Lovin Japan - Part 1

Even though we have been able to travel throughout many of the different countries of Asia we were always a little hesitant to travel to Japan.  Included among some of the countries we have been able to Tavel to were Singapore, Thailand twice, Vietnam, parts of China, Korea, and Indonesia. It seemed that Japan was a place that may be more difficult to travel once in the country. How wrong we were. 

It is a country with endless Ramen, culture, and boundless things to see and enjoy. We loved the gardens, restaurants, shops, and museums. We had not been able to travel outside of Guam for over a year and were glad that we had the opportunity to visit Japan and our friends that we served with in Chuuk.  The Sturdivants moved to Chuuk to help with the preaching work and later moved to the Marshall Islands, but are now back in Japan so that their two daughters, Zia and Aea, could continue with their education. We took Aea to get her first coffee at Starbucks since she turned 16 years old while we were there. This was a promise I made many years ago when we were all in Chuuk together. On one of our trips to the outer islands of Chuuk we all mentioned something that we missed and I happened to say that I missed a White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks. Aea asked me what it was that I missed so much about it. I answered it is "deliciousness in a cup". She made me promise that I would buy her a cup one day. 

Needless to say her first sip was very eventful. I wish we would have captured her expression on video. She was hooked from the first taste. We warned her not to drink too many given the calorie intake of just one 16oz cup!

There were so many more things that we enjoyed while traveling with Christy and Aaron Sutton. Awesome traveling companions. We stayed in Yokohama for most of our stay, traveled to Kyoto for a few nights and then back to Yokohama, and last few nights in Tokyo so that we could enjoy Tokyo Disney! :-)

Home while in Japan.

Navigating the buses in Japan.

First stop,

Not sure if we were the only ones who
understood this sign.

Ramen Time! This is the front
of the Ramen Museum. One is
even able to buy a year's pass if you
enjoy that much Ramen.

Public Witnessing

Serving in Guam has many benefits especially when it comes to witnessing. We enjoy public witnessing at a local beach that brings Micronesians from each of the various islands, Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, and even Russians. Our congregation is assigned to cover Ypao (Pictured below) Beach at least twice a week. We also cover two local flea markets throughout the month. Our main focus is the Chuukese but we meet people of many different cultures. 

Public Witnessing with
Dededo Congregation.

If you could see what I see?

Enjoying a beautiful sunset.....

1,000 Steps

Heading down.

There are many beautiful land marks here in Guam. We happen to read about 1,000 steps on the east side of Guam in the village of Mangilao. It is literally 1,000 steps to the ocean. It was a little difficult to find because the signage here in Guam is not well maintained. Bur after traveling up and down a few dirt roads we found our destination and began our hike. We were not necessarily ready for our hike, but enjoyed the afternoon none the less. 

Some of the creatures along the way.

1,000 steps later!

We made it....

Now we have to trek all the way back up.

Popular Mechanics

While making a Return Visit on an interested householder we came across an interesting site. Look closely under the hood. Is he working on the car or is he taking a nap?

Sleeping Cars

Recently on Instagram there was an account that featured what the photographer called sleeping cars. We found our own versions of these cars here in Guam while out in field service. They were found in Asan Beach area with an ocean view from where they sleep.

We all Scream for Ice Cream

Guam is home to a variety of cultures and languages. We often meet people from China, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Russia, Indonesia and the different island of Micronesia. We enjoy meeting people from so many different places. It is good for the ministry, but also reminds us to appreciate the variety there is throughout the world. We realize that there are so many things we can appreciate from different countries especially the food. On this day we came across something that helps us to appreciate the one thing all of us love, Ice Cream. We thought this made a very interesting picture. 

Cold Stone Creamery.

REMINDER

Some days you just need to remind yourself about the good things there are to enjoy. We were able to spend the entire day by the pool at the local Sheraton hotel here in Guam. It was a bit windy, but for most of the day we had the pool to ourselves. The beaches, sunsets, and scenes here in Guam are wonderful and need to be enjoyed. 

Sheraton Infinity Pool.

Looking North West.

Look closely, I'm smiling!

The transformation is almost complete.

I'm smiling too..... both looked right at the camera. 

Best friends.

Beautiful sunset even though it was a little overcast. 

Bethel Tour

After visiting one of the congregations during our time of subbing for the Circuit Overseer we met the Masang family. Even though living on Guam for many years they never took a tour at the branch office here on Guam. We arranged to take the tour with them. The three boys, Mwarin, Raymond, and David, now have the goal of Bethel service. It was so encouraging to see their appreciation for Jehovah and his organization. We ended the tour with having lunch with some from the Bethel family. 

Time for tour.

Mwarin, Kathleen, Sister Masang, David (King), Raymond, Derrick (Receptionist)

Watching opening video.

Elizabeth Johnson (Tour guide). She served in Chuuk for about a year.

Micronesia branch territory. Size of continental United States.

Meet Sister Lincoln.

Pictures of the work in the various islands of Micronesia.

Busy? Looks a little relaxed.

Free Cookies in dinning room.

Of course preaching with Caleb and Sophia.