Scatter-brained update.

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