Christmas 1996, New Year 1997

Dear Friends,

Sometimes we see our earnest prayers answered at the most surprising times. We had been praying over the years for Ikuko’s mother to accept Jesus. While Ikuko’s parents were here with us last Christmas, the Lord moved her and she asked to be baptized. Of course Ikuko cried with joy. Even though it was such short notice and she was not a part of our church, our pastor, Mark Labberton, agreed to baptize her. The baptism was on January 7, 1996. As for all of us, we continue to pray for her continued walk with Christ in her home in Tokyo.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:18

Ikuko and the children visited her parents again this past summer so the children could keep contact with them and with Japan. Rick stayed here this year. After they returned in August, we took our vacation by traveling to Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo and Sequoia National Park to see the big trees and Crystal Cave. It was an enjoyable trip. Ema had heard much about Disneyland from her friends and was very excited. Noah was especially excited since he couldn’t remember anything from his last visit at 1 year old. Noah is now 11 and in 5th grade. He is in Japanese 5th grade on Saturday. His instrument is still the violin, but he has also taken up the clarinet in order to play in the school band. He joined the swim team this year. Mina is now a big high school girl in 9th grade. She is working hard between her American high school and her Japanese school on Saturday. During the summer, she had training as a swim instructor. Now she is teaching swimming at the community pool, as well as being a member of the swim team. She is also a member of the church high school choir. However, she finally decided that she did not have time to continue piano. Ema is a happy 2nd grader in American school. She started Japanese school 1st grade in April. However, she still mainly enjoys playing with friends.

Ikuko & Rick continue as deacons for our church. Our term finishes in May. Ikuko is teaching basic science in the Japanese elementary school this year. On Sundays, she assists with Ema’s choir. Rick is still a pediatrician at the Kaiser-Permanente clinic in Antioch. In the spring, we had our kitchen remodeled. The work was done by a contractor friend from church. Rick made three of the cabinets, but we had to buy the rest. He is supposed to finish the cabinet work, but is making very slow progress. This year, we had the pleasure of getting to know two students at the university, Naxine Yao from China and Romesh Silva from Australia, by being a host family through the International House. However, they are so busy, we don’t see very much of them. At Thanksgiving, Rick’s parents came from Michigan to visit. We were able to spend a blessed Thanksgiving day together with relatives in San Jose. This Christmas, we will finally, after 14 years, get back to Michigan to spend the week with Rick’s parents and sister and her family. The children are excited to see their cousins for the first time and to play in the snow.

We wish all of our friends and relatives a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. May the Lord’s blessing be yours at this holiday season. Please take good care of yourselves.

With love in Christ,

Rick, Ikuko, Mina, Noah & Ema Thomas