Choose Joy

When thinking of a title for this post, that just seemed to fit, somehow. It wasn't how I felt all week, and I certainly don't always remember to choose joy, but this is what I want to do going forward. If I forget, please remind me.

This week wasn't easy. In fact, I would say it was the hardest since being here in Japan. Health concerns, restless nights, and hard goodbyes made for a pretty exhausting week, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

That's just the downside. The other side is that, even in the midst of the struggles (which I have no intention of discounting), I have so much to be thankful for! I got to sneak in a couple more days with my aunt and uncle, touring around Tokyo and seeing them off at the airport. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: yes, the goodbyes are hard, but the reason they are hard is because the time with them was so sweet, and for that I am thankful.

My "Japan family" returned on Friday, and oh how good it was to see them again! We have already shared so many laughs, good talks, and prayers together. I am thankful to God for giving me good friends so that, even in the midst of medical concerns in a new (to me) country, I have support and resources to get me headed in the direction I need to go. I am also happy to report that we ruled out some "worst case scenarios." God is good.

Monday was such a fun time in downtown Tokyo with family. We had a picnic at Shibuya Scramble, right beside the famous Hachiko dog statue. After that we spent some time observing the city from the 45th floor of a building, followed by some relaxing time in a park. The weather was gorgeous!

On Tuesday, I went and helped a friend move from her old apartment. It's so nice to be able to connect more with people here, even in doing the simple things, and I am so grateful for that time. We also had some delicious food to top off the day!

Seeing people off at the airport is something I'm sure I will do more of, and I don't expect it to get easier. Thankful for family.

I'm also thankful for technology, through which I am able to keep up with my family and friends back at home. There was a lot of that later this week, as well as peaceful time with my ukulele at the river - two of my favorite ways to spend an evening.

But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 115:18