Japanese Scarecrows

In Kyoto for the holidays, I went for a run in the country and came across these scarecrows. The farmers in the area seem to have a competition or exhibition going. Take a look.

Farmer Lady Scarecrow

Samurai Scarecrow

Kimono Scarecrow

----- Scarecrow

Octopus Scarecrow

There were many others, including a Big Bad Wolf and a snake. If you want to see more, I uploaded some photos here.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Greetings from Kyoto! We planned to come here on Sunday after church in Tokyo, so to let the kids have a chance to play with their toys we opened our presents early on Saturday (good excuse, right?) The next day, Tomomi was down with a stomach virus. Either that or she should have stayed away from some of the leftovers that she was trying to clear from the fridge before our trip. Anyway, she recovered that evening so we made the trip yesterday, Christmas Eve.

It's nice to be with Tomomi's parents. We are relaxing and enjoying great hospitality and food.

I went for a run this morning and found an area where it looks like the farmers are having a scarecrow contest. Myt favorite is the scarecrow in a traditional kimono. I'll take my camera next time and post some photos. I don't have much time to write now--gotta help the kids with their bedtime routine--but wanted to wish a very Merry Christmas to anyone who may read this.

Peace on earth and goodwill to men!

Sadness

As a former YWAMer I was stunned by the news out of Colorado today. Although I personally served in "safe" countries, many YWAMers risk their lives serving in countries that are "closed" to Christianity. With several Muslim countries on the list of outreach locations for the Denver base, these guys knew they could face danger. I'm sure they never expected it at home though.

I'm praying for the bereaved families and for quick and full recoveries of the wounded from the base and New Life Church in Colorado Springs.