Monday, April 28, 2008

Former Student

We were at a going away party for some friends, when someone called out "Mr. Daniel?" I turned to look at a young man.


As my mind raced to figure out where I knew him from or what his name might be, he answered my question: "You were my English teacher 4 years ago!" And that is how I got reacquainted with Akira.


4 years ago I was teaching in Elementary schools in Naha and Akira was in my 6th grade class. Now he is a high school student at Okisho. He had come with his current English teacher (some guy from Canada)


Anyway, I am sure that God brought me and Trevor into Akira's life for a reason. I was happy to meet him again and now can pray that he can meet my other friend: Jesus Christ!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Trash Beach?

Well we set out today to find "Trash Beach."

We tried to imagine what it must look like to be named "Trash", although we had heard it was a nice beach.




Well, it turned out to be a really nice beach!











Emi playing in the Soccer nets.







It happened that this was the first day of Beach Season, so we were in time to see a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.


No, it is not a brand new beach; this ceremony is to offer a prayer to the Sea-god in the hopes of having a safe swimming season.




Buddhist Priest praying and giving an offering of Sake to the Sea-god.




The US Military also made an appearance with the "III MEF Band."

By the way, the real name is "Uken Beach", not Trash.

And the next time, we want to check out the caves!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

New Beginnings

April is the time for new beginnings.
A new school year, fiscal year, a good time to start a new hobby, whatever.







This is Princess Aiko on her first day of Kindergarten.









At my Junior High School, the students have moved to a the next grade and the 1st year students (7th graders) have arrived. They seem to look smaller and younger each year... or maybe it's me that is getting older!

Of course, the most important new start for us is new life in Jesus.