Week's Recap

This was a fairly busy week...and I find myself READY for a weekend.

We had the typical line up of PWOC/PCOC, PYOC, study group, school et al. To this we added AWANA for Stacia and Zander.

It's been a rather stressful ministry week on base...and as this isn't a private diary that's enough said. Thanks for those of you who pray for our airmen. Your prayers are appreciated.

Nolan needs 5 random blood pressure checks...so we did that three times this week.

We all got hair cuts.

Arielle took the PSAT.

I had three ministry Skypes and a fourth planned for 07:00 tomorrow.

Akikosan was able to make it over on Thursday night - the first real lesson we've had since June.

I've been trying to get a few things done ahead for my upcoming trip....today I made pizza dough to freeze. They'll just need to top and bake to have homemade pizza when I'm gone.

The younger ones and I finished Zoology and did the first lesson of Astronomy today.....which means they can skip science when I'm gone and still be ahead of the curve.

We had planned to go with the Rau family to Hakkoda tomorrow...unfortunately, we remembered this afternoon that Michael is still duty chaplain.....he isn't preaching Sunday so we'll have to come up with something fun to do with our Saturday....we don't often have a Saturday to enjoy together. ::grin::

We had great fun tonight - better than movie night. Blog to follow...probably tomorrow a.m.

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Just say NO @ AWANA

It was with a fair bit of trepidation that Stacia and Zander registered for AWANA. We've never done this program before (and if you want more info on why - read below). 

I was a bit overwhelmed with the chaotic atmosphere (so were my kids) but we quickly adjusted. Stacia was happy to find Elizabeth, one of  her friends, attending as well. We brought the girls home and Dawn picked up Elizabeth.  

Via Google Images

We asked the girls how their evening went. Elizabeth commented, "We only had water to drink."

This made vegan mommies HAPPY! So proud of the chapel for skippy the sugary snacks! 

Stacia  - ever the talker - further explained, "There were drinks, Mom but I knew it was stuff you wouldn't want us to drink." 

Dawn gave the girls a high five. I told them I was proud of them. I was so pleased...... and then the bombshell....

Stacia in all seriousness said, "The teacher wanted us to take a drink, but I told her my Mom doesn't like us to drink beer and says we should stay away from beer."  

ROFLOL  ::snort:: ROFLOL ::gasp::

I've told them I prefer they not drink soda and eat a lot of processed sugary snacks,  but when they are out it is their choice. I HAVE also explained, due to family history, our family chooses not to drink any alcohol at all. She knows beer is included in that category....and they had a nice selection of root beer.  Personally, I'm happy as punch if they skip the soda and sugary snacks that late at night. Water works. LOL

The revelation that ZANDER was the one who reminded Stacia of our "no beer" policy made this story only funnier.

I feel for the poor AWANA leaders.

Official AWANA logo

Backstory: Lest you think we are AWANA haters here's the facts. 

1. When we entered the chaplaincy AWANA would not allow chapels to use their program as they required "churches"ll to sign a statement of faith which a chapel can't sign (we are not a denominational church). AWANA has  changed their policy and many military chapels now are able to offer the program. This is the first time we've been assigned where the chapel program offered AWANA. 

2. We have young children, we have tweens, we have youth. Michael is a chaplain. I am uber involved in women's ministry. I have spouse events I could attend. I have civic events I could attend. 

3. Combine the above with the rest of our life and we COULD be out every night of the week. 

4. Over the years it's become our policy to limit our "outside nights" to one weekly event. This way if Michael is working late, or required to be out, I can still protect our family ministry. This maintains the viability and importance of the dinner table, our reading hour, our precious FAMILY  time with God.  We say no to many things which the whole family would not participate in which happen at night - kids' programs, various civic groups etc....it works for us. We have discovered we need to be careful of even "family nights out" as too many of those also impact our ministry goals within our family. 

5. When we arrived here we realized things could quickly get out of control.  PWOC, PYOC, PMOC, AWANA - all on different nights....We were also looking at Boys and Girls Scouts and CAP - make that 5 - 6 nights a week. We chose to allow the kids to attend PYOC as we felt our youth's needs to make connections with other Christian youth was higher than our younger ones' need for outside Scripture memory help. It was a good call for us. 

6. With the advent of CLUB BEYOND in Misawa three nights a week are needed for youth activities. This caused chapel schedules to change. PYOC moved to Wed night. Our kids will regularly attend Cross Training/PYOC on Wed night. This means it's ALREADY a  night out and the younger ones are able to attend AWANA without "adding" a night out. I'm not sure how this will work with school the next day but so far so good.

7. Michael and I have talked about my need to resist volunteering at AWANA....and if we both maintain this stance....we have, for the first time in 28 years of marriage, a planned weekly time slot where all the kids are busy and we aren't.  ::wink:: 

How does your family balance or regulate outside commitments with family time?  We are currently looking at another one we care deeply about which would require another "out" night....we had thought it could be something the whole family attended....not sure now....but praying it through. I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Stacia's Moment

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Col 3:17

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Bazaar 2012

The first year we were here there was no MOSC Bazaar.

The second year we were here I looked; but didn't buy.

The third year I thought it was our last year. I wanted a step tansu....and we bought one...which I still love.

I believe Michael is happy the fourth year is our last year.

I've been thinking about things I'd like to have before we leave Japan. I have a quilt from each state we've lived in. I have been debating about buying a REAL Kimono (as opposed to the ones I got from the Dirty Obi shop) to hang on the wall in place of a quilt. I'm always on the look out for artwork. I do want to buy some more Japanese dishes. I've recently seen a tea box - and now would like to figure out where to get one and cover it with washi paper.....just a few things..... ::wink::

We've promised the girls to replace their dressers...the drawers had caved in; they'd been repaired several times but it was really time to replace them - even though we move in a year.  The dressers we've been seeing were 1. spendy and 2. nothing special. Michael suggested we wait and try the Bazaar.....

Score - the girls picked out two dressers with hand painted blossoms on them.  They are very happy with them. I think these will last many, many years...and be a touch of Japan for them in the future.

I really, really had my eye on a Tibetan Trunk or cupboard.....but in the end...THIS seemed much more practical.  The Korean salesman tried to tell me I could put all my laundry in it...not OUR laundry. LOL

It's a Korean Medicine Chest - the writing on the drawers are the names of various drugs. It now sits in my living room and houses all our DVD/Videos.....and it MUCH nicer than the mess it replaced.

I would not have focused on this until the saleslady pointed it out - I love it.

I looked for Kimonos. There were some gorgeous ones. They were expensive. They were big. I wasn't sure if 15 years from now I'd want a Kimono to be the focal point of my house...and so I opted to buy an obi (pictured below) which will hang nicely on a wall and serve the same purpose.

 I filled my little wooden box with sea glass and it made the perfect nest for these washi eggs.

I also bought a few pieces of sea glass jewelry. I simply couldn't resist. We snuck Stacia a sweet piece which I'll give her at Christmas or for her next birthday. She's really young for it - but she loves it and she's been my sea glass collecting partner for these 3 1/2 years. 

I couldn't resist this wood block print. I LOVE the holiday the carp symbolize - boy's day. A kite is hung for each boy.... it is rare to find a print with FIVE carps...and so I got it. 

I did explain to Michael that I now have three big pieces of furniture from Japan....and I have nine children....so I really need to buy about six more special pieces so they don't fight over them when "the time comes." He didn't buy it. Arielle didn't help my case by saying, "We'd never fight over your things, Mom."  I tried to tell them - I may need to buy more - just thinking of the kids; just thinking of the kids.

Seriously...other than dishes (and that may be a genetic flaw as I note my Grams and Mom sure collected a lot....I seemed to have escaped the bug until the last 7 years)......I think the tea box is the only thing I really want to find before I leave.

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Violator of Japanese Law

I like to blog "in order," which means before I can move forward I'm going to have to retell the saga of my entrance into the ranks of "International Violators of Law." 

Backstory: When an American with SOFA status arrives in country, they take a quick class and are given a 4EJ driving license. This is expires on your DEROS (expected date to leave the country).  Our DEROS, when we arrived, was 13 July 2012. We were extended to 13 July 2013.  My 4EJ expired while I was on an unexpected trip to America in June/July.  A certain member of this union has been hounding another member of this union to get in and have said 4EJ updated with the new expiration date. 

The traffic was HEAVY in Hachinohe last Friday afternoon (yes, I've avoided this post for a week).  There are many one way streets....we FINALLY hit the "highway." I was over the bridge and hitting open road. 

Yes, I knew the speed limit was 60 kph.  I punched it. Akikosan was having American Style pizza and a movie with us. We needed to get home so I could start the dough rising. 

I had just thought, "Finally, I can make some time!" when TWO MEN jumped out of the BUSHES waving little red flags. 

I don't know about YOU, but having seen a rising amount of women abducted by men posing as police officers....I'm not prone to stop if two waving men jump out of the bushes...I don't care if they have red flags and are wearing some sort of uniform. EVERYONE in Japan seems to wear a uniform.  I glanced at Akikosan and she seemed perplexed about what to do as well.  Later she told me she thought they were stopping one of the other cars zipping past me. 

They got out in the road and waved their flags more enthusiastically.  Akikosan said, "This is bad." Oh-oh. 

"De'Etta, could you please stop your car over there." And so I did....but they motioned me to turn left and then go DOWN A HILL. 

Another man in a uniform ran up to the car. I rolled down my window. He said, "You were speeding....may I see your 4EJ?"  Oy vey.... and at that moment I was SO very thankful I had LISTENED to my husband, had submitted even though Thursday was incredibly busy, and updated the 4EJ!  ::snort:: 

I handed him my license. I expected him to walk to one of the three vans waiting at the bottom of the hill and come back with a ticket. Akiksosan expected something similar.  

Instead, he asked, "Will you please follow me?" 

I'm fairly quick on my feet, grabbed my cell phone in case I needed to call Michael or the Security Forces on base....left the keys with Akiksosan (so she could drive the kids home if need be) and stepped out of the car. I had no CLUE what would happen next. (I later learned Akikosan was wondering the same thing.) I momentarily thought of asking him to wait while I grabbed a camera so I could take a photo of him, the set up, the vans, he and I....but I decided he may think I wasn't taking this seriously if I stopped for photos. SO....you can thank Arielle - the offspring of a true blogger - for snapping a photo of her view of the incident. 

First we walked around the cars to a little man on a chair. At this point it was explained to me how the radar gun worked.  This man told me, "You were going very fast, VERY FAST." I was worried now.  To be tagged with reckless driving would be serious business in Japan and I had no idea how fast I had been going. I had just punched it when I was pulled over.  They showed me my read out....76 kph. I was relieved. I figured many were passing faster than me, they weren't down here so whatever was up I was probably NOT going to jail. 

THEN they asked me GET INTO THEIR VAN. May I say that along with NOT stopping a vehicle when men jump out of the bushes is not getting into a van at night without a clue as to WHY I'm getting into the van.....but I figured I was in Japan. I would go with the culture and turn off the American paranoia. 

I waved at the kids and climbed into the van. Akikosan started to follow and thought better of it. It was good she stayed with the kids. One of my men was about to defend my honor and needed a calm presence in the car. 

The van was pretty cool. There was an office set up inside. They were bringing lots of folks in and out. For the record there were many brought in while I sat there and I was the ONLY American. This was NOT a speed trap for Americans. Yes, several zipped past me but they couldn't bring them all in.  The thing is most came in, signed a paper and left. 

I was in there for about 30 min - which caused those waiting some worry.  

"Can you speak Japanese?"

"Skoshi." 

I explained Akiksosan could speak Japanese. This got his attention. 

"Akiko speaks Japanese?" 

"Yes, she's in my car." 

"Why?" 

"She's my friend and we were seeing the Korekawa Institute." 

"You have a Japanese friend?"

"Yes." 

"No, we don't need her." 

Um....OK....so then.... He told me, "You are a violator of Japanese Law." Oh-oh. You were going VERY FAST, you were going 16kph over the speed limit." Once I realized I was NOT in violation of SOFA and was only going 16 kph the whole thing became funny. I struggled not to laugh....because honestly....I think I was going about 8 - 9 miles over the limit.  But I got a long lecture. 

I filled out three sets of paperwork. 

They were trying to pronounce my name to write it in Kanji. We did fine with De'Etta. I could write my first name in Kanji. I was cold, it was getting dark, I couldn't for the life of me remember how to write my last name in Kanji.  This caused frustration for all of us. They couldn't figure it out either (should have gotten Akikosan she's the one who taught me how to write it. ::snort::) 

Without considering the implications of what I was about to say, I said, "My husband is German." 

He called two others over. They asked me again where my name came from. I told them my husband is German. 

"You are not American!" 

"I am American!!"

"Your husband is German, you are not SOFA. You are violating Japanese law." 

Realizing this was getting more serious I attempted to clear up the misunderstanding. "I am a military spouse. My husband is in the Air Force, I'm SOFA. He's an American but his ancestors are from Germany."

"But you said he was German."

"Poor choice of words (and I'd best shut up while I'm in here!). America is a nation of immigrants, we have many ancestors but we are all American."

"Ah, so, so, so."

My address took a long time as I don't LIVE on the base. My address is W700Y - it's the ONLY address I have...but it is NOT a Japanese address. We finally decided we'd use my mailing address on base...but then he wanted to know what PSC stood for and what APO meant....I knew what AP meant....I improvised.

Next were DATES. He asked when I came to Japan by the Japanese calendar. I KNEW that one.

"Heisei 21." (The numbered years begin over with each Emperor's reign. I arrived 3 years ago and my car said 24 on it).

"Very good."

Ah, we're communicating. I'm wowing him with my friendly smile and cooperation.

"What year were you born?"

"1964."

"Japanese year?"

"I'm clueless."

"Clueless?"

"Wakari masu sen" - (I don't understand- would have been better if I could have remembered how to say I don't know...but this useful phrase worked).

"Ah. Hai..........." Evidently, HE didn't know what year that would be either. He spent quite a bit of time checking charts and asking the other men while I felt worse and worse about being so old my year wasn't listed on his conversion chart.   In any event, I have the American date on my paperwork. I now know I was born in Showa 39, if I had a smart phone I could have retrieved the info and saved us about 5 minutes.

Then came the signing of various paperwork. I was handed two slips of paper.

I asked if I could just pay him now.

That would be an International Bribe and is also a violation of Japanese law. In my defense my first speeding ticket was in MT and you USED to pay the police when they pulled you over...this is not the case in AK, TX or Japan but old habits die hard.

I was told I had a week to pay my ticket at the bank or post office. I paid it. All Y12,000 of it. 

As I left I bowed and said, "Matanei." (See you Soon). 

OOPS....Sayonara!

Locals often wonder WHY everyone drives so determinedly slow. I often helpfully point out to Michael  they ARE doing the speed limit....but you see...remember I was on the HIGHWAY....I was going VERY FAST at 76 kph (47 mph). I was going about 9 miles over the limit. That's Y750 per kilometer of speed.....That $151+ for 9 miles over; or $16.77 for every mile over the limit. THAT'S why they drive so slow.....and that's 37 mph on the freeway.

Funny thing I discovered - I am NOT the family holder of the highest speeding ticket in Japan.

I wouldn't have CHOSEN to get a ticket...but it was a very memorable ending to a fun day with Akikosan. We did have a fun conversation back at the house with Michael. We learned more about the culture and she saw our relationship. There was concern about how Mikesan would react. He's a champ. He called as we were driving and Arielle told him we were a bit late as Mom had an unexpected adventure.

His response, "Does this adventure include new dents in the car and uniforms?"

Arielle replied, "Only uniforms."

And that is how I became a Violator of Japanese Law.

NOW - I can in good conscience move on and blog this week.

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Windy Days....

Windy days are made for homemade kites.....

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Korekawa Archaeological Institute/Museum

Directions and prices at the end of the post.

Taken from Hach's hometown website: Hachinohe is known for the abundance of relics from the Jomon period (circa 10,000 B.C. - circa 300 B.C.), and among the findings are the well-known ruins of Korekawa from the late Jomon period. This museum introduces life from the Jomon period using models and videos. In the information center are computer terminals to help obtain more detailed references of the ruins and findings. The adjacent Korekawa Archaeological Museum and Hachinohe History and Folk Museum display findings as well.

I had heard you couldn't take photos inside the exhibit area. This is not true. Akikosan asked and we were told just no tri-pods or flashes.... I took photos to my heart's content. 

 Akikosan went on this adventure with the children and I. We had a great time and finished the night off with American home-made pizza and watching Totoro together.  But first - the museum:

We got a tad bit lost....Akiksosan felt this was shameful no matter how I explained I always get lost and it's part of the adventure. She explained she is Japanese and can read the signs. It was HER GPS/Phone which led us over the mountain on very narrow, winding roads.... 

You can't really see how narrow the road is in the above shot....check this out - two way traffic....

We found the "adjacent" building first....and they directed us to the BIG building which houses the artifacts. It is free to look around the adjacent  building though there really isn't much here.... They told Akikosan, "Everyone gets lost coming here - even Japanese," and so she felt much better about being our human GPS again. ::grin:: 

This is a replica of the National Treasure you can see at the Korekawa Archeological Institution.  

Akikosan and kids

Because he could

At last.....Korekawa Archelogical Institute! 

The Jomon period is famous for it's cord pattern in weaving and pottery.  That was duplicated on the stair railing.

This was an AMAZING surprise....you put your hand over the little white hands and start a light show....

We moved on to a hologram show of life in the Jomon Period. This was easy to grasp even without a translator.

Ear decorations

Akiko pointed out how prominent and big the eyes are in all the drawings and that Japanese eyes are smaller. Just a fun point we wouldn't have noticed. 

The pottery is amazing...even more so as you realize how many thousands of years old it may be....the still strong colors of the red and black lacquer on some pieces  fascinated me. 

The hands on room was a hit with us....Stacia explores a model showing what was found at various levels of digging.

Sporting a thousand year old earring - look closely. 

Akikosan tries her hands at weaving

Vibrant colors

 The Gassyo Dobu (hands pressed in prayer - praying statue) They date this at 1000 B.C. 

 The left leg was found away from the rest of the statue. This led Zander to comment.....

"Ah, no wonder he was praying! Where's my leg?"

Akiksoan explained he was praying before he lost his leg.

You can read more about Japan's National Treasures here. This figurine is number 41 or 43 and below is the certificate.

Library 

Clay Tablet for writing

We headed home and I became a violator of Japanese Law. I'll have to blog that story tomorrow.  This was a great adventure. We loved spending time with Akikosan. We've not been able to see her much since our return from the states. 

Website - here ....

Phone 0178-38-9511

Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  (Entrance allowed until 4:30 p.m.)
Closed Mondays (closed Tuesday if Monday falls on a holiday)
Closed last day of every month

Fees: Adults ¥250, senior high and university students ¥150, elementary and junior high students ¥50

By Car: 

Take Momoishi toll road from Misawa to Hachinohe. (The trip requires 2 toll passes each way)

Turn right onto route 45.

Take route 45 to the first exit (Ferry Wharf/Hachinohe station)

Turn right under overpass. (Toward fish market)

Follow this road about 6.9 miles to route 340, turn right. (note: there are several landmarks that you go past i.e., yellow multi-story building (fish market) at the first traffic light; railroad tracks; bridge crossing the mebechi river; route 104)

Follow route 340 to the first signal  light past the two gas stations on left, turn left. (Note:  you will past a high school, a driving school, a elementary school all on your left side).

Follow this road down a hill and around a curve, at first traffic light, turn right.

The Jomon Gakushukan Archaeological Museum is approximately 200 meters on the right.  (Note: a small dirt/gravel parking area).

I think this map would be helpful (if nothing else someone at Lawsons can tell what you're trying to find)!

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...