Kristi Comes to the Land of Samari Warriors and Flowers

We were excited to have Kristi come to visit us for a week beginning May 2, 2009. We hardly gave her time to get over her jet lag before we began to catch up on the family and life at home. Then we exposed her to life in the mission offfice, as well as to members, investigators and to numerous sights in Japan. We were very surprised and pleased when the Matsune's came to church last Sunday since they had been transferred to Tokyo about a month ago. They had returned on vacation and took us to see traditional woodworking in Japan and to a beautiful large park. Only a few of the photos from that outing are included.

Kristi became a pro at office work and then we were invited by Sis. Furukawa to come to her home for a photo session in traditional Japanses summer attire. What wonderful members we have here! When the photos were finished, Sis. Furukawa gave Kristi the kimono as a gift.

During the latter part of the week we went to inspect missionary apartments and along the way had a chance to see a reconstructed castle that had originally been built hundreds of years ago.

This castle is in Aizuwakamatsu in the south central part of our mission. We had great visits with the missionaries as we helped them with apartment improvements.

On Saturday before our English class, we went to the west side of Sendai to see a 325 foot tall Buddha. Afterwards, it was great to take Kristi to meet our English students and although she said that she didn't want to say anything, she willingly participated in the class.

After church this morning we drove to the Sendai airport so that Kristi could return to her family. She is now crossing the Pacific Ocean and should be home in time for her children to wish her happy Mother's Day.

Dad has done a great job, but he wanted me to add my thoughts. I just echo what he has said about our visit with Kristi. She has learned first hand how thoughtful and kind the Japanese people are--especially the members here in Sendai.

I want to thank all of you, our family and friends, for the thoughtful things you do for us and for your support and prayers. I've enjoyed the calls from family for Mother's Day and look forward to hearing more from all of you. It was wonderful to have Racquel post pictures of their trip to New York/New Jersey. The time if flying by so rapidly that we, too, will soon be returning home. It will be bitter sweet. We will work hard this remaining 6 months to try to share the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ with the people here in the Japan Sendai Mission.