Why I Love Higashi Kurume

I really love this suburb of Tokyo. We're only a train ride away from downtown, should I ever want to go there, but far enough out that we enjoy that hometown feel. The transportation system is great and the pollution levels are reasonable. At this time our radiation levels are well within the range of healthy. Two rivers run through the city flanked by walking trails and greenery. I can walk to a grocery store, the post office, the school where I work, and even to various doctors.

But the best part about Higashi Kurume is the people. Of course we have our missionary coworkers and school families, but it goes beyond that. The workers at the city office go out of their way to be helpful. The local merchants are great.

The other day I went to get my hair cut at the shop where I've been a regular customer for 23 years. They still charge me the same price they did when I began going there even though the posted placard has a higher price. The shop is run by a mother (now in her 70s and still doing hair!) and her daughter. The daughter and I are the same age and each have two kids (a boy and a girl) about the same ages.

When I entered the shop they already had one customer but they drew her right into the conversation because they were so eager to see our son's wedding pictures. They lined the pictures up against the mirrors and stared a hole in them. They were so excited and commented on how much he had grown.

I asked them how they got along in the summer heat with reduced electricity. They said they were fine but there were seven ambulances that passed by their shop on one particularly hot day. Elderly people would resist turning on the air conditioning and then pass out.

By the time my locks were chopped (she really gives me my money's worth!), there were no other customers. My hair dresser immediately brought out a cold drink to encourage further chatting. After getting all caught up on our summers, she sent me out the door with some fresh vegetables.

Yes, I love living in Higashi Kurume.

Remembering the Earthquake-6 Months Later

I actually wrote the following post on March 12, the day after the devastating earthquake. As we remember the earthquake six months ago on this date, I'm again reminded of how God kept my heart in peace through difficult circumstances. Isn't that just like God to offer peace in the midst of chaos!

March 12, 2011 Post
Thursday I woke up in the early morning hours with a debilitating migraine headache. I wasn't able to do anything for Russ. He made his own breakfast, put away the laundry, and even took a bag of trash outside for pick-up. Since he is paralyzed in half his body, carrying anything while grasping his cane and navigating the slope outside our front door is quite a feat!

God's timing is impeccable. He knew that the next day we would have a major earthquake and I would be stuck in the mountains far away from home. Russ would be home alone. The memory of what he was able to do without my help on Thursday assures me that God will help him manage. Since the earthquake yesterday I have had no direct contact with Russ but I'm totally confident God is caring for Russ. Russ is only theoretically alone.

Yesterday (3/11) I came up here to Karuizawa to meet with some homeschooling families. As my last consultation was coming to a close the building started shaking violently. We stood in the doorway until we heard over a megaphone that we needed to evacuate the building. Thankfully we didn't have to stand outside for long since the temperature was well below freezing. We gathered in the newest building and had roll call. All were accounted for.

I figured my 4PM train would be delayed, but at that time didn't realize the extent of the earthquake damage. I went to the train station and learned that they had no idea when the trains would be running again. Cells phones weren't working so I used a pay phone to try to make calls but couldn't get through to anyone. I decided to get a refund on my ticket and go to my friend's house.

I have no way to get home. I was able to go to sleep last night but woke up at 4:30 AM to two more 6.0 earthquakes. I decided it was a good idea to be dressed and ready to evacuate if necessary (though I still don't expect to). Aftershocks continue. What I used to think of as rather strong earthquakes, are frequent.

Please pray that I'll be able to talk to Russ and the Lord willing we'll be able to be united. I am grateful to be staying at the warm home of missionaries.

Please pray that God will use this to draw people to Himself.

Flossie