Springtime

Sickness has crept into our home this spring. Sherri came to visit us during golden week, and at some point during her travels, she developed bronchitis. Daniel and I have followed in tow, however the exact diagnosis of either of us is yet to be determined. The hospital system here is impossible for a non-Japanese speaker to navigate through, not to mention understanding whether medications prescribed are prudent in the healing process. Nonetheless, we are privileged not to be in South East Asia.

On a brighter note, this week has been in the mid 80s, and the month of May will continue to bring us what we understand to be summertime weather. We need not begin the discussion about the coming monsoon season in June, and unbearably hot months of summer. For now, we will stick to picnics in the park and trips to the beach.

Daniel and I will begin our bible study next Wednesday night. We will be studying the book of Acts, and anticipate 10-12 attendants to start with. We are so excited to see God's hand working in our hearts and in this city, and to have the opportunity to open our home and the scriptures in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We want nothing more than for His mission to be fulfilled, and are thankful to be a part of it.

-Mara

Nagoya Barbarians

Daniel is now officially a member of the Nagoya Barbarians semi-pro rugby team. They are currently in pre-season, with tournaments every Sunday. The first game of the season will be on April 25th .

Daniel is a killer on the field. His tackles, passes and trys are on point. The team is a spirited bunch of gaijin - many of whom are from Australia, the U.K. and other english speaking countries. Daniel is one of two Americans. Most of the players have girlfriends, fiances, wives and young children. We are making a lot of friends, and can tell that much partying will be had with this group.

Check out the teams website at http://www.nagoyabarbarians.com/

-Mara

Church Bells

There is a Catholic cathedral two blocks away from our apartment. It is called The Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul. Every Sunday morning, we hear the bells chiming, calling brothers and sisters in Christ to worship. This is the time that Daniel and I sit down and have our small church service - listening to an online sermon, sharing prayer and communion. We will go to a local English-speaking church today called Nagoya Union Church. It is non-denominational, and seems to love Jesus and have all the bases covered in basic theology. We'll see how it goes!

-Mara

Season Change

As Winter turns to Spring, we find ourselves transitioning into this exciting new season living in Nagoya. Completely foreign and illiterate, we are stumbling our way through this introductory period in our new Japanese city. We are taking steps toward making this place truly our home, as we begin to learn the language, find our way around, reach out to expatriates, and explore all aspects of this intriguing place. The scene from The King and I pops into my head, "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you..." I may just end up singing that very song to a class of japanese children as I attempt to introduce them to the English language (that is, if I can secure myself a job)!

Daniel and I are exceedingly thankful for the things God is doing in our lives, and for the blessings He constantly pours out on us. Who could have imagined we would have been given all these opportunities just nine months into our marriage?! We will do our best to keep you updated on all our excursions, and the new, quirky things we take note of in this other world. The anthropologist in me will have a hay day!

-Mara