Part 2

The bus pulled in and the remaining members of the volunteer grouped stepped off. It was only two of them.

[in English] "I hope the Church won't be upset. I can't believe everyone wanted to stay as close to Tokyo as possible…" the girl said, still flustered by the lack of support.

"Really? We come to a foreign country, and you're not surprised that everyone wanted to stay as close to the main city as possible? That's like taking people to New York and asking who wants to stay in like… I dunno, Albany and who wants to stay in Manhattan. Of course they were going to pick Tokyo. Plus, it's easier to teach people to speak English than it is to deal with kids that don't."

"Don't say that," the girl swatted at the last remaining volunteer, her younger brother.

"Hey, I'm here with you aren't I?"

She looked at him suspiciously. "You're here because you didn't want me going on this trip," she said indignantly.

"Hey, he was my dad too… aw, don't give me that face. Come on. They said the Church was up a hill or something…"

[in Japanese] "Hello? Father?" She called stepping into the Church.

[in English] "Ah you must be the volunteers!" The siblings dropped their bags. "Ah, haha, yes, I'm American. I'm on a mission. Are you surprised?"

Unabashed, the brother spoke, "Well, come to think of it, Catholicism isn't the native religion…so I guess not… we were just expecting a Japanese priest. Looks like our Japanese won't be necessary, huh?"

"Father, please excuse my brother. I'm Holly. Holly Watanabe. This is my brother, Peter."

"Ahh, you're mixed. You definitely have strong Japanese features though. That's a bit surprising, usually it's easier to see the American features…" the Priest shook his head, as if shaking away an unnecessary thought. "In any case, your Japanese will be much welcomed. I'm the only one that speaks English here, although some aim to learn." The priest ushered them further into the church. "Let's get you to your rooms. You must be tired. Will there be more of you joining?"

"Unfortunately, most of the group decided to volunteer in the English speaking program…" Holly trailed off, embarrassed that the volunteer group was treating this more like a vacation than actual volunteer work.

"No, don't be upset dear. Any help is great help. Brother Sentaro has been shouldering much alone. But you'll meet him soon enough."

Holly dropped off her bag, looked herself over in the small hanging mirror, and made her way to the sounds of children playing.

I probably should have waited until Father came back to get me…but I'm sure he would have just taken us to see the kids. She could hear laughter exploding from the outside…

[in Japanese]

"Again, Brother Sen! Again! Rawwwwrrr!" Several kids made a run toward a man cloaked in black. The figure slowly stood with children hanging all over him…on his back, his arms, attached to his legs… the children squealed with delight as the man roared and made huge steps stomping all over the grass. Holly smiled. This is good. Coming here was right… no regrets… dad would be happy with this. This isn't running away… this is helping others…

"Brother Sen!" Holly jumped, and turned to see the Priest and her brother heading towards her. "Brother Sentaro!"

Holly turned back towards the man surrounded by children. "Ah Father…" he said, putting another child back on the ground. The kids become suddenly quiet, a few hiding behind Sentaro at the sight of Holly and Peter.

"Ah, I see you found the children," the Priest smiled. "Brother Sen, these are the volunteers. Holly and Peter. They are fluent in Japanese and English and around your age. So their energy will be good for the kids."

Holly bowed, "I am Holly Watanbe. I'm pleased to meet you." She looked up… way up actually, to see Sentaro's face. There was a long pause and Holly turned to see Peter with his mouth hanging open.

"Man, you're tall… Are you mixed? Why are you taller than me?"

Holly was aghast and elbowed her younger brother. "My apologies, Father Sentaro. This is my younger brother, Peter. Please, forgive his manners."

Sentaro let out a slightly uncomfortable laugh. "Uh, I'm in training, so please call me Brother Sen. And yes, I am mixed…" he added, avoiding eye contact.

"Well it looks like you all have something in common!" the Priest said joyfully. "Now, how about we bring the kids in for dinner?"