An Okinawan Spring

It's only the end of February, but it's springtime in Okinawa. Our brief "winter" consisted of 6 or 8 weeks of temperatures in the mid 40s to mid 50s, grayish skies and frequent drizzle. Considering the high humidity and building construction (little insulation), that was cool enough. I was much more comfortable once we learned to use the Japanese heater to warm our apartment. Temps now are in the high 70s. Yea!


The cherry blossoms have already bloomed and flowers are beginning to appear everywhere.

Our days are growing busier and more productive. We have begun to settle in to a useful pattern of activities, service and teaching. In January we started a program for Young Single Adults every Monday night on Camp Foster, one of several American military bases on Okinawa. We always share a spiritual message followed by games and snacks. Our numbers are growing as word spreads. We are exploring the idea of starting a monthly social for the spouses of deployed military personnel.

Our responsibilities here are rather unconventional, as missionary assignments go. We drive the only Church-owned vehicle on Okinawa. It's fortunate that Phil enjoys driving because we spend a great deal of time traveling up and down this island. Our little band of young missionaries consists of 30 on bicycles, 4 of whom are young women. They all work very hard in the service of the Lord. Transfers occur every 6 weeks when "the deck is shuffled", so to speak. A few missionaries are moved around the island, some are moved up to mainland Japan and some come to Okinawa from there. When transfers occur, we are busy 2 to 3 days moving missionaries, their bags and bikes. We also make several trips to the airport in Naha city. Transfers are always a time of high excitement. Soon after transfers we all come together for Zone Conference, a time of instruction and sharing. This Conference we had some special guests from our Asia North Area. As you can see, Zone Conference is also a time for building camaraderie and a wee bit of tom foolery.


Culture Corner: Shurijo Castle
We had the opportunity to visit the reconstructed castle built around the 14th century. Before Okinawa was part of Japan, it was known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri was its political and cultural center for approximately 500 years.

Shurijo Castle was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, but rebuilt and restored in 1992. Today it is the symbol of Okinawa.

The grounds and structures are magnificent.

Traditional and cultural dances of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the people of Okinawa.

The king presided from this incredibly ornate throne. Here we are with Elder & Sister Brown, the medical advisers for the church for all of North Asia.