May Visitors

There's nothing like a visit from long-time friends. This month was such a blessing with two such visits.  Gordon and Kyna Reissdorf are from Canada (don't hold that against them!).  We met them quite a few years ago in another part of Japan, and then they also lived in the Kobe area for a number of years as tent making missionaries.  What special people they are!  God called them to return to Canada two years ago and we have really missed them and their children.  Gordon and Kyna were able to return for a visit along with some work for his job as a recruiter for Trinity Western University.  ( I hope I got that name right).  We met them downtown and took them to one of our favorite places to eat -- an okonomiyaki restaurant.  (as-you-like-it food--a sort of cabbage pancake).  So encouraging to hear story after story of God's goodness in direction and provision for their lives.  There's nothing like hearing praises firsthand.  We are so thankful for the time we had together.

Gordon and Kyna

 Our second visit was from a former TEAM Japan missionary.  We always call her Kathy Ann so that we can keep her and Kathy Jean apart.  Kathy Ann and her husband served in Japan for quite a few years (around 18 or so, I think, in total).  Josiah was good friends with their older boys when they were just 90 minutes away.  Kathy and her husband, are now serving with TEAM in the Czech Republic.  Talk about some difficult languages to learn.  (Japanese, followed by Czech).  Again, hearing firsthand how God has been working in their lives and others was just such a blessing and a big boost of encouragement to us.  Kathy's visit coincided with grandson, Leo's sports festival at his school.  So she got to see Josiah and meet his family as well.

Sports Days are annual events and a big deal at every elementary school.  All of the students are divided into two teams, the red and the white.  When you win an event, you score points for your team.  The kids' hats are reversible are can be switched from red to white.  It's an all-day event. Parents bring picnic lunches to eat while they sit outside on mats to watch the events.  Many grandparents come to watch as well.

Leo making the peace sign.