Memories of May

We see the tender mercies of the Lord every day.
It is amazing how much we feel His influence from day to day.

An Okinawan sunset

The month of May has flown by. We kept busy building the Young Single Adult program, teaching, serving in the Church and in the community, and helping the missionary corps in numerous ways. It's a good thing Phil enjoys driving. He drove well over 1200 miles (2000 km) this month...and this on a small island! No one gets anywhere fast on Okinawa. Roads are narrow and traffic moves at a snail's pace. Our work keeps us on the go both literally and figuratively.

On my birthday the sister missionaries surprised me with a birthday cake. Previously, they "heart attacked" our door. The elders downstairs sang Happy Birthday and a hymn. Their four-part harmony is outstanding. Phil gave me a lovely, sentimental card and a promise for dinner at a nice restaurant when we have the time.

We organized a Young Single Adult picnic at a beach for Memorial Day. Despite the persistent rain, there was a good turnout. Volleyball, swimming and food were the main attractions. We will plan more activities of this sort in the coming months.

We also made treats and a little Memorial Day tribute which we delivered to the guards on duty at some of the many gates to military installations in the area. This brought smiles to several weary faces.

Normally, it is very hot and humid this time of year on Okinawa. Fortunately for us, the weather has remained pleasant most days. Temperatures so far this summer have averaged in the 70s.

Culture Corner: Golden Week is observed in late April and early May during which several Japanese holidays are celebrated: Emperor's Birthday, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day and Children's Day. It is the longest vacation period of the year for many Japanese, longer even than the celebration of New Year.

Children's Day is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on May 5th. It is set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. Originally for boys only, it was changed to include both genders. Families raise fish-shaped flags on their homes, one for each child. These carp flags are also strung across creeks. The flags, or wind socks, blow in the wind making it look like they are swimming.

Dragon Boat Festival features colorful boats, 50 feet long and weighing around two tons. Many Japanese teams compete at the Naha Haari. American men's and women's teams also compete. The crew is made up of 32 rowers, two runner tenders, three flag bearers, two cheerleaders and a singer. The singer stands in the helm and beats a drum to keep the rowers synchronized. Teamwork is the most important skill. Working together, especially in the turns, is the key to victory. As first-time visitors, we enjoyed the competition and carnival atmosphere.