Christmas!

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! I've been busy playing and relaxing with family, so I thought I'd share a few pictures from the past few weeks of celebration with the whole Honea clan (parents, 8 siblings (well, 3 are siblings-in-law), and 3 nieces!)


Within 3 weeks we have the big celebration (Christmas), New Years of course, and also an anniversary and 5 birthdays...it's pretty much a constant party :)

Which means, of course, lots of baking and eating!

My youngest niece loved the piano (as do her 3 year old sisters, who now won't play until I put music on the stand- very amusing). But for a 1 year old playing piano, much like eating food, is apparently most enjoyable as a full body experience. (And all this time I've only been using my fingers!)

I also enjoyed lots of time with my "family" at 1st Pres, Danville. I had the privilege of leading music one Sunday (along with bells and vocal choirs!), and accompanied the family/kids Christmas Eve service (on piano and clarinet). I'm praising God for all of this sweet time with my big and "small" family, and His gift of music that we can share together. Merry Christmas!

Light!

When I spent 2 weeks in Japan (summer of 2010), one of the churches we got to spend some time with gave us cards with different verses on them, and I happened to get this one:
It's Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world..." (All I can actually read is the first word, "anata"=you. I can sound out the rest but had no clue what it meant. Thank you kanji numbers chart for helping me figure out the reference!)

My name, "Eleanor", comes from the Greek, meaning "shining light" (Fellow dorks, think Elanor, Samwise Gamgee's daughter, named after the sun-star flower of the elves)

I've heard other Christians in Japan use the phrase, "Shining the light of the Risen Son in the Land of the Rising Sun"- cool, huh?

Especially around Christmas, I can't help but think of Light. The lights on the porch, on houses; candles in windows, and around the Advent wreath. Because the whole point of Christmas is "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned...for unto us a child is born"~Isaiah 9. And Is. 49, "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob... I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Phew! Super thankful for that one!)

Light.

The first thing God created. God is our light. His Word is a light to our path. In His light, we see light. We walk in the light as He is in the light. We are the light of the world.

So much good stuff in the concept and reality of "light". I'm going to stop trying to articulate, and simply...bask.

Oops... (and giving thanks!)

I must be the worst blogger ever. I kept waiting to have pictures before posting another blog, but have I taken any pictures in the past month? Nope. Fail. I love people, and I love reading and seeing how they're doing. For example,

- my friends Roger and Abi, who are already in Japan and just posted an awesome video about the role music is playing in the relief effort in Japan (a ministry I'm super excited about!) here.

- my sister who recently started a blog faithfully posts pictures and updates of the adventures of my adorable nieces (If any home-school/un-schoolers are interested, check it out!)

- my friends Trey and Kiki, a fabulous couple who just got to Thailand: yay! (pictures from their first Thanksgiving there)

But do I remember to take pictures? Nope. Oops.

But I do have a (belated) list, in honor of Thanksgiving, of a few things I am thankful for. Like...
...hot tea on cold mornings, the sound of rain and sleet pattering on windows, family and friends from VA to MS and all over the globe who shine God's light and love in a way that is absolutely contagious, getting to share with others about God's work in Japan, dark chocolate, gaudy Christmas decorations, worshiping God through His incredible bit of creation called "music", encouragement from new friends who lift me up in prayer, "coffee" dates with old friends I haven't seen in months, the beautiful wedding of my best friend to an absolutely great guy...
Give thanks to the Lord, for He. is. good.

Boundaries

"Before I built a wall I'd ask to know

What I was walling in or walling out
...Good fences make good neighbours."
~from Frost's "Mending Wall"

I'm pretty sure that poem is actually talking about the ridiculousness of doing things for tradition's sake (like mending fences every spring when both neighbors are only growing trees- not keeping cows or something in danger of escaping). Ooh, and I discovered this fun Japanese-style art: (This blog has bunches of this "etegami" artwork- cool stuff!)

So yes, some boundaries are pointless, but I'm quite sure good boundaries do indeed make good neighbors. In fact I've been reading a book on just that (be proud, MTW! I'm finally reading it), Boundaries(when to say yes/no, and how that affects ourselves and everyone else around us). Even if you don't (or don't think) you have any problems here, I'd recommend it. So far it's a good (and Biblical) read.

In other news: by next week I should know for sure when I will get to complete my training (depending on financial support as well as other factors out of my control). Please pray especially this week for continued trust, guidance, and peace. Thanks!

November News...lots to pray for and lots to do!

Newsletter, November 2011

Santy Claus?

Believe it or not, this past week I met Santa. Well, I only briefly met Santa, but I had a lovely conversation with Mrs. Claus. Even as a kid I was never much into "Santa", but this sweet retired couple are just precious. While the original Saint Nicholas gave gifts anonymously through the cover of dark, this couple gives "secretly" through the guise of Santa Claus: distributing gifts including hugs, Bibles, crosses, a CD of Mrs. Claus playing piano, teddy-bears for kids with injuries/special needs ("you're the little bear, and God is the big bear, always with you")... however they can, they do little things wherever they are to share the love, but especially hospital/hospice visits. Anyway, Mrs. Claus was a pianist and elementary music teacher, so she was thrilled and felt a special connection: God speaking through us to bless others through music. So if you're in the area, keep an eye out for the Clauses this year! They've got some pretty great stories.And while their specific ministry is not one I can ever imagine myself doing...it's always fun to get to know some new people, and be reminded to never become too busy, distracted, or "just-not-in-the-mood" to reach out and love whoever happens to be around me today.

Anybody want to come visit? :)

I just heard about this the other day, and will definitely let you know when the official application website is announced. That's right, in an effort to boost tourism Japan is giving away 10,000 free round-trip plane tickets to Japan! Pretty awesome, right? So you should all come visit me. You know you want to ;) You could watch a sumo match, climb Mt.Fuji, take a peaceful stroll through some gorgeous gardens...I believe the only catch is they're specifically looking for people who will spread the word about how awesome Japan is: influential bloggers and such. But if you're interested it's definitely worth a shot, so I'll keep you posted whenever the application is released.

















The next big step for me to get to Japan is to complete my training (an excellent month of classroom and first-hand learning about crossing cultures), and the deadline to register is just 3 weeks and 3 days away! We're supposed to have 50% of monthly support pledged before registering, and I'm currently at 28%. Please pray with me this week for God to supply in His perfect way and time, and to guide my mind as I plan, my mouth as I speak, and my hands as I work during this coming week of support-raising. Thank you!

I'm like the flash!

I realized I haven't ever blogged about what I actually do now- oops! Partly because I had no photographic proof. But now I do! See? I loved having the opportunity this past week to share more with my home church about what I'll be doing in Japan and why. And that means I had some paparazzi handy, so now there's evidence that I really am raising support :) I love talking with people about Japan, how God's working there, and His marvelous gift of music.





Whenever there's a piano I always incorporate some music. (A simple arrangement of "Sakura" and Sinding's "Rustle of Spring" are two of my favorites: very different pieces, but fun to compare their themes of spring, hope, and beauty)

I'm always blurry in pictures because I move around too much (hence the flash reference), so my brother helped me stage a quick photo-shoot afterwards. Much better, right?

Kindergarten Wisdom

One of the perks of babysitting is it keeps me young. Not that I'm particularly old, but it's so easy to get caught up in the details and forget wisdom and faith like a child's. I had some good conversations with a sweet kindergartner this week, and 2 of them went something like this:

Me: Are you sure you feel ok? Your stomach doesn't hurt? (she had been sick recently, and kept doing this little cough/hiccup...so this was probably the 3rd time I asked)
Her: (confident and matter-of-fact) I'm not sick. The other night, I kept throwing up, but I prayed not to throw up, so I'm not sick now. I won't throw up anymore.

Later...

Her: Whatcha working on?
Me: You know how I'm going to Japan? Other Christians pray for me and give me money so I can go, so I'm making a little flyer to tell them about what I need, and how things are going.
Her: Oh. Just say 'Give me $100 (a month), and I love you'. See? Noooow can we play hide-and-seek? :D

Shrine or temple? The beginnings of research.

I hear Shinto (they have the shrines- with the torii gates and often lion statues standing watch) and Buddhism (they have the temples- with incense and the Buddha statues), don't have much affect on day-to-day life, but since most in Japan apparently claim one (or both), I though I'd enjoy doing a little bit of research, just to see what I find. After all, a religion that's been ingrained in a society for, well, forever, has got to have some kind of impact on one's worldview, right?

By the way, the picture to the right is of me and my lovely mother at...a temple? If so, it may be the one they tried to visit, but I screamed my head off the moment they entered :)

I've been starting at the beginning: Shinto's creation story. So: here was this massive glob, which separated into heaven (light and clear) and earth (watery and muddy). A green plant sprouts grows, and tah-dah! There's god. Then he made a male god and a female god, and told them to finish making earth. They stand on a rainbow and stick a spear into the muck, and tah-dah! There's an island, which they live on (then create Japan). The female dies in childbirth, male is bummed, washes his eye- and there's the sun god; washes his other eye- there's the moon god; and washes his nose, and there's Susanoo. Sosono?...that god. And at a glance he has me really intrigued! Check it out: unlike the other gods, this one goes to earth, where he finds mourning parents who have lost all their daughters but one to the wicked serpent. So the god protects the remaining daughter, kills the wicked serpent, and takes the daughter as his wife. Anybody else find that theme vaguely familiar? ...I'll certainly be looking into this story for more details!

Healing, remembering

This has been a week of remembering for us here, with the 10th anniversary of 9-11, but in Japan, too. This year's 9-11 marks the 6 month anniversary for Japan since their 3-11 disaster. Just as we honor those who died, remembering right where we were on 9-11, for the rest of their lives they will remember precisely what they were doing on 3-11, and remember those they lost. It can be hard to grasp something huge like that, the thousands who died and the millions affected one way or another, and I find I can comprehend it best when I can just see one person's story. (And I must not be alone: our papers have been full not of statistics, but stories of individuals.) So if, like me, you sometimes have trouble remembering how real it is, what affect 3-11 still has not just on "Japan", but people today, here's the video of just one perspective, just 3 minutes of 1 girl's story.

Pray this week: for those who are hurting, still aching for lost friends and family, and just trying to stay busy in order to cope. Pray for all of us as Christians, but particularly those in Japan, to be filled to overflowing with God's hope, peace, and joy to comfort those around them as they remember, grieve together, and keep pressing on through Our Hope.

Confession time

Hi, My name is Ellie, and I like weird stuff. Phew. Glad to get that off my chest ;) But seriously, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoy exploring odd things/places, like these Asian markets I found in NC the other day. (I should probably also confess half the fun was the looks of disbelief when I entered... something about shattering peoples' expectations [in a good way] is just enjoyable. Who knows, call it a God-complex, we'll discuss that later.)

Anyway, the other half of the fun was the rice paper wrappers, curry paste, chocolate koalas I'm currently munching on, and the two beverages to the left. Thai tea drink? Beautiful. What I thought was green tea? Um...let's just say it's true what it says: it will keep all sorts of awful diseases from killing you. But only because it tastes so bad it will kill you before they get the chance. (Turns out it's actually green colored gohyah, or "bitter melon" tea. yum.)

Consider this fair warning that amongst the updates, pictures, prayer requests, stories of what God is doing... more posts of the random and bizarre will make occasional appearances. (And probably more stories of me attempting adventurous things in cross-cultural settings, and then we can all laugh at me together)

On a more serious note...prayer request of the week: for more opportunities to share about God's work in Japan, expand the team of senders (supporting me in prayer and financially), and that my eyes would remain focused on Him and open to the opportunities He brings along. Thanks!

September Newsletter

Newsletter, September 2011

Live long and prosper

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). It's such an encouraging verse, and it's no wonder it is constantly quoted to those who have no clue what's going to happen next. But...have you read Jeremiah 29:10 recently? It says His plan of prosperity is that He will fulfill His promise to them...in 70 years! I don't know about you, but that realization was not a warm fuzzy one.

The slow progress of support-raising reminds me of that some days, but I am beginning to sink in to the comfort of the truth. It's not a nice comfort of believing God is working everything out for my ease, pleasure, health, and wealth, as soon as possible. It's way better. It's a trust and confident hope that this is His plan, right now, and it's way bigger than me. If my desire is for Him alone, and for Him to get bunches of glory and worship, I can have complete confidence, because, as Pete the Cat says, "it's all good". (By the way, if you are unfamiliar with the story of Pete the Cat, you are missing out. You should follow that link immediately.)

One of my favorite reminders of how big and awesome God's plan is? When my mom was living in Japan 22 years ago, pregnant with me, when she went to church and the music of worship started, I would start wriggling and kicking like crazy, like I wanted to get in on the action. I was clueless, and He was already setting everything up for Himself, music, and Japan to be ingrained in my life. Yeah...He knows what He's doing. (The picture is me with some random lady who thought I was cute, and you can see my Mom to the right)

Thus ends summer.

I just got back from a wonderful week away: walking on the beach, making castles for the nieces to squish (*insert picture of the 3 most adorable girls in the world here. That's right, use that imagination. Okay, so I'm terrible and have no pictures. Yet.*), reading lots of good ol' fiction (fantasy/adventure, of course!), hanging out with family, and in general getting a much-needed chance to let my brain rest (or perhaps disapparate would be more accurate...)

Anyway, rest. It is good. But now it is done, and work is also good. As much as I love the work God has called me to, sometimes I have to keep reminding myself of that. When in need of a jump-start, I like to soak in this verse:

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished." ~1 Chronicles 28:20

Prayers for strength, courage, and perseverance until the work of raising support is finished are always very much appreciated! What He has started, He will complete. Let the working recommence!

Sakura, Cherry Blossom

I think I've mentioned sakura, or cherry blossoms, before in a post. Aren't they lovely? I feel like I could ramble on and get far too philosophical about how they blossom magnificently, but last only a short time; how you know they're coming every year, so they are a kind of symbol of hope....but anyway, they're pretty :)

So beauty, hope, Japan, all wrapped up in one little flower. What could be better? That was my inspiration for the support-raising status graphic below. While I am not a visual person, many of you are, so I finally decided to take everyone's advice and design one. What do you think? Suggestions?

Help color the sakura! Each pink cherry blossom represents $95 in monthly pledges, or you can color a few petals for about $20/month each. ~"But how do I color a blossom/pledge?" I'm so glad you asked. Just click on the link to give online (also in the side bar----->) or check out all your giving options at this link.
~"And...am I committing to give forever?" Not at all. You can start giving now, and continue giving through the 24 months I'll be in Japan.

As you can see, I'm about 6% of the way there. Thank you all for your continued support!

P.S. While I have a long way to go in monthly support, my one-time support is over 80%! What a blessing!

Last week in Fukushima...

I saw this video on a friend's blog this morning, then found the video below. I am at a loss for words- as they said it is "absolutely heartbreaking". Praying for the people and leaders of Japan...

little reminders of a big God

I love the little things God does. His reminders that He's there, understands what's going on, cares. It's often the little things that many would call mere coincidence that strike me deeply.

Like this awesome friend who claimed Jeremiah 33:3, and now whenever I see "33" anywhere (and it's amazing how much they show up!) I can't help but be reminded of God. Of a God who, even at my lowest of lows, listens, wants me to call, has an incredible plan, and reveals His plan (and even the mystery that is Himself) one beautiful piece at a time.

This morning my little reminder was in Nehemiah. For some reason, I've kept up the Bible reading plan from the church I went to in Jackson. On what I thought was a random whim this morning, I decided to get back into reading not just the New Testament passages, but also the Old Testament (which happened to just be starting Nehemiah). As I start off the week needing to get back into the swing of support-raising, fighting to persevere when being fully supported financially feels so far away, what a beautiful and gentle rebuke from my Father that He's got it under control.

Nehemiah was broken (because Jerusalem is an absolute wreck). But He prayed with praise, confession, and bringing his request before God. Then 4 months later, he confronts the King. He was always praying, and even though he was terrified, the time comes and he makes his request to the King: can I go back to my hometown and rebuild? This guy who was terrified just to ask for permission to go, once he sees he has the King's favor, goes on to ask for a free travel pass, and by the way King, would you mind providing all the lumber for the rebuilding? And instead of executing the guy for being so bold, the king fills his request and more- sending soldiers with him. So through this foreign king, God provides for all of Nehemiah's needs so he can go.

God provides. Sure the process might take months, sure I'll be absolutely terrified sometimes, but in incredible ways that blow our minds, God provides. It's a simple message I was probably taught at the age of 4, but sometimes...it's good to be reminded.

There and back again

I spent this past week as the female chaperone/leader/person for my church's high school summer retreat, Fun in the Son. Basically, I went to the beach with Jackson (the youth leader) and 4 awesome youth from 1st Pres, where we hung out with 51 other youth groups: beach, pool, sports, cards, busting out all their dance moves, and best of all learning from 2 speakers and worshiping together in the most ginormous tent ever.

Besides being a fun time, I hope this was also a great time of growth in God: what it means to worship and "Elevate" (the theme for the year). We centered around Romans 12, a chapter full of good stuff, and I'll share just one bit of what we learned, found in verse 15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn". A great way to summarize what living as a Christian/loving others/worshiping God with our lives looks like: simply live life with those around you (and God!) by rejoicing and mourning with them, sharing their worries and excitement (and sharing yours with them).

Whether in Danville, Jackson, or Tokyo, what a simple message to keep in mind, and what a good one.

What do people do all day?

読んでいます! (translation: I am reading!) Ok, so I don't really read all day, but the Richard Scarry reference popped into my head and I couldn't resist. I am very much enjoying one freedom of being done with school: I get to read whatever I want! Below is a sampling of what I've been digging into so far...

I'm reading "Silence" right now, and next on my list are "A Life of Jesus", also by Shasuko Endo, "The 4 Loves" by C.S. Lewis, and maybe even finish up Scott Westerfield's Uglies Trilogy. What else should I add to my list?

In summary...

What's going on in Japan? Below is a news brief from MTW's latest newsletter. Enjoy!

"The stricken area, the Tohoku east coast, is an area of small, coastal fishing villages and small cities. Churches from the Tokyo and Nagoya areas have sent over 100 individual truckloads of relief supplies and volunteer teams, helping stabilize the area. Though government relief efforts have been relatively swift and effective, there are still many people who are homeless or living in temporary shelters. And, as a result of the deaths of approximately 25,000 people, there are now many shattered families and orphaned children.

However, there seems to be a new spiritual openness among the Japanese, particularly those directly affected by the tsunami. This openness presents an unprecedented opportunity for MTW missionaries and partners to work in cities virtually untouched by the gospel. Relief efforts have noticeably changed from carrying supplies to carrying love—serving hot meals, performing concerts, playing with children, and simply listening. And as Japanese Church members and missionaries listen, they are making friends and opening doors for long-term relationships.

“We have been warmly welcomed by the residents of the region and anticipate an ongoing and lengthy effort to help,” said Bob Drews, assistant team leader of the Chiba team.

Only about 0.22 percent of Japanese are evangelical Christians. Most Japanese do not know a Christian and have no knowledge of the Bible, much less of a sovereign and loving God. Moreover, Tohoku is the least-churched area in all of Japan.

Currently, there are no Presbyterian Church in Japan (PCJ) works in Tohoku, though MTW is actively working with evangelical churches in the area. The ministry dreams of renting a facility, or purchasing land or a building, establishing a permanent facility for church-planting teams. The facility will provide opportunities to work with children, elderly, and families. The ministry also hopes to jump-start future business ventures.

“Having a physical footprint in a community is vital to a long-term relationship that can bring the gospel transformation to individuals and communities,” said Drews.

July Newsletter

Newsletter, July 2011

What's going on with this nuclear plant that was in the news a few month ago?

While the headlines have forgotten Japan for weeks, and my focus has been on any articles I can dig up about the emotional/mental toll it has been taking, especially among the thousands living in shelters, one of the top questions I'm asked is about the nuclear/radiation situation. And I realize more and more how little I actually know, and how hard it is to find, understand, and summarize anything nuclear related.

I mean, even Lady Gaga is all about helping Japan. Somehow praying for Japan has become the cool thing to do... but I digress. So in answer to all questions about the nuclear plant, this article is the latest info I can find. Check out the little animated slideshow at the bottom of the article for a play by play of what happened.

In summary, they have started a system of pumping in loads of water that "will solve the problem of contaminated water, which gave all sorts of worries to the world. Second, it will enable stable cooling of reactors," and keep them on the path to their goal of a cold shutdown of the plant by January.

"We don't want to be forgotten. We want to go home."

Check out this article for an update on shelter life in Japan, particularly the mental/psychological toll on those who have lost everything.

Pray that they would not be crushed during this hard time, but that God would be the strength in their weakness, hope in their despair, peace in their anxiety. And that same prayer not just for those in the shelters, but the believers (Japanese, American, whoever) who go to help and encourage.

When I run out of words, which happens pretty often, I find myself praying songs, like this one:

Update

Just Another Day - Japan Disaster Relief from Shane Burgett on Vimeo.

Just wanted to share that video update from the team in Japan. See more at their vimeo page

More to come, but for now...my heart is full, my body is tired, and sleep beckons. Pray for Japan!

Random Reflection

Normal. Simple. Mundane. We (or at least I) tend to think of those words as negative. Boring. Pointless. But I've been thinking lately about the all-the-time, every-day things, the wonderful things that are (or should be) normal.

Simple reminders to take joy in the small things. Like realizing while practicing that I am childishly thrilled by the reflections in the piano. Or more importantly, the reflection of God in me. Praying without ceasing, having a posture of repentance, living in grace, walking with God. When lived out like they should be, all these wonderful things become...normal. So normal and everyday, and like a child, these "normal" things never stop thrilling us with joy. Isn't that beautiful?

...let your light shine. Not necessarily fireworks or laser light displays or blazing majesty. Just...shine.

Today in Tokyo

This week a short-term team of Christian musicians from Julliard are with my team in Tokyo. Below is an excerpt from their blog (Revive Our Hearts). I share this with you because it's awesome, it's the kind of conversation I could potentially have quite often, and because I would love to work with short-term teams like this one during my years in Tokyo.

"One uniquely encouraging conversation I had was with a flutist named Ayi. Through a translator Ayi wanted to know what I think about when I play. I told her that I always try to express as accurately as I can what I believe the composer tried to say through the music, but also that I play to glorify God who gave me the ability to play. She was amazed by the fact that all of us can play skillfully and passionately and yet we all believe that we received this power from God. She then wanted to know what role Christianity plays in my life. One thing led to another, and I was able to share with her the Gospel truth that in Christ God doesn’t look at us as servants, but as children. In most likelihood that was the first time that Ayi heard the Gospel."

Praise God for this team, their willingness to serve, and the gifts God has given them.
Join me in praying that God would bless them with health, personal growth in Him, and incredible opportunities to keep shining the light of His love and grace to those they meet.

Where in the World is Ellie?

I'm actually back in Danville! ...for now.

Tomorrow I leave for Living in Grace, a conference/discipleship training/retreat/thing for itinerant missionaries like myself. It has the potential to be an incredible time of growth, quiet time of rest with God, hopefully meeting some new friends...all kinds of good stuff. Plus it's not too far from Asheville, NC, (one of the best cities ever) so it has to be good, right?

For now...this was last week:
Those are a few pictures of my sister Denise and her girls, who I got to spend 9 days with on my way home...aren't they awesome? It was a really good week of playing with the girls, reading lots of books, (changing lots of diapers), late-night talks about life, and of course, making lots of cookies :)

Active Waiting

A friend of mine described waiting as active, and I feel that combination describes me quite well.

I am waiting. So incredibly ready to be in Japan. Every time I hear another story from Japan (no matter how amazing or heart-breaking), share my stories from Japan, or tell about my calling, my heart burns and leaps with desire. My spirit is all at once joyful, eager, and restless. It's a weird feeling, but a good one. And as the Spirit oozes a comforting chill of comfort, patience, and assurance, I know that this is exactly where I am supposed to be now, and the burn is just a healthy assurance that soon, I will go. Trusting and submitting to the peace of God. I am waiting.

But thankfully, that trusting and peaceful waiting does not mean sitting around. It means praying without ceasing for Japan and for my support-raising journey, and it means acting. Telling everybody I can about Japan, and what God is doing there. It means swallowing the lump in my throat and asking others to give money so I can go. Emails, phone calls, big group talks, letters, meetings, one-on-one conversations. It means studying Japanese, and practicing music. And sometimes hardest of all, it means living where I am right now; actively loving who I am with right now; not getting so caught up in the tomorrow that I ignore today. I am active.

We must "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (Psalm 27:14) but also, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work" (1 Chronicles 28:20). It all seems like a weird paradox, but somehow...it works. When I actually do it, it works extremely well.

もういちど /mou ichido/ say what?!

Ok, so really もういちど means "one more time", or "pardon", but all of that to say, I am officially learning Japanese! That's right, all my undergrad classes are over, so starting yesterday I'm studying Japanese 1 hour a day, 6 days a week. We'll see how this goes... If nothing else, I can drive myself completely insane by watching videos like these:

That song is kinda catchy... ;)

Oh, and no, don't worry, I'm not really basing my study on painful youtube videos. I'm learning the real way: by watching lots of anime. (I'm kidding! I'm kidding!)

But seriously, learning Japanese is important to me, and I hear it's pretty tough, so all prayers for perseverance (and people to practice with over the coming months) would be much appreciated!

Where to begin? Let's hope.

So much has happened since I wrote my last post - a trip to Paris, earthquake/tsunami/nuclear craziness in Japan, trying to stay caught up on what is going on over there, trying to get into active support raising, trying to start getting specific plans for summer travels, and guess what? I have only 10 days of normal class days left before I graduate. I'm excited about graduating, excited about going to Japan, excited about how God is working in spite of and even through this catastrophe, and that I get to share with people here what He's doing there...but that's a whole lot happening at once, and it all involves a whole lot of bitter-sweet emotions.

Sometimes, it feels like it is just too much. So I'm going to put off telling you details about all the exciting things in that paragraph up there, and just say this:

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful"
(Hebrews 10:23)

I know He is faithful, but sometimes I just need to sit and remember it. Believe it. And hopefully (as the next verse says to), encourage you with it. And as we hold unswervingly to that hope, as sappy as it may sound, life is not too much. Through God's strength, one minute/task/relationship at a time...

And speaking of hope, did you know it is officially cherry blossom season in Japan? Here are two quotes (from BBC): "The cherry blossom symbolizes rebirth and renewal...As Japan works to rebuild and recover amid a continuing nuclear crisis, the blossoming cherry trees provide a glimmer of hope." Praise God for this beauty and comfort, and join me in praying for the even greater Hope to spread rapidly through the people of Japan during this season.

MTW - Disaster Response in Japan from Go Global on Vimeo.

A video (made by MTW) of pictures from my team and the church in Japan!

Japan Tsunami Aftermath

I know this is old news to all of you by now, but pray for Japan!

I was spending a week in France when it all happened, and am now busily getting caught up on the news. My heart breaks for the Japanese, but I am confident God is moving in Japan and loves them more than I ever could. And if nothing else, what a great opportunity for the church in Japan to reach out and love those around them, and for us to support them in any way we can.

I'm not dead yet! (*in an awesome British accent*)

For anyone wondering what happened to me and the weekly posts...I'm still alive, I promise!

Major happenings:

~Last Saturday was my Senior Piano Recital, so the highest hurdle of my undergraduate education is now complete - phew! Praise God for a successful performance (and a peaceful spirit for this perfectionist who wishes she could just go back and fix...)

~I leave this Friday, the 11th, for a 1 week mission to Paris, France with 10 others from the college ministry at Pinelake here in Jackson, MS. Go here for more information on this exciting opportunity. And please pray: that we would allow God to fill us with His abundant love and strength so that we might overflow to those we meet in Paris. (Or as I like to say, let His light shine!)

We're Number One!

I knew it was pricey, but as of 2010, Tokyo is officially the most expensive city in the whole world. (Read the full article here.)

In light of raising up funds to live there it can sound intimidating, but I actually enjoy it in a weird kind of way. The funds are coming directly from people like you and me, but ultimately it is God who is providing. I have been especially encouraged this past week that in His time and His way, God WILL provide. It's simple, but it's awesome, so I wanted to pass the encouragement along. What in your life is too big, too much for you to accomplish? These things are great ways to remind ourselves and the world of God's power and faithfulness. Take courage!

Encouragement

I've been sick for most of the last 2 weeks. When I don't feel good, have to cancel meetings, work piles up, it's cold and gray outside...it is so easy to become stressed and discouraged. Ever feel that some days you're fighting to keep the little light of your soul from just flickering out?

In case you too are feeling a little overwhelmed, I wanted to pass on a few things that made my day today:

"'Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,'
says the LORD, who has compassion on you. "
~Isaiah 54:10

I am so thankful that we are not alone, and my light is not fueled by my power. Another encouragement came from some of my youngest supporters- below is one of their cards that came in the mail today. Absolutely made my day :)

Memories

Today I was thinking back on our team's time in Tokyo this past summer, and thought I would share a brief snapshot. One of the churches we spent time with was Immanuel Fukagawa Church. They were so friendly and welcoming, it was a joy to worship and fellowship with them. We helped them reach out to their community by performing a concert in their church with Japanese music students: to the left is the whole crew. (It was a great opportunity for them to invite non-Christian friends into the church)

This week, join me in praying for Christians in Japan, especially this church. That God would bless them with strength, and they would continue to be a light to the community around them.

"So, when do you leave?"

Lots of people ask me, "So, when do you leave?" Good question. Below are the main events between now and when I leave for Tokyo. However, I give you these dates with the following passage in mind; it's been good to think on.

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them." ~James 4:13-17


March 5 ~ Senior Piano Recital (biggest deal of my college career)

March 12 - 20 ~ Spring Break (a week spent in VA? or on a short-term mission trip?)

April 30 ~ Graduation (woohoo!)

May 22-27 ~ Living in Grace (Seminar in NC)

June ~ a good friend's wedding up North, with the potential to turn into an awesome support team development road-trip...any Northerners interested in a visit?

July 1-31 ~ Cross-Cultural Ministry Internship (in NYC)

August ~ earliest possible departure (Whenever I'm fully funded. In other words, we'll see when God has planned!)

Take it to the Lord in Prayer

It's official: I am two days in to my last semester of college - crazy! The blog for this week is something I'll probably write more and more often: prayer requests! Below are a few of the things on my mind and heart this week:

Join me in praying that it is a semester full of growth: academically and musically, but most of all growth in Christ (and that I would encourage others to grow!)

My younger sister, Anna, has her first surgery for juvenile glaucoma next week: pray for continued peace (mainly for her, but all of our family as well) and God's touch of healing.

The seminary in Nagoya, Japan recently bought a new building- yay! But I just heard this from them yesterday: "A government official is stubbornly refusing to give approval for non-profit religious use of the new building, which jeopardizes everything." Pray for the softening of the official's heart, and that God would lift the spirits of the missionaries and Japanese Christians during this struggle.

To wristband, or not to wristband

Support raising thought of the week: I'm considering having some bracelets made. You know the little silicone ones?

Current design idea: white inside, red outside, with "Let Your Light Shine" in white on one side and "Tokyo, Japan" on the other

Current distribution idea: they would be given out to supporters*, one free band per person/ family, and extras could be purchased

Let me know what you think:
~Awesome! Do it! I want one!
~Well, sure. Why not?
~No! Seriously? Bad idea.



By the way, I have spent the week doing more than thinking about bracelet/wristband/things. I have been visiting my wonderful sister and her family! This is the newest member: Lucy is two and a half weeks old and so cute!









*supporter= signed up through MTW to give financially and/or through prayer. Go here for more information/online giving, or let me know if you have any questions.