No picture for today, just an update on things over here in Japan. Matsue remains unchanged, for the most part, but foreigners are leaving north-west Japan, including the missionaries in the region. The Church is temporarily dissolving the Tokyo and Sendai missions and sending the missionaries to other cities, including Matsue. We got a new missionary yesterday, transferred from Tokyo. Also, for those who are wondering, Matsue is very far from the damaged nuclear reactors, so we are not in any danger of exposure to radiation.
In other news, the Warrior`s parade that I mentioned earlier as been officially canceled, along with all other festivals and events that have been planned for the year across Japan (or at least this part of the year, maybe the whole year). I was confused about it at first, because they said it was canceled due to the earthquake, which didn`t damage our region at all. But one of our Japanese friends explained that it`s because the nation is in mourning, and it would be inappropriate for them to hold festivals and have any fun events at this time. Which is understandable. But it still makes me sad :(. The Japanese are very ceremonious, I think, when it comes to death. Over New Years I noticed that when we visited a temple with Hiroko and her parents that her parents wouldn`t walk under any Torii gates (big traditional gates at the head of every shrine and temple, and often there are several inside, if its a big shrine). Every time we approached one they very purposefully walked around it. Hiroko explained to me that if someone in your family (or a close friend) dies, you`re not supposed to walk under Torii gates that year. There are many other traditions associated with death in this country, more so than in America it seems, and I don`t know the half of them I`m sure.
In other news, Braden went to his part-time job for the first time today :). He said it was really good. He spent most of the time just putting food into trays for bentos (Japanese portable meals, like a lunch box) and then getting stuff ready for the next day. We`re very grateful that he was able to get this job, its a real blessing :).
Anywho, that`s all thats been happening lately. The people up north are still suffering from want of supplies (especially gasoline for emergency and evacuation vehicles), so any of you that are able, please chip in a little for the effort :). Bye for now.
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