So Good to be Back

Been here a full day now, and wanted to show you what we have seen...(as always, click for larger view)

 Rainy departure from Toronto

 

We flew on a plane that was almost as big as the whole country! Felt like it, anyway.

 Just entered Japan

Entry area in Narita Airport with cutouts of kids saying "welcome" in their own languages.

Jet lag hit just about right, with me waking up at 3:30 am and Barbara at 4:30 am. Was able to watch the sun come up while reading Jeremiah 1 where I found these verses:

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

 Freshly aware I don't know how to speak, and I am definitely not too young, but have already had the thought I am too old! And already reminded of the harder lifestyle in some ways, physically speaking.

Reading Jeremiah our response is OK, we'll do it, by your grace! Here's to sovereign mercy!

 Right now there is a single bed and a futon on the floor.

A number of you have heard us talk about the places we might be living, and it has changed again. So we know you don't believe us anymore. As far as we can tell today, the place we have called "Sally's House" is not it after all. We are here temporarily until we can move into what we have called "Brent's House." These pics of Sally Dangler's house (formerly supported by LPC) is the place remodeled by the team I led here in summer 2005. Pictures of Brent's house will be posted within a week when it becomes "The Bindewald's House."

This house was built over 25 years ago by an American team using all US materials, except for wiring and plumbing which is Japanese. Have already experienced the challenge of matching up plumbing parts. The replacement shower part I brought based on pix sent to me didn't fit, so still no shower here. Tub part works, though, and there is a shower upstairs. Just have to be sure we use it after hours!

It is very roomy and comfortable, full size American appliances

 

This is our car for the time being, one we are borrowing from a missionary who doesn't return until Aug. 31. I drove it to the store today and did pretty well.

 

 It is a Honda Logo Lachic. Have fun with that. Nuff said!

View across the street

View of neighbor's front yard 

 Street view

Back view of an apartment house nearby. This is 6 apartments. They all have A/C compressors visible, using what are called ductless or mini-splits in the US. Also note satellite dishes - - pretty sure cable TV as we know it isn't here.

No burying of utility lines here - everything overhead

Front entry house next door with one-tree-landscaping, ornate metal gate, extensive tile work, name plate, mail and newspaper slot, and doorbell button with video camera.

Closeup of name plate. Name is Yamada. The kanji character on the left means mountain and the one on the right means rice field. You can kinda see the pictures these present, but many others I don't see it at all.

Don't think I've seen these before. Maybe you have. Seems that happens each time I write something like that -- "Here's a new species of flower, bird, tree..." and someone writes back they grew up in East Dogbreath and saw them all the time.