Jingle Bells

Merry Christmas from Japan!!!

Branch Activity: Caroling to Rest Homes in Japan

In an attempt to "light this little corner of the world," we organized a branch activity to go caroling to two rest homes- one in Sakata and one in Tsuruoka last Saturday.  It was Sister Hirayama's idea (front right.)  She has been so excited about it for months.  We first met at the church and practiced for a few minutes, then drove about 30 minutes away and gathered at this rest home in Sakata.

Branch members ready to sing.  Rest homes are homes to the residents, therefore one must remove one's shoes and don slippers while inside, as is the custom in Japan.

We caroled in the halls, then went upstairs to perform our short program, consisting of carols and a piano duet by Sister Hirayama and myself.

I have performed in rest homes every Christmas for many years with Keynotes.  Our experience in Japan was very much the same as at home.  Some slept during our performance.  And one cute, little lady (unfortunately just out of the picture to the left front) chattered through the whole thing.  She was making eyes at the baby and giving his mom parenting advice.  She also led us as we sang.  She was a character!  (The lady in the back under the yellow blanket is a member of the branch. She is very ill.  She is Sister Hirayama's aunt.)

How we love each and every one of these people. 

Afterward, we greeted and touched each attendee. 

At the second rest home, our Japanese friends joined us in doing so.  It is not Japanese to do so, but it certainly is Christian.  It pleased us so much. 

Nothing brings the spirit more or "lights the world" more than going where Jesus would go: to the downtrodden, ill, lonely, and forgotten.  It just wouldn't be Christmas without doing so!  Merry Christmas!

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Can I just say, I make a mean homemade chicken noodle soup.  It is delicious and full of goodness.  We bought some rotisserie chickens from Costco for our Thanksgiving dinner.  I boiled the bones and produced a delicious stock, from which I made a delicious soup.  I did it on Monday.  Elder Hinton and the elders were going to teach an elderly less active member that evening.  She had an accident several years ago and has no use in her legs.  She scoots around on her bottom.  I'm sure it is very difficult for her to cook and prepare food for herself.  I wanted to make her the soup and send it with Ken when he went to teach her that evening.  As I cut up the carrots and celery and onions, I was thinking of her and the nutrition it would provide.  As I carefully picked the chicken from the bones, I was thinking of her.  I was meticulous so she wouldn't get a choking bone.  As I stirred and checked all day long, I was thinking of her and the joy the soup would bring.  I packed it up nicely in a covered container and sent him on his way.

You can only imagine my disappointment when Ken came home and said she wouldn't accept the soup.  She said she is a vegetarian and doesn't eat any meat.  I was sad. 

I wonder if that is in very, very small part how our Savior feels.  He carefully prepared every detail of the plan of salvation for us- a perfect plan.  Then he fulfilled the plan and atoned for us- individually.  All we have to do is accept the gift and partake of it.  Is that how He feels when we think we know better and reject his gift?  It sure makes me think. 

Thought You Should Know . . .

Evidently, a new requirement to be able to serve a mission is to have the ability to jump really high.  Just thought you should know. 

Irony

The church rents our little church building from a local wealthy businessman.  He actually built the building to church specifications.  He has been a good friend to the church.  A couple of Sundays ago, he came to the church, seeking help.  He has quite a collection of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and a military Jeep.  He needed to order parts from America for his Jeep, so came to ask Ken to help him.  Ken and Brother Kobayashi spent quite a bit of time helping him place his order.  The man then showed them some of his prized vehicles.  If you know Ken, you'll get the irony of him sitting astride this Harley Davidson(he is very anti-motorcycle.)  But it's a fun picture!

Thanksgiving Dinner 2- Japanese Style

This is Imi Shimai.  She and Sachiko Shimai cook dinner for us every Tuesday night at FHE. Imi lived in America for a short time.  Knowing we Americans would be missing Thanksgiving Dinner, she prepared one for us the week after Thanksgiving. 

It is impossible to get (or roast) turkey in Japan, so she and Sachiko made fried chicken, a special rice dish, mashed potatoes and gravy, stick salad (carrots, daikon, and cucumber sticks), stuffing, lettuce, and Sachiko made delicious minestrone soup and pudding for dessert.  It was a feast. 

We so appreciate their thoughtfulness and desire to please us foreigners.  Thank you Imi and Sachiko!  Everything was delicious!

November's Relief Society Activity- Hand Massage

Rizumi and Remi are young adult women who grew up in this branch.  They went away to Tokyo for awhile, but we are so grateful that they have come back home.  They have added a great spark and joy to the branch.  Rizumi taught our Relief Society activity in November.  She taught us about hand massage in the Japanese way and about essential oils.  She did a great job and I was so touched that she printed all of the instructions in English for me, knowing I would be there. 

This picture is blurry.  They are beautiful young women. 

And why are there elders at Relief Society? you ask.  I had the same question.

I was partners with Sachiko.  It was a sweet experience.

I was grateful to Rizumi for her preparation to make a special night for us. 

One Year Mark

Today marks one year since we entered the MTC and began our mission.  What a great and eventful year it has been!

And we're off to Japan!

It has been a wonderful year and has gone so fast.  We have learned so much and most importantly have so many new friends and people that we love.  We are so very grateful for the opportunity to serve! 

Another Baptism!!!!!!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we had another baptism here in our little branch in Tsuruoka! 

Ryohei walked into our Tsuruoka English class on October 19th.  He said he had seen one of the many posters we put up and felt he should come.  He recently returned to Japan from America.  He was in America studying English at Creighton University.  He asked Elder Murakami what he and all of us Americans are doing here.  Elder Murakami told him that we teach English, but that we also teach about Jesus Christ.  Ryohei responded, "I want to learn more about Jesus Christ!"  Can you say golden?!  He attended our advanced class that evening and I don't think it was just coincidence that our discussion that night involved answering questions about "our lives so far."  Two dear sisters, members of the branch, were in the class(one also there for the very first time.)  They both shared experiences that brought the spirit.  For instance, the one there for the first time got the question, "What is your favorite pastime?"  After explaining what pastime meant, she said that prayer is her favorite pastime.  She likes to pray. Their answers brought the spirit.  Then, after class, the elders showed a video "I Am a Mormon" in Japanese.  Ryohei was moved.  I think he truly felt the spirit.   Just three weeks later (unheard of in Japan) he was baptized. 

It was a lovely baptismal service.  Our little branch choir sang "The First Noel."  There were more in the choir than in the congregation!  31 people attended.  It was just wonderful!

The portable font.  This time we made sure it was blown up and filled well in advance.  No bucket brigade this time!  That would have been way too cold in November!

We provided treats after the service and everyone had a great time visiting and welcoming Ryohei.

Since the baptism was on a Saturday, the font had to be carefully dried and put away so the building would be ready for Sunday. 

It was quite the job!

This sister has also committed to baptism and was so happy to be there to see how it is done.  We so hope she will be our next announcement!

Folded up and ready to be stored . . . for a very short time, we hope!!!

Congratulations, Ryohei!  We couldn't be happier for you!!!!

Thanksgiving in Japan

Wanting to give them a little taste of home, we had the four elders over for Thanksgiving dinner.  We didn't have all of the usual foods, but ended up with a pretty good Thanksgiving feast. 
We went to Yamagata on Wednesday to do apartment inspections, so were able to buy

Costco rotisserie chickens,

rolls, and a cheese pie.  Japan has a version of sweet potatoes that looks somewhat like a yam, so I tried my Yam recipe with them.  It turned out pretty good.

The elders brought green salad and mashed potatoes.

The highlight of the day, though, was receiving this package from Kristen and her family.

It contains our Christmas gifts, little notes we can attach to treat plates we give to people throughout the year,  and many handmade Christ ornaments for us to give away during this Christmas season.

She had several of her friends over for a morning of ornament making.

She sent out a text to friends saying, "Anyone who can come help make Christ-centered ornaments for people in Japan, please stop by my house this morning."  These dear sisters dropped what they were doing and came to help.  We are so very touched. 

We are so thrilled to have these beautiful ornaments to give as gifts this Christmas.  Thank you!!!!