May 25, 2012






Here is Amber’s story from yesterday that she wanted to share:
Amber: I had a lunch with a woman named Yuko yesterday. She lives with her mother, father, brother and son. After the tsunami, no one believed that anyone lived in her area. When they found out they did a news broadcast on her and her family about how she would carry her son to the school on her back because the water was too high for her son to walk. Then they would go up to the second floor of the school and he would change so that no one would know that he was getting wet. During the tsunami multiple waves hit and the brother thought it was over on the first wave and went downstairs and the second wave hit and he rode a table within the house. They were stuck upstairs for three weeks and then were able to start working on their house. Their house was built up about 4 feet so now there is a lot of mud and debris underneath her house. Several volunteers, hopefully including us, will be able to help clean it out.

Back to Marisa: We have heard many stories the last few days about how the tsunami has affect the people here. Many people are still hurting. There is a strong calling and need for God and His love.

* * * 

Today I had four readers. Amber had 2, and Austin had 1. We have 9 signed up and the word is spreading. It is so cool to see the improvement already in these people. Tomorrow we will have our first party with the readers, the crew from B1 (the local missionaries) and hopefully the readers’ friends and family. We will be having a Welcome Café—offering coffee and tea, conversation, games and conversation.

Other notable things today were that a lot of the volunteers that were here the last few days all left to go home today. That was a little bit sad. I have a problem saying goodbyes. Michico (Jonathan’s wife—Jonathan actually used to attend York College!) took Austin and Amber to the grocery store to show them around. She then taught us a little bit of Japanese during lunch. After lunch Amber and I had some free time so I went back to the apartment to do some p90x and she took a much needed nap. Then Amber--I am so proud of her for this by the way—made dinner! She prepared curry, a Japanes dish! It tasted delicious. This was a big deal because she is self-conscious about her cooking because she burns popcorn. As she was preparing dinner Austin and I were able to go to an after school child care—so, so fun! I got to play with the kids and play a little bit of piano. A little girl Ren and I really had some fun—her and Austin taught me how to play chopsticks and we had a good time spinning her around and helping her jump super high in the air. Two girls, Ren and another girl whose name I cannot pronounce or even begin to spell gave Austin a massage while singing—probably one of the cutest things I have ever seen! Those two girls also were a hoot by riding an exercise bike—each one on one of the pedals. The snacks they provided were also delicious and quite fun to try.

Today was full of many good times. Our evening readers Ino (mine), Kameyama (Austin’s), and Saya (Amber's) seemed to really respond well and have a good time. We even incorporated some various things such as drawing, maps, and joking around. I am very excited to see what the following days will bring.


Proverbs 17:22
New International Version (NIV)
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.