Week ending October 25, 2015

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Hello from Japan!

This week was busy with school fall carnival, stake conference and work.

Monday night we had dinner a great Mexican place right outside of base called "Mike's".  We had seen it before but it was never open when we walked past.  Restaurants in our little town are not open except for a couple of hours a day and we can never figure out when because  the signs are all in Kanji (characters).  We were able to finally try it out because we went bowling with a fellow teacher and her husband who had lived here awhile. 

Thursday night was school carnival.  The gym was converted in to an obstacle course thanks to Greg and fellow sailors who came to volunteer.  It was a fun yet long night.  This coupled with staff development the next day made for a welcomed weekend.

Friday night we went out to dinner with Richard and the missionaries at Shabu-yo.  It is basically a hot pot buffet.  You choose your broth and cook your meat along with vegies.  We also tried Japanese curry and both liked it. 

After dinner as we were heading to the bowling alley on base, we saw a football game at the field and stopped to watch Zama High School play against Iwakuni High School.  Felt like home.

This is a picture of us with the Randalls.  The children, Clara and Jackson, are students at the school as well as being in our ward.  Brother Scott Randall is the dentist on base.  They arrived about a month after us.  His wife, McCall (yes, that’s here first name, love it!) and toddler-Oliver are home and not in the picture.  They are from San Diego. 

Saturday morning we took our newly fixed bikes and explored Yamato, the town right outside the East gate.  (Our base borders Ayase City and Yamato).  On the ride home, we stopped at the bakery right outside the East gate, Bun Bun, and had sweets for breakfast.  The bakery was just about standing room only.

Saturday evening was spent at the adult session of stake conference at our church building.  Speakers used webcams from various buildings in Tokyo and which was streamed live in to our building.  This is our stake counselor President Nathan Frost.  He was Jesse’s 11-year-old scout leader in the Eastridge ward.  He and his wife Elizabeth have been our friends for many years.  As a matter of fact, he came to take us to church our first Sunday here from Yokoda AFB where he lives, about 90 minutes away.  Great man. 

Nathan served his mission in Japan and now is an attorney for the Armed Forces.  He has been in Japan the last 8 years. 

Sunday Hoai My was sustained as the Relief Society first counselor for the Tokyo South English Stake.  We are excited to visit the 5 wards and 2 branches (ours included) as part of her calling. 

Next weekend can’t come soon enough as it is our 29^th anniversary.  We will ride the train to Tokyo and spend the weekend at the New Sanno military hotel.  We plan to go to the Tokyo temple and explore more of the city. 

Until next week,

Our love always,

Greg and Hoai My

PS.  While writing email, we enjoyed another light earthquake.  It lasted about 20 seconds.  Not bad.  Still bizarre though.