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There is a very interesting cultural thing that I've always known about. It has been a part of my knowledge ever sense I can remember, because I was born in Japan, and grew up in a Japanese family, and lived in Japan until I was 8. This cultural concept became very distinct in my mind as we moved to the States. Even as a child, I could see a HUGE difference between the Japanese way of thinking, and the American way of life.

As we've spent almost 2 years here in Tokyo, and as I've interacted with a bunch of Japanese people, this cultural difference keeps popping up. In almost every Joy Group we've had, and in many personal talks with my friends over coffee, it continues to be revisited.

And IT is this: In Japan, in general, it is believed that you do not need to say phrases like, "I love you" or "I appreciate you" or "I'm so thankful for you", because all of this is UNDERSTOOD by the other person if you truly know or love one another. In fact, I've even heard it explained that if you have to SAY those things, then it is indicative of more shallow and a less intimate relationship. You should say many kind things to others outside of your family circle. But if you are a spouse or a family member, then culture says they should know without being told.

In the States, when a husband introduces his wife, he may say things such as, "This is my better half" or, "This is my beautiful wife". In Japan, a husband would not say anything of that sort. If he did, others may view him as haughty and needing a lesson in humility. Sometimes I hear things going a step further, and they would actually say negative things about the wife in public, perhaps making fun of her cooking skills or her recently gained weight. The husband's assumption here: she knows I'm kidding. Or, even if I'm not kidding, it is okay to say because it's our culture. The wife just chuckles and smiles along with everyone else.

Before I go any further, please don't get me wrong...

Parenting Joy Group

This past week, I got to meet with 2 moms to finally start our brand new parenting Joy Group. (There is another one still pending, but I will wait patiently for the Lord's timing on it) I was extremely blessed to be with the 2 ladies. They were so eager to learn, and so willing to put things into practice. We were talking about the importance of helping our children feel special, which led to the discussion of how we need to let our husbands know that they are special, too. One of the moms shared that her husband's birthday is coming up, so I suggested that she speak encouraging words to him on his special day, and to be sure to say it in front of their son. She was shocked by the idea, and told me that it would be too awkward and embarrassing to do such a thing! But at the same time, she was excited about trying out this new concept of verbally saying kind words to her spouse (which is not commonly done here...read the next blog for more of my thoughts on this!) I love to challenge women here to bless their husbands in ways that they've never done before! I tell them that one of the greatest gifts that we can give to our children is a loving marriage between the parents. This is why it was such a natural transition for the original Joy of Parenting group to turn into a Joy of Marriage group!!

Marriage Joy Group

So this group consists of most of the ladies from the first parenting group, plus a new mom (the daughter of our landlady). Yesterday morning, we met for our 3rd session, and we had an amazingly open conversation about intimacy in marriage. Whenever I spend time with these ladies, I feel a strong sense of our PURPOSE for being here in Japan. My Japanese vocabulary is limited, so at times I feel that I can't explain everything as clearly as I'd like to, but I pray that Jesus is speaking clearly to them. I shared that marriage is God's idea, and that sex is a beautiful gift to be enjoyed in the safety of marriage. We also talked about how God has created man and women quite differently, and how we need to seek to understand the differences and not go against them. And that God's Word is absolute truth, and that there is freedom in truth. We also got to discuss the dangers of pornography, and how we need to take steps to protect our marriage relationship from these temptations. Wow. How great it is that we get to have talks like this, and to point the way to Jesus. I truly am HONORED to be their friend. 

Happy Father's Day!

This video is a great reminder of the amazing privilege and responsibility being a Dad. Gulp!

Thank you Lord for being my heavenly father and for my own dad and my kids.

Thank you Zack and Ellie for being such wonderful kids!  I love being your daddy.

And thank you Dad for giving me someone to watch for so many years.  I love you.

Wow, I cannot believe that I have not blogged in this long! I'm so sorry!! There are so many things to report that I'm just going to have to resort to using bullet points. I know, I know. How unoriginal and boring! Oh well. Here goes...

Can you believe that Zack and Ellie's school ended for the summer on May 26th?? It was supposed to be done on June 5th, which was early enough, but due to the "Swine Flu" scare, the school decided to close down early. Long story, but basically the administrators decided to be extra prepared and be one step ahead of the government. In other regions, schools were being forced to close down without warning, and the children were basically quarantined in their own home for a week or so. Rather than being told to close abruptly, our school decided to end everything early, have all the end-of-the-year activities done with, and close for the school year. (No one came down with the flu, by the way.)

Zack and Ellie successfully completed their 4th and 1st grade years with great success! We got their report cards today, and they both did very well. We are SOOO proud of our kids! More than the academics, we are thankful that they are developing Christ-like character, and growing in their knowledge and love for their Savior.

Jeff took a week trip to India. Thanks for your prayers, he came home with no illnesses! (He did say, however, that he's done with curry for a while). He had a wonderful time getting to know the pastors and leaders in Delhi, and participating in their leadership training provided through Asian Access. Even though Jeff did not get sick, he did come home with an injury playing...