dead at shrines and temples. It's rather creepy, but the temple was so beautifully lit. I kind of ignored the service and focused on taking pictures. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them!

The night air reverberated with the sound of this giant bell all night

Close up of one of the lanterns hidden among the azaelias

The Big Buddha

There was a spectacular sunset that night with buckets-full of golden, buttery light

Thinking of someone special, even while he's away.

Saying Farewell

Well, we knew he had to leave but didn't expect for our final week together to fly by so quickly. We found several ways to spend some fun quality time together that week - hanging out with friends, eating good food, finishing up a few projects and preparing for our time apart. Of course, before I let him go I insisted on snapping a few photos. Hope you enjoy them!

Looking dapper in his desert flight suit

I love that man! =^)