Our Church Family

     It’s Miranda again! I’m so thankful for the church Nick and I have found here, and I’m so sad that we’ve had to say goodbye. So, I’m writing a post about our wonderful church family at Osaka International Church (OIC). Living in Japan has been difficult, to put it lightly, but I wouldn’t trade meeting the people in our church.

     When we first started attending Osaka International Church, we joined a prayer group meeting after the service every week. Often, we all go out together for lunch after prayer group as well! I’ve had to rely on many other people in the prayer group to help me understand the prayer requests given in Japanese and to translate my prayer requests, but it’s so clear, no matter which language, that everyone in the group is genuinely praying and caring for each other.

     Nick and I are especially sad to say goodbye to Keiko-san and Iwao-san. They are a married couple in the church, and they have welcomed us in so many ways. They even took us sightseeing! We traveled to Awaji Island with them, where we saw amazing flowers and even were able to go to a senbei (Japanese crackers) factory. The factory let you try a sample of every kind of senbei they made. Nick and I ended up buying some wasabi, ume (plum), and curry senbei! We can’t wait to share them when we get back.

     Awaji Island is known for its onions, so Nick and I had to buy some. We ended up making onion rings! Keiko-san and Iwao-san also treated us to an incredible sashimi lunch and a special kind of tacoyaki that we dipped in broth.

     I think my favorite part of our trip was sitting with Keiko-san and Iwao-san, with our feet in a natural hot spring, gazing up at a tiny castle on the top of a mountain. We were under an overhang, and it was raining outside. The peace was much welcomed.

     Before we left, Nick and I were also able to hang out with Sadie! We recently met her at church, and we decided to visit the CupNoodles Museum in Osaka. She speaks Japanese incredibly well and has been working in Japan for two years now! I thought that the outside looked a little like a church. Sadie pointed out that might be because not many Japanese buildings use the materials the church did.

     While we were there, we made our own cup noodles, and we learned many interesting facts! We even watched an informative video in an auditorium shaped like a cup noodle cup. It was entirely in Japanese, so Nick and Sadie understood far more than I did. Apparently, the idea for cup noodles came partially from an American businessman throwing some ramen in a coffee cup in front of the eventual inventor.

     After the museum, we went and explored some depachika. Depachika comes from the word ‘depato’ meaning department store and ‘chika’ meaning basement. They’re restaurants in department store basements, and they are both delicious and all over Osaka! We ended up just grabbing some amazing crapes and talking for a bit. It was so hard to leave! I really hope we get to see Sadie again someday.

     The last Sunday we spent in Japan reminded me again of how wonderful our church family here is. After our service, we were overwhelmed with goodbyes and good advice. Members of our prayer group took Nick and me out to lunch. We will treasure all the conversations, Bible verses, and blessings we received. I will miss you all! After lunch, Keiko-san and Keiko-san (both ladies have the same name, are both friends, and both have been so kind to us) took us to a traditional Japanese coffee house. Keiko-san especially wanted to show us the tiny twisting and turning streets of Japan, leading to hidden gems like the coffee house. We chatted for a while, Nick in much better Japanese than me, before we finally had to say goodbye. It really felt like the end of our Japanese trip then, despite having several days left.

     Again, I am especially grateful and so overwhelmed by the kindness of Keiko-san. She gave me her bridal veil and jewelry for me to use in my wedding, and I can’t find enough words to express how grateful I am. We will be sending many pictures and well-wishes to our OIC church family after our wedding.

     I feel as though everywhere I’ve been able to go I’ve been welcomed by the body of Christ. From England, to living in D.C., to now Japan, I have been encouraged I will miss this church more than anything else in Japan. We are praying for you all our dear friends. Thank you for welcoming us. ありがとおございます。さようなら。元気だね。