WELL...

We are walking out the door for the airport and America bound we are.  Amazing to think the time has finally come to return home.

We are a swell of emotions, both excited and a bit sad to be leaving, but we know the Lord is putting good things before us.  

Please keep checking this blog (if you are a follower), for I will make every attempt to continue to update regardless of our location.

Sending love!  Sayonara!!!!

Team party and sendoff...

On Friday we had our team party.  Our final goodbye to team and staff...

This is Wara, his wife Noriko, and kids Karin and Lintaro.  Wara was team captain this year and a 6 year veteran of the league.  They became very good friends of ours, and we hope to see them again...

Ray corrupting the youth...

Team Banquet with Boosters...

The team banquet was last Wednesday.  This event was held on the Michigan boat, and all of the team's supporters (boosters) were invited...

Ray's number 1 fan...

It was a perfect evening...

Auctioning off items from the year...

Great send off...

Making gyoza...

Yuko and Ryoko came over for our last bbq together.  Yuko taught us how to make homemade gyoza.  WOW- delicious!!

Mt. Hiezan with Michi...

View from the top, looking down on our city...

School kids at the temple...

The last cherry blossoms...

Mountain pigeon...

Incense burning...

Michi made us Bento lunches...

Isn't this little feller fantastic??

There is a mountain behind our town called Mt. Hiezan.  Ray and I took a cable car to the top to visit the old temple the first week we were in Japan.  It only seems right that in my last week here, my friend Michi would invite me to join her and her friend on a hike up.

Before we left, we visited the guys at the weight room...

The rhodies are out in full bloom.  Reminded me of home...

Being in this temple was so solemn.  It was very interesting practice of worship, and because our language limited us from much conversation, I spent most of the time talking with my God...

The last beautiful cherry blossoms...

Overlooking Lake Biwa...

The Lakes finished their last regular season game today.  This weekend they took on the #1 team, the Ryukyu Golden Kings.  Despite two frustrating losses, I think they all can look on the season as a success.  As a first year team they truly came into their own and earned a dedicated fan base.  For Ray, it was an incredible opportunity to play for an outstanding coach and with amazing teammates.  He came to love basketball again.  He was able to gather 23 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists today, despite the loss.  

Some final Farewells...

KOMPAI!! (CHEERS!!!)

Our good friends Bob and Sanae, and their daughter Joie, left for Hawaii today and we won't see them again before we head off the island.  So, on Sunday we made a big feast and said our last goodbyes.  Bobby's and Brayden's folks were able to join as well!

On Monday Ray and I took his day off by heading in to Osaka.  We had a very nice time enjoying the flowers and trees at Namba Parks.

We then met up with Osaka Evessa players Justin and Nile and their wives for a little bowling.  Ray blew us all out of the water.  Who knew he had those skills up his sleeve?!