Getting in the Groove

How does something feel so familiar, and yet so unfamiliar? This past week, my time was filled with new normal. I'm not just visiting. I'm living in Japan, I remind myself often.

I am slowly becoming more independent, bit by bit. Last Saturday, I enjoyed some time to myself to explore, practice public transportation, and shop for a few things. There is a lot to take in while walking through a store and perusing the aisles: people, young and old, out with their kids, their friends, or perhaps on their way home from work; shelves stocked with countless items, some totally new to me, and some familiar, yet labeled in Japanese; and bits of English here and there, which is always a welcome sight to this slow learner of the Japanese language.

After a restful weekend, I began teaching this week! I had a short summer break between my teaching job in Indiana and being here, but even so, I was glad to be back in a classroom! I am reminded just how much I enjoy teaching. My classes are varied a lot by age, fluency in English, and number of students. Group classes fill up most of my time, with a few private classes and a book club mixed in. Remembering names has been one of the biggest challenges! I have about 45 students that each come once a week. While I know it'll take me a bit to get their names down, I'm just thankful for this opportunity to work with them. So many precious lives, designed beautifully by a loving Creator.

What time I have not been teaching has been spent with friends, doing the everyday life things, and learning learning learning! Right now, the VBS team is here, gearing up to host VBS at church in a little over a week. On the team is a good friend of mine that I met in my first year of teaching in the States! It has been fun to catch up with her!

Some snippets of life here:

It caught me off guard a little bit when my aunt in the States told me happy fourth of July! The holiday hadn't even entered my mind because, for obvious reasons, it doesn't mean anything in Japan. Even so, I enjoyed a wonderful "midwest" meal with Maks and Anna's family to celebrate a little. We had burgers, sweet corn, french fries, salad, and an ice cream cake for dessert! It was delicious.

For those wondering though, I still haven't gotten tired of Japanese food.

Javon took me to a nice home goods store, which also had a little pet shop inside. Roaming around was this cute little fellow, which entertained me for a bit. Watching a cool animal takes up much less mental processing space than trying to pick up on the Japanese language and cultural aspects, so I enjoyed the brief "leisure" time.

On Thursday, I had a bit of time and went with Faith to get lunch and "shop". We found a Korean restaurant located underground, down these stairs. It reminded us of a trip we took to Chicago back in 2019, where we ate at an Indian restaurant in a similar setting. Fun memories brought to mind, and fun new memories!

The food was great!

Later, we came upon a crepe shop, so of course, we had to get dessert.

Thursday night, I went with Javon and the VBS team to get conveyor belt sushi. This is one of my favorite restaurants to go to because it's just so fun, not to mention delicious!

Friday nights are quickly becoming my favorite part of the week, when we sing in English at church. It's open to anyone to come, and a few Japanese neighbors usually come too! Last night, with Anna and her girls, Javon, the VBS team, and the neighbors, we had more than usual, and the singing was so refreshing! Praising God is good food for the soul.

As another week raps up, I'm thankful for a God who is the same in the US, Japan, or anywhere else! Oh, to know Him more!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8