Patti--Tokorozawa Team "God Sightings in our Midst"

I am here in Japan to report that God is working. The Seattle Team arrived on a day that was rather cool for Japan at this time of the year. The cloud cover made it feel like it was only in the 80's. The next day the heat rose a little, even though we did much walking, it was not too bad to be out and about. On Sunday, the clouds rolled away and the sun was in full force. We were (pardon my description) sticky, dripping, and just plain hot as we prayer walked the area that Richard Nakamura is targeting to reach. Believe it or not, prayer walking is hard work as well as hot work. We are thankful that God has acculmated us to the weather. We are ready for the heat. Bring it on!

The Tokorozawa Team is at Richard and Keri's home. This home is a gift to the Nakamura's. They are a family of 7, most homes in Japan are about 800 square feet. But how can you fit 7 people in such a small space? Well--have you seen how many can fit in a Japan train car? I don't think they would want to take turns sleeping, as there wouldn't be enough floor space for all to lay down at the same time. Especially with the 9 of us here, on top of the 7 of them. So that being said, guess how large the Nakamura home is? Is that your final answer? The answer is....3000 square feet! This place is a mansion and affordable for the Nakamura's. God is good.

It is very cumbersome to travel in Japan. Cumbersome because it takes so long to go even a short distance. You have to plan to get the the station before the appointed time, and it usually means walking from your home or taking a bus to get to the station. Then you board the train and it may take a few transfers to get where you want to go. Going just 35 miles can take one and a half hours. Well--at least you can get anywhere in Japan by the Shinkensen, local train system, subway, or bus. And it is becoming more convenient by being able to use the same Passcard for most of the transportation use. But I could see how this eats into your day and takes time away from your family. No wonder the businessman sees so little of his family and isolates him from participating in being the Father.

The Tokorozawa Team is bonding and sharing more of ourselves as we travel and see the plight of the Japanese people. We have spent some time around the large table in the diningroom asking questions of the Nakamura's, sharing stories, and laughing. So much laughter that my eyes have begun to weep. It is all good.

Even with less sleep than usual for all of us, we are healthy, energized, ready to serve each other and the Lord.

Signing off from Japan