September

September started out with English classes from day one, and it didn't slow down from there. There were ups and downs, but God's faithfulness through it all.

I was glad to see my students and hear how each one's summer break went. I love it when we have built in topics of conversation to discuss and practice natural speaking as a group.

When going back to America, there are always certain comfort foods that I crave. When I returned to Japan, I found that there were certain foods I actually missed and was excited to have again! I also had time to reconnect with some dear friends over dinner, and learned how to make タコ焼き (takoyaki, or octopus dumplings), and 卵焼き (tamagoyaki, or rolled omelets).

One night, there was a lunar eclipse - blood moon, and it was amazing to witness for my first time! The heaven's declare the glory of God!

Another first for me this month was that I started driving in Japan! There isn't really a good way to get to Shioda church by public transportation, when considering time and cost. So I decided to start driving to get out there twice a month. The biggest adjustment, other than driving on the left side of the road (which wasn't really a shock, since I'm used to following the traffic flow on my bicycle), was getting the windshield wipers and blinkers straight. Because the driver sits on the opposite side of the car, those two levers are also on opposite sides of the steering wheel, and I hadn't realized how much muscle memory I have in using my blinkers. After a few times, that hasn't been a struggle. I'm thankful for the time in the car to just have quiet time, or to listen to music and praise God. I've missed being able to sing along with my headphones when I'm riding a train.

I took a very quick five day trip to celebrate and be a part of my dear friend's wedding back in the States. It was a full weekend, but I am so so thankful it worked that I could be there for her! God is good, and He's blessed me with some pretty great friends.

When I got back I jumped right back into things with classes and weekend plans. One day, Mika had a basketball tournament, and I was excited to go watch a game! It's interesting going to a gymnasium and taking our shoes off and wearing slippers instead. It was a fun experience! There were a couple guests that visited that last week or so, and I got to play tour guide some. Showing people around one of the largest cities in the world was never something I thought would become a fairly regular occurrence in my life, but it sure keeps life interesting as there are always slightly different things to see and do. We enjoyed having a few more voices to sing with us at church that Friday night also! On Saturday, I went to Itos' place to join them for supper and another singing with Tomoki's classmates. Thankful for moments like this which just fill my cup. Praise God!

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1