Days 1 & 2: Fukuoka, Japan

 Day 1: Taipei & the 10-hour layover

Praise the Lord! After a long 13 hour flight, our wonderful team arrived safely in Taiwan. 

In Taiwan, we enjoyed breakfast at 7/11 and green onion pancakes. We stopped at Taipei 101, and soaked in the fabulous architecture. After that, we explored the streets of Taipei with a visit to an “underground” mall (Spoiler Alert: The mall wasn’t underground) and enjoyed souvenirs and authentic food (mango shaved ice!!). 

Last night, the Lord brought us safely to Fukuoka, Japan. 

Day 2: Prep Day

Today we had a full day of fun!! Our morning started with another 7/11 breakfast and delicious pancakes made by our very own, Tico. Shortly after, Mr. Yu encouraged us with scripture for Palm Sunday, inspiring us to serve wholeheartedly and humbly. Then we had an orientation, led by our wonderful missionary hosts. During the orientation, we learned that only 0.4% of Japanese people identify as protestant Christian. Unfortunately, this number is still declining. Lots of Christian converts face backlash from family and pressure to hide their faith. Please keep Japan in your prayers, as the Lord continues to work through these missionaries.

Tico was the first chef on the scene, making his teammates delicious pancakes. (He bought the pancake mix with his own money! :*)

Ms. Jenny, missionary in Fukuoka at Iito Christ Center, leading us in orientation on our first full day.

For lunch, we divided into 3 groups for a choice of 3 different authentic Fukuoka restaurants: Udon, Ramen, and Fried Chicken. After lunch, two of the groups took a quick shopping detour at a nearby shopping center. After the lunch break, we had another meeting to go over tomorrow’s VBS. After the planning and preparation for VBS, the team enjoyed dinner with a choice of the same three restaurants. 

Zacchaeus' tree. Lesson 1. God sees us.
This team made an amazing artistic tree with limited resources. What is more incredible is that the tree moved with such realistic sway!

The craft team practicing how to build the electric circuit for the next day's session.

The praise team working out motion details and the other half practicing for evening worship.

So far one of the best pastimes have been walking around Japan. Whether that’s walking to 7/11, or taking a stroll to an ocean viewpoint. We have enjoyed our time thus far and are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us for the rest of the week. 

We would really appreciate your prayers for the following items:

-For strength, as we are struggling with jet lag with a busy schedule

-For flexibility with any changes that may come our way

-For the hearts of the students attending our VBS

-For the Gospel to be clearly shared despite the language barrier

-For safety and health of all our Team members

-For a safe trip back to America coming back from the trip

-For our VBS to run smoothly with potentially 30 Japanese students

Sayonara for now! We hope to keep you updated everyday. #japantrip2024

-Anjali Chandra and Josh Rivers (on behalf of the Japan Team)