New Beginnings

The weather is getting nicer but there is some rain and sometimes cooler days. We have been transitioning from heavy coats to lighter jackets and rain boots. Flowers are blooming in many places. The grass is changing from yellow to small patches of green. It's Springtime! 

Beautiful cherry blossom trees are in full bloom with thousands across NAF Atsugi and Camp Zama. It was a wonderful view at the Camp Zama housing area where we both "ran/walked" in their evening Cherry Blossom 5K run. We both liked the bright green t-shirts they gave to the participants so we couldn't resist.  We even momentarily thought that once we paid our $20 dollars and got our shirts, we didn't really need to do the actual run.  Brian has been in these "fun runs" before but it was Donna's first time. We went at our own pace, which was consistent but not like a race. We had a good time and saw Elder and Sister Nelson, who greeted us as they volunteered for the American Red Cross. They handed out water and took pictures. In return, we gave the Nelsons a ride home.

As written before, on occasion, we and the Nelsons support ministering activities at Camp Fuji.  The chapel there had been closed for several months for renovations. We attended the dedication of the newly refurbished chapel. The unmanned USO inside the chapel building was also part of the reopening so the USO district leaders were in attendance as well. Though their office is out of Yokosuka, we were able to discuss future USO events at Atsugi, which we could support and potentially help grow Atsugi's USO presence, and hopefully assist in local USO events. There is not an active USO at Zama or Atsugi, but perhaps that will change.

The Red Cross director Sarah was on vacation and we helped her by taking the coffee cart to the Fleet and Family building ourselves for the monthly visit. Not as easy a task as it may seem when our vehicle was a tight fit for the cart and other things for making coffee, tea and some snacks. Rather than our usual cookies and Rice Krispie treats, Donna provided lemon bars this time around. On another day we were again at Fleet and Family Services for a mental health fair, where we supported the Red Cross by giving out stress balls and tickets for prizes. While there, we met two more of the Red Cross volunteers. Military persons we meet are so great with giving of their time even with a full time job. 

Last Saturday we helped clean the chapel in the morning and then went to a baseball game supporting the Tokyo Giants. It was fascinating watching how enthusiastic the fans were about cheering for their team. There were a few women in our group who were at their first baseball game. We helped explain the rules for them. Taking the train there and back was also quite the experience as the Nelsons led the way through several train transfers and tracking our progress of over an hour both ways. We are planning to use the train more often as we continue to get more comfortable with it. 

After several weeks, Brian completed work on a report about how to get a driver's license in Japan.  This has been an ongoing issue especially for senior missionaries where the process could take up to a year. We come over with an international permit, which only lasts a year, after which you have to have a Japanese license. Brian coordinated with all the other MRMs in the country to incorporate different perspectives. The report has been accepted by our coordinator in Salt Lake and has now been distributed to all the Japan missions, the English speaking stake, and the Area office. 

We brought five of the younger missionaries to help with a community walkway cleaning. They made a positive impression to the person from the public affairs office. She praised their efforts, issued certificates of appreciation for each one and said she would welcome them to any future service projects. 

Lately, we noticed some pictures on the NAF Atsugi web page. A few of the pictures had us in them. Maybe that is part of why places we go people are saying to us, "You guys are everywhere." A manager at the commissary recognized us and asked that we pass a message on to the Chaplain's office about picking up the donations for Onigiri or rice balls. These are made and given to a local organization that provides meals for underprivileged children. It does seem like we get around and all of it can be exhausting at times. Brian suggested that we take a mini trip sometime to relax a little. We hope to do that by early June. 

With Spring arriving there is a feeling of renewal. A feeling of hope and new beginnings. Our mission president spoke of the gift of repentance during Zone Conference. Living in a foreign country we have been adjusting along the way. Likely, we have offended some but we try to do better every day. We are grateful for the atonement that gives us an opportunity to repent of mistakes and "start over". 

A Park behind Ranger Gym
A view on one of our many drives.
                                                                                      The Cherry Blossom nighttime Fun Run
                                             Camp Fuji celebration
Serving at a Book Fair

                                                Outreach at the Mental Health Fair


Cleaning the Yamato church building

                                    At the Tokyo Dome watching a baseball game with friends.


                                Group photo of a community service cleaning walkway in Ayase


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