Navigating Family, Faith, and Finances: Our Journey to Japan in 2026

Planning a long-term trip abroad is never simple, especially when it involves a growing family and a deep sense of purpose. Our journey to Japan, originally set for 2025, took an unexpected turn when we discovered we were expecting another child. This joyful news led us to delay our plans, allowing us to welcome Serenity Sakura Ricker into the world on March 11, 2025. Now, with our family complete and hearts full, we are ready to resume our adventure. In March 2026, we will spend a month in Japan, exploring opportunities to support Christian communities and deepen our mission focus.

!Eye-level view of Osaka cityscape with urban buildings and distant mountains

Revisiting Our Plans After a New Beginning

When we first planned our trip to Japan, the idea of rushing over to have Serenity born there crossed our minds. Ultimately, we chose to wait, prioritizing the health and well-being of our family. This decision gave us time to prepare more thoughtfully for the journey ahead.

Our upcoming trip will be different from our honeymoon, which focused mainly on Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagasaki. This time, Osaka will be our home base. We plan to spend most of our time there, with a week in Okinawa to explore Kristin’s family history and the military bases. Okinawa holds personal significance, and we hope to uncover connections that might also open doors for future opportunities.

Exploring Christian Communities and Mission Opportunities

A key purpose of our trip is to conduct a site survey and identify Christian schools or groups where we can offer support. We want to understand the local needs and see how we can contribute meaningfully.

Our approach is to listen and learn first. We will visit churches, schools, and community centers, meeting with leaders and families. This hands-on research will help us confirm whether this is the right place for our mission work and how best to serve.

Balancing Family Life on the Road

Traveling with a family of five, including a toddler and a newborn, requires patience and flexibility. This trip will test our ability to work together and adapt to new challenges.

We have planned for plenty of downtime and family-friendly activities. Visiting parks, museums, and cultural sites will give us moments to recharge and bond. We also want to introduce our children to Japan’s rich culture and history in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Managing Finances with Care and Creativity

One of the biggest challenges we face is managing the cost of living abroad. During our missionary training at SIMs, we developed a budget that estimated expenses close to $10,000 per month for our family size and location. This figure was higher than we hoped.

Our goal is to reduce this by about half through careful planning and creative frugality. Some strategies we plan to use include:

• Renting a modest apartment instead of a larger home or even better purchasing instead of renting which may allow us to share space with other missionaries or supporters who wish to visit.

• Cooking most meals at home rather than eating out

• Using public transportation and walking when possible

• Seeking local discounts and community resources

• Prioritizing essential expenses and cutting non-essentials

  
  

We will share more details about our budgeting process in a future post, including specific tips and lessons learned.

!High angle view of a traditional Japanese street in Kyoto with lanterns and shops

Embracing the Journey with Faith and Responsibility

This trip is more than a vacation or a mission trip. It is a step toward what we believe is God’s calling on our lives. We want to move forward responsibly, honoring the resources and opportunities we have been given.

By combining faith, family, and financial stewardship, we hope to build a foundation for long-term impact. This journey will help us clarify our next steps and deepen our commitment to serving others.

What’s Next for Us

As we prepare to leave on March 1, 2026, and arrive in Japan on March 2, we feel a mix of excitement and humility. This trip will shape our future in ways we cannot yet fully see.

We invite you to follow along as we share updates, insights, and stories from our time in Japan. Whether you are considering a similar journey or simply curious about life abroad with a family, we hope our experience offers useful perspectives.

Our next post will dive deeper into budgeting and daily life in Japan, with practical advice for families planning extended stays.