It's winter in Okinawa. Not winter by Rocky Mountain standards, of course, but still cold for a tropical island. We've had rain, lots of wind, and temperatures in the 50s. We're wearing jackets and using the heater in both the car and apartment. Check out the weather gadget in the right margin of this blog to see current conditions in Okinawa.

Even though it's early in the season, it's already cherry blossom time. Bright pink blossoms adorn trees all over the island announcing the coming of Spring.

Phil spoke in church recently on the blessings and challenges of serving a senior mission. In addition to our usual activities, the past few weeks have seen the baptisms of two young marines in the waters of the East China Sea, meetings with our Zone, and apartment inspections (always an interesting endeavor). We've also had lots of fun with the singles.

Lego building contest

Barbecue

Sumo wrestling with the young single adults

The guy with his arm in a sling dislocated his shoulder on our play day.

It's been a fulfilling and fun-filled month. We count our blessings every day, and give thanks for the Lord's grace in our lives.

Culture Corner: This month's topic is one I've wanted to cover for a long time - Japanese toilets. This is actually a very interesting subject because toilets in Japan vary from "basic" to "deluxe." Allow me to take you on a tour ~



Let's start with the traditional Asian squat toilet, what I call the squatty potty. Face the plumbing when using. These toilets are common in parks, schools and bus stations.

Room with a view. I took this snapshot at a park. Use the facilities while enjoying a view of the playground.

I snapped this picture of a tiny public restroom at a roadside rest stop. Plants are a big deal in Japan. It is common for little bathrooms in restaurants and other public places to be decorated with live plants, ceramic figurines and quaint accessories, no matter how remote or obscure the location.



The common Western toilet is seen in many public places, often with stickers illustrating the proper way to use it. This one admonishes the user not to stand on the seat.
































This sticker illustrates how one should sit, i.e., not facing the wall as with the squatty potty.

Japanese toilets have a water-saving feature allowing the user to choose between a small (小) or large (大) flush. The difference is the amount of water used. Employ your imagination as to when each is appropriate.

Deluxe models are Western toilets with high tech features. Typical enhancements include the bidet style jet of water designed to wash the bottom of the user. But that's not all! While it may look like an ordinary Western-style toilet, there are numerous added features - the heated seat, water jet adjustments (front and back, high pressure/low pressure), and blow dryer. These features are accessed by a control panel attached to the seat.


The heated toilet seat - a luxury I'd love to take home - is found at shopping malls, modest restaurants and churches. It's my favorite feature!

Many Japanese women are embarrassed to be heard by others using the restroom. To cover the sound of bodily functions, there is a feature that mimics the sound of flushing water without actually flushing, again saving water. Some toilets even play music to relax the user.