My favorite trail, a local shrine-a common site for ancestor worship, and the skinny roads I drive on!!
The Saban house I am staying in and a gorgeous view near my home.
After a very smooth travel day, I set foot for the first time in my new home of Japan! I like it here a lot! The house I am staying in looks a lot like an American house (I will post pictures soon). I pretty much get the upstairs to myself. I keep thinking of life in the Philippines, but instead of living in some of the differences of a third world country, the basic way of life here is very similar to America-you can drink the water here, showers with hot water, washing machine, wireless internet:) and a lot of American food. All of these factors make adjustment a lot easier!! The weather is a little warmer than I expected, but I think it is because of the high humidity. It's in the 70s, but feels like the 80s. There isn't a major rainy season here. The longest it should rain at a time is a couple of weeks. They do drive on the left side of the road in Japan, but unlike all the other countries I've been to, they follow road rules here.
Yesterday, I got settled and ran some errands. Kurt, Akane (the missionaries I live and work with), and I ate at a bbq buffet. It was a lot of fun to cook food over a small fire pit in front of us! I got a sushi role that I thought was cucumbers and carrots, but learned instead of carrots, the role was fish eggs (yikes!) I managed to get it down ok. I got a Japanese cell phone for emergencies. Kurt and Akane have a dog that is part retriever. She is a little smaller than Molly but reminds me of her! I'm so glad they have a dog! With a dog and my cell phone, I will feel safe to go out on my own and go for walks, 2 parts of freedom I love from America. The Saban's also have 2 very cute sons. I have a nice red bike I can use (I guess so I won't miss my red car too much), and will be driving here soon. I got my international drivers permit before I left.
Prayer Requests:: transition-I start job training tomorrow. I also will be working on Japanese, and am adjusting to the different time zone, different modes of communication with American friends and family, working evenings, and a new schedule.
Thanks! Keep in touch and feel free to send me prayer requests!
Yesterday, I got settled and ran some errands. Kurt, Akane (the missionaries I live and work with), and I ate at a bbq buffet. It was a lot of fun to cook food over a small fire pit in front of us! I got a sushi role that I thought was cucumbers and carrots, but learned instead of carrots, the role was fish eggs (yikes!) I managed to get it down ok. I got a Japanese cell phone for emergencies. Kurt and Akane have a dog that is part retriever. She is a little smaller than Molly but reminds me of her! I'm so glad they have a dog! With a dog and my cell phone, I will feel safe to go out on my own and go for walks, 2 parts of freedom I love from America. The Saban's also have 2 very cute sons. I have a nice red bike I can use (I guess so I won't miss my red car too much), and will be driving here soon. I got my international drivers permit before I left.
Prayer Requests:: transition-I start job training tomorrow. I also will be working on Japanese, and am adjusting to the different time zone, different modes of communication with American friends and family, working evenings, and a new schedule.
Thanks! Keep in touch and feel free to send me prayer requests!
