The morning started off with breakfast and a devotional by Zoe. She read from Psalm 34 and then prayed for breakfast. Then the team walked about 10 minutes to a local elementary school and did a clinic for the kids there. We started with the team picture (before everyone was hot and sweaty) and then each team member introduced themselves (watashi wa-- "name", my name is "?"). After introductions we passed out gifts (team brochure and rubber bracelets). We were also visited by the school principal who thanked us and hoped we had a good stay in Japan. Clinic consisted of various drills and of course games. After the clinic, we did our post-game ceremony of Kimi-Wa, Hippo song. We had already done a testimony with this group the other night, so there was no testimony today. We did pass out another little gift to them (a rubber "popper" thing where you push the circles back and forth). After the clinic, the team walked back to the church. They were real troopers as it was another hot and muggy day. The kids "joined" us for lunch. There were so many of them, that they all ate while we chilled and then we ate while they chilled. Sooo many people that we have to give another special shout-out to Yoko the marvelous cook, and the team of church volunteers who help serve. One special note about the meal, which speaks to why we are here in Japan was when the boys and there coaches came for lunch. It was the first time they had EVER been in a church. Then Pastor Hasui prayed for the meal. Very unusual. Who knows what this introduction to a church, Pastor Hasui's prayer, and the fun they had with the team to follow will mean in the future, but some more seeds were sown. So, after both teams had eaten, everyone gathered back upstairs for English time. After breaking into groups, there was time for everyone to practice saying their name, age, favorite color, food, family members, etc. all in English. The various groups played their own games and then everyone formed one large circle to play some other games. It would take too much time to explain the various games, so just watch the montage and/or ask your tour member. Speaking of seeds, after lunch we were visited by Ken-Chan (who became a Christian through the 1998 Seahorse tour) and her parents. Her dad is the one who would not speak to her for a year after she became a Christian, but yet he still continues to make these trips to visit Paul, despite now his failing health. Who know what seeds are growing in his heart. Pray for him. After a break in the afternoon, it was back to SSU for another game (Sophie scored a goal tonight, Peyton scored one last night). There was more bonding after the game (as you can see in the pictures/video), many were connecting on social media, and many invites were given to visit the US (more seeds). Who knows the fruit this will produce in the future? The clinic had an impact on some of the kids such that some of them came to the game to cheer us on. After the game, it was showers at the field and off to the Cafe Gusto for dinner. About 6 of the SSU girls joined us at the restaurant. A long and tiring day, but lots of seed planting. Please pray for these seeds
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