We had a great time with my parents in Japan. They were just in time for the "dedication" of our new Shioda church bathrooms on Sunday! After church they joined us as we went Christmas caroling at the local hospital. Monday we travelled about 2 hours to a mountain area with a view of a lake and Mt. Fuji. The clouds parted for a brief glimpse of Mt. Fuji and also gave us a nice sunset over the ocean. That night we all stayed at a traditional Japanese inn with Akihiro's parents. We all enjoyed the hot spring bath and then a dinner of kaiseki ryori. We probably ate at least 100 different types of food--including a special turtle, shark fins, and many different kinds of sea creatures. Mom and Dad were very brave and tried it all--though Mom did cook her raw fish! Then Akihiro's dad was determined that my parents try a Japanese massage. Akihiro and I supervised to interpret and for curiousity. Though hesitant at first, my folks thoroughly enjoyed the experience--very different from American style massage. It's hard to describe! I don't know what was more enjoyable--getting the massage, or watching their faces as they received the massage. Tuesday we explored the area around Hakone and ate some hard boiled eggs that had been boiled in the hot sulfer springs. One black-shelled egg is supposed to add 7 years to your life, so we made sure Dad ate 2! Wednesday we spent around home doing laundry and a bit of cleaning, etc--I think Mom said this was the best day (mothers, you know)! Thursday we joined the ladies Bible meeting at Tokyo church and later a Czechoslovakian Boy's Christmas Choir in downtown Tokyo. Akihiro and I flew back with Mom and Dad to the States on Friday and it is wonderful to be home--especially given our family circumstances. We will return to Japan on December 24th as we have commitments in Hokkaido, the north island on the 26th.
Speaking of family circumstances, I'll do a brief update on Dad's situation. He continues to have no symptoms and is as energetic as ever, for which we are so thankful! While we were in Japan, we were able to talk to Bro. Willis Ehnle who had visited Oasis of Hope Hospital, which is located in Mexico--just south of San Diego. At this hospital, they do some cancer treatements that have been available in other countries for quite some time but have not been approved in the U.S. This hospital has much better statistics than the chemo available for metastatic lung cancer in the U.S., so after some further research and discussion with family and the hospital staff, Dad and Mom made plans to leave for Mexico on December 27th. The course of treatment is 18 days. (I guess they will finally "go south" for a winter vacation!) Akihiro and I are interested in seeing this hospital, so we will be returning to this hemisphere again on January 5th for a few days with them. We are praying that if it is God's will, this treatment will be successful. Thanks again for all the prayers and support!