Language is a funny thing. You think you're getting the hang of the little bit of Japanese that you know, and then your friend (graciously) laughs in your face when you say "scary" when you meant "cute" or "rice ball" when you meant "hello." Or, you're having a conversation with a friend about the crime rate where you are from and suddenly she has a confused look on her face and says "Okay, but is it hot or cold?" Embarrassed, you laugh as you realize that she said "climate" not "crime rate."
Or, when you accidentally insult your friend's job because you thought he said his work was "boring stuff" when he said "bowling staff." And my favorite one, you become utterly confused when receiving directions to your friends house as she says "cross the street and then you will see the injection." Better known as "intersection."
These funny little mishaps add a nice touch of humor to our long, exhausting days. At times, I would hop on a plane tonight and at other times, I feel like I could stay for years. The Lord is sustaining me for sure and He sends encouragement at exactly the right times. In the last post I mentioned that a lady I met during 5 Minute English emailed me. Well, today we met. We stayed talking in a coffee shop for two and a half hours. She is very interested in the Bible and we started an in-depth study today. She has several Christian friends and has been to church a few times before and is very open to hearing the Gospel. Like most Japanese, she claims Buddhism but is not committed. She began asking questions as we read the Bible so we lost track of time and she left later than she needed to. She was supposed to leave at 5 to go cook supper for her husband. Sorry, husband. :)
How you can pray:
-Pray for my meeting next week with the friend I met with today
-Pray for Charlie and Teresa, Barb and Liz and the other missionaries who will be following up with the contacts we have made after we leave
-Pray for harvesting of all of the seeds planted
-Praise the Lord for who He is. Praise Him for the work He has done here and will continue to do
"Japan, in case you didn't know is the second largest unreached people group in the world. The whole country doesn't have a clue." - Louie Giglio
"God is not looking for big faith, but even a little faith in a big God." - George Mueller
We're not called to understand Him, just believe Him.
"The Land of the Rising Sun can become the Land of the Risen Son!"
Praise the Lord, and rest in His peace.
Love you all, Virginia
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
"This moment, I love."
Monday night, I had a great night with my sweet friend Ayaka. After a day at Konan University and 5 Minute English in Sannomiya, I met her for dinner. We went to her uncle's restaurant and I'm telling you, it was the best night I have had here so far. We had a private room and her uncle cooked for us fried cheese, pork, chicken, shrimp, potatoes, and I don't even remember what else. After cooking, he brought his laptop in the room and told me to Google Earth my house. It didn't really show up well so I googled my church and showed them. It meant so much to me that he wanted to see where I'm from and hear about my family and friends. Their concern and hospitality made me a lot less homesick. When I moved the mouse from America to Japan, Ayaka said "Wow! It is so far away! Thank you for coming!" Afterwards, he googled his house and Ayaka's house and he showed me picture albums of his daughters. We stayed talking and laughing for two hours until it was time for him to close the resturant. The next day we went back to Kansai Gai Dai and I met with my favorite little group- Tsumugi, Shiori, and the Miho's. We have plans to go to an aquarium in the next few days. Monday when we were at Konan, Jenna and I were going to meet with some of her friends she had met the time before. We were talking with them when I noticed the cross neckace one of the girls was wearing. We asked her what it meant and spent the next few minutes explaining. She was very interested and asked a lot of questions. Today we went shopping and had lunch with the two girls and have lunch plans with them for tomorrow. It is fun to watch the way God works things out. For example, yesterday we were doing Five Minute English in the rain. I was with Ciara, we were getting nothing but strange looks. My legs were swollen with mosquito bites and my mood was less than cheerful. John Ray and Jenna were prayer walking and they passed by and asked what they could pray for. I told John Ray to pray for my mood and I was silently praying for someone to stop. A man walked by on a cell phone and I prayed that he would turn around. That instant I kid you not, the man turned around. I prayed next that he would stop. The man stopped. I was getting excited and next I said "Lord, if it's Your Will, let this man come and talk to me." He stayed talking on the phone for a few minutes and then like I knew he would, he came and he talked the me. The power of prayer like I have never experienced before. He seemed interested and He took a "Steps to Peace with God." He's working, guys. A few minutes ago, I got an email from a friend I met a few weeks ago. I assumed she had forgotten or didn't care, but I was wrong. She wants to meet this week. God's plans far exceed my expectations. Thank for your prayers and know that God is working.
I want to close with this. The night I was with Ayaka, she stopped suddenly, grabbed my arm and said "This moment I love." This summed up my feelings for the past seven weeks. This moment, I love.
I want to close with this. The night I was with Ayaka, she stopped suddenly, grabbed my arm and said "This moment I love." This summed up my feelings for the past seven weeks. This moment, I love.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Dr. Pepper and Pop Rocks
"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." Psalm 32:2-3 is a good description of our activities of the past week. Monday we held a 4th of July party and then left out early Tuesday morning for our Intern Retreat and we arrived back home Thursday night. These verses remind me so much of the Seelen family. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He doesn't advise, or encourage, He makes. This wonderful family I am working with this summer is so dedicated to their mission and so enthusiastic and hard working every single day that I am glad the Lord provides opportunities of rest and retreat where He makes us lie down and rest.
Monday was our 4th of July party at Suma Beach. It was the Seelen's homeschool party as well as a time for our Japanese friends we have made to get together. We spent the morning preparing the food and packing everything up to go. Tents, grill, decorations, etc. Because I like to think that I am the next Paula Dean, I absolutely loved the time in the kitchen that morning helping prepare the food. There's nothing like wearing red white and blue, making potato salad and listening to Lee Greenwood while you're in Japan. I've never felt so at home on the other side of the world. We had been praying the the rain would hold off as there was a 60% chance all day. We arrived early to set up and spent some time on the beach before our guests arrived. My friends Ayaka and Yuri were supposed to come but they would be a little later because Ayaka had a big exam that afternoon. The party started to die down and the rain started to come and Ayaka and Yuri were nowhere to be found. I began to pray/panic and was very excited when my phone rang and they were almost to the beach. Jenna and I went to meet them and fixed them a plate of food. They had traveled two hours to come to this party and had to eat in the rain while everyone was beginning to leave. Something about that doesn't settle well with Southern hospitality so after talking to Mrs. Teresa and Jenna we decided it would be best to invite them over to our house after the party. They brought their friend Mickey and they all came to the house. We talked, sang and danced and they had their first taste of Dr. Pepper, cookie dough, and pop rocks. I gave them each a ring pop and they almost cried. They said they had seen them advertised on tv but couldn't buy them in Japan. When I told them to open them up and eat them they gasped and said ''Oh no, we can't eat it, we will save it forever!"
The first event of our retreat was going to Soba village and making our own Soba to eat. After we made it, we went in a room and waited for them to bring our Soba out to eat. We said the blessing and a few minutes later, one of the kitchen ladies came up to our table with a huge smile on her face and told Hannah "I am Christian." She folder her hands, bowed her head and said "Yes, I believe, I believe." This was amazing and definitely was a good boost of encouragement for the day. Later we made it to our cabin and had spaghetti and smores and good ol round of Catch Phrase. The next morning we woke up and went to Tottori to the sand dunes. If I never go to Egypt, I'll be okay with that. Climbing up that sand dune, I felt like I was there. It was beautiful. Afterwards, a few of us rode camel which for me, just made the day. I had a two hump camel from Mongolia named Cherry. He had to wear a mask though because he had a bad spitting habit according to the our guide. I leaned closer to his face to take a picture and he flung his head back and jerked. I guess he didn't like that very much. Afterwards, we went to a beautiful cave, like nothing I have ever seen before. I am doing a horrible job of describing it because I just don't know how. Absolutely gorgeous. Because I lack in balance and coordination about as much as height, I found a pretty little rock about half way in and planted myself until everyone had climbed all the way through. We then spent some time on the beach and headed back to the cabin. The day before was Hannah's birthday so we had cake and icecream and played a mean game of Sharades. I've never been one to play games, but I think that may be changing, and well, I don't hate it.
This next week, I hope to get back in the groove of things and continue our harvesting work. It was nice to have a break, but I'm ready to get back doing work. Thank you all for your continued prayers and encouragement.
Monday was our 4th of July party at Suma Beach. It was the Seelen's homeschool party as well as a time for our Japanese friends we have made to get together. We spent the morning preparing the food and packing everything up to go. Tents, grill, decorations, etc. Because I like to think that I am the next Paula Dean, I absolutely loved the time in the kitchen that morning helping prepare the food. There's nothing like wearing red white and blue, making potato salad and listening to Lee Greenwood while you're in Japan. I've never felt so at home on the other side of the world. We had been praying the the rain would hold off as there was a 60% chance all day. We arrived early to set up and spent some time on the beach before our guests arrived. My friends Ayaka and Yuri were supposed to come but they would be a little later because Ayaka had a big exam that afternoon. The party started to die down and the rain started to come and Ayaka and Yuri were nowhere to be found. I began to pray/panic and was very excited when my phone rang and they were almost to the beach. Jenna and I went to meet them and fixed them a plate of food. They had traveled two hours to come to this party and had to eat in the rain while everyone was beginning to leave. Something about that doesn't settle well with Southern hospitality so after talking to Mrs. Teresa and Jenna we decided it would be best to invite them over to our house after the party. They brought their friend Mickey and they all came to the house. We talked, sang and danced and they had their first taste of Dr. Pepper, cookie dough, and pop rocks. I gave them each a ring pop and they almost cried. They said they had seen them advertised on tv but couldn't buy them in Japan. When I told them to open them up and eat them they gasped and said ''Oh no, we can't eat it, we will save it forever!"
The first event of our retreat was going to Soba village and making our own Soba to eat. After we made it, we went in a room and waited for them to bring our Soba out to eat. We said the blessing and a few minutes later, one of the kitchen ladies came up to our table with a huge smile on her face and told Hannah "I am Christian." She folder her hands, bowed her head and said "Yes, I believe, I believe." This was amazing and definitely was a good boost of encouragement for the day. Later we made it to our cabin and had spaghetti and smores and good ol round of Catch Phrase. The next morning we woke up and went to Tottori to the sand dunes. If I never go to Egypt, I'll be okay with that. Climbing up that sand dune, I felt like I was there. It was beautiful. Afterwards, a few of us rode camel which for me, just made the day. I had a two hump camel from Mongolia named Cherry. He had to wear a mask though because he had a bad spitting habit according to the our guide. I leaned closer to his face to take a picture and he flung his head back and jerked. I guess he didn't like that very much. Afterwards, we went to a beautiful cave, like nothing I have ever seen before. I am doing a horrible job of describing it because I just don't know how. Absolutely gorgeous. Because I lack in balance and coordination about as much as height, I found a pretty little rock about half way in and planted myself until everyone had climbed all the way through. We then spent some time on the beach and headed back to the cabin. The day before was Hannah's birthday so we had cake and icecream and played a mean game of Sharades. I've never been one to play games, but I think that may be changing, and well, I don't hate it.
This next week, I hope to get back in the groove of things and continue our harvesting work. It was nice to have a break, but I'm ready to get back doing work. Thank you all for your continued prayers and encouragement.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Happy Days.
Earlier in the week Kane, Ariel and I got to eat dinner with one of our Japanese friends from Southern Miss. He is from Tokyo but was in Osaka for a few days, so he called and we met up and ate with him. We went to a really good Japanese buffet where you have 90 minutes to eat as much as you want, or can. It was very good and lots of fun. I put a bit of pasta salad on my plate and was surprised when I saw the octopus legs that I originally thought were noodles. People have varying views on strange foods in foreign countries, and I would like to share mine. Now, I am a huge believer in ''Follow where He leads, swallow what He feeds,'' however, when one has the choice between eating octopus and fish paste or rice and chicken, I see absolutely nothing wrong in sticking with what you know. People don't become more righteous by eating fermented soy beans. (Steps off soapbox.)
Next thought. Tuesday night, Ariel and I went to eat sushi with our sweet friends Shiori, Tsumugi, Ana, Nao, and Miho. Great conversation soon struck, and we have good leads on a couple of them. I am soon to start weekly Bible study with Miho. She is excited, which makes me more excited. Wednesday, I went to Harborland in Sannomiya with my dear friend Yuko. This is the one who told me my Japanese was terrible. In an effort to get some kind of compliment, I memorized the days of the week and recited them to her. She just laughed at me. It was worth a shot. :) She made us a Japanese lunch box with chicken, steak, egg, sausage, unidentifiable foods, and salmon rice balls which happen to be my all time favorite. After eating and hanging out for a while, I had to get back for workshop that started that afternoon. Charlie's friend Joseph who pastors a church in Osaka spoke to us. He was very encouraging and it was a great message to have halfway through the summer. Afterwards, Teresa cooked mexican for our usual ''Wednesday night home cooked meal.'' She does a great job of making us feel as home. After we ate, Mark told me to go put tennis shoes on and meet him outside. Immediately, I knew where this was going. Bike riding lesson #2. Poor Mark, he's being so patient. I'm just not getting it.
Thursday, we went to Konan and then 5 Minute English in Sannomiya. I was partnered with Drew and we went to a spot that was very successful for me the time before. Twenty minutes passed. Nothing. The thought popped in my head that we are at the same place doing this same thing on the same days. People generally have set schedules that they follow each day so it just makes sense that at least some of the people walking by have seen us before. And of those people, we can infer that at least a few of them have wanted to stop but were too busy, nervous, afraid... So, I began praying to myself that the Lord would send me someone who had seen us before and wanted to stop, but finally decided to today. I prayed this for a few minutes until a middle aged woman came up to me smiling. She said ''Is the practice really free? I have seen your signs before, but I have never stopped. I have wanted to, but I just decided to stop today.'' Mmmhmm, perfectly orchestrated. It was beautiful. After a big smile of satisfaction and amazement, I not-so-gracefully picked my chin up off the floor, and tried to answer her question. Her name is Yuko, (popular name) she took my card and is supposed to call me next week. If I get a call or not, God answers prayer, this I know. Sometimes in cool ways just to show us He can.
Today we went to Kansai Gai Dai and I had lunch with precious little Ayaka. Now I know I am calling each Japanese that I meet ''precious'' because they all are but let me tell you something, it's different with this girl. I mean, I am already preparing myself for the tears that will come the day I have to leave her. The first time I saw her she was smiling and laughing with her side pony tail and bright yellow leggings like she had just popped right off of Saved by the Bell. Right then, I knew we would be friends. When we first met her, the California team was here and several of those girls really reached out to her and made a huge impression on her. Today we were just talking, I was letting her lead but prayerfully waiting for a plug. When she started talking about boys, I thought we would get nowhere. She asked if I would ever like a Japanese boy. I told her that I did not have a problem with that, but he would have to be a Christian because that is what matters to me. She knows we are Christians, so the fact that she continually wants to see me instead of running away is an accomplishment in itself. I continued and told her that I really don't worry about having a boyfriend though because Jesus is in control of my life and He gives me what I need. I told her that He will give me a good boyfriend if that is what He wants me to have. She perked up and said ''Ooooo, He does that because He loves you?'' I was so excited she was getting it. She then asked, ''So you don't have to worry about anything because you know He will take care of it?'' I said ''yes, that is exactly right.'' She grabbed my hand, and said ''You are very dear to me.'' Hearing that was better than the first time I saw the scene in Forrest Gump when he meets little Forrest and asks Jenny ''Is he smart?'' Chill bumps and tears, chill bumps and tears. She said she wants to learn more about the Bible, so I asked her if she wanted to start meeting to study together. She kind of backed away and said that she was very busy. I looked at her and said that it was no problem at all. I told her that if she did decide to study, she did not have to become a Christian. Hearing that is just what she needed. She smiled and said, ''yes, I will study with you.'' She then hugged me and said ''Thank you for telling me about Bible but not pressuring me to be Christian.'' Y'all. I love her. Pray for her, her name is Ayaka. I want everyone of you to see her, I can't tell you how cute she is. Tomorrow, I am going to the mall with my friend Saki. I just love her too. Great days are happening here.
I'm tired. Matane. (See you later) :)
Next thought. Tuesday night, Ariel and I went to eat sushi with our sweet friends Shiori, Tsumugi, Ana, Nao, and Miho. Great conversation soon struck, and we have good leads on a couple of them. I am soon to start weekly Bible study with Miho. She is excited, which makes me more excited. Wednesday, I went to Harborland in Sannomiya with my dear friend Yuko. This is the one who told me my Japanese was terrible. In an effort to get some kind of compliment, I memorized the days of the week and recited them to her. She just laughed at me. It was worth a shot. :) She made us a Japanese lunch box with chicken, steak, egg, sausage, unidentifiable foods, and salmon rice balls which happen to be my all time favorite. After eating and hanging out for a while, I had to get back for workshop that started that afternoon. Charlie's friend Joseph who pastors a church in Osaka spoke to us. He was very encouraging and it was a great message to have halfway through the summer. Afterwards, Teresa cooked mexican for our usual ''Wednesday night home cooked meal.'' She does a great job of making us feel as home. After we ate, Mark told me to go put tennis shoes on and meet him outside. Immediately, I knew where this was going. Bike riding lesson #2. Poor Mark, he's being so patient. I'm just not getting it.
Thursday, we went to Konan and then 5 Minute English in Sannomiya. I was partnered with Drew and we went to a spot that was very successful for me the time before. Twenty minutes passed. Nothing. The thought popped in my head that we are at the same place doing this same thing on the same days. People generally have set schedules that they follow each day so it just makes sense that at least some of the people walking by have seen us before. And of those people, we can infer that at least a few of them have wanted to stop but were too busy, nervous, afraid... So, I began praying to myself that the Lord would send me someone who had seen us before and wanted to stop, but finally decided to today. I prayed this for a few minutes until a middle aged woman came up to me smiling. She said ''Is the practice really free? I have seen your signs before, but I have never stopped. I have wanted to, but I just decided to stop today.'' Mmmhmm, perfectly orchestrated. It was beautiful. After a big smile of satisfaction and amazement, I not-so-gracefully picked my chin up off the floor, and tried to answer her question. Her name is Yuko, (popular name) she took my card and is supposed to call me next week. If I get a call or not, God answers prayer, this I know. Sometimes in cool ways just to show us He can.
Today we went to Kansai Gai Dai and I had lunch with precious little Ayaka. Now I know I am calling each Japanese that I meet ''precious'' because they all are but let me tell you something, it's different with this girl. I mean, I am already preparing myself for the tears that will come the day I have to leave her. The first time I saw her she was smiling and laughing with her side pony tail and bright yellow leggings like she had just popped right off of Saved by the Bell. Right then, I knew we would be friends. When we first met her, the California team was here and several of those girls really reached out to her and made a huge impression on her. Today we were just talking, I was letting her lead but prayerfully waiting for a plug. When she started talking about boys, I thought we would get nowhere. She asked if I would ever like a Japanese boy. I told her that I did not have a problem with that, but he would have to be a Christian because that is what matters to me. She knows we are Christians, so the fact that she continually wants to see me instead of running away is an accomplishment in itself. I continued and told her that I really don't worry about having a boyfriend though because Jesus is in control of my life and He gives me what I need. I told her that He will give me a good boyfriend if that is what He wants me to have. She perked up and said ''Ooooo, He does that because He loves you?'' I was so excited she was getting it. She then asked, ''So you don't have to worry about anything because you know He will take care of it?'' I said ''yes, that is exactly right.'' She grabbed my hand, and said ''You are very dear to me.'' Hearing that was better than the first time I saw the scene in Forrest Gump when he meets little Forrest and asks Jenny ''Is he smart?'' Chill bumps and tears, chill bumps and tears. She said she wants to learn more about the Bible, so I asked her if she wanted to start meeting to study together. She kind of backed away and said that she was very busy. I looked at her and said that it was no problem at all. I told her that if she did decide to study, she did not have to become a Christian. Hearing that is just what she needed. She smiled and said, ''yes, I will study with you.'' She then hugged me and said ''Thank you for telling me about Bible but not pressuring me to be Christian.'' Y'all. I love her. Pray for her, her name is Ayaka. I want everyone of you to see her, I can't tell you how cute she is. Tomorrow, I am going to the mall with my friend Saki. I just love her too. Great days are happening here.
I'm tired. Matane. (See you later) :)
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