Eder and Amanda Diaz

Eder and Amanda had their Okinawan Wedding Reception last night

There was a lot of food and entertainment.



Good times; and congrats to the happy couple!

"Hakugaijin", a band from our church played yesterday.  There was this Christian concert in Uruma City with about 8 different groups performing.  It was neat since it was free, but it was also very visible right off the street in an open stage.

Hakugaijin  


















Mika with her "Baba"  
















The famous "Gushiken Family Band"-- they mix traditional Okinawan melodies and dance with Christian lyrics

Summer Matsuri

In the Summer there ae many "Matsuris", or festivals.  It is fun to dress up in traditional Yukata (summer kimono) and enjoy the food, games and sometimes fireworks.

This was held at the aptly named Sunset Beach.

Provision

It is amazing how God provides exactly what you need, when you need it.  We arrived back in Okinawa two weeks ago with little more than the "clothes on our back."  Needs?  Oh, yeah, there were plenty of needs.  We had no furniture, no vehicle, no nothing.

Like I said, it was amazing to see God work to meet EACH and EVERY need.  We now have enough furnishings to fill an apartment and even a van to transport it.  The only problem was getting approved for an apartment.  Not that we are on anyone's blacklist or anything, but sometimes you get turned down for being a foreigner.  Sometimes they don't want little kids living next door.  I understand, my kids are loud sometimes.

So we had everything we needed, except an address... until today, that is!  We received word today that we are approved and ready to move on August 1st.

God definitely met our needs again and as Pastor Tommy mentioned last night, these times of of provision are not only for today, but we can draw on them for strength for tomorrow.  As we remember how God proved Himself yesterday, we can trust in Him for our tomorrows.

God has been with you and provided for your every need so that you lacked nothing. -- Deuteronomy 2:7

Daddy Dates by Greg Wright (Book Review)

As a father of two daughters, I thought that this book might be helpful.  After all, this book claims to help you “raise a confident woman-to-be, show your daughter what it feels like to be treated with love, respect, and true interest by a man who loves her.”  This of course is vital later on when she will choose her life partner.

I found this book to be humorous and insightful.  Greg Wright gives many examples and ideas for “Daddy Dates.”  The purpose of these “dates” is not just fun, but it is to establish and maintain a line of communication with her.  While it is still a fun time, it takes some work to keep up with what is going on in your kid’s life.  Basically, you want to remain her #1 guy so she will trust your advice and guidance.

Wright also includes a personality type test which I found interesting.  The purpose of this is to see what types of activities are most enjoyable for your child’s personality type.  My only criticism would be that there was a lack a Bible verses to support the author’s views.  I suppose this was to appeal to a greater audience, but I have come to expect Biblical support from Thomas Nelson.

This book was received from Thomas Nelson Press in exchange for an honest review.

The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

GO! Ministries

We will now be under GO! Ministries, who will serve as our Mission Agency.  They will provide us with encouragement, accountability, prayer support and will accept donations on our behalf.

We would appreciate greatly your prayer or financial support.

Prayer goes to God...

Financial gifts can go through GO! Ministries, that way you get the tax deductible receipt.
Donations to GO! Ministries on our behalf can be done in the following ways:

• Checks: Should be made out to "Go Ministries".  Please write "1292” on the Memo line and they will get it to us.
• Paypal/Credit Card: Can be done through the GO! Ministries website (http://go.ccnorco.org/).  You can also set up an Automatic deposit this way.

All donations will have a tax deductible receipt sent to you from GO!

Thank you for your support!