Random from Japan

One reason we don't have a pet in Japan.

This photo was taken on 1/19. We were doing some shopping in a neighboring town. We went into a DIY store that also had a pet section. The boys wanted to see the animals. I knew pets were expensive but I was shocked at the price on this kitten. By today's exchange rate it would be $2976.00.

Kindness

This picture was taken on Jan. 19th the day we went to the City Office to sign up for Christy's alien card. On our way home we were searching for a recycle shop (a store of used goods) and we found this pottery studio in a house. The owner was so kind he invited us in for tea and snacks. We chatted with him and the boys want to go back and make something some day. We have had some frustrations in the last few weeks, including multiple trips to the bank just to open an account, and it taking a while to get our internet all set up. However, those frustrations have been balanced out with numerous times of kindness.

• People have helped us navigate the trains when we had questions.
• The lady at the tea stand in our grocery store always offers tea and sweets to the boys.
• A lady on the train zipped Willems backpack for him when he forgot.
• People offer Xavier a seat on the train, including some high school boys who moved for him so he could hold onto a bar.
• Being offered tea of coffee when we visit one of the schools.
• The English speaking phone rep who was patient and especially helpful when we got our cellphones.
• People moving to a different seat or scooting over so Tai and Willem can sit together on the train.
• Being given homemade treats by the fastfood employee on Valentines day.

It is acts of kindness like these that encourage us in our day to day life in Japan.