Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

We had a beautiful, spring Easter Sunday here in Yamato.  With Tim out to sea, I joined my friends Brittany and Jennifer (whose husbands are also out to sea) for an Easter Service at Yamato Calvary Church (http://www.yamatocalvarychapel.com/english/church_info/index.html).  This was my second service at Yamato Calvary.  Although the entire service is conducted in Japanese, English-speaking worshipers are given a radio and headphones to listen to an English translation of the service.   Those listening to the radio are easily seen from the crowd if not only by our Western faces and headphones, but also as we laugh at the jokes a few seconds later, bow our heads shortly after the Japanese, and sing and speak the prayers and songs slightly belated in English.  The message of the sermon reminded us to always remain thankful, no matter how desperate our situation because, like Jesus, we are all must endure hardships before Heavenly eternity.  

After church, we headed for Easter brunch at the Golf Course on base.  

Brittany, Me, Jennifer

Full of food and God's word, Brittany and I decided to go for a walk in our local park.  Within the past few days the Sakura (cherry blossom) trees blossomed in full force.  As with every other Sakura season, the Japanese were also out in full force as they picnicked with Sake (Japanese liquor) and food under the trees.  The general story goes that the Japanese will commune beneath the Sakura with friends, family and coworkers, drinking large amounts of alcohol often making fools of themselves, and return the next day to work with no mention of the previous days debauchery.  The Japanese go big or go home.  It was quite the celebration.  Below are pictures from our jovial walk in the park.  

Spring Tulips

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)

Brittany and Beretta

Sakura design on the temple

Plum Blossoms

For Easter dinner, Brittany, Jennifer and I convened once again as we ventured to Yokohama in hot pursuit of our favorite Mexican restaurant.  Brittany, born and raised in Texas, craves Mexican as much as I do.  Thank God for good friends and fine Tex-Mex!

Wishing you all a Hoppy Easter!