Day Sixteen

May 16th

Today's the day we have to leave Japan. It's hard to believe our time in Japan is coming to a close. Such happy memories we've shared and new experiences we've enjoyed these past two weeks. But now a new chapter opens up as we think about the trip to Singapore.

Miko and Madoka took us to the Narita Airport. Narita is the main airport in Japan, about an hour or so outside of Tokyo. Before we went to the airport, we took a brief tour of Yokohama and the Yokohama Bay. I like Yokohama! We stopped off at a rose garden where we also had a view overlooking Yokohama Bay. After that we stopped to grab some sandwiches which we would eat in the car on the way to the airport.

When we got to the airport, I did some more shopping for souvenirs and gifts for those back home. I found some good things which I'm anxious to share with those I love. All too soon we had to say good bye to Miko and Madoka. This was hard, but I hope to be back in Japan someday soon with Carol.

Before boarding the plane mom and I relaxed in the Northwest Airlines lounge which was nice. I noticed some Americans (loud and obnoxious ones, it seemed to me). They were speaking quite loudly about the Yankees. I thought to myself, "Wow, what a difference in these loud Americans compared to the quietness and grace shown by most Japanese."

Mom and I were the first ones on the plane (again!) It was nice to get settled in before the plane filled in. The plane ride went well and seemed to go pretty fast for me. Before too long we were landing in Singapore at 1:15 am, but I wasn't tired at all. It was good to see Ben's smiling face when we got past immigration and customs.

We took a taxi to Ben's apartment. I notice that there are lots of taxis here. And this was early in the morning. We actually gained an hour coming to Singapore since they are an hour behind Japan in their time zone. I also noticed right away how hot and humid it is here. It's like stepping immediately into a sauna. Ben's wife Han Jing met us at the door of their apartment. We got settled in and starting talking. Their two boys Abel (7 years old) and Aaron (3 years old) were already asleep, so we'll have to wait to see them tomorrow. Han Jing shared how she first met Ben and how she became a Christian. It's a fascinating story which I don't have time to talk about, but God showed her specifically through a specific sign which she prayed for, that Ben was the man she should marry.

Ben and Han Jing shared some snacks with us (eating again, right?) and I had the most delicious mango I've had in years! It was SO good! Mangoes are my favorite fruit, so this was such a treat for me. Before we knew it, it was already 3:00 o'clock! We headed for bed, but I wasn't tired. I was so excited to be here and to experience more of God's blessings in the days ahead.