I spent the coldest month of the year in two sunny locales: southern California and Florida! Lucky me.
I arrived in Los Angeles on Christmas morning and two Santas and an elf greeted me at the airport. We came home and opened the presents Santa had brought us. I love the little light and pretty apron I received! I must have been a good girl this year!
In Los Angeles, I went to several bookstores and took the Metro train to downtown LA to see the Japanese American museum.
During WWII, Japanese-Americans living on the West coast of the U.S. were forced into Internment camps in isolated, desert areas, leaving all their homes, businesses and property behind.
They were American citizens, many were born in the U.S. Nevertheless, they were made to evacuate taking only one suitcase. There was a fear that those located on the coast would take part in espionage.
Loyal citizens, many volunteered for the U.S. army and gave their lives for their country.
Their homes and property were never returned to them.
I admire they way they made a life for themselves in the desolate camps, forming Boy Scout troops, baseball teams and observing holidays.
On New Years, Yukie made a lovely Japanese feast which we call Osechi. I was a bit under the weather and wasn’t able to help, but I enjoyed eating it!!
Try and I enjoyed stories of Sam and Moon Dog which he loves me to tell. We made really great mini-Pizzas, just the two of us. It was lots of fun and yummy too.
Wonderful to be united with Lidia and with Noriko, Christian friends I made in L.A. 2 years ago. So glad we could meet up and pray together!
Florida in January
From there I flew to Florida to see Kirsten, my grandson Bobby and Kent and Doris. I hadn’t been down there for 4 years! Bobby had grown into a fine young man and talented musician.
While there, Kent had asked me to make a presentation at his church on Christianity in Japan, which we finally titled, “Hidden Christians in Japan.” I was nervous and a little worried about my condition, But God is so good and I felt fine that morning. I was able to talk to a group of 34 about the history of Christianity in Japan, the plight of hidden Christians during the ban on worship from 1587 to 1873.
I used power point for the first time. Kent was able to tape it and put it on YouTube. I was just thankful that it went well, people were so interested and I was able to give a testimony to God’s mercy and love for me.
I ate well there! We had baby back ribs! and even lobster tail broiled in lots of butter! I enjoyed just hanging out with Doris and Kent. One night we all played “Pictionary” which was loads of fun. Marie came up to help me w iht setting up my computer and stayed to eat and play the game.
Kent took me to several used bookstores too. I couldn’t buy a lot due to the weight limits but it’s fun to browse and I got 4 or 5 books.
I’m really glad to see Grandma Dora who, at 95, is as sharp as ever! Kirsten picked me up at Tampa airport. We had lunch at her home with Dora.
It was so good to see Kirsten and I’m so proud that she is in college now! I would have done that if I could so I’m thrilled to see her doing it.
The time went all too fast and I regret Kent and I had to spend so much time setting up my new PC. But it was wonderful to see Kent and Doris. They got up before 4:00 AM to take me to the airport. When I got out of the car, I was so intent on finding a porter for my bags that I forgot to give Kent a big hug Goodbye. Later, when I realized it, I felt so sad..
Thanks so much for everything. You guys are my family and no one else would do for me what you all did! I miss you all now.
Baba's Kitchen 