So.... Tom left for Japan this past monday, 4-11-11. We packed up 4 boxes (2-50 lb boxes and 2-70 lb boxes) full of supplies (the big items were the 2 power washers with hoses and extension cords). The airline that they were flying will allow anyone going on a relief trip to bring the 4 check-in items for free! It was a bit of a challenge to get the weights just right, but the guy that checked us in was really laid back about everything....which was a blessing!
We have been able to skype twice in the past 5 days. I talked to him this morning...9:00am cst, 11:00pm jst. There are five of them on the team together (although 3 are together in Sendai and 2 arrived yesterday and will be doing things separately from the others....Dave has been really good about blogging: http://sushieaters.blogspot.com/). Tom, Kevin and Jason are spending the night in the home of missionaries in Sendai tonight (and were able to get showers!) and will go to Ishinomaki in the morning. They drove a truck up to the Sendai area 3 days ago full of supplies to give out.
Please continue to pray for their team:
-for health and safety
-for sleep and rest at night
-for strength as they will be doing manual labor...helping people clean out their houses
-for good interactions with the japanese that they are serving, that they could share about Jesus
-for unity on their team....that they would continue to get along well and enjoy each other's company
Please pray for me and the kids at home:
-that I would be patient with them
-Leighton has been going through a stubborn phase...well, more stubborn than normal...
-Matthias seems really upset that Tom isn't around, especially when he's tired
-that we would love each other well
-I am thankful that my parents were here for part of the time (they left yesterday)...pray that I would get rest so I won't be crabby with the kids. Last night was rough with tornado sirens going off at 2 in the morning. I ended up waking the 2 big kids up (b/c they sleep under windows) and leaving the 3 littles asleep.
We are grateful that Tom has this opportunity to be involved in this relief effort. It really is such a short time...with so much to do! Please continue to pray for the country of Japan.... for the rebuilding that is going to take so much time.... pray that their hearts (in the midst of this devastation) will know Christ (our Rock and Strongtower).
