that's right, SIJ has begun. it was truly a privelege to be a part of the orientation for the 3rd time (first as SIJ'ers in 2005, second time last year) we were both challenged in leading and having more responsibility but rewarded at the same time: seeing japan with fresh eyes, realizing how much more we have to learn here, and being encouraged by this years partcipants, their zest, excitement and hunger to see the Gospel thrive here. see what i mean... this is len, an SIJ'er from indiana, the dictionary definition of enthusiasm :) here with jo
kyle, mark and i went to the airport to pick everyone up. while waiting for the last flight to come in, someone decided to pull out their banjo, play it and sing. this was before orientation, where they learned all about cultural sensitivity, the japanese vaule for peace and quiet and such :)
taking the train from the airport: 90 minutes, 3 different trains, 24 participants plus luggage and jet lag = adventure!
the panel discussion: midtermer ruth ann, japanese staff kanako and 3 second time SIJ participants answered questions about ministering in japan. welcome back david, luke and becky!
our new staff, chris, did an excellent workshop on interperson conflict. although the workshops were for the summer participants, we both gained so much from them.
it was a sad occasion as well. this monday, our teammate joanna will be finishing her term in japan and heading back to the us. it was her last time to see most of the other staff around japan. one last shot of ruth ann, mandy, jo and i together. bitter sweet!
and now, for your viewing pleasure: the tokyo team! here they are performing a skit about what they learned during orientation. it involved monologues with a hint of interpretive movement. it goes without saying that we will not be lacking entertainment this summer ;)
left to right: kevin, david, ross, aiko, ashley and susan
doing a little photo shoot :)
we are so blessed to have a great team and we can't wait to receive two more SIJ'ers from california in two weeks when they finish school!
look forward to pictures from our summer activities with the students:
a hide and seek dress up game, kyoto trip, tsukiji fish market,
ooshima camp and much much more!
Last but not least, Kayla Rood. While Kyle, the rest of the Roods,
our heros! kyle and mark trying to start a fire, cave-man style!
thankfully, this wasn't one of the bridges that fell apart as we walked over it!
just lovely!
