Can I live here. . . for a little while, anyways? 

"Manzamo" 

I think I was made for the tropics. . . In the middle of August, I spent 3 days in Okinawa (a group of islands in the far south of Japan) with my friend Naomi. I've known her since I first started teaching in Osaka, when she was my student, and we quickly became good friends. We definitely enjoyed the chance to relax, swim in the beautiful, clear water (it really does look like the postcards!!) and even went to her relatives' place for supper one night! Included in our tour (yeah, it's basically the only way to travel out here -- much cheaper, and you can choose if you want planned activities or pick your own) was a boat ride out to a deserted island about an hour away from the main island. We spent a few hours there, exploring the island and enjoying the water (watching the fish, just using my goggles, was fascinating. . . I even saw a little "Nemo" in his anemone, while a bigger fish -- his dad?! -- fended off other fish from getting too close. . . I felt like I was in the movie or something!) We also visited "Manzamo", some cliffs a few hours away from our hotel, and were treated to a beautiful island sunset on the way home. . . Okinawa is an interesting place with a pretty colourful history. . . Since it used to be an independent country, the people have retained a common identity through their customs, food and language that is different from the rest of Japan. Of course, as a popular travel destination for "mainlanders", the younger generations also speak standard Japanese. After WWII, the American army also occupied these islands, and still operate a huge base there. People here also boast the longest lifespan in the world (lots of people living over 100) -- apparently due partly to their love of "goya". . . a vegetable that somewhat resembles a very bumpy cucumber, but is usually sliced and boiled before eating. . . and it's very bitter!! But, they also eat a lot of pork -- I had the chance to sample shredded pig's ear (with some kind of spicy seasoning) that they eat as a snack! I didn't tell them what we use pigs' ears for at home. . . :-s So, yeah, it was an interesting and good experience -- that ended with one last fleeting glance at the tropical waters from my plane window. . . 

Only 2 more months. . . It's pretty neat living next door to the construction site of our new church building (scheduled to be finished at the end of October). As you can see, right now they are in the process of putting up the "design panelu" (as it's called in "Japanese"), and have been doing a lot of work on all of the electrical / plumbing work inside. We even have a baptismal tank, and I can get a picture of what my new English class is going to look like!!  

The charm and mystery of Japanese culture. . . something that attracts me to this country as I'm drawn into traditions and history that stretch back many, many generations. In particular, Nara, as the first permanent capital of Japan established in 710, is a city that maintains an area of many older homes, and boasts an impressive collection of temples (including the largest wooden building in the world), and shrines (one of which the road leading towards it is lined with thousands of stone lanterns, lit once during the O'Bon festival in August). The city also offers (for a price) "people-driven" carriage rides, along with narration of the area, through it's historical streets.  

What is summer without. . . "Aisu"?!? You definitely have to look for the right places to find ice cream here, but in a "tourist town" like Karuizawa, that wasn't a problem. Not eating too much was. . . Taken with Doris (left -- the teacher I I "filled in" for last year when she was studying Japanese), and Andrea (who just arrived in Osaka this February). We had a great time together during the conference; shopping at the outlet mall, studying Japanese at the Christian language school there, and, as you can see, treating ourselves! 

my room in "the house" -- ok, so obviously I didn't get a good enough camera to show up those cobwebs. . . just don't look up! :-s 

Welcome to the ultimate in "meet & greet" social events. . . As missionaries attending the annual Karuizawa Summer Missionary Conference (in a city that has been greatly impacted by the presence of missionaries -- could I use that word any more?!), we were also given the "privilege" (??) of invitation to the big summer gala (along with all the important figures / big wigs in the area). Having not understood this before leaving for our trek out to the mountains, I can fairly say I was "underdressed" for the occassion, not to mention just slightly younger than about 95% of the guests (the 5% being the Hiebert kids), and not quite feeling like I "blended in". Although, upon encouragement from one of the conference leaders urging us to initiate conversation with business people as a great way to share about why we are here in Japan, I did manage to "target" and strike up conversations with a couple of people. On an interesting note, I learned from the website designer for Karuizawa that they hold a curling tournament here every year in February -- "mezurashii!!" (I can't imagine that happens too many other places in this country) So, that was his first connection to Canada -- what can I say, just doing my job as an ambassador for my country?!  

the OLD house -- felt like we were competing with the bugs / spiders / mice for occupancy of the place during the week I slept here. . . So, it was definitely an adventure -- guess we missionaries in Japan can't really complain about our "living situation", since we're pretty spoiled here!! This place is definitely a welcome "escape" from the mugginess that engulfs most of the mainland throughout July and August -- wanna come visit next summer?? 

One big happy family. . . out in Karuizawa (near Nagano in the Japanese alps). Yes, I can definitely say we all enjoyed the huge veranda out in front of the house -- for playing ping pong (so I realized I'm a little out of practice since my dad and I used to rally down in our basement when I was younger -- I kept blaming it on the net being too high. . . :-b), spending quiet time on the porch swing (how can you not enjoy God's awesomeness in such a beautiful place?!), or for enjoying a pancake breakfast (blueberry ones!!!) with the Hiebert family, Doris (holding pancake) and Andrea (with braided hair).  

Relay races under the sun in the park nearby. . . the water balloons (and staff members drenching each other with buckets of water!!) were pretty popular! 

That's right -- Summer Kids' Club 2005!! The team from Canada "thoughtfully" brought along hats to go with our creation theme for the 3 days ;-)  

Definitely the place to hang out on a hot summer's night. . . and pull that "yukata" (light summer kimono) out of the closet. (Still looking for one that's long enough. . .) 

Some of the dancers at Oiden -- watch out for the "Toyota Church" entry next year!! 

It's Matsuri (festival) season in Japan - Toyota's "Oiden" was held in the end of July; downtown streets were filled with dancers, each performing their own interpretation of the festival music! 

There is seriously never a dull moment with these two great women! I spent the ride to and from the BBQ completely amused by their banter on everything from the right road to take, to prices of things these days, and how wonderful the weather turned out to be. . .  

Moe-chan!! My little host sister trying her luck at fishing in the small creek near our BBQ spot.  

"Rice balls anyone?" Me and the ladies forming the rice into triangular balls for our church BBQ lunch last Sunday. (Apparently I was the only one who couldn't take the heat of the steaming hot rice. . . :-s) 

Didn't think this would be the first picture I'd be posting (me in a canoe in Japan), but I'm so glad it is. . . Welcome to my online photo album everyone!