The Strange and the Unexplained

I imagine each missionary on Okinawa experienced something which has never adequately been explained. The years have passed and still no resolution is to be found. The nature of missionary work on Okinawa is just like that. I have a story which has boggled my mind ever since. Here goes:

In the Oyama Proselyting area, which consisted of the western half of the city of Ginowan and even a little bit of Chatan in the North, Norton and I were visiting a kind couple in a rather costly-looking house not too far from the apartment. Their spiritual progress was non-existent, but we visited about once every two weeks, just to prepare the "playing field," so to speak.

After Norton transferred, I continued to try to see them, but they were never home. Eventually Elder Field became my companion, yet still they were never home.

I noticed that their property was beginning to deteriorate, as if no one was around to care for it. I peeked in through the windows one day and could see that everything inside was in proper order. Furnishings, TV, odds-and-ends on the coffee table -- it was all still there.

We continued to try to catch them at home, until one bizarre day when Field and I saw a small van backed up to their door. The back doors of the van were wide open, the front door of the home was wide open, and someone was removing their furnishings bit-by-bit and shoving it all in the van. I looked into the home. Nothing was boxed up. The remote controls for the TV were still sitting on the table! Everything was being removed piecemeal. It was one of the most unusual things I ever did see.

I can't remember if I knocked or called out, but some man wearing a one-piece work suit approached. I asked if the family was present and he responded, "We're cleaning. "

Cleaning, indeed. I left and never went back.