Thanksgiving

Erik and Pastor Sekino both read from Psalm 100.

Pastor Sekino gets some advice on turkey carving.

We truly have many things to be thankful for.  This time last year we were still living in Wisconsin.  Erik was working part time in a chocolate shop and Tauna was working at the church as we both patiently waited for Erik to receive a pastoral call.

What a difference a year makes!  We are so thankful to be able to serve God as missionaries in Japan.  We are grateful the first month has gone smoothly.  We are thankful for the many people from JELC, JELA, Hongo, and Tokyo Lutheran Church who have helped us get settled and answered our countless questions. We are thankful for our Japanese teachers.  We are thankful for the patient Japanese employees who smile politely and bring english menus when we visit restaurants and stores.  We are thankful for our new beautiful home.  We are thankful for our families and friends back home that continue to support us with love and prayers (and the occasional skype call).

For Thanksgiving day we invited the J3 Missionaries over to our apartment for tacos.  We were really excited because this was the first time we had guests over.

On Saturday, we gathered at Tokyo Lutheran Church for a feast.  Tauna helped another American girl make a turkey.  The church smelled delicious. There were about 40 people at the feast.  We all introduced ourselves and told what we were thankful for.  We had turkey, mashed potatoes, mac'n'cheese, sushi, lefse, salads and several desserts.

As we were relaxing after the meal, there was an 4.0 earthquake.*  It was a reminder that life here on earth is short.  Each of our days is a blessing from God and we must do our best each day to love one another and give thanks.

Blessings,
Erik & Tauna



*This is the biggest small earthquake.  A 5.0 earthquake is when damage starts to occur.