Kindness All Around Us

 

A simple smile or nod goes a long way as a kind gesture. You can see people everywhere show kindness every day if you look close enough. It could be holding the elevator door or letting someone come into a traffic lane. We have been acutely aware of many kind acts more recently.

We planned a trip to Hokaido so we could attend the Sapporo temple and see that area of Japan. The town of Sapporo had a "Western" feel to it. We thought it compared more to our smaller city of Indianapolis in the Midwest. We liked the familiar sense of it.  The temple had beautiful landscaping and the peace inside was a blessing at the right moment. Next to the temple was a building for visitors staying over and a  cafeteria area with vending machines. Some of the people there gave us samples of their food. On a different day, we went to the National Ainu Museum. We were told by our friend that it would be unique to see. It was by a lake within the Upopoy National Ainu Park. The grounds and garments and way of living reminded us of a cross between Pacific Islanders and Native Americans. 

             (Left) Sapporo Temple

(Left) At the cafeteria next to the temple

(Right) Ainu clothing    

Traveling with a crutch is not easy. It is especially difficult when the plane is on the tarmac and a bus takes you to climb up steps and get in the plane. Several times, while taking bus shuttles, people offered up a seat for Sister Melton. The kindness we have experienced has been evident since she is wearing her boot and using a crutch. Probably because we are older than most of the people around us also contributes to the goodwill we are experiencing. The Japanese people are very gracious and kind. 

Hokaido is known for its milk and ice cream. They also have an abundance of cantaloupe. In a town near Sapporo in a touristy area by the shore we got a cup of cantaloupe cubes topped with soft serve ice cream. We bought it at a stand in front of a restaurant that was closed between lunch and dinner. The worker allowed us to take a seat inside to enjoy our treat. A small act of kindness. The town, Otaru, has a Stained Glass Museum we visited while there. The history was interesting on how this Japanese town acquired these beautiful stained glass panes. During a time period of Queen Victoria, the church in England was growing and many churches were built. Later, with changes in demographics and declining congregations, the stained glass windows were rescued from torn down churches. The initiative in acquiring these panels started with a furniture company in Otaru, Japan. The panels display many biblical scenes and were amazing. There were many other restaurants around and a beautiful canal. We could have spent days there but our time was getting short. At the airport we bought a small Hokkaido double cheesecake. We got a chocolate one and it was delicious! Here is a link to a recipe:

https://timetocookonline.com/2019/07/18/hokkaido-double-cheesecake/

The canal in Otaru

Sapporo Tower

   

                                                        Hakkaido Ice Cream and Cantaloupe

Panels in the Stained Glass Museum

One time driving home from base, we witnessed another random act of kindness as an older man with a bicycle was stuck on the railroad track side of the crossing gate barrier. The signal and lights suddenly started. He was struggling to get his bicycle back under the gate to safety. The woman in front of us got out of her car and assisted him as the train was coming by. 

A woman is helping a man get his bike and himself to safety at a railroad crossing that we pass every day

We invited the Sister missionaries to help us speak to our Japanese neighbors across our hall in the apartment building. Sister Melton made a baby quilt for them and wanted the sisters to explain in Japanese. The timing was not good since the neighbor did not answer the door. However, the following day we were leaving our apartment and we saw another couple with a baby stroller was also exiting the building. Elder Melton thought it was the neighbor on our floor and Sister Melton quickly went in to get the blanket. Outside, she saw it was a different couple with a younger baby. It felt right to give them the gift. They could understand a little English and were surprised by the gift. Their baby was only one month old and they live in the apaartment two floors above us. They were very gracious accepting the baby blanket. A week later we found a gift bag with bakery cookies and note (In English) on our doorstep. They gave us a picture of the baby with the blanket on her and said that she (the baby) really likes it. Sometimes we do things and the Lord knows how it will work out. 

 (The note attached with the picture was so heartfelt and kind, thanking us for our generosity and wishing us happiness, good health and joyful moments)

Several times we were able to accompany the Sister Missionaries with their friends. Once we were introduced to a Puruvian Restaurant called Gochi. The friend from Peru and her daughter told us about the place. It was in Yamato and we were able to try several different dishes. The missionaries also took a moment for a spiritual thought. Because of the Sisters we also gave the friends an opportunity to join a bowling activity we had on base. The Sisters are able to communicate with Google translate since the friend only speaks Spanish. Another friend from Mexico speaks English well, even though she still has some difficulty with expressing thoughts. Elder Melton is helpful with explaining some things in Spanish. By invitation, we joined them for a Filipino lunch that the Sisters prepared at church. We had an opportunity to bear our testimony and experiences about the eternal perspective of families.

                                   An unusual crowd for bowling on Atsugi during YSA acivity

On a Sunday evening we had the Elders over for dinner and also invited Troy who graduated high school over a year ago and is now in Pathways. He enjoys the friendship with the Elders and brought one of his favorite games to play. We are happy to give him a place and time to socialize. 

            Elder Carr, Troy, Elder Melton, Elder Calamdag and Sister Melton enjoying a Sunday dinner

Sister Melton gave away her inversion table. As we are preparing to return to the states, we need to unload some items to get the apartment ready for our replacements. We are glad that the table will go to a good home and will be used more than when it was in our apartment. 

We invited the Sisters and the Singletons to the food court for lunch. The Singletons are quick to pay for the missionaries meals. They paid for one at Popeyes and we paid for the other at Taco Bell. We also exchanged packages from the Post Office with the Singletons since we share the same box for "Grandparent Volunteers".  

                        A lunch break with Sister Eronico, Sister and Elder Singleton and Sister Capalongan

It feels sureal as we are experiencing a lot of last times here on the mission. We had our last Zone Conference, our last Clinic Coffee Cart with our friend Sarah and a "Change of Command" for the leadership at NAF Atsugi. At Zone Conference Sister Tueller talked about the importance and power of prayer. President Tueller talked about the missionaries getting a sense of urgency in doing the Lord's work. As we are winding down I told President that I am feeling the urgency. It seems like there is a lot to do. 

                   (Right)  Photo outside of clinic with Sarah Hednar     

(Left ) A Japanese dignitary addresses the NAF Atsugi community praising Captain LeClerc's diplomacy

                                Incoming Commander Schwaub and retiring Commander LeClerc

   (Left) A special day to wear matching shirts for our last volunteering at the Post Office. The staff there gave us parting gifts in appreciation for our service and bringing cookies. 

It was a wonderful Sunday evening visit with Brother and Sister Agatep. Our little branch prayed for members to move to our congregationa and they were an answer to those prayers. Their hopitality was so generous and kind.

We had to get our car inspected and expected it to take an hour. They found a leak in the cooling system that was damaging the engine. We would have to leave it and needed to get a rental car. After some calls we were good to get the rental. The Toyota shop had someone take us to the Toyota rental place down the street. Then we found out how long our Corolla would be in the shop. It would cost about $850 just for the rental. We wanted to make sure it was covered and after a few more phone calls we got the go ahead. We were appreciative to get a vehicle and for the patience of the Toyota employees. Without the transportation we would literally be at a stop on the mission. 

                                                        Our new ride is smaller but doable

Looking on the bright side helps one appreciate the good in the world. We appreciate friends and support of family while here for the next several weeks. When you look, it is joyful to see the kindness of others around you and it makes one smile. Those kind acts cause a cascade of more kind acts. Goodwill is a lovely thing and is contagious. We hope you feel joy today and always.