The Train Station in Japan

https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2018/05/the-amazing-psychology-of-japanese-train-stations/560822/

A Local Product

When we toured beautiful Izu Peninsula recently, I saw a Japan Coast Guard vessel that had been built in the shipyard visible across the channel from our balcony. One identical to this boat is being finished right now. They just painted it yesterday. It's welded aluminum plate with twin jet drive propulsion, so it moves at high speed. 

What Season is it in Tokyo?

Well, you could say it's "ajisai" or hydrangea season, but it's also rainy season. Almost every day during June we have rain. To celebrate Mizuho's birthday, Carol made the ajisai cupcakes. 

Just Too Cool...

How's this for  a pose? This was last Sunday. 

After the children's story and craft, while adults were finishing up our time in prayer, this is what the children were up to. Good thing the grown-ups didn't know...

Momo agreed to help out with the children on Sunday, which was a big help. 

A Great Day!

Masayo has been looking forward to this declaration of faith in Jesus 

She was joined by Jumpei and Mizuho, on one side, and Yoko, on the other. Carol is welcoming the people from Shiohama and Harumi who have come to celebrate this step of faith. 

We were encouraged by their testimonies of coming to Christ, and the changes He has made in their lives.

 We had our baptismal service in a deluxe guest room of an apartment complex where one of the believers lives. With Shiohama reaching young families, there are always small children around.

Carol did a spectacular carrot cake to celebrate the event, and the children were the first to enjoy it.

Keiko, talking to Carol Love here, was baptized here just a few months ago. 

Next to the room in the pictures is a very large bathroom with a big jacuzzi. An unusual feature is that to the left of this jacuzzi is a floor to ceiling window, so when the drapes are drawn, people in the other room could look on, as others crowded around to watch and record the baptism.

We had the blinds down for the baptism, but guests who use the jacuzzi can have this view of Tokyo as they soak.

Sakura...

How much more Japanese can one picture get? 

This traditional boat has a very long "paddle" attached to the boat by a rope just in front of the man. There's a rocker pad resting on the transom, and the man pushes and pulls the paddle using the little handle that is perpendicular to the paddle, causing it to act like the tail of a fish in the water. 

No, this isn't sakura, but it's beautiful, and a good contrast to the early postwar building behind it. 

Kayaks may not be very traditional, but the sight on fallen sakura on the river certainly is. This proved to be a long sakura season, but the winds and rain of the past two days have abruptly ended it.

Easter Celebration

Another Easter, another masterpiece cake by Carol Love!

Part of the celebration was singing Gospel..."When I think about the Lord..."

We had our Shiohama celebration on March 18, so some of us joined Harumi for their celebration