Hey!

WOW! It's been a while since I've updated! I've been extremely busy, but here is a recap!

I got my drivers permit last week, and drove for the first time on Sunday. I can't really say it was hard getting used to driving on the left side, cuz I've never driven on the right side. lol I didn't run into anything or kill anyone, so I must be a natural ;)

I finished the core of my school work this week! It has been a super long drive, but I'm finally done with the core. I should be done with math and science in a bit, and I've got a couple of weeks left in PowerPoint. I'll be doing piano and Japanese lessons throughout the summer. I'm also finishing up Crime and Punishment, that's a deep book!

A couple of Japanese guys were at the neighborhood basketball hoop on Sunday. I went out and asked to play with them. They agreed (at first they thought I was coming to kick them out of the sub-division). I speak a bit of Japanese and they speak a bit of English, so we were able to communicate a bit. I told them my name, they told me theirs. It was pretty cool. and not that it matters or anything, but I beat the two of them 34-26.

Hmmm....we junked the hiace and bought a friends car, they were moving. Human videos is taking a recess until July, but we've got a very busy month coming up.

Saturday!

We went geocaching on Saturday. That was the first time that we've tried it without Dad or Cy to work the GPS, but we managed and found two! It took us down to the coast and then back into town.

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

Zander found it!

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

After we found the first one we walked around through the woods by Veedol beach...that's not the actual name of the beach but it has Miss Veedol's replica sitting out there therefore it is Veedol beach. lol.

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

I'm collecting bamboo rods for my own secret plans *evil laugh*

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

We also found the original runway that Miss Veedol took off of. It was pretty neat. There was a Japanese man out there pulling plants off the side of the path and bagging them up. At first I thought he was weeding, but then I realized he intended on eating those plants. He said it was "oishi," (delicious) mom tried eating one there but didn't really like it.

From 2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

Haircuts!

I rode into the base on Saturday to get a haircut....but this time I was armed with a picture of how I wanted it done...oh yeah.

2010-06-12 Saturday_geocache

I walked up and showed the elderly Japanese barber man the picture...he looked at, then at me, then he gazed off into the distance and said firmly, "NO." He tried not to smile, but there was a slight smirk as he cut my hair. And then afterwards he asked to see the picture again and then he went and showed it to another barber who busted out laughing. Ahhhh good times.

Adventures in Japan

Deep Breath! Mom is back! It was a really long week, but the folks at the chapel really took care of us while she was gone. She got back last night.

The human video team also performed in the high school talent show, we placed 3thd! I'll see about getting some pictures and a video later.

I started working on school again today, and got a lot done. I was feeling tired and so I decided to make an excursion to the ocean. It's a really pretty bike ride! As I got closer to the coast everything started to get really foggy and grainy; it looked really neat as it shifted across the rice fields though.

The beach was pretty foggy, I walked along it for a while and took a couple of pictures and collected some stuff along the beach.

I climbed out onto the wave breakers, and there was a big splash right behind me as I took the picture, and it kinda startled me! That's why I'm looking to the side

From 2010-06-10

From 2010-06-10

It was really relaxing and I felt refreshed and ready to take on life again when I got back. I also found a long bamboo rod in the wave breakers. I asked a Japanese dude out there (he was golfing on the beach.....hmmmm interesting) if it was alright to take it. I'm not entirely sure we completely understood each other but he said to take it. Getting it home was a bit tricky! I felt like a knight...but I'm sure I looked like a clown with that big old rod tucked under my arm! lol

Washington, part VI

After the war had been won, the Americans were governed by the Articles of Confederation. They discovered that this form of government wasn't working and so they held a convention, the Constitutional Convention. Washington was chosen to be the President of the Convention. Many of the delegates were getting angry with one another and the whole convention was on the point of falling to ruin when Benjamin Franklin stood up and suggested prayer. Everyone agreed they needed to pray, except for one man who rose to oppose it. It is said that "Washington fixed his eyes upon him with an expression of indignation mingled with surprise." [1] It seemed natural to him that they should pray for God's help, after all, "They began with prayer, and ended in victory and thanksgiving." [2] Washington considered prayer of the utmost importance for the individual and the nation.

Washington was concerned about the morals of his army; he wanted chaplains in the military. He wanted his army to stop swearing and hoped that his chaplains and officers would influence the rest of the army not to swear. Even during the heat of war, he made sure Communion was available.

He cared for the poor and supplied many young men with a chance to get an education. He made huge donations to charitable causes. He would go the local baker and tell him that whatever the poor wanted of his bakery that day to give, and he would pick up the bill. One of his life mottoes was, "Deeds, not words," and his deeds prove his sincere heart.

Another proof of his humility, and pure patriot intentions, was when he returned all the power given him by Congress at the outset of the war. This move startled most of the European courts; they expected him to claim absolute power. But he didn't. He resigned, and he intended it to be one of his last public acts, but he had one more to make. "I consider it as indispensible duty to close the last act of my official life, by commending the interest of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God."[3]

Washington then went back to his long absent Mount Vernon and private life. The transition went fairly well; every now and again he would wake up in the morning and start giving commands for his army and then remember he was home. He was bombarded by letters and visitors, all thanking him for the service had rendered to the young country. He was happy, and planned on living the rest of his days peacefully on Mount Vernon with his wife. But God had other plans for him. In 1789, by unanimous vote, he was elected the first President of the United States. Washington didn't want to return to public life, but another of his mottoes was "for God and my Country," and so he accepted after he realized it was his duty.

He warned that he had no political skill and that, "integrity and firmness are all I can promise; these, be the voyage long or short, shall never forsake me." [4]

What more can we ask of our leaders? His first term provided many difficulties for him, but he steered with a steady hand and a unshakable trust in God. The very first thing he did as President was to pray. "In this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being….that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States…..No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States."[5]

Washington set the tone for what future presidents should be like. He pursued a fair policy towards the Indians, and said that, "As Americans were more powerful and enlightened than the Indians, they ought to treat them with kindness and liberality." [6]. He also had to establish to the world that America was a sovereign nation. Washington set a moral example for the Americans; he went to church every Sunday, and observed a day of rest. He was punctual to the second and always had a kind word for a passing school child. He was loved by all of the Americans, and easily won a reelection for a second term. When he was at the height of his power, it was suggested to him that he take the title of King, he was disgusted. "Be assured, no occurrence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensations than your existing information of there being such ideas….I must view [it] with abhorrence, and reprehend with severity." [7]

During the second term of his presidency, the French Revolution broke out. America was divided on the issue, some wanted to join the French in the wars it had started with her neighbors, but others wanted to remain neutral. Washington decided it was in the best interest of America to remain neutral. France urged, and threatened America to join them. The British threatened no matter what. He was not shaken. He wanted world peace but knew, "that this could be effected only by the universal influence of the precepts of Jesus. "[8]

At the end of his second term, he decided he was done. He retired to Mount Vernon again where he lived out the rest of his days and died a happy man, 1779. The way he lived his private life is possibly more teachable to us than any public act or legislation that he signed into law. He was humble, trusted God, loved his wife, and loved his country, but more importantly, "he was a Christian."[9]
[1] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p216
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p51
[3] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p205
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p217-218
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p 222-223
[6] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p237
[7] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p269
[8] The Life and Writings of Washington (Jared Sparks) found in the Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p270
[9] The Life and Writings of Washington (Jared Sparks) found in the Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p273

Bikes and Baby Ponies

Some friends gave Stacia one of their old bikes. It's a bit big for her, but she took to it really well! But first I needed to check it out! lol

From 2010-06-01

We picked up some training wheels and I tried to put them on. I did pretty good at first, but somehow there was spare parts and then later in the day one of the training wheels was upside down, so I'd say I didn't figure it out completely! lol

From 2010-06-01

An anxious rider!

From 2010-06-01

A new addition to the block! Its name is Sakura (cherry, cuz it was born during the cherry blossom time?). I'm not sure what I call it though...I've been informed that it is wrong to call it a baby pony though.

From 2010-06-01

I rode my bike out to the ocean the other morning. It was really relaxing! I climbed out onto the wave breakers and sat and read for a while.

From 2010-06-01

The rice growing process continues to intrigue us! And yes, those are ducks swimming on the rice paddies! lol

From 2010-06-01

We've had a really busy week! Yesterday, the human video team had a dress rehersal for the talent show, which is tomorrow. This probably will be it till Monday or Tuesday, as we'll be staying with friends for the weekend.

Sunday!

The weather has really been nice these last several days and so we've been enjoying the sun!

Lunch outside the bowling alley

From 2010-05-30

hmmm...inside the bowling alley!

From 2010-05-30

Arielle said she doesn't understand how I managed to tie the game, but hey, I've got some really good form and stlye!

From 2010-05-30

Just as a side note, I didn't realize that all of the pics were of me till just now, after I've already shut down the pictures etc! lol

From 2010-05-30

Stacia bowling backwards!

From 2010-05-30

From 2010-05-30

Ready for the cool part? All of that was free! This base really does take care of the deployed families pretty well.

Washington, part V

The American army would split into three divisions. Washington would command one division and cross the Delaware and then split into two groups, and attack Trenton from the west and north. The other two divisions were to cross the Delaware at different points, one was to secure the bridge, and the other was to put pressure on the British in Burlington. The night fixed upon the attack was Christmas night and was bitterly cold. Sleet and snow fell on the poorly clad Americans as they forced their way across the Delaware. They surprised the British garrison at Trenton and took the town easily; taking over a thousand prisoners and all of the military stores there. The other two divisions hadn't been able to cross the river and so Washington decided to re-cross to safety. "Wisdom to plan, and strength to act, were given to him by the mighty God of armies." [1]

The results of the Battle of Trenton were far reaching. First, it reminded the British that the Americans were still fighting. It also lifted the spirits of the American forces, and the following spring saw no problems for finding men to enlist. It also ended that year's campaign on a good note for the Americans.

The winter proved to be extremely hard on the Americans, but they bore their trials with stoic bravery. Washington often marveled at the fact that there weren't any mutinies that winter.
The following spring didn't go well for the Americans. The British chased them all over the colonies. The British captured city after city, steadily forcing the Americans back. The situation looked very bleak for the Americans. It was also very trialing for Washington, who was responsible for so many young lives. His faith in God never wavered though. "My only hope is in God." [2]

During the following winter of 1777, the French, eager to get back at the British for their humiliating defeat in the French and Indian War, joined the Americans against Great Britain. Washington was overjoyed, he knew they needed help. "By order of Washington, the several brigades assembled, and their chaplains offered up public thanks to Almighty God for His mercies."[3]

The next several campaigns, with the aid of the French, turned the tides for the Americans. There were many setbacks, and defeats, but the Americans were winning now. On October 19th, 1781, the British general Cornwallis surrendered to Washington at Yorktown, thus winning the war for the Americans.

Trials prove the mettle of a man, as we see with Washington. Throughout the entire war he never doubted God. Washington looked at the events of the war and plainly saw God's involvement. "The hand of Providence is so conspicuous in all of this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude to acknowledge his obligations."[4] So said the Father of our Country. He didn't claim honor for the victories of the American army, he was a humble leader.

There were some instances in the war, when the more glorious option was not the wisest route. He always went with the wise options. At one point, all were urging him to make an instant attack on Philadelphia. He decided not to attack after sizing up the conditions of both armies. "His steady mind was not dazzled by the idea of the praise he should gain by success, and he persevered in resisting public clamor." [5]

Washington had an explosive temper, but he worked to control it, because he respected the Bible, ("Be ye angry, and sin not.") but also because, "he knew he could not command others so as to have their respect, if by the indulgence of passion he proved that he could not command himself."[6] He learned to control his temper, we know this because the army, and the Americans, all looked up to and respected him. One militia officer said this of Washington, "I shall never forget what I felt when I saw him brave all of the dangers of the field, his important life hanging as it were by a single hair, with a thousand deaths flying around him. I thought not of myself. He is surely Heaven's peculiar care." [7] Years later, as President of the United States, he was greeted on the street by the children as, "Washington," not "President," and he would always stop and talk to them and give them some kind words. They truly respected and admired him.

Washington always prayed for the victory of his armies and for the guidance of his nation. When both were granted, he thanked God. He made it a daily practice to read the Bible and pray. Robert Lewis, his nephew, several times accidently happened upon Washington during his morning devotions, "on those occasions he had seen him in a kneeling posture, with an open Bible before him," and he, "believed that to be his daily practice." [8] During the long years of the war, he always prayed. One man was walking through the woods when he heard the sound of low talking. He decided to investigate and saw Washington, "engaged in prayer, he quietly passed on, that he might not disturb him, and on returning home, told his family he knew the Americans would succeed, for their leader did not trust in his own strength." [9] Or another time, an officer was going to deliver papers to Washington, but heard voices within the room. He stopped to listen, and quickly realized Washington was praying. "I knew this to be his habit, and therefore retired with the papers in my hand." [10]
[1] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p85
[2] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p91
[3] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p115
[4] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p126
[5] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p105
[6] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p62
[7] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p88
[8] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p272
[9] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p118
[10] Life of Washington (Anna C. Reed) p119