The Things We Carry

Erik always tells me I have too much stuff in my purse.  I disagree with him.  Everything I carry is very important.  The things I carry in my purse tell you a lot about the city I live in, so I thought I would share these with you.


Mother Child Badge: I carry this badge on my purse.  It is a polite way to let people know I am pregnant and they should give up their seat for me on the train.  Most of the time it works.  I find that women, regardless of their age, are more likely to offer their seat.  I hardly ride the trains during rush hour, so it's not really a problem.  Although one day I was tempted to hit the young man listening to his iphone while sitting in the courtesy seats with my umbrella.  I restrained myself and found another place on the train.

Kleenex w/Advertising: Someone is always standing outside the station gate handing out these little pocket tissues.  They use them for advertising and promotions.  Great for runny noses and when the bathroom doesn't have toilet paper.

iphone 5 w/earbuds:  This was a splurge when we arrived in Japan.  In the US we had very basic call/text only phones.  The iphone is a must here.  We use the map Aps frequently.  Sometimes I use the dictionary/translating Aps at the store.  It's also nice to listen to music while riding on the train.

Suica card & keys:  To ride the train, I just scan my Suica card.  If you don't have a card, you buy a ticket.  You can also use the card at some stores and vending machines.  I only use mine for work transportation, it makes it much easier to keep track of expenses.

Hand Towel: Many public restrooms do not have paper towels or hand dryers.  Carrying a small hand towel or handkerchief is very handy.  It's also good for those days when it's super hot and you are sweating.

   120 Yen: I always make sure I have coins in my purse.  There are vending machines everywhere!  A bottle of water, can of coke or sprite usually cost 120 yen, or about $1.20.

Water Bottle: Erik said I needed to stop going to the Vending Machine so much, so I started carrying a water bottle:)

Rockstar Vicar

Tauna is finishing up her last week of teaching English at the Hongo Student Center.  She is very excited to have some time off to rest and start preparing the nursery for the arrival of baby in October.  Summers in Tokyo are very hot and humid...more hot and humid than the Midwest. She plans on putting her feet up and sitting in the A/C while watching movies.  Perhaps she might venture out the departo (Department store) to do some shopping and eat Gelato.

Erik has been super busy at Tokyo Lutheran.  He has started to preach very short sermons in Japanese.  He has given the message at the children's service and the weekly prayer service.  Twice a month he makes dinner for the small group that attends the prayer service.They really enjoy Erik's cooking and an opportunity to taste "American" food.

This weekend we gathered for a July 4th/Tanabata Day BBQ.  Tanabata is celebrated in the 7th month on the 7th day.  The story goes something like this: The Sky God had a daughter who was a great weaver.  However, she was too serious.  He decides to set her up with a cow farmer who is also serious. The weaver and the cow farmer fall in love and start to neglect their work.  This makes the Sky God upset.  He then separates the two of them on opposite sides of the milky way.  Only on the 7th Day of the 7th Month can they see each other.  On this day people write out wishes and tie them to bamboo.

In front of Tokyo Lutheran, a woman writes out a wish
to put on the tree  for Tanabata Day.

We went to the doctor and everything is well with our expected baby.  We found out that Akachan is going to be a girl!  We're both excited but a little nervous about what to do when she becomes a teenager someday.

The other day we were both watching the BBC News when Tauna saw Pastor Sekino on TV.  Pastor Sekino is an rock band.  The sanctuary in the beginning is Tokyo Lutheran Church.  Here's the clip for you to enjoy!