Well, I’ve been adding some new shots to my albums, so I’ve included links to them at the bottom of this particular post.  I could probably figure out a better way to do this…but I don’t really want to.  Heh. 

Today started my first week completely by myself in the classrooms.  I’m so glad that I have the classes that I do on Tuesday…they are perfect for building my confidence that I can actually teach English.  Hah.  My first class is a group of girls that are just adorable.  I think they’re all in 1st/2nd grade.  One of the girls, Rinka, has an attention problem, and sometimes doesn’t follow along.  But her grandma sits in with us, and keeps her in line, which is nice.  Apparently, I smelled pretty nice today, because at one point, Rinka sticks her nose right on my arm and sniffs me.  She did it a couple times, and then she’d sigh right after, like she had just smelled a flower.  It was so funny.

My second class is of older women, and one college-aged girl.  They are so nice and polite and refined.  I just love spending that hour and a half with them.  Today, in our Bible Time, we went through the story of Lazarus.  I think it had a pretty good impact on them.  Most of their discussion for the Bible Time happens in Japanese, so I have to rely on body language to know what’s going on.  But it goes pretty well, that I can tell. 

For my personal Bible Time, I’m going through Acts.  It’s always an encouraging book to go through at the start of a mission trip.  I’ve always enjoyed it.  I’m breaking down each section, verse by verse, and analyzing each part.  I was really encouraged by the story of the Lame Beggar Healed.  What struck me most was the very first verse of Chapter 3.  It says, “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.”  Amidst the chaos and fear that surrounded the Lord’s crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension…Peter and John, now filled with the Holy Spirit, continue going to the Temple to commune with God.  They were just going on their way, trying to keep in touch with God the Father.  As they were going on, He brought their path passed a lame man, who had sat at the Beautiful Gate for years and years, begging.  It was at this moment, that God did something amazing through Peter, John, and the lame beggar. 

But had not the apostles been faithful in meeting with God, they would not have passed that man, or been in the right heart-set for the miracle to happen.  It made me think about my own condition, here in Japan.  Everything happened so quickly to get me here.  I came with no expectations of what God is going to do.  YET, I didn’t come with an expectant heart…I don’t believe that my heart has truly been ready to receive whatever it is God has for me here.  There’s a difference.  God does not work through our expectations…our expectations can never fulfill the ability of God…but we must have an expecting heart.  We must be prepared for God to do something, and allow ourselves the flexibility to go along with whatever that something is.  Some would say, “But Sarah, how can you say you’re not flexible??  I mean, you went to Japan on a couple week’s consideration and a month and a half preparation.”  But it all comes down to the heart.  Everything pointed to God willing me to come out here to Japan…and I’m enough of a workhorse to know that God’s will is the best thing for me.  But my heart was not necessarily willing.  I’ve never wanted to come to Japan.  My heart is in and for China.  But then again, before I went to China, my heart was in and for Nepal.  God has changed the shape of my heart before, I don’t doubt He can do it again.  But I have to be prepared for it.  I’d appreciate your prayers as I allow God to get me to that point. 

Oh, and here’s the pics.  🙂

Random Shots
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=103520&l=daae6&id=500635206

On the Street Where I Live
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=102457&l=15c5e&id=500635206

My students and new friends 🙂
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=102157&l=eff3f&id=500635206

Sorry that I haven’t updated my blog since Monday.  I sent an email update out, and just got wiped out from that one.  🙂  Today was my first official day as an EFL teacher.  You’ll note that I used an F instead of the standard S.  That’s because, here in Japan, we teach English as a Foreign Language, and not as their Second language.  Why?  Well…in America, they would have a regular place to use the English they learn, but here in Japan…this is pretty much their only opportunity (in our classrooms).  Only recently have schools begun to teach English in elementary schools, so a lot of the younger students are just parents wanting them to have a head start.  The adult students are those who just want conversation with native English speakers, or they might have a set purpose, like a desire to go to a university in the States or to get a job overseas.  Whatever the purpose for their coming, our purpose for teaching them English is for the 15 mins Bible Time at the end of class.  Even though most Japanese are not open to talk about religion…they are willing to put up with anything for a cheap English class, with native speakers.  It’s neat to see how it works.  For the kids, and the adults who have minimal English comprehension, a Japanese speaker will come in and lead a 15 minute Bible Study…or Gospel presentation.  For the adults who have a pretty good understanding of English and can carry on a conversation with it, we use the Easy Reader Edition of the Bible and ask comprehension questions and then try to engage them in a discussion of the events in that particular story.

For example, my Super Kids 1 class on Tuesdays have very, very basic English understanding.  So, Brian goes through a song and Gospel presentation with them.  They remember the song and sing along with him, and shout out answers.  It’s so sweet.  One of the girls, her grandmother comes and sits in the class with her.  I doubt she’s a believer, but she bows her head and prays with us, and takes notes.  Apparently, her husband came as well, once, and was trying to sneak out some of the free Christian material that’s available to them.  🙂  What pride…but great that despite it, they are still searching and willing to hear and learn more.

The Ladies’ class that night also, has a higher English comprehension, being level 3 students, and so we can go through the Easy Reader Bible.  This week, we read about Mary and Martha having Jesus in for a visit.  We had a pretty good discussion over it…though Nakayama-san had to do some translating and explanations in Japanese for further understanding.  None of the other women are believers in that class, I believe…but they are close.

My Saturday morning Side by Side class is the beginners level…but older generation students.  🙂  One of the men in that class is a church member, Mr Komatsu.  He accepted Christ many years ago while he was taking English lessons.  As a show of gratitude for God saving him that way, he presents the Bible time for that class.  He’s on the church leadership, but the only time I’ve ever really heard him say anything was at my contract-signing and he prayed for the year to come, and my service.

I’m so excited to be in this kind of a ministry…to be able to observe it and take notes, and the possibility of bringing it back home with me.  I can see such a need for it in our community at home, I feel like I’m actually learning how it’s supposed to work. 

As far as my needs right now…my skin is driving me nuts!  I don’t know if my skin has metamorphosized or if it’s just because I live right next to the ocean, but it is so dry!  I get so frustrated when I look in the mirror and see how dry it is.  It’s just my vanity, but it is still annoying.  Please pray that I can get this under control, or that God would correct my attitude about it.  It’s not hindering me from serving…but it’s just a little splinter that’s getting bothersome.  Thanks!

Tomorrow classes start.  I’m excited for this part of my service here to start…since it’s the bulk of what my job is!  Today was kind of chaotic.  I had my contract signing this morning in front of the church leadership.  I met Taka here at the Center and we rode the train over to Kawanaka.  We picked up where we had left off on my orientation, but soon were ushered in for my contract signing.  It was kind of intimidating to sit in front of the 6 membership of the board, and Pastor Tony.  It’s just intimidating because everything’s in Japanese and I can’t understand it yet.  So, Taka translated for me with them and that was helpful.  I didn’t know what to tell them about myself and Tony, in his dry humor way, said, “You’re not getting married!”  Hah.  They thought that was funny. 

Taka and I finished my orientation and then told me I’d be meeting Brian for a discussion on my classes and how to teach.  I didn’t have any idea this meeting was supposed to happen, so we called Brian to see if we could do it later.  It was alright, so I took the train back to the Center all by myself!  I was so excited!  Then, I found the int’l ATM…and then went grocery shopping.  It was at a new place, and Samantha walked me to it, and then left me to find my way back to the Center myself.  I did…but I kind of underestimated the distance and the weight of the bags I was carrying.  My arms were exhausted when I got back…since I had to walk the whole way.  BUT…I found my way back to the Center!!  Then, I took the train back to Kawanaka and got to the church for my meeting with Brian…but he never showed up.  Turned out he was sick…but we didn’t have any idea that was why he ditched me.  Hah.  Oh well.  Samantha and I had dinner with the Haug’s (Pastor Tony’s family), which was fun…even the morose game of UNO afterwards.  I should have brought Apples to Apples…they would get a kick out of that game.  Tony drove us back to the Center and now I’m here enjoying a can of Pringles.  I feel so proud of myself after taking the train all by myself and going grocery shopping all by myself.  It wasn’t that intimidating, not really.  Well, even though it’s not late, I’m going to go to bed.  I thought I’d read through “The Love Languages of God.”  I have heard so much about it, but have never read it for myself.  I hope I like it.  Have a great week guys!!

This was my first Sunday here in Shimonoseki.  Apparently the missionaries are required to go to the Kawanaka (main church) service.  From the train station near the Center, it costs 190yen, 380y roundtrip.  For an approximate cost, just divide the yen amount by 100 and you’ll get the USD amount…but it’s not completely accurate as it’s about 93 y/1 usd.  It’s intimidating meeting all the Japanese church members because I don’t know how many really know English or not…so I just smile and shake hands and bow slightly to all of them and wait for their cue.  They are used to dealing with foreigners, so it’s not a big deal…they’re very forgiving for breaking social norms.  But, I don’t want to do anything wrong. 

Pastor Tony introduced me and then had me sing a solo.  After a mix-up of not having any music for it, I ended up singing “The Wonderful Cross” with their pianist.  Tony’s daughter Tiffany is home on spring break from Thailand.  She goes to high school in Chang Mai for missionary kids…and she is really nice and fun to talk to.  We’re having a group of the church gals over for a movie night/sleepover this Saturday, so I’ll get to chat some more with her.  I’m excited to build a relationship with these girls, and Eri will be there.  She is so sweet (we went to Kokura with her a couple days ago)…pray for her family as they are not believers.  Her dad actually goes to a new Buddhist sect temple near our Center.  We walk by it on the way to the train station, Daiei and Sea Mall.  I’m getting my bearings on the simple paths now…but beyond that, it’s still a big city.  Once I get a cell phone for emergency calls, I might get myself lost and try to find my way back to the Center.

After church, Brian and his wife Yoko, invited Samantha and I to have lunch with them and their two little girls.  Their daughters names are Naomi (6) and Sara (3).  They are so much fun.  Sara is Samantha’s shadow…and I think that Naomi is going to adopt me.  Hah!  She and I were having fun with my camera after lunch while Yoko helped Sam with her Japanese studying.  I’ll have to get the pictures up soon…but not today…it’s pretty late.  We came back to the Center for very little activity.  I did some laundry, and have been in my room writing letters and responding to people.  It’s tough keeping up with correspondence.  I will be going with Taka tomorrow to Kawanaka to sign my contract and finish orientation.  Then in the evening I’m having lunch with Pastor Tony’s family.  In the afternoon, I will try my hand at grocery shopping!  Woohoo!!

So, I’ve been in Japan for my third full day.  It’s pretty amazing…I still don’t feel like I am here…it’s starting to sink in slowly, but it hasn’t hit me that I’m here for a year!  Maybe once I start teaching my classes I’ll realize the full brunt of it…or the first big event back home that I have to miss out on.  I’m not sure, but right now I’m having a great time.  We have been walking everywhere, and I’m not very acquainted with walking this much, but I’m getting there.  I’ll get better used to it, but according to Samantha (the other teacher), we’ve been doing more than is usual…but I really am glad that I’m strengthening my muscles.

Let’s see…from my point of arrival, I was picked up at the airport by Brian, Taka and Samantha.  Though I was pretty wiped out from the plane transit, I was able to stay awake and talk with them and get to know them kind of superficially.  Since then, I’ve spent a ton of time with Samantha walking around and getting familiar with the areas and customs.  On my second day, Sam made me pancakes (here known as hotcakes…and the maple syrup is called “cake syrup, the maple kind”).  Then Brian came and took us to City Hall to have me registered as an alien.  I’ll go back in a few days to get my actual registration card.  Afterwards, Sam and I met up with Hanae and Takashi, a couple students here, and had lunch with them.  We ate Yu Dong (soup noodles) with tempura (vegetables).  Some of the Japanese food is right up my alley, since I’m already familiar with real Chinese food…but then again, some of it is so weird to me.  We had a great time, and even had some pictures taken called puri-kuri, which you take yourself in a photobooth.  Then, you decorate them afterwards and they are printed out as stickers for you.  We had some really good shots.  It was a lot of fun.

After that, I came back to Shimonoseki Christian Center for a meeting with Pastor Tony.  He was an hour late…so I unpacked and got everything put into a place.  It was nice to have everything in one location.  I feel so much better about my room now that my suitcases aren’t strewn all over the floor.  After that, I just kind of hung out at the Center, getting myself settled in, having some instant curry and rice, which is very popular here.  There’s supposed to be an Indian restaurant nearby, which I loooove Indian food, so I’m going to have to find out where and get out to it!

Yesterday (Friday), I had a meeting with Taka first thing in the morning.  Taka is the Ministry Director here at the Center and also the English Ministry “Principal”.  Basically, along with Pastor Tony, he’s my boss…but he’s pretty cool.  His wife, Aki, is three months pregnant, and really nice.  I got to meet her at the start of our meeting too.  We didn’t get very far through it, before I had to take the train to the Kawanaka with Samantha.  We met Pastor Tony and the two secretaries of Shimonoseki Christ Bible Church for lunch.  We went to Joyfull, which seems kind of like a Ponderosa…it’s a popular Japanese Family Restaurant chain…not very traditional food, as I had Italian chicken, with potato and corn, and of course, a side of white rice.  Samantha and I then met with a church member, Eri, who is 19, at the train station and took it to Kokura for some shopping and to see the cherry blossoms.  Apparently, I have come just at the right time.  The blossoms bloomed not too long before I got here, and then, it’s supposed to rain tomorrow night, and that will be the end of them – they will fall off mostly in the rain.  We spent a lot of time in Kokura, even having dinner there.  It was a lot of fun.  Kokura was a Dutch settlement, so there are some remnants of that influence, but not too much.  One great feature of Kokura is a great castle, with cherry blossoms and parks.  It was beautiful.  We also found a novelty store with a lot of random things…a more tame Spencers, I would say, that provided many moments of laughter. 

Today, I had a video call with my mom, oldest sister Bronlyn, and my nephew Jason, and two nieces Allison and Anna.  It was really nice to talk with them and see them on camera.  It takes getting used to, but it is such a blessing to be able to communicate so easily with everyone back home…it helps cut down on homesickness (which I haven’t had yet…but I remember it from CN).  After the phone call, Samantha and I walked around and she showed me the grocery stores and Sea Mall.  I’m so glad to know where things are now and where I can find my things, since Samantha will eventually have to delve back into her studies (she’s taking distance learning classes through Liberty).  When we got back to the Center, we had our lunch and then decided to go on a hike with Sakura, a woman from China who comes to International Cafe.  It was so neat to hang out with her because I could speak my Mandarin with her and she understood (for the most part).  For the past few days, everything on the tip of my brain has been Chinese…and I’ve had to stop myself in mid-speech because I’m speaking Chinese and not even English…and definitely not Japanese.  It’s to the point where I’m even throwing Hindi out there…doesn’t make any sense at all!!  OOoo, one thing is that there is a ton of French around the town and in the shopping centers.  It’s really nice and helps me feel a little more comfortable.  Reading through these last few sentences makes me realize how much of a nut I am.  I’m sure you all have known it for some time now…thanks for waiting for me to realize it on my own.  🙂

So, Sam, Sakura, and I walked over to an area called Hikoshima, which is like a suburb of Shimonoseki.  We then walked up a mountain to a park called Oinoyama.  It’s free and is at the summit, over looking the region, and full of cherry blossoms.  It was so beautiful, and though exhausting to walk up the incline, it was amazing!  I have a ton of pictures.  We met a class of girls, all on their school’s tennis team.  They insisted on taking a picture with us.  Ha!  It was fun.  The Japenese aren’t as austentatious as the Chinese, so it’s been weird to be approached by people…although they all still do stare at us, at me.  I’m going to have a lot to get used to about the Japanese culture that is so different from the Chinese.  We were walking up and saw a car called “Midget 2” and we were trying to explain the meaning of “midget.”  Sakura proudly said, “Oh, short people…travel-sized!”  That was one of the most amazing moments of the past few days for me.  It’s so awful, but so hilarious.  We then explained that that expression is used only for objects…not for people.  She got it, but it’s going to be a joke with us for a very long time.  Please pray for her as she is not saved.  She was given a Chinese Bible, but I’m not sure if she reads it.  She’s not very fond of her heritage…maybe I have been brought here to encourage her and bring her closer to God.  I am so excited to know her.  She has such a great personality.  I already have her affection because I appreciate Chinese…I don’t look down on her because she’s Chinese.  She faces a lot of discrimination here in Japan for it.

I think that’s all for today.  This is a long update, I’m sorry I didn’t blog as things were happening, but it’s been a settling time for me.  I’m so glad that I have you to share this with.  Much love and prayers,

Sarah ><>

PS.  By the way, Takashi and Hanae are not believers either…Hanae is close, but Takashi is pretty agnostic.  Eri is a believer and a great sister to talk with. 🙂  Pray for them, and for Eri to be encouraged in her faith.  Thanks!

Oh, and here are some picatures:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101360&l=c3be4&id=500635206