It started early for me with a morning run from the heights of Shonan Village to the shore of the Pacific. There are a series of staircases (326 steps) and two tunnels and grades of 8 and 9%, but the sea shore is worth it! I've had the joy of running a several occasions, and there are a lot more hills than Iowa!After letting the kids sleep in, our host Kyoko took us to Denny's! A Japanese version of an American tradition. We then enjoyed the rest of the morning on the beach in Zushi, where windsurfers filled the bay and the kids hunted for shells, crabs, and star fish.
In the afternoon, we spent time doing Japanese cultural activities at the church with the rest of the group. Activities included.....Origami -
Japanese toys -
Kimonos -
Calligraphy -
Quilting -
The evening ended with the most exquisite meal I have ever eaten. Kyoko's best friend, Yoshiko, is helping to drive us around and she wanted us to enjoy a French restaurant overlooking the same beach and bay at Zushi. The meal included delightful portions of bread, sea urchin, salad, squid & asparagus, shrimp & scallion soup, grilled fish with fried zuchini, Japanese steak, sorbet to cleanse the palat, and cheesecake and coffee to cap off the evening.
We continue to experience God's grace in amazing ways and our faith is being "mutually encouraged" (Romans 1:12) with our brothers and sisters in Japan. As time allows, I hope to write more about some incredible things we are seeing happen.
