My Feet Hurt

How many steps does it take to make sore feet? It depends but probably about 16,000. That was an average of the steps we had every day with our middle daughter, Jacqueline, and her family while they visited us. After repeating this several days it takes a toll. Some days were more difficult than others but all worth the time spent with three of our grandchildren. In Psalm 56:13 it says "For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?"  We have been delivered from death and falling and look forward to more light. 

   At Cup O Noodles Museum in Yokohama.  
Counter clockwise: Elder and Sister Melton, Leilani, Jackie with baby Scarlet, Aaron and Liliana 

While enjoying our family we wanted to keep a presence in the mission by continuing some routines like waking at 6:30 am for our district prayer/phone call. We also responded to Mission and Branch chats or emails. In our daily study we got a bit creative. Sometimes we listened to scriptures in the car together as we went to different locations. Then we discussed points that stood out to us. We take turns switching days of who says the prayers. Sister Melton is usually good at reminding us to bless our food when we are eating out. After a while the grandchildren were also good at reminding us. 

Before driving to the airport to meet up with family, we had a busy day which included delivering a chocolate birthday brownie. It was for our friend, Rob Zuckerman, whom we see at the weekly outreach.. He works for Stars and Stripes and we frequently have lunch with him after the Monday morning AOB. Rob often shares his adventures in traveling. He has worked in Japan for a very long time. We have appreciated his friendship with us.  

Special birthday brownies for Rob at Stars and Stripes office

After visiting the Cup O Noodles, we went browsing at the mall and found machines that dispensed small toys. Who knew that a couple of small plastic lizards would be so entertaining for two young girls? Then we went to the Red Brick buildings and started our first "stamp quest". The seven sequential stamps printed a complete picture of different colors and images. Then at sundown we rode the Ferris Wheel. This was the first of very memorable and fun days. Another day we rerouted because of rain and went to an indoor amusement park called Sanrio Puroland. After misplacing a beloved lizard, Sister Melton felt guilty and bought a couple of light up souvenirs. Then naturally, the missing item was turned in and retrieved.  "Only in Japan" will you be able to find a lost item as easily as we did. We even got to see a Kawaii (cute) Kabuki (a traditional Japanese drama incorporating dance).  For Liliana's birthday we were at Disney Sea. The crowds were immense and so was the excitement. The day had a wet start but it dissipated towards the end. There was a beautiful musical and light show on boats. The favorite part for two active little girls was an enormous indoor playground and rides with an under the sea theme. For the animal enthusiasts, we went to Zoorasia and in Kamakura we were able to pet owls, feed a pig and see otters. Enoshima Island had caves, tide pools and a lot of steps.

  

Jackie and Scarlet on Ferris Wheel in Yokohama.                                             Two tuckered out little girls



It took a lot of convincing by Grandpa Melton that this water ride would not get Liliana wet. 
(Although is was raining at the time haha)

The Shinkansen or bullet train was a nice quick way to travel to Kyoto and Osaka. We had to ask permission to go out of our mission for these places as well as the Disney Sea trip. We had a small roller bag and back packs when we arrived and learned that it would have been better to store them in a locker than having to tote everything while seeing sights. There was no early check in at our Airbnb. Still it was very roomy and comfortable. In Osaka we saw a whale shark at the aquarium which was so cool. Osaka also has the second largest castle in Japan. We noticed the difference in atmosphere among different temples in Kyoto. The 10,000 tori gates was not as reverent and was more commercialized. Another historical site had a more peaceful and natural reverence. The views were beautiful with cherry blossoms in bloom. Returning home to Zama was late in the day. We took the train from Shin-Yokohama but it was a rapid train which would by pass our stop so we got off and took the next train. We were grateful that our son-in-law, Aaron caught the error before we went too far. We would have been very lost without him. 

   

Tori Gates and Temples in Kyoto, Japan


Aaron and Scarlet on the train

Another trip out of our mission was going to Hakone. We went to a Yunnesen there. It was like a hot spring water park. A favorite part was putting our feet in a pool with "kissy fish". The hot springs were very relaxing and kid friendly.There was also a sauna. It was a good day to be inside since it was raining all day and into the night. We all slept well that evening. That was good because we had another busy day ahead of us in Tokyo. After parking our cars in the garage we took more trains to Tokyo Lego Discovery and Yoyogi Park. To top off the trip we were at the Tokyo temple annex and enjoyed the peaceful presence there. Then, they had to go home. We took the luggage for our guests to the airport. They rented a small Honda Civic that could not fit everything they brought, including a double stroller. There were a lot of special memories packed into this special time with family while we were serving in Japan. 

 "Kissy Fish".          
                                                                                                                       Park across from Tokyo temple

       

Kyoto Tower Family Picture



Tokyo Lego Discovery 3 D Movie


Melton/Vincent Family at New Sanno in Tokyo


Delivering precious cargo to the airport

The following day, after rebooting a bit, we attended Easter Sunday Service. It was wonderful with a song from the Primary children and a solo by Sister Jaggi. Comments by Brother Lloyd and President Jaggi brought the spirit into the meeting. They reminded us of the importance of our Savior this time of year. He is the eternal hope and light of the world. We felt the joy of what Easter is about. Later we picked up the next family visiting us for a week. (More on that in our next blog) 

Several times we were recognized by people we didn't know and some we did know. It is all part of the role we are in. Have we mentioned how we love serving this mission? It is a great privilege to be here and serve others. We often express this gratitude in our daily prayers. Even when our feet are hurting, we feel very blessed. Blessed to have family willing to come and visit us here. Blessed to work with the awesome missionaries in the Tokyo South Mission. Also, we are blessed to work with members of the Zama Military Branch and people associated with Atsugi Naval Air Facility. Life can be hard but it is also a wonderful experience. What makes it wonderful is knowing that our Heavenly Father is watching over us and loves us. He knows us better than we know ourselves and sent us His son to help us return to Him. If you have doubts or difficulties, remember who Jesus Christ is and turn to Him so you can overcome your trials in this life and look ahead with joy in your heart



Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 7, 2026 at 7:39 AM

    What a special visit and time with the kids!!! So sweet! Love you both. John & Delia

    ReplyDelete

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