The Final Edition

"Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing." ~ Thomas Jefferson

I intended to write the final blog post from Okinawa on August 5th. However, on that day we found ourselves in the midst of the second major typhoon of the season. And as with the earlier typhoon in May, we lost power for a couple of days. Nature raged for 48 hours, allowing us only fitful sleep through two long stormy nights. But with a strange sense of wonder, I am grateful for the typhoon because it is evidence to me that God is in charge of His elements. Man is powerless except to the extent He lends us power and allows us limited use of it.

As we bid farewell to our Okinawa friends, we are of course sad to leave. As Military Relations representatives for the Church, our interaction with local people was limited - largely because we do not speak Japanese. However, we have grown to appreciate the culture, history, and beauty of Okinawa which was for hundreds of years knows as the Ryukyu Kingdom before it became part of Japan. Our affection for the Japanese people and culture has helped us glimpse God's love for His children everywhere.

Our mission ended on August 13, 2011. It's impossible to put into words what this experience has meant to us. Our testimony of God's love has grown more than ever before. We were privileged to work closely with our dear Mission President and his wife, Sherman and Sherry Margetts, and dozens of young missionaries. We treasure these associations. Our work with America's military families has filled us the admiration. Their devotion and sacrifice on behalf of our country cannot be overstated. Working with the Young Singles has been especially rewarding. The young men and women who wear the uniform of our country are full of energy, patriotism and humanity. We love them!

In 2010, the number of missionaries from our Church serving throughout the world was more than 52,000. At last count, the number of retired senior missionaries currently serving stood at just over 4,000. And there is need for more. We are grateful to be counted among them. Humility and gratitude are what we feel. We gained more than we have given by a wide measure.

"And he [Jesus] said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." Luke 18:29-30

Culture Corner: Most Japanese people speak at least some English because it is a compulsory part of their education. However, an English vocabulary is no guarantee of fluency. We were often amused by the unconventional use of English words and phrases on T-shirts, signs and posters. Here are a few of our favorites from the English is Fun file.

In a life with sophisticated surrounds, woven with elegant colors, a fresh impression spreads out.

WHAT IS LIKE TO BE A LIFE WITHOUT T-SHIRT?

4WD with the feeling of nature and the sense of urban, having a wide range of activities as daily space.

Have a present time in our "Dining Market". It's always right place to be so.

Let's go for a drive.

Culture Corner this time is a blog topic all its own. Meet the "Mission Mobile"-- a boxy, stripped-down, utilitarian vehicle that has faithfully taken us up and down this small island hundreds of times. In just under two years, Phil has driven nearly 27,000 miles within a typical travel distance of less than 50 miles. We have hauled marines and missionaries, bicycles and recreation gear, furniture and food, Christmas gifts and recyclable refuse.

Driving in Japan is a unique international experience. The Japanese drive on the left side of the road, which takes some getting used to whether you are the driver or a passenger. Except for one expressway, the highest posted speed limit on Okinawa is 60 kilometers per hour, which is only about 37 mph.

This sign is in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean. Fortunately for us, there is a strong American influence on Okinawa so some road signs are in English. However, road systems, signage, traffic patterns and driving customs are not what the American driver would expect.


When speed limits are low, drivers have more time to do ... whatever. They even watch TV while driving! No joke, this driver IS watching television while driving. Traffic laws are little more than suggestions. Local police appear to have neither opportunity nor authority to control the driving public. When roads are congested, drivers simply ignore traffic rules and squeeze or dart out into traffic. But in this country known for its courtesy, no one honks or uses crude gestures.

Motor cycle drivers literally race through the streets. They come roaring up from behind, and will pass on either side with no regard for traffic lanes. They congregate at the front of the pack at stop lights and run red lights. Well, everyone in Japan runs red lights! Many do not wear helmets, and if they do it may be perched on the back of their head with chin strap flying in the breeze. This is particularly common for females. Riders and passengers are commonly seen wearing business suits, short skirts, high heels shoes, and even flip flops!

Whereas Americans "look both ways" before stepping out into traffic, here pedestrians walk into the street without even glancing up. Children are taught to hold up their hand to make themselves more visible to drivers. But they are unlikely to look for traffic and never make eye contact, which seems to be regarded as rude or aggressive in this culture.



To illustrate just how confusing roads in Japan can be, take a look at this sign directing traffic to route 7.

Our mission would be entirely different were it not that Phil is a master at finding his way around Okinawa and rarely gets lost. I, on the other hand, am always lost. Nothing new about that! Fortunately, I do not drive here.

Musings ...

After two years of blogging about our mission, I no longer think of our activities in terms of new and fascinating blog topics. It's just ... normal. We are not bored, and I hope I'm not boring you.

In March, when the Arnell couple was evacuated from Tokyo, they were sent to Okinawa. Because they also are military relations missionaries, it was determined they would stay on here for the remainder of their mission and take over our assignments. Sharing the load and coordinating our efforts has made for a smoother transition for both them and us.

As I've often mentioned, working with young singles is one of our major functions, and one we thoroughly enjoy. We find, invite, welcome, and keep track of the constantly rotating population of young military singles of our church. They are a delightfully energetic and playful group. Their military assignments bring them to us and take them away. More often than not, it feels like losing one of our own. We love them, individually and collectively. One way we serve them is to organize fun activities. Here are snapshots of recent gatherings.

Climb site near Mt. Katuu

The climbers.

The observers.

The experienced leaders.

The FHE group.

We also work and serve with families from church.
Girls Camp was hard work but lots of fun.

Phil playing the role of the Apostle Paul.

How's this for a camp mascot?

Our mission comes to an end in August. We will miss this beautiful island paradise and the people we have grown to love. Here are a few reasons why part of my heart will always remain in Okinawa.

The members, the missionaries, the beauty of the island, and shopping Japanese style.