I got an ad today for a great deal! $27 Large Delivery Pizza from Dominos... and the banner across the ad said exactly that: Love and Cheese. That better be an amazing, true-love producing King-Kong size pizza for $27.
As is typical in my lifestyle lately, I've had a marathon last 48 hours. Since last writing, on Wednesday morning, it took a lot of persuasion to convince me that getting up that morning was God's will for my life. The fact that I only had an hour to get ready for the day and be somewhere was the final deciding factor.
Against the idea of getting up was the fact that I felt like I hadn't slept at all and that it was pouring rain outside... not just the constant, soaking drizzle that had been there the whole day before, but all out rain storm. I managed to drag myself out of bed though.
I know, I should receive immediate sainthood.
Anyway. We had self-study Japanese class for two hours, where I seriously studied some kanji. It might be easier if there was only one reading for each kanji... but the thing is, when you learn it, you need to learn the stroke order of it, what it means in English (a variety of meaning sometimes), and also, the different ways it can be pronounced depending on how it's used.
I'm actually not complaining, but I do apologize if you're unhappy about reading this... because in a few weeks, you're going to start hearing a lot of this kind of stuff about the language.
But you'll also get to read a lot of my mess ups in Japanese... saying one thing instead of another.
So, anyway, then we had prayer and went to Senshu Univ. to do outreach... we didn't get a whole lot done... so no exciting stories... but some days are like that. You just keep pressing on and praying and trusting that God will do something.
Speaking of prayer, Debbie mentioned on Tuesday that she noted that ever since we started prayer walking Machida each week, that that Saturday we've had someone come off the streets to Fuse, that we had met that very day. Last Friday, you know, we had the 12 hour prayer thing, and on Saturday we had 2 people come off the streets.
So, prayer is powerful!
After Senshu, I took Sally back to my house to grab some stuff and we set off to do some quick errands and then go to the church... I made it back 15 minutes before Japanese class started, where one of the guys taught us the difference between particles in Japanese.
An hour+ later, we got out, and left to go to a Bible study. It was the last evening in the session, and we actually finished in good time... by 9pm. When we got back, I helped Christine with some stuff to be mentioned later and then made some truffles-- for 2 reasons.
First, today (now Thursday... ok, Friday, by the time I'm writing this actually) was Mark and Yuiko's 5th anniversary, and she really likes mint. Second, I'm making dinner for our team meal on Friday, and so this would serve as a dessert too.
Okay, so we had originally planned on going to the famous fish market called Tsukiji, and made all kinds of plans of spending the night, but the fish market took a break for some odd reason, and there was no auction. So, we didn't have to get up at 5am as planned, but that's good, considering we didn't go to bed until 2am.
However, the alarm did go off at 6:45. We had breakfast together, which was really nice, and then went to Sagamiono to drop off Mark and Yuiko's "love basket"... that had popcorn, a picture, chocolates and a card in it.
It dawned a GORGEOUS day. Ridiculously beautiful. BUT... out of nowhere, we got to Sagamiono and it started to rain. Hannah had had a dream the night before that we were on the way and we met Mark and Yuiko in the street. So, I just said a one liner, Lord, please do not let Mark and Yuiko leave yet.
We finally made it to Mark and Yuiko's apt., and I do mean finally because we tried a number of side streets until we found THE ONE that leads to their street... all along the way laughing and having fun. We met Kengo at Sagamiono, who was celebrating his one year of being a Christian today too! We were really excited about that, and I had a great time getting to know him today, since a lot of the others know him.
Anyway, we stopped to get some umbrellas again (at the dollar store, and we shared them), but... the wind was too strong and blew them inside out again. Actually, to two of us, it did it at the same moment! We got some good laughs.
So, we get to Mark and Yuiko's house and drop the basket and ring the doorbell, and wait for them. Yuiko was thinking about not opening the door because salesmen had been coming by, but Hannah nudged Kengo, who said something-- who knows what, in Japanese, and she answered the door (we were hiding now)... and they were really surprised and blessed.
As it turns out, we found out that they were ready to leave when all of a sudden it started raining and they were only waiting for it to stop and get a few things together before they left. Hmm... now isn't that amazing? By the way, it had been clear for only a few minutes when we dropped the basket off and it didn't rain anymore.
Stupid umbrellas. :)
I'll skip a lot of the details of the rest of the day and just let you know that I took a quick nap when I finally got home mid-afternoon and then ran to do more stuff this evening. Now, it's Friday morning, and I'm hoping to get to bed soon after I finish one more thing.
I knew though, that I wouldn't have time to post tomorrow, and so, I wanted to let you know about our fantastic activities today.
Oh, and the reason why we didn't do a whole lot of activities today is that it's a holiday here in Japan. It's Shoowa day, a day to reflect on the events of the Shoowa period. It also marks the start of Golden week, which is next week... which of course, falls perfectly to meet our needs/activities... to be discussed lately. Anyway, if you want, google Golden week/holidays in Japan and you'll find out what this is all about.
That's what I did anyway. :)
So, I'll post pictures soon that you'll enjoy, especially per wishes of Vonda... I think God may have heard you? :).... but yes, pics will be posted. We'll all be happy, but... I need to get to bed. Catch ya'll later!!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Nin-chan, warrior sensei...
I am happy to say that I am nearly done with my cold. YES.
So, I haven't been too incredibly busy in the last few days, though this week should change that. That being said, I made sure I took yesterday off, until 6ish anyhow, when I left to go to Machida to meet two girls who are contacts/friends of the girls (short-termers) here. We met up at Starbucks, so I could meet them and we could hang out and I could become friends with them so we wouldn't lose the contact.
It was a great meeting, and I ended up with an invitation to go out to Kamakura, where the girls are from. So, I think we got along really well and I look forward to pursuing this friendship with them so they can establish a much more important one!
Anyway... I don't even know what time I got home last night. I wanna say between 10:30 and 11. Not that it matters, but it made for a tired Janine today... not to mention that I dragged a bass on my back and a backpack with my Bible and laptop and purse stuffed on it on my front side. I'm sure it made for an interesting picture.
Well, let's see. At the prayer breakfast this morning, we all shared out of quiet times and then split up into groups for prayer. My roommate was in the group too, but she had to leave quickly afterward to head to her college. Her bike was already at the church, so she was like, why don't you take my bike home, since your's is at home?
Then, as she was getting her key for it, she said with her Korean accent, I just realized that I'm so smart.
We died laughing. No, it wasn't that she got into the top university in Japan. It was that she thought ahead of the double benefit of me taking her bike home.
Now, let me mention that I got only a little bit down the road on the bike before it started raining. So, I walked the bike the rest of the way home. Joy!
Anyhow. I rushed to my English class... which... wow, do you know how many activities you have to plan for 2 6 year olds in a 35 minute period? Let's just say this class could get interesting, but they are super cute. They may already know this.
So, the kids call me Janine-sensei. Is that not really cool? For real. I feel like I've been imparted with some special ability and the accompanying aura when that happens... and then class starts.
To accompany this greatness: My nickname here, among the group and at the Fuse is: Nin-chan. (Neen-chan)... which sounds like Ninja when you say it.... Janine-sensei... Nin-chan...
Yes, I am destined for black masks and karate moves.
So, this morning, in the line of less superficial (though amusing) things... we talked about some of the things going on here... and what God is doing in the lives of some of the kids... and how some of them are at a decision point and different family influences going on. Family is super important here... Like in a co-dependent sort of way. There's lots of books about it.
But some of the group had a good conversation with a young man here, who spent lots of time at the Fuse and is really a part of the community and thought he was a Christian, but he hadn't quite understood it all yet (not that you have to understand everything)-- but the whole message of the cross when he talked, you knew he didn't understand. One person in particular had a long talk about it with him and challenged him on it... and he walked away a little hurt by it... but a couple of nights later (not sure on the time frame when that first conversation had), when on the subject with someone else who didn't know about this previous conversation, he said, I believe that Jesus came to die on the cross and save me... I believe it though he has some issues with proclaiming it because of his father. So, we were really happy to see that God has been working on his heart and that he really thought about where he stood with Christ. God definitely has a call on his life, and so we are waiting to see what God is going to do. Even now, he was talking about how his mom says that he's changing, being nicer... and he was complaining the other day-- I can't even litter anymore!
There's another girl who seemed to be in the same boat last December, but then she had a definite, deep experience with God, and she drastically changed. God has a real call on her life too! She still has a fear of rejection from her family, but we're trusting and waiting on God to work with her on that.
One of the other guys, who I think I wrote about, Ma-kun, he's become a Christian... and boy, can you see he's a changed man! We're believing for many stories like this!!
Anyway... I need to get to a few other things and then I'd like to make up tonight for the sleep that I missed last night.
Catch ya'll later!
So, I haven't been too incredibly busy in the last few days, though this week should change that. That being said, I made sure I took yesterday off, until 6ish anyhow, when I left to go to Machida to meet two girls who are contacts/friends of the girls (short-termers) here. We met up at Starbucks, so I could meet them and we could hang out and I could become friends with them so we wouldn't lose the contact.
It was a great meeting, and I ended up with an invitation to go out to Kamakura, where the girls are from. So, I think we got along really well and I look forward to pursuing this friendship with them so they can establish a much more important one!
Anyway... I don't even know what time I got home last night. I wanna say between 10:30 and 11. Not that it matters, but it made for a tired Janine today... not to mention that I dragged a bass on my back and a backpack with my Bible and laptop and purse stuffed on it on my front side. I'm sure it made for an interesting picture.
Well, let's see. At the prayer breakfast this morning, we all shared out of quiet times and then split up into groups for prayer. My roommate was in the group too, but she had to leave quickly afterward to head to her college. Her bike was already at the church, so she was like, why don't you take my bike home, since your's is at home?
Then, as she was getting her key for it, she said with her Korean accent, I just realized that I'm so smart.
We died laughing. No, it wasn't that she got into the top university in Japan. It was that she thought ahead of the double benefit of me taking her bike home.
Now, let me mention that I got only a little bit down the road on the bike before it started raining. So, I walked the bike the rest of the way home. Joy!
Anyhow. I rushed to my English class... which... wow, do you know how many activities you have to plan for 2 6 year olds in a 35 minute period? Let's just say this class could get interesting, but they are super cute. They may already know this.
So, the kids call me Janine-sensei. Is that not really cool? For real. I feel like I've been imparted with some special ability and the accompanying aura when that happens... and then class starts.
To accompany this greatness: My nickname here, among the group and at the Fuse is: Nin-chan. (Neen-chan)... which sounds like Ninja when you say it.... Janine-sensei... Nin-chan...
Yes, I am destined for black masks and karate moves.
So, this morning, in the line of less superficial (though amusing) things... we talked about some of the things going on here... and what God is doing in the lives of some of the kids... and how some of them are at a decision point and different family influences going on. Family is super important here... Like in a co-dependent sort of way. There's lots of books about it.
But some of the group had a good conversation with a young man here, who spent lots of time at the Fuse and is really a part of the community and thought he was a Christian, but he hadn't quite understood it all yet (not that you have to understand everything)-- but the whole message of the cross when he talked, you knew he didn't understand. One person in particular had a long talk about it with him and challenged him on it... and he walked away a little hurt by it... but a couple of nights later (not sure on the time frame when that first conversation had), when on the subject with someone else who didn't know about this previous conversation, he said, I believe that Jesus came to die on the cross and save me... I believe it though he has some issues with proclaiming it because of his father. So, we were really happy to see that God has been working on his heart and that he really thought about where he stood with Christ. God definitely has a call on his life, and so we are waiting to see what God is going to do. Even now, he was talking about how his mom says that he's changing, being nicer... and he was complaining the other day-- I can't even litter anymore!
There's another girl who seemed to be in the same boat last December, but then she had a definite, deep experience with God, and she drastically changed. God has a real call on her life too! She still has a fear of rejection from her family, but we're trusting and waiting on God to work with her on that.
One of the other guys, who I think I wrote about, Ma-kun, he's become a Christian... and boy, can you see he's a changed man! We're believing for many stories like this!!
Anyway... I need to get to a few other things and then I'd like to make up tonight for the sleep that I missed last night.
Catch ya'll later!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Dead Pan!
So, it's 8pm here and I am yawning so much and am soooo tired. What a long day it's been-- and it's been a shorter than usual day (ok, by an hour)...
Although, some of us have been known to get home from Saturdays and be in bed at 8.
Anyway, Thursday, I went back to my regular schedule... We prayer walked through Machida and then went to our Japanese classes. It was raining though and a bit chilly... Rain here is like constant drizzle... but more than drizzle... And it doesn't stop.
However, today and tomorrow it will be nice... I'm still hoping to make it to like 70. Because lately it's been like 55-60.
Enough about the weather... I had a good time in a planning meeting for May with Debbie. We planned out the basic weekly schedule for the team and what outreaches we'll do when and if and what we'll do for special events for the Fuse. So, May should be busy, but one thing especially is that I'm going to try to take care of how much I do... because I don't want to over run myself since I'll be starting school in a few weeks.
Friday we had a special event of 12 hours of prayer and worship. Some of the girls really had it on their heart to do that, and so we all put it together and some of us took hour-long slots to choose a topic of prayer and lead the prayer time in that. Not all of us were there for all of it, but it was a powerful time!
Today was obviously the Fuse meeting and I had the opportunity to speak. I was asked to share my testimony and make it into a message also, and let it be appropriate for people who've never ever heard the Gospel (or about Jesus), appropriate for new believers and challenging for those who have been believers for a while. And we try to take 20-30 minutes sharing, but not more, and keep in mind, you have a translator... :D
But I think it met all those requirements and I worked really hard at re-phrasing what I was saying a million times in preparation to get it just right. We also had a lot of new people, so I was glad to have the opportunity to share the Gospel with them for the first time. In Japan, I don't think that altar calls are really done... and I think that's because it would just be weird in Japan. But through conversations that we have afterward, we can tell where someone is heading and help them along if they're really interesting in being a friend of Jesus.
A couple of weeks ago, Ma-kun, who is a friend of a guy who goes to the "sister-church" of the Fuse, Noborito Ekklesia, here in our neck of the woods... and Ma-kun has been going to both the church and the Fuse, but he wasn't ready to receive it yet though he was very open. He recently decided to follow Jesus, and boy can you really see the difference. He's definitely a changed man. Mark was saying that Ma-kun went to his life group (discipleship group), and when reading some of the verses from the Bible, he was just about ready to cry from them. You can really see a new life in him and joy, love and hope that he didn't have before.
That's very exciting-- and we're expecting more of those stories!!
Last week, after we went bowling, we wanted to take a group picture and so we stopped three guys and asked them to take a pic. They were really cool about it, and funny too, and so we invited them to the Fuse (not because they were funny :). Anyway, this week they came!! And one of the guys, actually- the one who took the picture, seemed like he was really touched by today and felt really good... So, those kinds of expressions you want to hear, and I think he was really sincere in it. We're excited to have them all be a new part of the community!!
Also, today, we were headed back from lunch and Hannah and I stopped to talk to a few girls that we saw standing and give them flyers and invite them to the Fuse. Later, there were two girls walking behind us and so we stopped and turned around and gave them invitations... and they came! I know I shouldn't be surprised, because that's what it's about... but we do give out a lot of flyers and many other ones also don't bother to take them... so to see some people that we gave them out to show up that same afternoon was really cool! May they come back!!
Well, I don't have any funny stories lately... though I am putting together an album of "bad translations" and just other funny things you see in Japan. Here you see SO many weird things and people dressed weird, and it's just so amusing and endearing to me... For instance, I was thinking about that this evening when I went to the convenience store (there's one located just about every other block)... a guy came in with it looked like a scuba-driving suit from the top half of his body (including the "hoodie" of it) and basketball shorts on bottom and like super-spandex and lined pants underneath... I couldn't focus too much on it, because it would have been rude to stare... but I was like, OH Japan.
I really need to figure out how the Japanese are soooo good at "dead pan" face. They're super good at controlling their own features so that you don't know what they think or feel about something when you say it, but they can also read other people's faces really well...
That's a huge difference from Mexico where everyone is so expressive.
Anyway... I'm going to bed now... or at least to chill out and read and fall asleep. The thought of a good night's sleep makes me happy right now. :)
G'night ya'll.
Although, some of us have been known to get home from Saturdays and be in bed at 8.
Anyway, Thursday, I went back to my regular schedule... We prayer walked through Machida and then went to our Japanese classes. It was raining though and a bit chilly... Rain here is like constant drizzle... but more than drizzle... And it doesn't stop.
However, today and tomorrow it will be nice... I'm still hoping to make it to like 70. Because lately it's been like 55-60.
Enough about the weather... I had a good time in a planning meeting for May with Debbie. We planned out the basic weekly schedule for the team and what outreaches we'll do when and if and what we'll do for special events for the Fuse. So, May should be busy, but one thing especially is that I'm going to try to take care of how much I do... because I don't want to over run myself since I'll be starting school in a few weeks.
Friday we had a special event of 12 hours of prayer and worship. Some of the girls really had it on their heart to do that, and so we all put it together and some of us took hour-long slots to choose a topic of prayer and lead the prayer time in that. Not all of us were there for all of it, but it was a powerful time!
Today was obviously the Fuse meeting and I had the opportunity to speak. I was asked to share my testimony and make it into a message also, and let it be appropriate for people who've never ever heard the Gospel (or about Jesus), appropriate for new believers and challenging for those who have been believers for a while. And we try to take 20-30 minutes sharing, but not more, and keep in mind, you have a translator... :D
But I think it met all those requirements and I worked really hard at re-phrasing what I was saying a million times in preparation to get it just right. We also had a lot of new people, so I was glad to have the opportunity to share the Gospel with them for the first time. In Japan, I don't think that altar calls are really done... and I think that's because it would just be weird in Japan. But through conversations that we have afterward, we can tell where someone is heading and help them along if they're really interesting in being a friend of Jesus.
A couple of weeks ago, Ma-kun, who is a friend of a guy who goes to the "sister-church" of the Fuse, Noborito Ekklesia, here in our neck of the woods... and Ma-kun has been going to both the church and the Fuse, but he wasn't ready to receive it yet though he was very open. He recently decided to follow Jesus, and boy can you really see the difference. He's definitely a changed man. Mark was saying that Ma-kun went to his life group (discipleship group), and when reading some of the verses from the Bible, he was just about ready to cry from them. You can really see a new life in him and joy, love and hope that he didn't have before.
That's very exciting-- and we're expecting more of those stories!!
Last week, after we went bowling, we wanted to take a group picture and so we stopped three guys and asked them to take a pic. They were really cool about it, and funny too, and so we invited them to the Fuse (not because they were funny :). Anyway, this week they came!! And one of the guys, actually- the one who took the picture, seemed like he was really touched by today and felt really good... So, those kinds of expressions you want to hear, and I think he was really sincere in it. We're excited to have them all be a new part of the community!!
Also, today, we were headed back from lunch and Hannah and I stopped to talk to a few girls that we saw standing and give them flyers and invite them to the Fuse. Later, there were two girls walking behind us and so we stopped and turned around and gave them invitations... and they came! I know I shouldn't be surprised, because that's what it's about... but we do give out a lot of flyers and many other ones also don't bother to take them... so to see some people that we gave them out to show up that same afternoon was really cool! May they come back!!
Well, I don't have any funny stories lately... though I am putting together an album of "bad translations" and just other funny things you see in Japan. Here you see SO many weird things and people dressed weird, and it's just so amusing and endearing to me... For instance, I was thinking about that this evening when I went to the convenience store (there's one located just about every other block)... a guy came in with it looked like a scuba-driving suit from the top half of his body (including the "hoodie" of it) and basketball shorts on bottom and like super-spandex and lined pants underneath... I couldn't focus too much on it, because it would have been rude to stare... but I was like, OH Japan.
I really need to figure out how the Japanese are soooo good at "dead pan" face. They're super good at controlling their own features so that you don't know what they think or feel about something when you say it, but they can also read other people's faces really well...
That's a huge difference from Mexico where everyone is so expressive.
Anyway... I'm going to bed now... or at least to chill out and read and fall asleep. The thought of a good night's sleep makes me happy right now. :)
G'night ya'll.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
It's all a bit fuzzy...
Sorry about the delay people. I've spent most of today sleeping with a box of kleenex by my bed... Obviously, this was not written in my calendar.
Monday, we got home from a long day... actually, I arrived home around 11:30, and as soon as I laid down, it was like I got sick. Now- today- Wednesday, I slept from midnight last night till 1pm today, with a brief, slightly awake period of a half-hour at maybe 10am. My roommate came into my room, wondering what was going on with me, and she was really kind, and gave me some meds. I think I was running a pretty decent fever... anyway, after being really sweet and getting me water, she left and I fell asleep for who knows how much longer and woke up sweating pretty nastily. I'm still congested, and overall pretty groggy and tired. But, I shall survive.
Anyway, let's recap the last few days. The last time I posted, I was whining about the moodiness of the weather... and I'm not kidding, there were like 15-20 degree differences between days. In fact, overnight into Saturday, it snowed in Tokyo, and by Sunday morning, I could wear a light jacket. The Fuse was really good on Saturday though, and Mark spoke on "The Real Thing" and used David as an example, about being the real deal instead of just looking or pretending the part.
We went bowling afterward, and everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was cool to see some of the Japanese Christians really following up with the new people there!
Sunday morning, we had a Bible study, and I got to talk to my mom for about a half hour before leaving for that. Afterward, I worked on my message for this weekend, and then went to Amy's house, where she helped me with some of the songs on bass. I'm going to play on two weekends at the Fuse, since there's need. And she's been kind enough to help me out.
Let's skip to Monday... we left AT 10:30 on a "family vacation", with Tim and Christine, and all us young people. Nicely compacted in the car, we headed south for two hours to a city called Atami. There, we sat on the beach and had a picnic lunch and then just went to explore and sightsee. It was beautiful!! I said at one time-- WAY on the other side of this ocean is the US.
Anyway, like I said, it was beautiful. We sat on the beach... and drove past other beaches with surfers. At one point, on some kind of dock thing, there was an eel laying on the ground. It was dieing and I felt really bad for it. I was like, throw it back in the water!! Tim did, and I'm glad... I wonder how it got there! It didn't look like a fishing spot.
Afterward, we visited some cliff types of areas that were particularly beautiful... and we drove to many other places, getting in and out of the car. In the evening, we went to an onsen, Japanese hot springs and bathing facilities, and we girls did some real bonding. The water was ridiculously hot, and your skin just kinda tingles. I joked that the bubbles in the middle were not from water being pumped up, but because it was boiling.
That could be another reason why I got sick. After being in basically a sauna and super hot water for about a half hour, we left and, obviously, it was chillier outside. We had dinner at a restaurant, laughed really really hard, and got home at 11, from where I biked home.
Tuesday morning, I wasn't feeling so hot for the breakfast meeting/planning meeting from 8-12... But, I didn't have much of a choice but to keep going. I stopped by and picked up a card to put more money on my phone and then went to the government building to pick up my....
Alien Registration Card! That's right! I am now a registered alien, and I have an ID to prove it. I don't know, I feel more official now.
About an hour later, I left to go teach my English class. The students actually showed up this time, and they are really cute, though a bit quiet. The little girl made me an origami bracelet type thing while I was getting ready to leave and before her mom arrived. Very cute.
Getting home-- oh my gosh. Not only was it rush hour anyway on the trains, but there was an "accident"... which means that someone committed suicide by jumping in front of the train. This is very common in Japan. Anyway, in a very, very hot crowded train, I stood, feeling pretty nasty, and sorry for whatever happened, but really wishing for the train to leave again. It took me close to an hour and a half to get home, when it normally takes 20 minutes on an express.
We had game night, and I went for about an hour and a half, and used... the mask. Those white face masks that you see the Japanese wearing... it's kind to wear them to not spread your germs to everyone. Within not long, I was told to go home, because I looked like death warmed over.
And that successfully brings us to today, and now, while I'm sitting here typing this with a kleenex sticking out of my nose. Beautiful, I know. But you gotta do whatcha gotta do.
I should blog again before this weekend, but if you think of it-- Saturday, I'm speaking at the Fuse, doing a testimony/message... Pray for me!
Monday, we got home from a long day... actually, I arrived home around 11:30, and as soon as I laid down, it was like I got sick. Now- today- Wednesday, I slept from midnight last night till 1pm today, with a brief, slightly awake period of a half-hour at maybe 10am. My roommate came into my room, wondering what was going on with me, and she was really kind, and gave me some meds. I think I was running a pretty decent fever... anyway, after being really sweet and getting me water, she left and I fell asleep for who knows how much longer and woke up sweating pretty nastily. I'm still congested, and overall pretty groggy and tired. But, I shall survive.
Anyway, let's recap the last few days. The last time I posted, I was whining about the moodiness of the weather... and I'm not kidding, there were like 15-20 degree differences between days. In fact, overnight into Saturday, it snowed in Tokyo, and by Sunday morning, I could wear a light jacket. The Fuse was really good on Saturday though, and Mark spoke on "The Real Thing" and used David as an example, about being the real deal instead of just looking or pretending the part.
We went bowling afterward, and everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was cool to see some of the Japanese Christians really following up with the new people there!
Sunday morning, we had a Bible study, and I got to talk to my mom for about a half hour before leaving for that. Afterward, I worked on my message for this weekend, and then went to Amy's house, where she helped me with some of the songs on bass. I'm going to play on two weekends at the Fuse, since there's need. And she's been kind enough to help me out.
Let's skip to Monday... we left AT 10:30 on a "family vacation", with Tim and Christine, and all us young people. Nicely compacted in the car, we headed south for two hours to a city called Atami. There, we sat on the beach and had a picnic lunch and then just went to explore and sightsee. It was beautiful!! I said at one time-- WAY on the other side of this ocean is the US.
Anyway, like I said, it was beautiful. We sat on the beach... and drove past other beaches with surfers. At one point, on some kind of dock thing, there was an eel laying on the ground. It was dieing and I felt really bad for it. I was like, throw it back in the water!! Tim did, and I'm glad... I wonder how it got there! It didn't look like a fishing spot.
Afterward, we visited some cliff types of areas that were particularly beautiful... and we drove to many other places, getting in and out of the car. In the evening, we went to an onsen, Japanese hot springs and bathing facilities, and we girls did some real bonding. The water was ridiculously hot, and your skin just kinda tingles. I joked that the bubbles in the middle were not from water being pumped up, but because it was boiling.
That could be another reason why I got sick. After being in basically a sauna and super hot water for about a half hour, we left and, obviously, it was chillier outside. We had dinner at a restaurant, laughed really really hard, and got home at 11, from where I biked home.
Tuesday morning, I wasn't feeling so hot for the breakfast meeting/planning meeting from 8-12... But, I didn't have much of a choice but to keep going. I stopped by and picked up a card to put more money on my phone and then went to the government building to pick up my....
Alien Registration Card! That's right! I am now a registered alien, and I have an ID to prove it. I don't know, I feel more official now.
About an hour later, I left to go teach my English class. The students actually showed up this time, and they are really cute, though a bit quiet. The little girl made me an origami bracelet type thing while I was getting ready to leave and before her mom arrived. Very cute.
Getting home-- oh my gosh. Not only was it rush hour anyway on the trains, but there was an "accident"... which means that someone committed suicide by jumping in front of the train. This is very common in Japan. Anyway, in a very, very hot crowded train, I stood, feeling pretty nasty, and sorry for whatever happened, but really wishing for the train to leave again. It took me close to an hour and a half to get home, when it normally takes 20 minutes on an express.
We had game night, and I went for about an hour and a half, and used... the mask. Those white face masks that you see the Japanese wearing... it's kind to wear them to not spread your germs to everyone. Within not long, I was told to go home, because I looked like death warmed over.
And that successfully brings us to today, and now, while I'm sitting here typing this with a kleenex sticking out of my nose. Beautiful, I know. But you gotta do whatcha gotta do.
I should blog again before this weekend, but if you think of it-- Saturday, I'm speaking at the Fuse, doing a testimony/message... Pray for me!
Friday, April 16, 2010
I want Spring Already!
Lately, it seems like I have a hard time remembering what I did the day before-- much more before that. There is SO much that goes on... you really should see my planner. In fact, I bought a bigger one at the dollar store here because my other one was just too small.
Anyway. Yesterday we prayer walked through Machida at 9am. One of the huge values we have here is prayer... We are always praying and seeking God, before events, on behalf of friends and family, for everything that goes on and the people that we meet in all places... Always praying. And that's good-- after all, how can we expect to be working for God or even having a relationship with Him if we don't take the time to communicate with Him?
But yeah- in the year that the Fuse has been meeting in Machida, the city has be changed so much. There used to be drug lords on the corners, men hiring women-- even some of the girls on the team here were propositioned. But- now those people are gone. The city has changed, and that has been an answer to prayer.
So, then we had a two hour self-study of Japanese at a cafe in Machida. Let me tell you-- those can be brutal. I like a little interaction and not just sitting in front of a book with a notebook and pen. But, that's what it will require.
In the afternoon, we had another Japanese class taught by a guy here who speaks Japanese. He helped us with particles. Particles are little words that mark the position of a word in a sentence. For instance, take this sentence:
Watashi wa Machida ni ikiimasu.
I (part.) Machida (part.) Verb- go
Wa marks Watashi (I) as the subject. Ni marks Machida as a directional... thing. I don't know. Anyway, what you get is I am going to Machida... or I go to Machida.
So yeah-- he helped us with "ga" and "wo" particles. Wo marks a direct object. Ga, I'm still working on that one... but apparently this guy's friend had an inch-and-a-half book on the difference between "wa" and "ga".
I hope to be starting language school soon. In fact, I was talking to Tim last night about it, and he was asking about my finances- if I was going to be able to afford it. I said I would go month-by-month, seeing if it was affordable for the next month. Really, it's best to focus for 2 years on the language, 1 year for most countries is require by missions agencies, but Japanese is kinda complex in the writing, particularly, so- 2 is suggested. But, again, at the same time, I'll be balancing that with Fuse responsibilities... so- we'll see how that all goes... but it's best to start on it right when you get there.
Along those lines of finances, he recommended that a single missionary really should have $2000 monthly support. Let's just say that I'm not there. I need about $800 more monthly support to make it there... so, be praying about that! God has been good to provide so far-- but please do pray!!
Last night, after getting everything finally taken care of, was a free night for me! Granted, I had plenty to do here, but it was nice to sit on my heated carpet, and do things here at the house... because BOY- is it COLD. It's supposed to get down to winter temperatures in the next few days... But then get to the 60s later next week... It's been like 70 for a day and then low 50s and rainy for a few days. So, I think I'm trying to catch a cold.
Today, I mostly did a few errands, and had my private English lesson. In the evening, we had prayer and then a meal together. I did some homework with a girl from Bible study and then just had good conversations with the missionary girls and my roommate.
Speaking of that-- I've been having good conversations with her lately. She was telling me how her life really had changed and the things God has been doing since she moved to Japan. She's from Korea, and she said that when she came over her, she wasn't a sincere Christian. But now, she's really growing, and I've had the privilege of being able to share with her some things about walking with Christ and just in the practical everyday kinda stuff... It's been quality. Even tonight walking home, we had a really good conversation.
Today I took my first wrong train. I got on a "rapid express" from Sagamiono, thinking that it would stop at my stop. We stopped at one station, and I was expecting mine to be the next, and I got distracted watching a group of boys trying to get the attention of this really pretty girl. I was smiling to myself at them, and admiring their hair (because Japanese guys have really cool hair). All of a sudden, I got to thinking that I had been on their a while, and as we passed a couple of the stations, I knew that I didn't recognize their names. When it finally stopped, I was way beyond my station, and had to figure out how to get to the right platform going the opposite direction to my station.
I asked one lady how to get to the platform, and she most kindly directed me. When I got there, I asked a student if the particular express train that was coming next stopped at my stop. She informed me it did, and she was on the same train. She got off two stops later, and as she got off, she looked at me and kinda asked-- are you okay? I answered yes, and said thank you (a million times). It always makes me smile when the Japanese help me.
Up til now, I've always gotten on the right train. But I knew it was bound to happen eventually. I wasn't too worried, but looking at the map-- wow! I went a LONG way past my stop... where they didn't stop.
Alright, I'm going to bed now! Tomorrow will be a pretty long day and I want to be prepared for it. :D Catch ya'll later!
Anyway. Yesterday we prayer walked through Machida at 9am. One of the huge values we have here is prayer... We are always praying and seeking God, before events, on behalf of friends and family, for everything that goes on and the people that we meet in all places... Always praying. And that's good-- after all, how can we expect to be working for God or even having a relationship with Him if we don't take the time to communicate with Him?
But yeah- in the year that the Fuse has been meeting in Machida, the city has be changed so much. There used to be drug lords on the corners, men hiring women-- even some of the girls on the team here were propositioned. But- now those people are gone. The city has changed, and that has been an answer to prayer.
So, then we had a two hour self-study of Japanese at a cafe in Machida. Let me tell you-- those can be brutal. I like a little interaction and not just sitting in front of a book with a notebook and pen. But, that's what it will require.
In the afternoon, we had another Japanese class taught by a guy here who speaks Japanese. He helped us with particles. Particles are little words that mark the position of a word in a sentence. For instance, take this sentence:
Watashi wa Machida ni ikiimasu.
I (part.) Machida (part.) Verb- go
Wa marks Watashi (I) as the subject. Ni marks Machida as a directional... thing. I don't know. Anyway, what you get is I am going to Machida... or I go to Machida.
So yeah-- he helped us with "ga" and "wo" particles. Wo marks a direct object. Ga, I'm still working on that one... but apparently this guy's friend had an inch-and-a-half book on the difference between "wa" and "ga".
I hope to be starting language school soon. In fact, I was talking to Tim last night about it, and he was asking about my finances- if I was going to be able to afford it. I said I would go month-by-month, seeing if it was affordable for the next month. Really, it's best to focus for 2 years on the language, 1 year for most countries is require by missions agencies, but Japanese is kinda complex in the writing, particularly, so- 2 is suggested. But, again, at the same time, I'll be balancing that with Fuse responsibilities... so- we'll see how that all goes... but it's best to start on it right when you get there.
Along those lines of finances, he recommended that a single missionary really should have $2000 monthly support. Let's just say that I'm not there. I need about $800 more monthly support to make it there... so, be praying about that! God has been good to provide so far-- but please do pray!!
Last night, after getting everything finally taken care of, was a free night for me! Granted, I had plenty to do here, but it was nice to sit on my heated carpet, and do things here at the house... because BOY- is it COLD. It's supposed to get down to winter temperatures in the next few days... But then get to the 60s later next week... It's been like 70 for a day and then low 50s and rainy for a few days. So, I think I'm trying to catch a cold.
Today, I mostly did a few errands, and had my private English lesson. In the evening, we had prayer and then a meal together. I did some homework with a girl from Bible study and then just had good conversations with the missionary girls and my roommate.
Speaking of that-- I've been having good conversations with her lately. She was telling me how her life really had changed and the things God has been doing since she moved to Japan. She's from Korea, and she said that when she came over her, she wasn't a sincere Christian. But now, she's really growing, and I've had the privilege of being able to share with her some things about walking with Christ and just in the practical everyday kinda stuff... It's been quality. Even tonight walking home, we had a really good conversation.
Today I took my first wrong train. I got on a "rapid express" from Sagamiono, thinking that it would stop at my stop. We stopped at one station, and I was expecting mine to be the next, and I got distracted watching a group of boys trying to get the attention of this really pretty girl. I was smiling to myself at them, and admiring their hair (because Japanese guys have really cool hair). All of a sudden, I got to thinking that I had been on their a while, and as we passed a couple of the stations, I knew that I didn't recognize their names. When it finally stopped, I was way beyond my station, and had to figure out how to get to the right platform going the opposite direction to my station.
I asked one lady how to get to the platform, and she most kindly directed me. When I got there, I asked a student if the particular express train that was coming next stopped at my stop. She informed me it did, and she was on the same train. She got off two stops later, and as she got off, she looked at me and kinda asked-- are you okay? I answered yes, and said thank you (a million times). It always makes me smile when the Japanese help me.
Up til now, I've always gotten on the right train. But I knew it was bound to happen eventually. I wasn't too worried, but looking at the map-- wow! I went a LONG way past my stop... where they didn't stop.
Alright, I'm going to bed now! Tomorrow will be a pretty long day and I want to be prepared for it. :D Catch ya'll later!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
As Promised...
Are you in suspense yet? I'm sure you are after that intriguing theater promise yesterday...
Our story starts off in Sagamiono where I teach an English class... will get to that in a moment, but after that, I headed to the train station to meet the rest of the crew to do a street performance. We set up, Joe got some joe from McD's (which I still owe him for, as he was doing the coffee run. oops.) We got our flyers in hand and started passing them out to those who looked interested as they passed by and to those who stopped to listen. To them, we try to start up conversations. Sometimes it's creative conversation as there can be language barriers. I found myself there last night-- first with an old lady who stopped. Beside not being able to hear her, I had no idea what was going on... I did know if she was asking at one point if I was a student. The other girl, a university student, stopped and I talked with her for I don't know how long... 40 minutes or so?
And no. She didn't speak English. But she was pretty interested in what we were doing, and I pulled out every little bit of Japanese that I could squeeze out of my limited vocab. BUT, I'm praying that I'll see her again! At the Fuse....
Speaking of singing, I got my first taste of Japanese style karaoke on Monday. The girls wanted to have a girls day out, and so we went to a local karaoke place, and we had our own room rented, for pretty cheap (since in the evening it is more expensive)... there was also the "drink bar", where you can get all kinds of sodas, coffee, capucchino, all unlimited. A soup bar (only 2 soups), and an ice cream bar. All in all, it was pretty cheap, since we split it up between us all.
We have quite a few singers in our group, and even if they don't normally do singing, they at least know how to sing. I don't. And I don't sing well. But it didn't stop me from trying! All in all, it gave us some good laughs and I enjoyed it far more than I anticipated I was going to enjoy it.
Back to Sagamiono. On Tuesday afternoon, during the hour and a half I had at home to get ready and eat lunch, my bed was pretty full of clothes that I'd tried on looking for the right outfit. I had no idea what I was going to wear, but eventually I did find something that looked kinda professional, but not too much. Eh. I have a feeling I'll be wearing the same two outfits repeatedly.
I got to the place I teach at and met my fellow teacher, who teaches the first part of the class. She basically told me that she was going to teach the text and manual that we get, and I get to do the extra practice and extra activities. I was like... OH. Hmm... what am I going to do??? But, I'm not too bad at improvising and so I came up with a quick lesson plan and got everything ready...
Only to have no students show up. I have two first graders in this class (not much, I know, but it's good to start off small). One's sibling had mumps and the other... well, she didn't show. So. All prepared was I, and my room at home in disarray to have no student.
At least I'm prepared for next week!
So, we all took the train home. One of the things you often deal with on the trains is crowded-ness! Often, it's our bonding time, and we end up with good stories, like the time the train started to stop and I began to fall backward... and having no hand ring to hold onto, I grabbed one of my teammate's jacket collars with incredible force to keep me from falling. What I didn't mention is that she was sitting [read: straddling] the suitcase that carried our mini-amp. If I was going down, I was gonna take her down with me.
We do, when it's not too crowded, like to surf. Like, stand in a surfing position, without losing your balance. However, we try not to be too obnoxious, because most people are sitting, very condensed (arms in and everything), and either reading, sleeping or listening to their mp3 players.
However, I promised you "violence" on here. Taking Hannah down (or trying to) wasn't it: when I don't have a seat on the train, I stand and hold on to one of the myriad of rings hanging. However, when I have to move to accommodate for other people moving, I have a tendency of moving and then letting go of my ring, if needed. I should just let go. But, I did whack some guy in the head as he was trying to get off the train. And it wasn't just like a small bump, it was a full out whack in the forehead. I felt really bad, but I couldn't do much beside call out "sumimasen!" behind him as he was now rushing off the train. Sumimasen means excuse me!
So, yes, those are some of the things you learn to do (or not do) in another country. But it's enjoyable.
Among other things, I think I'll be starting Japanese classes soon-- as in, a couple of weeks, if all goes well with finances, which I'm trusting God that it will. Things are pretty busy with doing outreaches, studies (Japanese, Bible), prayer meetings and planning and trying to make connections with the people I meet. It's all great, and busy. I actually was thinking today that I needed to sit down and organize how I was going to spend my free hours... :) I still want to reserve most of my day off for relaxing/ doing whatever.
But anyway, things will be getting busier, so we'll see how things go!
Stay tuned for more exciting times!
OH- Today, I was ordering some food at the place where we do our Japanese self-study classes, and they told me it would be a few minutes and to just sit down. I replied, Hai! Está bien! which translated is: (Japanese:) Yes! (Spanish:) That's fine!
Our story starts off in Sagamiono where I teach an English class... will get to that in a moment, but after that, I headed to the train station to meet the rest of the crew to do a street performance. We set up, Joe got some joe from McD's (which I still owe him for, as he was doing the coffee run. oops.) We got our flyers in hand and started passing them out to those who looked interested as they passed by and to those who stopped to listen. To them, we try to start up conversations. Sometimes it's creative conversation as there can be language barriers. I found myself there last night-- first with an old lady who stopped. Beside not being able to hear her, I had no idea what was going on... I did know if she was asking at one point if I was a student. The other girl, a university student, stopped and I talked with her for I don't know how long... 40 minutes or so?
And no. She didn't speak English. But she was pretty interested in what we were doing, and I pulled out every little bit of Japanese that I could squeeze out of my limited vocab. BUT, I'm praying that I'll see her again! At the Fuse....
Speaking of singing, I got my first taste of Japanese style karaoke on Monday. The girls wanted to have a girls day out, and so we went to a local karaoke place, and we had our own room rented, for pretty cheap (since in the evening it is more expensive)... there was also the "drink bar", where you can get all kinds of sodas, coffee, capucchino, all unlimited. A soup bar (only 2 soups), and an ice cream bar. All in all, it was pretty cheap, since we split it up between us all.
We have quite a few singers in our group, and even if they don't normally do singing, they at least know how to sing. I don't. And I don't sing well. But it didn't stop me from trying! All in all, it gave us some good laughs and I enjoyed it far more than I anticipated I was going to enjoy it.
Back to Sagamiono. On Tuesday afternoon, during the hour and a half I had at home to get ready and eat lunch, my bed was pretty full of clothes that I'd tried on looking for the right outfit. I had no idea what I was going to wear, but eventually I did find something that looked kinda professional, but not too much. Eh. I have a feeling I'll be wearing the same two outfits repeatedly.
I got to the place I teach at and met my fellow teacher, who teaches the first part of the class. She basically told me that she was going to teach the text and manual that we get, and I get to do the extra practice and extra activities. I was like... OH. Hmm... what am I going to do??? But, I'm not too bad at improvising and so I came up with a quick lesson plan and got everything ready...
Only to have no students show up. I have two first graders in this class (not much, I know, but it's good to start off small). One's sibling had mumps and the other... well, she didn't show. So. All prepared was I, and my room at home in disarray to have no student.
At least I'm prepared for next week!
So, we all took the train home. One of the things you often deal with on the trains is crowded-ness! Often, it's our bonding time, and we end up with good stories, like the time the train started to stop and I began to fall backward... and having no hand ring to hold onto, I grabbed one of my teammate's jacket collars with incredible force to keep me from falling. What I didn't mention is that she was sitting [read: straddling] the suitcase that carried our mini-amp. If I was going down, I was gonna take her down with me.
We do, when it's not too crowded, like to surf. Like, stand in a surfing position, without losing your balance. However, we try not to be too obnoxious, because most people are sitting, very condensed (arms in and everything), and either reading, sleeping or listening to their mp3 players.
However, I promised you "violence" on here. Taking Hannah down (or trying to) wasn't it: when I don't have a seat on the train, I stand and hold on to one of the myriad of rings hanging. However, when I have to move to accommodate for other people moving, I have a tendency of moving and then letting go of my ring, if needed. I should just let go. But, I did whack some guy in the head as he was trying to get off the train. And it wasn't just like a small bump, it was a full out whack in the forehead. I felt really bad, but I couldn't do much beside call out "sumimasen!" behind him as he was now rushing off the train. Sumimasen means excuse me!
So, yes, those are some of the things you learn to do (or not do) in another country. But it's enjoyable.
Among other things, I think I'll be starting Japanese classes soon-- as in, a couple of weeks, if all goes well with finances, which I'm trusting God that it will. Things are pretty busy with doing outreaches, studies (Japanese, Bible), prayer meetings and planning and trying to make connections with the people I meet. It's all great, and busy. I actually was thinking today that I needed to sit down and organize how I was going to spend my free hours... :) I still want to reserve most of my day off for relaxing/ doing whatever.
But anyway, things will be getting busier, so we'll see how things go!
Stay tuned for more exciting times!
OH- Today, I was ordering some food at the place where we do our Japanese self-study classes, and they told me it would be a few minutes and to just sit down. I replied, Hai! Está bien! which translated is: (Japanese:) Yes! (Spanish:) That's fine!
Coming Soon to a Theater Near You...
Tune in tomorrow for street performances, first day of work, karaoke and Janine's subway aggression...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Recovered from my triathlon
I can hear one of my neighbors snoring... I don't know which neighbor it is, but I can very clearly hear them. Now, I don't hear everyday activities-- walking around yes, but I don't understand why I can hear them snore... Maybe it's since they sleep on the floor...
My roommate's mom came from Korea today. She's really, really sweet. I've actually only been in contact with her for like 5 minutes, as both of us have been gone in opposing times today. As I was coming home, with very tired feet and a few groceries in one hand, I saw them walk out of our entrance to the apartments. Her face lit up, and her mom greeted me. But, when my roommate-- So-chan- told her that I was her roommate (or, I guess that's what she said), she lit up, her eyes, big, and she threw her arms around me to give me a hug. It was pretty darn cute.
They just got home from going to church and then going out to dinner with someone from there.
Yesterday... when did I last write?... Oh, yeah, when I had been worn to pieces by running, biking and mountain climbing in a day. Friday, I was at Sagami-ono for a meeting for my class-- to get the curriculum for the class that starts Tuesday (nothing like good preparation). It took all of 20 minutes to be introduced to the place, around, discuss pay, etc.
I left and decided to stop by Starbucks down at the corner... I debated in my head and then decided to go ahead, after thinking that it would be good to sit and have some peace after all the things I've been doing lately. As I was ordering, I felt a tap on my shoulder, and it was Yuiko! She was coming for her peace and quiet time-- her "hour off". So, we sat down and chatted and got to know each other better. It was really nice.
Saturday we had a really good Fuse meeting. We were able to pass out a lot of flyers in the streets (we walk the streets around Machida for like 2 hours, but we do have lunch in that time)... and there were quite a few new people at the Fuse. Also- we had out guitar player Kengo back from the States. Debbie gave a great message on The Power of Words... and in our Super-small group right after it, my group had a good discussion about times when words influenced us for the good or for the bad... and then we encouraged each other in things. It was really cool-- and one of the girls really shared-- in fact, everyone in our group shared something. Afterward, we all hung out at a cafe, which is where we all go out to eat and get to know each other a little more. It's particularly good for new comers, but in general, the fellowship is always good.
Anyway, I think that this Fuse meeting went very, very well! I'm very happy with it!
Today, I got to Skype with my family and then went with the rest of the Fuse team to Jesus Lifehouse which is what the Fuse is kinda modeled after. Jesus Lifehouse is the fastest growing church in Japan, and I was pretty impressed with it. There were people from all over there, and it was a great, great message, very relevant to the Japanese culture... and beside that, it was exciting to see so many Japanese people worshiping God there.
It proves that the Japanese are open to the Gospel! God is here in Japan! I was inspired that our small church plant will grow also, and that we will reach many Japanese in the Machida area.
For my odd fact of the day: not that I usually have one, but..
We were discussing some kanji written on our board advertising the Fuse yesterday. It said: 本日 This means: today. There's another way to write today, which is 今日 but apparently, that first one also means today... and that's how Yuiko chose to write it, and since she's Japanese, she wins. So, anyway, she wrote this and Mark was saying that it meant today-- he said the pronunciation, but I don't remember it at the moment. I said, wait-- if you switch those around, doesn't that mean Japan? 日本 Which sounds completely different from what it sounds like if you switch it around.
In case you didn't know-- kanji, which are those picture words, in Japanese, have multiple readings (for example, when you see 日 it can be pronounced like a million ways, depending on the word/context). And if you combine it in different ways, it can mean different things... so. Lots of fun!! But many Japanese have consoled me in that- it's hard for them to read it sometimes too!
So, tomorrow we're going to do some girls' time... I made some salsa for it... but I probably need to get to bed, since I'm going to be tonsa busy on my day off...
My roommate's mom came from Korea today. She's really, really sweet. I've actually only been in contact with her for like 5 minutes, as both of us have been gone in opposing times today. As I was coming home, with very tired feet and a few groceries in one hand, I saw them walk out of our entrance to the apartments. Her face lit up, and her mom greeted me. But, when my roommate-- So-chan- told her that I was her roommate (or, I guess that's what she said), she lit up, her eyes, big, and she threw her arms around me to give me a hug. It was pretty darn cute.
They just got home from going to church and then going out to dinner with someone from there.
Yesterday... when did I last write?... Oh, yeah, when I had been worn to pieces by running, biking and mountain climbing in a day. Friday, I was at Sagami-ono for a meeting for my class-- to get the curriculum for the class that starts Tuesday (nothing like good preparation). It took all of 20 minutes to be introduced to the place, around, discuss pay, etc.
I left and decided to stop by Starbucks down at the corner... I debated in my head and then decided to go ahead, after thinking that it would be good to sit and have some peace after all the things I've been doing lately. As I was ordering, I felt a tap on my shoulder, and it was Yuiko! She was coming for her peace and quiet time-- her "hour off". So, we sat down and chatted and got to know each other better. It was really nice.
Saturday we had a really good Fuse meeting. We were able to pass out a lot of flyers in the streets (we walk the streets around Machida for like 2 hours, but we do have lunch in that time)... and there were quite a few new people at the Fuse. Also- we had out guitar player Kengo back from the States. Debbie gave a great message on The Power of Words... and in our Super-small group right after it, my group had a good discussion about times when words influenced us for the good or for the bad... and then we encouraged each other in things. It was really cool-- and one of the girls really shared-- in fact, everyone in our group shared something. Afterward, we all hung out at a cafe, which is where we all go out to eat and get to know each other a little more. It's particularly good for new comers, but in general, the fellowship is always good.
Anyway, I think that this Fuse meeting went very, very well! I'm very happy with it!
Today, I got to Skype with my family and then went with the rest of the Fuse team to Jesus Lifehouse which is what the Fuse is kinda modeled after. Jesus Lifehouse is the fastest growing church in Japan, and I was pretty impressed with it. There were people from all over there, and it was a great, great message, very relevant to the Japanese culture... and beside that, it was exciting to see so many Japanese people worshiping God there.
It proves that the Japanese are open to the Gospel! God is here in Japan! I was inspired that our small church plant will grow also, and that we will reach many Japanese in the Machida area.
For my odd fact of the day: not that I usually have one, but..
We were discussing some kanji written on our board advertising the Fuse yesterday. It said: 本日 This means: today. There's another way to write today, which is 今日 but apparently, that first one also means today... and that's how Yuiko chose to write it, and since she's Japanese, she wins. So, anyway, she wrote this and Mark was saying that it meant today-- he said the pronunciation, but I don't remember it at the moment. I said, wait-- if you switch those around, doesn't that mean Japan? 日本 Which sounds completely different from what it sounds like if you switch it around.
In case you didn't know-- kanji, which are those picture words, in Japanese, have multiple readings (for example, when you see 日 it can be pronounced like a million ways, depending on the word/context). And if you combine it in different ways, it can mean different things... so. Lots of fun!! But many Japanese have consoled me in that- it's hard for them to read it sometimes too!
So, tomorrow we're going to do some girls' time... I made some salsa for it... but I probably need to get to bed, since I'm going to be tonsa busy on my day off...
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Moving to Tokyo means becoming an athlete
So, tonight my goal is rapidity. It's been a long day, as you will soon hear, and then you will justify me.
But first, a story from yesterday. I went to the evening girls Bible study, and as we were starting, I got a phone call (actually, it took a minute for me to figure out it was my phone). I excused myself, and it was the director from the YMCA. He was calling because a new class opened up and he wanted me to co-teach it, which is what they typically do for elementary students, as Mark told me today. Funny enough, it starts next week.
But, anyway, we set up some of the particulars. I was glad to confirm that it was his sincerity he was showing the other day in wanting to give me classes, but was unaware of the situation that I had originally been set up for. And, it's a foot in the door, for later on.
But, what's really cool is that a week ago (or so?), when we were sitting down to do planning, we had originally set one station for Tuesday evenings for street performance, and the one where the Y is for Friday evenings. As we were having our Fuse meeting on Tuesday afternoon, we decided to switch the stations on the days because they wanted us to get in early on Friday nights so we could get good sleep and prepare for Saturdays (which are long in and of itself).
So, what's really cool is that I'll now be teaching at the station on the same day that the team does street performances. What's even more interesting is that when my class gets done is right when they arrive at the station, so I can take the five minute walk on over and meet them there.
Awesome, no? The girls were super excited to hear about it.
But, today, I became a Tokyo-ite. I got up early, had a relaxing morning, and then, realized that I had left a couple of minutes later than I had originally planned (and I do mean like 5 minutes), and so I ran all the way to the station. I quickly went through the gates, putting my card to the machine, ran up the myriad of stairs, and as I was crossing the overpass to go down to platform, I looked out the window to see that... whoosh, there was leaving my train.
So, anyway, I had to take a local train and then catch the express at another station, and I was a few minutes late... but oh. Had I made it 45 seconds earlier to catch my first train! I also realized that my watch was 2 minutes faster than the train station's clock, so I set mine to it. No more missing my train!
When I got to the station, now like 9:40am by this time, we did prayer walking for almost an hour and then did self-study Japanese class for a long two hours. After that, Debbie and Amy and I went to a university to meet some contacts that they had made. It is a really hard university to be make contacts in, but after a long time, we had the opportunity to go back. It was okay. I wouldn't say great, but I also wouldn't say it was terrible.
When we left there, I came back to my home station and it was now like 2:20 in the afternoon. I had planned to meet this girl, Chitose, at the station to hang out. She came to the Fuse last Saturday and we had a good talk. She's really sweet, and she contacted me to get together. She offered to take me to two different places, and if I wanted, to show me around the two towns that I spend most time in. She was super kind about it (in fact, I found out later that before we went out, she had called the city hall to see about getting me a map of it in English. But alas, no English).
So, the place that I wanted to go was called Ikuta park. It's about a 10 minute bike ride or so from my house (which we had to stop, because I desperately needed other shoes). There was a slight uphill slope most of the way there, and then you have a small, but somewhat steep hill to BIKE up before parking the bike. Oh schnikies. I was shot by the time we got there... and I forgot to mention that at one point, I had put my foot down to kinda help with stopping/not crashing into random people, objects or other things on my obstactle course, and my shoe came off. So, I had to park my bike and go back and get my shoe... Oh my.
Anyway, the park was really pretty and the Japanese know how to do pretty. They're pretty awesome. So, then we decided that we were going to go to the observation tower... by climbing a mountain of stairs. Literally, we climbed up the mountain by stairs. I was beginning to consider that any chocolate consumed today would be amply made up for it in all the activities of the day.
We looked around, and of course, with the Shinjuku skyline in the distance and the tops of the cherry blossom trees at waist length to you, it can't help but be beautiful. There's really no use in trying to explain it-- I'll try to post pictures tomorrow (I think I may have a couple of free hours).
So, down the mountain we went, and walked around with our bikes for a while and later rode for a bit, she showed me the best places to shop for what. She had really thought about this. I also had the opportunity to kinda feel her out on where she stood about Jesus. I think she needs more time before I do an evangelistic based life group with her. But I didn't hold back from inviting her and I'm sure we'll be hanging out again soon.
By the time I made it home (which I was frozen, and she had also shown me the library of town and which sheets to use to sign up for it)-- it was 6pm. I was super tired, and so sat down to have a bit of dinner and at 7- arrived at Hannah and Amy's house for her to show me how they do the team calendar online.
I had planned to stay for a short time, but we ended up watching some shows on youtube and then chitchatting and painting our nails and finally at 11 after 10, I decided it was time to come home.
And here I am, slouched down and leaning to one side on my couch in a sweat shirt, jeans and slippers, with my laptop bringing the current news to you!! :) It was a good day, and I don't think you could say it was unproductive. But I do have to say that I'm glad tomorrow isn't so full with high-impact activities!
Tomorrow I go for the material to my class and to fill out paperwork, I guess. Mark called today to offer his assistance if I need any while there... The afternoon I have relatively free, and then prayer, dinner together, life group and greeting the newest member of the Fuse team at the bus station!! :) We might do street performances after that, but I'm not sure yet.
Well, that's all for tonight folks, I'm going to sleep now! Hurrah!
But first, a story from yesterday. I went to the evening girls Bible study, and as we were starting, I got a phone call (actually, it took a minute for me to figure out it was my phone). I excused myself, and it was the director from the YMCA. He was calling because a new class opened up and he wanted me to co-teach it, which is what they typically do for elementary students, as Mark told me today. Funny enough, it starts next week.
But, anyway, we set up some of the particulars. I was glad to confirm that it was his sincerity he was showing the other day in wanting to give me classes, but was unaware of the situation that I had originally been set up for. And, it's a foot in the door, for later on.
But, what's really cool is that a week ago (or so?), when we were sitting down to do planning, we had originally set one station for Tuesday evenings for street performance, and the one where the Y is for Friday evenings. As we were having our Fuse meeting on Tuesday afternoon, we decided to switch the stations on the days because they wanted us to get in early on Friday nights so we could get good sleep and prepare for Saturdays (which are long in and of itself).
So, what's really cool is that I'll now be teaching at the station on the same day that the team does street performances. What's even more interesting is that when my class gets done is right when they arrive at the station, so I can take the five minute walk on over and meet them there.
Awesome, no? The girls were super excited to hear about it.
But, today, I became a Tokyo-ite. I got up early, had a relaxing morning, and then, realized that I had left a couple of minutes later than I had originally planned (and I do mean like 5 minutes), and so I ran all the way to the station. I quickly went through the gates, putting my card to the machine, ran up the myriad of stairs, and as I was crossing the overpass to go down to platform, I looked out the window to see that... whoosh, there was leaving my train.
So, anyway, I had to take a local train and then catch the express at another station, and I was a few minutes late... but oh. Had I made it 45 seconds earlier to catch my first train! I also realized that my watch was 2 minutes faster than the train station's clock, so I set mine to it. No more missing my train!
When I got to the station, now like 9:40am by this time, we did prayer walking for almost an hour and then did self-study Japanese class for a long two hours. After that, Debbie and Amy and I went to a university to meet some contacts that they had made. It is a really hard university to be make contacts in, but after a long time, we had the opportunity to go back. It was okay. I wouldn't say great, but I also wouldn't say it was terrible.
When we left there, I came back to my home station and it was now like 2:20 in the afternoon. I had planned to meet this girl, Chitose, at the station to hang out. She came to the Fuse last Saturday and we had a good talk. She's really sweet, and she contacted me to get together. She offered to take me to two different places, and if I wanted, to show me around the two towns that I spend most time in. She was super kind about it (in fact, I found out later that before we went out, she had called the city hall to see about getting me a map of it in English. But alas, no English).
So, the place that I wanted to go was called Ikuta park. It's about a 10 minute bike ride or so from my house (which we had to stop, because I desperately needed other shoes). There was a slight uphill slope most of the way there, and then you have a small, but somewhat steep hill to BIKE up before parking the bike. Oh schnikies. I was shot by the time we got there... and I forgot to mention that at one point, I had put my foot down to kinda help with stopping/not crashing into random people, objects or other things on my obstactle course, and my shoe came off. So, I had to park my bike and go back and get my shoe... Oh my.
Anyway, the park was really pretty and the Japanese know how to do pretty. They're pretty awesome. So, then we decided that we were going to go to the observation tower... by climbing a mountain of stairs. Literally, we climbed up the mountain by stairs. I was beginning to consider that any chocolate consumed today would be amply made up for it in all the activities of the day.
We looked around, and of course, with the Shinjuku skyline in the distance and the tops of the cherry blossom trees at waist length to you, it can't help but be beautiful. There's really no use in trying to explain it-- I'll try to post pictures tomorrow (I think I may have a couple of free hours).
So, down the mountain we went, and walked around with our bikes for a while and later rode for a bit, she showed me the best places to shop for what. She had really thought about this. I also had the opportunity to kinda feel her out on where she stood about Jesus. I think she needs more time before I do an evangelistic based life group with her. But I didn't hold back from inviting her and I'm sure we'll be hanging out again soon.
By the time I made it home (which I was frozen, and she had also shown me the library of town and which sheets to use to sign up for it)-- it was 6pm. I was super tired, and so sat down to have a bit of dinner and at 7- arrived at Hannah and Amy's house for her to show me how they do the team calendar online.
I had planned to stay for a short time, but we ended up watching some shows on youtube and then chitchatting and painting our nails and finally at 11 after 10, I decided it was time to come home.
And here I am, slouched down and leaning to one side on my couch in a sweat shirt, jeans and slippers, with my laptop bringing the current news to you!! :) It was a good day, and I don't think you could say it was unproductive. But I do have to say that I'm glad tomorrow isn't so full with high-impact activities!
Tomorrow I go for the material to my class and to fill out paperwork, I guess. Mark called today to offer his assistance if I need any while there... The afternoon I have relatively free, and then prayer, dinner together, life group and greeting the newest member of the Fuse team at the bus station!! :) We might do street performances after that, but I'm not sure yet.
Well, that's all for tonight folks, I'm going to sleep now! Hurrah!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Oh Nadine
Today I got my new honorary car. Her name is Nadine, and she is orange and proud to be so. Although, Debbie, who last had her is 17 years taller than I am, and so I had to lower the seat just to be able to touch the ground, and even so, I still feel like if I go under an overpass, the top is going to cut off my head or knock me off the bike.
But, nonetheless, she's mine now. Her left brake is horrendous, but the right side doesn't make a sound...
Anyway, enough about Nadine. Sunday was Easter and the Noborito church here had a special Easter service with the Gospel choir singing. There was a lot of people there! The Japanese love Gospel music, which is quite fascinating.
Anywhow, apart from our missionary prayer/share what you've been reading breakfast, and the Fuse planning meeting, today we did street performances at a town called Shinyurigaoka. At street performances, we set ourselves up outside the train station and play music, do dance pieces, etc. But the point is to attract attention and to talk to people who stand by listening. Being mostly Americans, we tend to attract attraction. We give them flyers for the Fuse church and sometimes we exchange contact information.
Today was our first one as a new team, and from what I understand, in a while. It went well, and I got to talk to a few girls, and had a good conversation with two young ladies that I pray will come this weekend to Fuse.
So, we did that for about an hour and a half until it started to get late... and then we left.
This week will be busy with more outreaches, including going to two universities and hanging out to make conversations and meet people and hopefully make good contact to see them at the Fuse or to start maybe a life group with them.
Well, I'm super tired, but here's a pic to keep you satisfied:
But, nonetheless, she's mine now. Her left brake is horrendous, but the right side doesn't make a sound...
Anyway, enough about Nadine. Sunday was Easter and the Noborito church here had a special Easter service with the Gospel choir singing. There was a lot of people there! The Japanese love Gospel music, which is quite fascinating.
Anywhow, apart from our missionary prayer/share what you've been reading breakfast, and the Fuse planning meeting, today we did street performances at a town called Shinyurigaoka. At street performances, we set ourselves up outside the train station and play music, do dance pieces, etc. But the point is to attract attention and to talk to people who stand by listening. Being mostly Americans, we tend to attract attraction. We give them flyers for the Fuse church and sometimes we exchange contact information.
Today was our first one as a new team, and from what I understand, in a while. It went well, and I got to talk to a few girls, and had a good conversation with two young ladies that I pray will come this weekend to Fuse.
So, we did that for about an hour and a half until it started to get late... and then we left.
This week will be busy with more outreaches, including going to two universities and hanging out to make conversations and meet people and hopefully make good contact to see them at the Fuse or to start maybe a life group with them.
Well, I'm super tired, but here's a pic to keep you satisfied:
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Yes, Sakura IS a big deal
Wow, at this point, I can't even remember when I last wrote. In fact, I was talking this evening walking home with Hannah from the station after getting back from Machida, that it's bad when the only way you can remember what day it is is by what you did yesterday. And that did, in fact, happen to me last Sunday morning.
So, let's catch up with news. First, I went to the interview on Thursday. Apparently, the director who I met just arrived the day I was doing the interview... the other guy, through whom Mark had "got me the job"-ish, was being transferred. Perhaps you know where this is going. Anyhow, apparently, the first director had been okay-ing me coming for the interview and making everything sound okay, but after I had the interview with the new guy, and he sat down to look at a schedule with me to see about my availability and classes... alas, my Wednesday evening class had been given away already, by the first director.
Anyhow, there was a bit of a confusion (Mark went with me to the Y to do the interview) and embaressment, and this new director really seemed to feel bad, but he kept saying that if new classes came up, that he would contact me. So... I'm not too concerned, though everyone else seemed to feel bad that that happened, but I figured, maybe I don't need this second class right now and need to focus on other things.
That being said, I also had my first class with my other student... it's a private lesson and we meet at cafes to study. It went well, and I think she learned some things... so hopefully I can be a good teacher to her-- she's at an advanced level already.
Last night, after the prayer meeting, we went to Shinyurigaoka to welcome Allan, the newest member of the Fuse team. He'll be here for 2 months, and his family is in Korea actually... something to do with the military. But he'll have to kill me if he tells me more.
Anyway, to newbie Allan I relinquished my position as newbie. Not too sorry for it. Afterward, we all had a meal together and then Debbie, Saki-chan and I had a life group together where we talked about fear versus faith. It was pretty cool. Along the lines of life-groups, I think in the next couple of weeks, a new one (as in, another one) will be starting. Yay!
Then, we all walked down by the stream and took pictures of the sakura (cherry blossoms) at night, as they were lit up by lanterns. It was really pretty and we all had a good time.
Today was the o-hanami party, where we all gathered together before the Fuse meeting for a picnic and games. That was lots of laughter, and we played some name games and all got to spend more time with each other. Afterward, we went the the Fuse meeting, which is held in a cafe-style venue, and the Gospel singers group sang and the leader shared his testimony. Today was also my first opportunity to lead the game... We played a game that I learned in Mexico, actually, and it elicited quite a few laughs. The weird thing was having a translator. I don't think I really had a translator in Mexico, though people sometimes helped me if it was a big thing (like a hospital visit) that I didn't understand. So, it was something new for me to have a translator, but Tatsu, who did it, did a good job, as he always does.
So, I am getting better at understanding... I am constantly eavesdropping. :) But I will need a lot of work, and so maybe soon I will go to language school.
Among fun things, today I went to a FOUR-STORY dollar store. Now, the dollar stores here ROCK. Way better than the ones in the states. You can get anything and everything there... and a lot of the things are cute! So, not only is it very practical, it's really decent. Usually anyhow.
But, I did buy an umbrella, since it was raining this evening and we had some walking to do. I payed 210 yen (roughly $2.33)... and I went outside and by the time I had reached the corner, the wind had attacked me, and my umbrella looked like this:
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