Never go into a toilet without a camera

That's usually my rule here in Japan. The toilets are clean, but can come in such a great variety of configurations. Then there are sometimes printed instructions on their proper use. Unfortunately on Saturday, I broke my own rule and went into a toilet that was attached to the storefront where I was taking a lesson in weaving. The toilet unit was a variation of the hole in the floor type that I hadn't seen before, raised up to about half of the height of a "Western" toilet
but no seat, so you clearly weren't meant to get comfortable. The really unique feature was that the pipes, that you sometimes can hold on to for balance, had pieces of barbed wire attached to them to discourage such behavior! And there was me with no camera. You'll just have to imagine.

PS Toilets in Japan are never called bathrooms, because that is the separate room with the tub in it. Rest Room is also an American euphemism. The Japanese polite term is "Washing Hands Room".

Mrs S.'s Sunday School Class

Isn't this a great looking bunch? Their Class supports me in prayer, and asks questions about what I'm doing via email. On occasion when I'm home I have the distinct pleasure of leading their meeting. It's a great age.

Internet Connection

Pookie Jr. and I are connected to the internet in my apartment at last! I won't tell you how many months and how many people this has taken to accomplish. Now I will be able to Skype all of those parts of the world that are best Skyped after reasonable office hours. I can spend half the night chasing stuff on the web. WooHoo!