Sumimasen, doko desu ka…
I know very little when it comes to Japanese, but these two terms I have learned well. Allow me to translate: Sumimasen (su-me-ma-sen) – pardon me, doko desu ka (do-ko des-ka) – where is… Over the past two days we have been lost, lost, and lost some more. On Monday morning, we took the train (the famous Shinkansen) to Tokyo. We were going to visit a Japanese exchange student that Theresa was friends with in high school and meet with some missionaries from SEND International to see for future reference what some other organizations are doing in Japan.
On Tuesday morning we decided to see some of the other significant sights in Tokyo and got really lost. It was a combination of not being able to read Japanese, not following the directions that Theresa’s friend gave us, and an out-of-date map. We did eventually find where we were going (Tsukiji Fish Market – see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukiji_fish_market) and had an enjoyable morning and a delicious sashimi breakfast (that slices of raw fish dipped in soy sauce, for those not familiar with Japanese cuisine).
In the afternoon, we went to the SEND office and then eventually took the train to Kyoto for our two days there. Of course, we got lost again trying to find our local inn (again, due not being able to read Japanese, not following the directions from the inn’s owner, and a poor map – we were noticing some trends). Needless to say, after being lost once already and being late at night and tired, we got a little cranky – unfortunately, with no one else to blame it ended-up being directed at each other. Again, we eventually found where we were going and settled in for the night.
At first both of us were looking for someone to blame, but after talking it over for a little while, we both agreed that it was simply par for the course for being in a strange country and not speaking (or even hardly being able to recognize the language). It was a great lesson in the difficulties of cross-cultural ministry and it made us appreciate the task that those who pioneer in a particular country have.
PS – A few people have emailed to ask about the typhoon and the earthquake. Neither were close enough to bother us significantly (we didn’t even feel the earthquake). We appreciate your prayers and concern.