Community Summer Festival

We recently took part in the annual festival held about a block away from our home.  It seems to be the main time in the year that most of our neighbors, young and old, come together for a special, traditional time of eating, drinking, and dance.  Many children and women wear kimonos -- often the one day out of the year that they have such a chance now! -- and even men who normally work 7 days a week seem to make an appearance or even be part of cooking at one of the food booths.

Although the festival is Buddhist in background (and there are Buddhist representatives collecting money from many in the community during thke evening), we have felt that it's important to be present at this event.  We want to understand our neighbors;  we want to take part in their lives without compromising our faith in Christ.  This event was again, like last year, the best time of the year to connect with many of our friends.  After the festival, a number of neighbors came over for cake and coffee and to debrief the event.  We continue to want our home to be a safe place for anyone who needs it....Below are some scenes from the evening....