TOM: TOP TEN THINGS I WILL REMEMBER ABOUT JAPAN

10. THE WAY THEY RECYCLE
9. THE HEAT: Although the heat and humidity was not as bad as last year, it does affect you in a major way. According Weatherunderground, the worst day for the TMK team was Friday, August 8th. It was 98 degrees with 89 % humidity and of course, it was the only day we had recreation outside. We also had lightning and thunderstorms storms with sudden down pour of rain earlier in the week.
8. DRIVING ON THE “WRONG” (LEFT) SIDE OF THE ROAD: Although by the end of the trip I could remember what side was the “right” side?
7. THE NEAT LITTLE CARS: The US can learn something from the Japanese. Changes will have to be made with the energy crisis.
6. EVERYONE BICYCLES: As a cyclist myself I praise the Japanese people for using bicycles as major means of transportation. Children, mothers, businessman and many other all use cycling. I saw a mom with a young child in her handlebar basket and a child in a child seat in back biking through a park; older women carrying groceries bags holding an umbrella riding down the road. Maybe they’ve taken it a little too far.
5. THE FOOD!!! Don’t plan on losing weight in Japan. The food is amazing and inexpensive if you know where to go. My favorite eating place was only two blocks from the SEND Center, Yaoko’s. Here you could buy sushi, sashimi, tempura and everything else I like. They even have square watermelons.
4. TMK TEAM LED BY PATTI YONEMURA: Each member wore many hats during the VBS. Jasmine and Vincy doing all of our skits and helping with crafts, recreation and snacks and being our youthful ambassadors to the children. Heather heading up the crafts with Vincy, had a way of giving instructions that the kids understood even when she knew little Japanese. Patti and Sharon as story tellers and the chief English teachers were instrumental in presenting Jesus’ love to the children. Elaine and Kelly were the indispensable guardians of the children, Elaine with the younger child which was right up her alley and Kelly, handling 19 older children at one point. Neil was our chief photographer, although everyone contributed their pictures. Sharon, Vincy and a digital “Matt” were our song leaders and played such and important role in setting the mood. The kids loved to sing and do the “choreography”. We had added help with Elizabeth and Eliot Reasoner, Alisha and Brandon Nakamura and Amy. We really needed their help with the numbers of children we had show up. I helped with recreation, photography and slideshow with help from everyone. I did have an advantage since it is something I’ve done for 30 years. The most indispensable members of out team were our translators and hosts, Jon, Cheiko and Richard.
3. THE MISSIONARIES: Richard, Jon and Chieko have given the lives to spreading the Gospel to Japan. I’ve learned so much from them.
2. PRAYER WARRIORS: Richard is one. He takes the offensive, striking at the very core of the many demonic spirits which Japanese worship. Joy is another. You wouldn't expect this tiny petite Philipino woman would intimidate any one let alone a horde of Japanese gods.
1. THE CHILDREN: They were the highlights of my trip. Their enthusiasm, kindness and gentle spirits renewed my passion for teaching. They listened so intently, followed instructions so carefully and learned so quickly. Aoto, Yume, Rei, Kei, Jun, Masami, Ako, Mame, Saki, little Mao, Lisa, Miku, Miki, Taichi, Miwa, Ryo, Rion, Moeka, Nanami, Hanna, Kayla, Hiroki, Yuzuki, Haruna, Mizuki, big Mao, Ryosuke, Kaito, Kodai, and Yuto were amazing.


DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG HAS BEEN WRITTEN BY A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN UP FOR OVER 36 HOURS SO IT MAY HAVE MANY ERRORS AND MAY NOT MAKE SENSE.