Representing many different countries, these are just a some of the women who gathered together for a rare chance to get away from out busy ministry schedules and fellowship together. We are all wives serving with our mission here in northern Japan. What sweet fellowship we enjoyed the other day as we walked, talked, prayed and even cried together for a brief few hours.Being with an "international mission" (missionaries coming from different countries, not just America) hasn't always been easy, especially when we first arrived. One of our funniest memories of the month orientation course in Singapore was being seriously scolded by an Austrailian missionary that, "A Koala is NOT a bear".
Yes, we experienced a bit of culture-shock, and not just from the Japanese. Our fellow workers often have had different theological backgrounds and denominations. We sometimes couldn't even understand them (even though we were both speaking English) due to the different vocabulary and accents.
It has taken a little getting used to...but now, 13 years later, I wouldn't trade it for the world. My life is so much richer and fuller. It has truly been a taste of heaven where we will be fellowshiping with the international family of God at the throne. What a blessing to partner now with these dear sisters, who have left their home countries to lead Japanese home to heaven.
