Blessing #28- Women's Conference at Calvary Chapel Iwakuni

Amy, Heather, and Michelle.

Friends from Beaufort, SC.

Michelle invited Heather and I to a women's conference at her church this weekend.  It was one of the biggest blessings that I have received since we have arrived.  Michelle shared her testimony and it was so very encouraging to hear how the Lord worked in her life.  She has an amazing story and we were all so blessed that God placed it on her heart to share.  My friend Heather (in the middle) is from Alabama.  Heathers mom is coming from Destin, FL in two weeks to be here for the birth of their new baby.  She is bringing along with her donuts from the DONUT HOLE!!!!!   If you are from the Destin, Panama City, Pensecola area.  You know what I am talking about and you know how big of a blessing that is!!!  Heather said that she would share and I felt like crying!  :0)

Blessing #27- A Yard Full of Kids

This is our front yard at any given time of day!  Kids Everywhere!  I love the sounds of their laughter.   I love that Jack, Josh, Sam, and Macy can walk out of our front door and play kick ball or have friends to slip and slide with!  Josh wants to know if you put soap on a slip and slide, does it count as your bath?  Randall Kids, Did mom count slip and sliding with Palmolive or Tide as a bath for us?  

I am thinking yes!  :0)

Blessing# 26- Hank

One of the greatest blessings the Lord has given me. 

Home is wherever he is-  even if it is across the ocean.  :)

"Hold onto me as we go.  As we roll down this unfamiliar road.  

And although this wave is stringing us along.  Just know you're not alone.  

Because I'm gonna make this place your home."  Philip Phillips 

http://youtu.be/bfRya-P4ffk  

Blessing #25- My New English Students

My friend Valerie is moving in a few weeks and is allowing me to take over her English class.  I do not feel qualified to teach such amazing women, but will give it my best shot.  What a wonderful opportunity and blessing this will be!  From Left to Right-  Yoko, Keiko, Amy, Mariko, and Atsuko.  I met these beautiful ladies today and can not wait to get to know them over the next 3 years.

Blessing #24- Mister Donut

Look what we found within just a few miles from the front gate!  
You know that verse in Ephesians 3 that says 
"Unto Him that is able to do exceedingly above all that we can ask or imagine?"  

I think this is the kind of thing that the writer was talking about!  ;0)

Blessing #23- Seeing New Sights

 The kids and I arrived just in time to see the Cherry Blossoms (Sakura).  We went to the Cherry Blossom Festival on Easter Sunday.  It was beautiful.  In the picture above, you can see the little boats down in the water.  These are used for cormorant fishing.  The fishermen attract the fish by lighting bright burning fires in the metal baskets suspended from the front of their boat. The cormorant birds are then sent out into the water to catch the fish. Each bird is on a leash.  The leash is connected to a small metal ring that is attached around the cormorant's neck. Every time a cormorant manages to catch a fish, the fisherman pulls them back into the boat and forces them to give up the fish! 

o disgorge the fish.

Hank took this picture of the cherry blossoms.  The Kintai bridge can be seen in the background.  The Kintai was originally built in 1673 and remains Japan's most famous bridge.  

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6177.html

Blessing #22- My Little Dog Turbo

This was Turbo's first trip to the groomers in Japan.  They loved him!  They did a great job too.  

Hank is not super fond of the bow in his hair.  :0)

Blessing #21- Veggies from our Garden

We have the most beautiful lettuce growing in our garden.  

We have had enough to enjoy and share with our neighbors.