Vacationing in Kobe?

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Our dear friend Rosette came to visit us in Kobe in early July. She had just finished her master's program and was looking for some relaxation, refreshment and renewal after all her hard work.
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A little "Welcome to Kobe" from God - a beautiful rainbow!
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Pretty much as soon as Rosette landed, we put her to work. She helped in Claire's English classes.
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Her stay with us overlapped with two other friends whom we met through Asian Access. Putting them all to work: we prayer walked in different areas of Kobe...
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Met with our Japanese friends...
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helped out in Bobby's English classes at a couple local universities...
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encouraged and inspired fellow church members...
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and met with some of our Asian Access colleagues and led praise time.
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With the two friends gone, Rosette was alone to continue on the work. She helped prep for Fun with Claire.
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She was a great assistant teacher...
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good-sport game player...
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and master artist! She made this huge sign for the kids to decorate. The sign is a welcome sign for a summer missions team that is coming later in July.
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Work, work, work and no vacationing - sorry Rosette! We did see some sights. I took her to Kyoto, but even there it was a lot of work just walking around in the heat and humidity. See how happy she is at the beginning of our journey...
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after seeing gardens, bamboo groves, temples, shrines and shops, she's started to get a bit tired...
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now it's time to go home.
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Also got to take her to the top of local mountain in Kobe to see the gardens up there. We took a cable car ride...
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and was greeted by "Welcome to Kobe" in flowers...
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as well as greeted by some of our good Japanese friends.
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It's July, so every day's hot and muggy. Can you see it on our faces??
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At the gardens, we made friends with some flowers...
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hugged some trees...
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and saw some wildlife.
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Even on her last night, she helped us bake a cake for the following day. We celebrated Mikiko's birthday after Sunday service and then whisked Rosette off so she could catch her plane home.
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So, although this might not have been the relaxing vacation Rosette hoped for, I know she leaves with a greater love for the people of Japan that has renewed and refreshed her heart. She leaves behind many who were relaxed, refreshed and renewed by her gentle and sincere acts of love. We miss you Rosette!
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