Those Awkward Days

Hey all... I don't know how many "all" of you are, but hello all the same.

How's your end of the year looking? Got big plans to ring in the New Year? The last week of December always feels weird to me. Awkward, perhaps. It's in between two big holidays, and you're just finishing up the year, getting ready for a new one... does anyone else feel the same way?

This year has been quite... adventurous for me. It hasn't been what I expected, but I've learned a lot, grown a lot, and sometimes growing comes with growing pains.

Anyhow, in the next few days, I'll be looking back over this year, evaluate what I learned, where I succeeded and where I failed, and what goals I need to set for this next year. I don't know if you guys do that or not, but I think it's a good way to start afresh.

So, as December is closing out, I'm getting more and more anxious to close the deal with Japan and get going. I'd like to put a date and start to get over there. As I've mentioned, the team over there is asking for me to arrive in March time, which I think is do-able.

Please pray for me, that in the next couple of weeks, people will commit to sponsor me as a church planter in Japan. I'm still short about $1000, monthly support. That's NOT too far! But, it will take lots of prayer.

I know you're busy, but if you'll take a few moments to lift this in prayer right now, as you're reading this. You might not think it makes a difference, but God does listen to you. I know He listens to me too, but covering something in prayer has never hurt anyone!

Well, I'll be back in a few days. If you're in the STL area, hope you enjoyed the snow today! I was pretty happy. :D

Merry Christmas!!

Yay! The long awaited day is here.

Today I worked and it was amusing to me to watch the guys shopping... Looks of confusion, guesses on womens' sizes...

So, I've been crazy busy, as you can tell. It's the Christmas season-- the busiest retail time of the year. So, there's that.

Also, there was paperwork to do with Japan that I had to fill out and have other people fill out...

Oh, Japanese study... Adjectives that CHANGE with past tense verbs. Sigh.

You get the picture.

Well, I'm going to get off here and help my ma peel some potatoes. Hope to have interesting stuff for you soon.

But until then-- I wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

Tis the Season

... to write cards, to do shopping, to hang lights, to go to parties... etc. You know how Christmas is. But I'm pretty excited as I drive at night and see houses decorated for the season.

During the past few weeks, I've been looking at various things concerning Japan-- including the budget. As it turns out, we believe that a budget of $2200 will be more viable, and will enable me to pay everything from rent to schooling and pay bills like social security and buy a ticket home every once in a while.

I'm very excited about that, because while we heard from so many that the budget would be more expensive, we believe that this will be a good budget. Should I be lacking in funds, after the first year, I can teach some English classes on the side to make a bit of extra dough. :)

So, I'm excited, because that's not that far away!!

We're setting the date around March to head over there. That will give me a few weeks before I start Japanese classes, so I can figure out where I am. Kinda seems crazy when I think about it.

However, I'm still getting my head start while I'm here, studying Japanese. We've been working on things like counting in Japanese. There's so many ways to count! I know that seems crazy, because we count- one apple, two apples, three apples, etc. In Japanese, you add a suffix for the type of thing that you're counting-- thin, flat objects; time counting, and several other. We've done about 2 or 3 ways of counting, and learning the different patterns for each counting way.

Also, in the way of counting-- it's kinda crazy-- but, they change counting every 4 digits, not every three like we do. For instance, to say forty thousand, you say basically 4- 10 thousands. I'm not going to go too far into it, because right now, I can do it, but if I think too much about it, I think I may lose it. So, suffice it to say that this is harder than when I learned counting in kindergarten.

Well, I still have a few things to do. I've been on a roll getting things accomplished and I'd like to stick with it.

Talk to you later!

OH! PS- check this out! I learned how to get Japanese fonts on my computer last night! こんぼんわ．

Story from Japan

I'd like to share this with you all! It was posted by Christine Huber-- she and her husband Tim are the original missionaries there in Japan. I'll be working with them and another couple, Mark and Yuiko Blakely working at planting a young adult church. This is what's going on currently over there!
_______________________________

Our church was packed out--people everywhere, in the chairs, on the floor, standing--to witness the testimonies and baptisms of two teen boys today. They both told their stories that impacted everyone. Many tears of joy were shed today!

One of Yusuke's comments: "2009 years ago, Jesus Christ died for me, and so now I want to work for Jesus! So I decided to consecrate myself to Him!" He is an example of a kind, smiling boy who attends to the needs of the little children, and he wants to be a servant of Jesus Christ.

Naoto doesn't know his real father, and his mother abandoned him as a young boy. But Jesus was with him and protected him, and provided people who have loved him through all his trials. He is excited about servng God!

We are soooo THANKFUL beyond words for how God is saving the youth of our church. ALL our youth were present for this special event!! (This took special effort from each one--Japanese youth are super BUSY students!!) We took tons of pictures and it was quite a celebration!

We are praying and believing that NONE of our youth will leave God's path! It's not so difficult for the younger children to come faithfully to Sunday school and spend time alone with God. But at the junior high and high school age, the schools require them to participate in sports or music or other clubs on Saturdays and Sundays. The teens become sooooo busy and tired, it is VERY hard for these young people to continue to put God first. It takes a miracle for them not to fall away. That's why it is such a JOY to everyone to see a teenager making such a difficult stand for Christ!

We thank God sooooo much for our dedicated youth staff who treat these kids as if they were their own. This takes a a super amount of dedication and sacrifice! (Japanese are known for giving their all and their best, and the Christians do this for God! We love working with these amazing Christians!!)

When Japanese youth get baptized, it takes a lot of courage and self-denial. Two other teens were baptized last August, and now today, two more! May God continue to bring revival to our youth, in Jesus' Name!!!

Decisions and December

Today, driving home from dropping off my little big brother at work, I wondered... which day is it???

It took me a while to figure it out, and I did by remembering that Japanese class is Mondays, and I didn't do it last night-- so it had to have been two days ago, thus making today Wednesday.

A bit scary when it gets to that point, isn't it?

So, 2009 is just about over. In fact, right now, I'm watching Christmas in Rockefeller Plaza, which reminds me that Christmas (and thus, the New Year) is indeed right around the corner... even though yesterday it was 60 degrees.

It doesn't feel like December at all.

So, a couple of weeks ago, I made a decision to put off Japan for a little bit-- because I am not financially able to get there yet. As much as I'd like to head off in January, I realize that it would be irresponsible to leave without having my budget at least close to set.

So, I mentioned setting April as my next aim, and the team said, how about March?

February?

I said, ASAP. :)

On that note, please, please pray for me as I'm working on this. I'm taking a look at the budget again, to see where I can cut back, so to speak. There's a balance however between doing it yourself by budgeting and having faith for God to provide. Like I said, it would be irresponsible to go without sound backing.

So, please pray as I look for at least the next $1500 monthly support.

Running that Marathon

So this week it's been one speaking engagement after another. Sunday, Monday and today (Saturday). All were a bit different, but they all went well. It's cool, because I believe that God really ministered to various people.

Today I talked about what I mentioned a bit on Sunday-- giving thanks and being grateful. It went very well. God spoke, and He coordinated certain people so that it all flowed. It was great.

Yesterday was quite an interesting day. I got out of the shower and was cleaning my ears, when I hurt my ear with a q-tip! I know, I'm going to hear all about it with the qtips. But anyhow- there was a bit of blood later, and quite a bit of dizziness for a while. But I laid down and got over it. My ear was kinda throbby for the rest of the day and I went by Walgreens just to make sure that I didn't puncture my ear drum. I didn't know how much I would get charged, but she looked in and confirmed that I didn't puncture my ear dream and I didn't have an ear infection, and then, she didn't even charge me!

I was thankful.

So next week, I have friends coming in from Oklahoma City and Chicago to celebrate Thanksgiving. I'm really looking forward to their arrival and to celebrating Thanksgiving! Since I don't have to work until 10am on Black Friday, I think I'll have the opportunity to do a little Black Friday shopping too.

What are you thankful for?

Yo' Homework

Hey ya'll. I'm glad you had a great time this morning and I pray that you will continue seeking and pursuing after God with all your heart.

Once again, thank you SOOOO much to Courtney and Brian and Matt. I really appreciate your generosity with me and being flexible and getting the power point ready to go in an insanely short amount of time.

Anyway- here's your guys homework--

1- Pursue GodPursue on Your Own: Look for Joshua in Exodus 24 and 32. Compare where Joshua wanted to be and what were the consequences of that desire with what happened with those who were behind. Also check out Exodus 33:11.

2- Pursue the Vision God has given youPursue on your own: Pursue on Your Own: What was Joshua’s vision? Look in Deuteronomy 3:28. Read Joshua 1 to see what his course of action was.
3- Believe for the ImpossiblePursue on Your Own: Look at Numbers 13-14:9. Based on Joshua’s relationship with God and the promise/vision God gave him, compare his perspective of the situation with everyone else’s.

Well, there ya go. SO, i'm tired and I get to be at work at 5am tomorrow, so I'm going to get and start working on some stuff for an important presentation tomorrow.

Have a beautiful one and keep being persistent in pursuing God!

All those Juicy Details

If there has been a week that has been crazy, it's been this one. Beside working around 30 hours this week (where I got all kinds of cuts and bruises), I put together my newsletter*, finished the folders I had been working on, made a million copies of my dvd. I also did translation for parent teacher conferences at an elementary school, and continually tweaked the message I'll be giving tomorrow.

*Usually you put these in at the end. But, I would like to add an important detail to the newsletter that was supposed to make it in there. I'd also like to thank Connie S. for putting in a good word at Macy's. I'm going to try to mention that tomorrow morning. But she should be mentioned as well.

Ok, so, let's get to those details I won't have time to mention tomorrow morning:

When I was 15, a freshman in high school at North County Christian School, Kathy Pugh, who was my Spanish and Bible teacher at the time, showed our class a video right before Christmas break. I know at the time she had no idea what God was going to do through that video. It was from Teen Mania, and I can tell you that I’m pretty sure that not too many people were paying attention, but I was hooked. Everything was blurred around me as I watched about missions trips taken to Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe where God was changing the lives of countless souls.I left that class, almost with a hangover, and I said to a friend in the next class, I have to go on a missions trip next summer. She was like, ok, whatever.

Over the course of the next couple of evenings, I scoured, very intently through all of my materials. I had attended a couple of Teen Mania events called Acquire the Fire over the past couple of years. I eventually found them, and along with it, there was a magazine that I hadn't really gone through beforehand. It was about the summer Global Expeditions trips.

So, like a good 15 yr. old, I wrote a very nice letter addressed to Mr. Luce, and asked if it were possible, if I could go on a missions trip. I printed and signed it.

Before I could mail it, I got in the mail a magazine with that coming year's missions trip.

Imagine my surprise!

I looked through, read all of the details and carefully approached my mom about it. She kinda blew me off the first couple of times, but then I sat down and showed her the magazine and talked to her about wanting to go.

After talking for a while (she probably saw that I was insistent and wasn't going to let it go), she finally came to the conclusion- Fine, if you get the money, you can go. I was like, ok! That's all I needed. This was a huge step. I filled out all the paperwork, and got her signature and sent it in as quickly as possible.

Ok, everything is mailed in and then came the hard part. Waiting. I was up every single night in excitement thinking about going to India. I hoped, I prayed that they would accept me. I even called them to check on the status of my application! Ha!

I finally got the packet in the mail with the video about Teen Mania, a tshirt, brochures, and a series of notes about how to prepare for the trip.

I was SO excited, and by this time, my mom had become excited too.

Over the next couple of months, I went through so many fundraising events. People could pay a $1 an egg or $1 per cup of flour to pour over me. That was a mess, and I ended up with egg shell scratches all over. The next day I sported a hankerchief over my hair. Donna R., our youth pastor, if $200 was raised, volunteered to become a human burrito and then hosed off outside. The youth couldn't resist that offer.

What else did I do? Oh! I collected change in different classrooms and in gas stations! That made some money, and teachers would make kids add change to the bucket if they were late. Another teacher helped organize a baseball tournament where teams had to pay to enter. Kids could wear jeans and tshirts to school by paying $1. School was even changed to a half-day for the event! Looking back, I can't believe it!

We hosted a spaghetti dinner where entry was purely by donation.

My dad's employer paid me to clean his house and gave a $1000 donation.

Between it all, money was raised and I was so excited to go. As you know, it was an incredible trip, where many people got saved, many were dramatically and miraculously healed and the Spirit of God moved in India and in our lives.

It was a trip that changed us completely. It was a trip that changed me completely.

If I get responses, I'll post some of the miracles that we saw take place on the trip. But for now, I need to get to bed.

See ya'll tomorrow!

Haven't blogged since I was 24, give me a break! :)

So, not much is new.

I go to work. I come home, do what I have to do- study, ready, see people, do this, that and the other. Go to bed, rinse, repeat.

I've been working about 30 hours a week, which makes for a decent paycheck, but getting up at 4am makes me really tired, and going to bed at 8pm, though I've been making valiant efforts, still makes me feel like I'm not able to accomplish much in the evenings.

Oh well. I'm not meaning to complain-- I'm trying to figure out a way to better make use of my time.

I recently sent out a newsletter, though some of you will be getting that in the mail this week. If you don't normally get a newsletter, be sure to comment on this and let me know. I'll get one to you!

This week, I'll be working on lots of stuff, including putting together folders for a presentation, working on that presentation, a power point for speaking next week, working on that speaking thing, and making phone calls.

I also have the opportunity to do some one the side translating for a public school district this week, so I'll spend an extra couple of hours doing that. I'm excited to get to use some Spanish... I don't want it to get rusty.

What else... what else?

Well, I'll try to post again later this week, try to be more interesting. It's also on my theoretical to-do list a certain video. We'll see how that pans out, but you know- there's a lot on the plate for this week.

Sorry to have been so absent lately. But you haven't forgotten about me... have you??

Working Hard; that's why I'm away... :)

So, it's 8pm and I'm going to bed, because I get up now at 4. Wow! It's painful just to say that!

Anyhow, today I got a compliment from a manager-- who had talked to my manager saying that she wished she could keep me (as permanent) after the holiday season. However, I'm going to Japan!

But I was encouraged, because I pray to be a good worker so I can be a light to others. After all, a bad worker can't be an example, right?

Anyway, I'm going to bed so I can be a good worker! I'm praying for opps to speak to certain coworkers and shed a little of Jesus' love!

Checked off the List

Yes, blogging was on my to-do list for yesterday. And it didn't get done.

So, on a side note, before I even get started- cats don't like me. Well, two at least. A friend's cat who from kittenhood would jump at me with claws beared and teeth showing still hisses at me. I once watched their house while they were on vacation and I braced myself with leather gloves to handle that furry bundle of joy. Leather gloves.

My brother and I swapped houses with my grandma the other night when we were going to do the garage sale at her house. Her cat is a bit skittish, which is not a problem for me- since I'm a bit allergic to them. Everything was fine until I went to go to bed in her room. Her cat hissed at me repeatedly from the doorway and would stare me down. Ever since then, any time I come in the room or pass by the door to the room that the cat is in, it hisses and does that deep errrrr sound. I'm not fond of those kinds of sounds coming from animals.

Don't know what it is about me.

I started work late last week after finishing going to the conference. I do have to say they are good trainers, which I am thankful for. I enjoy being employed, even though my alarm clock sounds at 4:15am. The difficult part is not so much getting up early as it is going to bed early. So, I've been a bit sleep deprived lately. Add that to the fact that I've had plans for every evening and things to get done during the day and that makes me a busy girl!

Life goes on. I promise I'm not complaining, I'm actually happy to be busy and on-the-go. I just need to adjust myself to the sleeping thing.

The Hispanic Outreach on Saturday was cool. It was great to see so many hispanics in one place and representing so many countries, though having American as their commonality now. It felt like home, and I believe they really were ministered to. I didn't do much beside some translation to English for some ministers from the Bahamas.

The tamales were good too.

Well, I have Japanese class in about 2 hours and I need to do a bit of studying and take a shower before heading over there.

Digital Post-its

Blogging is on my to-do list for tomorrow.

It was on it for tonight but I got to chatting and got distracted.

Sorry!

Rendezvous with my Eyelids

Last night and all day today I've attended the Foursquare Gateway District meeting here in St. Louis, and I really have to say that I've completely enjoyed it. The speakers have been great; the pastors from all over five different states are a joy to meet and get to know their stories; and the worship is just awesome.

Last night Wayne Cordiero (I think I may have spelled that wrong) spoke and it was an incredible message on speaking the language of the people; tonight Ricky Temple taught with much wisdom and a very practical message noting some of the things that he's learned through his many years of ministry. During these things and just in talking to the different people that I'm meeting around-- I like to glean from them their experiences. Why? Because they have many years serving, much wisdom that I could learn from. I always feel that way going to missionary conferences as well.

I have much I could say about all that I've learned and the people that I've met-- some dynamic, very sanguine people; some reserved people full of experience and richness-- all anointed with a passion for what they're doing and reaching the cities where they're serving-- we're all walking down the same path... just separated a bit by location.

One of the things that is interesting about here at the conference is that most people assume that I'm one of the teenagers who is here tagging along with a pastor parent. I'm trying to dress older (you're probably laughing, but it's true), but I've been asked everything from, "So, is she [me] your daughter?" (a couple asking another couple I was sitting with); "So, how old are you?"; "Are your parents pastors?"... The list goes on. I just smile and try to explain in a sentence or two the journey that's brought me here recently. So apparently, the dressing older thing isn't working.

It's good though-- Thankfully, God has blessed me with the ability to be sanguine when I need to be... a facet of my character that hasn't been pulled out in a while. I'm not normally a sanguine person-- I'm more melancholy/phlegmatic-- if you've done the studies, you know what I mean by those terms... I'm more the question/thinker/planner... But as I once heard it said-- a melancholy can wear all the hats. And that I can certainly do when placed in those situations.

I don't know how I got into that spiel. Sorry about that. But anyway, I'm going to get to bed... Each day this week, I progressively get up earlier and earlier and the day seems to get longer and longer (which would make sense)... Today in fact, I had an hour and a half free until dinner at the conference and so I curled up in the back seat of my car and took a nap out in the parking lot. I was tired and could feel my body beginning to drag (despite much coffee) and that nap was just what I needed.

However, I don't want to do that tomorrow. So, goodnight.

Pumpkins Everywhere!

October has come!! I love the fall! Beautiful colors, everywhere! Multi-color hues; leaves scattered across green lawns... I think it's more beautiful than spring, even though I love that first appearance of green when spring comes after a long winter.

Yesterday my brother and I got up at the crack of dawn and set up a garage sale and worked it all day. It was long and cold as would be expected for October, but we managed to get rid of a lot of stuff! At the end of the day we made around $100, which comes to a grand total of $600 in garage sales and will probably buy my one-way ticket to Japan. There's one start-up expense covered!

So yesterday as I was getting ready to go collect the signs for the sale (it was close to the end of the sale and I left my grandma in charge for a few minutes), I noticed a few sales by where I had hung the signs. And lo and behold-- our signs were missing and their signs were up in it's place. Hmmm... Turns out, all of our signs were down. Every single one, and they weren't blown off by the wind either. So, we were a bit sabotaged, but not defeated! To make a hundred dollars (well, 99) when you don't even have any signs up is pretty good.

And I don't ever want to see another item for a garage sale ever again. At least not for the present.

Among other news, I went out with Frankie last week which was a lot of fun and got to know her a little better and we discussed how I could be of service to her with her small group. We went to Starbucks and had pumpkin frappuchinos, which are really good and smell just like a pumpkin pie. Of course, it doesn't taste exact (though it's still very good), but it smells exact.

I also went in for the said-interview and got the job! I'm pretty excited to be employed again (though I am still employed through WIM), but it's nice to have another source of income to help with current finances that way I can save all support coming in for Japan.

So I start this week, on Thursday (though I did some training on Friday), since I have a conference Monday through Wednesday. Actually, this entire week is just jam-packed, but I'm excited to get at the week.

For the rest of the evening though, I hope just to relax and catch my breath in between two giant weeks.

An Eclectic Blurb

So last week was pretty cool. What a long week though. For real. I had meetings and Japanese and went here and there... And even when I was home I was working on lots of stuff.

I was kinda glad for a second there that tomorrow is Monday because in Mexico that would have been my day off... but alas, tomorrow is pretty full on my post-it to-do list. In fact, the whole week is.

One of the things I'm looking forward to (well, there are a few things) is: [blowing of trumpets] an interview! Woo-hoo! I'm really hoping I'll get the job... the hours are perfect and I heard from Pastor Debbie about the job. It's seasonal/temporary anyhow, so I'm not too concerned about the fact that I'll be moving in January.

Another highlight of the week is going out for coffee with Ms. Frankie... I'm looking forward to getting to know her a little more and helping her out with her small group for young girls. This morning, one of the girls was reading a Scripture on the lost sheep and how Jesus left the 99 to go find the 1. As I was picturing it in my mind, I imagined the sheep in some hard to find place, down, in some gutter type thing with its foot caught and all I could think of when I read it was-- no matter where you are, Jesus can and will find you. That was something that really stuck with me today and I thought, hmm-- Jesus will make it to any place to find and pull out His sheep... I can just imagine Him throwing it around His shoulders and walking back with a smile of relief and happiness that He found His sheep. Good to be that sheep.

Friday evening, since the Ice Cream Social is postponed (in case you didn't know-- it just turned out to be an inconvenient weekend for so many), I'm going to relax a little and hang out with Tammy and watch some Jane Eyre (because I love that whole period of movies and the stories)... I love, and I do mean love, all things Jane Austen (though Eyre is Brontë). I think Friday will probably end up being my day off this week.

One of my friends got home last week from overseas. He'll be in the States for about 6 months, doing the same kinda thing like me-- but he's been gone now for over a year. It'll be kinda interesting to hear how it goes for him-- everything from being back home in a strange world to raising funds. The whole being back home thing can be a weird experience that can be hard to articulate; but I hope it will go well for him so that he can accomplish everything he needs to.

Also on last week's agenda was a different friend's wedding- Grace. It was a beautiful, but untraditional wedding (Congrats!). I was going that day for a haircut anyhow and asked my stylist to put a little curl in the hair afterward to give it some pizzazz. She showed me how to do it, and this evening, I was trying it out (it's with a flat iron) and I burned my hand! I figured out how to do it, but wow-- that was painful!

Well, if you would, keep praying about the whole fundraising issue. Opportunities are coming up, and I'm eager to see them work out to get over to Japan!

Let's Make a Deal

So, I'd like to say thank you to all those who donated stuff for the garage sale and who helped out or baked cookies or showed up to buy! You guys were great and I appreciate so much your support.

We raised almost $500 for Japan, which will put a good dent into buying my ticket to Japan.

It's been a project I've been working on non-stop since I got back from Mexico and finished working on when I finally got home at 5pm today. Did I mention I left my house at 5:30am? Oh, I didn't? ;)

It was a lot of work, but it was great-- and thanks to those who hung around while I was attending another speaking opportunity that I had... that too went well! It was a great meeting and I hope to see some of these people again!

Anywho! I'm über-exhausted and need to get some sleep. Be seeing ya'll tomorrow! (or most of you anyhow)

Speedy Weekend

So, Saturday night I stayed up all night talking with friends-- in Mexico and online and thus did not get to blogging. Last night I had an unexpected horrendous headache... and I'm sure you get the point.

Let me catch you up to speed. Saturday I spent seeing all kinds of new people, eating lunch and dinner with different people and I went to a meeting that some of the teens from the church do together... Karen, one of the girls that I worked with gave the message on trusting in God. I was very, very impressed and the message was very relevant, using Paul as an example, lots of verses and examples. It spoke to me and challenged me in ways.

It was exciting to me to see what God is doing in her life, how He's speaking to her-- and to know that I was a part of something God did with her. You know?

Wow is all I can say.

Sunday I finished packing and Rosa came over and we (Karen, Rosa and me) played a few games of Dutch Blitz, hung out, ran to tiangüis (where they set up market blocking the streets), came back and said our tearful goodbyes.

And speaking of speed, as is the custom in Mexico, we were a bit late setting off for Perote which was where my bus was leaving from. It takes normally a half hour to get there... maybe 25 minutes if you're going pretty fast in a car. Well... It was 1:59 when we left Altotonga and my bus was departing at 2:30.

My heart only froze in fear once during the less-than-20-minute ride to Perote. And we got there with a few minutes to load my luggage, say more goodbyes and wave from my seat on the bus to them standing on the side.

It was sad not knowing when I will get to return to visit them.

The bus made it to Mexico City at 6pm and I got off and walked to where I had emailed a couple to meet me at in the bus station.

Let me back up a moment. The last time I came to visit Mexico City was to buy my JR Pass for Japan, and they told me to meet at the Dominoes in TAPO (the bus station) (don't you feel sorry for me). There are apparently 2 Dominoes in TAPO, and I'm sure you have figured out the rest of the story.

Well, this time I specified bien (good) where to meet... and somehow we still missed each other. I sat there and sat there, wondering how in the world I was going to get in contact with them and as I was starting to put that into practice-- I saw them. This was 40 minutes later.

Anyway, we left, laughing over the mistake and glad to see each (you have no idea how relieved I was); went to buy Idalia (the wife) a traditional dress for the Independence celebration and had dinner (tacos) while we talked about all kinds of things... Altotonga, Japan, etc.

I got back here to their house and we set up the mattress on the floor and as they went to their room, I got that terrible headache. I assume this was from sleeping a bit on the bus and my neck bending-- if I don't sleep on my neck right, there's a doozy of a headache in the forecast for Janine.

Now, just to reassure you- I did have my bag locked in every possible way and the straps would around my feet, and since I was sitting near the front, there was little chance of me getting my stuff robbed.

Well, I'll talk about today and other notes about the trip, etc., later since this one is pretty long.

PS- Pictures soon to be added to this blog. Check back in a day or two.

Deuteronomio

Today I didn't have bounding amounts of energy like I did yesterday; nonetheless, I did do some trekking and stayed and visited other people. Yesterday I did the bulk of visiting people and today I spent more time with those who I spent lots of time with before.

It's a mean cycle. I go to visit someone and I don't want to leave to go see someone else because I'm so enjoying being with them. I reluctantly say goodbye, and head out the door to go see someone else and when I arrive there, I'm so happy to see that person(s) that I'm glad I left and I don't want to leave and go see anyone else.

I can't even count the amount of people that I've seen in the past two days. Some of them, it's been very sweet-- we're talking and spontaneously they hug me and say-- I'm so glad to see you! But it's been very cool. Everyone thinks that I was already in Japan, but obviously I wasn't. Well-- the kids who were with me the most know the plans and everything-- but many of the acquaintances that I've made have wondered where in the world I am... quite literally.

Anyhow, tonight I got back to the house around 11pm... It was a great evening and it ended with some garnachas and lots of laughter with my old landlords.

And now I'm talking with one of the girls that I used to work with about trusting in God and a whole bunch of verses and what they mean. It's a good time for reflection and it's cool for me to participate in this-- to see how much she is understanding now and yet challenging her to dig a little deeper.

Anyhow, tomorrow is kinda a different day-- I still have to be sure to put plans to be certain-- I don't know if that made sense... I think I am meaning to say that I still have to put my ideas in order to make set plans.

PS- Today's title comes for the Spanish name for the book of Deuteronomy... which took me about 3 years to master that word.... they told me I couldn't leave Mexico until I learned that word. I told them that they had to learn how to say it in English. Funny thing is-- they still can't say it and I somehow learned it (though speaking a little bit slower). Anywho. Goodnight.

I still saw Alex Campos yesterday

Sigh. And yes, I have told EVERYONE here that I saw him yesterday.

So, last night, I got off the bus and got my suitcase out from under the bus and made my way through the station and down the hill, over a block (slightly uphill) and up part of another block. I reached up and rang the doorbell twice, like I always used to do and stood there expectantly thinking, oh, it will be good to see an Altotongüense!

Nothing.

So, I rang the doorbell again. Now they live far back in this place... It's like a series of houses (apartments, if you like), making an outline of a square, with the inside cut out and grass and even a pool (although-- really? swimming here?), though it's not that big and would be filled with a hose and not treated with chlorine, I'm pretty sure.

Still nothing.

Repeat this process for the next ten minutes, with the buzzes getting longer. I saw one of their neighbors stick her head out and look around. I felt pretty bad for them, because I could hear the buzzer outside, so I know they heard it.

Finally there came footsteps. As it turns out, they had confused the date and thought I was arriving later in the week. It's kinda dangerous to open the door at night, and even if it weren't, there are plenty of kids who go by and hit the doorbells just for fun and keep walking on.

Even though they weren't expecting me (last night, at least), I still got a warm welcome, and have continued to get warm welcomes from everyone today.

Today, I traversed through the whole city (and I feel it now) and have seen SO many people (I think more than I would have in a regular day when I lived here). From many people, even just acquaintances (think the lady at the post office), I received warm, sincere welcomes. It was nice. But it was great to go back to everyone today and see them, talk to them, find out how they're doing and what's going on with their families.

Overall, it was a most enjoyable day.

I even got tacos! The lady I'm staying with knows that I (well, everyone) love her tacos and so she pulled out the stops and made some for me today. Her daughter wants me now to come more often :)

It's so weird trekking through here, because it's like I'm home, but at the same time I don't live here anymore. It's been 5 months since I've been here and it's kinda interesting to view it all from the "outside" now that I'm not involved so much, ya know?

Anywho: 2 things I have forgotten since being here:
1- how irritating jeans wet half-way up your shins are (and the fact that they likely won't be dry for the morning)
2- how absolutely beautiful a warm shower feels at the end of a somewhat chilly day

Good night friends, I'm going to bed!!

I saw Alex Campos

Why did they even make that hour in the morning??

The last time I heard my alarm clock go off was at 3:30am, almost yesterday now. Getting up almost seemed painful, if putting my contacts in wasn't. What a long day of sitting in airports, airplanes, taxis and busses. And now, I find myself laying on my back with my knees up, typing this.

There isn't much to say but that I did get to sleep for about half the time on the flight from St. Louis to Miami (yes! Miami... flying over the city was cool; the airport was not near as nice as Dallas)... and an hour of sleep on the way to Mexico... and an hour of sleep on the 4 hour bus ride.

All in all, not too bad.

It almost seems surreal being back in Mexico... I've been so busy this last month that I haven't even had much time to think about it... but now I'm here and... I'm yawning.

So, I'll finish this later.

PS> Note this day as also the day that I will forever kick myself for: I saw Alex Campos in the airport and didn't talk to him. DOH.

The Camping Chronicle

So I bought a book for China yesterday, what did you do?

I visited Gracepoint church yesterday, and they were talking about China. The young lady who was presenting about it, a wonderful one that I happen to know, said something at the end-- We may be giving a few dollars to further the cause, but they are giving their lives to further the cause. I was like, wow. So many are! It makes a sacrifice of a few dollars (and in these days, those dollars can seem like quite a sacrifice) seem small. Not insignificant, but rather... more easily to give when you see and hear their stories.

We went camping this weekend for Labor Day. It was a full weekend with friends who accompanied us. On the way down there, we were all excited and ready to go... it seemed like the perfect weekend! The weather was perfect, the company was perfect, and we were ready to lay out in the sun... or at least the female portion of us were.

So, we got the trailer all set up and the cars unpacked and the tent set up. Dinner was cooked (pizzas on the pit! and they were good) and we hung around talking pretty loudly.

Then came the rain. Oh, it'll just pass. Well, it did pass. 14 hours later! The tent didn't even get used that evening and we all just crammed into the camper, boys sleeping on the floor and girls on the fold-out couch.

Even that turned out to be pretty funny, and the whole weekend we had a great time. There were garage sales going on in the area, so we went to some of them, and as well to Walmart (because it wouldn't be a complete camping trip without going to Walmart and the grocery store).

I suppose it doesn't sound so much like camping anymore. But, camping it was.

Anyhow, I came home early to go to church and rode back that evening with my grandma who wanted to go down and have dinner and sit by the fire. Then came home again so that I could get some stuff done today which included laundry and digging out some "Altotonga clothes".

I hope I haven't forgotten how cold it is there! I've packed layers to go and have emailed everyone to say, I'm coming! Hope to see you! Now all that is done and I just have tomorrow to go--

Tomorrow which happens to be a pretty packed day! There is small group in the morning, picking up some garage sale stuff, hanging out with a friend that I made in Japan (!), and Japanese class in the evening. Then it's get to sleep as quickly as possible because there are flights to catch at the crack of dawn.

Meanwhile, I'm going to bed. I'm tired from this long day and long mental to-do lists that I'm constantly trying to keep track of.

Buenas noches!

Writer's Cramp

So, apart from the millions of letters I wrote this week (and I do mean millions), and running for copies and to Japanese class (include studying here) and cleaning my granny-ma's house and doing my report and making phone calls and writing more letters, I had a few moments to kick back on the computer and take a few fun quizzes...

... in which I end up with Mr. Darcy out of all the Jane Austen books (of course! but, I might take Captain Wentworth as my back-up), find out I'm destined to have four children (not with Mr. Darcy), discover I'm worth 200 camels, and end up in New Jersey.

I disagree.

As you may have guessed, it's been a busy week for me. I've been preparing for a supporter event in October, preparing for a garage sale in mid September, preparing for meetings (and talking with the people over in Japan!) and all the while- realizing that I'm visiting Mexico NEXT week.

One of the cool things that I got to do this week is go over to a couple in our church's house and meet with them. He had studied Japanese and was in the marines and stationed in Okinawa some 30 years ago. So, he passed on to me first- a very cool Japanese Bible, Kanji memorization cards, a Japanese dictionary and other books for learning Japanese! I was pretty excited about it. We talked about Japan, the vision, our experiences there... it was a very enjoyable evening.

So, yes, next week I am visiting Mexico- to see everyone and how they're doing. I figure this is really one of the last times that I get to visit before I move to Japan, because after that, I don't think that I'll get to be visiting there much. The kids are pretty excited and I'm ready to see them after so long.

Pastor Debbie said something on Sunday which I've been thinking about... purity, simplicity and authenticity. Those words just sound so good, don't they? They should be the words that describe our lives... Hmm...

Anyway, I'm going to finish that report of mine so I can get busy to another full day of work tomorrow...

Shdidly

I have no idea where that title came from.

Anyhow. So this week I realized why exactly it is that people want to get on the plane sooner. Up to this point in my life, I was ignorant of it. In my opinion, I'm going to be sitting in one spot for the next 45 minutes to 15 hours, depending on the flight. Why get on as soon as possible?

BECAUSE there are the overhead-bin hoarders. Trying to move around other people's luggage to accomodate your own, while not dropping things on people's heads and not holding up the aisle is a complicated and awkward task for a short person like me. And what's more, you have to store your luggage in some other row which means you can't get off the plane quickly.

Normally, when I fly, I check the minimal amount of bags possible and take only a bookbag, which neatly fits under the seat in front of me. Everything I want and need for the flight is in that bag. Board the plane relatively last (but not so last that I have to "pardon me" my way through to get to my seat, which is always a window, by the way). On that note, if you wait too long, people CLEARLY ignore their seating assignment and take yours and pretend that it's really their seat.

However, I won't say anything unless the flight is going to be longer than 3 hours. It's not a big deal, but personally, I won't change my seat until it is clear that that person is NOT going to be boarding. Say around... 30,000 ft.

This week, I used those frequent flyer miles and flew myself to make a promised visit to some friends, who I hope will return their promised visit. Ahem. I got some needed refreshing and really enjoyed my time with these friends. We talked about different topics around the world and in Christian life and I got to put all the Japanese history skill that I've acquired to the test.

It was nice.

So, I'm still super super praying about funds for Japan. Sometimes it's so easy to take it into my control and say, ok, what else can be done? But, God has really been challenging me on various levels of relaxing and trusting Him instead of saying that I trust Him and covering all details myself under MY control.

Not so easy as it sounds. It's so easy to snag the line and run with it.

Kinda on that note- there will be a Supporter Appreciation/Interest Ice Cream Social coming up in early October. More coming out about that in the next week and a half. But, I can use your help in this. Know people who have a heart for Japan?? Invite them to come find out more and join the team! It'll be a great night!

Also coming up, though sooner-- A garage sale at K. Jordan's house with proceeds going to Japan! Plus-- be sure to check it out-- I'll have some things that I've made there.

If there's anything that you can be praying for, it's that God will awaken the hearts of those He's asking to be part of the team to reach Japan with His love.

It's coming up soon guys!

Thoughts on an August Evening

St. Louis, MO -- Oops, it's been longer than I thought since I last posted.

Mostly, I didn't think that I really had much to post about... after all, it's no longer that I climb mountains everyday. :)

However, I have had a few things that keep coming across to me. It's funny how lately every time I think of something, God sends something my way to remind me of His truths and His faithfulness.

It's not funny really... but rather, amazing. Like that song we sang this morning in church. I really thought what Demond said so fit in with everything, and what Pastor Debbie said too. It kinda confirmed for me my observations that I've been thinking about.

Last week was VBS... and on the side, I've had my neice with me for a few days. Children are funny and say the oddest things, and I really enjoy them. But what struck me the most was how kids are so simple and so basic. It's enough for them to know that Jesus loves them and keeps them safe. They have such a simple joy in that.

To me, as we get older (I hear the scoffing now), we tend to get caught up in details. We make things complicated. And while we KNOW these things that kids know, we also know a WHOLE LOT more. What about this? What about that?

That's my personality there. I tend to look at every angle of a situation and ask those questions, as well as 50 other. I propose questions/situations to myself, think through those hypothetical situations, and finally come up with the best plan possible. For me, simplification is difficult.And yet, I watched these kids and just their simple joy and natural reactions to Jesus. I watched them and thought to myself-- Janine, why do you get caught up in everything? Let it go and just be a child with Jesus.

That's a lot harder than it sounds.

Tonight, as I was typing in this address to blog, I was thinking about this whole fundraising endeavor. I know that you don't always immediately see the fruits of your efforts, it's usually as you're leaving that you see it. But I always tell God I'd like to know ahead of time, even if it's just a little, I'd appreciate it.

Next month I start the visa process, full of paperwork. Probably by October/November time it'll be processed and then I'll have 3 months to get to Japan. Which of course means that in December, I need to be operating as if I were in Japan (with funds coming in, so WIM will approve me to go). That's really NOT that far away.

Anyway, I was thinking about it, thinking- ok, what do I need to be doing? Am I being too lax? What more can I be doing? "You know, with the economy the way that it is, and so many stories of difficulties, this isn't the SMARTEST time to be trying to raise $3500 per month..."

So, I log in, and you know how when you log in, there's a new verse (which often corresponds to me) on the home page for you?

Mine today was Proverbs 16:3-- Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.Really. Really?? One of those moments that you just KNOW that it's for you. And there have been so many of those lately... which is good... I've needed it.

I've really been impressed by the beauty of God... how extraordinarily complex and gigantuous; yet how simple He deals and how personal He is. He's not an idea or a force, as many people think. He's a Father. A Friend. He has emotion like us. He loves and taught us what love is. I like that I can relate in a miniscule scale to how He feels; I can interact and react. And while I don't have the answers to all those millions of questions I have (and generally try to answer on my own), and sometimes I'm worried because I'm not sure of the best route, I know that He has the answer. I know if I just run to Him, I can get all those things relieved.

Just like a child.

All in a Day's Work

St. Louis, MO -- So today I didn't feel too well. Just overall. Yesterday either.

But I did go visit a church this morning out in St. Peters. Victory Church. There was a guest speaker and it was just a really good message. I got to know some people and went out to lunch with the congregation to this little restaurant called Saullo's (I think), which had a pretty good salad, in case you're wondering.

I'm going to deviate from course right now: One of the things I love to order since I've been back is a good salad. Being in Mexico, you had to wash your fruits and veggies really well, and use a cap full of bleach to soak your lettuce. Even after washing it off (with purified water), it still had a bleachy taste. It doesn't matter how much make-it-yourself ranch dressing you put on it... it just doesn't taste as good.

Ummm... yes, I'd like a bleachless chef salad.... Ranch, on the side.

Alright, getting back on course.I came home for about two and a half hours, though it didn't feel like it. And then I headed back out to go to a Young Adult Bible Study that I had been invited to. I wasn't feeling good (again/still) but I headed out anyhow.

I went WAY into the boonies (not really... it was about 45 minutes south of here though) and got through the weaving of 1.5 lane roads and got to the house and... there were 3 cars. THAT can't be good.

I knocked on the door and apparently the leaders had just gotten back from a family reunion and it was at someone else's house. And they were going to have a game night.They knew me and so they called the girl's house that it was at and mapquested me there.

BTW. Mapquest was wrong.

But, I finally made it there... Kinda by mistake (but it was totally the other way from where mapquest sent me) and when I called those people, I was practically there.

We did have a good time though. They're pretty hilarious, and we played Catch Phrase and Apples to Apples-- which I had never played before. It was a good evening and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and laughed pretty hard. On the way home (leaving a little early... hey, I stayed almost 3 hours!) some guy was trying to challenge me to a drag race on Hall Street. I obviously didn't accept.

Anyway, one of the things that stuck with me today was something that the guest speaker said while praying-- that it is our faith that pleases God.

Sometimes I think we forget that. Sometimes I think I forget that. As Americans, we're focused a lot on a job well-done and pleasing the boss-man and the tiny little scribblings in our weekly planner... or hourly planner, in some cases.

It's easy to get caught up in this and that and the other. And when things look complicated and aren't going smoothly JUST LIKE I thought they would, well, I forget all about trusting God and simple faith and simple obedience. Ok, how do I fix this? What's my new route?It's easy for me to get caught up in that. What about you? Being a child before God pleases Him. He's not impressed with all my great plans... after all, they were HIS plans in the first place. It's simply trusting God, holding His hand when things appear unsure, and just believing that He's God and in control of it all, that pleases Him. Simple obedience to His commands is what He asks for.

Our faith is what pleases God because our focus is on God. That's what it revolves around. He's the important figure. But when we try to "do" or "be" to please God, our focus is on ourselves and we become the important figure. We're never content or at peace that way. It brings anxiety.

I'm not saying don't do good things or have plans or try to resolve problems. I'm saying, don't let go of God's hand to try to put the puzzle together yourself. 1 Thes. 5:24

Pass to First Grade

St. Louis, MO -- So on Tuesday I had my first Japanese lesson. It was pretty cool to go over there... take my shoes off at the door and sit on the living room floor and study. It was basic at first-- she wanted to see how many of the hiragana letters I knew (The syllable-based alphabet that has some 40 characters, I believe) and I remembered most of them.

Then we went on to do basic sentences-- This is X, That is X, that over there is X... This is not X, it is ....You get the point.

Anyhow. I was pretty excited afterward, because it seemed like we had a good connection and I felt like I learned and got to talk and pronounce... and re-pronounce... and try again. Before, while studying by myself, I wasn't able to do that with anyone. But now I can!

Anyhow, she said I'm able to read better than she thought I was going to be able to read... though I still feel like a kindergartner.

Next week, I'll be going back. I'll still be continuing the Rosetta Stone program... but now I have the advantage of having someone to practice regular conversation skills with.

So, I'm on my way there.I'm still praying for raising the needed support, which is considerably more... and for part time jobs... Anyone know someone who needs a Spanish tutor?

When I'm not working on these things, I'm reading Japanese history, living in Japan, a book on why Japanese and Americans think the other is weird (which I think was written more for Japanese, but it's very entertaining and enlightening at the same time)... but I have so many books that I half-seriously joke that I'm currently not accepting any more books. I've never had so many on my shelf before. And usually, they're not on the shelf-- they're laid on my nightstand or my dresser or wherever else I happened to put them.

Anyhow, I need to get going. Good night!

It's a Small World After All

July 10, 2009St. Louis, MO -- So, this has been a slight whirlwind of a week... I've seen a lot of people... done a lot of things.

Yesterday I met with a girl that Alicia L. hooked me up with... who subbed at the same school Alicia was working at and they met and Alicia hooked us up. She was pretty cool and gave me a few tips and even a book called Living and Working in Japan. It's a pretty thick book, but I'll be digging through it in the next couple of weeks/months. Pretty cool!

And then last night, I spoke at a youth group at the Vineyard Church in SoCo. They had been talking about evangelism and missions and this Wednesday night was particularly dedicated to cross cultural missions. So, I talked about how to minister cross culturally-- because in truth, we have so many different cultures and races in St. Louis alone.

Did you know that in 2007, we had refugees come from Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Burma, Burundi, the Congo and other countries? We have so many Latin Americans, Bosnians and Asians and even Pacific Islanders right here in St. Louis. There is an opportunity for ALL of us to minister cross culturally... So, I talked about some of the basics... I mean, I only had a half hour. ;)

But basically, if you'll take the time to learn from them, to ask them questions and just try to see the world how they do, it's amazing the relationship you'll be able to develop with them.. likely their family and possibly the community as well. And if you keep humility and love in the equation, you'll be on a good path to being able to share the Gospel in a relevant, life changing way and be a cross cultural minister here in St. Louis.

It is after all, all about love. Letting God's love come through us, change us, compel us and overflow into the lives of those around us and in our influence sphere. I read an interesting blog today from a friend I made from a group who went down to Mexico while I was there. He was talking about how common "love" is and how we say it so much to everyone... so much that it becomes like the "hey, how are you? I'm fine, thank you..." It almost becomes trite (my comments)... and he talked a little about being cut off in traffic-- anyway, it's a quote that has made me ponder. Here's what the last sentence of that paragraph said-- "We say we love others a lot, but at the end of the day we love ourselves a lot, and tolerate others."And I thought... Ooohh. Ouch.

Today I also met to work on a video for making contacts.... what a lot of work it takes! (Thank you SO much!)And in the afternoon, I met with a contact that Kathy J. set me up with who lived in Japan for a year and who speaks Japanese... SO, I'll be learning Japanese with her, as a head start for moving to Japan and for starting language school.

In an odd turn of events-- she worked with the people I'll be working with and lived in the apartment that's right under where I'll be living! So, beside talking about Japanese (and I got another book to read called Polite Fictions... which kinda explains why the Japanese think Americans are rude and annoying and vice versa :) Anyway, just social differences.) we also talked about all the great people we know (good things!) and plans for the future and her coming visit to Japan in a few weeks.

What a small world it is after all!

Eventfulness

St. Louis -- Hey there! Well, this has been an eventful week. At this point, I have trouble remembering everything that's gone on.

I do remember that my brother had his 16th birthday last week... that we celebrated with Chinese food.

I met with some people and got more details taken care of for the video that we're doing.We also went to Kentucky for a family reunion for my dad's mom's side of the family. Most of the people I've met only like once before... so it was interesting.

I also discovered this weekend that I am a fierce family feud player. Don't mess with me! :)

Our car broke down while there and I was amazed at southern hospitality. For family members we haven't been around much, they were very helpful, in particular Aunt Georgia, who was so helpful and just a huge blessing. The mechanic who came to fix our car too was great and though he took a while, he didn't hardly charge us much.

Of course, we could only get the car home... after you turn the car off, then it's broke again. So, it's getting re-fixed, but we were all able to get home to get back to our schedules and what we needed to get done this week.

Also, I've been in contact with some people who have been to Japan and who speak Japanese, so this week I'm meeting with them to discuss Japan and their experience there and with one, to see about getting tutoring in Japanese.

Well, it's really late and I need to get going... but, hey-- if you need anyone to do odd jobs around the house or babysitting, let me know! I'm looking for those kinds of jobs!Have a good one!

Again Thankful

St. Louis, MO -- What an eventful week it was. Aside from working for my grandma last week, I also kept pretty busy with various other things.

There were two other things that were "big events" last week too... including, first of all, that my dad got a job! Congratulations pops! After a pretty long time... some 5 months, I believe... of being laid off, we all are very thankful that he got a job! During the whole time, God was very faithful to provide for the needs of the family, so that there was never lack. And, at the right time, He also provided a job! So, thank You Jesus!

Also, this weekend we happened to be out with my neice at the pool. She climbed up a slide to go down into the pool and somehow slipped and fell down some 5 or 6 feet onto concrete. It was insane in that it seemed as if she was falling in slow motion, and it was a very scary sight to see such a small body fall like that.

I was very thankful that God in His foresight, provided something for us in such situations called adrenaline, because I've never gotten out of a pool that fast in my life and then got to her. Anyhow, it was one of those situations that put a hundred people at the pool to silence and many people rushed around her... and she was doing a silent scream that we weren't quite sure what all was wrong.

There happened to be a paramedic at the pool who checked her out, and for such a fall, she only bruised and scraped up her elbow. No concussions, no blood, no broken bones, all of which I was dreading seeing as I got to her.

Can you believe that?Anyhow, like we all said, it seemed as if a hand held her as she was falling down, because it was really in slow motion... and to land on concrete like that and not have anything seriously wrong is a miracle.I, and all of us, am very, very thankful that God protected my little 3- almost 4 year old neice and kept her safe for us! Thank You so much Jesus! That made for us a particularly long weekend.

We also had the opportunity to see my aunt yesterday, who I haven't seen in a few years... and we found out that she was here in town on Saturday night. I had planned to visit a young adults group on Sunday evening, but since I found out at the last minute that she was here and planning on visiting and spending an evening with the family, I decided to see her. I'll head there another Sunday evening.Well, this week there is a whole variety of things to be done, particularly with job looking and with fundraising and projects involved in that but I'll be letting you know what I'm up to!

Ehhh

St. Louis, MO -- So, every time I say that I'm going to be able to write more, things come up and I'm not able. So, I'm not saying that anymore.This week I've been helping out my grandma, who had eye surgery last week. She drives and delivers stuff, all the way to Hannibal and Springfield, IL, and places all around that circle. Her schedule is at night-- from 5pm and we've been getting home around 4am. So, by the time I get to bed and then get back up the next day, I kinda don't get much done.

Anywho, that's this week. I recently got an email with some of the things they'd be discussing at the team meeting in Japan. Some of the topics of discussion were emailed to me, which was pretty exciting, because it was like even though I'm a whole continent outside the loop, I was still kinda in.Next week, I have a variety of things to get done... which I'll update you on.

PS: I'm reading a book on Japanese history which is keeping me captivated. I'll be throwing little facts in here and there. :D Stay tuned

Thankful

St. Louis, MO -- I read a verse today that had to do with gratitude. Colossians 3:16

Last Monday I had a doctor's appt. When I had called to schedule the appointment, they told me that because it had been so long since I'd visited her, they'd have to schedule me as a "new patient"... which inevitably would cost more. They asked for my insurance. None (as of yet).

"Well, you do realize that appointments start at $100 and go up from there."

Lovely thought.

But not much of an option. So, I headed in, praying that it would be as low as possible.

I got all those blood tests done in Mexico to take in to my doctor so as not to have to do them here in the States. I was praying that she would accept those tests and results. She did. What's more, when I walked out of the doctor's office, prepared to write a check of at least one hundred dollars, I was shocked when she said... "Hmm... ok, let's see. That'll be $35."I was like, "that's all??" Wow. And I was very thankful.

While driving around last week, I swerved large flying objects out of the back of trucks and slammed on my brakes in traffic while blaring my horn at someone who wasn't listening, wasn't looking and who didn't think I was in the lane. Going probably 50 miles an hour, surrounded by a "million" other cars, he probably missed me by an inch, if that.

And again, I was very thankful for protection from God.I was also very thankful as I finished a video I had been working on... using a million programs against one another, I was able to accomplish most of what I wanted with that video. It took several hours on several nights, but it worked out and I was happy with it.

I'm still working on some of these projects and taking constructive criticism to make it better. So, they're not finished projects yet, but I'm looking forward to more improved projects to better serve and explain the vision for Japan. I find the attitude of thankfulness or gratefulness is really useful in combatting many things. I really believe in it, and it was a theme I took up for the longest time with the youth in Mexico.

I've also had an amazing responsive of interest toward Japan. Of course, I think Japan is awesome and I feel the burden for Japan... but I suppose it's just really cool for me to see how so many people's faces light up when I mention Japan. I even met this Japanese lady that goes to my grandma's church, and boy was she excited about Japan. She was such a sweet thing and she just had so much to say. And among them was how much she was thankful that someone was going to Japan.

But it's not just the "big" things that we should be thankful for (like protection for a truck getting ready to smash your car), but for all those blessings from God that go maybe "unnoticed". For the things we take for granted, but that is very much like ungratefulness.

Peace Out

St. Louis, MO -- So, I'm sitting here munching on some Pad Thai. Blogging has been on my mind for like the last week now, but somehow or another, I've missed it every day.

Last night, in particular, it was on my list.. but as the storm rolled through and the computer was unplugged and disconnected... I thought... it'll have to be tomorrow.I've been working on some multi-media pieces for promotion of vision sowing for Japan and have run into a few computer glitches that leave me sitting up until late night. I'm pretty happy with how the result came out... it's an incredible amount of work that gets put into making videos and power points (usually). By the way, am still working on converting a file so everyone can easily watch the file.

So, I'm getting ready for things with Japan... have been thinking a lot lately about how it will be to live there and study Japanese and hang out with Japanese youth all the time and share with them. I've been in contact with the people who are mainly heading up the Machida project. They're excited and ready to help out in whatever way. But they're pretty cool. It'll be great to work with them!I'm constantly impacted by the need for Jesus in Japan... and how astounding to me it is that in 2009, so few know.

There is such a need for hope in Japan. For instance, in April of this year, Japan averaged 100 people per day that commited suicide. 100 people each day!

If that's not a cry for help in that nation, I know not what is.

Japan continues to fascinate me. Everything from the simple and cultural- like the way food is, and Japanese etiquette and subway systems and how in the world they can remember some 4000 kanji characters in order to read... to how the Japanese think and what inhibits them from hearing and what is the best way to reach out to them.

The Message of the Cross

St. Louis, MO -- Hey all... How are all doing?

Well, I've been here and there, going around, meeting with people, working at establishing new contacts... So many people have been so helpful in this and people who are interested in Japan are popping up here and there, so that's pretty cool.

I got to talk to the teacher who originally connected me with Tim and Christine Huber who are working over in Japan. He, the teacher, taught English over in Japan for a year. Anyhow, it was exciting to talk to him and talk about the different experiences and the people we met... it was pretty cool! It was exciting to see someone who has also captured a passion for Japan, who though he's not going, has been a part of sending others there. It was a great conversation!Anyway, I'm making my rounds and visiting other churches in these weeks... although I have to say that I'm really looking forward to getting back to our church! :)

Just to give you an update of what's going on: I'm working on establishing new contacts and building the "Project Japan" team-- both financial supporters and pray-ers are needed! I'm also visiting with current supporters and getting some much needed family time in. I will be getting a part time job in about a month or so, to help out with expenses here and to put into savings for getting to Japan... But as far as support goes-- it's still needed! What's not immediately needed right now to live off of is getting set aside for Japan as the start-up costs are a bit insane.

Just think of me as being on a bit longer of a furlough. Oh, and in a couple of months, paperwork will start for the visa and for the school that I'll enter in Japan.

So, that's that.So the other day, I heard an advertisement for a jewelry company. This jewelry company was talking about graduation presents and it said something to the effect of-- For your son, I suggest getting a cross, to remind him of his accomplishment.

Wait, wait, wait, wait...Since when did the cross become a symbol of our success or accomplishment? I shook my head and scrunched my eyebrows... Should not the cross remind us of His accomplishment? Of what He did for us? Of the priceless, painful sacrifice made for us?

It made me very sad to think that the cross, in many eyes, is just another symbol... and one that is used to remind us of our own achievements. That is not the message of the cross to me.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying that it's wrong to give someone a cross for a special occasion. I myself have given and received crosses. Please do not feel as if I am condemning people for buying crosses... I just want to think a little beyond the decorative image of a cross.

What struck me was the reason for giving it-- to remind someone of his own accomplishment. I guess just the secular nature of it was what took me aback.

What is the message of the cross? When you see it, what does it remind you of?

When I see it, I think of Jesus' precious sacrifice... of the hope He gave us, of His resurrection, of His incredible grace that I don't deserve but that is freely given...And I think of the many people who don't know the message behind the cross. Of those to whom the cross is just a pretty "t" or a symbol of some religion of who knows what... Those who don't know the saving power of Christ.

I think of those for whom the cross what meant (which includes everyone), but whose ears have never had the opportunity to hear about it that message of hope, of God's love.

So, when I think of it, it means more to me that just some piece of jewelry or some wall decoration that gets glanced at now and then and reminds you of some ceremony or event in life... It means the salvation of souls, the love of God manifested... I pray that I may never become immune to the image of the cross and what it means for me, as well as for others.

Cultural Baggage

St. Louis, MO -- And so I went to the store by myself today. Let's see... actually, 5 stores. In 3 of them, I left not having bought anything. All this took me about 4 hours.

But I did get most of the stuff on the list that I've been making on a post-it note for the last several days. Granted, there wasn't a whole lot on that list, but... still.

I've been home for a little over a week now. When I came home, the screen door was on the wrong side. My dad changed it I don't know how long ago. But I'm almost getting the hang of opening the door from the right side.

The kitchen is way different... My (Mike's) room is different... and the living room and dining room are different from the last time I lived here. It was different when I came back, if I remember right.

Oh, the title is credited to Jose, Emily's husband, who would often tease me that I didn't know how to respond because I had so many cultures influencing me... When I was at their house, we had some Indian food (obviously) and it included rice. My first reaction was: where are my chopsticks? Second reaction: Ok, then where's my fork? Third reaction: Oh, this is India! We eat with our hands. You might have been amused to watch my facial expressions with this train of thought.

So, I've been praying during this transition (because, it still is)... for, well, everything. For what's going on here, what's going on back in Mexico, what's going on in Japan, and for getting there... I've been praying for God's guidance, timing, open doors and direction.

I'm really excited for Japan. It's an incredible country, with an interesting history behind of it of Christianity, and there are a million people (well, a bit more than that) who don't know Jesus or have ever even heard of Him. I'm also excited because, well, what I want to do is work with youth. I was gonna say "target them", but that just kinda sounded... weird. So.

But the Japanese youth are needing and searching for something new and satisfying. We know that the only thing that truly satisfies is our Savior-- we were created to know Him, and when we do and have relationship with Him, we are doing what is our purpose, and things are better, not easier, but well-- they fit.

So, anyhow, I'm hoping to show you a video soon, if I don't have the opportunity very soon, I hope to then post it up here. Every time I see it, it stirs up a passion within me. But, it explains in a couple of minutes who I'll be working with and about the Japanese people. It's really good! Anyhow, I'm pretty excited. Japan! For such a small country, it's full of so much opportunity!

Well, if you guys could be praying for me as I wait on God and begin this whole process, and as I get back into the groove of being in the States. It takes awhile to get accustomed.

Where is Home?

Oklahoma City, OK -- So, this really HAS been a multicultural week. I'm with Em and Jose still, and it's been enjoyable, as I fully expected it would be. I've met some of her friends and we've had food from all over the world and talked about experiences from all over the world and watched "cultural" movies... I feel globalized.We had some good talks last night about all kinds of things and it was thought provoking. You all know how much I like to think. :)

AND in thinking about everything that has to do with coming back to the states, I am AMAZED at the faithfulness God has shown. Even when you look at how the moving date got moved up a couple of weeks... I moved out like the day that Mexico City was shutting down, and was starting to get talked about... and JUST as it became a big deal in the States.

These very friends that I'm staying with now, well, they were thinking about coming to visit me, and had to cancel back in March time for other reasons (they didn't buy tickets or anything), and well, God arranged everything. It would have been very bad for them to be there with a baby as all this flu is going around.

What about transportation for me? Someone gave my family a free car!

What about communication? Someone (I'm not sure if they want to be mentioned) is giving me their phone since they just got an upgrade. I remember... as my mom just told me this evening about this all... that I commented to this person a year or so ago how much I liked their phone! Who would have imagined? God!

I'm just amazed, and feel humbled by the faithfulness and goodness of God. In small things, in big things, in everything God shows Himself faithful. And I am grateful.

Speaking of grateful, today we had an experience. As Em and I were chi-laxing (as my brother would say), Em's little boy, who is teething, got ahold of the digital forehead thermometer (I never knew there was a such thing) and swallowed a small piece on it. This thing got lodged in his throat and he began choking and Em couldn't get it out. We were both praying and Em called 911, after it wouldn't come out and she couldn't reach it... and somehow, he just swallowed it all. Meanwhile, I think we were both like sweating, and when they showed up, the baby was just smiling, and had fun pulling at all the wires they stuck to him to make sure everything was alright. As it is, the piece was small enough that they think it'll just pass through, but I am thankful that Jesus was there with us, and that HE protected that little one's life.

Well, tomorrow my mom shows up here... and I know Em and Jose are happy to see her again and she'll be happy to see them too.

Tonight... or tomorrow, as it's a bit late now, I need to organize my stuff back into their tubs/suitcases. The last week in Mexico, I was more interested in fitting as much as I could into those suitcases. Usually, I try to be organized about it, but I wasn't then. My main concern was: will the zippers still close?

I kinda got organized at the Briles, and right now, my stuff is all over their guest room, which I do not approve of! I like to keep everything nice and tidy, as if you could walk into the room at any moment. I don't think I even made my bed today, which is completely unlike me.

It goes with me feeling out of whack for being unorganized. And for not being on a regular kind of schedule. But I'll get home this weekend and work toward putting organization to this mess of mine.

A friend suggested this as the title of my blog, and I promised I'd use it as a title sometime. Considering I have almost all I have here with me, I guess I'm living in Oklahoma for a week, and I lived in Texas the week beforehand... and Mexico the week before that...St. Louis comes next week!

(Boy, did it feel good to write that)

Cultural Variety Pack

Oklahoma City, OK -- I keep getting closer and closer to you guys every week! Soon, I'll be there!Anyway, I'm in OKC now, and am enjoying it. I really like the varieties of ethnicities here. We went to a Vietnamese restaurant to eat the other day and ventured through the huge Asian market, which I just loved every moment of. Nothing like dried, shredded squid or green bean ice cream (discovered by Em) to make your day.

So, I'm staying with Em and her husband, Jose, who's Indian. And their adorable little baby, which I could spend SO much time talking about the sheer cuteness that is he. Did I mention I'm looking into cloning options?

And tonight, we went to the Mexican store, which is pretty large. I was so happy, smiling large and content when I walked out of those barred doors, the noise of conversation and music tumbling out behind me. We came back to the house and I made quite a few different salsas for them to try, and since they like spicy food, it was wonderful.

Last Friday I rented a car... the newest thing I've ever driven: a 2009 Camry. I loaded up all my stuff in the trunk and the back seat and drove from Texas to Oklahoma. It's the first time I've ever done a drive longer than 2 hours by myself. And it turned out to be like 7.5 hours.

Tammy had mentioned to me that you can rent audio books (which reminds me I have to take it back) from Cracker Barrel, and so I rented The Shack, and listened to it for maybe about 5 or 6 hours. I still need to finish it. But, it was a nice drive, pretty when you first get into Oklahoma, and I didn't get lost once. I thought I got lost, but I didn't. :)

One of the enjoyable things that I also did today was to go to the Christian bookstore that they have here. It's huge!! It was just so nice though to wander through (I like book stores in general though), but I found some things that I was looking for in regards to other people (birthdays are in mind here), and a Bible study for myself. I was tempted to put it back at first, and then something inside me said, No, you need to do this.

So, anyway, I'm very pleased to get started on that, and to read a Max Lucado book that I got on the Super Bargain shelf, and I'm tempted to read someone else's book that I got for them! I can just hear my mom: yeah, that's just what that girl needs: more books.

Yeah, but I'll pass them along when I finish. Although I like to reread books, this last move taught me: books are heavy!! So, on other books that I have read that I don't own, I tend to take notes on my laptop, and then give them back. I may have to do that with my own books now!

Anywho, I'll be writing again in a few days. I found this handy little tool that I can use to remind me of what I want to blog about, and so I foresee a more consistent blog for our future. :)

Happy day to you!

Beat the Seat

New Braunfels, TX -- Just so you know: I do NOT have the swine flu. Nor does anyone that I know... however people that I know that knows someone that knows someone that knows someone has it. But in my particular area there has been no great threat, and I, as far as that is concerned, am healthy and good to go.

Well, I've made it to the great state of Texas, US of A.

Friday morning, the arrivals started at 5:20am... I had gotten about 2 hours of sleep, and got up and packed away my bed and that... many kids came by throughout the morning and said their goodbyes. Two of the girls left notes/letters for me, which were tear-jerking, of course.

Anyhow, I started my journey at 10am, travelled to Perote, to Veracruz and then up to Reynosa. On the ride to Reynosa, we had to get off the bus at like 4am or so for a military checkpoint... and they checked all of our carry-ons for explosives. We were all a mess... sleepy-eyed and messy-haired, wobbling off the bus with our stuff in hand.

From Reynosa came the tricky part. There, you take another bus to McAllen, TX... We inch across the bridge, and I saw the border sign that "here" is the States, and "here is Mexico", and the bus slammed on the brakes, and I was still on the Mexican side while the peron in front of me was in the States.

Anyway, when you get to the immigration point and you have to get off the bus, take all your stuff, and go get in line and catch the bus on the other side. But I was carrying 2 very full suitcases, my laptop thing, a bookbag, and then a bag with my lunch, snacks, etc. Oh, and my purse. The customs guys were impressed that I could carry it all. And I did it with style!

And then, of course, from McAllen to San Antonio in Greyhound and then to New Braunfels, arriving Saturday at 8pm. The journey wasn't too bad... I found people to chat with along the way, and one American girl who I helped out who didn't speak much Spanish.

Going to church with the Briles on Sunday was really nice... interestingly enough, there had been a missions conference that same weekend... Anyway, I found it very refreshing to go to church here, even though it wasn't my home church, it was kinda like, I guess I am home.

And apart from that, I got to hang out with my uncle some, and pick up a few things that I had to leave behind... like contact solution, and body soap, etc.

Yesterday, I hit the tired wall, as I call it. I slept hard for 2 hours and then was just kinda like Eh? for the rest of the day, and slept good last night. So, anyway, here I'm getting logistical stuff taken care of, and trying to get back into the realm of American social customs and ways of doing things.

It's weird to go to stores, with a ton of people and carts (and those stocked high with food) and thousands of aisles with millions of choices. Dizzying, really. The occasional observer might find me randomly staring at things, and if you ask me a question that doesn't have to do with either Mexico or Japan, and more likely has to do with a preference for this or that... my answer will probably be 90% of the time, I don't know... and this will be preceded by a long pause.:)

This is all expected, and within its time will go back to "normal"...I also feel the compulsive need to say goodbye to every single person and handshake/kiss them (as the greeting is in Mex) and chitchat before leaving. And I don't think that you do that here. But I'm afraid of offending, haha!

It's just mental things, like being prepared an hour beforehand to shower so that I can light the water heater.

I forget that you have to wear seatbelts, and the Briles' car keeps beeping like 3 minutes after I get in the car that I need to put my seatbelt on. And that's in the passenger seat!! I beat the seat belt beeper thought today for the first time!

Signing Off

Altotonga, Mexico -- Well, this is the week of lasts. And there has been so much to do, so many people to see... And I keep thinking, this is the last time I'll be here, or do this or go there...

Even up till today I have been selling stuff and collecting money and finishing packing, and going here and there and eating with so and so. I go to bed every night so tired, and now I don't even say "Ì'll be back" to my roommate, because I keep going in and out.

Last Saturday I shared my "letter" to them (the youth) taken straight from the book of Philippians. It seems to say everything that I wanted to say, and expressed so clearly what I felt... and so I shared that with them and as well, emailed it. And it was a good afternoon, they tried not to cry, we laughed, shared, prayed and played together.

This week there has been a lot of "bartering"... Janine, don't go. Janine, why do you have to go? Tomorrow will obviously come the worst of it, and I think arrivals start at my house at like 5am. Oh dear.

And so many have told me, I'm coming by... Anyway, I don't know if there is much point in sleeping.

Also, just so you know, my drivers license arrived!! I was a bit concerned about that, but it arrived. Thank you Jesus!!

So, anyway, it's a bit hard to say goodbye to a place that's been your home for almost 3 years... where you walk the streets, and talk to different people in a different language, and buy tortillas and shop everyday instead of driving to a grocery store and buying for the week.

I feel a peace about it, have gone through closure and that, and am excited about the future... and really I can't believe that it's tomorrow that I go.

Anyhow. Those are just thoughts.

Tonight, I'm going to get some taquitos (tacos) and drink a Mexican Coke and light the water heater for the last time. I won't miss that.

I have stocked up on my goodies for the trip, have done good at not reading that book (haven't had time!), and have a box of nice soft Puffs kleenex (thanks Vonda!!)...And in closing up and signing off in Mexico, I know that God has been here, He has worked in many teens' lives, many seeds have been planted, and I know that I myself have changed, grown, been stretched, been strengthened here. And in leaving, I trust that my God will complete the work that He started here. With all my love to Altotonga--

Traversing

Altotonga, Mexico -- I am filling up this week on tortillas, tacos and garnachas. And, yes, I will miss them profoundly. :)

Maybe for a part-time job in STL I'll open up a tortilleria (a tortilla shop).

(Just a PS: will write about last Sat. in my next blog, last one written in Mex... so in the next couple of days. Thus, stay tuned. End PS:)

Well, everything is sold and JUST about everything is packed in TWO very full suitcases. My apartment looks empty, I'm sleeping on an air mattress and my roommate cancelled the phone and internet service, which alas, leaves me going to the internet cafes, since all wireless connections are secured.

Humph.

Anyhow, this week, I say my goodbyes to everyone, and so I've divided the people up into days, and am traversing the city, making last visits. Tomorrow alone, I'll go on street up like 15 blocks. I don't remember who else is on that list for the day... I'd have to check my handy-dandy super agenda, as they'd say.

The kids are planning on coming over early Friday morning before many go to school... I'm hearing rumors of 5am. Dear goodness.

And then I'll depart at 10am and spend way too many hours on 4 busses, I believe. I'm purposely not reading the book that I started so that I can have something to read on the bus. And I still have a sudoku book that I'm not finished with.

Speaking of the packing, I was considering for a while just wearing everything I own on the bus and not worrying about this packing deal. I threw the idea out... although I did consider it for a few minutes.

Nah.

Apart from visits and packing and making sure I don't forget to see people, I don't think there is much to think about... packing lunch(es) for Friday and Saturday... but yeah. Oh, I do need to copy all the numbers out of my cel phone. It's amusing though, I tend to wake up in the middle of the night with random thoughts or ideas about the traversing that will be taking place this weekend. And I think to myself, why didn't I think of this before??

Tomorrow sometime I do need to go visit a señora, who today came asking for some help with some Bible questions, so tomorrow, I'll go do that. Today she wasn't able to.

Hmm... de-parasiting myself. Walking lots. I feel like this is a boring blog! I did get my blood results back (just did a general test to see if I'm a normal person)... And so it would seem, I'm pretty normal.

But really, there's not much to comment beside that everytime I go downstairs, I have this sudden rush that someone stole everything, because beside my roommate's desk and bookcase, well... there is nothing.

Tieing Up Those Strings

Altotonga, Mexico -- I would just like to note that there has been marimba music outside my house for a couple of days, and I like that and will miss that.

Ok, so since I last wrote there has been a bit going on.

First, I survived the attack of the dentist. In fact, I just came from there. But seriously, that was waaaaaay to much time almost vertical in that chair with a light shining in my face and all sorts of drills and needles going in my mouth. By the time Saturday rolled around, I was swollen, and holding my face, on lots of tylenol, and talking without moving my lips. But I am recovered now (PS: I went today because one of the fillings chipped a good deal... and he also found it necessary to file my teeth from the inside. Granted, I couldn't get that string stuff up in there beforehand and now I can...).

We also had a couple of fun days with the kids, including a sleep over for the girls. They've really gotten into the game Dutch Blitz... they go INSANE over it. Who would have thought? That and Phase 10.Also, I've been trying to get everything down to 2 suitcases (that will be fuller than any suitcase I've ever packed)... because as you know, the moving date will change, but ALSO now, I'll be making pretty much the move by myself. I'm not daunted or upset about it, just being fluid. As it turns out, no one will be able to make it to Reynosa to pick me up, so I get to take a bus over the border into McAllen and then take a bus that at least gets me to New Braunfels, if not thereabouts. All in all, it'll be a long weekend and many, many hours spent in a bus.

So, I've been trying to get as much as I can into 2 suitcases instead of 3 (which I had, more as backup)...Yesterday, my table, water table (it the thing that holds the water jugs and is handy for kitchen towels) and my bed went bye-bye (sleeping on an air mattress now). Tomorrow the file cabinet, my wood table (it's not that fancy) and... oh, the rack to hang my clothes, and possibly the stove goes. Sigh.

Monday the couch set, and then it'll be empty.The kids are pretty sad about all this... it's hard for them, and it's hard for me to know it's hard for them.

Saturday will be our last "Saturday" together, and I know exactly what I want to share at this last time together. I know it'll be nostalgic for them... good thing I have a supply of kleenex (thanks Vonda!).

Anywho, last night I did debriefing with myself, which is good for helping to close out time here (for myself) and good preparation for the move that will take place... the changing of cultures, customs and habits... there's a good book for missionaries called "Re-Entry" that I'm reading through... it helped me out the first time coming back... There is often reverse culture-shock and just other things that you don't realize-- you would assume that it would be natural just going back, but while you're away you change so much and people back home also change. So, anyway.

I'm not stressed about it, just trying to be smart and prepared for it, to make it as easy as possible.So, in this next week, I finish packing up, make my rounds visiting people and saying goodbye and then head back.

I'll spend a week in New Braunfels, at the office and with the Briles and also have a speaking opportunity there. And then I'll head and visit some friends who are just excellent, excellent people. Em, as I call her, and I went to India together all 3 times, and we've stayed in close contact all this time. She now has a little baby and her husband, who is Indian, they are wonderful WONDERFUL people and are ministering among the Indian population where they live, and it is very exciting to see what God is doing with and through them. And then I'll be back home, where I will be very excited to see my family and all of you people!