Friday nights, there is a cafe ministry in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. It's a time for us to introduce our Japanese "contacts" that we've met throughout the week through various activities (such as 5-minute english, distribution, meeting on the train, etc.).
The owner of Kuni's Cafe, Kuni, is a Japanese Christian & friend of Jeff, our lead missionary here in Tokyo. Kuni opens up his cafe for us IMB interns, so that we can connect our Japanese contacts with one another, and develop our friendships & relationships with them further. He offers all kinds of treats, & refreshments. Between bites of his delectable snacks, we played multiple card games. (The desire to compete runs thick through American and Japanese blood). Friday night was a sweet concoction of smiles, laughter, stories, and fellowship.
This is a photograph of my friend Satowa, who I met in Kitchijoji Park. Her husband is a pastor in Kitchijoji, Tokyo. They have a one year old daughter together. Her broken english was no barrier to us having a special connection with each other. She is a warm woman full of gentle compassion. I knew that within sixty seconds of meeting her!
The end to the evening was the most precious moment for me, when Satowa said, "Goodbye. Please come to my house." (The cutest part was that it sounded more like a command than an invitation).
