Christmas in Japan Sukiyaki anyone?

(Japanese Family- Roberta (real life missionary!) & Takao (real life Japanese man of God!), Angela (mom), Sheila (auntie), and Joe (dad), well then me (child) missing Annu- my sis!)

This Christmas was both hard and fun! It was defiantly hard to work on Christmas Day and work with others who did not celebrate Jesus as I did, but it was also a blessing to share my Christmas traditions with my students and teachers. I taught many lessons that day saying the name of Jesus as much as possible- and it was so freeing. In Japan, religions are not seen as a need to tolerate but to listen and learn about other cultures. I took advantage of that! And It was also hard to be away from the US and my family but God brought me here and gave me a Japanese family! (well two if you consider this family above as well as my authentic Japanese family!). So on the 23rd of  December it is the Emperors B-day so we do not have school. So instead we had a Sukiyaki Party!

This is Sukiyaki- a sauce pan with a broth and boiling beef, veggies, lettuce, potatoes, and bunches of yummy stuff! Served with rice- of course! This is SO good!

Takao- Mr. Sukiyaki- he makes a mean Sukiyaki and served us so graciously and in very large portions!

Angela being ridiculous! And Takao laughing at us while we are playing a sweet game that I was not good at and Roberta dominated!

So after we ate we opened many presents and played a sweet game! Then we laid down for a while to let things settle. It was a great meal I think I am still feeling it!

Next, After we got done teaching on Friday 26th- we went to Fujioshida which is the town at the base of Mnt Fuji! We got sweet shots and did so much stuff! We went ice skating at a huge ice rink. This ice rink was in the middle of a huge theme park, it had a 4th dimensional (not a word but deal) roller coaster- it did not just let you dangle, go upside down, and go really fast, you can also spin 360 while riding this thing! (Ops I think I just puked in my mouth!) It was huge!

Skater chicas! We were def out of control on the ice! (Americans on Ice- it was a show)

Then we went to an Onsen- basically a mineral bath that soothes your tired achy body! After all the skating we needed it! Then we did what most Japanese people do- KARA-OKE! It was a blast! We danced, and sang out hearts out! What a blast!

Then we came back home to Kofu. Annie and I got to have a slumber party with Roberta and Takao. It was so fun! We ate at a local ma and pa place, ate chocolate, made hot chocolate with mallows, and laughed so much! I love them so much! They give and give- they are a true family!

We see this every day! Praise God! His finger prints are everywhere!

Remember: When God places beauty in front of you- Do not see the subzero weather- see his fingerprints- they are everywhere!

~MOlly