THEY TOOK OFF YESTERDAY, 11-11

"Let me know when it's 9a.m.," I'd asked my son, knowing my sister had to be at the home of our church's newest missionary by 9:30a.m. Joyce, Saaya, and her parents, would be taking off, luggage and all, for the airport then. They were finally leaving for Bangladesh.

I hurried down the stairs to get a photo of us before she left, glad my legs were doing much better--could walk one foot one step now--and I didn't need to hold onto the railing. But Joycie, you look so nice. You'd think you were going to a wedding or something! Oh yeah. That's what they were going to Bangladesh for. A wedding.

The group will be picking up a family in Tokyo and going onto the airport in Bangladesh, where Dr. and Mrs. Tomioka, Baptist Mid-Missions missionaries, arranged to have believers meet them. Apparently, they have another 5-hour drive from the Dhaka airport to the hospital compound in Natore.

There, Saaya's fiancé has a treat for all the ladies from Japan, Joyce was told. Her fiancé, Rana, bought saris for them to wear to the wedding. (Saaya apologized for what looked to her as rather drab choices!)

It reminds me of the Biblical account of the wedding feast with a garment provided for every attendee(Matt.22:11-12). I can't imagine anyone turning up his nose at such an offer, but I guess there really are such people today.

Joyce sez she'll leave her free sari behind to someone in Bangladesh who'll no doubt use it often, because she won't wear it here in Japan. I hear it's more of an unobtrusive brown color, not the rich, bright, tints associated with Eastern adornment. But maybe Joyce would look better in a sari of lavender, blossom, or teal, with gold accents...

They have one day to practice, and the wedding is on Fri. the 14th.  Saaya, Rana, and of course, all the believers are praying much for the Gospel's clear presentation and working during this time as many Bengali will have NOTHING to do with Christianity otherwise. Let us pray with them!

I gave Joycie a hug and bon voyage. She's due back next Tues.