June 2026

This month held so many emotions. As my time of living in Japan comes to an end, I face many lasts, including some special gatherings, as well as a few sad goodbyes.

I had a couple shopping days with Anna. While I'm not all that into shopping unless necessary, I so enjoyed the time with her. It was good to take a break from our normal routine and just spend some relaxing time together.

The Ito family hosted a singing and invited their high school son's classmates. We have done this several times during my time here. I've enjoyed playing the ukulele with Tomoki on the guitar. I've gotten to know several of his classmates. This time, some exchange students that are here from the US, Australia, and Austria also joined us. I was quite surprised when they gifted me a card that they signed. I'll sure miss those evenings!

That Sunday, following the singing, I went with Itos out to Shioda church again. For lunch, we made mochi! Something about fresh mochi... Yum.

On the way home I had a funny experience. The Itos and I ate dinner at a yakiniku restaurant, and afterward they would take me to the train station. While at dinner, it started pouring. Akihiro brought the car closer so we didn't get totally soaked while making a dash to the car. On the way to the station, he asked if I had an umbrella. I did not. He graciously offered me one of theirs that they keep in the back of the van. The only problem was, it was under all the things from church that day - lunch leftovers and the mochi machine, backpacks, and the trash from the Shioda church, which they take home to put out on the right day of the week. At the station, Carrie and I hopped out of the van and went to the back, where we were sheltered by the trunk when it was up. I had my backpack on and my ukulele in hand. Carrie handed me things from the trunk to reach the umbrellas. Once an umbrella was acquired, we put the things back in, and closed the trunk. I ran toward the station, while Carrie hopped in the front seat, and they drove away. Now I had my backpack on, an umbrella in one hand, and my ukulele in the other... along with the big, clear plastic trash bag. Ha! Since the Itos were already well on their way, I laughed all the way to my train and chuckled to myself all the way back to Chofu. Thankfully, there were very few people on the train at that time of night, and I was in an end car, so for a good portion of time, I had the whole car to myself! Gotta love having a reason to laugh every now and then.

June means hydrangeas in Japan! I love the blue variety they have here. They have a lot more varieties in general, it seems. God is quite the amazing artist!

Also this month, we were thankful to witness the baptism of my dear friend Nami. She has been such a blessing to me throughout my time here, teaching me Japanese, translating for me at doctors appointments and other things, and sharing Japanese culture with me. Getting to see her journey of faith from a "front row seat" has been one of the greatest blessings of my time in Japan. We praise God for His work in her life! Frank and Kathy came for her baptism, and it was such a gift to have them here again, even though it was short this time.

Zenji got a new bike! We took advantage of the nice weather one afternoon and went for a ride to the river and a very quick picnic of gummy bears, marshmallows, and crackers. What fun that was!

One of the hardest things during my time in Japan was finding out that my grandma had passed. We rejoice for the victory she has won in Jesus! In the same breath though, I was so saddened by the fact that I wouldn't make it back for her funeral, and to share in that time with my family. I'm reminded that in the ups and downs of life, God remains the same, and His comfort and love span the miles of ocean between us. I'm so thankful for the hope of heaven that Jesus gives.

Rainy season has come in full swing, with a couple typhoons affecting us here. Makes me thankful for the sunny days!

I participated in my last Bible study with our group that gathers at Anna's house. How wonderful it is to meet with other believers to learn from and encourage each other! They have made me feel so welcome during my time here, and I've loved to see how the group has grown since I first came!

Last Friday, I went out to Shioda to teach there. There were only three students that day - a retired nurse, a younger lady (whose mom usually joins also, but was absent), and an 86 year old farmer. That day, the farmer was sharing about his work in his vineyard, and offered to give us a tour of his farm! It was such a fun, spontaneous activity! After class, we all got in our vehicles and followed him to his farm where he showed us his vineyard and vegetable garden. What a neat experience that was! I learned that each of his grapevines produce about a thousand bunches of grapes in one season! Here, they cover each bunch with a little "umbrella" to protect them during the summer. He explained that when water sits on the grapes, it can harbor disease. I've also read that it shields them from sunburn. It's no wonder grapes are so pristine and expensive here!

I enjoyed a trip to Hiratsuka to visit my cousin's family once again. It was rainy, with a typhoon coming through, but we enjoyed a day inside playing games together. I've enjoyed my time here with them.

We're now gearing up for girls camp and VBS, which will both be in the next couple of weeks. We appreciate prayers for God to be glorified in every heart!

I'm now less than three weeks away from moving back to the States, where I will enter a new season of life. I want to soak up every minute I have here. How thankful I am that God remains the same faithful God through every season! He is worthy of our trust and our praise!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8