Christmas Break @ Takayama Beach Company

Christmas break was an especially long one, we had three weeks!  It really is a good time to rest, reflect and rejuvenate.  It is also a time to remember God's great gift in his son at Christmas.  At Tokyo Union Church (TUC) we have multiple Christmas eve services, one that has a children's focus and two that are candlelight services.

Here in Japan, Christmas is primarily for commercialism.  There is a lot of buying and selling of merchandise but the real reason of Christmas isn't usually found in any of the stores.
December 23rd is the day Japan celebrates the Emperor's birthday.  That is an official holiday, but this year, that day fell on Sunday and the country observed the holiday on Monday, December 24th.  Before heading up to Tak I wanted to get pick up the medicine I need.  Unfortunately, it was too late before I figured out that the doctor's office was closed on December 24th.  I was planning to drive up on Dec. 25th, however now I would have to drop by the doctor's and pharmacy before heading out.

As I was sitting in the doctor's office, I was thinking about Christmas and how odd it felt that it was Christmas day and I was able to visit the doctor and pharmacy.
Before I drove up, I went to pick up a chocolate lab, Coco, from friends of mine. I take him with me up to the cabin occasionally.  He is good company.

Sunset when I arrived

 Usually twice a day I would take Coco for a walk.  The morning walk was along the beach, but the afternoon/evening walk could be to Hanabuchihama.  The panoramic pictures are of the Hanabuchihama shore.

 It had snowed over night.  The snow was still on the beach when Coco and I took our walk along Shichigahama.

The sun trying to shine through the clouds

Still evidences of the tsunami from March 2011

One way to keep warm in the cabin

This year the Willson's invited me to participate in their gingerbread house competition.  Steve, Jacquie and I were one team and Lauren, Rachel and Caitlin were the other team.  It was a fun evening.

The last few days I was there, it snowed each night and sometimes into the daytime.  The last day when Coco and I took our walk, it was still snowing by the beach. 

I am always amazed at how quiet it can be at the cabin.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of this video. 

I drove home along the coast.  It was a good time away and I was still able to have some time before school began.  I have been blessed to be able to get-away to this cabin.  I am very grateful for this opportunity.  I also enjoy the time with Coco and being able to take care of him.  He's a good dog. 
I pray that you all had a good Christmas and New Year!