"Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing." ~ Thomas JeffersonI intended to write the final blog post from Okinawa on August 5th. However, on that day we found ourselves in the midst of the second major typhoon of the season. And as with the earlier typhoon in May, we lost power for a couple of days. Nature raged for 48 hours, allowing us only fitful sleep through two long stormy nights. But with a strange sense of wonder, I am grateful for the typhoon because it is evidence to me that God is in charge of His elements. Man is powerless except to the extent He lends us power and allows us limited use of it.
As we bid farewell to our Okinawa friends, we are of course sad to leave. As Military Relations representatives for the Church, our interaction with local people was limited - largely because we do not speak Japanese. However, we have grown to appreciate the culture, history, and beauty of Okinawa which was for hundreds of years knows as the Ryukyu Kingdom before it became part of Japan. Our affection for the Japanese people and culture has helped us glimpse God's love for His children everywhere.
Our mission ended on August 13, 2011. It's impossible to put into words what this experience has meant to us. Our testimony of God's love has grown more than ever before. We were privileged to work closely with our dear Mission President and his wife, Sherman and Sherry Margetts, and dozens of young missionaries. We treasure these associations. Our work with America's military families has filled us the admiration. Their devotion and sacrifice on behalf of our country cannot be overstated. Working with the Young Singles has been especially rewarding. The young men and women who wear the uniform of our country are full of energy, patriotism and humanity. We love them!
In 2010, the number of missionaries from our Church serving throughout the world was more than 52,000. At last count, the number of retired senior missionaries currently serving stood at just over 4,000. And there is need for more. We are grateful to be counted among them. Humility and gratitude are what we feel. We gained more than we have given by a wide measure.
"And he [Jesus] said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." Luke 18:29-30Culture Corner: Most Japanese people speak at least some English because it is a compulsory part of their education. However, an English vocabulary is no guarantee of fluency. We were often amused by the unconventional use of English words and phrases on T-shirts, signs and posters. Here are a few of our favorites from the English is Fun file.
In a life with sophisticated surrounds, woven with elegant colors, a fresh impression spreads out.
WHAT IS LIKE TO BE A LIFE WITHOUT T-SHIRT?
4WD with the feeling of nature and the sense of urban, having a wide range of activities as daily space.
Have a present time in our "Dining Market". It's always right place to be so.
It's been fun reading your blog and we, too, were delighted to have the opportunity to serve and become acquainted with another culture. We maintain some contact with those we met and the missionaries that served with us. We're hoping to be able to do it again one of these days. How about you?
ReplyDeletePatti and Roger Peterson