Our morning started at the local middle school. We introduced ourselves to the girls tennis team and split up into groups to talk about differences between schools in America and schools in Japan. Then we proceeded to play a game called traffic jams which was just another way to help them learn conversational english. We gave the students of both the boys and girls tennis teams Cedarville drawstring bags and lanyards. The kids were shy, but very thankful for us being there and for the gifts we brought them, I saw a kid try to fit his racquet into the draw string bag and then rode his bike home with a huge smile on his face. We also gave the principal a big box of goldfish which he seemed to not really know what to do with and it was very funny watching him walk around with it under his arm.
The school principal (left) with goldfish and one of the tennis club girls
The team with the girls tennis club
We returned to Little Light Coffee shop where we started preparations for VBS Day 2. Everyone was running around grabbing last minute supplies that they needed to try to practice quickly so they were ready for when we started. However, I had math homework so I sat down, tried to block out the noise, and learned about conic sections. I finished around lunch time when Ryan Day returned with Karaage which was like the best little chicken nuggets you have ever had.
VBS itself went well. The skit we performed is called The Middle School Play, and the kids seemed to think it was very funny. It required some very intense acting by everyone, but especially Caleb Dingus who played the part of the Plumber. The kids played tag where everyone was "it", they had apples with caramel, made personalized bandanas and most importantly learned more about Jesus Christ.
Camp craft time
Sam Katon, Shari Vine, and I went to dinner with Shari's host family who also showed us around the Aeon Super Mall. We helped stimulate the Japanese economy through our natural tourist curiosity.
I am currently writing this in the back middle seat of a minivan as we drive up into the mountains to visit a shinto shrine, but that's a story for another day! Each day has brought with it amazing experiences and memorable moments, I'm glad we are able to share some of this trip with all of you. I would ask that you continue to pray for the kids that are coming to VBS and the families in general. Most topics that are common and we take for granted like sin, don't make sense to Japanese people, with that and the language difference communicating biblical truths can be difficult so I just pray that the Holy Spirit would work through us and allow the kids to understand and come to Christ. Thank you all! To God be the Glory!
- Sam Vine on behalf of the Japan Team