Counting Our Blessings and Giving Thanks

Celebration was in order when Phil passed his Japanese driver license exam. Language issues aside, this is tricky business for foreigners. It's a multi-step process that takes both time and money. Many people warned that it is a long, tedious and expensive process. It is not uncommon to fail the skills/driving test 4 or 5 times. Phil passed on his 3rd attempt. In case you're wondering, it is legal to drive with an international license for only one year. After that, you are supposed to obtain a local license. There can be serious consequences for ignoring this law.

We spent Thanksgiving with the missionaries and a few hundred friends from the military community. The big feast was held at a school. It was a wonderful day. We count our blessings every day!

We learned long ago that regular exercise helps us feel well and stay well. Phil likes to exercise at a small gym near our apartment. When the weather is agreeable, I prefer to walk outdoors. I miss Chris, my walking partner of more than 20 years.

At long last, Phil has the hearing aids he ordered months ago. Apparently the order was lost in the mail for a while. He's trying to get used to them, though they need some "fine tuning". He was opening a package of cookies the other day when he remarked how noisy the package is. Everyday sounds are new to him!

The Japanese have a keen sense of business. They find marketing opportunities in American holidays - Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Mother's Day. Japan is not a Christian nation and they do not generally celebrate Christmas as a religious event. Still, Christmas decorations abound on the street and in businesses: Santas, bells, snowmen, lights and tinseled trees. Rarely are there any religious symbols of the birth of Christ.

So I was delighted when I saw this creche in the traditional Japanese kokeshi doll style. As far as I know, this kokeshi nativity is sold in only one gift shop on the island. I admired these figures last Christmas, and this year splurged to purchase them.

As we enter the Christmas season, our prayer is that we all remember to make room in our days and in our hearts for the Christ child and especially for the risen Christ. May PEACE be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year.

Finally, we get to share a secret we have kept for many weeks: Risa and Brian are pregnant!! They are expecting identical twins in the spring. We couldn't be more excited for this answer to prayer.

Culture Corner: Shi-sa figures are popular all over Okinawa.
They are a caricature of the lion-dog, the mythical beast of ancient legends. Many older Okinawans believe the shi-sa to have magical properties and the power to repel evil spirits.

The shi-sa are traditionally depicted in pairs, one with mouth open and one with mouth closed.

Some say the open mouth is to scare off demons, and the closed mouth to shelter and keep in the good spirits.

A pair of shi-sa typically stand guard outside the gates of Japanese shrines and temples. They are also seen at the entrance to homes, businesses and public buildings. They come in all shapes and sizes.

The traditional designs are quite fierce and intimidating, although many have humorous facial expressions and designs.