March
Where did the time go? I realized we're already almost halfway through April and I haven't done an update for March! March was a very very full month, at least in the second half.
The beginning of the month held normal classes and day to day life. The weather has been gradually warming up, and it's a wonderful time to see the anticipation and unfolding of the new life that spring brings! I especially enjoyed a beautiful Sunday in Shioda, where the peach buds were just starting to swell.
I made the decision to go back to the States to visit my grandma, who recently started hospice as her health declines. It was a little overwhelming to think of the purpose of the trip. I remember thinking and praying that, while I knew it would be hard, I trusted God to bring good out of it and give peace.
Let me tell you, God answers prayers abundantly above what we ask or think! It's a long story, but I got engaged! God had been working out all the details long before I knew it. God is so good, and I am in awe at how He has brought me and Quinn together.
The time with my grandparents was so sweet. We shared a lot of special time, with some of my siblings and their kids, too.
I have been planning to move back to the States when my term is up this summer for quite some time now, but my engagement sure adds a layer of reality to that processing. I'm so thankful for God's direction in each and every step of life. I trust that He will continue to lead in these next several months, and that He is using this time for His glory!
When I got back to Japan, I hit the ground running. the day after I landed, I taught English. The day after that, I spent the afternoon with my sister/friend, Kinrei.
The following day, I welcomed my friend Jori and her husband. The week they were here was spring break, so we had a lot of time to tour around, and even explore places I've never been! We took a trip by bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's former capital. There we enjoyed taking a river boat tour, walking through a huge bamboo forest, visiting the old imperial palace, and shopping in a very busy market! We also took a day trip while there to visit one of Japan's twelve still standing, original castles. After returning to Tokyo, we enjoyed another day trip to Enoshima, where we explored some caves, and got a beautiful view of the sunset!
At the very end of the month, I was happy to see my aunt and uncle, who were visiting my cousin. We enjoyed a beautiful day for cherry blossoms! I will forever stand in awe at God's attention to detail, even in these delicate, fleeting blossoms.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
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