Lauren, Andrew, Julie, and I walked around Kyoko’s Shonan neighborhood. Since Lauren enjoys architecture, we took several pictures of homes the kids thought were fascinating (pictures below).
We enjoyed a nice welcome lunch by our hosts, joining with the NWC Drama Ministries Ensemble and three people from Third Reformed in Holland, MI.
We then went on a walking tour of Kamakura, including visits to two historic Buddhist shrines. One featuring the largest outdoor Buddha in Japan, made of bronze and dating several hundred years. Another shrine featured a tribute to a goddess figure and a prayer cave filled with various grottos.
In the evening, a most picturesque meal was prepared by the ladies of Yokinoshita Church! Dishes included meatloaf and potatoes, fried fish, chicken wings, fresh fruit, rolls, and, of course, sushi! We enjoyed good fellowship with many of the people who have been to Trinity over the years. Hiroshi greets the Clark’s. Shegai and Miko greet the Van Wechel’s. Fumiko greets the Ayken’s. Josh greets the Ten Clay’s and thanks them for the bonfire evening. (And many others of whom I cannot remember names).
There were also two amazing musical performances after dinner. A congregation member played a bamboo flute instrument (Japanese folk music) to several tunes – Japanese folk and ending with Amazing Grace, which we all sang together.The other was by Juyeon Kang, who teaches music at NWC and is traveling with the drama team. She performed an amazing arrangement of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." I hope to write more about this in another post.
Following this, we returned to Shonan and enjoyed a pleasant night of rest. June 2 will bring a relaxing morning on the ocean and cultural activities in the afternoon.
