Over the holidays, we went to Kawagoe, one of Japan's cities that represents the Edo period of which the culture of the past is remembered.

This is an example of the black walled fireproof storehouses that were built in the construction boom of the 1720's.



The mode of transportation during that time period in the city can be rented today for a short excursion.


The original Kawagoe Castle was built in 1457. This reminds the people of what was left of the castle after the devasting earthquake of 1923 and the bombings of WWII.
The landmark bell tower is 16 meters tall and its uniform style has been preserved since a fire in 1893. The first wooden bell tower was built in 1624.

Our timing was such that we heard one of the four daily ringings of the bell.

I thought it would be a good way for us to "ring" in the new year. Happy 2011!!

This is the inside of our church, Kokubunji Baptist. This was an afternoon performance of Christmas music where our pastor had the opportunity to share the true story of Christmas. The flowers have now been replaced with the Advent candles. The sancutary holds about 100 and is full most Sundays. Their English translation of the service is usually done by those who have lived in the states recently.




Here I am with Norico and Yuki on our volunteer day at the Ronald McDonald House.


Yuki san had brought us some brochures in English of places she thought we would like to visit.

We have a good time during break trying to learn each other's language.


Here we are in togas as guests for a "Roman feast".

Our friends' boys had finished their homeschool study on Rome and this was a culminating activity.

We certainly enjoyed their sharing of what they had learned and the foods that the Romans would have eaten during that time period.



Our English conversation class continues to grow and they really enjoyed the Christmas party we had after class. It's been rewarding to see their interest in English and to hear them use what they have learned.



"Santa" arrived at our local plaza.

He said he was from Finland- he spoke in English and the lady in white is his translator.

The children later had an opportunity to have their picture taken with him. The parents used their own camera and there didn't seem to be any charge.




Martin and I wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS....

Last week we went to Izu-Kogen for a retreat. It is on the Izu Peninsula about two hours south of Tokyo.

It borders the Pacific Ocean on the east and is known for its hot springs and the scenic coastline- both of which we enjoyed.



We stayed at the Obirin Club - a conference facility that is owned by the Obirin University here in Tokyo.

The university shares the same founder as Obirin University in Ohio.
It is known for being a Christian college.


We were able to enjoy this view of the Sagami Bay each morning- this one we particularly enjoyed.

Utilizing the chairlift we were able to venture to the top of the dormant volcano, Mt Omoro, from there we could enjoy the bay on one side and Mt. Fuji on the other. What a treat, just by turning your head!

This is one of the breakfasts we were served. Each meal was not only pleasing to the eye, but also to the palate. There was always a fish dish, rice, and sliced cucumbers. Depending on the meal, there were variants of the same food. Truly enjoyable!!


Our room not only had the western style bed, but also a tatami room where you could sleep on futons if you wished. We chose to use it for relaxing and enjoying tea.

One of the things we enjoy about Japan is the sculpting of the trees.

On the lower level, there was an onsen (hot water bath) where we could look out and enjoy the view of this garden.

We enjoyed the time away for relaxing and reflecting.

The larger parks here in Japan have acres of cosmos growing in the fall. This is at our local park, Koganei Koen.
Experiencing the beauty of the cosmos is a big attraction for school groups and family outings on the week-ends.


These blossoms on this tree had such a heady fragrance. It was like walking through a mixture of honey and oranges. Martin and I sat on a park bench close by and enjoyed the warm afternoon and the beauty of God's creation.
This is the tree that had the blossoms. The picture doesn't capture how full of blooms it was.
I don't remember the trees last year; maybe the blooms were all gone by the time we discovered this section of the park.

Chrysanthemums have a very special place in Japan's culture. The Emperor adopted it as his official seal in the 1800's. It is on the Japanese passport and at the Shinto shrines.
They are grown sometimes with just one "stalk"; and I say that because they are almost as tall as I am. (Those may be the exhibition variety with a flower nearly 8 inches.)
These are close to our apartment complex entrance.

These are some images of what I will remember about autumn in Japan.

One of the highlights of our time in Japan has been our involvement with the Ronald McDonald House. As it is with the house in Lexington, the volunteers have a heart for people; a common thread that makes us a worldwide family.
This was taken at a tea that was provided for the volunteers. This represents about a half of the volunteer force.


On this day, our volunteer team has received our assignment and now it's off to do our work; mop, vacuum, make up rooms, clean windows, do laundry....


This little boy is recovering from brain surgery. He and his mom are guests at the house.
This makes volunteer work worthwhile.This is why we as volunteers do what we do; so families can have "a home away from home".



Yuko-san is an assistant manager and was instrumental in having us form a conversational English class at the house. She speaks English and wanted other staff and volunteers to have an opportunity to improve their English skills. Martin and I meet on Sunday afternoons with those wishing to practice.

Here we are...
Our class meets in the library/conference room at the house.