The next Sunday we had a special Christmas service. The children and some ladies played some Christmas carols on hand bells, and afterwards we had a great feast. It was a potluck and people brought many interesting and good foods.
The next day, we had a children's service Christmas service. The kids all gathered on the sanctuary floor and Haruka and Tomowari hosted the event. There was a short message, more carol singing, and several performances. One was a repeat of the handbell performance. The other was my Christmas Flashmob that I taught to the kids. I used the same routine that Bluewater Mission had done several years ago and several of the English students and staff members joined in. It was pretty fun.
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| Handbell carols. |
After the singing and dancing, Santa and... Mrs. Claus (?) and Rudolph came in for a surprise visit. We had another round of Secret Santa, this time with the kids separated into two groups of boys and girls. Hisashi led everyone in a candlelit service. Children and open flame candles, AHH! Fortunately, the building didn't burn down. Afterwards all the kids got a present. And so did I. Yay!
The Sasaki Family also invited me over to their house for their annual Christmas tradition. We had a dinner around the table that was very American. It included a carved Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cake. Cake part not so American.
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| Hisashi carving the turkey. |
After dinner, everyone gathered around the living room and exchanged presents. Each member gave a present to everyone in the group. I was surprised when even I got presents. It was a very kind gesture. Everyone got really nice things. Hiromitsu got a nice sweater vest. And Hajime got two cases of energy drinks. Everyone was amused.
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| Hajime's lifetime supply of energy drinks. |
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| Hiromitsu's new vest. |
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