December

December has been a full month, and I am so thankful for the many opportunities to celebrate Jesus' birth this Christmas season! 

At the beginning of the month, we had the privilege of singing at the local elementary school for a Christmas concert. We did this last year too, and they asked us to come back! It was a varied event, with many different musical groups, some professional and some amateur. Thankful that we were given this place to share about the true hope and joy of Christmas! At the beginning, we were worried we wouldn't have enough people, but God provides! Praise Him!

The next week, we had a fun evening of making gingerbread houses! For some here, this was a first. Then we enjoyed a meal together, followed by our Friday night singing, but with Christmas carols. 

I had a fun opportunity to go Christmas caroling in Hachioji near the train station. Carrie commented that it's a little different than our caroling in small town Midwest. I had to agree, as we watched hundreds of people walk by!

After that, some of us went to a concert put on by some firemen! It was beautiful, and they played some fun familiar songs!

Our church Christmas program was such a blessing! As I was waiting while the time to start neared, I was a bit disappointed, thinking my English students wouldn't show up. But right at the time to start, they started flooding in! So thankful for a good turnout! (I love to see so many shoes in the entrance.) Then we shared the Japanese traditional Christmas cake!

The following weekend, I went with Aya to Itos' house for a Bible study, supper, and a candlelight singing with a good sized group of young people. God is working! 

Finally, to wrap up our Christmas events in Japan, we had a wonderful potluck lunch at church. I'm so thankful for this church body! God is good. 

The month also held some sweet moments with my Japan fam. We have so much for which to thank Him! 

Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! Remember the greatest gift - God's Son, Jesus!

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!