A rare sighting of a lady in traditional kimono dress.
A typical front yard of a home in the city....simple, pretty, not much space!
This must be the world's largest umbrella, found at KIX.
I sl
2017 Year in Review
8 years ago
Monday, April 11, 2011
But wait, there's more!
Sorry, I found a few more shots to post from my trip to Japan. This is it, I promise, then on to more recent life here at home. You may have to click on the picture to enlarge in order to read the funny English.
Cars
I was sorting through my pictures from Japan and was surprised to find how many pictures of cars I had taken. No, I'm not a car fanatic by any stretch of the imagination, but I always find it fun to see the latest trends in cars in Japan. So, here are cars, cars, and more cars.
Okay, Laurie....I'm trying to get caught up on things here at home still, so hang on for the "since I've been home" post. :)
How about driving the Toyota Noah?
"I am safety driver. Please, after you."
My dream car, sans black convertible top. Some day......
Is this car going backwards or forwards?
Okay, Laurie....I'm trying to get caught up on things here at home still, so hang on for the "since I've been home" post. :)
Monday, April 4, 2011
While I Was Gone
So when the cat's away, the mice will play, eh?
There were donuts, donuts, and more donuts. There was more than one trip to Sonic. There were movies and pizza more than once. There was geocaching a couple of times. Beds went unmade, toilet seats stood tall, and daily chores were thrown by the wayside.
There were trips to parks and picnics, with a bit of spelunking.
I found no less than three grocery receipts with donuts on them. One receipt had Cap'n Crunch, chocolate milk, powdered donuts, gem donuts, glazed donuts, Mr. Pibb, Chips Ahoy, A&W Cream Soda, and milk. I did leave meals in the freezer for supper, but I guess since I didn't supply breakfast, they took matters into their own hands!
Most of all, memories were made and Chris (and Michaela!) did an awesome job of creating a fun spring break at home. What a hoot!
Japan Wrap-Up
I wanted to post some pictures from my last couple of days in Japan. Dad, Mom, and I made two more shopping trips to a couple of stores and loaded their van twice with relief supplies that we dropped off at Chad and Jennifer's to be taken up to the Tohoku area. It was exciting to be able to help out in this way. Of course we caused quite a scene at the stores, where normally Japanese will only buy a hand basket or maybe two worth of food at a time. We spent a few thousand dollars at each stop and loaded up on cases of propane fuel for single burner stoves, single serving prepared meals, boxed juices, canned meat, feminine supplies, underwear, t-shirts, a variety of fresh vegetables, socks, and more.
On a side note, as mission forwarding agents for both my parents and sister's family, it has been incredible to be on the receiving end of envelope after envelope of donated funds towards the relief efforts. We have been floored at the response. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and I know that my parents and sister's family are so appreciative of the partnership that each supporter has with them in this ministry to reach out to the Japanese people during this crisis. While it was fun to shop with my mom and dad, I know that the responsibility of using the gifted funds wisely weighs heavily on them.
I was so disappointed to barely miss cherry blossom season! The trees were just beginning to show their first blooms the day I was leaving. Oh, to be in Osaka in the spring, it's such a beautiful time where the concrete jungle gets that touch of pink.
Below is the view from my parents home atop a small hill in Osaka. It's city, city, city, but that one tree in front is a burst of pink right about now.
Sunset through the cherry tree.....okay, so maybe it's more of a smog set, but it was beautiful!
And a fine young nephew, Gideon. I love his laughter and huge smile! I'll always remember spending a few nights with Barney. Ha!
My big sis, Jennifer. I'm so proud of her. She and Chad have hearts of gold, so selflessly giving and working so that others may know of His Great Love.
Saying goodbye to family is never easy, but it does help to know that I'll get to see them all Stateside in July. I had a pretty uneventful trip home, except for arriving to a dead battery in the van. It looks like I left an overhead light on....oops. Driving two hours home from the airport after being up for more than 24 hours isn't ideal, but thanks to some adrenaline and Amy and Chris talking me home on the phone I arrived safe and sound.
It felt so good to hug Chris and my kiddos. Of course, as soon as the hugging fest was done, the kids couldn't wait for me to open my suitcases to see treasures brought from afar. :)
On a side note, as mission forwarding agents for both my parents and sister's family, it has been incredible to be on the receiving end of envelope after envelope of donated funds towards the relief efforts. We have been floored at the response. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and I know that my parents and sister's family are so appreciative of the partnership that each supporter has with them in this ministry to reach out to the Japanese people during this crisis. While it was fun to shop with my mom and dad, I know that the responsibility of using the gifted funds wisely weighs heavily on them.
I was so disappointed to barely miss cherry blossom season! The trees were just beginning to show their first blooms the day I was leaving. Oh, to be in Osaka in the spring, it's such a beautiful time where the concrete jungle gets that touch of pink.
Below is the view from my parents home atop a small hill in Osaka. It's city, city, city, but that one tree in front is a burst of pink right about now.
Sunset through the cherry tree.....okay, so maybe it's more of a smog set, but it was beautiful!
With my parents, what a privilege to spend a week with them!
One of the cutest nieces ever, Katia!
And a fine young nephew, Gideon. I love his laughter and huge smile! I'll always remember spending a few nights with Barney. Ha!
My big sis, Jennifer. I'm so proud of her. She and Chad have hearts of gold, so selflessly giving and working so that others may know of His Great Love.
My little helpers seeing me off at the airport.
Saying goodbye to family is never easy, but it does help to know that I'll get to see them all Stateside in July. I had a pretty uneventful trip home, except for arriving to a dead battery in the van. It looks like I left an overhead light on....oops. Driving two hours home from the airport after being up for more than 24 hours isn't ideal, but thanks to some adrenaline and Amy and Chris talking me home on the phone I arrived safe and sound.
It felt so good to hug Chris and my kiddos. Of course, as soon as the hugging fest was done, the kids couldn't wait for me to open my suitcases to see treasures brought from afar. :)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Why We Came to Japan
Dad is doing great. I am so proud of him for attacking this cancer with force and taking in a highly effective diet (which doesn't include the most tasty stuff!). His PSA is already down and we expect it to continue to slide down. I love you, Dad!
Japan - Part II
I sure thought I'd be able to keep up with some blogging and pictures while I'm in Japan, but it just hasn't happened. I've been able to keep in touch with Chris and the kids on Skype each day, so that's been nice. Chris has done a great job holding down the fort and the kids are enjoying their spring break.
We've had a mix of activities going on here. We kept four of my nieces and nephews here at Dad and Mom's for three nights to help Jennifer out so that she could continue her focus on coordinating relief efforts. Check out their ministry website for updates on the aid work. It is amazing! My niece Anika even put together a great video of pictures from their activities: http://www.onfirejapan.com/tohoku/. Jennifer is making daily updates and there are tons of photos. Thank you for your continued prayers for the Japanese people and for Chad and Jennifer as they reach out during this opportune time.
It has been great to spend more time with my brother, Jeremy. He had to fly home yesterday, but we made the most of his time here and collected some more memories. Some of you may not know that my dad's parents came to Japan in 1950 as missionaries, so our family history here is long. My grandparents have long since passed away, but their original house here in Osaka still remains as part of the mission property. The attic there is a treasure trove and Jeremy, Dad and I spent some time on Monday digging through trunks, boxes, and making dust fly. There was laughter and tears, such a neat experience to "dig" into the past.
I head home tomorrow with a full heart. I have so enjoyed this adult time with my parents and brother, as well as the crazy time with my nieces and nephews. I have had little time with my sister, but I know she is doing just what she needs to be doing right now. I know she is torn, but I wouldn't want it any other way at the present. Jonathan (my littlest! brother), we've missed you. Despite your absence, you've provided us with some laughter (Sean's Skype, Mom's juice glasses...) I'm sure looking forward to our whole family being together this summer!
Kiddos, I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I've been doing some shopping, so never fear, I will come home bearing gifts. :) Chris, Georgia coffee is also in hand. Love you more than you know!
Here are just a few of my pictures. I'll get more from Dad and Jeremy later, the true photographers in our family.
We've had a mix of activities going on here. We kept four of my nieces and nephews here at Dad and Mom's for three nights to help Jennifer out so that she could continue her focus on coordinating relief efforts. Check out their ministry website for updates on the aid work. It is amazing! My niece Anika even put together a great video of pictures from their activities: http://www.onfirejapan.com/tohoku/. Jennifer is making daily updates and there are tons of photos. Thank you for your continued prayers for the Japanese people and for Chad and Jennifer as they reach out during this opportune time.
It has been great to spend more time with my brother, Jeremy. He had to fly home yesterday, but we made the most of his time here and collected some more memories. Some of you may not know that my dad's parents came to Japan in 1950 as missionaries, so our family history here is long. My grandparents have long since passed away, but their original house here in Osaka still remains as part of the mission property. The attic there is a treasure trove and Jeremy, Dad and I spent some time on Monday digging through trunks, boxes, and making dust fly. There was laughter and tears, such a neat experience to "dig" into the past.
I head home tomorrow with a full heart. I have so enjoyed this adult time with my parents and brother, as well as the crazy time with my nieces and nephews. I have had little time with my sister, but I know she is doing just what she needs to be doing right now. I know she is torn, but I wouldn't want it any other way at the present. Jonathan (my littlest! brother), we've missed you. Despite your absence, you've provided us with some laughter (Sean's Skype, Mom's juice glasses...) I'm sure looking forward to our whole family being together this summer!
Kiddos, I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I've been doing some shopping, so never fear, I will come home bearing gifts. :) Chris, Georgia coffee is also in hand. Love you more than you know!
Here are just a few of my pictures. I'll get more from Dad and Jeremy later, the true photographers in our family.
With Mana, our exchange student.
Out for okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba!
Takoyaki (octopus)....yum!
Out for udon, plus tempura and sushi......more yum!
At the Asahi house, where my grandparents lived as missionaries for 40 years.
In the attic digging through trunks.....Dad with his senior picutre
Missing our "little" brother, Jonathan!
Sending Jeremy off at the airport. I miss him already.
More yum....yakiniku!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
I'm in Japan!
More than a month ago my brother Jeremy and I planned to meet up in Japan and surprise Dad and Mom. We both just needed to see Dad after his cancer diagnosis. Then the earthquake/tsunami happened. That made it all the more important to be "home" in Japan and hug our family. I can't say enough how thankful I am for an understanding husband that encouraged me to come and spend this week with my family. Chris, you're the best!
Unfortunately I made a huge "slip up" and Dad found out that I was coming just a few days before I arrived, but we managed to keep it a secret from Mom. She thought that she and Dad were going to the airport to pick up my sister's mother-in-law. But out I came! Aww, joy! Pure joy, lots of tears, but lot of smiles, too.
We went from the airport to Chad and Jennifer's house (my sister and BIL). As I've posted already, they are really spearheading efforts to get aid up to the devastated area of northern Japan. More about that later.... My sister knew I was coming, but my nephews and nieces didn't. The last time I saw all of them was more than two years ago when we stopped in Japan on our way through to meet Elijah in China. Such joy to see and hugs all of them, too!
My nephew, Josiah. Josiah, Benjamin, and Elijah are three peas in a pod when it comes to all of their engineering interests!
On Friday, my first full day in Japan, I returned to Jennifer's to help out during the day while Dad and Mom each had other obligations. Their place has been grand central station with many people coming and going all day, whether they are delivering relief supplies, coming to help sort relief supplies, coming to cook for everyone helping, or coming to help make arrangements for driving the supplies up. Many mission boards have evacuated their missionaries from Tokyo and other northern areas and haven't even been allowed to go back up to help. So Chad and Jennifer have really become the main center of operations for not only their network of house churches in Osaka, but for many other missions as well that have joined up with their work. It really is amazing to see! Chad has been in the northern area for over a week, and Jennifer has been at home coordinating the efforts from there. She has been doing that all on 3-4 hours of sleep a night and is constantly on the cell phone, home phone, Skype, or answering the doorbell. Crazy! I was able to help out with their five kids and also helped with a bit of sorting and repackaging large bags of rice into smaller portions.
Mom picked me up Friday evening from Jennifer's and we brought the four youngest kids home to Grandpa and Grandma's with us. We'll keep them for a bit so Jennifer can more easily concentrate on the Tohoku Aid.
Late Friday night Jeremy arrived in from India where he had been on business. Mom knew that he was coming, but Dad didn't. So, again a fun night of surprises!
We've enjoyed today (Saturday) hanging out together. It's a funny mix of grandparents, one aunt, one uncle, and four of five siblings that don't belong to either the aunt or uncle. But of course, we do all belong....together...family!
Mrs. Kimura, a dear friend, mother of Mana, our foreign exchange student that lived with us for a year.
Poor Ami was a bit tearful when it was time to say "good bye". :(
Unfortunately I made a huge "slip up" and Dad found out that I was coming just a few days before I arrived, but we managed to keep it a secret from Mom. She thought that she and Dad were going to the airport to pick up my sister's mother-in-law. But out I came! Aww, joy! Pure joy, lots of tears, but lot of smiles, too.
We went from the airport to Chad and Jennifer's house (my sister and BIL). As I've posted already, they are really spearheading efforts to get aid up to the devastated area of northern Japan. More about that later.... My sister knew I was coming, but my nephews and nieces didn't. The last time I saw all of them was more than two years ago when we stopped in Japan on our way through to meet Elijah in China. Such joy to see and hugs all of them, too!
I love my big sis!
My niece, Katia.
My nephew, Gideon.
Chad and Jennifer's garage, full of relief supplies.
My niece, Anika, has been a huge help to her dad and mom. Such a young lady!
My nephew, Josiah. Josiah, Benjamin, and Elijah are three peas in a pod when it comes to all of their engineering interests!
My nephew Caleb, always an entertainer!
On Friday, my first full day in Japan, I returned to Jennifer's to help out during the day while Dad and Mom each had other obligations. Their place has been grand central station with many people coming and going all day, whether they are delivering relief supplies, coming to help sort relief supplies, coming to cook for everyone helping, or coming to help make arrangements for driving the supplies up. Many mission boards have evacuated their missionaries from Tokyo and other northern areas and haven't even been allowed to go back up to help. So Chad and Jennifer have really become the main center of operations for not only their network of house churches in Osaka, but for many other missions as well that have joined up with their work. It really is amazing to see! Chad has been in the northern area for over a week, and Jennifer has been at home coordinating the efforts from there. She has been doing that all on 3-4 hours of sleep a night and is constantly on the cell phone, home phone, Skype, or answering the doorbell. Crazy! I was able to help out with their five kids and also helped with a bit of sorting and repackaging large bags of rice into smaller portions.
Repackaging rice:
Jennifer, on the phone and computer organizing the aid mission.
Jennifer, planning with other local missionaries.
Mom picked me up Friday evening from Jennifer's and we brought the four youngest kids home to Grandpa and Grandma's with us. We'll keep them for a bit so Jennifer can more easily concentrate on the Tohoku Aid.
I slept with Barney last night. Ha!
Late Friday night Jeremy arrived in from India where he had been on business. Mom knew that he was coming, but Dad didn't. So, again a fun night of surprises!
We've enjoyed today (Saturday) hanging out together. It's a funny mix of grandparents, one aunt, one uncle, and four of five siblings that don't belong to either the aunt or uncle. But of course, we do all belong....together...family!
Much to my sister's chagrin I taught my nephews how to start a fire with a magnifying glass. :)
A childrens' kimono shop
Um....yeah....some English just doesn't translate well.
Mrs. Kimura, a dear friend, mother of Mana, our foreign exchange student that lived with us for a year.
Uncle Jeremy, playing with his old cars with Gideon and Katia.
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