Hooray for Independence Day!

The 4th of July is just not the same when you're not in America.  I recall spending Independence Day on my mission doing absolutely nothing to celebrate it.  I remember being on a bus in Gimpo my first year out and thinking, "Oh.  Today was the 4th of July.  Fancy that."   I then pulled out some pass-along cards, English class fliers and cards with our contact information and went to work.

This time, I found myself once again away from family on the 4th.  This time, though, I was determined to make something of the day, and my fellow interns agreed.  So we dedicated our English class on Monday to Independence Day!  We had plans for fireworks, big ol' barbeque in the church parking lot, carnival-style games (a la Freedom Festival in Provo), etc.

And then it rained cats and dogs all evening.

So we were relegated to cooking up the hot dogs and hamburgers (which were, not surprisingly, itty bitty Japanese-sized items) on grills in the kitchen.  Oh well.  At least we were able to celebrate the gluttony part of the holiday!

Here are a few pictures I snapped of the event.

Sister Suzuki graciously provided the vittles.  Thank you! 

Elders Jackson and Wright, soaked to the bone (they didn't have umbrellas).  We gave them comfort food. 

Asumi wolfing down a hot dog (impressive, given that she's about the size of Tinker Bell).  Mamoru seems to be giving her some well-deserved props. 

Kouki flashing the peace sign as Koushin pounds down another dog. 

Behold! our Independence Day Feast!