Sunday (and Monday) fun day(s)

 Sunday, June 28

We traveled to a church in Monzenji-machi, about a 45 minute drive. It was a bilingual service, led by a husband and wife missionary team. There were ten in attendance, not atypical for a church in Japan. We were invited to join them for lunch afterward, Carol was deliberate in her engaging with the congregants who wanted to practice their English with her.

We were asked to set up for an afternoon concert, just tidy up and set out 30 chairs. Of course our team went above and beyond. They moved mattresses and tables out of the way, plus put away the (very heavy) ping pong table.

Sunday is our rest day, so there was no obligation for us to stay. Yet I'm glad we did! This trio put together a wonderful performance. The stopper was the soloist singing "Amazing Grace." She said she learned the song phonetically (she doesn't peak English), yet it was amazingly heartfelt and worshipful. Again, glad we stayed!

An attempt at an artistic shot, from a site just a few km away.

Monday, June 29

We traveled to Wajima to check out the neighborhood and the kasetsu jyutaku (temporary housing) locations. We do see improvement since last year, yet there's still a lot of work ahead.

It may be hard to tell, but note the white section of the wall. The 2024 New Year's Day earthquake displaced the wall, pushing it upward. The white section was previously underground, below the sea.

Again it may be hard to tell, but the sand currently visible was once land under water. The drop from the cement walkway to sand is a good five or more feet.

Saikyoji Temple was originally built in 1612. The structure has had significant damage in the past, it again has survived yet there will be months, if not years of work to restore the temple.

We were taken down several flights down some stairs to see a variety of features of the area.

I was able to sit on "the world's longest bench". It goes miles each way, a continuous wooden bench extending miles in each direction

This beach was also an official Pokemon site. Truly amazing to see how excited Ty and Daniel were to witness thi coastline feature.

It was getting quite warm, leading Ty and Daniel to take a quick dip in the ocean. I agreed it was a good idea.

One more greeting from Ishikawa (and their Pokemon.)

Tomorrow we'll be heading back to the kasetsu to provide tea and etertainment. Hoping all of you are well!

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