We are now back in Japan! We were concerned when a stomach bug started passing through our family just days before our departure date. As it turned out, we had all recovered in time to fly overseas. Unfortunately, only two of us made it to my brother’s wedding. I am very glad that one of them was me!

So, we endured the 15 hour flight to Hong Kong, spent the night in a Chinese hotel, flew the 3 hours to Japan, caught a ride to Kumamoto with our co-worker Sue, and got . . . home?

We found a temporary one bedroom apartment in downtown Kumamoto. You can not even imagine trying to lug even one suitcase through the tiny alleyway, up a flight of steps, down a crowded street that barely allows a car and a pedestrian to pass at the same time. The nearest parking spot is 150 yards from the apartment. Sue and Keiko kindly brought up heavy futons, bedding, a bunch of foodstuffs, etc.through the challenging maze in preparation for us being here.

Needless to say, we are on the lookout for another place. Norman spoke to two realtors today putting in our requests. Pray that God would direct us to where He wants us to be.

Thank you for your prayers! We are very glad to be back here and are eager to see what God will do this year.