MISSIONARY NEWSLETTER (1-31 March 2018)

The month started off with our first base day trip – Nagano and the Snow Monkeys. Also, it

was Elder Spano’s birthday on the third! We came home from our trip and found our door

decorated by the Elders and Sisters. They came over later that evening with cupcakes and

candy for Elder Spano. A great way to end a special day of celebration.

March was a very busy month for activities. Here’s a summary of each we particpated in:

- USO celebrated Popcorn Appreciation Day.

Sister Spano was asked to figure out how the

popcorn machine worked and then we popped

the kernels for all to enjoy. Although it was a

rainy day, approximately 15 patrons came in

during our 1000-1300 shift.

- USO Event: The Dental Clinic had a “stand-down” afternoon and 60 personnel arrived

at 1230 (military and civilians). We popped enough popcorn for them all and had a

wonderful time chatting with all who attended. Of

significance, was Lt

Col Michelle

Bongiovi, Commander

of the Dental

Squadron. She’s a

fellow “Sicilian”!!!

Also, during the shift,

a new acquaintance, Sabina, a civilian base

psychologist, from Salt Lake, told us she met a young lady who wants to know more

about Christianity. We gave her our card and asked her to pass it on to Itzumi Yabuki.

- Tokyo South Mission Polynesian

Cultural Night – excellent activity; the

performances of the missionaries were

outstanding depicting the 6 cultures of

the South Pacific. Sister Spano and I

visited with four non-members (2 women, 2 men) from the

English class. It was nice to see many of the Elders and Sisters we met at the MTC.

- USO: Special Event – Ice Cream

Day: Approximately eight families

came, a total of 35 adults and children.

Ice cream with lots of toppings and

movies on the theater’s big screen.

We all had fun interacting with the

young and old ice cream lovers. A fun day for all of us.

- We completed the Red Cross in-class, “Pillowcase Program” practice “teaching” session

and then we passed the online quiz to became fully certified to be part of the presentation

team. We will present the preparedness curriculum on 21 March, to a 3rd grade class at

West Elementary, one of the base elementary schools.

- Visited with Annabelle Moore,

Red Cross Coordinator,

concerning our assignments for

the upcoming Pillowcase

Presentation on Wednesday. We

were also informed the “Prepare

with Pedro” preparedness

curriculum for grades K-2 is ready to be

implemented. The “mascot” for the program is a penguin wearing a red knitted winter

hat. Sister Spano was asked to try and knit a replica for the penguin to be used in the

presentation. She had time over the following

weekend to accomplish this. Annabelle was

excited and thankful for Sister Spano’s talents and

contribution to the program.

- Here we are at West Elementary School with our

Pillowcase Project Team. Elder Spano presented

earthquake preparedness as well as the closing and

Sister Spano presented breathing coping skills and

what to include in the pillowcase for emergencies.

- 22nd of March the USO hosted a “Homeschoolers Skip Day” Activity. Thirty-five

children and seven adults

watched the Disney movie

“Inside Out”, ate popcorn and

played with the toys at the

center. A real fun activity for

all. Sister Spano and I could not

keep up with the need for

freshly popped popcorn!

They’ll be back again in late

June.

Another unique opportunity this month as we provided assistance to the Japanese Red Cross

Blood Drive on 27 and 28 March. We were asked to check in any English speaking donors of

which we had 14 of a total of nearly 125 total donors.

26 March - USO Event –

Preschoolers Movie Time to

watch “Hop” (13 children and 8

mothers). The Base Hospital

Recovery Room Personnel were

also in the center for a Game Day

down time.(approx. 20 adults).

We provided popcorn for both

groups. Visiting with the

children, their parents and the staff from the hospital made the time pass

quickly. We look forward to the Preschoolers returning for another movie on 2 April.

USO Event – Taco

Tuesday: Sister Spano and

I served approximately

300 tacos to 175 military

members and dependents.

There were many repeat

attenders from events held

earlier this month.

The final USO event this month was “Disney Day”.

Approximately 175 children and parents were in attendance

and of course, popcorn for all. Each received their choice of

DVDs, as well as snacks. Of course, Disney movies were

playing in the big screen theater, and all four televisions. We

had a special visit from the Disney character, “Dr. McStuffins”

(Sister Spano) and many children had their pictures taken with

her. It was a fun day in every aspect!

Our involvement this month was not limited to only USO and Red Cross activities. Early in the

month at the USO, we had the opportunity to meet and chat with two visiting USO

area/regional supervisors: C.K. Hyde (BG, USAF, Ret), Regional VP, USO Pacific Region and

Laura Law, Area Director, USO Japan. Both expressed their appreciation for our many service

hours provided each week. Mr. Hyde is an AF Academy graduate (class of 1986). We had lots

to discuss from Elder Spano’s teaching days at the Academy.

Next, another answer to prayers. One morning, Chaplain McDonald came in and was glad we

were there. He asked us to regularly participate in the monthly “Taste of Home” dinner at the

Base Chapel on Thursday, 22 March and to visit with the troops. Also, he asked us also to

attend the monthly Airmen Ministry Center’s Board Game Night on Friday, 23 March. Both

evening we met and had wonderful conversations with those attending. We were welcomed

warmly by all and offered advice when asked and enjoyed learning about everyone’s Air Force

careers.

Lastly, we participated in our first FTAC (First Term Airmen Class) lunch. This activity held

twice a month and sponsored by the chaplain’s office, kicks off a one week orientation seminar

for first term airmen new to Yokota AB. We are looking forward to these luncheons and

orientations and we hope to see many at upcoming events.

We participated in three missionary district meetings this

month. Prior to transfers, we attended a district lunch to

say good-bye to three transferring missionaries (Elder

Knapp, bottom right; Elder Winn, middle right at the

table; and Sister Harkness, top left). We hated to see

them leave; however, we’ll see them again from time to

time at various mission activities.

On a more private and touching moment, this is a story of a very special girl. Sloane, a

beautiful two-year old girl was one of the first visitors to the USO in January we met. Her and

her mom have come to various activities at the USO the past few months. She calls us her

“Japan Grandpa and Grandma.” She was so excited when we told her about Disney Day and

was coming dressed up as Anna from “Frozen”. On the 27th of March Victoria (mom), visited

us just as we arrived at the USO. She broke down and was in tears as she told us Sloane was

diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and is currently in Children’s Hospital in Tokyo. Sister Spano

listened and offered comfort to her. She also asked if we would put aside one of the gifts from

Disney Day for Sloane. Mom mentioned the Japanese Hospital is not kid friendly at all and is

having a hard time staying there. The center said we would put something aside to be picked up

and brought to Sloane. When Dad came by, he indicated Sloane would be released from the

hospital this weekend and very much wants to visit her “Japan Grandparents”. Because of her

diagnosis and the non-availability of the correct insulin pump here in Japan, they will be

moving back to the states within the next three months. We gave Dad her gift bag. Hopefully it

will lift her spirits. We pray for Sloane and her parents each day and hope her condition

continues to improve.

Well that is 152 hours of service in March in a nutshell.

The month ended with the beauty of Japan – Sakura, the Cherry Blossoms!

Cherry Blossoms on Yokota AB:

Cherry Blossoms at Tama River and the Dam at Hamura

Cherry Blossoms at Tama River and the Dam at Hamura