In preparation for the visitors we had coming on mission trips, we upgraded the Microwave and Rice Cooker. We were able to do so thanks to some generous Christmas gifts from friends in Australia, so I want to thank you again for your support.
The old Microwave (approximately 1987 vintage) which was barely working, too small for the larger bento meals, and probably unsafe, was thrown away in October 2009. We had gone without a microwave for three months. We decided to get a microwave that also has an convection oven and grill since our house lacks an oven and grill, we only had a gas stove top.
The case with the rice cooker: the one which someone had given us when we arrived was pretty old and would oft burn the rice, especially if you tried to cook more than a cup of rice. So with young men coming to serve, we decided to get one that would handle a bigger amount.
Note 18/09/2010: A lot has happened since I last posted in July. There was a visit back to Perth and all of the preparations that went with it. Once I got back here (to Japan), I had a busy few weeks and have been pretty much booked out for the last two weeks. I've now got a bit of a lull in the bookings for the next three weeks (however things could change), I'm trying to catch up on some my admin work and Japanese study while I can. Hopefully I can get a few more of these Mission Japan entries up, over the next few weeks. In a months time my youngest sister is coming for a visit and I'm pretty excited about that, looking forward to introducing her to the students and church friends. I know this PBLOG is still in January, but I want to keep it going like this (and not jump forward) as a testimony to the work that God has done here in our lives and the lives of some our friends. - James