Beauty of Japan - THE PEOPLE in Sendai

An amazing young woman, Sasha, has been working as a Missionary Intern in Sendai since October, 2008. Somehow she fitted time with us into her very busy schedule. She impressed me with her people skills, her ability to speak and understand Japanese, the amazing ability to decipher the bus schedule, her driving skills (on the left side of the road & the right side of the car!), and her love for God in sharing Him with the people of Japan. She did all this with such humility which is an even bigger accomplishment. She is pictured here with the daughters of one of Annie's readers from 2006. Annie had a great time with the little ones.

Debi, she opened her home and her heart, as well as her classroom, to us. She has been in Sendai for at least 2 years - I just loved listening to her speak Japanese. Right now she is teaching English to kindergartners (ages 3 to 6) and we were able to visit her classroom - such a neat experience. Debi reminds me of my daughter Pamela.
Yukie, Mikio, Keiko and Annie at the party. Keiko was Annie's reader two years ago. It was great to meet these people, I have heard so much about them and now I can put names with the faces. Yukie and I visited quite awhile and I am going to have to send her some Kansas sunset pictures. Annie had a great visit with Keiko and Mikio.
Crimsen, Haruka & Yukie - Crimsen was so excited to see them. I think Haruka was about 5 when she first came to Japan. It had been almost 2 years since Crimsen had seen them and she seemed shocked at how much he had grown up. Haruka got to practice his English a little bit in conversation with me. They were such friendly and welcoming people.
Four Sendai Christian women, Sasha, Debi, Akiko, Yuko & Annie. Annie loved being with them and was so thankful that they hosted a party so she could see old friends and former readers. Annie just glowed that evening - well, really the whole trip. It was easy to see why she loves the country, her readers and the friends she has there. The stop-over in Sendai was such a blessing!