November: sickness, loss, soba, and more

Hanging out at church for the Thanksgiving meal.
Yoko, me, Young Ju Kim, and Sarah

November is drawing to a close and I’ve got to admit, we miss the family during this holiday season. The church was very kind to host a Thanksgiving meal for any AETs and church members who wanted to come. It was so nice to have something to help us feel a little closer to home.

Sickness

November was a very busy month. During the first weekend of the month, Mason came down with a cough. Two weeks later, after nights of no sleep (for the both of us), he finally saw a doctor and found out he had an acute case of bronchitis. They gave him some medication, and his symptoms were improving after just 24 hours of treatment. He is finished with the meds now and back in great condition.

David & Jordan

He didn’t let the illness keep him from being busy, though! He had a school event to attend three weekends in a row. He also went on a couple hiking escapades with a couple AETs and a Japanese friend named Saiki whom he got to know when he was studying abroad during college. I think we were both surprised at how much he has enjoyed hiking. He now intends to do at least one hike a month. Don’t worry family. Saiki will soon be an official hiking guide. This guy knows what he is doing. Mason is in good hands.

Saiki

Loss

On the 6th, a friend of ours from back home passed away. Rick Reed was a great friend and teacher. We met him at Bridgeway church and developed our friendship on the basis of our love for God and Japan. Rick had lived in Japan for a number of years and was teaching Japanese at a high school in Oklahoma City. He was very kind to tutor Mason and me before we moved to Japan. He was so supportive, positive, and loving. This is our first loss to experience since we’ve come.  I had a good number of tears to shed for Rick at first. Mostly because I was not aware of how sick he was. We knew he was in the hospital, but it was a shock when we discovered only a few days before his death just how serious it was. Nonetheless, we have peace and joy for Rick. He truly loved God. We trust he is well.

Overall, this experience showed me just how distant we are from everyone back home. While I thought I knew what was going on with our friend, I really had no clue. This is simply going to be the case while we are away, and that is just part of choosing to live abroad.

Soba

As for other events in November, hmmm.. Oh, I had a Japanese cooking adventure!! That’s right, soba lessons! And boy let me tell you, I don’t think I’ll ever successfully make that at home! Making noodles is really hard!!! It also requires a bunch of counter space that just doesn’t exist in most Japanese apartments. I’m thinking most people who make this from scratch are only making it in restaurants. Nonetheless, it was a fun experience.

And more..

I took this on my iphone, with no filters, and it was even prettier in person

The one “just us” thing Mason and I were able to squeeze into our busy month was a quick trip to Daigo. Daigo is the home to Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s top 3 waterfalls. The area is famous for its apples and we went in time to enjoy the kouyou (the autumn leaves). It was a MUCH needed day spent together. We had so much fun and will definitely return when we don’t have to be hurried back to Mito. 

That same night, I was volunteering to hang out with some students that are a part of a “Leadership Camp.” This is pretty much an honor society that hosts multiple events for the kids in our city. I got to eat dinner with some kiddoes, play bingo, then star gaze and peer through an INCREDIBLE telescope. It was a fun night. (I’m sorry that I can’t show you any photos).

Our apples from Daigo. They were  おいしい!!! 

Finally, Mason was given the honor of speaking to a church congregation for the second time last Sunday (his first time was in October). This small church of about 15 members is SO SO SO SO sweet. We really have enjoyed the two times they have invited us to join their worship. The minister of the church is my former college roommate’s father, Jim Holmes! (Those of you who don’t know, I potlucked my sophomore year of college and was roomed with a Japanese student named Anna! She is a dear friend who happens to be living back here in Mito, Japan with her family. Small world, huh?!)

And this all brings us to this week. I attended an enkai with a few teachers from my school. The enkai was for all of the schools within the "ichu" block. (In other words: in our neighborhood). There was only one other AET at the party, but we hardly talked. The whole night, I met and chatted with many Japanese teachers. It was a lot more fun than I expected. It was especially nice to joke and laugh with teachers from my own school that I don't teach with and therefore don't have much opportunity to get to know.

The origami flowers were prizes for a game we won.

Last night, I went to EBC (English Bible Class). I mentioned this to you guys in the last post I think. Since the retreat, I've been going more. We didn't have normal class last night, but instead we made ornaments in celebration for Christmas and simply shared the story of Christmas. Here is a clip of a little girl reading a story about the first Christmas for all of the adults. (かわいい!)

If you didn't see our last posts to update you on September and October, don't forget to check them out. 

Things to come:

-Today, Mason has gone to Nikko with a teacher who has a convertible. Sounds fun at first, but then when you consider the cold weather….. errr.. LOL should make for a great story about a new friendship.

-I’m going to begin tutoring with a Japanese friend, Yoko, from church to improve my Japanese starting Thursday. (she is pictured in the first photo of this entry)

-I’ll be hosting an ornament exchange party for the AET girls next Friday.

-My folks will be here in 3 weeks!!!! 

Thanks for your prayers. Happy Thanksgiving & we love you!!

October Church Retreat

Carmon here!

 Our first Sunday back after Linda had come to visit us, our preacher, Atsushi, asked if we were planning to attend the annual church retreat. We were surprised he asked us, because, honestly, we had thought we dodged the deadline. It was about $75 a person to go and Mason and I didn’t really love the idea of spending that money on an overnight trip right after paying for our trip with Linda. So we declined politely explaining that we couldn’t spend the money. We were surprised at how much it bummed him to hear us say that.

To get to the point, it got us thinking and we discussed how we are so willing to invest in these trips to see the country of Japan, but then find ourselves saying “NO THANKS” when asked to invest in a get away with the church. We decided to call Atsushi that night to see if the offer still stood for us to attend. He accepted.

We were able to help out with the car pool, because (oh yeah, I forgot to tell you) WE GOT A CAR. (a lovely birthday gift from my sweet hubby). We got to provide a ride for Esther, Atsushi’s daughter, and Hannah,  a fellow AET. It was nice to be in the car with folks we don’t get to talk with often.

Our (new to us) used Lapin. The yellow tag indicates that it is a k-kar. Meaning that I am taller than the little thing. lol

We arrived at our lakeside ryokan/hotel destination and set out to socializing. The trip comprised of “adventure” (aka beginner level hiking), games, worship, and some really good conversation.

Many of us were really encouraged and Mason and I were blessed to get to know some people from the church that we had never spent time with before. 

The guys Mason roomed with: Stephen, David and Rich Little (our guest speaker for the weekend)

(Side note: Nertz is definitely best when played with Japanese friends. The most hilarious phrases and noises are made during the craziness of the game.)

I’m really excited about the relationships that have been established and I’m looking forward to the good times ahead.

Furthermore, I’m thankful for the relationships that this retreat also nourished. It inspired some conversation with friends that helped me understand them better and know where I can trust them with my spiritual concerns. Two people in particular have been especially encouraging in the last couple months, and this trip really helped break us open. 

Overall what I’m trying to share is that Mason and I have been encouraged. Since the trip, getting up on Sunday mornings is something we look forward to more than we did before. I also have found myself trying to be more intentional in making time to attend an EBC class. (EBC = English Bible Class. This is pretty much the same as Let's Start Talking. Teaching English by using the Bible as the textbook).

 Thank you for your prayers. Mason and I believe the Spirit interceded to have us go on this retreat and it has forced us to discuss some things we have been neglecting. Please continue to pray for us as we move forward with our mission.

September with Linda

Sorry! Mason hasn't updated in a long time so I've taken matters into my own hands...

Let’s start with September:

The most monumental thing that happened in September is Mrs. Linda Drumm's two week visit!!!!!!!

She arrived on a Sunday afternoon. Mason left that morning for Tokyo to pick her up from the airport. I stayed in Mito to pace and wait anxiously for their arrival back home. So naturally, I went for some last minute shopping to ease my excited mind. I did occasionally stalk Mason's whereabouts using the “find friends” application. Perhaps a bit over the top, I know, but it beats annoying Mason to death with “Are you there yet? Are you there yet? Oh good your at the airport. Are you on your way yet? Are you close? How much longer?”

Their reunion wasn’t as “movie-esque” as one may assume. They had to make a VERY rushed “Hello! We can’t exchange your cash because we only have 2 minutes to make the bus. Let’s go!”

My reunion with Linda was a tad cuter. Using my handy named stalker application, I lost all patience and walked out to meet them at the bus stop.

The first week of Linda’s visit, we stayed in Mito. She conveniently arrived before the day of a national holiday. So Mason and I had the Monday off to spend with her and show her the town. Of course, things couldn’t go that smoothly. A lovely typhoon blew in to greet Linda. We dared it and decided to take a bus to the train station. There we just walked around, shopped, and treated her to some McD’s before returning home.

Mason and Linda carry on their photo booth tradition. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Linda attended school with Mason.

Linda with her school name tag. 

I wish I could show you the adorable photographs and videos, but again, we have to protect the kiddoes and that isn’t allowed.

On Thursday, Linda came to my junior high during the afternoon. She got to watch me teach a seventh grade class and a ninth grade class. It was really cool to have her there. I got to see a side of my principle that I had not seen yet. The hospitality and kindness he extended surprised me. And the praises he had to her of me stunned me. I was seriously paralyzed with shock by the nice things he had translated to say to her.

My school's Kendo club! (Linda & my pose have nothing to do with kendo, but hey) 

Anywho, on Friday, Mason and I left our schools at half day to hit the tracks with Linda. We rode the shinkansen to Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. 

In Hiroshima, we stayed at a ryokan (a Japanese style inn) and we went to the Peace Park and Hiroshima Castle.

The main reason we wanted to visit Hiroshima was to experience the city's history. Below are pictures of our visit to the A-dome, or the the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome which was the only structure left standing near the bomb’s hypocentre.

Mason, pretending he can read the stone. 

The Dome sits next to a river that hosts frequent boat outings for those who are interested. 

Linda throwing up the traditional Japanese peace sign!

We also dropped by Hiroshima Castle. 

I think this is a view from the top. We've lost track of which castle's were what...

After Hiroshima, we took the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka. Osaka had a really fun downtown river area where we took little boat rides and enjoyed the lights.

If you want to see the best dog instagram profile ever, check out Linda's "three_dog_inn" 

The next day we hit some shops and, like any Drumm vacation, ate some burgers at the Hard Rock Osaka!

And while the Hard Rock was delicious, Osaka is most known for is it’s castle.

We came across a group of old men outside the castle. It was a bit strange because they must have been a part of some bird club. I don't know. But they were insistent that I take my photo with one of their birds.

It also happened to be the day of my birthday. Happy birthday to me.

After Osaka, was Kyoto!
Kyoto was our favorite city. It’s beautiful, and there is simply too much to see. One would need a full week to come close to seeing all of the shrines and sites in Kyoto. We were lucky enough to be there on the day a large flea market was being held outside of one of the shrines.

Gotta love this woman's face.

We also saw Kinkakuji and the Nijo Palace. 

And more Castles...

Like I said, there's so many things to do, and Linda really enjoyed just walking around the streets and seeing day to day "normal" Japan life.

Yes, A McDonald's delivery tri-cycle!

The final place we checked out in Kyoto was Arashiyama where we got to see all of these wild monkeys hanging out.

Some slept...

It was a tad scary. There are a lot of warning signs and rules regarding how to stand, look, and behave when in the presence of the monkeys. And I tell you what, when someone tells you “not to look at the monkey in the eye, your attention suddenly becomes so focused on NOT looking that you can’t tell if your looking at them or just thinking about looking at them and then a nice little panic rises when they get this freaky little “ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME” expression… whew.. it was quite the adventure.

You see us smiling but we're all thinking, "Please don't rip my face off."
 (I'm wearing sun guards on my arms to help prevent my eczema from reacting from the sun)

Behind us is the mountain (big hill?) we climbed to get to the monkeys. 

Mason sporting one of his beloved Tom Bihn bags.

And a view from above!

Finally, we ended up in Tokyo. 

We showed Linda Shibuya Intersection (yes, we went again) and then attempted to go to TGIF’s. Sadly they were booked till 9pm. AGH!! Not to worry! We spotted a Shakey’s Pizza and had a fun little game of “I Spy” from the second story window seats in Shibuya. We walked around the Imperial Palace and also went up the Government Building to see Tokyo city from one of the highest points.

It was so nice having Linda with us. In an odd way, it felt so natural to have her in Japan. And when we hugged that first time, it all of a sudden didn’t feel like it had been so long as I had felt it was the day before.  Yet, when she left. Mason and I both cried for a solid 30 minutes. I have only seen Mason cry a few times. This was the first time we really cried together. I don’t know how to explain what I mean without getting too girly on you. All I can say is that it was a sad site to see us painfully buy our bus tickets for Mito, climb aboard, and watch people get on with our puppy eyes, crocodile tears, and tissues. We were more homesick than ever for the rest of our family.

 We are so glad she came and hopeful she’ll make a second trip. Maybe "Papa Bear" can muster up enough 'umph' to get on the plane next time too! We're hopeful.  Until then, we’re counting down the days 'till December.