Cotton Candy and 80's Music

Just a dirty creek? All those bumps are turtles! One day, there were hundreds of turtles in that creek!!



Rice fields are flooded before planting.



Please pray for this family from my church. The mom has several blood clots on her brain and they make her feel sick.


Not so Ordinary

What's some not so ordinary sites, tastes, and smells I come across everyday in Japan? Last week, we ate at a buffet, and they have cotton candy machines there! So fun! People here eat a lot of noodles, vegetables, and rice. Some days, I come across restaurants that play American 80s music, definitely not something you'd expect to hear in Japan! Leaving a restaurant, you'll here a chorus of thank you very much from all of the workers!!!

On trains, you'll see people texting, sleeping, listening to music, or reading. People typically keep to themselves on public transportation, and it's very quiet ride.

Cities are crowded! I know think of American cities as crowded, but Japan has a large population in a very small area-it's really packed! If it's raining, everyone has an umbrella, even people on bikes. It's currently rainy season, which means, as you guessed, a month of rain. Cities look like a typical American city, with many modern buildings, stores, and restaurants. People are very busy in Japan and often move quite quickly.

A Typical Day
So what is a typical day in my life like in Japan? My day usually starts talking to my fiance, friends, or family over skype. Yes, relationships overseas can be a challenge, but skype is a wonderful tool because I can both see and hear loved ones! In the mornings, I spend time with the Lord, walk, wedding plan, and get ready for my day. On a typical walk, I might come across many turtles, or flooded rice fields, as they are getting ready to plant. Look out Japan! Here comes the mosquitos!

Sometimes on my walk, I will stop at one of my favorite coffee shops/restaurants. The Nagoya area is famous for cheap and yummy cafe breakfasts. A typical one might include a small salad, eggs, and toast.

I usually go to the school between 1 and 2:30 and teach until around 8 or 9, depending on my teaching schedule for the day. Then I'm off lessoning planning, prepping for class, and teaching English! I teach various ages, and no 2 classes are the same. One class I teach consists of 3 little boys. They are VERY active and love physical activities. I try to taylor their class to fit them. In another class, I have a man in his 40s for a private lesson. He is very good at English and loves to chat. We are reading from Time magazine, the "100 Most Influential People." Last week, we talked about the singer Prince. It's always interesting to hear the Japanese perspective on American entertainment!

I love seeing my students improve in their English, but my favorite moments of teaching are when I get to teach about the Lord. In my church classes on Saturday, we are studying the book of Luke. I love to see my non-Christian students answering questions! I also have a Bible cartoon DVD my kids enjoy watching, and I am studying with a jr. high class. I continue to pray God will use all the seeds planted to further His kingdom.

Seeing God in the Ordinary
As I get somewhat settled in an everyday routine of adult life and teaching, I have learned to see God in the ordinary. I spend time praying over my classes, and even praying for the time I prepare for classes. I often get new ideas, or come across new, much-needed energy and patience for the Japanese kids I teach! I see God answering my prayers for friends and family both locally and abroad, as we pray for different life situations, and God working in the lives of the Non-Christian students I teach. I see God bless my day with little things, like hundreds of turtles in the creek on my walking trail, some new pretty flowers, or the dog I live with come love on me when I'm having a tough day. If you're going through a discouraging time, I would like to encourage you:)! God is working through our prayers in big and small things all around us! Thanks for praying!

A New Season!

We're engaged!



My Ring



Cherry Blossoms, a popular spring attraction in Japan



Nagoya Castle

Aaron and Bryan, Aaron's best friend, came for a week in early March. Surprise, I'm engaged! Aaron and I met shortly before I left for Japan, and we kept in touch through email and skype. We became a couple about 2 months after I got here, and fell in love. Aaron proposed at a French restaurant that was divine, with a wonderful atmosphere! It felt like we were at an outdoor cafe in France. I loved having both AA and Bryan here for a week! We ate meals together, spent time in Nagoya, walked and talked. Bryan got to see many former students and church people he did ministry with here last year and encourage them, and AA got introduced to my life in Japan, friends, and students. Bryan and Aaron shared the love of Jesus to many, but probably most of all to me! The 2 weeks that followed were difficult, as AA and I got used to living our relationship on skype again. All in all, we see God's grace in action as we try to make future plans and get to know each other better during the early hours of the day and the late hours of the night due to the time difference.

A new school semester has begun! Thankfully, my schedule has not changed significantly. My new classes are one's I had taught a little while ago, including 2 classes at our new branch school at Oharu. God has allowed me to build significant relationships with my students and Oharu, and I am very thankful to continue to spend time with them and teach them! I will be continuing a Bible study with my jr. high girls class and I am excited for how God will use this time!

We had our second kids English service at Oharu church, and while it was less attended, I was very excited to be able to teach about creation to the kids, 2 of which were my students from my Oharu classes and aren't Christians. In Japan, evolution is taught everywhere, so being able to plant the seed of creation is a big blessing! The kids drew what God created on different days, and we went outside for a nature scavenger hunt. I was going to play a creation game with them at the park next to the church, but there were other kids playing there. The church kids joined the other kids, and wanted to share their prizes with them, which was my favorite moment of the service! The kids that came for the service stayed for an extra half hour to play, and then wanted to go back inside and color upstairs while church was going on!! About this time, we gained a few more kids. They colored more pictures of what God created through the entire church service. I am excited to get on a fixed schedule starting in May-the 2nd Sunday of every month. The consistency will help with promoting the event and getting more students there.

Many kids had spring break last week, so our classes were smaller, and we had a few extra days off due to national holidays. I got to go skiing in the mountains with a couple of brothers in Christ from church, and see the cherry blossoms and Nagoya castle with one of my Saturday classes! Both were great memories I will treasure always!

Snow in Nagoya

Kurt and Akane's son, Kent, greeted me with snowballs when I went to work in the morning:)



The room for our branch school at Oharu Church, where I attend! I'm so excited to have many supplies and a special room for the kids at church!


The downstairs of Oharu, where we used to have English class and where church service is held.


Snow in Nagoya only happens about once a year. It's a random event that keeps you on your toes because people in Japan don't often drive in snow. It snowed on a Saturday morning, which meant I would have to drive to work amongst the craziness. Thankfully, God cleared the roads with the sun before I left for work.

The snow in Japan reminds me of what's going on with life in Japan right now- a time of transition with random surprises. Aaron and I are seeking God's plan for our lives together, and we are planning to live in Bloomington, IL when my term here is up. While I'm confident this is the best plan for our lives right now, it's not what I expected for us to be doing. However, some time in the states will give us an opportunity to get adjusted to married life and probably prepared for our next overseas adventure. Like me, Aaron would like to work overseas for at least a year.

In addition to this life transition, Saban English School is also transitioning to a new term at the school and opening the branch school at Oharu church. I have been helping paint, decorate, and assist with trial lessons where kids can come in and have a free lesson to check out the school. It's somewhat of a stressful time, as we see new students come in, new schedules formed, and some students leave. I am looking forward to a change, and to see more students coming to our new branch school!

I also have had the opportunity to put together our first English kids service at Oharu Church. An attendance high for us at church is 29 people, and we had over 15 kids attend our first one! 7 were from our school and non-Christians. We had a Valentine's party and our theme was God's love, with songs in English, a Bible story about Jesus love for kids, and a craft and game to go with. It was such a blessing to be able to teach non-Christian kids about Jesus and God's love for them! One group wanted to sing "Celebrate Jesus" after the service was over! This was definitely something only God could do. We are planning to do this service once a month, and I am planning our next one for March 14th!

In the midst all the activity going on here, God is faithful. Just like He melted the snow for me to drive to work on clean roads, His steadfast love and faithfulness remains the same. I am so thankful for His intense love for me, and His constant and consistent provision!

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!

Ministry in Japan

Our first Thurs. afternoon outreach time at the school with ladies and moms from our kids English classes. Please pray God will multiply our numbers!



Lunch with the Friday ladies English class I teach at church. This class includes a Bible study time. They wanted to take me to eat Japanese food!


Teaching full-time and living in a new culture has definitely taken a lot out of me! The moments I have to build relationships with my students, encourage the church leaders, spend time with the kids I live with, and study the Bible with women of God here are a few opportunities God has opened up for ministry.

On 2 Thursdays of each month, Akane (the mom and school director here) and I have a time lady students and moms of kids at our school can come eat American snacks, chat, do a short Bible study, and get to know us. I help Akane with ideas and spend time getting to know the ladies. We have only had one event so far, and I would love it if you would keep this event in your prayers! We want it to be a time God can use to reach out and share Christ to the many non-Christian moms in our classes.

This Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak and share a little bit about myself and my testimony at the large church we work with. The main point of my message was 'faith requires action,' and I referenced Hebrews 11:1, which talks about many Bible characters who acted on their faith. I was SO excited to hear the preacher speak after me about Abraham, and how he acted on his faith! I even heard the preacher say in English: Faith requires action. The preacher doesn't speak much English, so it was so exciting to hear how God put together our 2 messages without us planning it God is soo good!

The church I usually attend on Sundays, Oharu Evangelical Free Church, is a branch church to the large one I spoke at. It is small, but I believe God has great plans for it! They recently purchased land to build a bigger building, and last week they had a contemporary service for Japan, which included guitar music, songs like "Lord I Lift Your Name on High," and "Shine, Jesus Shine." I was so excited to see they want to try new things, and they even have song lyrics in English so I can sing along with them:) They often ask for my input on service ideas, and I love being able to help them. When I return to Japan after my break in January, I am looking forward to getting more involved with the kids and service at this church

Fun Stuff

Quite a while has gone by without a new word from Japan. Hello! I'm back and have some fun new praises and info to share with you!

Since you've heard from me last, we had our Halloween party at the school. We invited all of our students, and instead of having classes on a Thursday night, we had games and crafts! I was happy to bring over some of my Children's Ministry wisdom to help make a very fun and well attended party!

I also got the opportunity to visit Little World-which has buildings and restaurants from different countries around the world. Of course I loved this excursion on my day off, and you can get a chance to see the family I am staying with.

Finally, you will see pics of sports day. The church held an event at a park where we played various funny games, had church service, and a picnic! What a fun event! Here's some pics of my new church family.

My goal is to blog once every 2 weeks! I love and miss all of you!

Funny, Awkward Saturday

A class I teach at Saban English School. One of these students will be traveling to Illinois with me over Christmas for a home stay with a Christian family.

Shiori teaches at the school on Mondays. I met her at international student ministry in Illinois two years ago, so we were already friends before I came to Japan:)

I've been waiting for a few funny moments I could share with you in my blog. One good characteristic for a missionary to have is to be able to laugh at yourself. A couple of these moments were easier to laugh at than others while I was in the moment!

I work every Saturday here until I come home for Christmas. I teach 3 English classes at the church, and my day ends around 3:30. I enjoy teaching at the churches a lot because I also get to teach a Bible lesson, and we have several non-Christians in the classes. Naturally, since it's a church class, talk about God and faith come up.

This was my first Saturday teaching at the church. I've been driving by myself some this week, so I followed Kurt to the church. I teach at 2 churches and thought we were going to the one I'd already driven to twice this week. Kurt took a different way to the church I hadn't driven to on my own yet...you see where this is headed. My cell phone was conveniently at home. I didn't think I'd need it.

Lunch break after my first class-I wanted to go to a restaurant and asked my class helper about where I could go because I was unfamiliar with the restaurants that were in the area. The other 2 missionaries I work with weren't around. My class helper spoke to my class about it in Japanese, and the only single guy in the class offered to take me to a restaurant. I really wasn't counting on everyone in the class being involved with restaurant selection, and I felt bad but didn't want to eat with just him (I typically don't spend much one-on-one time with guys from my ministry), so I asked my class helper if he could just lead me to the restaurant. I tried to do this discreetly and just talk to my class helper about it, but it turned into my whole class knowing I just wanted him to lead me to the restaurant instead of eat with him-awkward! We got there, he insisted to help me order, and left. We were less than 1/2 mile from the church. One problem, I hadn't ordered a drink yet, but I'd eaten at some restaurants in Japan on my own, and just pointed to what I wanted. I have about a 75% success rate with this method. However, today I pointed to what I thought was water, and got a clear glass of alcohol-ooops! I didn't try to order another drink, just let the alcohol sit there.

Time to head back to the church, only if you know me well I am not the best with directions, and Japanese roads aren't exactly marked for Americans. The 1/2 mile from church felt like about 30, because I got a little turned around. Thankfully I made it to class a little late, but made it!:)

Final class is over, I just have to make it home now, only I'm driving and I can't remember every turn to the new way Kurt led me.......I got a nice tour of the city, and promised myself I would not leave home without my cell phone again:) I was desperately missing my teammates from the Philippines because my girls loved the cell phone and would never leave home without it, and my guy were experts at finding their way around.

My job for now in Japan is to learn about all the new stuff so I can teach others well, and I'm sure there will be many more funny and awkward moments to come while doing that!

Praises: First full week of classes went really well! I taught a lot by myself this week. The typhoon that struck did not last long and did very little damage to our area. I am praising God for keeping me safe and opportunities to share my faith!

Prayer requests: Please pray for boldness, opportunities to share the gospel, and for God to work on the hearts of my students who aren't Christian. Please pray for health. 2 out of the 4 family members I am living with right now are sick. Also, because I work evenings, I cannot spend much time with friends during this time like I am used to, and I have moments of loneliness. Please keep this in prayer.Thanks! Missing all of you!