Calligraphy with Miho

Calligraphy with Miho -

A couple of months ago we had the opportunity to practice Japanese calligraphy with Miho at her studio. She teaches traditional Japanese calligraphy and we had a wonderful time learning more about this Japanese art form.

Practicing various strokes and pressures to get the right effect

We first started by making our own ink. We rubbed the charcoal stick into a powder and added water. We then worked the charcoal to make it the correct consistency, selected the correct width of brush for our specific project, and began to practice.

The first thing I noticed was calligraphy is much harder than it looks. Miho made it look effortless and graceful. I struggled to hold my arm and hand in the correct position, to push down just hard enough to make the stroke thickness accurate, and then let off so the tails of the letters were wispy. 

I know it looks simple, but it is not!

This was a lot of fun and gave us an appreciation for the massive calligraphy signs you see around Japan. We practiced several characters before selecting the one we would put on our board to take home. I chose the kanji for "light", Bob chose the kanji for "road or path" and Stephanie chose the kanji for "Japan".

Bob selected a difficult kanji to try

Miho blessed us with a wonderful lunch and calligraphy lesson at her studio. We got to bring home our kanji characters which are now displayed in our genkan (entry way). 

Our final products signed and stamped by Miho

Stephanie Joins Heguri Mini-Basketball -

Some time in June Stephanie started attending practices with the local mini basketball team and officially joined the team in July. It has been a wonderful and unique experience for both her and our family.

Our team banner at the tournament

There are have been some comical misunderstandings on our part and also a lot of patience on their part as the team mothers communicate practice changes and game schedules. We are grateful they allowed Stephanie to be part of the team and are so gracious in working with us.

She played in a tournament in July with twenty three teams from our region. The gym was quite large and consisted of three teams playing at any given time. Our girls played well but did not advance to the next round of play.

Preparing for the tip off

They definitely play a different style of basketball here with practices four days a week ranging anywhere from 2-4 hours. The first half of practice is conditioning and ball handling. We were shocked to find no one shoots the basketball the first half of practice. We see the impact of this type of practice though, as Stephanie's dribbling and ball handling skills have improved tremendously.

Lined up for a free throw

We are enjoying getting to know the families and participate in the social gatherings associated with the basketball team culture. It has been a great way for us to become acquainted with local families and continue trying to speak Japanese.

Stephanie catching somen noodles from the bamboo pipe

These pictures were taken at basketball family day which consisted of eating somen noodles and soybeans sent down a bamboo shoot, eating kakigori (shaved ice), and finishing off the festivities with with a players vs. parents basketball game.

Alex catching some lunch as well

You can eat the noodles from the end of the pipe...but I don't recommend it!

Our friend James and Bob trying their hand at catching somen noodles

Stephanie is picking up Japanese really quickly given she is around many girls her age who only speak Japanese. She is probably the most fluent Japanese speaker in our home now and is likely the most natural sounding conversationalist. She has a lot more opportunity to practice her Japanese than the rest of us and it shows.

Day Trip to Suma with Miko and Kazu -

We took a brief day trip to Suma and met up with former MFWI students to enjoy a warm day at the beach. Kazuyo was one of our very first home stay students with MFWI several years ago in Spokane and Mikiko was also a home stay student maybe two summers ago in the US. We swam, played some games on the beach and finished our visit with dinner and donuts together. It was great to catch up with the girls briefly during their summer break before they begin studies again.

Day trip to Suma in Kobe, Japan with Kazuyo and Mikiko

Donuts at a local bakery in Suma

I apologize it has been nearly two months since my last blog entry. I hope now that school is back in session my schedule will allow for more consistent blog entries. We continue to be amazed at the friendships and opportunities we have been afforded since arriving in Japan.

We love living in Japan and are trying to take in the culture and experiences whenever possible. Thank you for your continued support be it financial, prayer support, or both. We know it is by God's grace we are here and we want to be effective for Him in our calling. We ask you to pray for those we encounter while in Japan. May their hearts be open to the gospel and may we be effective witnesses of His love and the gift of salvation.

We appreciate all you do to help us serve in Japan and are very aware of our partners around the world. May God bless your obedience and may He be exalted in our joint efforts to reach this amazing country for Christ.

In Christ,

K. Chadduck

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