Most of you reading this are probably familiar with American churches. They are typically a come and go as you please style of church. If you visit one, you are likely to have to venture out on your own to meet anyone. Well, this Japanese church is quite unique. Upon visiting, and indicating our desire to get involved, my wife and I were each assigned a group of people to hang out with. These are 'cell groups,' though they are different from the American groups by the same name. The groups are divided by men/women, although they often interact together for events and meals. Upon joining the group, there are semi-formal introductions, and then you are immediately accepted as one of the members of the group. The groups, although at first might seem to limit your social interaction, actually help you immensely by grouping you immediately into a band of friends that you will get to know very well. It is helpful for an immediate feeling of belonging.
This is our new church. Last week we played volleyball with all the groups together, then had dinner. This week my group (Marc) played baseball with some other guy groups, and then connected with the ladies for lunch. We then attended worship service, sitting together, and afterwards hung out. After that, we ate dinner together with whoever wanted to go. It's an amazing way to get people connected fast. Instead of meeting people based on what you personally like and dislike, you meet people for who they are and as they are, and you learn to like it (hopefully!).
Kim has similar experiences of her group, and we are both enjoying it very much.
Oh, and yes, it's finally getting cold. Although you can see your breath outside, we haven't used an ounce of heat yet. That's right, no heating has been used, and my fingers are getting too cold to type as it is right now (and it only gets worse from now until February).
I will post again soon! Please keep checking back! Don't forget to visit our photo website, where you can see pictures of our latest adventures and all of our Japanese friends (and even not-so-Japanese friends). Here's the link: Marc and Kim's Picture website -- BOOKMARK IT!
