Chris's Story

In Japan, we met a young man named Hiroaki. A few years ago, he started coming to the church to learn English in the evenings and eventually started coming to fellowship time after church. He got invited to church and eventually became a regular attender of church. Over the course of the month he got to know us, and shared about his life with us. He is a Buddhist and doesn't want to be a Christian right now, but he always seems to be drawn to the church. In Buddhism, there is not much hope & purpose for life and I think he saw the hope that Christians have. One night, he came to the church at 10:30 at night to just talk with Jeff and I. It was really neat to see God using us to show Hiroaki God's love, and the hope we have.

Often, I was asked to share my favorite bible verse and I would say Matthew 28:20; "...and remember, I am with you always even to the end of the age." This verse gave me great hope, and I hope it gives hope to Hiroaki and the Japanese too. Please keep the people we've come in contact with in your prayers that they will eventually come to know God's love for them.

Thanks for all your prayers that got us to Japan to share the gospel, and for bringing us back safely.

Chris Vandermeer

Sara's Devo Testimony

I have had an obsession with rice fields for years. In the places in my heart where I hold my dreams, I have a picture of myself wearing an Asian straw hat and wading through a rice field helping Asians hand plant rice with the sun on my back. When I arrived late at night to the church we would be staying at in Japan, I peered in joy through the darkness to the rice field right next door! The morning light revealed the unplowed ground. And then one day I saw the farmer on his miniature tractor preparing the field for flooding. Then came the day that I excitedly watched him plant the seedlings in his flooded field with a fancy rice planter machine. And then the rice just sat there in the mud.

One of the nights soon before I left to come back to Canada, I slipped outside into the quiet night air and mourned with God over the lostness of the Japanese people. Then my rice field obsession overtook me as I looked at the watery footprints running along the edge of the rice field! I jumped onto the dirt ledge, slipped off my flip-flops and rolled up my pajama pants. Then I let my feet ooze into the mud as I walked among the seedlings.

The next day a Japanese man took us to see his rice fields in a neighboring town. I told our missionary about the dream I have of hand-planting rice. And he said, “Hey there are some leftover seedlings here and a corner of the field that was missed by the rice planter.” So off came my shoes and I plunked the small green things into the muck. It was my moment of glory!

While we were in Japan the rice seedlings were planted in the fields. And we planted seeds of God’s love into the hearts of precious Japanese people. I hear that rice grows waist high and turns golden at harvest time, waving beautifully in the wind. Its hard to believe looking at the 15 cm high plant that it will grow so tall and productive. We will not see the harvest of the rice this year and we may never see the harvest of the seeds of God’s love planted in the people we touched. But we saw them planted and we trust that as they sit there in the soft soil of the human heart that they will grow unto harvest.
So maybe my dream about hand-planting rice in Asia has more to do with hand planting the love of God into Asian hearts than with fistfuls of green things and muddy feet.

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow” I Corinthians 3:6

Jeff's Report

Going into our trip, we knew we wouldn't be "doing" a lot. I didn't really think about how hard this was going to be. Especially after we got into the trip a little bit and we could read about how much more the other two teams were doing. We went to Japan to hopefully plant seeds in people's hearts by displaying God's love to them. In doing this, it was hard to feel really used by God.

However, the second Sunday we were there we were at Kawabe Chapel in Akita City. I had the opportunity to share my testimony during the church service. I talked about depression and how God has helped me through it. Afterwards, I had the chance to talk with the pastor there for a little bit. Pastor Takahashi had just recently gotten back in the ministry part-time after a two year leave. His doctor told him to take two years and just rest because he had become so burdened and depressed. he told me that he was encouraged by what I had said and that he appreciated my openness and honesty. He also said that he thinks Christians have the tendancy to be a little fake sometimes, to put on a charade to make people think that everything is just fine. He encouraged me to keeping being open and honest. This was really uplifting to me for two reasons. One, I really hold authenticity as a high priority, so I felt like it was ok for me to do that. And two, I felt like i really connected with Takahashi, even though he was much older than me and he spoke a different language. That's when God revealed to me that he had a plan for me in Japan.

Our Last Day

Our last day in Japan turned out to be quite the adventure. It started with a trip to a Kiritampo factory, which is owned by one of the men who attends the VIP breakfasts held at the church each month. It was very interesting to see the process of the measuring, cleaning, cooking, and packaging of the rice. It was especially nice to sample the result of all the work. Another man from the VIP breakfast, Sanuchisan, was with the three of us and Arnie because the owner is in Vietnam right now. Afterwards we all went to this little mountain nearby for a little hike. None of were expecting it and we weren't really prepared, but it was ok. The drive up was a little shakey in Sanuchisan's little Nissan, but we made it. The view from the top was spectacular. When we finished the hike we stopped at a convinience store for some lunch and ate it on a little hill overlooking the rice fields it was very nice. After lunch Sanuchisan took us to his rice fields and Sara jumped right in and started planting where the machine had missed. Chris and I (Jeff) also put in a couple shoots, but just from the side. We also went to where he dries and packages his rice. It was really cool to see.
After that busy morning it was off to Odate to teach. We met Erika who had been there all morning. Erika, Chris and Sara did a little shopping before classes while Arnie and I ran some erands, primarily picking out a dehumidifier for Erika's apartment. After some kids classes and supper was the evening class which was kind of a joint class of Erika, Bonita and Arnie's classes. We talked and played a couple games, we did the two song/dances one last time and had a short tea time afterward. It was a very nice last day. Our next post will be from Canada!! See you all shortly.

Jeff, for Team Japan

kimonos

Kimonos

Beautiful People

Well today was our last day spent with many of the people we have met. This morning I (sara) taught a lady who is very good at English. We talked about kidnapping and how it is much more common in North America. However, there was recently a kidnapping near here and it comes as a big shock to these people. After lunch Erika and I went to a beauty parlor where the owner dressed me in a 'real' kimono, her daughter's. It is very beautiful. And she dressed ERika in a yukata- the summer kimono. And she gave her the yukata. Yesterday we went there for her to help me tie the yukata that some ladies gave me on Tuesday. Once again I played dress-up! :-)
This afternoon a Jr high girl named Serina came by and I spent time playing frisbee and such things with her while Jeff and Chris helped with a kids' class. I went on a bike ride with Serina and we stopped at a park and swung on the swings and she showed me a beautiful view of the rice fields and mountains. Then she took me to her apartment where we watched funny cartoons and her mom made us dinner. It was so neat to be able to go into her home! I have felt so honored to be accepted by the people in the way of being invited into their homes and dressed in their traditional dress! So many people are telling me "come again! " they say, come back and teach english! Our days are filled with laughter and trying to connect with people over thier stuttering english. But we have also connected with their hearts so I am sad to say goodbye

love Sara

We're professionals now

Today we spent the morning weaving baskets. We attended Bonita's morning class and today the class was instructing us how to make baskets in English (although I still heard a lot of Japanese). So we made these baskets, the material is recycled milk cartons and paper. It took us from 10:30-2:30, including a short lunch break. I have to say they look pretty darn good, and it will be quite the sight when the 3 of us go through security with these nice, matching, woven baskets. The rest of the day we taught classes for Erika and Arnie. Chris and I (Jeff) wandered around Takanosu for a while. It was a fun day and we look forward to showing off our basket weaving skills when we get home.

-Jeff, for the 3 of us.

Kimono Picture

Japan is hilarious

May you grow ever more hilarious hearing of Japan from Sara. Today I went with ERika to her women's morning class in Aikawa. THe ladies there are so kind, giggly and hospitable. They took us to one ladies house afterwards to have lunch. On the way there, she stopped her car in the middle of the road and i said "lost way"? (at the barbeque in the park yesterday she arrived during the middle of the church service, walked up to me and said "lost way." and just laughed her head off. she had been lost for half an hour trying to find us in the park). Anyway, back at the road she said no, "I steal."..she got out of the car and went over and picked some flowers! ha ! there were just plenty in this yard.
At her home Erika and i were dressed up in kimonos, the traditional Japanese dress. And we had our own simple tea ceremony, took pictures and ate lunch in the kimonos. And the ladies even gave me a kimono to take home! THey just give and give. It is hard to say goodbye to such people not knowing whether you will see them in heaven or not.
I taught an english class tonight because ARnie is in Sendai teaching at the seminary. It was neat toteach them about 'munching', black licorice, and being 'out of the loop'. Erika and I laughed in the car ride home about the Japanese and their 'mountain vegetables'. Every time there is a random green food on your plate or at the table they say to you "mountain vegetable" ha! the accent is really the cutest. WE also enjoyed sesame seed ice cream today.
Jeff and Chris told me to say that they stayed in at the church in Takanosu today and cleaned. IN other words, they were responsible strong men while I went and played dress up
:-)
Next year at CLBI they should include playing dress-up as a unit in the friendship evangelism course.
love Sara

Day off in Akita

Today we went to Akita city on the train to spend some time there on our day off. We ended up running into Dean Bengsten at the train station when we arrived as he was seeing another teacher off. Oh Providence. We have seen His hand at work throughout the day. I needed to go to a bank machine and Erika prayed for us to find one and not a few seconds later there was one around the corner.
We went to a park to eat lunch and enjoyed the beautiful blooming flowers. And admired the large Japanese crows. We also found the fish market! Where we stared at octopus tentacles, squid, whole fish staring back at us and varieties of shellfish. We then did some shopping in the stores around the train station. Japan is full of the bizarre (to us) and the ordinary, just like life. To begin to grow used to the awkwardness of another culture makes me realize what a sacrifice it was for Jesus to become one of us.
love Sara

International Exchange Days: Pt. II

Today we had breakfast here at church, with about 15 of us total eating. Then shortly after that we went to the park for a picnic lunch, and afternoon. We played games like frisbee and soccer, ate hamburgers and hotdogs, and got to know the Japanese people with links to the church and english classes. It was a really fun morning and afternoon and was a beautiful day. Sunny and about 25c. Then, we came back to the church and unloaded the cars and went to the onsen (hot springs) for a little relaxation after the crazy last 2 days. After the onsen we had a quick supper here at church and then to Aikawa church. It was an evening with songs and testimonies shared, and then fellowship over tea, coffee, and goodies. It is good to get to know the people of this country with the many opportunies offered, and help them to grow in their faith slowly, or to plant the seeds of Christ. Many people here come to church, but are still Buddhist, and can take up to or over 10 years for them to accept Christianity and to give up Buddhism or Shintoism. Please pray that during our time here seeds will be sown for others to harvest later.

Chris (for team Japan)

Day #20

So yesterday we went to the drum museum in Takanosu. It holds the world's largest drum as well as many different interesting drums from around the world! we got to each play the big drum with big sticks! We rode our bikes to the museum and ended up riding back in the rain! I (sara) got really muddy because my bike did not have a guard on the wheel. It was beautiful to see all the rice fields and hills.
While Chris, Jeff and Sara were having their day off at the drum museum, I (Erika) was teaching in Odate just like a regular Friday.
Today the rice field next to the church was being planted, so we watched a little bit. It was really neat to see; Japanese farm machinery is so tiny compared to Canada and the States...just like everything else here.
It was a full day today. Me and Sara went shopping with two girls from one of my junior high classes. Then, after a quick stop in the infamous sticker photobooth, we came back to the church where everyone was madly getting ready for the night's activites, Adult International Days, which spreads into tomorrow as well.
Tonight there was supper (tacos...not to be confused with taco, which is octopus in Japanese), then a campfire where Sara and Chris shared their testimonies. After that there was a coffeehouse and cultural exchange. A Japanese girl did a hip hop dance, Misawa-san sang a traditional Japanese song, Jeff and Sara did their song and dance, and other things like that. It was a neat experience. There was a really good attendance tonight, with about 50 people.
We are tired and looking forward to some rest tonight
Erika and Sara

Homestay

Yesterday Jeff, Sara and I (Chris) sat in on a bible study led by Arnie. I shared my favorite bible verse, and Jeff shared in detail part of his testimony. There were 3 church members there, and we also sang songs and prayed too. Afterwards we went to the park to have lunch. It was a very hot day here (i would guess about 25, but its so humid it feels like over 30 on the prairies). Anyways, after the park Mr. Kaneta picked us up at the church, and took us to his and his wife's house. We sat there and we were shown his "many surprises" that he was exctited to show us. We did origami, and made a noise maker, paper airplanes, and a frog. We also played with spinning tops, and other wooden toys which were all very old and fun. We made cutout flowers and animals. After an amazing supper with many many things. He also showed us a children's book that he wrote in Japanese, which is a basic version of the creation story. We all got a copy which was nice. We then visited with the retired couple, and went to bed. The couple were very nice, cute and hospitable. We felt very important and honored as is the custom for guests in Japan.

Keep us, and the people here in Japan in your prayers.
Chris, on behalf of team Japan.

Homestay and Breakfast

Today was an early morning. At 8:00 was the monthly VIP breakfast that is hosted for buisnessmen and women in the town here at the church. It was good to meet a few members from the community. We ate breakfast with them, helped serve a little bit and Sara and Jeff did the song/dance. At 10:30, during Bonita's adult class we made tiemakei sushi. Which is the rolled sushi instead of on top of the rice. There was a variety of things to go with the rice like nato (fermented soybeans), raw tuna, regular tuna and cucumbers and sweetened eggs. After we ate all of that we had a little bit of downtime then we passed out the Popo, the evangelical newsletter that the church passes out once a month. We wandered around Takanosu and were scared off by a couple loud dogs. This evening Chris and I sat in on Arnie's adult class with his one student for a little bit and then in Erika's high school class.
Last night Erika and I (Sara) went to a homestay at one of her students' homes. Her name is Keiko. She and her friend Kimiko took us shopping for groceries and then we stopped at a little shop to order sushi. It was delivered to the house later, like pizza! how interesting. We had dinner there and watched tv we didn't understand. Erika had a good time talking with them inJapanese and even got to talk with Keiko about God's love. We then went up to our room with futons and spent awhile talking and praying. Please pray for Keiko and her husband to be more open to commiting to Christ.

Tea Party

Today we went with Erika to her class in Aikawa, a nearby town. We helped her teach an adult english class. After class we all went to Keiko's (one of the adult students) house for lunch. Keiko is about 72, the Nordaas' think she would like to be a Christian, but is afraid of being rejected by her husband. She is a ball of energy and a lot of fun, the girls are staying overnight there tonight, I'm sure they'll have some good stories for tomorrow. After lunch the four of us went to a Japanese Tea Ceremony. This tradition dates back over 400 years and is very formal. We had four older female hosts who were dressed in kimonos. There is a proper way to do everything from bowing to what side to drink from and how to set down the cup. We had a very strong green tea and an interesting Japanese dessert. It took about an hour for 5 of us (the four of us and the pastor in Aikawa) to have two cups of tea, the cups being about half an inch full. After the ceremony Chris and I went back to Takanosu, had some supper and taught Bonita's Jr. High class by ourselves because she is teaching Erika's classes in Aikawa. It went pretty well considering we don't speak any Japanese and they speak very little English. We actually had a lot of fun with the four girls.

Jeff and Chris, for team Japan

description of pictures

the first two pictures are: Jeff teaching the kids a game, and us at the retreat at Sendai.
the second two are of: the bullet train that took us from Tokyo to Akita city at 240 km/h, and the 4 of us at an old castle in Hirosaki.

photos 2

photos

Adventures with Dean and Linda

Today we spent our day off sight-seeing with Dean and Linda Bengsten in Akita. We went out to a Samurai village. It is pretty much a tourist place where they have old Japanese houses set up as museums. WE saw lots of old armor and artifacts from ancient Japan. We also got some shopping done in the tourist shops there. WE went out for lunch at a cute restaurant where one of Linda's friends works. Then Dean and Linda took us out for ice cream. They did not tell us what flavour they would be buying for us. We began to lick our ice cream, brain storming what it could be. Erika saw the name in Japansese and said, "really?" Finally they told the rest of us and it was soy sauce ice cream! but, oishkata! (it was delicious!) We stopped at an implement dealer and Jeff picked up a special gift for his Dad (top secret!!) WE also stopped at a cute Christian book store. WE arrived at the train station to head back to TAkanosu only to discover that the trains were delayed because there had been a tree on the train tracks further down the line! So we waited around for quite awhile, joking about busking with ERika's guitar. We thank God that Dean and LInda had come down to the track with us so that they could talk to the train engineers and translate the annnouncements for us. So we finally got on the train and it was very crowded. the school girls gave us their seats. There was a nice old lady who Jeff gave his seat to, who gave us some candy and tried to talk to me in Japanese while i stared blankly at her. WE are all tired but Bonita had a nice meal of tofu meat and rice waiting for us.
In Christ's Love
Sara for us all

A fun day in the sun

Today we were at a church in Akita City called Kawabe Chapel. It was a very lovely church full of amazing people. Sara and I (Jeff) shared our testimonies and did the song/dance thing. I played guitar with Linda (Dean's wife) on the worship songs. Then after the service we had a Japanese BBQ. It was AMAZING. They just kept bringing out food. And grilling it. We ate a lot. And fellowshiped quite a bit as well. It was a great time. At about 3 we headed over to Chuo Church for a college and career event. There was a pretty good turn out, maybe 20-30. It was a good time, mostly in Japanese, but we saw a few people from the young adults retreat that we were at in Sendai the first week we were here so it was cool to see them again. Sara and I did the dance thing again and this time Sara danced to one of Erika's song, it was really beautiful. Sara and Chris also shared their testimonies. Afterwards we went out to eat at this restraunt called Gusto which serves western and Japaese food, it was a good time. The bathroom was an interesting experience, you can ask us later perhaps.


Jeff, for team Japan

Children's Event in Akita

Today we took a train to Akita City where Dean Bengtson (another missionary in Japan) met us. We shopped around the train station for just a little bit then went to his house for lunch. We'll be staying with Dean and his family until Monday, while we are in Akita. This afternoon we had a special two-hour children's english event. It went very well, the kids were well-behaved, we played several english games with them and Jeff and Sara did the dance/song. There were about 14 kids which was a good turn out. After the event we went out for okonomi yaki which you cook yourself on the table. It has meats and veggetables in a batter that you fry. Maybe like a cross between an omlette and a pancake. Chris learned not to touch the bottom of the grill, that was hiding underneath the table. We came home and the Bengtson's sons, Joshua and Christopher showed us their awesome lego collection. Then we went to the mall! We got to have Starbucks. It was a cultural experience because Erika ordered a green tea frappaccino. Chris and Jeff experienced the language barrier trying to buy shoes. We look forward to all of tomorrow's events (and hearing about Starbucks in Mexico and Bolivia). Domo arigato gozaimasu (thank you very much) for all the comments, they are very encouraging!


Team Japan

Teaching in Odate

Today we took the morning train to Odate (a town nearby) and taught classes for the day. First was a ladies class and we made kiri-tempo (rice on a stick then put in soup). After a short break we had another adult class, two kids classes, where we led english games to prepare for a children's event tomorrow in Araiya. After supper we switched between 2 adult classes and one Jr. high classes that Arnie, Bonita and Erika teach. Tomorrow we head to Akita City for the weekend doing ministry activities there and in the surrounding areas.

Jeff and Chris on behalf of Team Japan

Groceries and English

Today a wonderful lady named Mihoko took the three of us to the grocery store. We saw various odd items such as grilled scallops, blueberry juice, raw squid, aloe yogurt among other things. We bought our lunch there but also enjoyed free samples. We had Japanese noodles called 'udon' back at the church. Later in the afternoon we helped with the kids classes by playing games. This evening we made domyogi, a special Japanese dessert made out of rice and bean paste. WE wrapped cherry leaves over the top. It was fun to make it but not so fun to eat. Pretty much we are 'doing' what our trip said we would be doing: 'being, not doing'. WE have had a wonderful time connecting with the Japanese people, talking to them slowwwwwly in English, repeating ourselves often and listening carefully while using body language to try to communicate. They are amazing people, full of laughter, love and lots of random enthusiasm and bursts of 'ahhhhhhhhh' Thank you for your prayers as we love on the people of Japan

Full Day of Teaching

Today we were up and ready to go at 9. We planned the day, and after that we handed out tracts to homes around the church. After that, Hayamizu Sensei came to the church. She's the lay minister being trained here at the church, so that when the Nordaas's leave, the church doesn't fold. She's having cataract surgury today so we prayed for her, and had communion too. After that was lunch, and then we prepared for class and made name tags, and learned games. The first class was 345-445 and was made up of 6 children. Then we had a quick supper, and were ready to teach 3 more lessons. We taught another kids class, a junior high class, and then a high school class. During class we talk about life in canada, our families, school, and basically let the students practice english, and we correct them as we go. Sara and Jeff did their song and dance three times during class in the short chapel time, where Sara dances interpretivly to an original song written by Jeff. I think that's all for now. We hope all is well in N. America.

Chris and Jeff, on behalf of team Japan.

First day of classes at Aikawa

Today we went to a small town close to Takanosu where another church is. We joined Erika in her morning class with five ladies. They are full of laughter and asked us questions about ourselves. THey put on a potluck for us. We tried a Japanese dessert that was made of pounded rice and bean paste. Let's just say it was not delicious. Sara passed hers off to a Japanese lady and Jeff politely swallowed it. We then went to a park and had ice cream. But first Erika and Sara were taken to a student's home while the guys were wondering what on earth happened to them. We sat in on another adult class and a jr. high class.

missed train + missed bus = our day off

Hiya. This is Erika. And Christopher. We hung out today...in Japan. All 4 of us had a day off. It all started with being dropped off by ourselves at the train station, very untypically Japanese and we were late. Then the ticket machines kept spitting out our money without giving us our tickets, so we missed the train. We caught the later train, and headed to Hirosaki to the Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival) at an old Japanese Castle. Once we got to our stop we went out the wrong door and stood in line for the wrong bus. When we finally figured it out and went to the right place, the 100 yen ($1) bus was just pulling away. We caught the next bus and made our way to the castle.

The park was very beautiful with all the pink cherry blossoms in full bloom, blue sky, sun, and the big castle to top it all off. We walked around and admired the castle, blossoms, and basically just relaxed and enjoyed ourselves. We took plenty of pictures and watched and asian man fall into the moat as he took a picture.

After the day at the park we decided to walk back to the train station...but of course we got lost...in Japan. We ended up in the ghetto. Jeff and Chris found a pawn shop and we went in and asked for directions. Two lefts and a straight later, we found our way out of the ghetto. We went into some neat shops, and then made it to the train station in plenty of time to catch our train.
We hung out in Mister Donuts which was kinda like hanging out at Timmy's at home.
Then we got our train and ended up sitting across the aisle from a Morman guy who is from Utah, of course. He was a missionary too. Then we walked back here to the church through Takanosu, which brings a close to a very busy and confusing day.

Our day can be summed up in the words of the jacket that Sara bought today, "it's hard to travel if you do not know the language." Or something like that. Today was a fun day, with lots of memories made here in the streets of Japan.

God bless,
Chris-san and Erika-san (how people are adressed here), on behalf of team Japan.

PS - we're turning Japanese

Onsen

This morning we finished the Jr. High English camp. The girls made pancakes and salad for breakfast. Then we had a little session of singing and testimony sharing. We played "Cat and Mouse," this game where one person rolls the dice and if it lands on 7 or 11, the other players try and pull away the strings before the dice roller catches them under the plunger. We also played a shopping game and we showed them some Canadian money. Then we talked with them about our families and got to show them some pictures. After lunch we went to the 100 yen store and we took pictures in this photo booth. The pictures are stickers and all the kids have these sticker albums and you can edit the pictures and it is a wild time. After that we had church which was very interesting, but in Japenese. We sang a song at the service, and Bonita translated the sermon. There were maybe 15 people. After church we went to the onsen again (hot springs). Mmmmm....onsen. Sara was much more comfortable this time around.

Giddy girls

Hello...
We have five junior high Japanese girls staying with us at the church overnight for an English camp. We just finished playing spoons with them and Chris and I (Sara) can hear their joyful glees from upstairs at the computer. We have been speaking English with them, repeating questions to them very slowly, such as... Do... you...have...any ....brothers? We also shared our testimonies with them and talked about junior high life. We made pizza with them tonight. They put corn on their pizza. We have also been learning to sing a song in Japanese with them about how precious we are in God's sight.
God's love to you

Sendai Retreat

Yesterday we went down to Sendai (a four hour drive)to the LB Young Adults retreat. We had the opportunity to hang out with Japanese people our own age and get to know them a little bit. There were sessions with worship music and a speaker, Arnie translated for us, but I think we all fell asleep for a little bit. We all also shared our testimonies, Chris last night and the other three today. Sara and I did the dance/song, Erika and I did a song together and I played a song too. A big part of getting to know the Japanese is experiencing the Onsen (hot spring). We all partook last night and had a very good time. Sara and I had the opportunity to pray with a couple of people which was very meaningful.
The retreat was an overnight event, actually we left early it ends tomorrow. It was at this retreat center/camp complete with a beautiful Japanese garden. We stayed in cabins with mats on the floor and beanbag type pillow, actually quite comfortable. Tomorrow and Sunday is the Jr. High English camp here at the church, so far there are 5 Jr. High girls signed up. It should be an interesting experience.

Jeff, on behalf of team Japan

Day 2

Today was our first day interacting with Japanese people. We went up north to the Sea of Japan in a little town. We made glass beads and other glass artworks. There was 18 of us total. 9 Japanese and 9 Americans/Canadian. Rachel, an English teacher in Akita, her mom and sister came with us. Some people went in the hot springs while others visited the gift shop. Then we ate at a real Japanese restaurant. Sara and I (Jeff) tried squid innerds, and we did not enjoy them. But the rest of the food was quite good, as was the company. Today was a just a sample of trying to communicate with the Japanese, assuring them that their English is good and trying to hold conversations. Tomorrow we are off to Sendai, a four hour car ride. We are going to an equivalent to a Youth Conference sharing our testimonies and songs. Thanks for leaving comments it's great to see people are checking up on us, we should be able to update this almost everyday, so keep looking!

Details about our First Day

We Flew from Edmonton to San Fransisco on a fairly small Jet that seated about 70 people and had a short lay-over there. Then we were on a huge 747 to Narita, Japan. The flight was good and didn't really feel like 11 hours. We had 2 meals on board, and 3 movies were shown. Once at the airport, we got our bags, except Sara's didn't make it and will be shipped to Arnie and Bonita's today. Jeff and I then shipped our bags from the airport to where we will be staying. Then it was onto a train for an hour trip to Tokyo to board the Shinkansen (Bullet train). It was straight forward getting to tokyo and we made the switch to the bullet train with very little difficulty. The weather in Tokyo was a very humid 28. The trip on the Shinkansen was 4 hours North to Akita. Once at Akita, we switched trains again, and went east to Higashi Noshiro. At the train station there were Arnie and Bonita Nordaas to meet us and drive us to the town of Takanosu. We drove 45 minutes to Takanosu and saw the church where they lived, and we will be living there too for the next month. We went to bed shortly after we arrived that night which was midnight local time. This morning we got up and had breakfast and got a detailed plan for the next month. It was exciting to see erica come through the front door too! We made Onigiri which is rice balls with different flavors. We took them to the park and ate them there and admired the scenery, including the cherry blossoms. We then walked around the park with erica in the chilly air. The temperature was 8, so quite the change from Tokyo! Then we covered details for the Jr High camp this weekend. We went to the park with the Sakura (cherry blossoms), on our way to the 100 yen store (dollar store). On the way home we went to Sonouchi's house (a friend of Arnie). There we had apple juice, rice crakers, and cheese filled squid. We then came back here for supper of Yakisoba (noodles and veggies, like a stir fry), and that brings us to now. Tomorrow we will head to the ocean with japanese friends (18 of us total). We will make glass beads, go to the onsen, and take in the sights. We will keep you posted to the other happenings from the other side of the world as they happen.

Chris, on behalf of team Japan.

We are in JAPAN!!

We arrived here at Arnie and Bonita's almost 25 hours after takeoff. It's been a wild ride, and just crazy. I'm always reminding myself that I'm in Japan, which is weird to think about. It's almost midnight here (9 am there). At midnight it will be may 2 here, so we're in the future. But we should go to bed, and we're just letting you know that we all made it here safely.

Chris, Jeff, Sara.

Ready to Leave

It's friday morning and the three of us are finsihing the final details and preparations for our trip. Please keep us in your prayers as we finish preparations and packing. Pray for safe flights and travel as we go out of Canada.

We will be working with Arnie and Bonita Nordaas helping to teach English in the Northern city of Takanosu. We will be sharing our testimonies at various events and outreach activities. We will keep updating this site as regularly as possible.

Chris, Jeff, and Sara - Team Japan.