Dear Family and Friends,
We are reaching the end of our time in Ishinomaki. We have today (Wednesday) and tomorrow and then Friday we return to Tokyo. The Cheese Team flies home Saturday afternoon and the Avocado Team leaves Sunday night.
We got a huge boost from the team from Brazil yesterday! They worked on the mudding out while we continued to do the final "above ground" details. We still have a little floor to cut out and odd jobs like ripping out the bathroom (saving till last because it is the only working bathroom on the job site) and some closets. Molly has been a trouper! She has spent uncounted hours pulling nails out of everything we give her. She has had a little help here and there to get on top of the pile, but she has been relentless. Josh has pried up floorboards and pulled nails in the joists while keeping the Brazilian Team a place to work at mudding. The Brazilians got ~ 1/2 of the mudding finished yesterday. We still hope to finish the house tomorrow and with one more day of help from the Brazilians, we should be close.
I think everyone is getting weary. I know I am! Last night most of the team went to a Japanese Bath House for a good soak in hot and cold waters. I decided at the last minute not to go because they were going to be back late and if I don't get enough rest, my back hurts too much to work. I regretted my decision as soon as they were gone because the soak sounded so good. No one has gotten out of bed yet today, so I don't know how they enjoyed the experience. Maybe I can get Josh to write about that later.
I asked Mrs Masu if she enjoyed the Asiah Concert Saturday and she smiled and said she picked up the CD of Asiah! Praise God! Mrs Masu seems to enjoy that we pray with her at the beginning and end of every work day. Keep praying that her heart opens to receiving Christ.
It has been a joy to be here and we have worked very hard. But I admit I am anxious to return home and see all of our loved ones. Keep praying that we work hard and stay safe and reflect Christ in all we do.
I love you all.
Pastor Gary
