Today we had our annual communion service at the Shioda church. It was a very special day and I feel even more a part of the church family there. After the 12-15 members partook, we greeted eachother--a very special custom that I (tearfully) was a part of. We were blessed to have Mark and Bev Bahr (Mark is our counseling elder) here for the service. We had been reminded that this group of believers has very little in common except the most important thing--Jesus Christ. Thanks so much for those who remembered our service in prayer.
I was thankful to have had an experience in Hawaii that made me realize again how much I need the Lord. I am almost embarrassed to mention it, but not having access to email or the internet or phone (easily and cheaply) to have contact with family and friends made me feel isolated and made me draw closer to God. I am thankful that He and His love (shared by those who know Him) is not bound by time or distance. This experience made Communion more meaningful as I thought of the isolation the Lord felt as He bore our sins.
On to less serious things...
I am writing this in the lobby of the Isawa Hotel as that is where we get wireless service. It is Sunday night and the hotel is full. Coming from the onsen area is a man's voice singing--oops, there goes the hotel manager to take care of that! There are people coming in and out of the onsen in the hotel provided kimono-style pajamas. It is an interesting experience!