The first gathering was in Fukushima with some of the kids from the English school for the Easter story, a craft, songs, and an egg hunt. The cross craft and egg hunt gave us the opportunity to talk freely about Jesus' death, his burial in the tomb, and the tomb breaking open as death was defeated...
The celebration moved to Koriyama the following week...
The pictures don't quite capture the squeals, running, singing, and smiles of the kids...they were pretty excited about finding their Easter eggs. :)
Even though the eggs were pretty exciting, we were more excited by the kid's questions and comments when they heard the Easter story. Our older kids at Fukushima pondered the story thoughtfully, while our young kids at Koriyama demanded to know whether Jesus is really alive now or not. The boys at Koriyama are still talking about Jesus finding them when they went missing a few weeks ago, and I think the experience, followed by Easter, has given them new thoughts about God seeing, hearing, knowing, responding--being alive. Good stuff... :)
I'm also thankful for so many people who prepared the many eggs, messages, candy, and gifts! Many of the pieces of our Easter celebration were gathered while I was in America for my brother's wedding, and it was a blessing to be able to share that with the kids and moms as well--that part of this new life in Christ involves the mysterious "family of God" that spans continents and time.
Boundless life. Easter. :)
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