by Noriko Lao

When I decided to retire from the World Bank in Washington D.C. to move to Bellingham, WA, a friend of mine asked, “Do you know anyone there?  Are you sure you want to move there?  Do you know that some people in that area are hostile against Japanese because they were afraid of Japanese invasion during the WW II?”  I knew no one and nothing about the lingering effect of WW II in Washington State.  I had childhood memories of B29 bombers flying over our city in Tokyo and the sound of bombs coming down.  I also had nightmares for many years from the ‘unknown’ fear that I felt when I heard about the terrible destructions that happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  But I never linked those unfortunate experiences to American people, perhaps because I knew wonderful American missionaries who taught at our high school, which was founded by Presbyterian missionaries back in 1870.  Also I was raised by mother who studied in a Quaker school.

So, I did not pay much attention to my friend’s concern and moved to Bellingham.  When I started attending Garden Street UMC, I heard that our UMW Treasurer needed help because of her declining health.  So, I agreed to help her.  She was a kind lady of deep faith, and we got along very well.  One day when we were sitting at her kitchen table she said, “Don’t be offended, but I never dreamed of making friend with a JAP.”  Then she told me the reason.  I appreciated her honesty and thanked God for bringing us together.

Noriko Lao is Conference Secretary for Global Ministries, Pacific Northwest Conference and an UMCOR volunteer.  

	See Also... Topic: Christian love |  Communities |  Family |  Race |  Geographic Region: United States |  Western U.S. |  Source: GBGM Mission News
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Date posted: May 18, 2007