Visitors from Japan...coming soon

Our friends from Aichi, Japan will be back in Memphis is just a few days! We met them while they were here on a research grant at UT. We studied the Bible together and developed a wonderful friendship. We can't wait to see how they are doing - especially their daughter, Tomoka. Tomoka was born while the Kaneda family lived in Memphis. We were priviledged to baby sit Tomoka on a number of occasions. Her Mom and Dad even allowed her to spend the night with us. She is one of the sweetest little girls we have ever known. Jason says she is his favourite. I remember the first time Tomoka ever really laughed. We had just finished a meal together; Jason was singing her name to the tune of a well known Japanese folk song and she thought it was the funniest thing ever. She busted out in fits of laughter over and over again until it became a game. I think it surprised both her and her parents to hear her laugh like that. I don't think I will ever forget that.

I wonder if she will remember 'Jason and Nicole'? Her parents have been showing her our picture and said she can say our names. That will be sweet to hear! They have asked that we make her bilingual during their three week visit (one of which we will be in California). We'll have to get busy on that....good think my degree is in Linguistics. Surely that will help.



Some other special people are arriving from Japan just before them. Jared and Jenny have been on a freight liner for about 10 days. They are scheduled to hit Los Angeles some time tomorrow. We can't wait to hear that they have arrived safely. What an experience to cross the Pacific this way - and they have done this twice! They plan to come our way some time in May or June. Jason and Jared are yet to meet. I can't wait for them to get to know each other and for Jenny and I to get reaquainted. Jenny is like a sister to me. Talking, tea, knitting, laughing...these and more are well overdue.

Thank you God for the blessing of friendship.