The Sunday I was officially welcomed by my church here, they gave me a list. It was thankfully not a to-do list, instead it was a list of people from the church who would be contacting me to get together with me. The plan being that once a week, from March until June, I would meet and spend time with different people from the church. I felt welcomed just knowing about this list, and that people wanted to spend time with me! (Granted, some of the people on the list didn't really know me when they signed up. ;) )
I have already met with half the families from the list. Activities have included meeting for a meal or coffee, seeing local sights, or just going for a walk together. I have met new people, and have gotten to know other people better. I am also learning a bit more of culture here.
The language barrier is sometimes there, but then it just makes the visit more interesting! (one of my hostesses had an English/German dictionary, and we used it!)
So...I love that! I hope I get a list (preferably not in Japanese) when I get to Japan. That is such a wonderful example of community! I'm in! If I were on the list I would take you to a mountain so we could frolic down it while sending songs from the Sound of Music! :) Love yoU!
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