What?! 6 Months!!

Today speaks of the duration and continuation of our adventure in the land of Japan. 6 months have flown by like the wind, without notice. Our busy teacher lives have consumed 6 months of joys and hardships while still looking for more to feed upon.

"Japan has truly been a worthwhile adventure," states Travis. "We continue to seek the will of the Lord in our daily life, looking to His strength and faith, which is truly unending."

Many days have been traversed without the sight of family, and the longing of the corn fields haunt the minds of both as they wonder the orchards of Aomori, the Blue Forest as they call it here. "Nothing tastes as sweet as a Hershey's kiss in my mouth," describes Mrs. Appelgate. Both look yonder to the day of return to the home land and the hope of refreshment from those dearly left, but not lost, 6 months ago to this date.

Words can describe the action packed days spent in the foreign lands, but time cannot. "We have learned so much, like how to cook the choiceiest chahan (fried rice) and homemade cheese," exclaims Travis, "but there is more to learn, like how to speak Japanese...yeap...still working on that one..."

The loved ones wish to send their friends and family all the love of the Lord, in hopes that they will be remembered in dinner time prayers and bed time thoughts. "We are still alive!" shouted Angie with excited intonation.

In other thoughts, the two spent the day in celebration of all that the Provider has given. "We know that home is the Lord, and He is continually with us," said Travis with solemn committment. They celebrated joyfully to forkfuls of spaghetti and mouthfuls of bruschetta at a local chain Italian restaurant, after which they enjoyed their favorite local deserts of ice cream and crepes. "How appropriate for Japan," stated Angie, "considering that our first time out to eat in Japan was Italian!"

Thanks be to all those who have placed us in God's care while we be so far from the arms of our loved ones, as we remember a time will come when we will never depart.

p.s. thanks for putting up with reading interesting English; "It's my only escape," cries Travis, "I am forced to speak in such broken English all day!"