But he never expected to also hold exotic beetles and eat octopus!
The Bentley Pentecostal church member first became inspired to travel and help others when Japanese missionary Tom Kisaki visited the UK to talk about working with people who have drug problems.

Dale put his name down to take part in a "teen challenge" which would see him working in rehabilitation centres and youth camps in Western Tokyo.

When he was invited to experience the trip of a lifetime, he quickly tried to learn the Japanese language.

"I had attempted to learn some general phrases," he said. "but I didn't think I was picking it up until I was over there and then found myself picking up Japanese words and phrases quite easily."

Before flying to the other side of the world, Dale raised money through his own pocket and generous donations. He carried on dedicating 12 hours a week to the Pentecostal Church, in Arksey Lane, and helped with the village youth cafe.

Despite his dream journey to Japan, he did have a few troubles on the way when the airport lost his bag!

He said: "When my bag was finally found, I was so tired after travelling on three trains to get there. But I woke up and had an amazing breakfast - even though I've no clue what it was!

"After that I spent time with Tom Kisaki and his family before going into a school to work with children and teach them English.

"I quickly noticed the change in culture and tradition - over there the people are very polite and you can't walk into houses with your shoes on."

Dale lived in a church in Hachioji and worked in Okinawa to take on his teen challenge to promote his Christian values and English culture.

He said: "There's so much I have done, I can't remember it all. But what I do remember is being given a Japanese beetle which was the size of a gerbil! I also visited Mount Fuji and ate octopus and a flower.

"I would love to return to Japan in around a year's time, that would be my dream."