SHEN YUN

Taking the world by storm...Millions of people have seen Shen Yun.  Standing ovations at the world's top venues, royalty attending in Europe, sold-out shows throughout North America, and packed houses in Asia have made Shen Yun an international phenomenon.
Shen Yun, is the world's premier classical Chinese dance company based in New York.  Their show features 5,000 years of divine culture and moves quickly through dynasties and regions.  Legends, myths and heroes of literary classics spring to life.  Ethnic and folk dances fill the stage with color and energy.  The leaps and flips of Shen Yuns' aerial masters, thunderous battle drums and singer's soaring voices are all set to animated backdrops that transport you to another world.

Shen Yun cannot be seen in today's China, where traditional Chinese culture has been mostly destroyed under Communist rule.

Elder Addington and I met O Kon a couple weeks ago at the Daie Mall.  She was selling tickets to Shen Yun and convincingly invited us to attend  She is a beautiful, young woman from China who came to Japan 8 years ago.  She noticed our missionary name tags and asked us if we were Christians. We told her we were and shared a little about our mission. We gave her our missionary business card and she gave us hers.  We are hoping to stay in contact with her as she does not live in our area.

During the intermission of Shen Yun at the New National Theater, in Tokyo, we were asked if we would be willing to be interviewed by New Tang Dynasty Televsion.  We accepted the invitation and were asked many questions.  Most had to do with what we thought about the show...except there was one question which caught us completely by surprise.  My mouth fell wide open when they asked, "What do you think of Communism?"  I looked at Elder Addington, who calmly replied, "We love our freedom!"

We hope to stay in contact with O Kan

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

but our furnace is so delightful

and since we've no place to go...

Let it snow.  Let it snow!  Let it snow!

Wow...were we surprised, as was the rest of Japan.  The heaviest snow in decades in Tokyo and other areas of Japan left at least 11 dead and 1,200 injured across the country.  At least 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) of snow was recorded in Tokyo by late Saturday (February 8th), the heaviest fall in the capital for 45 years.

Twenty-thousand households were without electricity and 5,000 people were stranded at Narita Airport with 740 flights cancelled.

Yokosuka Navy Base closed its gates for 24 hours.  We stayed comfy in our cozy, apartment and ate delicious, homemade ramen noodles. 
Update: Less than a week later we received even more snow than last.  This is highly unusual weather.  I have found that wearing three pairs of wool-heat-tech tights do not keep my legs warm!  
Facebook friends from CA, PLEASE stop posting your sunny beach photos.  Just kidding!

A pot of homemade ramen noodles on a cold winter's day keeps us warm.

Our back patio

In Japan, people use their umbrellas all the time-rain, sun, clouds and even  snow!

CHRISTMAS

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ."  "Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow.  As we strive to become like Him, we will have joy, and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year.  It is His example, which if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others."  

President Thomas S. Monson

Decorative lights called 'Illuminations' are found everywhere in Japan during Christmas.  They are breathtaking!

Outside the building where we attend church.  It was so fun to have Beth here.

Elder Addington and I in the mission home kitchen on Christmas Eve Day.

We helped prepare and serve lunch which included some delicious Cafe Rio Tacos.  It was so nice to have our returned missionary daughter,Beth, help too!  I think Elder Addington looks quite at home in the kitchen.

Merry Christmas from the Tokyo South Mission

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Joy to the world, 
The Lord is come! 
Let earth receive her King!    

From halfway around the world we extend our Christmas greeting from Yokosuka (Tokyo South Mission) Japan where we work closely with the Mission, our Ward and Stake, and our Japanese neighbors!  We are having wonderful experiences serving, teaching, activating, fellowshipping and supporting Single Servicemen and Women, the Japanese, and Military Families.  Gratitude fills our hearts for the birth of our Savior, His Atonement, and the Great Plan of Happiness!  May you enjoy peace, good health, and happiness.

Warriors of Light-defending and teaching truth and righteousness!

Yokohama and Fujisawa Mission Conference with Elder and Sister Whiting-Area Presidency-and President and Sister Wada

Look who is here!  Our daughter Bethany, flew to Japan for Christmas and joined us for the Tokyo South Mission Christmas Conference and luncheon.

ENGLISH CLASS

My Japanese friends: (left to right) Yuko, Shizu, Waka, Chie, and Shiori. They were so excited to receive Christmas stockings.

One of the highlights of my mission is the opportunity to teach English to these 5 Japanese women. Last month, during class, I taught them about the history of Thanksgiving and served them a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. This month they wanted to have a Christmas potluck. The dishes they brought were delicious. I believe that these women are teaching me far more than I am teaching them.

WELCOME HOME GEORGE!

Two weeks ago we welcomed home the USS George Washington from deployment with over 5,000 men and women aboard,  Several of our ward members are assigned to this ship.  What a glorious site it was to see this ship pull into port.  We welcomed them home with cookies and a hug.  We are so grateful for their sacrifice and service.

This darling little girl was so excited to welcome her father home!

SISTERS' TRAINING IN KICHIJOJI

We traveled by train (1 1/2 hours) to the mission home in Kichijoji where I spent a day with all of the other sisters in leadership training.  We listened to Sister Whiting, Sister Aoyagi and Sister Wada, our Mission President's wife.  President Wada joined us after lunch and participated in our Zumba class.  Our class was led by cute Sister Wells, the grand daughter of Brother and Sister Wells from Fresno.  She was in our Yokohama Zone until the most recent transfer. 

Sisters' shoes left in the entry way (genkan) of the mission home.