Broaddus Family Farewell BBQ

At the end of August we had to say goodbye to the Broaddus family (Brian, Yoko, Naomi & Sara). We were quite sad to see them go as they've been a big part of our church for many years. Brian, especially,was a great encouragement to Taka as they colabored in the English ministry & "one-anothered" in general. God has called the Broadduses onto minister in other parts of Japan. These pics are from a farewell BBQ that one of our church member's hosted in her yard (having such a big yard...or any yard at all...is rare in Japan). PHOTOS: Taka & the youth boys manned the grills......Two of the Takeda brothers liked to make things "well done".....Yoko & Sara Broaddus (after Sara had fun in the dirt)...Sara Broaddus enjoying her food...Brian Broaddus sitting with some of the church members....Aki w/Noriko....Aki's belly & a church member who had just approached her in astonishment at how big her stomach was (always love those comments!)...The 3 Takeda bros enjoying their food after serving as grillmasters....a summer night is not complete without fireworks (legal in Japan)

Birthing Class

A couple of weeks ago, Taka & I went to a birthing class that the hospital offers. They gave us a brief overview of the stages of labor, showed us the labor & delivery room...then showed us how to bathe a newborn. They demonstrated on a real 2-day old baby (SO cute!), then had Taka practice on a doll. SO, we had to share these pictures with you to bring you a good laugh! Isn't our "baby" cute? Hopefully our baby will be as cooperative as the doll...but I don't think she'll look like that. PHOTOS: Us with our "baby"... Taka showing his bathing skills...Taka got to put on an 8 kg (16 + lbs.) pregnancy suit to get a feel for how I feel (uhhh...I may have gained a little more than that!)....Our birthing class members & nurses

Taka @ Friendship English Camp

These are some photos from the annual Friendship English Camp, an outreach put on by some churches and missionaries in a different part of our prefecture. Taka went with 4 of our youth boys and 1 girl, Megumi, who is not a Christian but sometimes comes to youth group. During camp they had morning devotions, English classes, games, small groups, and each night a Japanese pastor shared a message. Taka, always looking for a chance to tie up his boys, illustrated sin & how it entangles by tying up Ryuji, who is a strong track and field athlete. He had him run a little race against one of the missionaries who was not tied up. Guess who won... You can see Taka tying Ryuji up in one of the photos. Other PHOTOS~ GETTING READY TO LEAVE FOR CAMP: "Our kids'" parents dropping them off at church (and Taka's dad getting ready to drive the gang to camp), praying for a safe trip (& good behavior!) before leaving....AT CAMP: Taka speaking, Taka during small group time, Taka playing

Our Little Bakery

Here's a picture of our little bun in the oven:) The bakery that is named after us:) We saw this when we were at Hiroshima station, so I had to take a picture. I see their products in grocery stores, but this is the first time I've actually seen a shop on its own. Pretty neat:)