It's throw up day . . .

{a very wise preacher and friend explained this to us, and it is so perfect.  Other missionaries who have been in our shoes will understand what we mean}


The story of Jonah would be the one of the first missionary stories in the Bible.  God told Jonah to go to a land far away and take the gospel to them.  Jonah didn't really want to obey so he ran away, got on a ship and was swallowed by a whale.  While in the belly of the whale Jonah had a change of heart.  Jonah knew he should take the Gospel to these people.  It was hard in the belly of the whale, it was not always fun.  Jonah didn't always know what he was going to eat or how he would be taken care of.  God always provided for him, took care of him and showed him everything would be OK.  And then one day, it was throw up day!!  The day he would no longer be on deputation, I mean in the belly of the whale.  The day he would be ready to RUN to his new land and share the Gospel with these people. 

 Here is our story about Throw Up Day!!

Well we have made it safe and sound in Japan.  I have had several people asking for pictures and wanting to know how the kids did.  So here goes . . . .


We loaded the church van bright and early on Monday morning (5:30 am) to head to the airport.  After a tearful goodbye we checked our bags and headed off to security.  Everyone did great getting through security.  We found our gate and then found McDonald's!!!  Coffee for the grown ups and sausage biscuits for the kids.  Everyone was happy.  Now we load the plain and off we go to LA

 Mike and Rachal

 Eli gives a "thumbs up after take off"

Jonah and Noah happy to be in the air too!!

The flight to LA was only 3 hours.  Once in LA we had to switch from "Domestic Flights" to "International Flights"  So here we go with four kids, 6 carry on bags, 6 back packs and having no clue where to go.  We finally figured out that we had to leave the secure area, walk outside and over the the next building.  Then we had to go thru security again.  Mike was selected for "random screening" with the TSA.  This would be his second time in the last three flights to be pat down and searched.  I guess he just has "that face" that makes them want to search him. 

We finally find our gate and then stop for a snack.  The kids are still doing good and excited to board the "Big Plane".  Here are a few pictures from the plane ride.

 Jonah and Eli  watching movies

 Dinner and a movie with Noah and Rachal

 Dinner was grilled chicken, rice, noddles and rice crackers

(it was really good)

 Desert was Green Tea ice cream - YUM!!

 The boys slept . . . .

 Clouds

Tracking the flight . . . . almost there!!

After our 12 hour flight we finally landed in Tokyo.  The kids were so excited to see Japan.  We had two hours to get through Immigration, get our luggage through Customs, and check back in for our next flight to Fukuoka.  Here are more pictures . . . .

And here is my favorite picture. 

(It had to be retaken because of the tears and hugging.

 Not everyone made it in the retake.) 

When we came through the sliding doors we were welcomed to our new home by our new church family.