The idea behind this Kids Camp ministry is as follows: Families living in Fukushima City, Koriyama City, and the surrounding area have been advised to keep their children indoors as much as possible, due to the higher than normal radiation levels after the earthquake in March 2011. Japanese houses and apartments are tiny, and children need to get out and play (especially Japanese children - who have a pretty rigorous school study schedule as it is). Therefore, many churches and other organizations in Fukushima have started offering planned outings (such as a one-day camp or a weekend retreat) for families to get away for a while and have some fun, instead of sitting inside worrying about radiation.
It's a really great outing for families, and churches all over Fukushima City have started partnering together to make this ministry a success. Only time will tell exactly what our involvement will look like, but it's very likely you'll be reading more blog posts in the future about the Kids Camps.
But for right now. . . . enjoy a few picture highlights from the day:
Families arrive, check in, and pile onto the bus.
Chaos on the bus ensues. . .
Our location was a ski lodge and spa up in the mountains, about an hour drive away.
The indoor pool was full of fun activities,
including waterfalls, jacuzzis, a wading pool, a hot bath, and a sauna.
We spent most of our time playing with kids in the swimming pool!
The hotel offered a nice buffet lunch!
(Did I mention I like food?)
We met some great people - families and volunteers - that we hope to see again in the future.
People were pretty tired by the end of this fun-filled day.
Please pray for the leaders of the Lutheran Synod and Izumi Lutheran Church as decisions are being made about how to continue this ministry. Pray for other churches in Fukushima that will continue to offer time and volunteers to help make these Kids Camps a success. And pray that God would use these efforts to bless families here in Fukushima, Japan.
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