Life in Japan
By Michelle Richardson | October 12, 2011
Konnichiwa from Japan!
Jordan and I have been here for 5 months already! It seems much longer.
We are all settled in our house and are awaiting the arrival of our two
miniature dachshunds, who will be here early next month.
Japan is so different from anything Jordan and I have ever known.
Imagine living in a city that is less than 40 square miles with about
11,000 people per square mile in it....That's Yokosuka! There are so
many people, when ever we go out, I always feel like I am in the way!
We are about an hour south from Tokyo, which has more people than New
York City. Definitely a metropolis!
The culture is wonderful here! The Japanese people are so nice. So
incredibly nice! When we first got here Jordan and I were out in town
waiting for a taxi, when a rain storm came out of no where. A sweet
Japanese lady was walking by, and saw that we didn't have an umbrella
and just stood with us, letting us share her umbrella, until our taxi
came. She wasn't waiting for a taxi, just walking by and decided to
help. I love the Japanese people!
The food here is AMAZING! We have our favorite sushi place, a favorite
ramen place and a favorite coffee place. We are eagerly expanding our
knowledge of Japanese food, always trying something new and fun. It's
especially fun when we can't read the menu, and have to guess what
everything is!
Jordan and I are doing our best learning their language, but it is difficult.
We will get it with time! I have just finished a Japanese language class
and will be starting another soon. Between the classes, and words
learned from our new Japanese friends, we can get around and find the
"Densha" or Train to get home.
We have gone on a few adventures, and are planning many many more. The
very first place we went was steeped in Japanese history- Kamakura,
Japan. Not only was Kamakura once the capital of Japan during its Shogun
era, it is also home to the Great Buddha (built in 1252!). Full of
history and beauty, the shrines and temples were amazing. We loved that
excursion and will be going again. We have also made 2 trips to
Disneyland Tokyo, and numerous other trips to various places in Tokyo
via the train.
We have been having Sunday gatherings to watch services in our home for
quite a few weeks now. Despite our many technical/internet issues, we
are having so much fun with it. We love being able to share our Amazing
God with people, and watch Him work in all of our lives. We usually
watch services, and then discuss the sermon afterwards. Lately, DVR'd
Football has followed that :) Every time I am out and about in town, I
think, "Wow, God put me here. This is going to be great!" God's plan may
not be obvious (Really God, you sent Jordan and I to Japan of all
places ?:) , but it is important to do the best that we can, as
Christians, with the situations that God has placed in front of us, so
that we may work toward His goals for us. To be a messenger for God's
word is a great honor that we all have been assigned with. Whether its a
verse on a facebook page, a text, or a conversation with a friend or a
stranger- spread God's message. We (LWCC!) are his messengers- really,
if we don't do it, who will?
So here we are, Jordan and I, in Japan, spreading God's awesome message,
and sending our love to our home church, LWCC. Until next time!
Sayonara!
Michelle Richardson
and Jordan too :)