Lovin Japan ~ Feeling of Safety

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We saw a sign like this in Osaka and it stood out to us. It is the only place we've traveled in Japan where crime seemed to be a big enough deal to post a warning. The nation as a whole feels very safe. The crime rate is low. That doesn't mean it's non-existent, but for the most part I feel safe walking alone at night (even in Tokyo and Osaka), the kids are safe to go out alone etc.

It's never good to be lulled into a sense of false security. I do know two personal friends who have had their ipods taken from their cars in front of their homes....but then again in America I would never have left the ipod in the car.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Cross Training Human Video Team

Tonight was the 2nd Annual Edgren Variety Show. It was held in the small theater of the Misawa Cultural Center.  Misawa Chapel's PYOC Human Video Team performed to "Everything." 

Nolan played Jesus in this play. That isn't his normal role but Emily (student leader) felt it would be more comfortable as there was dancing and such between Jesus and Arielle.

It started with Jesus making movements and invitations to Arielle. They seemed to flirt with each other...danced for a bit.....

A variety of kids began to present Arielle with opportunities....a young man with a rose and they danced a bit, partying, drinking, cutting and this one is blurry but it works....A presented Arielle with looks, ripped her pony tail out, put a crown on her head and taught her to strut. 

Eventually, Arielle is prompted to commit suicide and you see her struggle with that and a variety of formats....she drops the gun and tries to run back to Jesus....all the others begin to beat her up....eventually Jesus comes and covers her as she huddles on the stage.....He seems beaten down and the others continue to push and beat him....then he slowly begins to rise....and finally he's upright, she's upright and they're dancing again.  I was avoiding the head in front of me and cut out Arielle....

The Human Video Team was an outreach Jared began when he was here. When he moved on, Emily (right corner) did a great job taking it over and running with it. It's been student led and it's been fun to watch the growth of the team through the years we've been here.  I think we can classify watching this performance as "bitter sweet"....It's another of the lasts for this assignment...all but one of the family of youth who participate are pcsing...so focus will now shift to finishing this semester, packing out....this was a great way to finish this year of human video team. 

They all did a superb job! I'm especially impressed when they take a clear message beyond church walls out into the community...it can't be easy to take such a stand at your high school. Great job young women and men of God. You inspire me. 

I was happy to share the evening with Akikosan. She was impressed and said high-schools in Japan don't put on such things. It was a blast to share her reactions. Two friends from the neighborhood joined our family for the evening too. 

On a side note Arielle has gotten very convincing in her roles....and I don't know that I'll ever watch her be lured from Christ, beaten up and trying to commit suicide without tears in my eyes. 

This is their last Human Video performance in Misawa, so I am posting the photos even though they are fuzzy...the others were WAY too fuzzy. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

We Give Thanks....

Lisa shared she is learning to focus on a few foods  she is really thankful for, rather than the ones she no longer eats. What a great idea....and today...after the doc... before zipping out to a talent show.... I had tea....I'm incredibly thankful for Rooibos Decaf tea and Vanilla Almond milk.....

I'm fantastically grateful for fresh strawberries from the produce market down the street and for coconut cream (you know from the coconut and not dairy) drizzled on top....and I threw away the cake part because the berries were THAT good.....next time I'll drizzle 1/3 of the coconut cream on top - TOO SWEET.

I'm terrifically happy the commissary DOES sell coconut milk, coconut cream and Almond milk. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lovin Japan ~ Manhole Covers

A more accurate title for this entry may be,  "Lovin Japan ~ Attention to Details." This is delightfully illustrated by the manhole covers in Japan. Here are a few shots I've taken...and there are many more. LOL 

Towada

Osaka

Tokyo Area - near Yokota Air Base

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Another Fun Afternoon Made Possible by Margin...

Have you ever simply been unmotivated? That was me today. 

I woke up early and it took me longer than I thought to prepare the "Lovin Japan" post...just as I was heading to the Word, Jared Skyped. That was awesome. 

After that I needed to work out - but couldn't get motivated. I finally did. 

We got some school done...and then Stacia and I ran to the "Strawberry Produce Market" up the road and met a friend and her daughter.  We bought the girls a treat from the bakery - which neither was overly fond of...maybe I'll pack a treat next time - got them a drink from the vending machine and headed for the little tables in the greenhouse with the banana trees, pineapples, figs and mangoes. 

 We took time to explore the chickens, pony, bunnies and rabbits. Finally, we sat in this little enclosure and introduced the girls to the foot onsen.

This provided time for Lisa and I to touch base.  We've not done that in far too long. I hope our conversation encouraged her - it encouraged me.

Tonight is AWANA and PYOC. I'll be taking Stacia and the older ones in. Zander is not sure he wants to continue with AWANA - he makes some valid points. He has agreed he will continue to memorize the word, regardless.

Michael left for work this morning feeling ill. So he'll be home with Zander...and I think I'll find somewhere on base to spend a couple of quiet hours...or maybe I'll take a towel and hit an onsen....

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lovin Japan ~ Japanese Food

I'm consolidating many "favorite entries" to one entry today....though I'm sure other food entries will make the Lovin Japan list in a featured slot.  FOOD....many of these dishes can be purchased in the states - but they simply taste better in Japan. ::grin:: 

As a rule, meat is a condiment....presentation is fantastic....meals are unhurried (who can eat fast with chopsticks?).  Here are some of our favorites....some of the recipes can be found under the Yummy Eats tab.

To this very long list....add daikon, a host of veggies and dishes of whose names we haven't a clue, onigiri, pickled veggies, spicy ginger on the side of plates, random eggs cracked over burgers, soup, rice....and "cute food" which deserves another post. 

Zander's First Ramen experience in 2009

Krista's First Bowl of Ramen 

Nikuman 

Bre's first plate of Yakisoba  

Yakisoba from street vendor

Veggie Gyudon (personal creation)

Tamanegi Gyudon - Egg, Green Onion Beef Bowl 

kimishowota via photopin cc

Gyudon - Beef Bowl

9stars via photopin cc

Cheese Rolls  (made with camembert cheese I'm told)

Yakiniku - the exception to meat as a condiment rule

kenleewrites via photopin cc

Curry Rice

jetalone via photopin cc

Nikujaga (Steamed Meat and Potatoes)

I Believe I Can Fry via photopin cc

On our trip to the south of Japan I determined to try Okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake...it's name loosely translated means "What you like" - or as you like it ...fried. I discovered there are many versions...very few of them are vegetarian - though I did find a recipe to make vegetarian okinomiyaki. I always planned a separate post....but I'm going to throw the photos in here. 

Okonomiyaki - Miyajima style

Okonomiyaki - Osaka Style

pyrografica via photopin cc

pelican via photopin cc

Gyoza

lestaylorphoto via

I'm hungry now. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lovin Japan ~ Earthquakes

2510 since 3-11-2011.... I debated about posting this item on "the list"....given what we've experienced here it doesn't seem right to say we "love" earthquakes....but earthquakes - frequent; big and small - have been a part of our time in Japan...and some of us will miss them....and so today...on this day after some were kept awake with three earthquakes in the early a.m. .....

I'll post this...we will miss the sense of awe, wonder, and zest that rattlers bring our way.....and the email alerts telling us where the rattler was centered and how big it was...6.1 last night. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...