March and April 2012

March and April brought the beginning of tearful goodbyes.  The Japanese school year is from April through March.  Since the sports leagues follow the same schedule, Matthew and Jessica would finsh their Japanese sports leagues this spring.  We were really touched by the "sayonara" that they each got.  The teams said goodbye and took pictures with them, and really acted as though they were going to miss these Americans!  We also enjoyed a great Easter, beautiful Sakura trees, international food day, and a teenage birthday!

In March, Jessica finished her gymnastics league.  Her friend Isabella decided to stop going too as it can be very difficult when you are the only non-Japanese student.

Jessica also finished her Monday soccer league.  Jessica and Alex were the "roses among thorns".

On April 3, Phillip and I attended the elementary school monthly assembly.  Matthew spoke as part of the 5th grade leadership club.  He was confident, articulate, and showed a little sense of humor!  Jessica and her friend Karina performed a dance routine to "I Like It" by Enrique Iglesias.  They showed great confidence and good dance moves, and importantly, their outfits were adorable!  The girls threw their hats at the end.  So cute!

Matthew with the 5th grade leadership club

Jessica and Karina at the end of dance

On April 8, our family celebrated Easter, the most important day of the year.  We gave thanks to God for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and to rise from the dead so that we may live in eternity.  We watched the Perry Noble webcast (New Spring Church in Anderson, SC) from last year's Easter service since we are 13 hours ahead of eastern standard time.  The sermon was very moving.  This was the first time the children got to see Perry Noble as we usually listen to Son Rise.  Noble is an amazing instrument of God.

We then took the train to the Oji Zoo.  It was absolutely beautiful.  The sun was shining, and the sakura trees were in full bloom.  We are also always amazed at close we get to the animals there.

Just a glass between Jacob and a tiger!

On April 14, Canadian Academy celebrated the annual International Food Day.  This was really a fun day that kicked off with the parade of nations.  Matthew had volunteered to help with any country that needed students to march.  First, he was with Australia.  Then, we noticed he was with Sweden.  He is such a trooper.  Jessica remained with the Americans.  There were food booths from many countries, along with entertainment and a raffle.  Jessica helped me sell burgers, hot dogs, and cookies in the American booth, while Phillip enjoyed grilling those American burgers outside with the guys all day.

Tina and Jessica work at the American food booth.

We left early Sunday morning, April 15, to take family pictures at Shukugawa River.  Our neighbor happens to be a professional photographer.

The Hyogo Rugby League had agreed to let Matthew play on until an April 14 tournament so that he could play in real games one last time.  Matthew had joined the team in August 2010 right after we moved here.  He has been the only non-Japanese player in the league.  Unfortunately, I got a call that the tournament had been cancelled, but the coach really wanted him to come to one last practice on April 15 which happened to be at CA in the afternoon after our family pictures.  I was extremely touched by the sayonara they gave him.  First, the principal of the league secretly gave me something for Matthew's desk that had a rugby jersey and Matthew's name inscribed.  He said this was special just for Matthew.  His card was also very touching as he talked about Matthew's passion and determination.  (He had someone translate the card to English.)  Then, after the training, the principal brought Matthew up in front of the league to say a few words, while my friend Chieko translated.  They divided back out into individual teams.  Our team gave Matthew a rugby ball signed by everyone on the team.  We took lots of pictures, with many parents looking on.  Then, the coaches threw Matthew up into the air 3 times.  One teammate Rintaro (Chieko's son) cried.  This was a very touching day.  We are so thankful that the Hyogo Rugby League allowed this blond-haired, blue-eyed American to play on their Japanese team.  We are thankful to coaches for teaching him the game, and to his teammates for becoming his friends.

Matthew scores a try one last time.

Matthew's rugby team and coaches

Rugby team with Principal Kuwahara and our family

The coaches threw him up really high!

Buju, Matthew, Sushi, Rintaro

Cheiko is a wonderful lady and our lifeline to the rugby league.

On Sunday, April 22, we enjoyed steak dinner for Jacob's birthday (eve).  Jessica showed him a video that she had been working on since January.  It had beautiful pictures of Jacob with family and friends, all set to music.  We all cried.  What a special gift!  On Jacob's actual birthday April 23, we had barbecue ribs, and I made him a red velvet cake at his request.  

May all your wishes come true!

Our new birthday tradition, borrowing from Phillip's younger days

Peace and Love,

Tina