Day 11, Temple, Sushi, Game

Since breakfast was late this morning (9am), we got up before that and left at 8:30am for a walk to a local temple.  It was both for exercise and for sightseeing.  After breakfast at 9am, we had a time of worship led by Mike, and then a devotional by Coach Ray of the 5 habits of a successful leader.  Then the women had some time on their own with Team Mom Susan, while the men had their own prayer time.
     Lunch time saw a trip to Hamazushi, a very popular sushi bar.  It was a great experience for the girls.  Back to church for a rest and then at 3:00 we left for the Otori junior high school for a game (this is the school where BJ's son James goes to school). They had 3 teams, each a different level of play.  We played a 30-minute period against each of the three teams.  The final score was 1-1.  These boys are very good and very fast.  After the game, we did both of our songs, and then the boys did their own song.  Mike gave his testimony today.  Then we just did a lot of spontanious mixing.   Also today, we got a visit from Shizuko.  For those new to the Seahorses, Shizuko's daughter Emi became a Christian a number of years ago, and even spent 2 years in the US playing with the Seahorse counterparts in Charlotte---the Charlotte Lady Eagles.  While Emi is a Christian, her mom Shizuko is not.  Yet she loves the Seahorses and shows up every year and showers us with gifts.  Paul keeps a continuing relationship with her due to Emi, and we pray though that, as she likes to gift us, one day Shizuko will accept God's ultimate gift.
     After the games, we went to the sento to clean up and then back to the food court for dinner.  At dinner we got a chance to meet Masa, who we will be working with for the next couple of days at his soccer academy.  He showed up at the food court to see Paul & BJ and go over the details of what we will be doing the next couple of days.  It was good to see him again.  When we got back to the church where we were staying, we had a short team meeting to go over the details of the next day---including getting up early and ready to LEAVE by 7am.   It was good to have a really slow day today (although it was really hot for what we did do), as the next 3 days are going to be very busy.  Thank you all for being understanding if your tour participant is not able to contact you.

Pictures
Day 11 Video Montage