Baptism of Taka's Dad & Hamasaki-san

Here are some pics from Taka's dad's baptism, which we had after church on 3/16. This was the first time Taka joined Pastor Tony in the baptism. It was very special. Also included are pics of Taka's dad and Hamasaki-san when they shared the testimony during our Easter service.

Valentine's Day (this wouldn't post earlier for some reason)

This is a cake that Taka surprised me with on Valentine's Day. He joked about how he was "THE ONLY MAN" in the cake/cookie area of the department store that he went to buy it for me (there are grocery stores, bakeries and sweets stores in the basements of most department stores in Japan). Why? Well, in Japan, on Valentine's Day the custom is for women to give chocolate to men!! School girls give chocolate to the boy they are interested in. In companies, women give chocolate to their male bosses/colleagues. So when Taka went to get this cake for me, he really was the only man in a sea of women buying the chocolates they are "obligated" to give. I happened to pick up a pint of vanilla ice cream for Taka on my way home that night (wanting to celebrate Japanese style too), so it was a perfect match.

Shimonoseki Snow

We actually had quite a bit of snow this year....well, quite a bit is actually just "a bit" (not much) compared to the US, but it was nice. And since there is no central heating here, I don't mind it not snowing so much. Here are some pics from our balcony (in February). It was the first time I had ever seen snow accumulate in Shimonoseki.