For those of you wondering...nope, still no visas. We do, however, have the understanding that Mr. Maki is planning to travel later to Sendai (in Japan) to put some fire under some tooshies--but in a much less direct, Japanese way, of course. As you can tell, we've had a lot of time on our hands...this is Lis, Adriane, Tammy, and I prettending to be (buff) old men. Yes, we need our visas SOON! Today was much better as far as morale goes, but it's been up and down. We had worship music practice this morning for two hours, and all in all it went pretty well (we're planning to lead worship on Sunday at Grace Fellowship as a team). Although we're very different in our gifts, it seems that many of us have strengths in the musical areas of life, and deciding "who was boss" was a bit of a challenge a couple of days ago. It's coming together nicely, though, as we learn to submit to each other and consider the group before ourselves--a good lesson to learn, and a very Japanese way of thinking. I was also kidnapped by my mother today and taken to see some model homes and floor plans for new houses. Yes, my parents are moving while I am in Japan, and they're going to build closer to my dad's work. It was good so see the beginnings of things that will transpire in my absence...a bit hard to believe they actually will, though. It's very time for bed. But, before I go, some quotes from the last 24 hours: Adriane: (about our community sleeping quarters): "This place is starting to get a funk." Patty: "Design, German, and dessert...all in one night! Nothing could be better."