Coming Full Circle

Taking a few weeks in the middle of our mission has been a great way for us to reset ourselves. We have been gone for one full year and have another eleven months to complete our assignment. This has been a blessing to reconnect to loved ones. 

While in California we wanted to get to the temple at least once and we made it happen. Since the San Diego temple was closed we went to the Redlands temple. Of course the California weather was beautiful. All of the workers at the temple were very accommodating and friendly. We had several names for sealing children to parents and were able to complete them all. The small temple was mostly one floor with an elevation towards the celestial room. The feeling of peace was definitely present. 

    Redlands temple in California


The elementary school of our 5 year old granddaughter had a special day honoring veterans. Any family members who were veterans were invited to attend a recognition ceremony. We sent in a picture and brief career information page for a "Wall of Honor" in the cafeteria. Liliana was so happy and proud to have both of her grandfathers attending. She waved from the crowd of students sitting on the cement ground in the open forum. Then, when told to join her family members who are veterans, she ran to them with a big grin and stood by them. It was a blessing and pleasure to be there at that time.

                
                                                                  Two veteran grandfathers
                                    
Since we were temporarily visiting from Japan, arrangements were made to have the baby blessing at our daughter's home. There were several family members present. Our oldest daughter's family came from two hours away near Los Angeles. The other grandparents had some children and grandchildren there from nearby. We were able to meet the Bishop of the Winchester Ward who presided. A feeling of unity for this special baby Scarlett, was in the air. Aaron gave a sincere and beautiful blessing. After the ceremony and pictures, we went to Sizzler for a celebration dinner. The following day was a Primary Program at church. It was sweet to see all the children singing and saying their parts. Our favorite song was  "My Own Sacred Grove".

           
     The baby blessing circle                                       Yaya, Scarlet, Leilani, Austin, Grandpa and Liliana

 Three Sweet Sisters                                        
                                                                                                                              A late night feeding


  




Liliana (left photo center) and Leilani (right photo center) participating in the Primary Program



It was difficult to leave but we were ready to get back to Japan. At LAX airport Sister Melton saw merchandise for the World Series winners, the Dodgers. She got a t-shirt souvenir. The Japanese love their pro-players in the series. Shohei Ohtani is a hero in Japan. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was the final pitcher for the game. We actually had a fun evening watching the final game on television while conversing with our daughters and son-in-laws. On the flight back we sat next to a young photographer/videographer of rock bands. He was originally from New Hampshire and we shared some of our experiences there in New England. He, like most of the country was rooting for the Blue Jays. His number one baseball team is naturally the same for the three of us the  Red Sox.


                                                    Leaving California and returning to Japan

                                                         Back on Atsugi feels like home now.

With the government shutdown the teachers working for military installations and others were needing  help. The Atsugi Red Cross with help from the Chaplains office put together a food pantry free for any body to pick up. Though we just arrived the previous day, we wanted to offer our support for this effort. It was unexpected to see us so soon. It has taken a while but we feel we are getting adapted to the time change. A couple of days later we attended District Meeting in Yamato. Making a chili lunch for the missionaries was worth the effort. We met a few different missionaries and had a nice reunion with the usual group. They are always appreciative of what we do.

We are very grateful that the Singletons were able to pick us up at the airport since the shuttle we took to the airport was not available when we arrived. They took us to our vehicle which was parked at Atsugi. The timing put us in rush hour and we were wearing down by the time we got there. Elder Melton retrieved everyone's ID but his and Elder Singleton's were mixed up. We did an exchange when we brought packages to their apartment the next day. 

There was a combined Stake activity for girls and women ages eight to ninety-eight. Sister Melton joined Rebecca Jaggi and her daughter Elizabeth for a train ride to Tokyo to attend the event. The ladies speaking in the program were joyful and encouraging. We completed a task that has been ongoing for several months. Different units were assigned making items for a feminine hygiene kit. They are shipped to  Guam to help those in need. There was a feeling of empowerment of women helping other women.

The first volunteer activity we did last year when we first got here was the 30K Norwegian Ruck March. We met people at MWR and Red Cross. This year there was a larger group of people participating. We were able to recognize a lot more of the workers and participants this time around. The weather was warmer but we were prepared for what might come. We spent the morning with a fine group of workers.

  Our crew provided water and bananas to those on the march. 

Family is everything. It could be those in your immediate circle or those you connect with in your community. We come together for celebrations and when times get difficult. Hopefully, our family will be able to visit during their Spring Breaks. We have faith that it will happen. 




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