The Goal is Secure

I have been meaning to write for a while now, but life in Japan has been busy and time somehow gets away from me. I also haven't known exactly how to put my thoughts to words. In the past three months I have had moments of great joy and times of deep cries from the heart. This life sure has its ups and downs, doesn't it?

"The Goal is secure." My Japanese teacher and dear friend spoke these words. How they touched me heart! Amidst all life's uncertainties, unknowns, and changing scenarios, Jesus is secure. Knowing Him is the goal, and knowing Him more each day produces praise that is so due His Name.

A few highlights and updates from the last three months:

My sister came to visit! It was so incredibly special to share time with her here. My favorite things were singing together, sharing my people with her, and seeing some new, beautiful views!

The new school year is well underway, since starting at the beginning of April. There has been a slow stream of new students coming since then. We also started a new music class for moms and their kids under preschool age! We combine English, music, and the gospel by teaching Sunday school songs. If you know me, you can probably guess that I LOVE this class.

A class I love slightly less is Japanese class. I began going to a language school once a week to try another method of learning. This is in addition to my friend teaching me Japanese. It seems the longer I learn Japanese, the more I realize just how much I have to learn. I try to remind myself of the people I'll be able to connect with better as I learn more of their language, but whew, is it hard.

Once a month, we hold an English Bible study at church. Out of the blue, a neighbor decided to come. Everyone shared some introductions, and this man told us that his daughters, who have come to English classes, just love the Bible. They have their own Bible story book and often ask their dad to read it to them. He said he came to Bible study to learn what is so special about these stories. Goosebumps. May this Word of Life penetrate his life!

More often recently, I have felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of people in this city, with little to no interaction. One day, in an effort to find some space, I decided to ride my bike. Just ride. I had no destination in mind, but chose to follow the river, because I figured I couldn't get lost that way. I rode for about a half hour and, to my surprise, found myself in a beautiful park! I was stunned by the quietness. Finally, a place I can go that actually feels like it's out of the city! I am so so thankful for this gift, as I am ever learning to be still and know...

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8