Reflection...

Even though we're not having particularly cool weather at the moment, something about fall inspires me to look back on life. Do you ever think about every big decision, trivial choice, or even circumstance beyond your control that have worked together to place you where you are right now? Not in a "aw, man if only I had..." kind of way, but in a "woah. God is incredible," kind of way.

For example: I am currently preparing to be a missionary to Tokyo. God called me to this ministry this past summer, shortly after a 2 week trip. A trip I wouldn't have gone on if I hadn't known I have an interest in missions thanks to an internship the summer before, a connection with the missionaries (who taught one of my classes while in the states), and a life-long interest in Japan (simply because I was born there). I wouldn't have met those missionaries or gotten into that internship if I wasn't here at Belhaven. I wouldn't have even considered coming to Belhaven if I had decided to major in clarinet instead of piano. And I wouldn't have decided to major in piano if I hadn't gotten mono/asthma my junior year of high school. Phew. Did that make any sense? Because those are just a few of many factors that have brought me here.

Isn't God incredible?

I highly recommend this kind of reflection. Who would've thought I would be honestly thankful for spending a year of my life pathetically sick? I had no idea what awesome things God had planned. And I can't wait to see what's coming next...

"Ue O Muite"

So, I found this random video, and my initial reaction was giggling at the absolutely fabulous dancing and amusing music. I tried to put it on here, but I am apparently incompetent, so... click here to watch, and enjoy :) It might just be the best 3 minutes of your day.

(by the way, apparently, this is the biggest international hit by a Japanese pop singer)

But then, as usual, I started over-thinking it. I looked at a translation of the song, and a brief summary is, "I'm all alone, and though my heart is filled with sorrow, I'm trying not to cry." And I know it's just a sappy love song, but...well, unfortunately, it has truth. I am by no means an expert, but I feel it is especially true of many in Japan: so hopeless and full of sorrow, but putting on a smile, whistling a happy tune, and trying to act like everything is perfect.

Will you join me in praying for the lonely and sorrowful, those in need of love and hope, especially those in Tokyo?

So Photogenic...

My latest adventure is getting a decent picture to put on an official Prayer Card. Which should be easy, right?
As you can see, taking serious, professional-looking pictures has always been one of my gifts (*note extreme use of sarcasm*)
MTW doesn't seem to approve, but I don't see why...who wouldn't pray for that face, right? ;)

Pretty Spiffy, Huh?

I decided it was high time for some fun facts about Japan, but there are so many to choose from...so I went with the cool gizmos and gadgets.

Check it out. (Yep, the title up there is a link to the Top 10 Strangest Japanese Gadgets.)

I think my personal favorite would have to be the Ear Wax Camera/Cleaner...because who doesn't want to see that? But then again, that futuristic automatic door (that forms to the shape of whoever is about to walk through) does sound pretty cool...

But if you're in the mood for some more useful info, check out these sites:

MTW Japan or MTW Tokyo

Story Time

That's right, Story time! Many people ask me, why Japan? Well, for many reasons. Today I'll just set the stage with the beginning of the story:

My journey to Japan started with a 10 month trip, that I unfortunately do not remember at all. But I have a few stories passed down to me from my parents. One of my favorites is when they went to visit a temple- really cool cultural experience, right? Wrong! The second they crossed the threshold, I started screaming my head off. Idol worship? Not this kid.

Yep, made in Japan. I was going to post a picture of an awesome "Made in Japan" tattoo, but well, let's just say if you get it done, you might as well do it right: Barbie-style.
...maybe I should go with a classier picture...






Here we go. Much better. "Made in Japan." We see it everywhere, and I have the privilege of claiming that statement.




And just for the record, no, I do not have a tattoo...yet ;)

Step One, Complete!

That's right, step one: become a 2 year missionary with Mission to the World, is now complete! To the right is a picture of a few of us with our spiffy new "bling", aka official name badge.

Step two: finish Interview and Orientation tomorrow, and head back to Mississippi.

Step three: actually use this lovely blog I have created...more than every other week.

こんにちは, aka Hi!

As you may have noticed, my name is Ellie, which comes from the Greek meaning "shining light", which as you also may have noticed, is the theme of the blog (spiffy, eh?). My inspiration is even spiffier: Christ's words found in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." That is my aim. To take all the love, and gifts, and, well, light, God has given me, and shine it out generously to others.

Right now, my adventure is focused on my journey to become an official missionary. The next step in the process is to go to a week of Interview and Orientation this month in order to, Lord willing, become a missionary to Tokyo, Japan with Mission to the World- pretty exciting!



[* if you have stumbled upon this page, my deepest apologies for your eyes as I attempt to navigate the blogging world and get it presentable, but hopefully by the time you read this, it is beautiful]