The Day Dawn Is Breaking

"Trust in God. Hold on in His love. 
Know that one day the dawn will break brightly 
and all shadows of mortality will flee." 

—Jeffrey R. Holland, "Like a Broken Vessel"

Letter Home: One of Sister Breksa's great stick figure drawings

Sister Breksa and her favorite bike.

Hiyoko - a cake shaped like a baby chick. It is a well known treat.

 

Hiyako (he-ya-ko) is a Japanese sweet cake (not sweet to Western tastes) shaped like a chick with a yummy center of bean paste.  Bean paste is used in many baked sweets - sorta like creams are used in Western sweet cakes. 

General Dempsey sings "National Anthem" 4th of July 2013 (Please stand when watching the video)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not an American church.  However, Sister Breksa is a patriot.  She loves her country, obeys its laws, studies its history, and honors the flag & knows how to hoist, lower, fold, and display it. I think it shows her love for her country that knows and sings Proud to be American by Lee Greenwood…sings it really loud and with meaning! She supports her father's military service in many ways, practices the standards of Leave No Trace and as a BSA Venturer has pledged:

THE VENTURING OATH

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.

THE VENTURING CODE

---As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.

---I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.

---I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it. 

---I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life.

---I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world. 

Letter Home: To her little sister

Life is going great! Right after church on Sunday, my companion and I rode our bikes to a train station. There are shops next to the train station. We walk around and talk to the people we see and invite them to hear the message that we want to share. It is fun!

What Is Religious Freedom?

An Unfailing Guide

Sister Breksa had the privilege of teaching this beautiful woman the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Japan: Tatami Mats

"...Tatami Mats are constructed of Japanese Rush Grass with a double layer top for extra protection. The inside is a baked Dried Rice Straw Fill for strength and durability.

"Each mat is sewn with a black fabric border [other manufacturers offer a variety of fabric colors and textures] and bound with twine. A moisture resistant barrier is included in the foundation of the mat." 

-- http://www.jlifeinternational.com/HomeDecor/tatami.html

Tatami mats are traditional flooring; when Japanese families did not use chairs or Western beds.

Today, most homes in Japan have modern furniture and so have hardwood or carpeted floors. Some homes have a "Japanese room" with tatami mats.

When we had the privilege of a three month stay in Japan, we lived in an apartment without tatami mats.

The mats are kept clean and in good repair by the use of soft slippers in the home.

At times a room size is described by how many tatami mats fit in it.

Caring for the Poor and Needy

Useful Quotes: Righteous Desires