Shipping & House Setup
Financial: $7,000 + $3,000
NEEDS
As a family of 8 moving to rural Japan...
we have a few things that would really be helpful to ship. The totes all contain things that we're ready to ship (minus the baseballs; thanks, Grampa!) and displays some things we've understood could be necessary and/or helpful:
Winter clothing: Iwaizumi can get very cold, and we have been told that the available housing options are not well-insulated and dressing warm in the winter is necessary. Larger kid and adult sizes are not as common in Japan. Davidicus has a shoe size 9 US men's already!
English Books & Curriculum: We love our kids to have a love of reading, and we plan to homeschool our children. We have purchased and acquired a lot of homeschooling material and have quite a few books (check out our library catalog!).
Other items & Setup Cost: We are considering shipping the kids' wood bunkbed frames, our two chest freezers, and possibly some other items as well. There is an extra anticipated cost for housing renovations for new residents, including installation of a heater, a washing machine, and a refrigerator (we might need two if they're small!) and some basic furniture and dishes. Key money would be a part of the setup cost as well.
Side note: Japan doesn't really clothes dryers or ovens! We've (or rather, Alicia has) been practicing with hanging clothes to dry inside for a family of 8, and she would love to be able to bake meals and desserts in an oven, but that is not currently included in the the shipping estimate.
When we've raised 90% of our minimum budget, we'll be able to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility and visas, and upon receipt will need to arrive in Japan within 90 days. We'll then need to pack and store the items until the residence has been renovated and then ship them to the house, a service this shipping company can provide.
Above: Totes of books, clothes & winter gear
Left: Homeschooling bookshelf (current year)
Financial Need: $10,000
as of 10/8/2025
If you feel God is moving to you help financially with this or any particular need, please indicate the need in the 'note / gift details' on the giving form. May God bless you abundantly!