New Year, Same God

After a refreshing, exciting, sweet, busy time in the States with family and friends, I came back to Japan in early January. I was very glad to have a travel buddy this time! It made the long trip much more bearable.

Amber stayed for about a week and a half and what a fun time we had! It was the first time I've had a "real" guest to whom I could show my little corner of the world. Yes, the VBS team came in late June, but I was so new to Japan, I was learning everything right along with them. My parents came in September, but with my health condition at the time, I was in no state to be their travel guide. Having Amber here was a great way to bring in the new year, and get back into my Japan life by seeing it through the fresh eyes of someone visiting for the first time.

During Amber's time here, we worshipped with both our Shioda church and Tokyo church, got a good view of Mt Fuji, went for multiple walks in gorgeous January weather, attended Rachel and Mose's wedding, took a spontaneous trip to Shibuya for delicious food and a walk through Shibuya scramble, shopped a lot, saw ice sculptures, visited a greenhouse and garden area, and had much time of good talking.

Enjoy some pictures of just a few of the things I love about Japan...

Visiting Shioda

Nighttime in the city

Ice Sculptures!

Delicious food

Lots of flowers

After a wonderful break, and having a visitor here, I now look forward. Sometimes it still shocks me that I live in Japan. It's good to look back at the little joys and undeserved gifts God gives, especially when things get overwhelming.

This year, I hope to do more language learning so I can better connect with the people here. I'm not going to lie, often that feels like a mountain of a task... I trust that God will continue to give grace to serve Him each day, in whatever capacity that may be. May I have eyes to see others the way He does.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58