out of this world

...while our true citizenship as christians is out of this world, in japan we are considered aliens, and as such, we're very much in "transit" in terms of our standing before the japanese government...as aliens, we are obligated to do several things with local authorities in kobe, such as register with our district, obtain an alien identification card, secure a signature stamp (in japan, you don't hand-sign your signature...instead you use a stamp which produces an imprint of your surname in kanji or, in our case, katakana)...

...with our initial schedule jam packed with travel and training, today marked an opportune "free" day to take care of these requirements...just so happened that today was also a day off for brother kokubu...we thank God for brother kokubu, who sacrificed the morning of his rest day to patiently guide us through the bureaucratic maze...

...first stop: kobe city hall (to register as an alien and sign up for japan's national health insurance program)...

...we actually exited the building with the same smiles on our faces (japan's bureaucratic system is streamlined and efficient and officials work fast)...

...like a caring father, kokubu-san made sure we are aliens in good standing...

...we thank God for the love and sacrifice that uncle kokubu has shown us!...his laughter is infectious and his gentleness and generosity are inspiring!