Bob Accepts Principal Position at KCS -

Bob Accepted the Principal Position at Kansai Christian School –

So some of you may know by now but for those of you who do not, Bob will be the principal at Kansai Christian School (KCS) next year. After much prayer and teaching in the school for a semester, we think this is where God would have him serve the KCS community.

We are excited about being a part of this wonderful student body and faith community. He has continued to teach this semester as well as take on administrative tasks associated with the principal position. He is grateful for the unique opportunity to have worked alongside Sampo Sainio, (former KCS principal) this past year as he learned about the school and transitioned into his new role.

KCS is pursuing accreditation through the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI) so we are preparing for many changes in the next few years as the staff pursues accreditation.

Sampo Sainio, former KCS principal passing the torch to Bob

Kyoto Temples and Parks

About a month ago we spent the day in Kyoto and took in many world famous tourist sights. Though Kyoto is not far from where we live, just a few hours, there is a noticeable difference in some of the day to day customs. Because it is a metropolitan area you will notice many foreigners in the area and hear numerous languages spoken as you mingle with other tourists.

Alex in front of a temple entrance in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto has been on our list of places to visit since we arrived and we finally were able to get away on a weekend. Because the area is so rich in history and has so much to offer tourists, we were advised to plan several day or overnight trips to see the various regions.

Pagoda in Kyoto, Japan

We visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple which is just one of the many World Heritage sites in Kyoto. This temple features the world famous "Kiyomize-no-butai (main hall's wooden veranda)" which is supported by 139 pillars and provides and amazing view of the city as well as surrounding gardens.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Pagoda from across the valley Kyoto, Japan

Sacred watering pools at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

We had a great time visiting the area, walking through beautiful parks, seeing hundreds of men and women dressed in traditional kimono's, and visiting small shops lining the streets filled with wonderful Japanese items and great food.

Entrance to another large temple in Kyoto, Japan

Entomology in Japan

So to paint a more complete picture of life in Japan, I feel the need to show you some of the "pests" we have encountered while living here. They have ranged from cockroaches three inches long, lots of super tiny mosquitoes, centipedes, mamushi (Japanese viper) and yes these GIANT Japanese bees.

Large Japanese bee I found outside the school.

I found this gem on my way to school just outside of the school gate. It was dying on the ground but was still alive when I found it. If you know my family, they are always interested in pests and wildlife. To happen upon a giant bee was very interesting and led to a lot of teasing among my children.

You can see from Stephanie's had it is about three inches long

I am grateful to report for the most part, these pests leave us alone but once in a while I still let out a pretty good scream and my family asks from the other room, "centipede?" Sometimes it is and sometimes it is a roach that has made its way into one of our closets and startled me. 

Centipede - they are not poisonous but they can still pinch!

Ominous aren't they? Yes, they get into the house sometimes!

Kansai Christian School Drama Night

Each year KCS performs a musical with students and staff for families and the community. This year the musical was "Back to the Cross". It was based on similar themes as "Back to the Future" but with a Christian twist.

Stephanie as "Whitney" in "Back to the Cross"

The premise is a group of kids get into a time machine and travel back in time together. Some of the kids are believers, others in the time machine are not. Their stops to different time periods change the future and as a result, churches are not built, communities are changed, and they realize the impact of one life lived for Christ.

Stephanie as an All-American Valley Girl.

They did an amazing job and the production was great. Stephanie played Whitney, an All-American Valley Girl with frizzed out hair, valley girl jargon, and a scrunchy to boot. We really enjoyed the performance and this was Stephanie’s first acting debut. Many family, friends and neighbors attended at a local theater the school rented in our area.

Thank you for your faithful support. I apologize for not updating the blog for a few weeks. We were really busy with end of the year school activities and continue to prepare for next fall. We appreciate all of the financial as well as prayer support we are blessed to receive. We love what God has called us to here in Japan and are blessed to partner with you serving the broader body of Christ.

In His service with gratitude,

K. Chadduck