Fukuoka, Temple and All the Missionaries

Uber eats in Japan McDonalds!

From Omuta, we took the train to Fukuoka and were happy to have our hotel for two nights so we could have a day that we didn't have to pack up first thing in the morning!

Our hotel was next to the Canal City Shopping Mall. It was a colorful mall with happy music playing throughout and reminded us exactly of Downtown Disney. Courtney and I checked out every restaurant and bakery in the morning and ended up getting Egg McMuffins, orange juice and hash browns at McDonalds for everyone. It was a hit. So much so that we did the same thing again the next morning.

We walked to Old Town Fukuoka to visit Tocho-ji -- a flowering cherry tree, more Japanese temples and shrines, the largest Buddha in Japan AND...  a walk through hell.

Photos weren't allowed so I found this on the internet. 

Behind the Buddha was a walk way with art depicting hell. And then a dark walkway -- so dark you couldn't see anything. But it did have a handrail to hold on to to guide the way -- if you knew about it ahead of time. Very symbolic! Hold to the rod! 

Marty also reminded us that those who were clinging to the rod got to the tree of life and then cast their eyes about and were ashamed. So there is something to think about on the meaning of "clinging" and holding fast.

Behind the temple there was another space with more temples.

After the temple walk, we headed to our own temple in a beautiful area of Fukuoka.

7-11 has become our favorite spot to grab treats -- gummy jelly beans, black thunder, even Hi-Chews.

The mission home is in the bottom of the temple. We went to see if President and Sister Mack were there, but they were out at zone conference. However, zone conference was at the church just a short walk away and was ending in 10 minutes!  We walked down to meet them. Marty was very nervous about being casual in his regular clothes. He felt super uncomfortable like he wasn't being respectful, or showing off that he was no longer a missionary or all those things you feel worried about.

Waiting in the parking lot for the conference to end.
P.S. We discovered that's the new handicap symbol.

We waited in the parking lot until we heard the meeting end, then walked in. 

WOW! Talk about a great reunion!! When we entered, a bunch of missionaries were in the hallway, the first one to see Marty shouted and grabbed him and gave him the biggest hug! Then more came practically running to say hello. They were all soooo excited to see him and meet his family!! 

It was so fun for all of us! I LOVED watching all the missionary's interactions with him!

We met President and Sister Mack as well who were super warm and friendly.

It's extra fun to recognize companions from photos Marty sent home! 

The highlight of our trip has been meeting these members and missionaries who Marty loves and who love him right back! Such joyful reunions!

Before heading back to the hotel, Marty and the boys wanted to shop at Uniqlo and Zara and Courtney wanted to shop for souvenirs. We split up and went separate directions. (There are a ton of malls in Fukuoka all with really nice shops. We could be in the US in a big city -- so much the same.)

Courtney and I also found a fruit shop and loaded up on grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, and kumquats. We've been starving for fruit!

Grapefruit as big as Courtney's head. There were several of these "gifted" to the Buddha.

Shopping at the book store for Harry Potter in Japanese. Great collection idea, Courtney!

At night a light show was captured on the side of the hotel near the mall. 

Space Invaders.

We went to the Ramen Stadium (Food Court) for dinner. Yummy ramen, weird smell.

Then all met up for crepes for dessert.

We're so excited to sleep in tomorrow until 10:00!