Amarikan Homestay

August 21-29 - I had the blessing of hanging out with Mrs. Kazue Ura and her daughter Sayaka, English students of a fellow missionary in Japan. During their "Amarikan Homestay" we visited museums, a cathedral, state capital building, historical sites, the Mississippi River and of course - the Mall of America! They fearlessly ate many "big" and "sweet" foods. Grilling out or BBQ’s are not common in Japan, so it was fun to introduce Kazue and Sayaka to roasting marshmallows and the gooey mess that follows. (Sayaka stands just outside the photo trying to blow out the fire on her flaming marshmallow.)

When we visited the St.Paul Cathedral, and attended church at Bethany Baptist they seemed to have many heart tugging moments with comments about God and feeling a sense of His presence. Mrs. Kazue attended Sunday school as a child and now studies the Bible in Japan. Sayaka attends Saturday school at Saidaiji Baptist church and although she says she is too old for the program she likes it too much to stop attending. Pray for their continued interest in the gospel.

For me this was a joyful time of meeting my future neighbors (Their home in Japan is very close to where I'll be teaching.) It was a blessing to form friendships so quickly! Their English was much better than my Japanese. But I did practice and found communicating in Japanese a challenge. I felt like I had pulled a muscle in my brain trying to recall Japanese vocabulary and realized how much I have to learn - and how fun it is to use what I do know!

A BIG Thank you goes out to the Eshenaur family and my parents for hosting the Ura's. Thank you also to Jaycelyn, Jane, Kenzy, Janelle & Jason for your tour guide services! Thank you to Stephanie and Aaron for letting the Ura's attend your wedding and reception - they were honored.