Ojamashimasu, translated as “excuse me for bothering you”. This is usually said when you enter someone’s house or when you come near someone’s personal space. And like most spoken Japanese , it is said in a singsong voice. Say it with me: O ja ma shi ma su. The Japanese are very serious when it comes to politeness! So, as I enter into your personal cyber space, in my singsong voice, Ojamashimasu.

While some stayed and visited with their host families and few of the team members went on an adventure early in the morning to see a 41.8 meter tall stark white statue that is said to be the guardian of Takasaki since its completion in 1936. Byakue Dai-Kannon can be seen from all around. I can only imagine God’s glory proclaimed when the surrounding 3,000 cherry trees blossom in the spring!

Lunch was at a traditional soba restaurant and we had a room to ourselves and sat at a chabudai, a traditional Japanese table with pillows for seating on tatami flooring. For most, it was doable. For others, not so much (me raising my hand here). But for the feast we enjoyed surrounded by our church team and our Little Light Church family, it was well worth it.

With our bellies full of delicious noodles and our spirits revived with fellowship, we went back to the Henderson’s home.

Our team has been going through Milton Vincent’s gospel primer for our team devotional time. With the extra books that we brought, we sat around the Henderson’s living room with a few of the LLC members. What a precious time it was to reflect on God’s word with our church family on the other side of the world. The ones that shared their thoughts on how God is working through them was so encouraging.

Let the work begin! After devotions, we unloaded all the huge suitcases that were packed with all of our supplies. Making sure nothing was damaged, we got started. T-shirt’s were wrinkled, so Audrey put her ironing skills to work. Counted all the sheep that will be used in the English Project that Kevin is teaching. Charis, with scissors at the ready, began cutting out materials for the crafts. And the rest of us started making our lists of what more is needed. Therefore a shopping trip to a 100 yen store will be in our immediate future, yay!

Not only did we discuss and plan for “summer camp” (VBS), Josiah wanted to plan and discuss for tomorrow’s English Cafe. A couple of hours before worship service, LLC holds an English Cafe. This is a great opportunity for the local community to come and enjoy some awesome coffee and delicious treats while learning conversational English. Summer was decided as the topic. We came up with some discussion questions and brainstormed ideas on how to bring the conversation back to the most important topic…the gospel. Coffee and conversation that God willing will lead to conversion. Afterwards the participants are invited to worship service that follows. Josiah says not many stay but seeds are planted and the Holy Spirit will do His work in His timing.

So, what did we do after that you ask? We ate! Tonkastu was for dinner and again there were chabudai tables with pillows for seating on tatami mats. Praise the Lord there were western style tables there as well. Lele, a sweet young lady and member of LLC, sat with me along with Audrey. Our fellowship was ever so sweet. Please pray for Lele, her leg gives her trouble and the doctors aren’t able to give her answers as to why.

After dinner, we all went to our host family homes and got some much needed rest. All of us appreciate your prayers and encouraging texts. Until next time…

~Charlene