Fred and Paula’s Most Excellent Adventure

 Monday we took a cable car and then a ropeway up Mt. Maya. A storm blew in while we were on the top of the mountain.  The wind was cold and wet. There was a small cafe with large windows that looked over the view. We sat inside for over an hour watching the storm as it swept across the bay in the Kansai area.  A cup of hot cocoa, void of sugar,  to warm up. We talked about life and death. Fred's mother died last November, his brother died 2 years ago, and his youngest brother is battling cancer now. I feel sad for their families and the lost time together. Then, a rainbow appeared. It reminded me of God's promises.  John 14:2-6 In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And wither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord we know not wither thou goest; and

 This week, we helped some missionaries get rid of extra things from an apartment that has been used by missionaries for over 9 years. Things collect over time so it needed some refreshing. One of their chairs was broken so we decided to go to a home goods store to replace the chair. The store was approximately 30 minutes away.  Elder Allan was prompted to try a local furniture shop only 5 minutes away. This store had really nice furniture, not anything we could afford for a missionary apartment. Elder Allan explained what he was looking for. The employee said, "Are  you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?" Evidently, two of the people that worked there were members of the church. The furniture store donated a used chair to the missionaries. It is much nicer any other chair they have in the apartment. We call it our 'miracle chair'.  Who would have thought you would find members of the church in a remote, rural area of Japan? We are blessed. W

We were so blessed to have Mike and Laura visit us from Utah.   The President and Sister Halvorson with four missionaries opened two apartments without us so that we could spend time with my daughter and her husband. We are so grateful!! We had many things we wanted to show Laura and Mike.  They also had a long list of things to do.  She showed me many things I didn't even know existed in Kyoto including the Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari Shrine Bamboo Forest Monkey Park It is always wonderful to spend time with our family. We feel refreshed and ready our next 6 months in Japan. This weekend was General Conference in Japan. They wait one week due to the time difference.  We enjoyed listening to the prophet and apostles share messages of hope and encouragement. We will continue to study these messages and seek to apply them in our life. I especially love the new "For the Strength of Youth." It is focused on growing closer to the Savior