What a great turn out for our JCC retreat out at the Tsai home on Hood Canal last Saturday (July 22nd)! As the tide reached its lowest point (9:42 a.m.?) the early birds were already there digging clams out of the sand (Larry, Bisim, and friends). Folks kept joining the gathering until almost 11:00 when it felt like there was a group of almost 50 on hand. The Suzuki grandkids and family – just rolling in from Japan the day before, Ivan’s brother Arturo and Deborah – driving all the way down from Vancouver, and LOTS of JCC connections and friends from near and far. Peter and Joyce did a great job hosting all of us, cooking burgers and hot dogs on the BBQ grill, and others brought all sorts of goodies in order to put on a potluck spread. Good conversations, laughter, delicious food, and excellent weather all added up to a wonderful time of relaxation and play. Our time together drew to a close with “suika-wari”, a Japanese summer tradition for eating watermelon together by first playing a game of “whack the watermelon while blindfolded” – and a short devotional by Pastor Tim. Thanks to all of Peter and Joyce’s hard work and hospitality in hosting this event!
Here are a few pictures…. but you can go to a gallery HERE to see more. Feel free to download any photos you want.
Thanks Peter and Joyce!!
Japanese Congregational Church 