Blog #60. "There is beauty all around"

 Week 60: "There is beauty all around"

We have had a beautiful week here in Japan. Everywhere we go, we see flowers blooming. In the fields, in the cracks of the sidewalk, next to the road etc. Some of them are planted, but most are growing wild. I downloaded an app that helps me identify them, satisfying the closet horticulturist in me. Some are ones I've seen before, but most are not. So, we begin the picture section of this blog with flowers. 

We began our week where Sis. Nelson volunteered at ACS (Army Community Service) while Elder Nelson did round two of the Kite Festival. We could not get a picture of the largest kite the day before because the wind wasn't right. Day two was much better, and he posted those last week. 

Volunteering at ACS is every Monday morning for 4 hours. It consists of sitting at the front desk, greeting folks who come in for information, in/out processing, answering phones, and basically fostering good relations with the community and the folks who work at ACS. It took us quite a while to get our "foot in the door" there, and so it's nice to be helping them now. They also sponsor the Newcomers' Orientation, which we help with every other Thursday. 

On Monday night, our YSA (Young Single Adults) wanted to go bowling, so we made our way over to the Atsugi base and bowled a couple of games. I managed to break 100. First time ever. It was just the two of us and two YSA guys, but we had some bowling alley pizza and tore up the lanes. This Monday is supposed to be pickleball, which neither one of us has played, but we will make an attempt as one of our YSAs wants to teach us. 

I also did a ton of baking that day for the Nurses' Appreciation cart the next day at the clinic. On Tuesday morning, I loaded the wagon in pouring rain and headed to the post. Twenty minutes later, I delivered the goods. I kept them all well-covered in plastic, but the wagon puller got wetter than she intended. Carrying an umbrella and pulling a wagon seems more challenging than I thought. 

After the cookie delivery (and a change of clothes), we headed to the bus stop/train ride to the temple. It was a quiet day at the station, so we could sit most of the way. We are getting used to the route, Sis Nelson can almost do it without Elder Nelson's guidance. (But she still likes him to take charge of that) The Temple grounds are beautiful, and the small waterfall there was pretty as a picture. 

On Wednesday, we participated in the Sagami River Cleanup. We invited the young elders and sisters in our district to join us, and a lot of community folks to assist with the cleanup. The missionaries love being able to find ways to serve. They all came and we found lots of trash to put in our bags. Always remember to use one bag for burnable and one for non-burnable. I'm getting good at knowing the difference. We all gathered and then dispersed to various parts of the river beds, and then came back and gave all our trash to the sanitation workers from the City of Zama. I asked them to give me a big smile next to the garbage truck. Only in Japan do you see garbage trucks painted with cute little characters and flowers. Why not? Late that evening, I got a text from one of the directors at ACS who was in charge of the Military Spouses Appreciation luncheon on Friday, asking me to be one of the speakers. It was supposed to have been the chaplain, but he had to go home on emergency leave because his mother passed away. Kind of short notice, but military spouses can be flexible, so I told her I would. 

On Thursday, we also had our branch missionaries help us volunteer at the thrift shop on base. They were a big help emptying bags of clothing and sorting and hanging things up. Also, straightening shelves and sweeping the floor. The thrift shop sells all donated goods, and the proceeds go to the Zama Middle/High School PTA. I even found some new reading glasses to add to my collection, and Elder Nelson found a kitchen knife to add to his. He keeps our knives nice and sharp. We supported the Celebrate Recovery program that evening and brought some bean and ham soup and biscuits. Yes, that means loading up the wagon again, but we are the "wagon eers" and that's how we roll. 

Friday was the spouse's luncheon day, so we walked to the Community Club around noon. We had already been asked to help with the sign-ins, so Elder Nelson manned the sign-in table, and I passed out bingo cards and helped seat people. Later giving the short talk on being a military spouse and getting involved. Serving others and the community helps a spouse feel like she is a part of the military career that they are both serving. The talk went fine, and I felt like it was well received. Mostly, I was glad when it was over.

Saturday, our branch Relief Society had a picnic social that ended up being inside at the church because it rained. The sisters all brought food to share, and we played games and visited. Always lovely to join together and strengthen one another. 

We also had a fellow MRM couple, Rod and Michelle Allen, who serve in Yokosuka, come visit us. They had finished the day before, taking the written part of the driving exam, and needed help navigating the website to obtain a driving test date. We did our best to guide them through the Japanese website, and they will be taking the test at the end of June. Our date is getting closer...May 29th. Elder Nelson is studying up for it. 

We also went to dinner with the Allens at our only Mexican restaurant, Mikes. We enjoyed our time with them and spent time sharing mutual experiences and antics. We have made so many new friends here and have invited them to please come see us if they are ever in West Jordan. 

And then it was Mother's Day. My sweetheart treated me to a home-cooked breakfast. His oatmeal is amazing. And he wrote me a love letter. He spoils me. My gift is "in the mail" and we will enjoy a new computer when it arrives. I also received some nice gifts,cards, "flowers" and phone calls from my kiddos. We were also invited to dinner at one of the members' homes, the Oshieks. They are a retired couple that will be moving to Vineyard, UT, in December. 

And to top it off, the young elders and sisters from our branch surprised me with a 7pm visit to our apartment with a picture of the district and some cake. They are just the sweetest. We love them so much. The whole day was wonderful and I felt very loved. 

So on to another week. We find that our time is zipping by, but we still have "work enough to do". Thanks to all who love and encourage us. We know you will be blessed for supporting the missionary efforts here in Japan. We do our best to serve with love, even as our Savior would have us do. 

Love to all,

Elder and Sister Nelson

                                            

Week#59 Doing what we do, rain or shine.

We had a pretty crazy week lined up and it pretty much turned out crazy, just as planned (or expected). We had to factor in a bunch of baking and a few strategic trips to the commissary for baking supplies.  Every trip to the store, that requires dragging out our wagon must be "strategic," so we don't make too many of those trips. (life with a car was so much more "care free")

Monday after a volunteer gig (Sister Nelson), we made trip to the store, we ventured back home for some baking time and making something for our YSA FHE.  Lasagna. We had a nice FHE with our two stalwart young men that usually come. Sister Nelson showed them some new card tricks she learned, we had a short lesson and then did the TimTam Slam for dessert.. maybe we can show you some time. 

Tuesday we usually go to the Temple for the day, but we were asked to attend a "Volunteer Appreciation" event, so we changed our plan to accommodate this special event. First we helped grade scholarship applications for the Zama Spouses organization that awards scholarships to Zama HS Seniors. Afterwards, we still had a little bit of time, so we went to the library and then to lunch!  The Volunteer event was hosted by Army Community Service and was intended to recognize individuals across the Zama community for their volunteer efforts in 2024. We ended up being recognized as the "Volunteer Family" of the year. (see video link below) It was a very nice honor and many of our Zama community friends were there cheering us on. We have made a lot of friends across the community here, and many comment that "you guys are everywhere!"  We just smile.   Later that night, Sister Nelson resumed the baking and Elder Nelson helped the missionaries teach a lesson to one of their "friends" via Zoom. 

Wednesday morning had been the target of all the previous baking.  We supported with baked goods and our selves, the Japan Engineer District Red Cross Coffee Cart.  That translates into having fresh coffee provided by the Red Cross office, accompanied by all the baked goods, and a friendly little dog named "Belle" for people to pet if they wish. (not our dog) We set up and started at 0800 and by a little after 0900 all the folks that work at "JED" had cleaned us out.  Success and lots of happy folks. Later Sister Nelson worked at Zama Occupational Health and Elder Nelson worked at Army Community Service.

Thursday came early with our biweekly Army Community Service Newcomers Orientation support.  We help set up the welcome packets, sign people in and welcome them.  It is always a good place to see and meet all the new people coming to Zama.  We ventured home later and cooked up something to take back later to Celebrate Recovery -- Sister Nelson whipped up some Curry (Kare) Rice (Raisu). By the time we got home we were pretty much done...and done. 

Friday, this week, came early as we attended the National Prayer Breakfast that was sponsored by the Zama Chapel / Chaplains office. The featured keynote speaker was a COL Browne who works at Yokota AFB.  Elder Nelson knew him from past Army experiences while we were at Ft Hood.  His message centered around the service rendered to Japan in the aftermath of the big earthquake and tsunami that happened in 2011. (we had just left Japan and missed it). COL Browne happens to be LDS and had served a mission in Japan.  His presentation was very interesting and heartwarming (and sad thinking about the many lives lost).  Sister Nelson went off to get a haircut and Elder Nelson went home for a nap :). Later we set off to do two things.  First, to see if we could get to NAF Atsugi via train and bus since we had not yet made that trip without a car.  Second, to join up with Elder and Sister Melton to see a movie at the Atsugi theater.  To make it extra fun, it decided to rain hard all the rest of the day... So much so that when we finally made it to Atsugi we decided to upgrade to bigger umbrellas.  We finally joined for the movie and we watched (endured) the Minecraft movie. Sister Nelson confessed later to having taken a nap during the movie. Elder Nelson enjoyed the popcorn and thought briefly about this two hours of his life he will never get back. We eventually made it back home with a ride home from the Meltons.  We capped off our adventurous day with a ramen from the neighborhood place we discovered a few weeks back. 

Saturday we Zoomed with our September replacements, the Singletons. We had to clean up our apartment just a tad as we showed them around our apartment via zoom.  Later we had to WAIT for the fire department to make a mandatory check of our balcony fire escape hatch.  After that, we elected to go for a little walk to get out and enjoy the nice weather and see if we could locate where the upcoming Giant Kite festival was going to be.  We walked and walked and made it back in time...to order Domino's pizza!

Sunday we had attended our Sacrament meeting and then we snuck out early to make it back to attend the Festival...we missed it last year and this would be our last chance.  So we did!  We mingled with a whole lot of Japanese from all over who came to this special Giant Kite Festival that is aligned with Children's day.  Elder Nelson will probably go again Monday morning to see if the wind cooperates so the BIG kites can safely take off.  Stay tuned,  Another week is yet to come. 

SEE LINK BELOW

                                                                     Volunteer Appreciation Event

                                                            

Week 58 Lots of Flowers in Japan

 Hello all,

Another week brings even more beautiful flowers blooming in Japan. Cherry blossoms have given way to all the colorful azaleas that are everywhere. Elder Nelson's camera can't resist them...even while riding a bus. 

We have tried most modes of transportation here. Our best find was learning how to ride the bus. The seats are kind of small for prominent Americans, but it's all part of the experience. It's really very simple to get on and off with the phone app for all transportation here. We have even had a few conversations with our fellow riders while we wait for the bus. Most are intrigued by our name tags, and because Elder Nelson speaks their language, it often leads to other chit chat. I just smile and nod a lot. 

Our first picture is from last week because we forgot to post it. Elder Lund from the Men's General Board of the church came to our sacrament meeting, and we snapped a picture. He and his wife were very kind, and it was fun talking to them. 

This week started with us teaching 10 high school students early morning seminary. That meant we needed to walk to the high school, but one of the branch members offered to give us a ride. We politely obliged, but we did walk home. We always enjoy teaching the youth. It starts at 6:30, so it takes a few minutes for them to wake up, but we had some good discussions. And of course, we ended with banana bread on Monday and cinnamon rolls on Tuesday. Seminary ends on May 15th, so that was our last opportunity to teach seminary. 

The rest of Monday was spent baking treats for the coffee cart the Red Cross provides at the medical clinic. With all of that baking, cooking dinner was set aside. Instead, we visited our local conbini (small convenience market) and found some mabutofu, one of my favorites. Local conbini's are amazing here. No YSA's this week, but looking forward to this week with them. 

On Tuesday, we taught seminary again and then headed to the train station for our temple assignment. Last week, the train trip was pretty nice, and we even got a seat. This week, the trains were totally packed. You stand very still with your hands to your side, and the only thing that keeps you from falling down when the train swerves is all the other people surrounding you who are holding you up. Kind of like being a Weeble if you remember those toys. When the train comes to a stop, the doors open, and sometimes people get off and more get on. Always crazy when no one gets off, but more people still get on. Really? where is there room for more? And it's all part of the experience. Just not my favorite part. 

On Wednesday, I helped out in the Red Cross office while Elder Nelson taught another class on Family History at the library. He has enjoyed helping others make connections with their family lines. The classes have been fundamental introductory classes, and we are grateful that the library gives us a place to meet. 

The afternoon was spent with more volunteering at the clinic and Army Community Service. That's our regular gig on Wednesday afternoons. We enjoy the people we volunteer with, and we try to set a good example of service to others. It took us a while to get our foot in the door at ACS, and so it has been nice to work with them. 

Thursday, we had the young sisters come with us to the thrift store on base. It is entirely run by volunteers from the high school PTA. We came to help with cleaning and straightening, and putting out new things that have been donated. We hope to continue assisting each Thursday as our schedule allows. The young missionaries are asked to find a few hours each week to volunteer, so it's an excellent place for them, too. This week is transfer week, so we may have some different missionaries with us next time. 

Friday was district council at the chapel, so we packed lunch for 14 people and rode a bus, then a train, then a taxi to get there. One of the elders asked for pulled pork sandwiches on  King's Hawaiian rolls, so we took that and some pasta salad and fruit. When I brought out the rolls, the elder couldn't believe it. He said he didn't think he would see those rolls until he went home. He doesn't really understand how the commissary has just about everything we need. Such a blessing. Sis Melton also spoiled them with Easter chocolates and brownie cookies. They do not go away hungry.

That night was "date night," and Elder Nelson chose to take me to a nice Mexican restaurant here called Mikes. We have been there before. It is owned by an American who knows how to make good Mexican food, and sometimes you just need that. Their chips are made warm and fresh, and the guacamole is amazing. 

Saturday, we signed up for a tour group with the Meltons  that took us to see a Sumo tournament in Yokohama. I wasn't really sure what we were going to see. Sumo competitions are steeped in tradition and rituals. The pre-show is as interesting as the wrestling. The actual wrestling matches are usually only about 30 seconds to a minute long. As soon as someone steps out of the ring, it is over. Elder Nelson got some great pictures, and it was fun to see some of the culture of Japan. And on our way home, we train traveled to the Outback, then home.

We are officially one month away from taking the driving exam. I was pretty worried about all the walking, but we have enjoyed the exercise, and it hasn't been as hard as we thought. Even when we drag the wagon, it's been just fine. Hoping our feet hold up for another month. 

We also hope all our friends and family are well. We hear from the girls regularly and see pictures of the antics of the grandkids and Bret keeps us challenged with a weekly study of Christ-like qualities. We are grateful for all the love and support from so many. 

The church is true, and life is beautiful in Japan. 

Love to all, 

Elder and Sister Nelson