Tommy’s not the only one meeting family here in Japan.  I called my Aunt Miyoko just to say hello.  I hadn’t seen her since Donna and I went to their house more than a decade ago.  Within a few minutes, she convinced me to visit her and have dinner in Sengawa.

No, this is not going to turn into a food blog, but this was really good — I even got to have uni, something I don’t get to have very often.

My uncle passed away last August.  She usually has dinner alone so she welcomed company.  Just like our last visit in 2001, she overindulged me.  In addition to the sushi, she served fresh kiwi fruit and oranges as well as preparing matcha green tea in the traditional manner.  I didn’t leave there until well after 11:30 p.m.  I told her to stay healthy so we can visit again.

Yes I do want to come back, though I’m not exactly sure when, and I want to bring people to Japan with me.  We have some assessment work to do of the CRASH programs, but more importantly, we need people to be here and offer their presence.

Throughout Japan, you see banners, bumper stickers, posters, and signs as well as the message of different media outlets.  ”Never give up!”  ”Hang in there!”  ”Be strong!”  These are translations of the term gambatte.  Such spirit has sustained Japan throughout the past few months.  Eventually the banners will tear and fade.  Unlike the banners, the spirit can be sustained or at least be kept safe when others continue to come offer their assistance, encouragement, help, and support.  We can share hope by sharing the Gospel’s lessons about serving others.

Tommy and the Campus Crusade students (thanks Ariel and Michael for letting us stay at your place) will be back from Nikko tomorrow.  The apartment is beginning to feel just like home…which means I have laundry and cleaning up to do.  Thanks for the prayers, see you all again soon!