"Is this a 2-way street?" "It's always a 2-way street."

Tuesday, before helping out with Phil and Lydia's english classes, we took time in the morning to visit a Japanese Washi-making center and museum. It was great ending our orientation here by learning about the art of Japanese paper-making. Once back at House of Grace, we spent the whole day joining in on the english classes at the church. Chantelle's tidbit: "I was remembered!! (from last year).  On a serious note, Pastor Nozomu, who leads chapel during english classes, is perfect for those people. It's good to have someone Japanese to answer their questions, and he's very enthusiastic about it."
It was great getting to meet the people that will be at the BBQ we're helping out at when we return to Toyota.
The next morning, we were forced out of house and home. No seriously. We had to pack up our stuff and be on the road by 8am to drive to Osaka (about a 2.5 hour drive). It was a beautiful scenic drive though, so we had a blast seeing more of Japan, and marveling at their vehicles and tiny roads! Upon arrivel in Osaka, we met with Sugi-Sensei (the pastor of Sakai-chuo Christ Church where we are now staying), and had a delicious lunch with his family. Andrea, who said she would never eat fish eggs, accidently helped herself to a portion of pasta covered in fish eggs, which is still not her favorite dish. They are very welcoming and we became very excited to be working with them. Sugi-Sensei walked us to the supermarket so we could buy a few things. Of course, us not being able to read Japanese, accidently bought seaweed flavored chips, something we were hoping to avoid. We'll let you know how those turn out when we're brave enought to open the bag.
A major outreach we'll be doing here is having a "Canadian Youth Night" and an "American Youth Night." This involved us going to the university and handing out fliers. It was a little intimidating, as all we knew how to say was "Hello! Come to the Party!" But the Japanese, being as gracious as they are, mostly accepted our fliers.
For supper we were split into two groups of two and picked up by members of the church to have supper at their homes. Andrea and myself went with Kazuo and Chiyomi Kono (or Chiyomi mama as she wanted us to call her). We had the biggest meal we had ever seen! Pork, chicken, salad with tuna and octopus, rice, soup that tasted like mennonite cabbage borscht, omelette, watermelon, bean pudding, dried seaweed. It never ended! But was very delicious! Afterwards we were blown away by the giving attitude of the Japanese people. It was overwhelming to experience such hospitality from almost complete strangers. The love of God is so evident in these people, and we're excited to see them again on Sunday!
Chantelle and Zach went to the Harada household where they were treated to make your own sushi and Japanese folk music. The grandmother sang, while they played harmonica and ocarina. Zach tidbit: "Despite the language barrier, we were able to experience the love and kindness of our hosts, and see that God is definitely a member of this house. We were very welcome."
UPDATE: Bag of chips just opened. Actually pretty good!

Day: 6      Rice Count: 6      NEW! Gift Fan Count: 4,   Octopus Eating Count: 3

 Shinto Shrine beside the road where women put up flags to be blessed with fertility.

 Having a western moment on the road to Osaka.

 Zach prefers going Japanese with rice balls covered in seaweed.

Andrea and I with the Kono's, wearing the Yukata (summer kimonos) her mother made.
(And no, my hair isn't greasy, I just got out of the shower!)

And now for something completely different... A Japanese beauty salon.