Shrimp. Onion. Bell Pepper. Repeat.

Maybe it's because as a teenager I would have much rather read a Southern Living magazine than Seventeen. Or maybe because being home with my parents was much more appealing than a highschool football game. My cookbook collection, my love for Branson, Missouri and my bladder medication as well as the above can attest to the fact that I am (and have always been) an old lady living in the wrong body. I've always had a huge heart for the elderly (possibly because I feel as though I fit in best with them) so while in Japan I have been looking for some way in which I could specifically minister to this select group of people. I talked to Mrs. Teresa a little bit about the elderly in Japan and she said that they are often forgotten about. This didn't settle well with me in the least bit and unless the problem is solved, I hope it never does. I began sharing with her my desire to help and serve in this fashion. She immediately perked up and said ''Oh, well you need to go with the Southaven team to the Daycare Center!'' In Japan, nursing homes are called ''Daycare Centers''  and it just so happened that our volunteer team from Boulevard Baptist Church in Southaven was going to the center to host a barbecue, play bingo and sing for the residents. I was so excited, I could't wait. The building was small and quaint and I believe they have about eight or nine residents at the present time. James, a member of the Southaven team, is a master barbecue man so we were all in for a treat. He grilled chicken (with Rendevouz BBQ sauce) and shrimp shiskabobs. I helped him prepare the food in the kitchen, cutting bell peppers and putting the food on the skewers for the shishkabobs. Shrimp. Onion. Bell Pepper. Shrimp. Onion. Bell Pepper. Shrimp. Onion. Bell Pepper. Afterwards, I was able to spent time with the precious residents. Two of them had birthdays that day so we sang to them and celebrated with cake after lunch. I became especially close to a little lady named Kimi. She is about 4'6'' inches standing straight up, and I easily could have picked her up and taken her home. If I knew how to get back to the center by myself, I would. This is one case where Charlie probably rejoices in my lack of directional knowledge because I'd be camping out on the front steps of that place if I could figure out how to get there. Before I left, Kimi gave me a fan and a cell phone charm. We hugged five times and she had to pull her cute little handkerchief out to wipe her tears each time. Most people want to come back from Asia with babies, I want 86 year old Kimi and all her friends. After they pulled me away, I had a few minutes before I had to head to Sannomiya to meet the rest of the Interns for 5 minute english. I was partnered with Drew this time, and the first forty minutes were completely dead. I started getting real discouraged and honestly, a little mad. A little while later a man walked up to us and said ''Hello, do you know Charlie, I know Charlie.'' We were so excited, and we told him ''yes! we work with Charlie.'' He asked if we were all Christians and I asked if he was. He is and has been for five years. He told us that he knows evangelism is hard in Japan but that we should be encouraged because if we keep trying, the people will come. While he was talking, two girls came up and stood behind him. He saw them, smiled and said ''Go ahead, get to work'' as he walked away. Thank you Lord for encouragement from Japanese brothers and sisters in Christ. Friends, to God be the glory, great things he has done.