the month started off with our first base day trip ... · the month started off with our first base...
TRANSCRIPT
MISSIONARY NEWSLETTER (1-31 March 2018)
The month started off with our first base day trip – Nagano and the Snow Monkeys. Also, it
was Elder Spano’s birthday on the third! We came home from our trip and found our door
decorated by the Elders and Sisters. They came over later that evening with cupcakes and
candy for Elder Spano. A great way to end a special day of celebration.
March was a very busy month for activities. Here’s a summary of each we particpated in:
- USO celebrated Popcorn Appreciation Day.
Sister Spano was asked to figure out how the
popcorn machine worked and then we popped
the kernels for all to enjoy. Although it was a
rainy day, approximately 15 patrons came in
during our 1000-1300 shift.
- USO Event: The Dental Clinic had a “stand-down” afternoon and 60 personnel arrived
at 1230 (military and civilians). We popped enough popcorn for them all and had a
wonderful time chatting with all who attended. Of
significance, was Lt
Col Michelle
Bongiovi, Commander
of the Dental
Squadron. She’s a
fellow “Sicilian”!!!
Also, during the shift,
a new acquaintance, Sabina, a civilian base
psychologist, from Salt Lake, told us she met a young lady who wants to know more
about Christianity. We gave her our card and asked her to pass it on to Itzumi Yabuki.
- Tokyo South Mission Polynesian
Cultural Night – excellent activity; the
performances of the missionaries were
outstanding depicting the 6 cultures of
the South Pacific. Sister Spano and I
visited with four non-members (2 women, 2 men) from the
English class. It was nice to see many of the Elders and Sisters we met at the MTC.
- USO: Special Event – Ice Cream
Day: Approximately eight families
came, a total of 35 adults and children.
Ice cream with lots of toppings and
movies on the theater’s big screen.
We all had fun interacting with the
young and old ice cream lovers. A fun day for all of us.
- We completed the Red Cross in-class, “Pillowcase Program” practice “teaching” session
and then we passed the online quiz to became fully certified to be part of the presentation
team. We will present the preparedness curriculum on 21 March, to a 3rd grade class at
West Elementary, one of the base elementary schools.
- Visited with Annabelle Moore,
Red Cross Coordinator,
concerning our assignments for
the upcoming Pillowcase
Presentation on Wednesday. We
were also informed the “Prepare
with Pedro” preparedness
curriculum for grades K-2 is ready to be
implemented. The “mascot” for the program is a penguin wearing a red knitted winter
hat. Sister Spano was asked to try and knit a replica for the penguin to be used in the
presentation. She had time over the following
weekend to accomplish this. Annabelle was
excited and thankful for Sister Spano’s talents and
contribution to the program.
- Here we are at West Elementary School with our
Pillowcase Project Team. Elder Spano presented
earthquake preparedness as well as the closing and
Sister Spano presented breathing coping skills and
what to include in the pillowcase for emergencies.
- 22nd of March the USO hosted a “Homeschoolers Skip Day” Activity. Thirty-five
children and seven adults
watched the Disney movie
“Inside Out”, ate popcorn and
played with the toys at the
center. A real fun activity for
all. Sister Spano and I could not
keep up with the need for
freshly popped popcorn!
They’ll be back again in late
June.
Another unique opportunity this month as we provided assistance to the Japanese Red Cross
Blood Drive on 27 and 28 March. We were asked to check in any English speaking donors of
which we had 14 of a total of nearly 125 total donors.
26 March - USO Event –
Preschoolers Movie Time to
watch “Hop” (13 children and 8
mothers). The Base Hospital
Recovery Room Personnel were
also in the center for a Game Day
down time.(approx. 20 adults).
We provided popcorn for both
groups. Visiting with the
children, their parents and the staff from the hospital made the time pass
quickly. We look forward to the Preschoolers returning for another movie on 2 April.
USO Event – Taco
Tuesday: Sister Spano and
I served approximately
300 tacos to 175 military
members and dependents.
There were many repeat
attenders from events held
earlier this month.
The final USO event this month was “Disney Day”.
Approximately 175 children and parents were in attendance
and of course, popcorn for all. Each received their choice of
DVDs, as well as snacks. Of course, Disney movies were
playing in the big screen theater, and all four televisions. We
had a special visit from the Disney character, “Dr. McStuffins”
(Sister Spano) and many children had their pictures taken with
her. It was a fun day in every aspect!
Our involvement this month was not limited to only USO and Red Cross activities. Early in the
month at the USO, we had the opportunity to meet and chat with two visiting USO
area/regional supervisors: C.K. Hyde (BG, USAF, Ret), Regional VP, USO Pacific Region and
Laura Law, Area Director, USO Japan. Both expressed their appreciation for our many service
hours provided each week. Mr. Hyde is an AF Academy graduate (class of 1986). We had lots
to discuss from Elder Spano’s teaching days at the Academy.
Next, another answer to prayers. One morning, Chaplain McDonald came in and was glad we
were there. He asked us to regularly participate in the monthly “Taste of Home” dinner at the
Base Chapel on Thursday, 22 March and to visit with the troops. Also, he asked us also to
attend the monthly Airmen Ministry Center’s Board Game Night on Friday, 23 March. Both
evening we met and had wonderful conversations with those attending. We were welcomed
warmly by all and offered advice when asked and enjoyed learning about everyone’s Air Force
careers.
Lastly, we participated in our first FTAC (First Term Airmen Class) lunch. This activity held
twice a month and sponsored by the chaplain’s office, kicks off a one week orientation seminar
for first term airmen new to Yokota AB. We are looking forward to these luncheons and
orientations and we hope to see many at upcoming events.
We participated in three missionary district meetings this
month. Prior to transfers, we attended a district lunch to
say good-bye to three transferring missionaries (Elder
Knapp, bottom right; Elder Winn, middle right at the
table; and Sister Harkness, top left). We hated to see
them leave; however, we’ll see them again from time to
time at various mission activities.
On a more private and touching moment, this is a story of a very special girl. Sloane, a
beautiful two-year old girl was one of the first visitors to the USO in January we met. Her and
her mom have come to various activities at the USO the past few months. She calls us her
“Japan Grandpa and Grandma.” She was so excited when we told her about Disney Day and
was coming dressed up as Anna from “Frozen”. On the 27th of March Victoria (mom), visited
us just as we arrived at the USO. She broke down and was in tears as she told us Sloane was
diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and is currently in Children’s Hospital in Tokyo. Sister Spano
listened and offered comfort to her. She also asked if we would put aside one of the gifts from
Disney Day for Sloane. Mom mentioned the Japanese Hospital is not kid friendly at all and is
having a hard time staying there. The center said we would put something aside to be picked up
and brought to Sloane. When Dad came by, he indicated Sloane would be released from the
hospital this weekend and very much wants to visit her “Japan Grandparents”. Because of her
diagnosis and the non-availability of the correct insulin pump here in Japan, they will be
moving back to the states within the next three months. We gave Dad her gift bag. Hopefully it
will lift her spirits. We pray for Sloane and her parents each day and hope her condition
continues to improve.
Well that is 152 hours of service in March in a nutshell.
The month ended with the beauty of Japan – Sakura, the Cherry Blossoms!
Cherry Blossoms on Yokota AB:
Cherry Blossoms at Tama River and the Dam at Hamura
Cherry Blossoms at Tama River and the Dam at Hamura