Journey with us...

Christmas 2011

2012-02-08T13:35:00.001-08:00

So better late than never, right??

Christmas Eve Ray was able to get off work, and his brother Luke came down to Eugene to visit for a day and enjoy the drive up to Portland with us. It was a treat to spend just a little extra time with Luke, as we rarely get to see him...

Christmas morning we woke and enjoyed Grandpa's traditional Huevos Rancheros for breakfast...

...then off the guys set out to do some target practice (they let me tag along:))...

Later that afternoon we went over to Grandma's house for our first annual Mexican themed Christmas dinner!! We had so much fun, and the food was delicious!

Grandma Val as delightful as ever...

Ben and Sam came disguised as Spider Man...

Can't miss out on the mistletoe!

The Harris family attempts a family photo- cute!

Grandma Val had made pinatas for our celebration, so the kids took a swing or two...

Aunt Kathy with granddaughter Gracie...

After Grandma's house, we returned back to Big Foot City (Ray's folks house) to have a quiet celebration there. We stayed up admiring gifts and talking... and the kiddos fell asleep in our arms...

Lots of Big Feet in this house!!

The next morning, per tradition, Aunt Laurie had all of the "cousins" over to her house for a brunch. We ALWAYS look forward to sharing this time with her, and ALWAYS leave very full!!

What a fun and memorable year. I sure am blessed to be a part of this family!!

Grandma and Grandpa's visit!

2012-01-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

We were the lucky recipients of a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Reichner just prior to Christmas. They were gracious enough to stop through on their way down South, and besides making my day, made two little people very happy. We enjoyed a breakfast together, and shared some hugs. I wish we could have captured a bit more of your time, you two, but know that your visit meant the world. Best gift ever!! Thank you...

Sol and Soph also opened their first-ever gifts! Imagine that, Sol and Soph- you actually get to RIP the paper!!!

We love you two!!

...And more apples!

2012-01-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

The warm Fall and Winter has certainly been good for one thing- we are still picking HEAPS of apples in December! We had the immense privilege of gleaning the apples from Deterings Orchard, of which was an easy task. The trees were so full, it took us just a short time in the sweet winter sun to fill up the entire back of our van.

Days later, Ray had only a few requests for his 28th birthday: to be with family and to juice the apples. We made a day of it, waking early to feed Papa a full breakfast and inviting friends over to spend the day with us, making energy bars in the house and juicing the apples just outside. 35+ gallons to show for these winter beauties!!

Derek made his outstanding- and incredibly addicting- monkey bread...

Later that night, I surprised Ray by inviting some of his dearest friends over for a big dinner, then heading out to our favorite pub for some live bluegrass and conversation. What a day, Ray! You make it easy to celebrate YOU. I love you with all my heart!!

Family photos...

2011-12-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend Jen Derby donated her time and talent to capture our little family for posterity. Thank you! We had so much fun running around campus chasing our two little ones. And we LOVE these photos!!

We pray that each of you were given joyful memories and rest this season of Christ's celebration. We love you!

Cougar...

2011-12-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

Ray had a day off from work and gathered us up for a trip to one of our favorite places- Cougar Hot Springs. The day was gorgeous, cold and crisp.

It was the first time we took the kiddos up there, and believe me, they stole the show. They loved the hot water, loved the attention, and certainly didn't want to go. It was wonderful for all of us...

Quiet times...

2011-12-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Around the house, never a boring moment...

Muffin Tins...

2011-12-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

"Look Ma! We can feed ourselves!!"

Now that the little ones are independently wanting to feed themselves, I've been trying to make it fun. The muffin tins were pulled out last week and have seemed to make a hit! They love the different compartments and the sound the metal spoon makes when it contacts the metal tin. Fun!!

Around the Casa....

2011-12-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Long cold and wet days have pushed us inside a bit more than usual. But we still manage to have plenty of fun...

Boxes continue to be a favorite perch for our two little ones...

Fiesta!!!

2011-12-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

Our themed meals have been so much fun, that we have been trying to do them with more frequency. There's something about getting good people together to enjoy good food that becomes almost addicting. Well, last Saturday I decided to keep it simple by doing a Latin night. Four other couples came, adding to the assortment of meals in potluck fashion. Such GOOD food!!! Ray's pulled pork certainly was a hit, along with chile rellenos, enchiladas, empanadas, fish tacos, fresh pico de gallo and guacamole.... Thank you friends!

"First" Christmas...

2011-12-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

Though the kiddos are almost two, we didn't really take in any Christmas festivities in Japan, so everything here in the states feels new this year. For example, this is the first year as a family that we have had a tree! Though we would have loved to go the live tree route like Ray and I did our first year of marriage, a family that Ray works with through basketball gave us a tree from their lot. It is beautiful and makes our house smell wonderful!

Ray and I decorated the tree while the kiddos were sleeping. The next morning they awoke to lights and decorations, and as you can see through the photos, sheer delight! After a few ornament shattering incidences, and a bit too much "tree hugging", we eventually had to raise the ornaments to the top third of the tree where they now reside. We love our tree none-the-less!!

(Waking to see the tree for the first time...)

(Sol doing some excited fist pumping.... or something...)

Merry Christmas to all!!

So thankful for family...

2011-12-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

Our Schafer family Thanksgiving feast was a relaxing and enjoyable time. I regret not having taken many photos, and even more-so recognize that I didn't capture good photos of everyone! Aunt Laurie, Aunt Kathy, Harris family and Sammy, we shall photograph over Christmas, deal?

Thank you to all for always creating such special moments for this family. It sure means a lot to me!

Little Gracie, cute as ever, celebrating her first Thanksgiving!

Sophie and Papa... and Sophie's many expressions...

Val and Gracie...

GG Schafer:

We are thankful for you and the ways in which you open up your home to foster togetherness. We love you!

A time of great Thanks...

2011-12-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

This year, Ray only had Thanksgiving Day off from work. This did not mean, however, that we did not fully ring in the holiday with many a dinner of gratitude with friends and family, many times over. I regret not having uploaded our family dinner photos (soon to come!!), but here is a start to the Thanksgiving season...

Ray received a turkey at work as a gift to the employees, so we decided to toss one in the oven and give it a practice run before Thankgiving arrived. Yum! For the occasion, we invited over friends Derek, Amanda, their 3 kiddos and friend Hans to join us for the festivities. This dinner was SO good, tossed together by yours truly on a whim. I actually impressed myself, as I hadn't prepared in the least to have people over until mid-day!! Sauteed green beans with garlic and sesame seeds.... roasted fingerling potatoes with onion.... baked sweet potatoes with pecans and feta.... homemade bread... pecan pie.... divine.

Turkey Day 2

Tony and Roslyn Overstake, dear friends of ours, invited myself and the kiddos up to their newly built house for a lovely dinner with their family. I was bummed Ray had to work, but it was a great place for me and little ones to spend our evening, surrounded by so much love....

Sophia parked herself at the piano most of the evening...

We're so thankful for the opportunity to be stateside this year, to have so much time as a family to rest and enjoy our days...

Our special Fall season is coming to a close... we will soak up as much colorful fall foliage as possible!!!

Family visits...

2011-12-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

It was a rare treat to have Grammie visit, escorted down for the weekend by my brother Jake, his wife Chelsea, and their girls, Ashton and Xyla. The visit was much to short, but it was sweet and memorable. Sol and Sophie sure loved each moment!

Uncle Ray with the adorable Xyla...

Aunt Chelsea and Sol...

The "big" cousin, Ashton, tells a story to the most attentive Sophia and Xyla...

Cousin hangout time by the window...

A special family photo- one to be cherished for sure....

Why I love the Autumn...

2011-11-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Though very tardy on posting any blogs, I certainly have much to say about this wonderful Fall season. It has been wonderful being home in the States to take in so many seasonal treats, primarily centered around harvest. This year, we had several opportunities to press apples. As always, our kiddos were in apple heaven, as their favorite snack is a whole apple...

Pressing Party #1: Salem, Oregon

My dear friends Ben and Amy invited me up to Salem for the day. Though bummed Ray had to work, the kiddos and I had a delightful time meeting new friends and reminiscing with the old. Enough apples were eaten to last a lifetime, and we shared a beautiful day on a gorgeous farm doing what we love...

Cider Press Party #2

Annually, our friend Derek throws a cider pressing party, and this year he asked if our property could be used for such a gala. Of course! A lovely day had by all...

Our little cozy cottage...

Ample space for everyone to throw down a blanket...

Our farmer friend Derek shows us how he cuts open one of his home-grown fryers...

Sol has always had a fascination with bottles. He LOVES them, as is shown through the next series of photos...

Art expression...

2011-10-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

While unpacking one of many boxes, I came across an old tin of crayons that I loved when I was young. I put Sol and Soph on the wood floor and let them at the colorful objects. It was incredible how focused and determined they were... and I was amazed that they kept the color to the paper and not anything else!

That was until Sol discovered that he could neatly stow away his crayons in his shirt...

And apparently they make great cotton swabs!

Backyard...

2011-10-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Grapes, apples and SPACE TO ROAM! Our new backyard is a sweet treat from the cramped quarters of our Japanese apartment...

Playground Delight!

2011-10-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

The best thing about living near downtown is the proximity to everything. We love taking daily walks and making the occasional stop at the playground.

You can certainly see Sol and Soph's character development through these photos. Sophia pretty much laughs all the time these days, which of course is to her parent's sheer delight. She's extremely happy-go-lucky and funny. Sol is very active, very mechanical, and a jokester. He loves to make Sophie laugh, and is still as clever as ever.

The Rubber Tub...

2011-10-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

I love our new place. I love everything about it, though we have been missing the convenience of a bathtub. Needless to say, we're making due just fine....

Detering Orchards...

2011-10-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a day full of friends and family time. We headed out to one of our favorite farms, Detering Orchards, with some friends from way back in Sequim, and some long time Eugene buddies too. With hay rides, and fresh cobbler and cider, and so many things to eat and play on, we couldn't go wrong. What a fun day!!

Look at the airplane!!

Even making Auntie Ros laugh!

A new found passion has emerged for apples. They wont accept a sliced apple- it must be whole. And generally speaking, the most wormy, scabby and bruised is the most delectable in their standards... They were in heaven!!!

Just hanging, with little friend Emelynne... Maia and Sonia, why didn't we get any photos together??? :)

With his hand caught in the apple box...

Hay ride throughout the orchards...

This series really shows the blossoming sibling love. Sol has a way of getting Sophia uncontrollably belly laughing. Seeing this relationship develop is one of the greatest joys of mothering twins...

Sophie, dancing to the music with Papa...

Sol loves to nuzzle animals. He saw this little puppy and immediately ran up and rubbed his forehead against the little pup...

This was a really long day, but it makes for such deep, peaceful sleep......

The new lens...

2011-10-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

Having fun capturing such clean, crisp images with this new camera...

Say "cheese" Sophie!!

Making blackberry wine with Papa....

Quiet morning moments...

Bucket Babies...

2011-10-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

In sincere apologies to my loyal readers, I have taken quite a hiatus. Now settled in to our cute little house in Eugene, I can attempt to frequent the local coffee shop for some convenient internet and continue to make some blog posts from time to time.

It's been one of those whirlwind months- a hurricane of decisions to NOT go abroad this year, pursue starting a full-time business, moving to Eugene, and other responsibilities. On top of that, its been a season of learning and growing on every account. The day we moved to Eugene, Ray's locked bike was stolen, two of our ceramics from Japan were broken, and my dear camera was broken as well. It was so incredible to see how Ray dealt with his bike, with such grace and acceptance, recognizing it was just a "thing", however disappointed he was. I wanted to cry inside about the ceramics and camera, but a sense of acceptance also overcame me. That things are replaceable. A good lesson learned.

And yesterday, a box arrived on our doorstep. Inside there lay a camera 10x better than the one I previously owned. A not-so-small gift of love from a friend. Gratitude poured from my heart.

Ahhh, this new season is good. Every day is all in how I choose to see it. Whatever happens, despite circumstances, I choose to learn, grow and be joyful.

And I can't help it with with these three:

The Blog Returns... (aka The Longest Blog Ever)

2011-09-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well, a mixture of too few hours and no wireless has led me in the direction of a long hiatus from blogging. I assure you I am back! With two little ones running around and giving me the most wonderful material to post, I just must find time to share it with you! Here's a start:

_ _ _

Our time with the Dalgas family is always sweet, always accented by fresh foods straight from the garden and the best conversation. We love you guys so much!

This particular night, Amy had prepared a pasta with roasted tomato, garlic and basil. So delicious! We had Ben's Mom's pickled green beans and a delicious salad. Yum! The kids had so much fun playing together... and afterwards we went to pick blackberries until the sun went down...

Ray and I shared our 4th anniversary on September 1st. I love that man more every day...

Dad and Roz briefly stopped through Portland on their way to a class reunion. We were lucky enough to share a breakfast with them!

Geocaching with Jeremy and Kyli : What fun! Jeremy chose a trail up the Columbia that climbed up above the Bonnaville Dam. Despite incredible sights and making it to the map cache, the terribly impossible directions caused us to miss finding the final cache. Regardless, FUN time by all!!!

On Saturday, Heather and I threw a bridal shower for Dacia. What a lovely setting, right on the Willamette! It turned out perfectly- so Dacia style- and the sun graced us the entire time...

Our dear friends Jeremy and Kyli had us over for an incredible bbq, followed by brewing a Fat Tire. This was Ray's and my first time brewing, and needless to say, it has hooked Ray. (We currently have 3 different beers brewing in the garage!!!)

Confined sleeping arrangements call for drastic measures: I found Sophie like this when I went in to check on them during nap time. She had torn off her diaper and snuggled up on Sol. Too much... :)

Hanging out with our farmer friends in Eugene...

Reading bedtime books with Papa... and ALWAYS laughing!!

Our little watermelon boy at the splash park in Eugene...

Many days with our good friends Dustin and Roxanne. We love gardening and canning with them. This time around, we harvested purple pole beans to can...

Who doesn't like dark chocolate- especially on a hot day at the river!!

Berries, Baths and Beautiful Days...

2011-08-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Last week Ray and I were able to snag a day away with our dear friend Michelle Garrels and her two little ones, Shepherd and Heron, to pick berries out on Portland's Sauvie Island. To our complete surprise, we pulled up to the farm at the exact same time that Gramma, Aunt Laurie, Aunt Kathy AND cousins Ben and Sam arrived. How fun! Berry picking was so easy... some of the largest and sweetest berries I've ever seen!!

**Michelle and I both seem to regularly have our cameras out. We traded photos so that we could finally get some of ourselves and our kiddos!

I love this berry exchange- sweet little Shepherd studying the crazy two little Schafer critters...

Ray kept the little ones busy with a constant supply of berry goodness, while Michelle and I picked to our heart's content.

The farm had so many different varieties of veggies and berries available for u-pick, plus wagons to pull the kiddos and tractor rides!

Heron braved the prickly vines to help us pick marion berries for a pie...

The following day Ray left east of the mountains to join his guy friends for a couple days. Michelle invited me back over to spend the day and the night with them...

Raspberry jam making!!!

We went to their neighborhood park and played in the splash pad!!

Shepherd seems to know when to smile so sweetly for the camera...

In the evening we headed to dinner at a local place called Pause for some happy hour bites. My long time friend, Chad Witt, was able to join us, and Josh too! The kids enjoyed running around in the open back yard of the restaurant...

Little Sophie and Sheppy are buddies...

Later that night- bath time! Pure fun for the Garrels/Schafer bunch! (plus a little bit of water on the floor...)

Cute morning faces: Shepherd's standard gentle grin; Sol's funny little scowl...

Sharing...

Though our times together are often brief, the times are always sweet. Thank you! I love how our kids love each other... and I love how full and inspired I feel after our time together...

Water Babies...

2011-07-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it's certainly clear by now that I have a couple of water babies. With the weather being nice, each and every day revolves around water for these two. And I can guarantee if water is involved, I have two very content and excited little ones...

Making friends with the cat. He is very gentle with her and always talks in the highest voice when he greets her...

...a little hug...

Sophie is really into books these days. Give her a pot of water and a book- she's good as gold...

Seattle...

2011-07-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ray's Japanese teammate, Shinya, flew in to Seattle to spend a week with him and Ryan, who also played for the Lake Stars the first year. We showed Shinya the sights...

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery...

Sol found a family of ducks to follow...

Ryan's mom got the kids a blow up pool for outside...

And we cooked and baked a LOT!!

On the day prior to Shinya's return to Japan, we took a day trip to the San Juan Islands...

A very fun time had by all...

Soup Pot Sunday...

2011-07-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

What started as a little bath time outside, turned into priceless moments.

Again, thank you Jen Derby for the outstanding photos...

Sol wanted in to Sophie's soup pot...

So we found him his own little tub and all was peaceful...

Sweet times...

2011-07-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

I feel it every time we're here, a sense of being home and at peace here in Eugene. We were able to sneak in a too-short visit, but we filled each moment with full and wonderful memories. We even snuck out to Sweet Cheeks Winery Friday night to take in the best of company, live music, and a warm sunset that made our time almost surreal...

Thank you Jen Derby for the most incredible photography!

Graduation...

2011-07-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago the last Schafer boy graduated from Oregon City High School, with honors and high esteem of both fellow students and staff.

Congratulations, Jimi! We are so proud of you, and blessed by the person you are becoming...

Summer's Begun!

2011-07-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Back to Portland to Gramma and Grampa Schafer's...

The sun is out and we are loving our time in the garden!

Mama put some water in the bottom of our tub, gave us spoons, and we played for hours...

But I just had to get in... with all of my clothes on!

Hee Hee! Off with the clothes!!

Bobbing for apple chunks...

FUN!

Bainbridge and Seattle...

2011-07-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

After Sequim, we headed over to visit my long time, dear friends, Kim and Judy. I regret not having gotten any photos of us together to document our precious time together on their community in Bainbridge. We shared a beautiful day, accented by many new little friends and water! What a treasured time...

That's when the clothes came off... :)

And our first popsicles!!

Then off to SEATTLE... The little ones were quite the attention-getters!!!

We drove to Green Lake where we spent a lovely time with my childhood friend Tracey, her partner Russell, and her big baby bump. She just gave birth two days ago to a baby BOY!!!

...and this is the only photo we got together, blurry and foggy. But we truly enjoyed our time. Thank you dear friends!

Sequim Visit...

2011-06-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

We headed up to Sequim for a quick visit to drop off the Rays Beds. We had fun playing in them for a while...

...and celebrating with our cousin Ashton who was turning 3...

...swinging in the hammock...

...goofing in the grass...

...laughing in the trees...

...and also meeting our new cousin Xyla Teal!

Cousin Ashton is very excited about her new sister!!!

We hung out a lot, and propped our feet up...

...and collected dandelions in the sun...

...and had so much fun spending time with our cousins...

...especially now that I can walk!

We made sure that little Xyla got lots of kisses!

Papa took us flying almost every day!

We even had fun hiding in the bathroom from Mama, and making art out of the toilet paper!

(We're really good at working as a team!!)

Sequim sure was fun!

SUMMER TIME!!

2011-06-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

We are BACK and enjoying time with friends and family. We thoroughly enjoyed splashing around in the pool with our friends the Laing family, and the twinsies got to show off their fancy matching swim suits!

Goodbye for now...

2011-06-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

Our final days in Japan were jam-packed with sweet goodbyes and some of our favorite things. We made a final trip up to Shigaraki and the Yamada Dairy Farm, this time bringing all the fixings to make homemade tortellinis! This was all Ray's idea, and he studied hard to make the day a blast!! We invited our friends the Yasudas, and Ken's family along too!

We even got to ride a cow (sort of)!

And feed them...

And try milking too!

Ray started all the kiddos out with their own volcano of flour. They then mixed in the egg... with their hands!!

Then we flattened out the beautiful dough and went to work stuffing it with Yamada cheese, basil and garlic- YUM!

Top it off with a fresh green salad from Ken's garden, garlic bread, and homemade sauce... gourmet! And so delicious and extra special to have all worked for our food!

We went and had a final lunch with Ray's point guard, Wara, and his kids....

Karin, flying in the air!

And Rintaro, just hangin' with Ray...

A LOT of bread was made in our final days in Japan. Ray kind of got on a kick, and spoiled us all with delicious whole wheat bread, tortillas and naan. And the little ones sure loved to help!

We'll miss you, Japan. But we expect to see you soon.... :)

2011-05-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Philippians 2.1-8

The Global Mission Center, Iwaki City

2011-05-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

The hope of both Ray and I in sharing our story of our time in Fukushima is that it may inspire others to give in whatever fashion they can, and to remind people just how much need there is. The Global Mission Center is set up in such a way that individuals and groups alike can come, have a place to stay and meals to eat, and serve in whatever area they feel called.

In the mornings we wake and have breakfast together, meet for a morning meeting to break into our service groups for the day, and do a little tai chi to get our muscles stretched out....

The building was converted from an old pachinko and slot parlour, or our equivalent of an American casino, so the building is able to house many people very comfortably. This was our room for the week...

Downstairs they converted the church sanctuary into a warehouse for donated items. Volunteers are very helpful in sorting and organizing goods...

In Iwaki there are many different kinds of shelters, ranging from 25 or so people, to some 100 residents. People sleep on the floors of gymnasiums, sometimes only separated from other families by cardboard "walls"...

Volunteers set up foot washing and massage stations. This is an incredible opportunity to show love and spend time helping the people relax and feel cared for...

Please pass the word: if you feel lead to go to Japan, or feel drawn to send supplies or a financial gift, anything helps (small things add up to great things!!). Please let me know if you or anyone else would like more information!! Let's make a difference and show radical love!!!

Global Mission Center, Iwaki City, Part 2

2011-05-14T01:28:00.001-07:00

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Acts 20.35

Days 2 and 3 were spent removing debris at a seaweed factory...

Huge blocks in the seaweed press were so heavy that Ray had difficulty even budging them. It was a full team effort to remove them...

The beach is littered with skeletons of cars and homes...

The work seemed so overwhelming, but in two days we were able to make such great strides. This room was once chest high in debris...

For this particular location Ray's strength was very much needed. Everything was heavy and big. Thank the Lord Ray was there, aided by two other men from Alabama and several other guys that made a great and strong team...

The huge boxes and blocks of seaweed were ruined, and thus loaded in trucks to be taken to the incinerator and destroyed...

We had the honor of working alongside the owner of the seaweed factory and his wife. They were such incredibly gracious and grateful people, radiating joy despite their tremendous loss. In Japan the government does not offer any financial assistance to individuals, only to public aid (roads, schools, etc...). The people who lost their homes or businesses are left to try to financially and physically rebuild their lives on their own. So humbling...

After doing debris cleanup, Ray would leave every afternoon to meet with schools and teach basketball clinics. Our team from Otsu Baptist cooked a hot meal two night for a local shelter, so I stayed and helped serve food...

The residents of the shelters were a mixture of young and old; those displaced by the nuclear crisis and those who had lost everything...

This was the extent of the medical supplies at this shelter. There is a huge need for supplies...

There are so many elderly folks who either lost everything, or were too uncomfortable to stay in their homes alone so they moved to the shelter to feel safer...

Global Mission Center, Iwaki City, Part 1

2011-05-11T01:07:00.000-07:00

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

-Romans 12.4 (taken from The Message)

Well, after waking up at 4am and driving approximately 9 hours to Fukushima prefecture in northern Japan, we arrived at the Global Mission Center, located in Iwaki City approximately 30 km from the power plant, and about a 20 minute drive from the coast. Iwaki has been serving as the nearest relief location for victims of the disaster, and the Mission Center has been fulfilling most of those needs, from serving food and delivering items to people in the shelters, to sending teams to do debris removal and cleanup.

Our first day Ray and I joined a team down near the beach to clean up a lot that the city had planned to begin rebuilding.

We separated recyclables- wood, plastics, glass, burnables- to make it easier for the heavy equipment to sort and remove...

Ray sat down with a woman and her family who were working on their home next door. He just began helping her, which encouraged the rest of us to work alongside this family to clean up their front yard. It was a powerful and humbling experience to see these people so determined to regain their lives in some way. It was touching to find photo albums and family memories buried in the thick sand. I felt like the greatest thing we could be doing was to physically help them with such demanding tasks, without words, just serving tangible needs. We were able to remove all of the debris in front of their house, and leave it with them relatively "clean". This was very rewarding.

The homes that weren't completely destroyed have been taped and patched to make them temporarily livable.

Others have been gutted by the incredible force of the water...

The result of many hours of work- so visibly small, but at least a small dent...

Red spray paint marks buildings that have been searched...

This photo shows just how far inland the massive devastation traveled. This is approximately a half mile from the concrete breakers that separate the beach from the first houses.

3:37pm, March 11, 2011. This date and time will not be easily forgotten by the people of Japan...

The houses closest to the beach are entirely removed from their foundations...

Iris and strawberry leaves pop up amidst the rubble, representing life, new growth and new beginnings...

Even over 2 months after the disaster, residents walk around the area seemingly still in shock and disbelief, perhaps gathering memories or just trying to grasp reality...

After our jobs at this site were done for the day, we returned back to the Global Mission Center to find a group singing and praying. A family who works for the center has a 4 month old baby girl with cleft palate and they were taking her to get surgery in Tokyo. We all gathered to pray and send them off...

Later that night one of the staff members set up an opportunity for Ray to spend nearly 3 hours with the Iwaki Daiichi High School Varsity girls basketball team. He taught them new drills and did a fabulous job teaching and coaching through a translator.

Afterwards there was a question and answer time. The girls were so fun and attentive. They asked everything from shoe size and favorite food, to what brought Ray to Fukushima. He was able to compare the concept of basketball, with that of serving on this "team" here doing disaster relief work- all the parts of the team are equally important and serve a common goal. If you work together effectively, there's always great success in the end.

Our first day was long and incredibly positive. I can't express how blessed we feel to be a part of this "family" at the Mission Center, and to be working alongside others from all over the world who share the same hope and love for the people of Japan.

Birthday/Mothers Day weekend...

2011-05-10T06:06:00.000-07:00

Since Ray was leaving on Friday for Okinawa, he stayed up the night prior making a homemade chocolate cake as a surprise before he left. I woke up to this:

On Friday I went for a lovely walk with my friend Chiharu...

And on Saturday morning I had the treat of getting to spend some time with our friends Ayaka and Joshua who we met last year in Japan, but who moved back to Australia. They were here visiting. Joshua is a month younger than Sophie and Sol! (If you click into this photo, you will see that Sol just sneezed and has snot running down his face...)

Then I jumped on a train to meet my friend Angie and her family for the rest of the weekend. They had made cupcakes and decorated the house with a birthday banner!! We watched Ray's games and spent a lovely, relaxing time enjoying each other's company...

On Sunday before Ray's game, we went to Eigenji Temple for a walk under the brilliant green maples. I love this photo of all of us...

On our way back to the house we stopped at a dairy farm and enjoyed homemade gelato!! Delicious!!!

And then on Sunday night, after watching Ray's games and expecting his return, Angie and the family asked if I would be interested in joining Ray on the service trip north to Fukushima. They offered the opportunity to watch the kids for the week. They said it was their way of helping fill a need. It was a difficult decision only because putting two toddlers in the responsibility of an already busy family was a LOT to ask. But it wasn't difficult to trust them explicitly and see this opportunity as a great open door. In the end, we left the babes with the Yasudas and Ray and I left at 4:30am Monday morning for the long drive north. I will be posting on our trip here (Iwaki city) soon. Our love to all of you, and our great thanks to the Yasudas for being willing to sacrifice to fill this need.

Smokin'...

2011-05-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

The weather is finally warm enough to beckon us out for a picnic or two. The garden is the perfect spot to enjoy good food!

Since it's "Golden Week", the equivalent to a national spring break, the kids are out of school and most people are off from work. Ken's daughters were able to join us, along with his wife!

Ken brought his "smoker"- nothing more than a cardboard box with coals in the bottom, but it worked SO well! We smoked ham, salmon and pizza!

Ray prepared whole wheat pizza crusts the night before, and shaped two into hearts for the girls...

Lena cut us all beautiful bouquets of garden flowers from the onion, radish and broccoli...

Around...

2011-05-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

Playoffs, Round 1

2011-05-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the Lakestars played their first round of playoffs, at HOME!! They played rivals the Kyoto Hannaries, losing to them on Saturday. Then on Sunday, the Lakes pulled off an impressive win by 30 points, pushing the two teams into a tie-breaking game following the exhausting 40 minute game. Ray had 15 points and 7 rebounds to add to that win. The Lakes gained control of the tie-breaker quickly, and won the 10 minute game, sending them into the second round of playoffs this coming weekend in Okinawa...

Our friends the Yasudas, hanging out with Sol and Soph...

The crowd was sold out. So loud, and so much fun...

Look at that little bug with Papa's jersey!!!

Easter...

2011-04-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

On Easter Sunday while Ray was on the road, I asked my friend Angie to join me at an Easter celebration organized by some of the foreign teachers on the northern end of the lake. Angie, accompanied by her youngest son Kosei, met me on the train and we travelled up to Nagahama. When we arrived, the sun was out and even begged us to show bare arms! It felt nice to have a warm day...

The teachers were throwing this event as an outreach fundraiser for the disaster and did a remarkable job at organizing it. They had a BBQ, baked goods, easter egg hunt, face painting, and even brought the Bunny himself! As you can see, my little ones weren't too excited about the rather large, scary looking bunny. Kosei, on the other hand, is just old enough to appreciate the bunny's big hug...

We didn't want to pass up the photo op of making the little ones look like small bunnies, right?

At the sake of my dearest little babes, they posed like champs, lured by the appeal of the plastic eggs in the lawn... commercialism at its finest...

And as the last photo was taken, it was like the clouds stole the sun and opened up on us a downpour! Hail, wind and RAIN! We took a wet walk back through the park, past Nagahama Castle, and to the train...

Sophie lost her cracker on the train ride home. Can you find it???

The Final Games...

2011-04-25T02:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the Lakestars played their final regular season games. They captured two wins, bringing the sold-out crowd a nice treat to end the season...

Where's Ronald???

How these little ones so contentedly sleep through the noise of the games, I'll never know...

On Saturday our friend Ken who owns the garden brought his wife and two daughters to the game. I disappointedly did not take any photos. On Sunday the Yamada family joined me...

The Lakestars will begin the playoffs this next weekend with home court advantage, to play the Kyoto Hannaries. If they win both games, they will advance to next weekend. If they lose, the season will end. If they split the games, a 20 minute game will be played after the game on Sunday to determine a winner....

Now that's Love...

2011-04-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

Ray captured these two on film after they'd fallen asleep. Sophie is on top of Sol, her hand nearly in his mouth, and he is fast asleep. Precious...

Ray the Builder... and other garden adventures...

2011-04-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

Ray foraged up some bamboo to begin building Ken a small greenhouse on the "hatake", or field...

Both of us have fallen increasingly in love with this 'weed'. It's incredible that bamboo is really a grass, grows extremely easily, and is so strong and versatile. It's a shame that we have not begun using this reliable resource in the States to a greater degree. Hopefully it will catch on!

Little Soph hangin' out with Ken while Little Bro snoozes...

This is Ms. Sophia's Shrek impression...

She LOVES broccoli!

This year we didn't take advantage of the cherry blossom season, and I sort of have my regrets. Last year, the babes were being shuttled in and out of the hospital during this time, so we never captured their little portraits in front of a blooming sakura tree. And this year... well... I just never made it happen. These gorgeous peach blossoms were enjoyed by all at the garden...

...and a few sakura to boot!

Little Soph, examining her huge daikon radish, which we later ate for dinner that night!

These two kept busy for at least an hour or two, playing in the water box. They kept putting things in, and taking them out, and of course splashing with sticks!

The worms at the garden are among the largest I've ever seen. I didn't get a photo of one we saw the other day, but literally it was the circumference of a dime and nearly a half a foot long! This is some healthy soil!

Sophie met a new friend. She pet him very gently... but then wanted to eat him, so we let Mr. Hoppity hop away...

A Very Happy 13 Months...

2011-04-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

Our little ones rolled into their 13th month with ease today. They continue to delight our days and give so much purpose to life.

Little Man: On April 17th, Sol took his first big steps. He's been standing for a while now, gaining more confidence by the day. He certainly loves to be on the move and we know that walking will open up the world to him. He's not shy at all, loves being held by anyone, and loves to make people laugh. Today at the waterfront he loved chasing the dogs, completely unafraid (though the sound of the vacuum will send him squealing to be held!!). He's a very clever little guy- he is keen to pick up on everything we do, from the sounds we make, to the drawers we open and close- he's sure to mimic them all. He is very good at focusing on one task at a time, particularly if it involves a stick, buttons or water. He's quite the sensitive little guy, responding incredibly well to the tone in our voice if we don't want him doing something. He's still all about snuggling and cuddling on my chest. At night he lays down on his belly waiting for a back rub. He LOVES music and always starts dancing when he hears any sort of rhythm. We weighed him last night, and he has officially caught up to his sister!! He weighs 10.8 kilos, or ~23 pounds!!! He now has 7 teeth and eats everything (he LOVES spicy curry!!).

Dearest Sophie Girl: She's still quite content crawling or sitting (lounging, as we say), but can stand up and walk along the wall or bed. She loves to bop and dance on her sturdy legs, and will get into giggle fits that completely crack us up. She's very easy to hold, and regularly gets passed around from person to person when we are in public so that they can google at her blue eyes and blond wisps. This week she broke through an eye tooth and her first molar -(I can't believe how early she's getting teeth!!)- so now the tally is 10 big teeth in her mouth, with 2 more molars poking through soon. She still puts everything- and I mean everything- in her mouth which has made me sort of reconsider what I think is clean. It's amazing what that girl can find on the floor. She loves to wave "hi" and "bye" to everyone, and seems to know both of those commands in Japanese too! At the weigh in she and her brother shocked us both by weighing in at the same weight (10.8 kilos!!).... but I still think Sophie looks bigger... maybe taller??

More Garden Days...

2011-04-11T03:05:00.000-07:00

Now that we have access to this wonderful garden, we have been making it our morning ritual. We wake at 5:30am, throw the kiddos in their warm, grubby onesies, and head over to the garden. Ken is usually there before us, having already lit the coal and gotten water on for coffee. This time of the morning is so peaceful- even the train that passes alongside the garden carries with it a sort of cadence. We love it there...

Ray and I both share a common passion and love for farming of all types. This passion and conviction for good foods has grown over the years as we've watched documentaries such as "The Future of Food", "Food Inc.", and "Food Matters", all three of which I'd highly recommend. We also both finished reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma", which inspired us even more in the way we choose what we consume. There is a world food crisis that looms over us, but so many of us are blind to it. Chemicals, artificial and synthetic materials, hormones, even poisons are teaming in the food we eat, but very few of us seem to recognize it, much less care. These same truths remain for fruits, vegetables and meats- food we generally trust is "healthy". Even in these categories we face huge issues like Genetically Modified foods, growth hormones, and a myriad of other problematic issues, creating food that is downright unnerving to consume. I feel like the Christian faith has largely excluded this mandate from God- to treat our bodies as a temple of the Holy. Not to mention the billions of pesticides and chemicals that are slowly degrading our planet, seeping in to waterways and soil layers, claiming our drinking water and fertile soils...

We are passionate about this topic, largely because we see the urgency in trying to regain chemical-free and poison-free food before the practice is gone for good. Please take the time to watch one of the documentaries listed above - rent from Redbox or watch online - and I guarantee it will spark in you some of the same emotions I'm sharing now, and provide useful courses of action for all of us to take so that we can be a tool for a solution.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thus leads to me to explain why, yet again, we are so blessed to have this garden- free of all chemicals or pesticides, free for our babes to roam in, and to collect healthy veggies from. We truly count it as a great gift, and are learning so much about crop rotation and simple farming practices. Its also the perfect environment for our little ones, leaving them blissfully exhausted by 9:30am, ready to nap as we all part ways and start our days...

This is Sol's tough guy pose, complete with frothing (dirt) mouth...

Ken brought his eldest daughter on her last day of spring break.

This is a traditional farming hat that Ken brought from Vietnam. He said that here in Japan the people are embarrassed to wear them...

My new favorite family photo...

We've been bringing home bags of greens- enough to spread the abundance to friends!

Now that Ken's daughters have returned back to school after the spring break, our babes are without their playmates. No worry, we just plop the little ones down in a row of green and they seem quite content...

This is Sol's traditional look...

Our studious little lady... of course EVERYTHING she studies goes in her mouth...

Today the project was to put posts and netting up for the peas...

Sakura blossoms (cherry) are very late this year, due to an unusually cold winter. They've been waiting for a bit of warm air and sunshine to poke their heads out...

My favorite picture of our little boy...

Though Sophia is generally the one to put EVERYTHING in her mouth, Sol just couldn't resist the dark, luscious soil...

The pea nets are complete!!

Sunshine, hard work, good people. A perfect day, yet again...

Fascination...

2011-04-06T05:02:00.000-07:00

From tambourines to floor mats; I'm seeing a theme...

Cheese Please!!

2011-04-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

We took a quick jaunt out to Yamada Bokujo on Monday to learn how to make string cheese!

Of course, the babes' favorite part of the trip is the train ride...

Yamada san used his pre-made green tea mozzarella that he created as a base for the string cheese. In Japan, a variety of green tea is called "matcha", so they coined the term "matcharella"!!!

They began by cubing up the fresh mozzarella curd. Next, a hot salt water was added to the curd...

Sol hung out with Nao Yamada...

And Sophia got to lounge with Rinko Yamada...

Ray took the spatulas and began smashing the melting curd until a gooey mass was formed...

...the mass was then stretched many times (to create the "stringy" feature), and laid in ice water...

DELICIOUS! 100% fresh string cheese and mozzarella!!

Good for the Soul...

2011-03-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't written about the Japan disaster yet... I don't really have words. Only two weeks after the devastating earthquake and tsunami rocked this nation, the news has abandoned the dramatic headlines for other world stories, and focused the stories that it is telling on the nuclear crisis that has struck fear worldwide. It's been a sobering and disheartening experience living here in Japan during this time- we are located far enough away that we aren't in any danger, yet we are located close enough that the deep sadness for this nation seeps out of every day encounters. They have recovered over 11,000 bodies, with over 13,000 still missing. It will easily take over 3 years to remove the rubble that accumulated from the tsunami, and even then the land will lie inhabitable due to the degree it sunk during the earthquake (up to 4 meters). People have lost their families, their homes, their jobs, their livelihood. To heap insult upon insult, the nuclear crisis paints fear into their hearts daily by presenting the possibility that they could be in the path of radiation. There is no water, little food, no medicine. It is truly a grave, grave situation.

We count our blessings daily that we are safe and well. But I cannot help but feel a heavy burden for those effected by this disaster. We can pray, give, and continue on with our days... but we cannot ignore. There are so many ways to give. I pray that disasters like these bind us closer as humans and wake us up to the fragility of life and the dearness of it. Ray and I chose to stay in Japan because, not being in any immediate danger, we don't want to be ruled by fear and want to show the friends and community we've made here that we are with them and are living this life by their side. It has put purpose in our days and widened our hearts to accept the uncertainty and fears of our Japanese friends, with confidence and faith. We are very happy to be where we are right now...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Spring has arrived.

One of the many reasons I love my husband is his ability to make connections with people. In this case, Ray reacquainted himself with a gentleman we had met two years ago. Ray had stopped in to Ken's metal-working shop to see about getting a new wedding ring made (ring #3!!). In conversation Ray learned that Ken has a plot of land that he has been nurturing for the past year, and the two proceeded to share their common farming practices and passions. This happenstance meeting resulted in an early morning for my dear husband the next day as he joined Ken for a morning at the "farm". Ray returned home so excited and inspired that the babes and I woke at 5:30am to join Ray and Ken today. Ken brought his two delightful daughters as well!

The girls were the best helpers, distracting Sophie and Sol the entire time....

Ray and I were particularly thrilled to be able to let our little ones finally roam in the dirt and green. Ken farms completely chemical and fertilizer free, creating a very safe environment for our little explorers...

We planted 4 different varieties of potatoes...

Ken made coffee over some coals...

We potted some starts...

...while the babes continued to get some royal treatment of all the good stuff- dirt, veggies and hugs!

Ken obtained his seeds from Vietnam and really has a unique assortment of things growing, particularly unique to Japan. Among the most interesting : pineapple and sugar cane!

The sun, the interesting textures and dirt, the sounds of the birds and insects, the flavors of spicy radish and bitter arugula- so good for the soul!!!

Inspired by our fresh veggies and the gift of some special whole wheat flour from our new friend Ken, we returned home and made some delicious "power bars"...

...homemade naan bread stuffed with cheese...

...and an exquisite green curry, created completely by Ray, care of the garden goodness!! YUM!

The babes hung out and enjoyed the garden treats too....

Green pepper...

Sights...

2011-03-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

This was one of those ones I just couldn't pass up without a photo...

Ray and I journeyed into Kyoto for his day off...

Octopus on a stick anyone??

We love perusing the food market...

Delightful day...

ONE incredible YEAR!!!

2011-03-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

To all those parents out there, I can now attest to how incredibly fast time goes when you have kiddos. I feel as if it was only yesterday that I was holding my two little ones in the hospital. I feel like there isn't enough you can do as a parent to savor and cherish every single little moment.

And now Little Man and Lady Bird have lived a full rotation around the sun. Honestly, I've loved every moment, crave my time with them. Though, selfishly, I would have loved to be home during this big milestone in their lives, the people surrounding us here in Japan made such incredible effort to make this day extra special for the little ones...

The babe's Japanese birthday fell on a Sunday. Saturday night while Ray was out of town for games, Doctor Tamura invited Fujiwara's wife and kids, and me and my kids over to their house to watch the game. They also planned a little surprise party for the little ones! What thoughtfulness, considering Japan doesnt really celebrate birthdays!! The babes didn't get to bury their faces in cake this night, but devoured the strawberries!!!

Sunday came and went, and Ray and I decided that we'd "celebrate" their birthday on Monday...

BIRTHDAY MORNING

Their official One Year photos, donning Mama Made onesies!

Mr. Solomon: so much energy, very physical and animated, standing on his own (almost walking!!), extremely clever, 6 teeth, loves to eat, harasses his sister, thumb sucker and blankie boy, melts his Mama's heart by cuddling on my chest and wanting his back rubbed...

Miss Sophia: sweet little girl, HUGE smiles, scrunches her nose, grazes everything on the floor or carpet, studies objects for long periods of time and packs them around, can stand while holding on to something, 8 teeth, sensitive and affectionate, will let anyone hold her and enjoy her bright blue eyes...

BIRTHDAY SNACK!

BIRTHDAY PLAY!

*do I look older with this on my head???*

BIRTHDAY MUFFINS!!!

Being the health conscious Mama that I am, I wasn't quite ready for the little ones to bury their faces in refined sugar goodies just yet. I had a blast making them the perfect healthy treats for their special day: pumpkin muffins!

Only Sophia and Sol got the special cream cheese frosting topping, personalized to each!

BIRTHDAY NIGHT!!

For a special birthday dinner we headed to one of our favorite restaurants, Baby Face Planets. Our friends the Yasudas joined us, along with teammates Lamar, Shinya and Okada, and each of their respective beautiful ladies. Here the babes pose in preemptive birthday excitement...

Lamar and Chass

Taka and Kosei

Time to dig in to spaghetti!!

Sophie's style is using pincer fingers and eating one noodle at a time. She's very dainty...

Sol prefers the full mouth method, with Papas eager help, of course!

Cake Time!!

TOO much fun!!

What a dear family, the Yasudas. You've been there from day one, to YEAR one! Thank you for everything you've added to our family!!!

THANK YOU to all who made this weekend extra special for all of us!!!