We actually found out about Elder Ry's new companion first from our Oki friends the Leifsons! They were visiting another branch in the district on Sunday and ran into the Elders and sent me an email with this photo and the message that Elder Ry looks "good and happy"! What a joy to have such thoughtful friends and to hear of and see our missionary son like that!
We can't mention wonderful Oki friends without including Sister Sly who has helped the Elders in so many ways for example, cleaning their apartment including their tatami mats, taking them on Oki adventures on their P-days, sending wonderful care packages (when he was serving on the mainland) and even helping Elder Ry to get 2 new suits when he lost so much weight his old ones were practically falling off! Not only did she help him get the suits but they got them for FREE thanks to Sister Sly sharing a deal she got on suits they needed at the same time! We recently got a phone call from Sister Sly congratulating Parker on his call and were able to hear even more details about Elder Ryler's missionary life! It was so wonderful to talk to Sister Sly and what a parent pay day!!
Our good friend Suzumi's nephew Brother Afuso and his family had the Elders over along with Suzumi and Doug and gave them dinner, a chance to play the Sanshin and a ride home, bikes included! so they could make their curfew in time!
The Quiners also emailed us with a fun update after seeing Elder Ry at their branch and later had the Elders over for a wonderful meal and visit!
Not long after Elder Ry's arrival on Oki our friends the Jensens sent us an awesome email and this photo! 
Brother Holloway not only gave Elder Ry a ride from the airport but he also let him borrow his own bike for several weeks until Elder Ry's bike could be repaired and sent down from the mainland!
And the list goes on and on. I'm sure I've left some out and there are probably many others helping that we aren't even aware of, like all the Japanese branch members who feed and help the Elders on a regular basis too!
This is in large part why we have such fond memories of our time in Okinawa -- meeting so many wonderful people like all of the above friends and more! We send our heartfelt thanks to all the amazing "Oki angels" seen and unseen and those who keep in touch with us and let us know how our precious son is doing, what a blessing!
Thank you very much!
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