Serving in Our Community

We teach a lot about "Loving Others." This is a major reason Christians are on this world! What better way to show God to others than to serve them? Is this not exactly what Jesus taught us by doing the most menial job of washing feet? 

Too often, we "know" these things mentally yet fail to actually put them into practice. This week, our students had the opportunity to put some action into those words. Students were placed into one of 16 service groups that did everything from visit elderly homes, to working with kids or animals, to cleaning beaches or churches.

Our group was blessed to help out at a couple local churches. We had an awesome group that really stepped up and we got a lot done!

Summer of Savings #3

This summer we are on a quest to find fun things to do that won't break the bank.

We borrowed paddleboats and enjoyed the pond at Okinawa Comprehensive Park.

Total Cost: $13 for 5 of us.

Summer of Savings #2

Whew! It sure is hot out this year!

We found a good deal on a pool in Kadena. True, it is a pool for kids, but our kids still enjoy going there!



While free for those living in Kadena (not us), it is reasonably priced: $3 per child entering the pool, plus $2 for an adult escort.


As Dan was prepping for teaching Summer School, it was just Debe and the girls, so $8 total.

Summer of Savings #1

Well, many teachers find summertime a little tight on finances. Our challenge this year is to find fun things to do on the cheap. Let's see how many things we can find to do for about $20 or less!

Rented some bikes at the Comprehensive Park...

Making...friends?

Well, bikes were $4, and some drinks were about $5, so today cost $9--not too bad!

Update

Here is our latest update! Click the link to download the PDF Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B191Kcvn6vOAQWFuYmNPQnBQRms/view?usp=sharing

Graduations!

 Debe's 3 year olds performed at the Kindergarten Graduation last Monday.

They did a great job and were all excited/ nervous to be on stage, but the real stars were the K5 students who are now officially 1st graders!

Oh, and there was another graduation as well: Emi finished 5th grade and graduated that same day.  She is now a Middle School student (6th, 7th, & 8th graders).

Congratulations to all the graduates!

Recycling for Jesus!

As students and teachers are clearing out lockers and desks, it was a great time to recycle some paper!

We have been collecting paper for a couple weeks to benefit Kumamoto.

As you likely heard, there was a severe earthquake there recently. With the 1000 or so aftershocks, many people have had a difficult time sleeping.

Operation Safe provides Summer Camp, with counseling for children affected by this tragedy.

Our recycled paper will go towards the cost for some children to attend this camp. We were able to raise 10,000 yen (about $100) for this one van, which will help to send 3 kids to camp. Pretty cool, since all this paper would have been just thrown away--Praise God we are able to use it instead to further His kingdom!

Day at the Beach

We were looking for a good place to take some pics.

The sunflower fields were all dried up (too hot of a summer), so the beach it was!

You can tell that Mika did not really want to participate, but she had fun still!

At the Aquarium

Dan was asked to fill in for one week of Summer School (as a teacher, not a student).

On Wednesday, we went to the Okinawa Aquarium:

20th Anniversary

Well, today is our 20th Anniversary.
Amazing how fast the time goes by!

We went to Tokyo for a few days to celebrate.
Here's to the next 20!

Mika Graduates

Well, after 3 years, Mika has graduated Kindergarten (she started at 3).

She was really excited, but is also quite shy. However, she did a great job of singing several songs with her class.  Congrats Mika!

Easter Morning

Easter Garden - Day 14

We had Origami Butterflies in our garden this morning.  Just as the caterpillar becomes a new creature, a butterfly, so do we in Christ.  

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  --2 Corinthians 5:17

Easter Garden - Day 12

Day 13 - In the Tomb

We put our caterpillars in the tomb...I wonder what will happen next? 

Easter Garden - Day 11

Day 11 - Caterpillars!

I know what you are thinking: what do caterpillars have to do with Easter?

Well, nothing really. However, they are a reminder of what Jesus can do with us. When we surround ourselves with His goodness and allow Him to change us, we can become something beautiful.  

Easter Garden - Day 10

Day 10 - The Dove

It is a little difficult to make it out, but we added a dove to the tree. The dove being a symbol of the Holy Spirit.  Just before the crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples that He would be leaving them soon. However, He also promised that another "Helper" would come. This of course was the Holy Spirit. 

The Dove reminds us that the Holy Spirit is here to help guide us through life. 

Easter Garden - Day 9

Day 9 - Stone Path

Tonight we laid a path to the tomb.  This stone path reminds us of our life's journey.  The stones, like life, can be quite hard at times. Yet very often it is only by going through the difficult times that we really sense our need of God. 

The stone path leads us to Jesus. 

Easter Garden - Day 8

Day 8 - The Tomb

Tonight the girls made a tomb.  A tomb is where you put a dead body. Spiritually speaking, we are all walking "tombs", prior to knowing Jesus. He is the life-giver. The tomb reminds us that we were once dead, but now, thanks to Jesus, we are alive to live for Him.

Easter Garden - Day 7

Day 7 - The Cross

Tonight we talked about the Cross and what it means.  This symbol of pain, suffering and death has become, for us, a symbol of hope, healing and life. Jesus' sacrifice is what Easter is really about.

Easter Garden - Day 6

Day 6 - White Flowers

Tonight we added some white flowers to our garden.  White of course being a symbol of purity. Jesus died a cruel death, although He was innocent.  When we accept this payment for our own sins, we too are made pure.

As Psalm 2:3-4 says, only those with clean hands and a clean heart can stand in the presence of God.

Easter Garden - Day 5

Day 5 - Purple

We have some purple flowers today.

Purple symbolizes royalty. The purple flowers here (I know, they are hard to see) represent Jesus as King. Not only was He received as the Messiah and king on Palm Sunday, but when He returns He will return as King.