My new favorite phrase is now "only in Japan." As I am beginning to absorb more and more of this fascinating and complex culture, I am struck by how unique this country is compared to all the other places I've been. Here is a prime example:
Yesterday, Pastor Shelley and I were doing some office work when we noticed some guys outside looking around the house, talking to each other, and pointing. Shelley stuck her head out the door and asked them in Japanese if there was anything she could help them with and if everything was okay. It turns out they were from the cable company and they were here to inspect the house for our cable installation - next Tuesday. The 4 men eventually were invited inside to do some investigative work in the walls which involved them asking a lot of questions (which I could not understand), opening up the switch plate on the wall behind the tv, and taking down a section of the bathroom tile ceiling so they could track where the wires used to be. After about an hour of searching, they bowed themselves out and circled the house one more time before departing. Shelley and I could do nothing but laugh. Only in Japan could you get 4 men to come out not only on they day they said they would come but also a week ahead of time to make sure the job could get done on they day they promised. Only in Japan. :)
Last night, Pastor Shelley and I were invited to another missionary couple's house in Wako, which is about 40 minutes from Tokyo by car. They are a young couple who graduated from Southeastern about 10 years ago and are now on their second term in Japan. They have a beautiful little girl, Bela, who sat on my lap after dinner as we talked and played cards. It is not often that missionaries get together and just fellowship and this was one of those rare occasions. For me, it was good to listen to their conversation and experience a small portion of their daily lives. This will be me one day, Lord willing, and I want to know what I'll be facing when I am in their position. God is good and these people are wonderful examples for me.
Today we get to ride the bus to the church (which for me will be the first time) and organize an office area for the church to use. Yesterday we went shopping at the large super market (which we had to drive to) and bought things to pack for our lunches today. I can't wait to be able to go shopping on my own one day... and maybe know what the signs mean, lol. My Japanese is severely lacking, but at least I have some foundation to go on. The Lord is good about keeping me on track with my learning. He is so good and gracious to me in all of my humanness. Today will be a great one, I can tell; and then tomorrow is my first church service! I can't wait!
