On May 3, we stayed home to play. Phillip and I went out to dinner at the Kitano-Tei, also known as the paddle restaurant. The chef cooks right in front of you and then serves your food on a paddle with a long handle. Jacob stayed home with Matthew and Jessica. After we returned, our friends Bob, Sue, Jeff, and Kristen came over for drinks on the balcony. It was a lovely evening.
On May 4, we took the train to a Hanshin Tigers game against a Tokyo team. The Tigers only got 1 hit and had 1 walk. They lost 4-0. There was certainly a lot less energy on the side of the Tigers as compared to our experience a year ago, but we had a great time anyway. The line to get on the train was very long, so we went over to a nearby mall and found a buffet restaurant for dinner. We ended the night at Macsys and then Margos with the Novaks and Congletons.
 |
| Phillip enjoyed sushi during the game. |
 |
| Bottom of the 7th |
 |
| Bottom of the 7th |
On May 5, we took trains for 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to Nara, near Kyoto. Nara was Japan's first capital and home of Japanese Buddhism. This 1300-year-old city is also home to eight World Heritage Sites, including the Todaiji Temple and its Great Buddha, both dating back to the mid-700s. After returning home, we joined the Congletons and Markhams at the Novaks for dinner and to say goodbye to Sue as she was heading back to Kentucky the next day to stay for the summer. Sue has been like a big sister to me. I will really miss her!
 |
| 5 Story Pagoda |
 |
| The deer walk around everywhere. |
 |
| Todaiji Temple, home of the Great Buddha |
 |
| The Great Buddha |
 |
| The boys race up a steep hill for a great view of the city. |
We had mailed Matthew's images to Chris in SLC to get a 2nd opinion. On May 10, Chris told us that the pediatric neuroradiologist and the pediatric neurosurgeon thought that the lesion was a tumor based on the look and the location. They recommended to wait 2 months and then get another MRI and additional studies. We have decided to go to SLC for appointments on June 18 so that we can get the very best evaluation and recommendation for what to do moving forward. I keep praying that this lesion will not grow and that Matthew will continue his very active lifestyle without any problems.
May 11 was Mother's Day. Matthew and Jessica made me breakfast in bed! We listened to last year's Mother's Day sermon from New Spring which brought us all to tears. I took Matthew to get his permanent retainer fixed, and to our surprise, Dr. Takeuchi removed it! Matthew said, "Now that is 2 things that we thought were bad, but they are actually good. I thought it was bad that I broke my retainer, but I got to get it taken out. Also, I thought my concussion was bad, but that is how we found out about the spot." Very matter-of-fact and very positive. I just hugged him and agreed. Later in the afternoon, Jacob brought me lilies, while Matthew and Jessica gave me little Japanese bowls and plates. We had shrimp and steak for dinner. Then, we enjoyed bananas and strawberries dipped in chocolate. After the kids went to bed, Phillip and I had a very emotional conversation with Grandma. After this, I think we both cried ourselves to sleep. I found Phillip asleep with Matthew at 4:00am.
Monday, May 12, was a tough one. Once everyone left the apartment, I just lost it. I cried most of the morning. Afterward, I spent the rest of the day in prayer and reading the bible. I keep coming back to these verses in Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
On Friday, May 18, Phillip surprised me with roses and dinner at LL Artista for our 16th anniversary. (He was scheduled to be at a work dinner.) Jacob's friends Brent and Dylan slept over. Jacob's volleyball team had won their tournament games on Friday, and then on Saturday, May 19, they won 4 more games to secure the championship! Jacob has been fortunate to be part of 6 championships across 4 sports in the past 2 years. This was a great way to end his Canadian Academy and middle school athletic career!
 |
| Jacob and Joesh played all sports together the past 2 years. |
Andrew, Cassia, Thomas, and Isabella McCormick came over for dinner that night. This was the first family we met when we moved here and they were the link that led Matthew to play rugby. We so enjoy their friendship - such a wonderful family. Isabella stayed overnight with Jessica. Jacob went to Andy's house late to spend the night.
Then, on Sunday, we went to dinner at the Wilson's (Pete, Jenny, Andy, Anna, and Allie). The kids ran around on the CA field and playground a lot, and we enjoyed a wonderful Peruvian dish and homemade apple pie.
We are very thankful for the friends we have made here in Japan, and we will miss them very much.
Peace and Love.
Tina
No comments:
Post a Comment