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 :)