Yes, we’ve been here only 11 weeks and have experienced
these 3 things. We’ve had two
earthquakes, two early morning emergency alerts that a North Korean missile was
flying over our Island and last Monday Kacie’s school was cancelled for a
typhoon. We are safe and well—and feeling
very blessed as we realize that other areas have had terrible tragedies.
We’ve
been busy doing regular mission stuff, but have found a few hours the past two
Saturdays to have a family outing. Last
week, we decided to enjoy a bike ride and headed down the path right next
to our house. We were surprised that
after only a few kilometers we were out of the city and in beautiful mountain
terrain. We loved our time together and
enjoyed being out in nature.
Yesterday, we visited a famous shrine. There was a children's kendo tournament going on that we
got to walk through and experience which was interesting. Also there was a celebration day when 3,5, and 7 year-old children visit their shrine called Shichi-Go-San. Families were coming and going and we loved
seeing all the children dressed up for this special event. The Japanese love to celebrate!!
It is always fascinating to learn about other
religions. This sign is posted beside a
cleansing area outside of the Shinto Shrine. We,
too, believe that the purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to cleanse us of
our sins so that we can live happy lives now and be clean and receive the Savior’s mercy at the day of judgement. We, too, come before Deity--humbly
communicating with our Heavenly Father to receive help to make our way back to
Him. We, too, try to walk beside our
Savior down the straight and narrow path by following His example and keeping
His commandments. These truly are the
Last Days! May we all prepare by
connecting with Heaven.
This meal is our all-time favorite—gyoza and curry rice! YUM!
