It is hard to believe it has just been a week since first arriving in Japan. Though I grew up in an asian country (Taiwan), things here are not quite what I expected. For starters, when Jenn and I first got into the Mansell's van, I am sure it took me nearly five minutes to realize Mrs. Mansell was not the one driving! It was also a little strange to be driving 'on the wrong side of the road'. The food is not quite the same as what we had in Taiwan either, though I am glad to finally have had my first bowl of 'real' ramen noodles!! Homemade, too! :) We have already started our language lessons, though when it comes time to actually use some my head goes blank, or I almost say the Chinese word for it (especially numbers, or when I want to say: um, I don't know!). Yesterday we drove over three hours to meet some missionaries in the center of Hokkaido. We met the Mink family in one town, and in another we met the Smiths who are currently training the Wilhites. They have some guys from Indiana helping them remodel their building this summer. All of them had small children, and it was a blessing to be able to spend some time with them. This past week we have also been able to go to the local highschool and be in a couple classes. At church we had three ladies come that are very excited to be here as well as an English teacher from a nearby town. I would like to thank all the churches that helped me to be able to intern here this summer. The Lord also worked it out so that I will be able to attend my brother John's wedding in late July. :)
Regarding my last post, the tragedy currently going on in Joplin, MO is very real. Praise the Lord that my sister and brother-in-law were all right. They were able to locate their cousins, and though their home is destroyed, they are all right.
Please continue to pray for the people both here in Japan, and those who are around you.
Thank you for your prayers! :)
