Web of Blessings

Today, December 23, is the Emperor of Japan’s birthday. It is therefore a bank holiday here and we saw the rare occasion of someone flying a Japanese flag (without getting into too many details, since WWII, flying a flag tends to have connotations of nationalism and harkens back to Japan’s more violent imperialist days, so very rarely do we see flags flying here). Anyway, when I explained to Kai that today was the “King of Japan’s” birthday (simplified for 3 year old understanding), he said, “It’s Christmas?” I explained, “No, the day after tomorrow is Christmas.” Kai replied, “But you said it was the King’s birthday. And God is the King!” Wow! I guess he told me! My little logical guy had me there… Good job, Little Lambs Preschool! :o)

For two mornings in a row since we had the café event, Dan and I have arrived to people waiting to come in before 10 a.m.! Good news spreads quickly and people are excited that we are able to help them by distributing the quilts. Many express surprise when they hear about the generous outpouring of love by the Canadian and American women who made these quilts, but the resounding emotion is gratitude. Very solemn bows and formal Japanese “thank yous” are expressed many times over by the recipients. At this point, there are only 3 adult-size quilts and 4 child-size quilts left to distribute. Pastor Wordell’s delivery of the next 120 quilts can’t come fast enough!

As I post these blogs regarding the quilts, Jackie Hieb (a former missionary’s wife and major player in the quilt project) has shared the link to my blog to many women who made quilts. In return she has passed along to me the replies and responses she has received. It has been really fun to hear some of the stories behind the quilts.

For example, this morning I received an email from Karen Goetzinger. She’s a member of St. Paul in Ottawa, Canada, and the quilt donation project was originally her idea. The concept snowballed and ended up with Jackie and LWMS (Lutheran Women’s Missions Society).

 She emailed me after noticing the picture in yesterday’s blog of the label.  On that particular quilt was also a label that said “Ann Bird”. The quilt was dated 1978 and was hand-signed (visible in the picture). I learned this morning from Karen that Ann Bird is a famous Canadian quilter who, while not a member of St. Paul, felt compelled to donate one of her works of art. Karen said she was “really touched by her desire to give us one of her quilts.” Here in Japan, that very quilt (without the background story known at all, up until this point!) was selected by Mrs. Sato – the Kessenuma resident who is a member of the church in Tokyo and is helping the volunteers with the center’s mission! It’s so amazing to see how these pieces come together in the end… and I hope that Karen will pass this information along to Ms. Bird and tell her that her quilt was well received and will be used by Mrs. Sato for many years!

Tokyo women display Ann Bird's quilt

The emails Jackie and I have received repeat the same message – that the women who worked on these quilts in North America are being blessed in return by learning how much of a difference their work has made here in Japan. This “web of blessing” as I’ve begun to call it gets more and more intricate everyday.

When Dan and I first considered bringing our family of four back to Japan, we knew this trip would touch us, the Satos, and a segment of the population of Kessenuma. However, since arriving, I have realized what a limited view I had regarding the extent that lives could be changed – simply by us heeding God’s calling in our lives! The women from the church in Tokyo were encouraged in their faith and got the opportunity to actively reach out to others in need, but they also really inspired me as a young Christian woman. I’ve realized how strong my passion is for foreign missions, even despite the challenges they present. Our extended families have been affected – I know my mom, especially, is missing us for Christmas and wishes we could be home, but she also has told me that she has been able to focus on a more intimate preparation for the season – focusing on the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus, rather than being distracted by the chaos of shopping and cooking and checklists! Likewise, our friends and family have gotten a closer look at the continuing needs of the Japanese people and have expressed a desire to help. I’m excited to know what the end results on this will be (and we’ll have more information to come as the details all start to fall into place). But more importantly, I have realized that my blog has been a catalyst to bless others, to encourage others to act! And those written responses of “What can I do?” have encouraged us yet again in our mission here.

The web grows and grows every day, as we meet new people, I share new stories, and we face new challenges. With each new experience in this journey, a two-way bond is created and each person is blessed. It is amazing (and humbling!) to be at the center of this web for a time and see the complexities of life coming together for the good of God’s Kingdom. May the Lord use my family for His will!