mechan61

I think that is a very good question, and one that came to be deeply considered by our family during our 9 years there. Although some missionaries' intentions are to convert people to Christianity, others (and I would like to think our family was in this category) learn alongside people of similar and different religious backgrounds how to live together in one community.

EDIT: I do however disagree with the statement that Christian doctrine can not suppose to be as humanist or insightful as you say in comparison to Japanese culture. I appreciate the beauty and insightfullness of Japanese Culture, but believe the Christian faith when not abused has just as much to share.

We weren't there to aggressively convert people. We attended a Japanese church with a Japanese pastor and were a part of that congregation. So perhaps it was more about their willingness to listen to our interpretation of the Christian Faith. When we were there, about 1% of the population was Christian, and I don't believe that has changed much at all.

I think we made a profound difference in the lives of a handful of people who came to know God because of our presence. But, we were much more touched by the things we learned from Japanese people both Christian and Non-Christian.

There are so many differences it would be difficult to include them all in this response. In many ways though I think the Japanese education system is better than the American one. They do a better job of teaching responsibility, respect and discipline. For example, we cleaned our own classrooms, and those of the younger grades when we were in the 5th and 6th grade. Nobody ever threw trash on the floor. It was strict, and hard but it made me a better person.

As far as my experience goes, the first years were very difficult, as I was ostracized. But in later years, I was welcome and included so I enjoyed it very much.

Okay wow! Lots of questions.

1) My favorite place in Japan is Lake Nojiri. We visited there in the summer and spent time with other missionaries. It is near the sea of Japan on the west coast of Honshu.

2) I was almost 4 when we arrived and I was almost 13 when we returned.

3) I have been back three times. Once for Seijin No Hi which is a coming of age day, when you celebrate being 20 and getting the right to vote. I also went back in 1986 and last year in 2012. I have several friends on facebook who were my classmates in elementary school. Social media has been a great way to get back in touch.

4) Almost all of my friends weren't Christian. Though many were willing to hear about my faith especially at Christmas time.

5) I was too young to really be upset about going to Japan.

6) By the time I went to 1st grade I was fluent in Japanese so there was not much of a language barrier in school. It didn't take me long to learn the language in preschool. Notes that came home from school were another thing, since I couldn't read all the characters and my parents often had to ask for help to translate school documents and other paperwork.

No, I don't live there anymore. The last time I was there in May of 2012 for a class reunion, I found Japan to still be a very clean and safe place. I'm not sure about paying bills but public transportation in Japan is amazing.