Good Goodbyes

Tonight Josh House hosted a farewell party for two soon departing friends. Yoshi is moving back to mainland to be near his parents, and Tamiko is going to spend her next semester of Bible College in Germany. Almost everyone from church showed up and we had a great time.

Yoshi is a superb friend and a wise man of God. He has been like my Japanese brother. We both work and we're both seeking what the Lord is going to do with us. Yoshi is a deep thinker; I've enjoyed many a good conversation with him. He will be missed in Okinawa.

As for the party...

Nate manned his usual post on the grill, producing some excellent chicken and beef.

Trevor came hours in advance to help prepare, and cooked fresh bread. Here he is enjoying the fruits of everyone's labors.






Ping-san and Natsuki-san washed almost all the dishes, while Ayu-san modeled this XXL apron. Notice Nate hard at work. He's like the butler; he helps out everywhere.

We filled the house and stretched out onto the lawn. At one point, I was upstairs showing Kodai-san the balcony. It was quiet outside, but from the inside of the house, we could hear the joyful racket of community. There is peace in these relationships.
They are fun and full of meaning. These are some of the best bits of life.
Thanks, Father, for nights like this one.