Springtime at Arisugawa Park.  

Its a gorgeous setting, made even more special by a glimpse of the Angel Moroni across the street.

This was an international group of returning missionaries -  

they represented Brazil, the USA, New Zealand, Canada and Japan.

We miss them!

 We received 12 new missionaries on April 15. 

 For the first time since we've been here, the majority are Japanese.

 Our new group with their trainers.

Joyful Reunion!

We welcomed our daughter home from her mission in Sapporo in January. 

She has been easing back into post-mission life as she left one mission and came home to another.

The two Sister Budges dressed in kimonos, through the kindness of Sister Aoyagi.

Sakura!

 One of the many things we love about Japan are the blooming cherry trees in the spring!

 This delicate tree is so beautiful it almost doesn't seem real.

Almost every park in Japan boasts some sakura trees.

They are spectacular, but ephemeral.  You have to enjoy them while they last!

Now we have iPads!

 The Assistants and Technology Elders were the first to receive iPad Minis in mid-January.

 Matsudo Zone displaying their new iPads in early February.

These sisters in Niigata are excited about the new technology and its capabilities!

Temple Day!

 Sisters Temple Day April 1, 2014

 The beginning of April is sakura season in Tokyo!

Elders Temple Day April 8, 2014

Some of our recent zone conferences.

 Niigata Zone January 7

 Chiba Zones March 25

Tokyo Zones March 27

We were blessed to have Elder and Sister Whiting tour our mission in January 2014.

January 28 with the Chiba and Matsudo zones. 

 January 29 in Tokyo.

 January 30 with the Saitama and Kiryu zones.

January 31 in Niigata.

 Mission Leadership Council February 13, 2014

Mission Leadership Council April 3, 2014.

The missionaries on the iPads were joining us remotely from Niigata.

Technology is a wonderful thing!

We lost only one sister in January 2014, but it was a huge loss! 

 In March 2014 we bid farewell to seven fine elders.

Three weeks later, we lost two more amazing Japanese missionaries.  

They finished their missions as Assistants, 

and for a short period we were fortunate to have four concurrent Assistants! 

 The first group in 2014!  These 25 arrived on Jan 21st.

 We received 9 great new elders on March 4. 

Its been more than a year since we've had a transfer with no sisters.

The March transfer with their trainers.