Holidays

Konnichiwa!! These 2 gals attended our Japanese banquet:) My lil sis in Christ Rachel (left) hopes to visit Japan and the other hopes to be a missionary to Japan some day!


Aaron, my boyfriend, and I at the state park near my house. Please pray for him! He hopes to come serve in Japan!


My dad and my niece Annie making a snowman! Hooray for being able to play in snow!


Christmas at home came and went and what a fun, whirlwind adventure it was!! I had a student travel with me to experience American culture with a family from Eastview Christian Church. He's 11 years old and did and was a super traveler! The weekend we got home, we had a support raising Japan banquet. We were greeted by many American friends and family who were interested in our work in Japan, a huge blessing!

I spent a lot of time with my family, friends, dog, and my boyfriend Aaron. I'm attaching some pictures in case you'd like to see! My brother also helped me create a Christmas video to show my friends in Japan in case you're interested:

http://web.me.com/mcthomas22/StephChristmas/Movie.html.

This Christmas, Jesus' example of coming as a baby in a whole new land to serve gave me great comfort. He went through many of the same trials and difficulties I have, but kept his focus on his task and His father! I am so thankful for a God whose love for me never changes despite my circumstances, and who helps me adjust to a new life in Japan! Thanks God, and thanks for my wonderful support team!

As we start a new year at the school, many changes are in the air which will be implemented in March. Please pray for a big enrollment for our new branch school at Oharu Church, which will open in March. I will continue to teach at the school I'm at and my boss Kurt will be teaching classes at the new school. We need about 50 students to create a job for my boyfriend Aaron to be able to teach here! We are praying that God will bring Aaron and my path together for His glory! Regarding ministry, my co-workers and I are starting a once-a-month children's english class at the 2 churches we work with. I am leading the planning for this service. Please keep this in your prayers. Thanks and God bless!