Not for the squeamish

This month's blog topics are a bit... shall we say, "unsavory". I don't mean to be unpleasant, it just worked out that way...

Being the only missionary couple on an island with nearly 30 young missionaries has some parallels with the job of dorm parents. We regularly get calls requesting a recipe, help repairing a bicycles or advice on how to treat a sore throat. We counsel, teach and triage, often over the phone. Having no professional training, I rely on the inspiration of the Lord and skills honed over 30 years as a mom.

However, nothing in my experience prepared me for the most recent call for help, what turned out to be an infestation of bedbugs. Bedbugs are tiny, elusive, blood-sucking parasites that live in mattresses and bed linen. They eat nothing but the blood of animals and people. This is no laughing matter. It was not in our apartment, but in the living quarters of two of our young counterparts. In recent days I've read a couple of dozen internet articles and become something of an instant expert on these pesky little critters. I've learned:

1) bedbugs are not a result of being unclean, either in personal hygiene or surroundings. Bedbugs can afflict the affluent as well as the poor, the immaculate and the slovenly.
2) bedbugs are very difficult to get ride of!!! They can travel home with you in a variety of ways. Individuals who work or visit in people's homes are at higher risk of bringing home these little demons.

FACT: Missionaries visit in people's homes! I'm happy to report that the problem appears to be resolved.

April highlights: We enjoyed a beautiful Easter and inspired General Conference, and participated in numerous opportunities to teach and to serve. After much time spent in preparation, Phil filed our income tax. We also found a little time to relax.

This lighthouse overlooks the East China Sea.

West coast shore of Okinawa.

The Zakimi Castle ruins, first constructed in the early 15th century.

Culture Corner: Trash disposal
I know it's an odd topic to include in a "cultural" discussion, but trash disposal is part of life. Japan is a small country with a large population. Disposing and recycling of household trash is a major enterprise. Every household has a copy of this chart. Residents must separate trash and put it out for pick up on the appropriate day.


Refuse is divided into seven categories. It must be placed in specially marked bags sold in local markets. You actually pay for trash removal by purchasing these bags. It's a pretty ingenious and fair system; the more trash you have, the more bags you must buy and use.

This snapshot, taken at a recycling center, shows enormous bags filled with milk jugs and other plastic food containers. That's a full size dumpster on the left; the pile is larger than a house!