First two weeks in Tokyo

We are finding ourselves in a completely new culture and language. Tokyo, one of the largest cities of the world is a 24 hr bustling center of business and living.

The Tokyo Union Church (TUC) is located in an upscale ward (Shibuya) of the city. Surrounded by stores such as Gucci, Armani, Prada, Chanel, etc. The church was there long before these stores were built and has an inviting entrance and ongoing video presentation of activities in the church windows. Nestled among these stores are restaurants (including McDonalds and Subway) and countless other shops. English is spoken, with the church consisting of about 40% nationals, and 60% "ex pats" from many nations.

We have been warmly received and welcomed at the church. Barry (senior pastor)and Shelly Dawson have been tremendously helpful and encouraging to us. Their two sons, Brad (recent graduate of Hope College) and Evan ( a junior at Hope) are here for the summer, as well as daughter Bethany (15)

John has an office at the church. He is assisting in worship, attending staff meetings, teaching a Bible class on Sundays, He was very encouraged when over 40 people last Sunday, came to the class "Jesus and His Rivals". John will be preaching two times in July.

You may want to check out the website for the TUC. http://www.tokyounion.org/.

We are in a lovely 3rd floor apartment complex, a 15 minute walk from the church.

TUC assists in a homeless feeding program preparing 170 rice cake meals in the church kitchen, along with other churches totaling 350 meals each day. These meals are distributed at a central location. Once a month the church provides a lunch for these folk at our site.

I have kept busy getting settled and discovering how to decipher Japanese instructions for cooking, TV, A/C units, rice cooker, phone, shopping for food, etc. Even with getting language help, it is still a challenge to remember it all.

I have a few observations during these first two weeks:

.....Persons are welcomed and treated respectfully by cashiers and clerks in restaurants, stores, etc. (unlike the U.S. ) I actually had a clerk dust off something I had taken from the shelf, before she bagged it for me.

.....All styles and manner of dress on the street are worn by both men and women. I have seen countless women walking in spike heels, business men in their black suits and white shirts, as well as some really weird combinations.

....I enjoy people watching! Umbrellas are used both for rain and sun. The streets are usually very crowded, with bicycle riders weaving their way in and out among the people. People love their mobile phones here -- many are carrying on conversations or business while walking. On a rainy day, it is interesting to see people either raising, or lowering their umbrellas to avoid hitting oncoming people.

.....The metro system brings in 11 million people a day, adding to the 12 million who live in this metropolitan area. The sheer number of people, and buildings are awesome. I find the metro very bewildering, although John is making a better effort than I in finding his way around. It is a very efficient system. People are quiet on the metro; the metro is clean, and air conditioned.

.....Most Japanese are not overweight, but there is growing concern that as people become more "westernized" and eating fast foods, etc., there will be health problems. One life insurance company will not insure a person whose waistline measures over their health guidelines.

.....When one goes in to a restaurant or fast food place, there is always a wrapped moist towelette to clean your hands. People generally do not eat or drink while walking down the street.

.....I love to watch the school children with their uniforms, backpacks, etc, and they cross the busy intersections just like everyone else, without extra assistance.

....Only main streets have names, so you never find your way by looking up a street and number. You have to remember landmarks, and with all the sidestreets going every which way, it's easy to get lost.

......Japanese people are quiet, respectful, helpful and efficient. Many of them have some knowledge of English. At times if you ask for directions to some place, they will stop what they are doing or where they're going, and help you get there!

So, "Sayonara" to you all for now. We are looking forward to returning to MI for a few weeks in Aug. to welcome our daughter Leslie and her family from Australia. It is very hot and humid here right now, which makes "sightseeing" less enjoyable. We will return here August 19 until the end of Oct.

You can view a slideshow of all our photos on:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jandskleinheksel/Japan2008_1