Every Day is a New Day

I'm sure for most of us, the New Year brings a lot of looking back, as well as looking forward. While I do appreciate the time of self-reflection, I admit, I've never been one to do official New Years Resolutions. This past month, I've been challenged by the aim of trust and surrender. I sure wish there was some sort of formula I could memorize and just slap onto my life at the beginning of the year, but as I've learned time and time again (and maybe even said in this blog) trust is not once and done. I pray that I would live each day as a new opportunity to know Him, trust Him, and surrender to Him. He is faithful, and may I live remembering all that He's done.

January felt like a big contrast to all the excitement of December. I got back into a "normal" routine of teaching, and also found myself with some free time on the weekends to do things I enjoy. This was very welcome. Also pictured, the traditional New Years dish, ozoni. It's a broth based soup with veggies, meat, and mochi (pounded rice cake). This was my first time having it, and it did not disappoint!

Kids are full of energy. That is a universal thing. It makes teaching fun, tiring, but mostly just such a blessing. I love seeing their smiles, and getting high fives at the end of class. Overall, classes are going smoothly, and we have some things we're looking into starting this year - but more on that later.

I enjoyed a hiking day with some friends here. They also brought their dogs, which was so fun! This was a new-to-me hike, with a cool view of Mt Fuji!

Toward the end of January, we were blessed with some visitors who had been travelling around Asia, and stopped in Japan on their way back to America. I enjoyed having a couple days to hang out with Kacie and Kayla, exploring Tokyo, hiking, seeing the beach, and eating delicious food! When visitors are here, I enjoy the opportunity to share what I love about this country. I also sometimes get to do new things when people bring ideas of things they've heard about! Animal cafes are common in Japan. Get a drink and play with animals! There are a variety of different animal cafes - cats, otters, snakes, capybaras - just to name a few. It felt a little like going back to my country roots to hang out with little piggies at this one! ha!

We've got so much to be thankful for. Praise God, today and every day!

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You - There is no greater thing!