Sakura Sayonara!

Evacuation!

We had been in isolation for 4 weeks when we received word that all foreigners 

would be sent home because of the coronavirus.  The most urgent task was to get 

our 8 Philippine missionaries home before the way was closed.

Last Saturday they quickly left their areas and hurried to the mission home.  

We thought that they would fly out on Sunday.  But, this was a week of patience.  

Their flight didn't leave until Tuesday night!

 They had lots of time to take pictures by the temple. . .

learn how to tie a tie so it's the right length . . .

and even relax!

Meanwhile, 

Russ and others were frantically running back and forth to the airport.

Our 3 Brazilians had a 36 hour journey ahead of them through Qatar.

Others had a miracle flight that took them through Hawaii!

Sometimes it was an airport run for one . . .

but usually it took several vans to get bigger groups and their luggage to the airport.

Tuesday to Thursday 53 missionaries were sent home.  (6 of our Philippine missionaries are in the Manila MTC where they will isolate for two weeks and wait to be reassigned.)

Our sweet Argentinian is still here waiting for the way to open for his return.

Hip, Hip, Hooray--5 with dual citizenship were allowed to stay!!

On Friday we sent 3 senior missionaries home.

We are really missing our missionaries. They left so suddenly and it feels very sad. 

It left a hole in our hearts.  God be with them 'til we meet again.

For the moment, we are a mission of 36 young missionaries.

We feel very fortunate, because some of the other Japanese missions 

are left with less than half that number!

We are in the process of reorganizing.  

Each companionship will cover 3 areas instead of one!

These are interesting times!  One of our returning missionaries expressed it this way:

This is a time for inward discovery as we outwardly minister to others.

One thing is for sure, 

NOTHING, not even the coronavirus, can stop God's Work from progressing!

Self-Isolation

We just finished a very busy, but good transfer week.  

The Coronavirus has impacted our mission, but a new wonderful group of 10 

joined us this week right before the cut off!

 The temple shut down minutes before they were supposed to go,

but we still got to enjoy it's beauty and influence!

Here's a look at our mission diversity:

 

 And a fun picture from the Snow Festival a few weeks ago.

 Just so you know, we are all healthy!

 Self-isolation is a preventative measure.  The Church is shut down in Japan--

no church meetings or gatherings of any kind.  

We are doing our best to stay well and not spread this virus.

We know that nothing can stop the work of the Lord!

Tools are in place so that we can still continue to do missionary work via technology.

And work we must!!

We want to "waste and wear out our lives" inviting all to come unto Christ!

Well, that's pretty much our short update.

We do appreciate any prayers sent our way!

Hugs from Hokkaido!

Enjoy to the End!

 It's official!  Our replacement has been announced.  Change is right and good, but also hard and sad!  We have loved every minute of our service and have acquired a joyful Japanese heart.  We will continue to treasure every day of the next 5 1/2 months, knowing that they will fly by quickly.

Here are some glimpses into our world:

This Santa came all the way from Fort Collins!  Does anyone recognize him?

Elder & Sister Wada came to do a mission tour.  We love the Wadas!

"Wada" great time we had!!

Do we really have to leave all these cute, wonderful missionaries??

The gingerbread men were a hit!

I think we surprised the carolers, more than they surprised us!

We share our message with everyone!

Sometimes we even share our germs--

unfortunately we've had a lot of sick missionaries.

There are giants among us--spiritual giants!

A Bamboo Forest

Okonomiyaki--Japanese cabbage pancakes

Happy New Year to Everyone!

2020 

We're going to give it our best!

Ahhh-tumn!

 This is our last Fall to enjoy in Hokkaido and we are trying to 

soak up every bit of it's beauty!

 P-day with our Assistants

and our Office Elders

Got to love the English translations!

 Our favorite hobby. . .EATING!!

Taco Rice--a Favorite

Snack Break!

Transfer Week Meals

Our new Elder from Argentina

Because our mission boundaries have doubled in size,

we have to do more of our meetings by ZOOM.

The cost and time to bring missionaries in is just too great.

Here, one of our new Sisters is meeting her trainer by wonderful technology.

Family Home Evening game

Oops!

But no matter what, we have

joy in our hearts!!

Love from Hokkaido!!