Updates and Origami

As I sit here another night in front of the fan and drinking cold water, I'm so thankful that in TWO days, we will hit the 70s and stay there... according to the internet weather forecast. [Yukata day at Fuse!]

Bring on the autumn!

So, last week I got home from Fuse and I just sat here staring at the computer thinking... I seriously doubt I can find the energy to write a blog tonight.  Today I have a bit more... but I'm not promising any cleverness.

For one awesome thing, we've been having new people.  We're doing a lot of inviting.  After lower numbers over the summer, we were kinda down though we continued outreaching and praying and all that.  As I recently heard Becky Hrubik (director of PAZ), pray-- We do care about numbers, because every number means someone who is getting called into the Kingdom of God and being saved.  But we've been seeing new people and following up on them... and praying for more breakthroughs!

I've been pretty busy with a lot of admin stuff at Fuse and trying to help things run smoothly... for it's own sake, but also to really support Mark and Yuiko and take any unnecessary pressure off of Mark.  That way, he can focus on what he really needs to focus on.

We also have a team from Brazil here.  They're here for 6-7 weeks.  They're not here in Tokyo during the week, but are up in Iwaki helping out.  But the two 20-something guys have been helping out with Friday night outreaches and at Fuse.  One of them, Paul, spoke today at Fuse.  So, it's been really cool to have them helping us out.

And on the side, I'm kinda starting an origami business.  It's not super-serious yet, but I do plan on following through to see success with it.  I've been making origami accessories (hair clips/earrings).  They are cute, durable and semi-waterproof.  I'm working on getting my webpage set up, and I recently found out that a friend of a friend will sell them in her beauty salon.  So, I am getting them together to send over.  Anyway, if you're interested, please let me know!  I'll post the page later; with everything that has been going on here in Japan, I've been super busy.  But I'm getting there!

Yawns and Tears...

I am sitting here yawning super big.  Btw, that is very rude to do at work or in meetings in Japan.  You can do it like, on the train or sitting by yourself at a table or something.  But don't do it anywhere else.  In fact, a good sign of being adapted here is when you can "swallow your yawns"... keep your mouth closed while you yawn!  I've seen lots of Japanese do it!

I prefer big yawns myself and bask in them in the privacy of my home.

That was a side note.  But yes, I am tired.  FUSE days are always very long (but good) days.  And since I do service coordinating at FUSE, it means that I'm always answering questions, making sure everyone knows what they're doing, making last minute switches and figuring out details.  I enjoy doing it, but sometimes... oftentimes I'm a bit tired after Life Group and finally making it home!

Today's FUSE covered a bit of things that have been going on this month.   Mark today brought the message about having Great Friendships.  He talked about the building blocks for great relationships being love, communication, trust (commitment) and grace.  When he got to the part about communication, he talked about encouragement and words of hope.  There he mentioned how it has been good for he and his wife to experience the comfort of great friends lately.  Two weeks ago, they lost their expected baby... She was 5 months along, and it was a big blow.  It was really hard for her to translate that part, and most everyone's eyes were filled with tears as Yuiko translated through her own tears about having lost her baby. 

Please pray for them!

They are still recovering.  It takes time, but we are praying for them and trying to support them the best we can and offer that hope that only comes through a relationship with Jesus!

Afterward, we had life group.  My lifegroup was pretty great today!  We continued the talk about friendships and the practicalities of it in life.  We shared from journalling time together, and got to know a new girl who joined lifegroup for the first time.  She still hasn't met Jesus, but we are praying that soon she will!

So, I'm sorry about this month.  We thought it was supposed to be a more relaxed schedule.  But it wasn't!  :)  My first two weeks, I took care of a lot of the responsibilities Mark take care of, since he was in New Zealand, and the last two weeks... well...

Well, I am going to get to bed!!  It's only 8pm, but I'm ready!

Hope you guys have a blessed day!