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Typhoons and earthquakes

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It is the rainy season here in Japan. Though the rain may slow us down, we are continually moving on to the next service. There have been several Typhoons come toward the coast and we don't get the brunt of it but there has been plenty of wet roads and the windshield wipers are getting a lot of use. It keeps Elder Melton on alert when driving.  We have friends, the Johnsons, at Iwakuni who were going to a new assignment and we wanted to see them before they left for Korea. The domestic flight to Iwakuni was actually a nice experience. The weather was rainy going to the airport and we were a bit concerned about finding parking but it all worked out. Dinner was a favorite yakiniku place of Katerina and Travis that was near the base. After that we visited the ancient Kintaikyo bridge in Iwakuni. There was a beautiful park on the other side of the unique, ancient bridge.   The Kintaikyo bridge (photo courtesy of Iwakuni City website) Yakiniku with Katerina and Travis in Iwakuni We...
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Snoopy and Our Japanese Gangs

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Joint American/Japanese Red Cross It has been a busy two weeks with the American Red Cross with supporting three different events.The Red Cross Director Sarah is moving later this summer for another Red Cross position at Sasebo, so we love the time we are able to spend with her and her husband before they leave. The first one was again supporting the monthly coffee cart at the Fleet and Family Center (FFC). We always take some home made snacks to supplement the snacks the Red Cross provides. We are still always surprised when the homemade ones, this time being chocolate chip cookies, are the first to go. But what makes it even more worthwhile are the warm conversations we have with those stopping by, including ranks from the junior enlisted to senior officers, civilian personnel, and Japanese employees who always show their thanks and gratitude. The second event was supporting a safety fair where the Red Cross gave instruction on CPR skills. Sarah had to leave for another meeting, so S...
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The Journey Continues

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It is the time of graduations and doing new things as we journey through life. Reflecting on old friends and meeting new ones we can cherish the time we have here. Though our time is dwindling here in Japan, we are continuing with our work as Military Relations Missionaries (MRMs). We look for opportunities to serve and support those who are in the branch. Meeting new people is always interesting. All of these experiences are part of the journey.  The Relief Society had an activity which was hiking Mt. Takao and families were invited. Sister Melton was looking forward to this for a while since Elder Melton had already been there. She went to this outing with Sister Matsuba and Sister Thompson with her two children. After meeting at the Ebina train station they all headed out about 7:30 am. After arriving they took a cable car ride, which is one of the steepest in the world. The families who participated had a great view from the top of the mountain. In all there were five families ...
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