Building Relationships

I had a great opportunity to get to know 3 guys in a deeper way this week. About a week and a half ago, we all attended a kick-off party for the new year of the Kodomo Sodate Shien Center, where we take the girls to play. It was one of the infrequent times where Sarah and I were able to interact with couples together. (Japanese businessmen are usually never home!)

Just last Saturday one of the guys, Manabu-san who we've written about before (far left in photo above) invited me to go out for "a guys night" with 3 others (one not pictured above). It was a great opportunity for relationship building, language learning, and for cultural learning. Over the course of the evening, while eating sashimi and such, I had several opportunities to explain why I had come to Japan, and ways that I see God's character reflected in Japanese culture. My explanations were quite simple (since they were in Japanese), yet opened the door for further conversation.

As for language learning: When I introduced a topic, I could follow ~60% of the conversation, but when someone else introduced a topic I knew nothing about, I was pretty much reduced to minimal comprehension ... and lots of smiling. That's language learning for you! :)

Please pray that God would continue to provide opportunities for me to get to know these guys, and also to improve my conversation and comprehension skills as we prepare for future ministry.