Community Service

Community Service

Lately we have been noticing that since the community on NAF Atsugi is relatively small, as MRM's we are getting recognized more all the time. There was a donation box at the commissary for items to be used by the Catholic congregation in making rice balls. The manager recognized that we work with the Chaplin's office. She asked if we could get the items picked up which we then coordinated with the Chaplain's staff. 

We celebrated Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday this week. Having attended the Catholic Service on Sunday, we met the priest and mentioned that we would volunteer at their sponsored event.  Our service consisted of making pancakes, serving a Devils Food cake we baked, assisting children and their families in making crafts, and helping with the clean-up afterwards. Afterwards we were able to take leftover cake to a couple of church members who lived on base. The grandparents of one family were visiting, and we learned that they had served at Malmstrom AFB years before we did. 

One day we went to a flea market in Machida and later joined a YSA activity at a Dog Cafe. The "dog cafe" is about petting dogs. We could choose from large or small dogs to pet. We chose the larger dogs as one Siberian husky reminded us of our beloved Kandy. Afterwards at the Rock and Roll Burrito we spent time getting to know the few young adults better. 

For the second time we were able to join other military volunteers for a clean up project on the streets outside the Atsugi gates. There is a good feeling of being helpful to the community. Soon we will start working at the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society (NMCRS) who provide emergency loans and help new parents. Donna will also be using her quilting skills to make some baby quilts to donate to them as well.

Sister Melton is serving as the Primary chorister for the month of March and Elder Melton substituted one Sunday to teach the age 8-10 primary class. We were also asked to substitute for a seminary class in May which shows the trust that the members of the branch have for us. 

In Japan, girls are celebrated annually on March 3 during Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day or Doll's Festival). Sister Melton joined Sister Nelson at the Zama Shrine. This cultural tradition includes a spectacular display of Hina dolls on red fabric with flowers on either side of the steps leading up to the shrine.

On P-day the missionaries had lunch at Costco which was the busiest day we have seen yet. Since our small apartment is just two blocks away, all eleven young missionaries in the district came over to play (appropriate) music and games. A couple of days later nine of the missionaries again volunteered at our base thrift store, where afterwards, we provided lunch at the small food court. 

There are several communities around us here. We help the Zama branch, the missionaries in our district,  the Japanese community and  the military community which includes the chaplains office and Red Cross. The service here is building good relationships with those around us. Having Christ centered in our lives helps us to do this.

It was a cold day to be in a tent at a Bazaar. This was at Camp Zama. Since they have it every 6 months we will probably return.

Serving hot beverages at Fleet and Family Services

Donna and Sarah from Red Cross 

Making Pancakes for Mardi Gras event 

Machida Shrine holds a flea market the first of every month.

 Having fun with the YSA's at the Dog Cafe

        Community clean up outside                                     the Atsugi West Gate

Hinamatsuri

A final Sunday service for our Marine at Camp Fuji

Food court with missionaries