Tokyo & Kyoto

Last week we took an adventure down to Tokyo and Kyoto. We had a three day conference with other missionaries in Japan. A great time was had by all at the conference. Testimonies and stories were told and encouragement poured out in the bucket loads.

While in Tokyo we spent time with several friends traveling about the enormous city. It was a sight to see all the many peoples gathered there.

We also made a trip to Kyoto where upon we forced three days of sightseeing into one. It was quite the excursion and most of the major sights were seen. But all in all this was the only temple worthwhile to us to see--Kinkakuji--The Golden Temple.

Thus concludes our first year in Japan.

News

Never thought this would happen...

Our third year student, Saori, that just graduated, passed the pre-first level of the Eiken test, which is an English proefficiency test. This level is very difficult to get, especially at the high school level, but her English is rather impressive, especially for never studying abroad or going to an Eikaiwa (which is extra-English school that many students go to). For some reason they wanted us to be in the picture with her, which we don't mind, b/c we are super proud of her and are happy to show it!!! As you can see in the photographs we did a more formal pose and as Saori called it, the "American pose" which we quickly told her to change to the "strange pose!" We don't want everyone thinking us Americans are weird or somethin' :)

The End of an Era

Today, while making our weekly visit to the favorable Mr. Donut on the main drag, we found that this favorite of stores will be closing--tomorrow! What a horrible day! Yes, there is another Mr. Donut at the train station, and yes they are relocating but both of which are a lengthy distance. Thus, Mr. Donut will cease to be our refuge of donut paradise and home of long hours of studying. And so we said farewell to our dear Mr. Donut clerk friends, ate our last few donuts and waved goodbye. Oh, you will not be forgotten...

Things could be much worse...like not having any food to eat...alas, a great luxury will be lost.

Last Day of Classes

And we got a box of apples from the locals, thanks locals!