June News

Today we said goodbye to dear friends who are moving outside of Japan. Having already moved their large family out of their house, they were crowded into a borrowed apartment for a night before flying out. The tiny apartment was muggy and loud - crowded with grieving, sweaty, hyper kids, weepy moms and loads of final snacks, the men having relocated to a different friend's apartment a few floors above. We kept it short; a quick hug and a few tears. So much goes unspoken, yet understood. See you later. Iiterashai - go and come back. As another friend and I left, I felt the weight of filling in the absence left by this family - so many gathered to be near these sweet humans up to the last moment. But, we commented, saying goodbye felt different for a few of us - we will always have heaven. For some, this family and this home now boxed up and shipped out, was the only taste of Grace and Welcome that some of the farewell party had ever had. For those of us who know Jesus, it's never a final goodbye. Please join us in praying for a smooth transition for this family, to their new home and new country. And for those of us who continue to work here in their absence. 

Working in papa's shop

We're so grateful for so many daily prayers - we're thankful for daily health for each of us, and especially for our new baby, due in October. We had two good appointments this past month, and the doctors are optimistic that the hematoma is healing (see our April letter) and the baby is still growing ok. Our next benchmark is 30 weeks, which is the end of July. At that point, the doctors will make further decisions about the remaining weeks of the pregnancy. Some length of hospitalization is likely, as well as some possible complications, depending on how the next weeks go. After so many months of uncertainty and caution, the reality that we may actually get to welcome and raise this new little one is beginning to sink in and we're starting to feel more hopeful about things turning out ok. But we still have a ways to go!

Splitting wood with a friend

We value each of you who are part of our global community so much and look forward to each email and dialogue. We're humbly grateful for each of you who donated to our gofundme challenge and regular support through JCAA (see the sidebar for more information). The past few months have been unprecedentedly expensive, with at least a few more months of extra expenses to come.