Any missionary kid will tell you that growing up on a mission field can have it’s share of challenges, but it can also open up a world of excitement, opportunities to serve God, and crazy fun that few kids get to experience.
Sure, it’s easy to focus on the negatives of being an MK: the loneliness that hits you sometimes, the language that you never seem to be able to master, the constant awareness that you’re not the same as everyone around you, and the one I always hated (and still do), having to say goodbye to those you love, on both sides of the planet.
BUT, life as a missionary isn’t about just those things. There is an incredible amount of joy, moments of hilarity that transcend rationality, a unique perspective on life and how to live it that only comes from deeply experiencing other cultures, and the moments of heart-in-your-throat, two-seconds-from-the-roller-coaster-drop suspense of really needing God to pull off a miracle, and then the delirious, blissful awe of seeing God pulling off the miracle with ease, yet again.
These images are a small window into the adventure that we have enjoyed as a family. Although they don’t have the ability to tell the full story behind them, our hope is that they offer a glimpse into the joy God has allowed us to have.
Saying goodbye. It isn't just hard on us. It's hard on our families too.
On the plane. The thin veneer of excitement that almost covers the pain of leaving family
Our arrival in Japan. And so the adventure begins...
Sweet Bean wrapped in a leaf. Grandpa thought it tasted good. So we're trying it.
The Noodle Slide. Noodles float down some water through bamboo pipes. We grab them as they go by.
Having fun hanging out with our friends at camp.
Sunday Sundae. We made our own ice cream sundaes for a Sunday school summer promotion.
Tyler's Kindergarten Graduation. Guess which one's ours? 🙂 We definitely stand out a little.
Welcome to our home! Just kidding. It's a Japanese Castle
S'mores on the balcony. Found marshmallows at the store. Made a fire, grabbed some chopsticks, Mmm-mmm good!!
Playing Frisbee at summer camp
The friendships that last a lifetime
Singing with the kids in Sunday school
Who knows the answer to the Bible question? Yep. the MK does.
Christmas Service party. Figuring out the strategy for the best plate of food.
Christmas Cards from Churches in the States. One of the key parts of Christmas for us. A special reminder that we are remembered and loved. 🙂
Christmas Lights. Checking out the Christmas lights at a nearby park.
Playing in the river during summer camp
Fishing trip. Grandpa's birthday present to Tyler. Super fun day.
Enjoying the river View
Easter outfits. Wearing our fancy duds our Nana sent from the states. Yes. We know we look good. 🙂
Our pile of fall leaves. Not very big, it's fun to play in. Our dog liked it too.
Two guys napping. Grandpa and the "lapdog."
Making pickles from scratch. Sometimes, you want something bad enough to just make it from scratch.
Empty store shelves at the earthquake. Hmmm. Which to choose?
Home school. The agonies of homework clearly on display
Nothing like having a nice little nook to read
Mount Fuji Hike. You can see the shadow of Mt. Fuji cast on the clouds below.
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