Spring

March was a wild month, busy and full of adventure. Is it strange that sometimes I still can’t believe I live here? Yet, here I am, living in Japan.

This struck me early in the month, when my friend visited. Bri and I met in Haiti, where both of us lived for a few years. Her visit brought back a lot of sweet memories, as well as the stark reality of where I currently live. Haiti and Japan are two countries that are about as opposite as you can get. I’m amazed when I think about where all God has led me, and what all He has seen me through. It was fun showing Bri a snippet of my life here, and having an adventure buddy to explore with.

One crazy experience of her visit was my most crowded train ride yet. When we walked up, the train looked full. We questioned briefly whether or not we could get on, but pushed our way in. Several more people got on after us! We were so tightly packed in we felt like sardines. When the train would slow, we could feel the weight of all the passengers pressing toward the front, which made it a little hard to breathe. At each stop, some passengers would get off and more would squeeze on. A girl next to me was taking a morning nap while standing on the packed train, and her head kept nodding onto my shoulder. At one point I was pushed so tight that I was not even holding all my weight on my feet, but holding myself up by a handlebar overhead and somewhat hovering over the people who were fortunate enough to have a seat. It’s amazing to think of all the people who experience this daily on their way to work or school!

All these people, and God knows each one by name.

As March went on, spring break neared. I spent those weeks writing progress reports, figuring out class schedules for the coming school year, and preparing for our upcoming Easter program. March is when the school year ends in Japan, while a new school year begins in April, so there is a lot of excitement and additional energy this time of year.

I also found out that the Midwest is not the only place in the world with crazy weather in the spring. One day I went with Itos to church in Shioda, and we drove through snow. The next day was sunny and warm, around 60 degrees. Two days later, Wednesday, it snowed again. On Saturday again it was about 70 degrees and sunny.

Unfortunately, the rapidly changing weather causes my head to feel abnormal. Considering my medical history since being in Japan, it’s easy to worry when that happens. Each time is a good opportunity to practice casting all my anxieties on the Lord!

During spring break, our church had quite a few visitors from America. It was so good to have the Millers and Gresses here for some wonderful time of fellowship.

I’m thankful that Kara was able to visit and stay with me! Our time was a mix of fun adventures and relaxing time of catching up. I enjoyed doing a few new things while she was here, like learning how to rent bicycles (which is very handy!), and visiting Lake Kawaguchi for some beautiful views of Mt Fuji. We also did some of my go-to activities with guests, and had some nice times of connecting with my people here too. I love it when two worlds collide. The time was just sweet.

Toward the end of Kara’s visit, my parents also came - more on that in my next post. March flew by and I can't believe this year is already more than a quarter of the way done! May God be glorified in all things!

...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20