Trip Back To America Summer 2017

So we were back in America this past summer for six weeks and I must admit it was a bag of mixed experiences. We were overwhelmingly blessed by family, friends and supporters who welcomed us with time, energy, and delicious meals in their homes.

We were warned before returning to the United States we would be different people having lived abroad for two years and it came out in strange and beautiful ways. I think we valued people more and were grateful to have quality time with family and friends. We found ourselves happy just being together with loved ones and we did not have a lot of expectations about how we spent the time or what we were doing.

Nana and her grandkids

As we shared pictures, stories and experiences of friends we have made in Japan, it became clear to us all we have been richly blessed living abroad. I do not just mean by seeing historic monuments, learning to speak a foreign language or making new friends. We are truly different people and I am so grateful for the changes in each of us.We seem to be more content with a simpler and less materialistic lifestyle. We are culturally more sensitive in ways we never were before because we knew nothing but our own culture. We are able to appreciate the differences and richness of the American and Japanese cultures now.

We have also grown in our love of Jesus Christ and the depth of our commitment to Him. It is pretty easy to be a Christian in America in name anyway since that is the basis of many of our cultural customs and practices. In Japan however, only one half of a percent are practicing Christians and it takes more effort to actually practice the Christian faith. You have to seek out fellow believers, churches are small, and our children have noticed it costs believers something here to be a Christ follower. Believers have to break from culture, family, and often times friends in order to live out their faith in meaningful ways.

We loved our time in America and felt richly blessed. We were filled and felt very cared for by those who showered us with kindness and invested in us. Being back in America after two years felt like putting on your favorite pair of jeans. You have a history with them, they are comfortable, and what you long for when you want to relax. I felt a sense of autonomy back in America I had not felt in a very long time. I was able to drive a car on the right hand side of the road, order a hamburger without assistance, and easily shop for clothing and shoes in my size.  

American size hay bales and cousins

Being in a foreign country where you do not speak the language and are dependent upon others for your most basic needs is humbling. You learn to be grateful for simple things like reading labels in the grocery store, understanding a conversation or how to ask the time. I think I am more gracious with other people because I know the struggles of living as a foreigner. I appreciate the effort it takes to learn a foreign language, those who go out of their way to assist us, and even more special, those who take the time to become friends as we try to assimilate into Japanese culture.

I see a difference in my kids as well. The struggle to learn a new culture has made them aware of others' hurts, needs, and what it feels like to be the outsider. They notice when others are hurting now and have a strong sense of justice. I see them move beyond their own comfort zones in order to ease somonelses discomfort and make their way easier. There are a variety of ways to model and teach your kids compassion but for our family this is how God has taught us. He has stretched us way beyond our comfort zones and caused us to look outside ourselves and fall in love with a community and people He loves dearly.

Though it was hard to return to Japan and leave family and friends after two years of not seeing them, we were ready to return to our familiar schedules and home. We have come to love so many things about Japan, the people, the food, the cultural expectations, and the sense of safety and security. We are appreciating our opportunity to experience Japanese culture and make meaningful friendships. We will continue to share our adventures, cultural experiences and what we encounter in this great and amazing country as long as God has us serving in Japan. 

Heguri Sky Ball –

In the fall I was able to participate in a sky ball event at our local elementary school. I was invited by Mrs. Honda, one of the retired English group members and we spent an afternoon playing something like Frisbee golf with several families and retired members of our community.

Sky ball team at local Japanese elementary school

I had a blast, laughed at myself, and was fortunate enough to win the longest Frisbee toss contest.
Our neighbors, the Matsumoto’s won first prize at the event taking top honors and winning several treats as well as the respect of the crowd for their athletic abilities as a family.

Thank you for following our adventure and for praying for our ministry. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve in Japan and share the love of Jesus with these amazing people.

In Christ,

K. Chadduck