Update from Rachel (day 18)

So we have been in Japan for 18 days now and
there have been plenty of new experiences that I have had the opportunity to
experience. Some things we have been able to do have been: going to a Hokudai
(university) festival, speak English at Hokudai English club, fold and pass out
flyers to the public, meet some of our new friends at Yosakoi (dance festival),
attend some of the churches here, learn about the Isle of Man in Europe, go to
karaoke.

There is a whole different culture here and
therefore a whole different way of relating and the difference in the culture between what I am use too and the way the
people live here, social life, and the influence of shame on someone's
decisions and life. There is kindness and community in the culture but it
also seems like it is very superficial at times just like in America when we
ask each other how the other is doing and we simply say "fine" and
then continue on with our lives. Someone can easily be over looked and it
is our decision to accept that mundane answer or to be intentional and be the
person that can make a difference in someone's life by loving people as Jesus
loved.

Here are a few of my observations while being
here.

Observations: Japan

-the driver
sits on the right side of the car

-the car
drives on the left side of the road

-the toilet
seats are heated

-face masks
are worn in public places

-many
people walk or ride bikes from here to there

-the water
is so cold when it comes from the faucet the faucet has condensation on it

-bowing is
appropriate when meeting and saying good bye to an individual

-most homes
have a glass porch where the exchange is made from shoes to slippers

-from 7th
grade through High School uniforms are required

-smoking is
allowed almost anywhere; restaurants, school, children are exposed to it as if
it is normal

-the curbs
are small so cars and pull in and out of practically anywhere

-what
little land people do own is transformed into beautiful gardens as small as
they might be

-subway is
a main way of transportation and there were many men in suits with brief cases

–while on
the subway people would have a little book that they would either stand and
read or if there was a seat available sit and read

-while walking
through the subway a mother was sitting on a bench with her arms wrapped around
her child and she leaned over and was rocking him. When seeing this to me
it showed the great love and affection that a mother can have for their child.
I thought it was a beautiful thing.

-Rachel