"Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head..."

As I turned yet another page of the calendar, we asked ourselves, "Where did the month go?" The answer in a nutshell: apartment inspections, missionary transfers, visits by two general authorities, the rainy season, lessons and baptisms, a missionary in the hospital, and much more. We are well and grateful every day for the opportunity to be here doing what we do. We are so blessed! Here is an overview of another busy month.

Special Visitors: Two general authorities of the Church visited Okinawa during June. Elder Choi from Korea spoke at our missionary zone conference, and Elder Ishii, a native of Japan, spoke at a conference for the American military community. Both gave timely and inspired counsel.

Apartment checks: One assignment we've picked up is that of inspecting missionaries' apartments. This is done to insure basic standards of cleanliness and health, and also to keep up with maintenance needs.

There are 12 apartments on Okinawa (not counting our own) occupied by 29 missionaries, ages 19 to 23. Naturally, they come from diverse homes, countries and cultures. Overall they do an admirable job of housekeeping. Occasionally I need to teach skills in general organization, dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom. Meanwhile, Phil verifies that all appliances are clean and functioning, screens and windows in good repair, light fixtures and exhaust fans clean and working properly. When needed, we shop for replacement items and repair parts. And, of course, we insure that insects and rodents are not sharing quarters with the missionaries.

Rainy Season: We are experiencing the tropical weather for which Okinawa is well known. For three or four weeks, we had "the rainy season." And boy, can it rain! Having spent all my life in western states, I never experienced anything like this. Rain comes down hard, and it keeps this up for days. Fortunately, these episodes were usually separated by a day of clearer skies. Then it starts all over again! If it rained in Colorado for just one hour like it rains here for days, it would be considered a major weather event.

YSA: We now host twice-weekly programs for Young Single Adults. This group is made up largely of Marines, with a smattering of other services represented. It is fun and energizing to work with these young folks.

Hearing Aids: After tolerating hearing loss for many years, Phil has decided to try hearing aids. Fortunately, we have access to medical services for military retirees. If all goes well, he will soon be hearing with new ears.

Culture Corner: Tombs play an important role in the practice of ancestor worship. They are located throughout Okinawa, and range from simple and tiny to large and elaborate.


Urns are placed in the tomb following cremation. In the Japanese tradition, this is symbolic of returning the ancestor's remains to the place from which he originated, the place where they believe life began.


Much ritual and ceremony are associated with this practice. There is an obligation to respect and care for the resting place of one's ancestors. Throughout the year, various ceremonies bring families back to the tombs to pay their respects. Relatives gather to clean the tomb's surrounding area and offer ceremonial foods and beverages.