Justin was unable to join us for Bible study yesterday as he was summoned to work at the old ‘new’ office again, although he did not specify exactly what was going on. The class was great, as we are now discussing the names of Jesus, perfect for post-Easter conversation. Somehow we manage to get onto current events which can so often be tied into what was happening in those Bible days, or can be addressed using Bible wisdom.
Pastor Hoyer was telling about having four families in church for Easter Festival service from their VPK program, three of them recently relocating from Japan. Wow! Language was a barrier, but hopefully they took away something wonderful from the service. The one family who has been here for 20 years and has a child in the class was able to help the guests, as well as one of the members who is Japanese. What an interesting mission opportunity! Pastor mentioned that they were given a booklet put out by the WELS called Promise, which is in Japanese. They also have English, Spanish, and possible Hmong, he wasn’t sure about that one. It would be a major hurdle to overcome the Japanese culture and deeply-rooted Buddhist or Shinto, whichever, belief system they have. Also facing being ‘excommunicated’ from their family for becoming believers in the risen Savior. We can pray the Holy Spirit moves them along, in His time!
I am a bit embarrassed to report that my feet and legs are a bit cold right now, even though it is 76 above zero outside. Before I went to bed last night, it began to rain against my doors so I pulled them shut but was too warm to not have A/C running. Yes, I turned it on, set at 78 for my sleeping comfort. It ran for a bit and then shut off, not running again until sometime this a.m. as far as I know. The breeze is moving through the house right now and the sunshine makes it all look so pretty. Joanne came up for a little while to see the manatees but then headed home after lunch. We dined at a new Mexican restaurant across the street from her office and were disappointed. Nothing measures up to La Nopalera!
This morning I made my travel arrangements, much to my mom’s relief, I am sure. She told me on the phone last night that it was not like me to let it go this long, although it is a month before I leave. Lori, my sister, and her family will pick me up from the airport on their way to Manty, saving an extra trip for others to come get me. My nephew graduates from MLHS on Memorial Day weekend so we’ll be there for his party and the service. My stay up north will extend through the church picnic in June, and then I will return home for a bit, until the later part of July. For 10 days in July, I will have the houseguests from CO staying here but I think little else will be required of me during their stay, besides the rooms and breakfast!
The other day on the radio I heard a report regarding a school system somewhere that was directing their grammar teachers to change the way they teach. The claim was that grammar was ‘too white’, no longer relevant to be taught, nothing was improper any longer and English was too exclusionary. Oh my goodness! I about drove up on the curb when I heard this. Stop it right now!!! No wonder symbols and abbreviations have been admitted to the Oxford Dictionary…the world is on fire!
