Two weeks ago, Monday, January 18, we had our first snow of the season! It was a surprise to many local Japanese, and the trains had to shut down temporarily on some lines. Happily, Matthew’s high school canceled classes! Sadly, Naomi’s university did not and her commute was three hours, one-way. It was a surprise for us, but a week later Okinawa had snow, too! It was the first time in recorded history on January 25. Okinawa consists of the southern most islands of Japan. Nago Island, Okinawa, had seven inches. This is like Corpus Christi, TX or Ft. Meyers, FL getting a major snowstorm! Wow!

However, we are very happy our snow did not happen a week earlier when Naomi and other 20 year-old’s attended the annual coming-of-age day seijinshiki ceremonies in their kimonos. Naomi and Lee Ann posed for me in their kimonos in our "home studio."  Seijinshiki is as major event for Japanese young women. Naomi joined about 15,000 others at Yokohama Arena for the city ceremonies. Instead of graduation pictures, she wanted seijinshiki pictures like her friends. We are happy she could enjoy this special cultural event.

May the Lord continue to richly bless you!

With Thanks and much Love,

Gordon and Lee Ann Hwang

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