Deeper, Deeper

It's really desirable to find a comfort zone and stay there, isn't it? We like familiarity. We like a sense of control.

I'm learning more and more that this life is so out of my control, and as a friend put it earlier this week, "I'm not the driver." How much deeper would our relationship with God be, if we were always ready to step out of our comfort zone, and just let Him lead?

This week has been filled with many good conversations - catching up with long time friends, and getting to know some new ones! Said "see ya later" to my Japan fam, as I like to call them, and have found myself for the first time in a foreign country feeling really on my own, with no nearby, easy-to-reach translator.

Sunday, I visited Shioda church, for the first time since living here. It was a special day, traveling with the other girls, praising God with the church family there, and eating out with one of the families there.

Monday, I spent a lot of the day at Makoto and Anna's house. I loved spending a bit of time with their youngest, while the older kids and Anna ran some last minute errands before they left Tuesday morning. Knowing they were going back to the States while I stay here was and is a little strange.

The rest of the week, I've been enjoying time with Faith, who is staying in Japan for a couple more weeks. We have gone shopping, tried a few restaurants, met up with a friend, and explored the river by my place at sunset!

Today, I had my last two adult English classes before summer break all of August. Then, tonight, we had our usual Friday night singing at church. We had a much smaller crowd than last week, but it was still oh so special just the same! The ones that came stuck around for a little bit afterwards, and we had some mochi ice cream. Delicious! Those ladies and their sons are quickly becoming dear friends.

Through it all God is faithful, and every day I am reminded that He is the source of my strength, my joy, my love, and my peace.

You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11