Today was our first full day in Iwakuni. It saw a radical change in our schedule. We had to be ready to leave our dorms by 6:45am to walk 15 minutes to the mess hall. After breakfast (about 7:30-7:45) we would walk another 15 minutes to the field were we were going to do our camp. Camp began at 8:30 with an introduction to the coaches who all picked cute camp names. The camp was broken up in to age groups (6's, 7's, 8's, 9's, 10-11's, 12-13's) and then a group of older guys. Most of the day was spent with various soccer skills and the different age groups rotating around the different soccer skill stations. There were frequent water breaks due to the heat, so during those breaks (under the pavilion), we did songs, games and contests with the kids. Although it was hot and humid, we were not "black-flagged" (meaning it was so bad we would have to end the camp for the day). Camp ended at 11:30 and those parents who chose not to have their kids stay for Bible time pick them up. At 11:40, we do our Bible time, which consisted a skit about Noah and the ark led by Danielle.
After camp it was another walk back to the mess hall, followed by another walk back to our dorms. We had some rest time, and then it was another 15 minute walk to the bus station to catch the bus to the train station. There was a mixup with the bus information somehow, so Paul had to scramble to get six taxis ordered to take us to the train station. Paul was able to ask a passerby to call on her phone for us. Well, we finally got to the train station and then it was about a 45-minute train ride south to Tokuyama to play the Tokuyama University women's soccer team. When Biola played them 2 years ago, Tokuyama won 5-0. This year, we won 3-0 (Morgan scored 2 goals----almost 3, and Emily scored the other goal). After the game and a shower, we went to the cafeteria to eat dinner with them. We were hosted by the University President and the President of the Athletic Department. The University President's wife is a strong believer, but he is not---yet. Paul was able to introduce the missionary Jonathan Luethy by asking him to pray. The University president spoke up then and explained to the girls that this was an American custom and to go ahead. It was nice to have his support even though he is not a believer. It was a great time of mixing and building relationships---we first played this University's mens team back in 1999. Ashleigh concluded the evening with her testimony.
We were joined at the game by missionaries Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, who have been missionaries in this area for about 35 years. Their son Ben toured with the Seahorses to Japan in 1998-1999. Thursday we will be playing another game in the Luethy's area to help them build contacts there. Another missionary named Bill was there who knew Danielle's parents and grandparents. To those who haven't read all the previous blogs, Danielle is our certified athletic trainer, whose grandparents took over the ministry from Paul's parents. Bill also brought a Japanese man who was a student when Danielle's father was a teacher here. It is wonderful to see both the commitment of these missionaries, and to see how God's tapestry weaves through many generations. Pray that we will finish strong as we leave on the 25th---early.
Pictures
Day 16 Video Montage
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