First Impressions

It is so funny- in tring to access this page, all of the links are now in Japanese because the web server changed. So it might be a while before I can figure out again how to do fancy things- so readers, you'll have to settle for mere words!

It was a wonderful flight across the ocean; I sat next to a nice Japanese man named Takashi and he helped me study Hiragana and told me many funny stories about his own culture shock when he moved to the United States. After the flight, I met up with the VYM director and Carol (who flew in that day too and is my housemate) and we made an hour and a half commute to our new home in Kawasaki. (Video tour to come!) The transportation system here is intense, but I am so glad for my experience with the Chicago Transit System.

We spent most of yesterday settling in and unpacked after our luggage arrived. We did some grocery shopping that turned out to be more of grocery guessing- but so far, so good! We have successfully cooked 2 Japanese-style meals!

There are so many interesting things to see here. Our language classes are downtown, very close to the Imperial Palace and the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art. There is a french presence in this neighborood as well, with a private school just down the street. I can hear them now at recess- there is nothing like the sound of children playing, so joyful!

Things here are hot, humid, green, busy, bright, and quite enjoyable. I have met so many nice people and I'm looking forward to the day when I can not only remember how to pronounce their foreign names, but can communicate with them as well!

Oops- today, I met the former English teacher whose last day is today. Earlier I was invited to a sending/birthday celebration; so when I met her, I asked her if the party was for her. She responded that she didn't know about any party and I realized that I had just spoiled the surprise!

Desert Island Game

I've spent a log of time this week packing, or rather preparing to pack. Laundry, shopping, sorting... I've decided that it is very similar to the desert island game where you are only allowed to take a few choice items. I had no idea at the time that this game was actually teaching me a life-skill that I would be needing in the future! Top 3 movies: Braveheart, Season 3 of the Office, and the new James Bond. Music: Vince Geraldi's "Charlie Brown Christmas", Derek Webb's "She must and shall go free", and Miles Davis. I'm still thinking on the others- I'll let you know what I come up with.

What a blessing it has been to have this time to spend with family!!! I threw a bridal shower for my cousin Sarah today with the help of my lovely Aunt Chris and brother's finacee, Jennifer. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. God is so good! Tonight the fun continues with Missionary Curry, an old family recipe from my grandparents' time in Africa. Yum!

Hard to believe that I'm leaving for Japan in a little over a week! I'm excited to start this blog as I am an avid journaler. It has been wonderful being able to be back here in North Idaho for these last two months to have some time with my family and to allow for a more laid-back transition from internship in the states to the foreign mission field. God is so good- I see His plan at work everywhere around me! I was initially uncomfortable and hesitant about the whole support raising aspect of missionary service, but it is turning out to be a faith-growing and blessed expereince. I don't want anyone to give because they feel they have to- I want people who give to give because they are keenly aware of and in support of the mission and ministry that their giving will support. It was missionary Jim Elliot who said, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." I thought about this a lot as I was packing up and giving away most all of the possessions I had accumulated for myself from which to build a home. It turned out to be the most freeing experience of my life. I could look around my little apartment and see in it everything that God had provided for me; and so as I gave it away, I did so with freedom and joy knowing that when I had need of it again God would provide it. And I focused on not what I was losing- but on what I am gaining! This gives me such great joy! All of the things we surround ourselves with in life will perish, or we will. In anycase, their place is temporal and only in this world. But anytime money and resources are put to use in ministry (be it supporting a missionary, giving to a seminary student, or just putting money in the offering plate), we are taking what is temporal and using it in a way that will have a wonderful impact on people's lives and their very souls for all of eternity! And it is because of this strong conviction that I am able to seek support to provide for me to do God's work.

Luke 12:24 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Here's a link: https://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=12047