Taiwan/Japan '10: dancing in the orient

TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010 : Hiroshima¹

Quick Sketch:

Chapel with KIC School
Sword posing in front of Japan’s oldest castle
Shinkansen and Commuter trains to Hiroshima
Three Japanese HS gals fascinated with Americano dancers
Reconnected with Natalie!
Team hiphop rehearsal in open park while
Yutaka and Sue joined the Hiroshima Church’s prayer meeting

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

After just 40 hrs. with the Bostrom family and students of the Kagegawa International Christian School (KICS) we loaded our suitcases into the 20-passenger Toyota van (a far cry from our Ford diesel van affectionately named “Clifford”—Yutaka did I catch you drooling?!) and headed for the Shinkansen downtown. Paul Bostrom graciously chose to drive us via the old section of the city where we spent 15 min. inside the giant gates of the Kakegawa CastleJapanese swords (replicas) for them to pose with. What fun they had for the few remaining moments! I have no doubt it was a gift from God to seal their time here! complex- the oldest castle in Japan. It was beautiful! Of course the guys immediately began climbing the huge stone base of the watchtower followed by sparring at the gate entrance. A Japanese man noticed them and brought 2

The next 7 hrs. were spent in trains and stations…the further south we travelled the more crowded it became as we headed into rush hour Japan-style. As before, the guys were such a blessing, regularly stacking 50# suitcases overhead our train seats and racing down stairs with a large suitcase in each hand. They were troopers! Pas de Deux trained them for this life!

We were so glad to reach our southern most destination around 6pm. As we awaited our contact, our team engaged three Japanese high school 15yo girls, attempting to try out their English on us. I pulled Jenna and Yutaka into the conversation when needed. The gals were fascinated that we were dancers from America. We invited them to the Thursday night performance. Pray that they come. As we left, we exchanged our American coins for some of their Japanese coins. We had made new friends.

And then Natalie arrived! How good it was to see her! We all cheered and hugged. Of course, it was also great to connect with Marcio, Hernaldo, and later at a pastry/coffee shoppe with Eri, Sayumi (Paula), Hiro, and other friends. It was great, yet sad because of all that has transpired with these Brazillian immigrant believers in the last half year. Their world has been shaken by much abuse at the leadership level. Though several limping churches now, they appear to be holding on to God. Hopefully, they will allow time for their hearts to heal completely.

Last night, the team had a 2 ½ hr. hip-hop rehearsal in an open public park led by Natalie. The Brazillian/Japanese dancers will join our team for a few dances on Thursday night. During this time, Yutaka and I joined Marcio, wife Sayumi and the believers of the new Hiroshima church for a prayer meeting. Unfortunately, the 45min. hum of Portuguese prayer was just enough to “sing” me to sleep! I awoke in time for Yutaka & my translated talks! We hugged and cried with the believers, encouraging them to take time to heal their hearts.

The entire team divided into groups of two or three for welcoming homestays for the next two nights.

Please pray for—

The weary dancers--esp. Jenna/Natalie as they lead the two groups (Portuguese/Japanese/Spanish/English speakers)
Abi and Joshua our youngest team members-emotionally/physically hard with the constant travel and quick entry/exit in each place here in Japan.
Yutaka and Sue --as we travel to the other church today, engage in listening/counseling two separate couples.
Jenna--as she leads the team this afternoon ON HER OWN : travelling by train/trolley cars to downtown Hiroshima shopping and/or the Peace Memorial (A-bomb museum).

Again, thank you so very much for your prayers. We are greatly indebted to each of you for “holding up our arms.” Don’t stop…in this place especially, we need your prayers!

Much love,

Sue, for all the team