After serving as church planters in Japan for 16 years, Jared and Tara Jones only recently relocated back to the States. Together, they pastor Central Church Orange Beach.
“We loved our life and ministry in Japan and were very surprised when God called us here just two years ago,” shared Tara. “We have loved making the Gulf Coast home — again, for me, since I grew up in Satsuma.”
The couple met in Japan, married, and started their family in the States. They then relocated back to Gunma, Japan. They have six children, four biological, and two bonus boys they adopted — Eden (17), Elyssa (16), Elias (11), Ezra (9), Ema (7), and Evan (6).
“The biggest thing our kids miss from Japan, other than our friends, is the food,” Tara said. “Japanese food is amazing, and we try to keep our special memories of life there present by making our favorite Japanese dishes. Our kids all grew up there, so for them, this is their comfort food!”
Jared, Tara, and their children are very committed to being active members of the community. Even though Tara homeschools the kids, the oldest two are enrolled in the local high school and play sports alongside their peers. The younger four kids are active with rec center sports.
Eating together is something that the family also prioritizes.
“We love to cook as a family and enjoy meals around the table. We try to keep this time consistent and enjoy every opportunity to cook together when our busy daily life activities allow it,” Tara shared.
Japanese Curry and Rice is a family favorite when the weather is cool.
“Since New Year’s was a bigger celebration in Japan than Christmas is, we always have Japanese food to celebrate the New Year. This recipe is my kid’s most requested meal,” Tara shared, especially by their youngest, Evan. He requests this dish each year on his birthday.
“I absolutely love seeing my kids around the table laughing and talking about their day. It is a joy, and the days are moving way too fast,” Tara reflected. “With a senior in our home this year, I find myself just enjoying the normal, special moments of them all being the ages they are.”
This tight-knit family of eight seems to be happily integrating into American culture. Their Central Church family has been an amazing support system during their transition from pastoring in Japan to Orange Beach.
Tara and her girls even have a side business together called Glitter & Grace. In Japan, they learned how to make resin jewelry and used vendor events as a way to meet people. They decided to continue this hobby here. Together, they craft the most gorgeous jewelry and sell them at local pop-up events throughout the year.
Japanese Curry and Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 box Japanese Curry Roux (Golden Curry)
- 1 or 2 medium to large yellow onions, cut into large chunks
- 1 large can or jar of sliced mushrooms
- 3-5 potatoes washed, peeled, and cut into large chunks
- 3-5 carrots, cleaned and cut into large chunks
- 3 or 4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- Tonkatsu Sauce
- Japanese short-grain rice, cooked according to package
Directions:
- In a large pot heat a little olive oil. Then sauté chicken chunks, onions, and carrots until onions are translucent over medium/high heat.
- Add in the potatoes and cook and stir for a few additional minutes.
- Cover the vegetables and chicken pieces with water just above the vegetables and bring to a boil.
- When the carrots and potatoes are softened, chop the Curry Roux into small pieces and add them to the water.
- Stir as the Roux dissolves.
- Reduce heat to medium/low and let the mixture thicken.
- Add the Secret Sauce – Tonkatsu Sauce – a few circles into the pot will add the special flavor from traditional Japanese homes
- Serve with Japanese short-grain rice. Enjoy!
Other Tips:
- Japanese Curry Pickles are also delicious on the side and can be purchased at most Asian Markets.
- If making a double recipe, using two different brands of Curry Roux will add great flavor.
Author: Gabriele Jones
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
