The following post is from Carson and Laura Foushee, CBF field personnel in Japan.
There has been so much going on since we hit the ground in Japan that we figured that the best way to share some of the highlights of our first ten days would be to share 10 Lessons Learned in 10 Days. So here it goes…
1. Literacy is important.
One of the first things we realized after arriving in Japan is that we are, as one of our American friends in town shared, illiterate. We are living in a place that has a completely different writing system than where we come from, so just figuring out street signs and what is served in a restaurant is a challenge. We will begin language classes twice a week starting on Thursday afternoon in order to help tackle this challenge and build up a language base. We already have been watching children’s programs on television to help get up to speed!
2. Kanazawa Baptist Church is an incredible community of faith.
Since the moment we arrived at the airport to a sign bearing the words “Welcome to Kanazawa Foushees”, we have been overwhelmed and humbled by the love shown to us. Presents in the form of food have been bountiful and even help in installing a rod in our closet has shown us how very cared for we are. We are hoping to be able to offer something in return as we continue to settle and minister in the city.
3. Patience is a virtue.
We have been relying on others for even the smallest of tasks, which often requires patience when they are things we are used to doing on our own. Illiteracy has led to difficulty in feeling fully settled as of yet and thus we have relied on the kindness of others to help us make the huge transition to life in Kanazawa. Pastor Taguchi and his family have taken us to set up bank accounts, grocery store trips, and the post office. Our friends Tomoko and Allyson have helped translate the words on our appliances to make apartment life simpler. We have learned an important lesson in humility as we have lacked the ability to sustain life on our own and also to take things day by day as we prepare for our three-year mission here.
4. Japanese food is not the same in Japan.
Most people look at us oddly when we tell them we eat hibachi in the US. Apparently this is either not very popular or nonexistent as best we can tell. Noodles and rice are staples at any Japanese meal alongside vegetables and meats in various forms. We will certainly share more as we eat more and learn to cook them for ourselves. So until you come visit, enjoy the hearty American Japanese food we so enjoy!
5. “Father Abraham” is even better in Japanese.
One of the best moments of our first Sunday at Kanazawa Baptist Church was during the welcome party that the church threw for us after worship. After kind words from around the room about our arrival, a picture was placed on the wall of the words of the body parts expressed in the famous church song “Father Abraham” and the music was queued up. Congregation members ranging in age from infants to 80s all joined up in a circle and sung the Japanese version of the song. The silliness was refreshing!
6. Slip-on shoes are a must.
When you enter homes and even the church building, you must take off your shoes and either walk in your socks or put on a pair of house slippers. Slip-on shoes like Crocs, flats, and loafers are very popular to accommodate for the change in environments.
7. Kenroku-en Garden is as good as advertised.
If you are on our email list, you may have enjoyed seeing the beautiful picture in the header of Kenroku-en Garden. This is one of the three famous gardens in all of Japan. Residents, like ourselves with cards, are able to visit for free on Sundays and so last weekend we got to enjoy what will be the first of many trips to this beautiful place.
8. Japanese hospitality cannot be beat.
Everyday since we arrived we have been invited to join others for at least one meal of the day. This has helped immensely in being able to meet new people and try new foods as we get accustomed to the culture. We have been told that is impossible to outdo Japanese hospitality and we are finding this to be true very quickly, however we will do our best to show the same love and care to our friends here and others who come and to Kanazawa!
9. There will be lots of ways to connect in Kanazawa.
In just ten days, we have been introduced to all sorts of opportunities to minister alongside Kanazawa Baptist as well as out in the community. We have been invited to join a Gospel choir that meets in the church weekly (apparently lots have seen Sister Act in Japan and Christians and non-Christians alike sing in these choirs) as well as introduced a Christian university president about teaching English Bible studies at the school. We will not be short on ways to meet new folks and share the love of Christ in Japan.
10. Less is more.
We have downsized to a studio apartment from a two bedroom in Macon, but have found that we have all that we need and more to live comfortably in Japan. It will take some adjusting (we have had to use Google translate to look up some of the buttons on our dryer) but we will have a manageable lifestyle here in our new home.
Lots of these are obviously early impressions and we can’t wait to flesh them out more as we go along. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown in helping us to get here and during our transition to life in Kanazawa. We can’t wait to keep you further updated in the days, months, and years ahead!