Gifts

When I look back at the beginning of this month, I'm a little appalled by how long ago it feels! December held many events - some full of joy, some a little sad, some firsts, some lasts.

We've had some lovely weather, and I love how long the leaves stay pretty in Japan!

On the first Friday of the month, I taught one of my classes for the last time. This was a class of older ladies, and it just got to the point that it was too much for them to keep it up. (The oldest was 90!) I've grown to really appreciate these ladies, and I think I've learned just as much, if not more, from them than they have from me. I do hope our paths cross again.

The next day, our Friday night singing group had the very neat opportunity to sing Christmas hymns at a local public school program. This tradition of singing every Friday night began with Javon back in the summer of 2023, and over time, a few friends from the area have started joining us. One of these is on the school PTA, and asked if our group would be interested in singing for this program, which the school was putting on for the first time. If we had known how big this program would end up being, we may not have agreed, but I'm thankful for how God worked, and I pray that the gospel message and true meaning of Christmas was planted in the hearts of the several hundred people in attendance.

Our church held our own Christmas program the following weekend, and I was happy to see many of my students come to sing, listen to the Christmas story, and eat Christmas cake. On the 22nd, we had a potluck Christmas lunch at church. It was a wonderful day, full of good food and good fellowship.

I also got to video call my family to join in on their Christmas at my parents' house. It was a little strange, being away from all of my family during Christmas for the first time in my life. After these events took place, it was a little hard for it to feel like Christmas. Some sickness kept me from being able to spend time with the Inoues on Christmas Eve, like we were planning. Christmas day, I had a very sweet, but uncommon Christmas dinner at a French restaurant with a small, varied group. That was a first for me! The food was delicious, and I'm thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ with whom I could celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Over my winter break, my aunt and uncle, three cousins, and a friend came to visit me! Their trip was short, but we filled it to the brim with lots of exploring, many laughs, countless train rides, warm hugs, delicious food, and singing. I'm thankful for this boost of encouragement. I always appreciate the opportunity to see Japan through some fresh eyes, and again be reminded of the things and people I love here. I was encouraged to be bold and to trust God to lead in every way.

May we always look to God for wisdom as we share the Good News! May we remember His faithful presence. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27