Press On!

What a week. I'm learning that, although I had my first four months of "abnormal" challenges, there are still many challenges of living in another culture to navigate.

I remember saying at one point while dealing with my unusual headaches that I just wished I could have a "normal" headache again. I have since had "normal" headaches, and I find myself smiling, just thankful they're not headaches that require surgery.

Similarly, in the last few weeks, I have experienced more of the expected challenges of moving to another country. In a way, it's refreshing! These challenges can also be discouraging and exhausting, though. There's always more to learn - the Japanese language, cultural expectations, how to communicate with people back in the states, and what to prioritize, when. I am thankful for God's grace and the opportunity to learn and grow through the hard things.

While there are challenges every day, there is also so much beauty and much to be thankful for! Last weekend, we enjoyed a church fellowship weekend. It was so so good to have time to connect with some new friends as well as some special visitors from the States, to enjoy the beauty of creation, and to praise God with our church family. There were many thought-provoking conversations, and so much evidence of God at work.

Have I mentioned that fall in Japan is quite possibly my new favorite season?

We also had some delicious traditional Japanese meals!

After our fellowship weekend, the week went by fast, with me not knowing what day it was many times. There's so much to be thankful for! I was reminded of a verse that encouraged me, in the midst of everything:

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9