Why Count Sheep?

So this past weekend I spent laying in bed, laying on the couch, and moving between the two. I was wiped out with a bad cold. I have not slept so much on a weekend since... well, I can't remember when I last slept so much!

Anyways, I got this idea at one point: I think it was the middle of the night, and I could not fall asleep. So I decided to count. No, not sheep. No, not the cliche "blessings" -- although what I counted was indeed a blessing, and I would never discourage anyone from counting their blessings.

But I decided to count (and pray for) my cousins. For some of you out there, one hand suffices and you've got everyone accounted for. Not me! As you may know, my dad has 4 siblings, and my mom has 8... which means the number of cousins (and now spouses and children) is almost uncountable!

And in fact, it took me 3-4 sleeps to get everyone counted and prayed for. I started with my mom's eldest brother's eldest son, and ended with my dad's younger brother's two sons. And in between I was able to think deeply about each cousin (30, if I'm not mistaken, not counting spouses and kids), what memories I have with them, what some have been going through lately (marriage, pregnancy, loss of father, move, among other joys and trials), and really pray for them like I haven't done in years.

I even counted and prayed for the uncles and aunts, brothers and nephews, and parents, of course.

I did not have a particularly great weekend. No one really enjoys being sick, having a stuffed up head, feeling helpless and being waited on by a caring wife (well, that part isn't so bad, but only in a selfish, tongue-in-cheek way). But being able to lay there and think about family, about the people who have shaped who I am, about how nice it is to have a large extended family... that part of my weekend was truly blessed. Not to mention more quiet time with the Father.

And so I count my weekend of sickness a blessing. Thank You, God, for making me slow down.

Keeping in Touch

We just came back from two weeks back in Canada (and a couple short forays into the northern States). It was so awesome seeing family and friends again. We were blessed by countless people along the way. (Alright, you got me. If I tried, I could actually count them. But I'd rather not put a number on the blessings... I am sure I will miss a few if I try to put them all in a box and count and label them.)

Of course, the best part about being in Canada is the food. No, just kidding! It's the people... and family tops the list. This year, I am going to try to keep in better touch with my family. One thing that I did this time, though, was to introduce something Japanese to two particular people, hoping somehow they will catch the fever, and practice, and while I practice the same things here, we can compare notes, techniques, and good results. So without further ado, here are the things I am sharing with people back home:

1) With my nephew, a toy/art called "kendama" -- I gave him one, and he seems to really like it, and so does his dad, for that matter! Here's what it's supposed to look like:

And here's what I look like doing it, so far. (I just bought mine two days ago, and have not had much chance to fiddle with it yet.)

2) With my mom, a technique for health called long breathing. I dozed off in front of the TV about a month ago, and when I woke up, my wife was practicing this in the living room. (The guy founder was featured on a TV show and was demonstrating it to the nation.) It looks (and sounds) kind of funny, but the results are supposedly astounding! Here's a demonstration done by the founder of the technique:

And here's me doing it. Sorry for not being brave enough to shed my shirt and wear spandex shorts. Perhaps when my body looks more like his, I'll make the switch.

Anyways, that is how I hope to "build friendship" with my family and share hobbies with them a little better. What do you all think???

My Dad

For a few days, we got to travel out to the countryside and visit with my pops. He has retired from his old profession and is now a golf course marshall, part-time. He LOVES his job -- what avid golfer wouldn't want to hang out at the course on his days off? So Dad took us out to his golf course one day, and we checked out the greenery. It was fun cruising around in golf carts, talking to golfers and Dad's co-workers. And of course, just hanging out with Dad is cool, too! Thanks, Dad! Perhaps you can bring your clubs over to Japan and get in a few rounds one of these years, eh? (That's my way of saying, "Come visit!")


この旅は比較的に短かったから、お父さんの田舎の家に長い滞在はできなかったけど、会いに行きました。お父さんは定年してから、本職を辞めて、あるゴルフ場の保安官になりました。けっこう偉く聞こえるけど、実は、ゴルフカートに乗って、コースを回って人を助ける（案内など）をする仕事ですよ。でも、ゴルフ好きなお父さんに最適な仕事ですね！休日でもゴルフ場で過ごせるって最高！ある日、お父さんは私たちをそのゴルフ場に連れて行ってくれました。緑を楽しみながらゴルフカートを運転して楽しかったです！お父さん、ありがとうね！いつか、日本にゴルフしに来てね！

My Mom

Most of you have either met my mom or seen pics of her before, I'm sure. Many of you are even Facebook friends with her, perhaps? Anyhow, the lady on the right is my Mom. The other lady is my lovely Auntie Marie -- my mom's baby sister. Well anyways, I was so delighted to be able to spend time with my mom on this trip back. She is a lovely lady that I look up to greatly and wow, I cannot express my thanks to her! Many of you sons out there can relate, I am sure. Moms are the BEST! Love you Mom! (Love you too, Auntie Marie!)

僕のお母さんに会ったことある人も多くて、フェイスブックで友だちになっている人も何人かいます。この写真は、お母さん（右）とおばさん（左）のツーショットです。おばさんは、遠い所からおばあちゃんの誕生日のお祝いのために来てくれました。９人中の末っ子ですね。とても人柄が良くて、おもしろいおばさんです。お母さんとまたキャラが違っておもしろいです。今回は、お母さんと時間が過ごせたことを嬉しく思っていました。お母さんは本当に素晴らしい、尊敬すべき存在ですね。言葉で表せないくらい、感謝でいっぱいです。これを読んでいる息子達は、同感できると思います。お母さんは、最高！大好きだよ、お母さん！（おばさんも大好きだよ！）

My Grandma

I was so blessed to be back in Canada for my grandma's 93rd birthday. Well, technically that was the day we left, but we celebrated a few days early. The whole family gathered, and we ate some good Mennonite staples -- watermelon and roll kuchen, along with some other delights. Anyways, with so many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, my grandma was so delighted to be in the presence of the family on this day. It may not show on her face here, but she really was happy! She is getting old, but still hanging in there. Happy Birthday, Grandma! Love you!


私のおばあちゃんは先月、９３歳になりました。誕生日の３日前に、家族が集まりました。９人の子ども中７人が出席しました。他の２人は遠く住んでいるため、欠席しました。孫は２６人くらいいますが、今日は、１２人が来ました。そして、ひ孫は数えきれないので、統計をやめます（笑）　とにかく、おばあちゃんは、みんなの顔が見れてすごく幸せだったそうです。この写真ではあんまりわからないかもしれませんけど、帰りに、「ステキなパーティーだったねぇ」と言ったそうです。おばあちゃんは少しずつ老いててしまっているけど、まだ強いですよ！おばあちゃん、大好き！お誕生日、おめでとうございます！続けておばあちゃんの健康と幸せを祈っています。

Go-Karting with the Nephews

One day in Winnipeg, my bro and his wife invited us to join them as they took their sons go-karting. It had been years since I did any go-karting myself -- I remember getting kicked out for reckless driving back in the day -- so I thought it would be fun. And it was! Myles took turns riding by himself on the kids track, and with us on the grown-up track. Damon rode with his mom. Pizza dinner after the intense riding -- who could ask for a better day?


お兄さんの家族と一緒にゴーカートしました。６歳の甥っ子は、一人でキッズコースで走ったりしましたが、少しつまらなかったので、大人と一緒にも乗っていました。２歳の甥はもちろん、お母さんのカートに乗って楽しんでいました。終わったら、一緒にピザを食べました。楽しい一日をありがとう！

The Other Brother

Most of you know that I have two brothers. My last post was about the younger one, so this one will be about the elder. I have only recently understood how I feel about my older brother. I know he is not perfect, but he is one of my heroes. I admire so many things about him -- the way he is raising his sons, the way he thinks about the earth, his adventurous side, his intelligence, his ability to remain quiet (something I have difficulties with), and his awesome skills. One of those skills is photography, and he blessed us by taking engagement photos while we were back visiting. One of the results is below, and I think you'll agree with me that he's got a gift (and that my fiancee is pretty darn good looking!). Thanks, Ash! It was awesome spending time with you and the family, and I hope we can do so more in the future! (By the way, I look a LOT taller than my bro in this pic, but in fact I'm only 2 inches taller. I think I was standing on higher ground than he was.)


この前の投稿は、弟についてでした。僕には、お兄さんもいます。つい最近、お兄さんに対しての気持ちがわかるようになった。彼はもちろん完璧な人間ではないけど、僕のヒーローのような存在です。彼は色んな面において才能を持っています。子育てが上手で、環境の扱いが慎重で、色んなことに挑戦していて、頭が良くて、良く口に注意していて、写真がとっても上手です。私たちがカナダにいた時に、エンゲージメントフォトを撮ってくれました。公園や田舎で、色んな角度から、色んなポーズをきれいに撮ってくれた。その写真の一つは、上の写真です。上手でしょ？そして、僕のフィアンセはキレイでしょ（笑）？お兄さん、ありがとう！家族と時間が過ごせて嬉しかった！またやろうな！

The Brother

Perhaps some of you can relate to this. I got to visit with my younger brother Jay on the west coast, before making the trip in to Winnipeg to visit the rest of the family. I seldom get to see my bro, and we certainly do not keep in great touch... but there is something about a younger brother that is special. I was so blessed to spend time with him, even if we didn't "do" anything but shop for kites and other things. I am so blessed to have two awesome brothers, but I really do wish we lived closer together, or saw each other for more than a few hours per year. Love you, Jay!


同情できる人は何人かいると思います。私は、この旅に久しぶりに弟に会う事ができました。１年に数時間しか一緒に過ごせないし、別にいっぱい連絡取っているわけではないけど、弟は特別な存在です。主にそのすばらしい贈り物／関係が与えられて感謝でいっぱいです。もっと近く住んだら良いのにとすごく思う。短い間だったけど、会えて嬉しかったよ、ジェイ！

Welcome to Canada!

Last month, Yumi and I flew into Canada and were greeted at the airport by one of my favourite uncles and aunties: Pete and Alice. It was so great to see familiar faces right upon landing in Canada, and we had a sweet time of food and fellowship together. Thanks for the hospitality and help, Uncle Pete & Aunt Alice!


先月、友美と二人でカナダに行きました。バンクーバーに着いたら、すぐに大好きなおじさんとおばさんに会いました。一緒に食事して、交わったり励まし合ったりして本当に良かったです。ピートおじさん、アリスおばさん、お世話になりました。ありがとう！

She's Gone - 帰国

The alarm went off at 4:45am this morning. Had to get mother off to the airport. We left while it was still dark, around 5:20am. It took about 75 minutes to get to the airport - the roads were clear (both of traffic and snow). I had an incredible 3 weeks with my mom - that is the most time I have ever spent with her by myself - EVER! But I am so blessed to have a wonderful mother, and to have had that time with her. Thank You, Lord! Thank you, Mom! Pray for safe travels for her, as she is returning to Winnipeg (she's probably landing in Tokyo as I type this) and then down to Texas. Busy lady!


今朝は４時４５分に起きて５時２０分ぐらいに空港へ向かいました。３週間前は喜びながら空港へ行ってましたけど今回は少し悲しみながら運転していました。けど、こうやって人生初めてこんな長い時間をお母さんと二人きり過ごせた事を感謝しています。非常に楽しい３週間でした。お母さんの素晴らしいところをもう改めてわかり、もう一度神様に感謝しなきゃ！と思った。そしてお母さんが遠い北海道まで来てくれた事をも感謝しています！お母さんの旅路が守られるように祈りましょう！

Sheep on a Hill - 羊ヶ丘

今日で２回目この羊ヶ丘に行きました。けど、今回、初めてわかったのは実際にこの丘の上に羊が飼われていることだ！良いなぁ、この羊たちが毎日この素敵な全景が見えるなんて！羊ヶ丘にクラーク博士の銅像があって、雪祭りの博物館もあります。すごく興味深いところで、展望台も素晴らしいです。札幌に来る際はぜひ、羊ヶ丘に行ってください！


Today I went to Hitsuji Ga Oka (Sheep Hill) with my mom. Last time I came with my friends, it was really rainy out and we didn't spend much time outdoors. This time, though, despite it being a little cool, me and mom got to see a splendid view of Sapporo, and we also checked out the sheep (yes, Sheep Hill has sheep grazing it) and looked through the Snow Festival Museum. Overall it was a great day, capped off with some famous Hokkaido soft serve ice cream! If you ever come to Sapporo, you must check out Hitsuji Ga Oka!

Countdown to 2011

Well folks, it's a new year! What a better way to ring in the new year than to blog about it? Last night, I had the Lorincz family over and we chatted and watched a movie. I think games were an option too, but we never got around to it. Anyways, it was nice to have a "full house" here - I think it was the first time that more than 2 others were in my apartment with me, ever! Anyways, I pray that everyone would have a wonderful 2011 - even more exciting and blessed than 2010 was!!!


皆さん、２０１１年ですよ！時間が過ぎるのは早いですね！あけましておめでとうございます！沢山の人々がこのブログを読んでいることを感謝しています。どうか神様がこのブログを用いて日本人に喜び、希望、励ましを与えたら幸いです。今年もどうぞ、よろしくお願いいたします。昨夜は、ルーリンツ御一家をアパートに誘い、一緒にビデオを見たりおしゃべりしたりおつまみを食べたりして楽しい夜を過ごしました。皆さんの大晦日はいかがすごしたでしょうか？２０１１年がさらに神様に多くの祝福が与えられるように祈っています。

Last & Best Meal of 2010

Today, I got to experience something I probably haven't since I was a kid. Mom and I made homemade perogies and enjoyed them for dinner. WOW, I have to say they were incredible! You have to try them - words don't explain the deliciousness. You can as much enjoy the taste of something by reading a description of it, as you could enjoy music by smelling fresh-baked bread. Speaking of which, we also made fresh-baked bread today, too! Great way to end the year!


今日は久しぶりに（子どもの頃以来かな？）お母さんと手料理をして今年の一番美味しい食事を最後の日、最後の夕飯に食べました。その料理はなんと、ピエロギです。ピエロと関係ないよ！でも食べたら必ず微笑むから一応ピエロギとかけましてピエロと解きます。その心は、どちらも人に喜びをもたらすって言えるけどねづっちほど面白くないでしょ？とにかく、お母さんとおいしい料理を作っておいしい料理を食べて２０１０年の最高の締めくくりとなりました。それに、今日は美味しい手作りパンも焼いた。お腹が空いた人たちは、２０１１年にいつでもヴィンヤード琴似にいらっしゃい！

Last Yuni of 2010

On the way home from Marukoma Inn, we drove out to Yuni. More icy road conditions but the Lord is faithful and protected us and kept us safe. Anyways, we got to church a little late but I wanted to take a picture with Yumiko-san and Harumi-san and my mom... and Steve! The Yuni ladies bought me this cute sweatshirt for Christmas and I promised I would wear it the next time I came to town - so here it is! It was another great ministry day, and we know that God is going to continue to do a work out in Yuni!


旅館丸駒からの帰りに、由仁町に行きました。また雪道だったけど、神様は忠実に私たちを守ってくださり、無事に由仁町に着く事ができました。少し遅れましたが、どうしても由美子さんと春美さんとお母さん（そしてスティーブさん）と写真が撮りたかった。なぜなら、由美子さんと春美さんが私にこのステキなトレーナーを買ってくれたからです。『次に由仁に来たら着るよ』と約束したから、今日は記念の写真を撮りました。由仁町に毎週伝道しに行ける事を心から感謝してます。そして、神様は続けて由仁町で良い業を成す事を信じます。

Marukoma Inn @ Lake Shikotsu

What an awesome blessing! One of my students hooked me and my mom up with a night's accommodation at an inn a few hours outside of Sapporo. Normally it would have been a beautiful, scenic drive... but unexpectedly, it snowed all the way there, and the road conditions were treacherous! God protected us and we got there safely.


What a beautiful inn! What a beautiful room! What a beautiful view! What a beautiful God! So we chilled in the afternoon, playing games, and then went downstairs for dinner. WHAT? An 11-course meal? Are you KIDDING me? It was all Japanese food, and while I can't say I liked it all, I ate it all! I'm so proud of myself! Mom ate as much as she could as well... but she has never been a picky eater like me.


Then in the evening, we enjoyed the beautiful and refreshing hot springs. Wow, amazing! The whole day was just a lot of fun... thank You, Lord, for providing such a great little getaway for us! I am hoping that if the weather cooperates, Mom and I can head out somewhere else and see more of Hokkaido before she leaves on January 6th. Wow, time is flying!


月曜日にいつも江別市に行って、英会話を教えています。この前はお母さんを連れて行って、生徒たちに紹介しました。あそこの一人の生徒は「お母さんがいる間、どっか連れて行く予定あるの？」と尋ねました。「うーん、天候次第だけど、支笏湖に行く事を考えてるよ」と答えました。すると彼はたちまちに携帯電話を出して、"Just a moment, please (ちょっと待ってください)"と言い、友人に電話しました。５分後に支笏湖の旅館丸駒に予約を入れてくれました。しかも、ただ！


行ってみたら最高の（五つ星）旅館に泊める事ができた！食事も豪華で温泉はすごく良くて部屋も広くて心地良かった！これはまさに神様からの祝福だ！って思いました。感謝します！


行きはずっと雪が降ってて道が危なかったけど神様はすべてを守ってくださり、楽しい２日間を過ごす事ができました。そして帰りは千歳市に行ってお昼を食べた後、リサイクルショップに行ってショッピングをしました。お母さんはけっこうテンション高かったよー！神様がこういうワンダーフルな時を与えて、感謝します！

Long Time, No See!

日曜日に礼拝に来てくれたのは、道外に住んでいる友人たちに海外に住んでいるお母さんでした。紹介します。The special guests who came to our service this past Sunday were friends of mine who live outside of Hokkaido, and my mom, who lives in Canada. Let me introduce them to you:


This is Ryota. He lives in Osaka, and I met him for the first time last month when I was in mainland. And sometime in between our two meetings, he has become one of my skype English students! It was great to talk to him in person, though! 上の写真は良太と私です。先月に内地に行った時に出会いましたが、いつの間にかスカイプを通して良太に英語を教えることになりました。今回は生で話せて本当に良かったです！


次は、道産子の美保子です。札幌生まれで今はなんと、沖縄県伊江島に住んでいます。私と逆パターンですね！僕は日本に来て伊江島に最初に住んでいたけど今は札幌！美保子さんに出会ったのは４年前でした。カルバリーチャペル宜野湾の礼拝に来てて北海道出身と聞いたら興奮しました。「いつか北海道に引っ越しするのは夢です！｣とちょっとウソついてしまった（笑）The next picture is of Mihoko. She is originally from Hokkaido but now she lives on Iejima in Okinawa! Just the opposite of my life in Japan! Anyways, we met about 4 years ago at Calvary Chapel Ginowan, and when I heard that she was from Hokkaido I got all excited and told a little white lie about how it was my dream to one day move there! And now it's happened!


Last but not least, my mother. Of course you all know her by now if you've been reading my blog. She is from Canada and she is my mom and I love her. Great to have her here. By the way, this pic was taken at Sama, a soup curry place here in Sapporo. I thought my mom would like it, but I never thought she would say their curry tasted better than hers! (She makes amazing curry so that is a huge compliment to Sama!) 最後に、僕のブログを読んでくれている皆さんが良く知っている人です：マイ・マザーです。カナダから札幌に来た大好きなお母さんです。本当に一緒にいられるのは幸せです。ちなみに、この写真は札幌にあるスープカレーのお店の「SAMA」で撮られました。きっとお母さんがこういう食事なら気に入るだろうと思ったら、お母さんがなんと、このカレーは自分のカレーより遥かに良いものだと言い出した！（お母さんのカレーはめっちゃ美味しいなので、大した褒め言葉です。

Christmas Presents - Thank You!

The best Christmas present I received this year? Geez, I could answer this question in a lot of different ways, and none of them would fully express how I feel. But really, can you ever receive a present better than the one that Jesus Christ came to give us 2000+ years ago? HE is the reason for the season. What is this gift? Let me explain...

You and I were created by the God of love. The God who created the entire universe. He created us so that we could have a pure and perfect relationship with Him. But guess what... we are sinners. We have rebellious hearts and have consciously chosen to take steps away from God. Well, God cannot accept our sin, but He still wants US. But the punishment for sin is death. We are all carrying a death sentence. When we choose to rebel against God, we are choosing not life, but death. But God has given each of us the choice: Plan A is that His Son would pay the penalty that we deserved - death - and He paid it on a cross almost 2000 years ago. OR, we can choose Plan B, that is, we can say, "I don't need a Savior... I will take care of myself." Well, when you put it that way, you are putting yourself to death. Choose the cross, my friends.

今年の一番気に入ったクリスマスプレゼントは？と聞かれたらどんな答えを出しても自分の気持ちを１００％表せないと思います。やっぱり掛け替えのない、イエスキリストの愛は１番だね。イエスキリストが生まれたからこそクリスマスを祝っています。このシーズン（季節）のリーズン（理由）です。

私たちは愛の神によって造られました。万物を造られた神様が私たちと完全な純粋な関係を持つために我々を造ってくださいました。しかし、人間は神様に対して罪を犯し、完全である神様から離れなければなりませんでした。なぜなら、神様は私たちを愛していても罪とともにおられる事ができないからです。私たちが罪を犯したから、受けるべき罰は死です。それほど罪は深刻なものです。だけど、神様は私たちのために素晴らしいご計画を用意してくださいました。それは、ご自分の御子イエスキリストをこの地上に送り、私たちの罰を受けさせる事だった。要するに、イエスキリストが私たちの罪の罰を背負って、十字架の上に苦しまれて死にました。それゆえに私たちは神様の前に正しい人だとみなされています。ですから、私たちに２つの選択があります。イエスキリストを救い主として受け入れて永遠に神様と関係を持つ事か、自分で自分の罪の罰を受けて死んで永遠に苦しむ事か。みなさん、十字架を選びましょう。


On that note, I got a few sweet gifts from people I really care about... thank you all! You know who you are! And another swell gift was spending the holidays with my lovely mother... haven't been able to do this more than twice in the past 12 years! Sweeet! We watched It's a Wonderful Life in the afternoon, and we both dozed off during A Christmas Story (great movie, but after a satisfying meal, I guess we both felt groggy) in the evening. Overall Christmas score: 100. Thank You, Jesus!


（元々投稿しようと思った事は、大切な人たちからステキなプレゼントをいただいたことだったけど、神様の聖霊に導かれて上の『福音』を皆さんにどうしても伝えなければならなかったので、個人のことを小さく書きます。素敵なプレゼントをありがとう！そして、もう一つのステキなプレゼントは、久しぶりにお母さんと一緒にクリスマスを祝う事ができた事です。一緒にクリスマスの映画を見たり、美味しい食事したりをして最高のクリスマスデーだった！）

Yuni Christmas!

On Thursday night we headed out to Yuni as we always do. But this time, we had more people and a bigger party! Not only was it our Christmas service, but it was Krisztina's 13th birthday, too! She invited a couple of her friends, and all the kids came out as well. And of course, my lovely mother was there as well. The ladies (Harumi & Yumiko) came as always, and Mr. Hayashi also came. We had a time of worship followed by the Word (Luke 2:1-21). Then Steve had the lights dimmed and we all got candles and lit them and sang Silent Night.


After that we had a delicious dinner (rotisserie chicken, risotto, yakitori, meatballs, salad, and lots of sweets for dessert, including birthday cake for Krisztina), followed by a gift exchange. It was such a joy-filled night, and we were all blessed to be a part of celebrating Christ's birth! Let's keep praying for the people of Yuni!


木曜日の夜はいつも通り、由仁町に伝導しに行きました。今回はいつもより規模が大きくてちょっとパーティーの雰囲気がありました。なぜなら、キリストの誕生日もクリスティナの誕生日も祝ったから！クリスティナは２人の友達を連れててルーリンツご夫妻の子どもたちみんな一緒に来て、それに林さん、春美さん、由美子さん、私のお母さん、合計１３人の集まりだった！主にハレルヤ！


賛美の時間の後、ルカによる福音書２章１−２１節のメッセージがあって、それに一人一人一本のロウソクを持ちながら「きよしこの夜」を歌いました。その後、美味しい食事をし（チキン、リゾット、焼き鳥、ミートボール、サラダ、ケーキ、駄菓子など）、プレゼント交換をしました。本当に由仁伝道所は主の喜びで溢れていました！これから由仁町の人たちが救われるように祈り続きましょう！イエスキリストの誕生日、おめでとうございます！

At ULA

Tonight Mom was able to sit in on my English class at ULA. I wasn't sure if she would enjoy it or not, but I knew many students wanted to meet her and talk to her. Sure enough, there were 9 students the first hour (normally I get 3-4) and everyone had questions and wanted to get to know my mother! After the first hour, most of the students left but the four who stuck around for the second hour got to have a little fun. Afterwards I asked her what she thought, and she really had a great time! She said it was wonderful getting to know the ladies in the class. And one of my dear students even made a delicious cheesecake so we had some good food while we were chatting! Thanks for the fun night at work, ULA students!


今日はお母さんを英会話クラスに連れて行って来ました。僕の生徒はすごく楽しみにしていたのでワクワクしながら教室に入りました。いつもより人数が多くて楽しいひと時を過ごせた。美代子さんがチーズケーキを作ってくれて嬉しかったです！とても美味しくてちょうどお腹が空いた時に食べれて最高だった！そして何よりもお母さんが授業の後、「とっても楽しかった。生徒さんはみんな優しくて楽しそうだったから私も楽しめた」と言ったことは自分も嬉しく思いました。ULAの皆さん、今日はお母さんを暖かく歓迎してくれて本当にありがとうございました！

At work and at play

Well, Mom's been here for 3 days now. So what have we done? What have we been up to? Not a whole lot... just much mother-son bonding. Friday she took a nap while I was at work, then we went to a little Christmas party. Saturday I think we spent the entire day just talking and playing games and eating. Oh yeah, we watched Amal... great movie! Sunday we went to church together, then before my "bridal fair wedding" that I conducted (which Mom watched) we walked over to the famed "clock tower" here in Sapporo. After the wedding we hung out with the Lorinczes until evening and then came home and played more games. Today I think we just continued chatting - skyped with the younger bro (mine) and the older bro (Mom's). Took a little walk, and that's about it! I'm off to work and Mom said she would play games and do little things around the house... hope she doesn't rearrange it too much! Having fun though... here's to another 17 days!


お母さんが来て３日になっていますが、「毎日何してるの？」と良く聞かれます。実は、特に何もしてないんです。金曜日は僕がアルバイトをした間、お母さんがゆっくり休んでいました。その後、ちょっとしたクリスマスパーティに行きました。土曜日は一日中、おしゃべりとゲームタイム。夜はアマルという素晴らしい映画を一緒に見ました。日曜日は教会の後、僕は模擬結婚式があってお母さんがそれを見ました。その前に札幌の名所の時計台に行って来た。お昼はルーリンツご夫妻と一緒に過ごし、夜はまたゲームタイム！今日はまたおしゃべりにゲーム、スカイプ、散歩など。これから僕はアルバイトに行くけどお母さんはまたゆっくりすると言っていました。今まで楽しく過ごしています！残り１７日間、思いっきり楽しむぞ！