Greetings and Salutations, my dear friends, family, and supporters! I truly apologize for the very late update, as I've been busy readjusting to Japanese and missionary life once again. I truly feel refreshed and refocused after my trip to America. It was such a blessing to visit so many of you and spend time together in fellowship and friendship. For those I sadly didn't get to visit this time, I'm so sorry and I hope to see you all in two years, Lord willing. Thank you all for making this trip possible! Miss you all already!
It's great to be back in Japan, but getting in sure wasn't easy. Before I could even fly, I had to get a COVID PCR test at least 72 hours before flight by a specific lab in San Diego, including verified certificates and paperwork. On the actual flight, the first stop was in Vancouver, Canada, where I had to be processed by both Canadian and Japanese officials, making sure I had the correct paperwork and return-visa. While the process went smoothly, the nasty thought of being rejected for whichever reason was in the back of my mind throughout the layover. Finally, I got to board the flight to Tokyo, and just look how crowded it was!
An entire aisle to myself, almost no other passengers, and an overhead view of Mt. Fuji. Best flight ever!
Sure helped the ten hours go by quick. However, flying to Tokyo was the most enjoyable experience returning to Japan, not including actually being back in Sendai. Oh no, the worst was yet to come...
I wasn't allowed to take any pictures of the quarantine process, so I'll try to be as descriptive of my experience as possible. So, upon landing at Narita Airport, all thirty of us passengers were escorted off the plane, where we had to wait in line after line, filling out paper after paper. The quarantine officers wanted to know everything: where we're coming from, our job, any symptoms of COVID, our aunt's brother's pet hamster, etc. Everything was organized into "stations", where more questioning, saliva testing (which is harder to spit after a ten hour flight and being dehydrated), and form filling. I even had to install an app on my phone, which tracked my movements and required me to report twice a day of my current location and symptoms, if any. Whew! Just reminiscing about it is making me tired!
After a six hour wait (Yes, a six hour wait!!!) our group was finally transported to our six day home in a quarantine hotel in Tokyo. There, we would stay until the sixth day, from which we had to secure private transportation to our residence and wait out the rest of the ten day quarantine required by law. Take a look at my stellar dwelling:
It's hard to tell in the photos, but the room was tiny. Easily fit inside a standard living room and even that comparison is being generous. And no: we were not allowed to go outside for any reason whatsoever. Air got stuffy real quick. I pity those who have allergies... And suffer from claustrophobia. Like me. At least I didn't have to pay for it, being that the government covered all the quarantine expense, thankfully. Plus, the room came with WiFi, so not super bad. What was bad, however, was the daily bread. Three times a day, we had meals delivered to us, announcing on intercoms when we could retrieve them from our doorknobs. And how delectable they were:
"Aww, Soren! You're being a big baby! That doesn't look so bad, you picky Peterson!" You're right. It doesn't look so bad... If it was warmed up. Nope. Cold as a dead fish. Every meal. Cold. Bland. No microwave. No hope. Only cold unfeeling despair... And slight exaggeration on my part, but it wasn't the best. Made me almost wish for a corn pizza. Almost.
Finally, after six days of loafing about waiting, a bus took me and the others back to the airport, where my friends from Mustard Seed church picked me up and drove the nearly five hours back to my house. I truly appreciate them doing that for me, considering it's not a short nor easy drive! Very kind of them.
Being back in my cold, yet cozy apartment was a joyous occasion, but somewhat sad. While it was wonderful being back in my home, I came to realize how much I enjoyed being around people all the time back home. It seemed like nearly the entire trip, I was either staying in someone's home or hanging out with a friend or two. And being back alone again, I guess I realize I'm extroverted to the last. Being with people gives me energy. Gives me joy.
Speaking of joy, on the seventh day of , a wonderful surprise popped in my phone: the Japanese government shortened the required quarantine from ten days to seven! I was on my last day of isolation, and since it was a Saturday, it meant I could go to church the next day and see all my friends! It was truly a blessing from the Lord! A perfect capstone to my transition back to the country God called me to!
A month has gone by since then. Tax season is here, bills are paid, and life goes on. Things are feeling normal again, and I'm back in a routine of language learning and ministry (including a new English club sponsored by my church! More info about that next time!). Still, I'm so happy I was able to visit my home country for a brief time. Thank you all so much for supporting me all these years, opening your homes, and praying for me and all the other missionaries here in Japan. Looking forward to seeing you all again in a few years time! Cold bentos or not!
Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
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