Internet is down!

I apologize for the long delay in posting a blog. Our internet went down a the church building a couple days ago. Right now, we are at Bryan Snow's house using his internet. Hopefully Sugao, the preacher, can call someone to come and fix the modem.

So to catch everyone up on basically the past week, I will post some pictures and a brief description.
We have been having an amazing time getting to know our readers! It seems like each time we get done with a lesson with someone, we've determined that person to be our favorite. But by the time we are finished with the next lesson, that person is our favorite. It never seems to end. We love all our readers and have a special bond with each one.

There have been several days we've had sunshine! It is a nice break from all the rain. Here are a couple of kids from the kindergarten playing outside.

On our way to cell group (like Growth Groups, but it is a class just for college aged people) last Wednesday we stopped at an Obento restaurant. This is a place where you can get individual items like chicken, rice, or noodles instead of going to a restaurant and ordering the whole meal. It was yummy! The guy next to Tyler is Dan. He has lived here in Hitachi for the past 2 years. He is originally from Minnesota.

On Friday we went to Mito, the capital of Ibaraki prefecture (a prefecture is like a state). We did some shopping while in Mito and ate at the McDonalds!

Just in case you forget how to wash your hands, here are some directions.

Here is the big city of Mito.

Mmmm, Mister Donut!! When we walked by the shop, they were playing Lion King's "Can you feel the love tonight?" There are many little shops that will play random American music.

This is a little alley-way we passed by while walking down Main Street. I just thought it looked cool.

Mmmm, STARBUCKS!
On Saturday we went to Mike and Tomoko McClain's house. They are long time church members at Taga CofC. They met while they were both going to Oklahoma Christian University, got married and moved to Japan. They have 3 beautiful daughters, Anna, Erica, and Keira. The McClains invited us over to their "American style" house they build a couple years back. In fact, Jake was in Taga the year they were building their house and helped plaster the kitchen ceiling.

Here is what a more traditional Japanese style looks like. This house is actually where Jake and I will be staying once he arrives. Only 5 more days!!!

This is the view from the McClain's house, it is amazing!

At the McClain's house we played a little basketball and then cooked up an amazing BBQ. After we were stuffed full of good food we sat down to what the first game of the NBA championship. Mike, Tyler, and Sammy are all big Celtics fans, so we all had a good time!

Sunday morning we had church service. The girls don't have far to go. We are actually staying at the building, in one of the rooms upstairs. This picture was taking after service, during announcement time. Several of the church women had left the auditorium to prepare for our potluck!

And what an amazing potluck it was! Food seems to be the theme of this blog but I just can't help talking about how much I love Japanese food.

Several of the kids at church made a basket full of origami flowers. We were told that it was the day to celebrate the beautiful flowers that God has made. What a wonderful idea!

Sunday we also had our Fiesta party!! It was a blast! Let me take you on a tour of how the party went. Please come inside!

At the table with the two beautiful senoritas, you will find a place to write yourself a name tag.

Now guess the number of candies there are in the bowl, check out the pinata, and pick up a maraca as your party favor!

Find a seat in one of the chairs...

And don't forget to get some chips, salsa, queso, and gauc! There is also plenty to drink!


Our first activity is an ice breaker. We walk around in two big circles to the Mexican music. When the music stops, you stop. Now introduce yourself to the person you are in front of. Tell them your name, hobby, and favorite color!


Next activity is called "Adios!" We sit in a big circle, the person in the middle calls out something like, "Everyone wearing black, Adios!" So if you are wearing black, you have to get out of your seat and run to another chair! Last person standing is the next one to call out "Adios!"

And now, time for the best part! The pinata! Lets see who can break the candy out!

What a great time! Some people went home with a second party favor, the pinata!

Now, time for a group picture!

Oh, can't forget the team picture! I think Sammy thinks Tanis is the pinata!

Hope y'all enjoyed the pictures! Thanks for being patient with me and my lack of updates!