Shaking with Joy

Well, it would seem that Japan is so excited to see me that she shakes with joy.  Or at least, that's what I keep telling myself.  (Incidentally, Mark's message tomorrow is about the joy of the Lord...)

It hasn't been that bad.  Actually, I think there were like 3 days in a row this week where I didn't feel one.  And then today we had another earthquake early in the afternoon.  This week, there was one while I was at work, teaching my first English class of the new school year (the school year starts in April here).  The students jumped under the desk, and I stood, waiting to gauge it with my boss who was in the doorway.  We both paused, watching the walls.  We looked like we were listening for something.

"I think it's calming down..."

"Nope, it's getting stronger again..."

Then I happened to be on the rush hour train for another one.  All I heard was sirens above my music and then the train stopped, but only for like 5-7 minutes to check something.  We couldn't feel it, since we were moving. 

I did hear from one of my team teachers this week that she was on a bridge when the big one happened (March 11).  Everyone panicked and no one moved.  But she was screaming in her car.  I hadn't thought of what people must experience in a place like on a bridge.  I'd thought of what happens when people are in surgery, or giving birth, or in tall, sight-seeing buildings and then an earthquake happens....

I'm glad I was in none of those situations, but that God took me to a place where I was safe for the evening and not stranded...

Anyway.  Enough of that.  I've been trying to get back into schedule this week.  I've been getting back into my normal responsibilities, back to figuring out life here, and will be catching up more with people from this point on.  You have to schedule in advance here in Japan because people are so busy.  So that means an easy first week to settle in.

So, I'm excited for that.  And beside, next weekend is the Baptism Party.  I'm excited for it!  Let's be praying for lots of people to get baptized!!
Well... I'm going to get rest before FUSE tomorrow.  FUSE days are always very long days.... and I am, as of today, filling in on bass tomorrow... So... Well, write later!