Christmas in Japan

We're thinking of you and wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
Elder and Sister Detton

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Christmas Greetings from Sapporo Japan - Elder and Sister Detton

December 23, 2007
Merry Christmas! We have had a great week. We went to four zone conferences, Atsubetsu, Kotoni, Mururan, (three hours away) and Saturday at Higashi. Each time I read "Christmas Day in the Morning" by Pearl S. Buck. We had morning talks, then wonderful lunches provided by the ward Relief Societies, then gift exchanges and games with the missionaries in the afternoon. Tomorrow we drive to Asakikawa, three hours away, north of Sapporo. We will go with the Packard's. Last Friday night we had our last English class until January at Toyhira. Dick had the students read the Christmas story in English and Japanese and we also sang carols. I made alot of food to eat, little sandwiches, fresh pineaple, madarin oranges, popcorn that Janelle had sent (hope it was good.) I made a sugar sauce and poured over it. We had cookies, candy, all sorts of stuff. We played Bingo and then ping pong. A good time was had by all. Dad and I were good and surprised everyone. Saturday we had the Shiroishi Ward Christmas party. Brother Nakaya did an absolutely beautiful power point presentation of the Christmas story, with music, narration, words to carols. It was wonderful. They had long tables laden with all kinds of delicious food. They also presented us with a big red wrapped box filled with presents from ward members. This morning Dick went to Toyohira Ward as an English student (non-member) attended all three meetings. His name is Akio Iizuko. Perhaps you recall I wrote previously about him. He is a IBM computer programer and had invited us to his home and taken us out to lunch. We met his wife at that time. After church today, they went to the hospital to visit his wife, Fusano. She had surgery last Thursday to remove a small tumor in her neck and is now waiting the results of the biopsy. We were happy he came to church. Also Mr. Yamada, a perennial English student, (non-member) attended Sacrament meeting. I stayed at Shiroishi Ward because I played a medley of Christmas songs for special music. At Shiroishi Ward meeting, I looked over and lo and behold there was Brother Aoyama an inactive member who we have visited him at least five times. We did so just last week and sang Christmas carols with the Nakaya's. He is the brother that was converted as a young man and was for several years a building missionary here in Japan. When we first visited him he took us upstairs to his computer and showed us many construction pictures of the chapels and Tokyo temple he help built. He has many pictures of the general authorities. He is now 63 and inactive. Today he looked like million dollars in his navy blue pin stripe suit, gold tie, fancy shoes and mod haircut. So we had a good day.
Tomorrow evening we are going to the Iwata's for Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day we have been invited to the Tuschida's.
These faithful saints are wonderful people. We do love them and they seem to love us.
We have had no snow for a week but it is still cold. Paul and Dale are coming to visit us again and will arrive December 27. We are looking forward to seeing them.
We love you and miss you and think of you. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas with your families.

hi from storm lake, iowa

Liz has finally steered me on to the blog. We,ll see how it goes next time i want on. Things are slow here. No one wants to see us before Christmas, I guess we'll just put on our faces and go store hopping and street walking with big smiles on our faces. It is surprising how many people smile back and talk to us. We love you all and have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. Karen

Update on Uncle Dick

Here's the latest on my dad. He was released from the hospital yesterday at 4 PM. They took the catheter out in the morning at 6 AM. All the bleeding had stopped as a result of the surgery, so they let him go home at 4 PM. I called over to the house at 6 PM to just see how dad was doing and my dad said "I can't talk, we are leaving right now to come to KC's choir concert, we'll see you in a little while!" So there yo have it. An entire new lease on life. Dad has had a catheter for at least the last 3 months, so he was thrilled beyond belief to have that gone. When the concert was over, dad said, we are going home right now, it's been a long day. After the concert, Ken and I took KC and a friend to In-N-Out. We were there for about 5 minutes and were sitting in a booth waiting for food. All of the sudden we look right behind us and there is Grandma Doering - in the next booth. We all burst out laughing. My mom and dad didn't even see us !!! How come we are not surprised that dad's first meal out of the hospital was In-N-Out!!!

Steven comes home from Wisconsin tonight and Mallory and Jim's daughter Kristin comes in this afternoon from Texas with her husband Cip and grandson C.J. We are looking forward to the Christmas holiday and send our love to all of you !!

Faulkner Family Newsletter

We just posted excerpts from our holiday newsletter on our Faulkner Family Blog. You should be getting your copy in the mail soon. If we don't have your updated address, send it to us and we will get you a copy.

Merry Christmas!

Uncle Dick Back in Surgery

I just wanted all of you to know that my dad had to go back into emergency surgery this morning at 5 AM. He was bleeding and they had to stop it. He is at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek and he will be there for at least a few days. This had been a very rough couple of months and I hope that you will all keep him in your prayers. And give my mom a call if you get a chance. I know she would really appreciate the support.

Lydia

Update on Uncle Dick and Family

I wanted to let everyone know that my dad got out of the hospital late yesterday afternoon. He is home, still has a catheter and hopefully he will get that taken out in about another week. Yesterday was hard for mom, dad and Lottie because their little dog Lacey had to be put to sleep in the morning. Lacey had cancer and had been suffering for a long time. It was clear that she was in a lot of pain. Everyone is very sad, especially Lottie because she has lost her daytime companion. We went to visit last night to see how everyone was doing. Grandma was alone because mom and dad were getting prescriptions filled at the pharmacy. I asked grandma about turning on the TV for her and about some books on tape for Christmas. She told me that none of that is the same as talking to a live person. So, during December, if any of you have a free moment and can give Lottie a call, I know that she would really appreciate the contact. You might have to remind her who you are, but I know that it would mean a lot to her. I sure would like to hear how everyone is doing this Christmas. Keep the family up to date by posting to the web site. If you don't know how, well email me and I'll walk you through the process !!! Much love to you all.

Lydia

The Story of a Wedding - Japanese Style

From Elder and Sister Detton Where does the time go? I can't seem to slow it down. I have been making Christmas cards (you know the ones) for the faithful sisters in Shiroishi Ward. I gave them out in church today. (following Sacament meeting.) I hope they like them. It took longer than I anticipated and our apt. is a mess because I just concentrated on getting them done for today. Yes, we still got to visit some people. It's always interesting. If I've learned anything on this mission it is the importance of home teaching/visiting teaching. So many lost souls there that perhaps would have made it if members would just regularly keep in touch, show they care, and share a brief message.

Last Sunday night was the big turkey dinner at the "honbu." I promised to tell you "more later" on the betrothed couple who was married yesterday in the Tokyo Temple. Here is the cast of characters.

President and Sister Yokoyama. Sapporo Mission President.

Emma Yokoyama. Daughter of President and Sister Yokoyama. Never married, age 34. Returned missionary.

President Packard, (oops, we sometime call him that). Elder and Sister Packard are from Texas. They are the office couple and speak not a word of Japanese but handle all the finance. It is to him that we pay our monthly expenses every month. He is a very wealthy and generous man.

Elder Morita. Japanese missionary from Honchu. Age 25. Studied in the United States at Snow College. Graduated from Snow College. While in Utah he learned to speak English beautifully, but more importantly, he was converted to the gospel and baptized. Upon his return from the United States, he served a mission here in Sapporo. He is a wonderful/perfect missionary, speaking both English and Japanese well, loves the gospel, and was an assistant to President Yokoyama before his return upon completion of his mission in July 07. (it is here in Sapporo that he first became acquainted with Emma)

President Packard (oops) got to know him well. He could converse with him, and was convinced of his great potential, not only as an individual but as a future leader of the church here in Japan. Elder Packard consequently offered to sponsor Elder Morita at BYU Provo for the next two years at a cost, we were told, of $25,000 a year.

Elder Packard has kept in touch with Elder Morita since his departure last July. He thought he should be married before going to BYU and encouraged him to date Emma who happened to be in Tokyo for Elder Bednar's big single adult conference last October. Well, Elder Morita followed Elder Packard's advice and "now you know the rest of the story."

There were 32 guests last Sunday evening to fete the happy couple. Sister Packard was the head chef, and I along with Sisters Nishijima and Kawamoto helped prepare food Saturday and Sunday. The turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and dressing tasted great.

We are happy for Elder Morita and his new bride Emma, and their future prospects together as husband and wife. Yesterday they were married in the Tokyo Temple. They leave for Provo, Utah and schooling the first of January. Most of all, we are happy for Emma.

Love, Elder and Sister Detton

Update on Uncle Dick

For those of you who are not aware, my dad went back into the hospital last Wednesday. He is still having problems related to his surgery, but he is now at a different hospital and the care is much better. He is feeling good, and he is very hopeful that he will be able to come home today, which is Sunday. Dad had a complicated prostatectomy the Tuesday after Grandma's 100th birthday party, and he has been struggling to get back to normal since that time. He does not have cancer, but the recovery process has been slow and not without complication. But he is in good spirits and a new set of doctors are keeping a close eye on him. Please keep him in your prayers on this Fast Sunday.

Lydia

News from "The Frozen Chosen" in Sapporo

Monday morning, Nov. 19th, 07. Hi everyone. Sorry to say it's been awhile since we've written and here it is almost Thanksgiving. Hope you all have a wonderful one. There are Christmas decorations in all the stores and they are just BEAUTIFUL! There is music of Christmas in the stores and malls, even traditional carols. But that is the only sign of the "real meaning of Christmas." Santa Claus, snowmen, lights, trees, but no Christ child, or mangers, or shepherds and wise men. Soooo Christmas is commercial here too but we've been told presents primarily are for the children.

We had dinner last evening at the Packard's apt. (office couple) and the other two senior missionaries came, the Kowamoto's and Nishijima's (one couple a lives at home) plus President and Sister Yokohama. There were 10 of us crowded around the table. The two Japanese couples speak no English. President Yokoyama speaks good English and I am blessed that Dick communicates well or I would be lost. We had a great time, especially after everyone else left and the four of us played cards, "14 in the corner" and Trump." NO FACE CARDS! Anyway, it is the Packard's idea (they are a great game playing family) and HE said it is okay. When we left their apt. at 10 p.m., it was snowing hard. This is the 3rd time it has snowed since last Thursday. Luckily, we knew the snow was coming so we had snow times put on the car Friday.

Saturday we had a wonderful missionary conference. Elder Evans, the area president and a member of the first quorum of the seventies spoke. It was as expected uplifting. These young missionaries here are great. I am so impressed with them. No wonder one always here that a mission is a life changing event.

Yesterday we spoke in the Higashi Ward. It was the first time we attended that ward and it was fun to meet new saints. It is a very vibrant ward, with lots of children and members of all ages. Afterwards lunch was served (pot luck) before a ward planning meeting. Yummy!

We've canvassed Shiroishi Ward and are now concentrating on about six families/individuals (mostly converts since 2000 who have actually invited us into their homes at least once) and will now concentrate anew on Toyohira Ward. We visit with these 6 contacts, like home teaching, and have decided that we will go Christmas Caroling to these homes. We always present them with a CD, invitation to ward activity and/or Liahona magazine. We just went over the 7000 kilometer mark on our Corolla.

All is well here but alas the snow has arrived big time and I am not looking forward to that. We need some more long john thermal garments. We have written Janelle to send us some. It is bitter cold when we walk to our car parked at the church. We can't say its not invigorating!!!!

We heard all the wonderful reports about Lottie's 100th birthday party. What a great time you must have all had. Dick couldn't say enough about all the "cousins" and Paul, everyone is raving about the honey you brought from the "farm." Dale, we got the pictures. Thank you! Speaking of our brother Dick, we haven't heard how he is doing since his surgery. We were happy we got to talk with him the day before. We will call him this morning.

We pray for you daily and our thoughts are with you. Love from the Sapporo Mission, more aptly named, "The Frozen Chosen."

Elder and Sister Detton

Elder Peirce Comes Home !!!

Elder Cade Peirce arrived home from the Tallahasee Florida Mission on Thursday, Nov. 15th. Everyone from the Peirce family was on hand, including, grandma Hazel, Great Grandma Lottie, Kristen and kids and Lydia and daughters. We all had a great time holding up huge banners and signs and balloons! Not sure what Cade thought about all of that. Jim, Cade and Gregor promptly left on Saturday morning for Bishop so they could all go climbing together. When the kid who won the U.S. National Bouldering Championship in Maryland last February (that would be Gregor) says "we have to go climbing" then that's what you do !!! Scott stayed behind to concentrate on swimming, but everyone will be together this week for a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast. Cade gives his mission report to the ward this coming Sunday and Sydney, Melissa and KC will all be singing. Uncle Dick has returned home from the hospital still attached to all kinds of bags, but he is able to walk around a little, work at the desk and is hopefully getting his 27 stomach staples removed this coming Wednesday. Grandma Hazel is playing nursemaid to everyone in her house and is looking forward to some healthier days ahead!!! We send our prayers and good wishes to all of you this week and we hope that all of us remember to count our many blessings!!

Lydia

Update on Uncle Dick

My dad is continuing his recovery. I have been to the hospital every day to see him, because his surgery was right here in Danville. Hopefully he will be coming home tomorrow. They haven't let him eat any solid food yet, and I think that he is probably dying for an In-N-Out burger. He says that what really hurts is his shoulder and his knee, but he has been able to walk around and sit up. He is off all the major pain medication. Last night he was watching the Democratic Presidential Debates and he had plenty of opinions to share. That part of him has not slowed down. He is supposed to really take it easy for the next 2 weeks and hopefully he will listen to his doctor. I believe he will go for follow-up the day before Thanksgiving. Cade and Jim went to see him yesterday afternoon and I know that seeing his grandson was a real lift. Dad wrote to Cade every single week of his entire mission. We really appreciate all the prayers that have been offered on his behalf and you can probably call him at home on Sunday if you'd like to talk with him. I know how much he loved seeing so many nieces and nephews at Grandma's party and I know how grateful he was that so many of you came. Now he says that he has to live long enough to have great-grandchildren!!!!

Lydia

Great Party

Hi Everyone -
Just wanted to say what a great time the Young sisters had at Lottie's 100th
B-day party. It was great to see everyone.

Also a big thanks to Lydia for setting up the blog. Hopefully I'll be able to get Mom set up on it. It shouldn't require tooooo.... many hours of over the phone instruction.

Hope you all have great turkey day.

Liz

Dick doing well . . .

Lydia went to visit her dad today. He is in a fair amount of pain and is taking advantage of the medication to keep him comfortable - but it is also making him pretty sleepy. He will be in the hospital for at least a couple of days more. Hopefully he will be home for the weekend.

Lydia says now her dad knows what it is like to have a C-section, and it is not very fun! I have included a picture of Dick from his younger days . . . he has not changed much!

Thanks for all your calls and prayers.

Uncle Dick's Surgery Update

I have just gotten home from the hospital. It is almost 10 PM. My dad's surgery did not take place until 6 PM tonight. The surgery was a little more complicated than they thought so it went a little long. They took him into recovery at about 9:15 PM. I got to see him just for a moment before I left the hospital, through the recovery room doors. His vitals were pretty stable during the entire procedure and the surgeon said he tolerated the surgery well. He is awake and they are moving to the ICU tonight.

I will go see him first thing in the morning and let all of you know how he is doing. He is going to be in the hospital until at least this Friday. The family is going to welcome Cade home from his mission on Thursday at the Oakland Airport and we are all going to see dad in the hospital after that. We know that many prayers have been said on dad's behalf and we so appreciate your love and concern for Uncle Dick. I will keep everyone posted on his recovery. If any of you need to reach me, please call me at home or on my cell.

My love to you all, Lydia

Tribute: Barbara Jean Wilcox Goodale

Three years ago today, my mom, and oldest child of Morris and Cora Wilcox, passed away. I wish you all could have known her; she was (and still is!!!) a great woman! I have posted a brief tribute to mom on my blog (click to read).

Steven Faulkner - The Ultimate U of Wisconsin Badger Fan!

This is Steven Faulkner on the right in the red suit and tie. He and his roomate Josh are diehard Wisconsin Badger fans and they wear these matching togs to all the football and basketball games. Earlier this fall, Steven added bleached white hair with a red faux hawk stripe down the center to complete the look !!! It is now growing out and he only has some white hair on the top. The Faulkner clan was hoping for a Wisconsin-Cal match-up in the Rose Bowl. Both sides were equally disappointed when their respective seasons fell apart. Oh well - it's now on to basketball. Both Steve and Josh have scrolling LCD belt buckles that scroll out GO BADGERS. Steven has managed to make it on center court for a dance competition thanks to the suit. He is a big hit with U of Wisconsin Alumni !! Steve and Josh are known as "The Grateful Red Brothers!"

Thanksgiving Plans in Northern California

The Faulkners are hosting Thanksgiving at their house this year to celebrate Cade's return from his mission. All the Faulkners and all the Wilcox (older and younger) and Peirce clans are getting together at Ken and Lydia's for a sumptuous feast. We were very lucky to have Marion and Dick with us for Thanksgiving last year. If any of you who are in Northern California want to join us that day, just let us know. We'd love to have you !!!! The food is outrageously good !!! And thanks to Aunt Marion we have a new sweet potato dish in the repertoire ! Just let me know if you'd like to come. Our door is always open !! (And we'll hide the dog)

Goodale Family

Here is the most recent picture of our entire family. This was taken atop the Space Needle in Seattle, at the tail end of a 10-day, 9-state(?), 2-country church history tour. We had an awesome time. For details, click here.

I can't wait to see pictures of lots of family here, so please post post post!

Thanksgiving Plans

It would be fun to hear what all of our family is up to for Thanksgiving. You can reply in the Comments of this posting. As for the Goodales, we'll be hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year. Last year we did, as well, and had 24 people there, and a plumbing emergency that had us washing all of our dishes by hand, in the laundry room sink! It was still a lot of fun, though!

If you happen to be in Boise, let us know, and we'll feed you. :-)

Elder and Sister Detton in Sapporo Japan

Let it Snow! Sapporo in the winter for Elder and Sister Detton !!!












Elders and Sisters serving with the Uncle Dick and Aunt Marion in the Sapporo Japan mission. Uncle Dick looks like he is in heaven !!!

Dick and Hazel Wilcox News

Some news for the entire family: Cade Peirce (Mallory and Jim's son) will return home from his mission, this Thursday, November 15. He has been serving in Tallahassee, Florida. And Uncle Dick is having major surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 5 PM. He will be in the hospital for 3 to 4 days. Keep him in your prayers and we will give you information on the family blog and keep you updated on his progress.

Wilcox Blog!!!

Thanks for setting this up, Lydia. I look forward to reading all about my cousins', aunts', and uncles', updates! I may occasionally post something here, but for more extensive postings on my family and our happenings, please refer to the Goodale Family Musings (http://goodales.blogspot.com/). I just posted some wonderful details on a VERY yummy meal I had last night here in Tokyo, so if you're not weak of stomach, check it out! :-)

Welcome to the Wilcox Family Blogosphere !!!!

This last Friday, many of the Wilcox clan joined together to celebrate the 100th birthday of Lottie Doering, the mother of Hazel Wilcox. Many of you came from long distances to share this wonderful evening with our family and we want you to know how much we appreciate having your company this last weekend. We all had so much fun together and it was so good to spend time catching up with each other. We especially appreciate all the help that we received the night of the party. We couldn't have done it without you !!! We all got together at Dick and Hazel's on Saturday night to put a bigger dent in the left-over cake by adding ice cream !!! Courtesy of Uncle Dick's numerous trips to the store to get more ice cream !!! During the evening, I broached the subject of starting a family web site and that's what I have been doing this afternoon. This is actually a blog spot where everyone in the family will be able to post and share news and information about themselves, their children and what is going on in their lives. You will also be able to post pictures of your family, your kids, important events and momentous occasions !!! In the next few days I will be posting pictures from Lottie's birthday party. I am also going to send out an email to everyone that I have an address for and if there are blanks, well I am hoping that all of you can fill me in.

Linda was been sending me tons of emails today so that I can catch up on all the news. Most of you probably don't know that Dick and Hazel are severely technically challenged. They don't have a computer !!! So unless someone calls them and they remember to tell their children, we have NO idea what's happening with the rest of the family. However - we want all of you to know that Dick and Hazel's children do have computers and know how to use them and are now going to reverse direction and keep their parents in the loop - rather than the other way around !!! Look for lots of information in the coming days as we ramp up our efforts to stay connected in a world in which we are all much too busy. May we all keep each other in our prayers and thoughts and remember to count our blessings each and every day !!!