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!)