TYPHOON!!!

It HIT.

I usually love rain. It's cool. It's refreshing. It makes everything fresh and green. :-) But this storm is different from what I'm used to. It pours without ceasing ALL day. It blows around in every direction. It soaks through every article of clothing. It chills you to the bone. It causes flooding. It kills all internet connection... (That's why I haven't been in touch for the past few days...) Being an Oregonian, when my host offered to drive me to the train station yesterday morning, I confidently told her that I was used to the rain and I'd be fine. But she insisted that I wear a huge rain coat... As I made my way through the downpour, getting completely soaked and chilled despite the coat, I was regretting every pedal. I was one of the only ones crazy enough to be out in the storm. So much for my pride... Thankfully the storm subsided around midnight. Soon I think I will look for a large, good-quality umbrella. :-)

One step at a time...

Rachel <><

CAJ/HiBA

The first day of school... Sophia definitely felt excitement, nervousness, and all those emotions associated with the first day of elementary school. Before going into the classroom, all the children took off their shoes, put them in a cubby, hung up their backpacks, put on their “inside shoes,” and used hand sanitizer (there's a huge swine flu scare here right now). I sat next to Sophia near the front of the room. There are 32 kids in the fourth grade class, and two teachers – Mrs. Kornegay and Mr. Fujishima. They started the day with a devotional/prayer time and then we played People Bingo. Mr. Fujishima then went over the classroom/playground/school rules. The kids had recess, made their desktop name tags, and then went to chapel. It was only a half day, and then class was dismissed. Sophia and I ate lunch together outside, serenaded by the semi (cicadas) – they are incredibly loud... Sophia went home with her dad around 12:30pm. Meanwhile, I stayed at the school to fill out paperwork and meet with different staff. I guess I'm causing quite a stir here at CAJ... they're not quite sure how to handle a young, untrained, uncertified, unknown “paraprofessional” helper... But they're making allowances for me. It's so strange to meet many people who have known my parents since school (one guy I met remembers my dad from kindergarten...)! This evening I met up with the HiBA staff for their leadership meeting. We talked about this upcoming year and each person's expectations. It felt like leadership team back home... HiBA is a great connection for me with other people my age! I was so touched by what went on – it was incredibly exhilarating, invigorating, and motivational for me! The director of HiBA is Paul Suzuki, who went to CAJ with my parents!!! It's incredible how God works... it was crazy to introduce myself to Paul and instantly be connected. After talking about leadership more, Paul even offered for me to join HiBA as a volunteer staff member! This ministry is right down my alley – I really felt like I was in my element. I also was so blessed by Paul's leadership; I wish more people could be mentored by him in leadership – he was purposefully Christ-focused, continually Bible-based, and repeatedly prayer-centered. He challenged my thinking and really encouraged me. I felt God moving in a mighty way – and I have so much anticipation for what God is going to do this year! This morning, I studied 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Humility. I can't rely on my own intelligence or strength – only through God can anything truly be accomplished. And in everything, I want to magnify His wisdom and strength. God is so faithfully guiding my steps – I haven't even needed to seek out these ministry opportunities! Living by faith day-by-day is an incredible blessing!

One step at a time...

Rachel <><

Orientation

It's Tuesday here in Kotesashi-Tokorozawa! What a day!

I ate breakfast with Kyoko-san before leaving by myself on the 10-minute bike ride to the eki (train station). Thankfully, I found the eki with no problem and rode my bike up to the “bike-parking” area. The cute little Japanese man came out to meet me, and I proceeded to ask, with my very limited Japanese, if he would park my bike. However, the man went on and on about something (probably trying to tell me that the bike lot was full...), and I was thoroughly confused. I would have cried at that point, but I just wandered around the eki a little before coming back near where the man was. Then, with the most confused, imploring look I could muster, I asked if I could park my bike. Thank God that the man had mercy on me and agreed to park my bike for me! I don't know what I would have done... What an interesting experience... :-)

I was so relieved to walk up the stairs and find my uncle waiting for me with a train ticket! We boarded the train and took it 5 stops to Higashikurume. Then it was just a short walk to the Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ)!!! I was able to take part in the “new student orientation.” I saw the campus, met the elementary principal and the 4th grade teachers, and even got connected with the International High School Born Againers (HiBA) group at CAJ!

Back at my uncle's house, we enjoyed a late lunch and fellowship with another missionary family. I was able to excuse myself for another nap! Sugoi desu yo?!!! I always seem to take afternoon naps at their house... hehehe

It was a relaxing afternoon/evening. We had dinner at Costco, and then I rode my bicycle home in the dark (the sun sets around 6:30pm here). The weather is “cool” and not too humid; it is cooling down considerably already! The semi (cicadas) are out in full force, making quite a racket. With CAJ starting tomorrow morning, it was nice to have time to myself while riding my bicycle to regroup, refocus, and be refreshed in the Lord.

Thank you for your continued prayers – especially as Sophia and I will begin our adventure tomorrow at CAJ! Pray for Sophia's transition into the classroom to go smoothly (there are 32 students) and for us to be able to work on how best to handle situations that arise with her implant. I'd especially appreciate prayer for me – that God's supernatural patience and love would overflow from my heart and bless everyone around me. Please also pray for me as I will be joining the leadership of the HiBA Youth Group at CAJ, and the first meeting is tomorrow night.

One step at a time...

Rachel <><

"Rest" is a good thing

I'm still a little jet lagged, and I'm drained from the new culture, people, surroundings, etc... So, what better than a couple days “off” from commitments?! I felt so happy when I heard that I could have Sunday and Monday to myself... haha – what a joke...

First of all, I already have trouble on my own taking time “off” – there's so much to do and see and experience! How can I slow down? But then add to that the excitement of being in a new place – which makes me want to go, go, go! – and kindly-meaning hosts – who want to help me go, go, go! – and you've got the recipe for my schedule the past two days.

SUNDAY I went to my uncle's church, as I mentioned in the previous post. Then I headed over to his house for lunch with his family. I hung out with my cousins Sophia (12) and Serene (10); we biked over to the 100yen shop where we got pictures taken (SO much fun, btw...), looked around the shop, and then biked home. After taking an hour-long nap, I had my first big “test.” They sent me out to bike to Kyoko-san's house (a 15-20minute bike ride). Praise God He helped me find my way just fine! :-) Upon arriving, I immediately left for a festival with Kyoko-san. We walked to a nearby park (koen) and spent some time enjoying the traditional music, dancing, games, and (of course) snacks. Then Kyoko-san and I met up with another lady from church, Kaiyoko-san, for dinner. I thought I might fall asleep right in the middle of dinner, but then they all started grilling me on Bible stories and the passages where they're found. Thankfully I had my Bible stowed away in my purse!

MONDAY was absolutely sugoi (amazing)!!! Kyoko-san took me by train to Tokyo Station, where we went on a Hato Bus Tour. I saw the Imperial Palace grounds, ate lunch on the 17th floor of the Imperial Hotel, viewed Tokyo from the 52nd floor of the Roppongi Hills tower, and relaxed in the tranquility of the Furukawa-Teien. Sugoi desu yo?!

I've been learning as much Japanese from Kyoko-san as possible. We've spent hours helping each other with our respective languages. Every meal, we pray together, and usually in the mornings we discuss our devotional times. Last night, she also got out her photo albums and showed me her travels.

Even though I feel exhausted from all of this, it has been restful. It's a change of pace. God knew I would need it – it's so great that He has given me this time to get close to Kyoko-san before school starts and I become more busy. Every day is a new adventure, and I never quite seem to know what is going to happen next. But that's part of the beauty of learning to trust and obey God. :-)

One step at a time...

Rachel <><

Blessings

Sunday morning I went to my uncle's church in Tokorozawa – the International Community Chapel of Saitama (ICCS). It was amazing because everything was in English! The message was so encouraging to me! It was from John 15, talking about the vine and the branches that bear good fruit. The pastor talked a lot about “fruit” and what my job is – to be faithful and trust God to finish the work He started. I felt that it was a word spoken for me for where I am right now. :-) I could go on and on about the church service itself, but I want to focus more on the incredible blessings I received from my time at ICCS. At the end of the message, there was a sharing time. My uncle introduced me, and I made a little “thank you” speech. After the service, so many people came up to me and introduced themselves! Each one told me how they personally supported me! It was incredible. One seminary intern with ICCS told me, “Ever since I heard about Sophia's need in May, I've been praying for you to be able to come everyday.”

Even though this community of believers did not know me, they faithfully prayed for me, gave money, bought my plane ticket, offered their homes, lent bicycles, etc... I was overwhelmed. I've already been absolutely amazed by the outpouring of love and gifts from everyone at home, but I had no idea the extent of the support I had received from people here! It was truly touching. God sure works in incredible ways – which should not surprise me, but it still does. :-) When I heard about more of the ways God provided for me to be here in Japan, I couldn't help but feel such joy and peace – knowing that this is exactly where God wants me right now! It's so exciting to following His leading!

One step at a time...

Rachel <><

First Impressions

Foreign food. Difficult language. Confusing culture. Narrow streets. Petite people. Humidity. Pollution. Rain.

Welcome to Japan -- my new home for 3 months!

I'm surrounded by people and smothered with hospitality. I spent my first night on the living room floor of my uncle's house and passed the day getting organized, learning about Sophia's cochlear implant, discussing expectations/learning my schedule from my uncle, spending time in prayer, and sleeping. At 4pm, I met my new host family. I'm staying with an elderly couple and their daughter. The mom, who is the only Christian in the household, took me with her to her English conversation class, and we spent two hours visiting. After a late dinner of curry rice, I came upstairs to my own little room with my own little air conditioner! It's great – only 80 degrees! Amazingly, I can put my computer into a corner of my room – between my bed and the wall – and get a slight wi-fi signal!!! So, we'll see how this all plays out... :-)

There's so much to learn and experience and try to understand. Please pray that I'd have cultural sensitivity, courage to go outside my comfort zone, patience, and God's love for the people.

Thank you for your prayers!

One step at a time...

Rachel <>< Tokyo (see Tokyo Tower in the red) from the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hill. Kyoko-san, my homestay host

Getting here...

Numb. I think that would describe my emotional state as I hugged my parents, inched my way through security, waved one last goodbye to my mom, turned my back, and walked deliberately towards my gate. Stiffly, I sat waiting to board my flight to Tokyo.

Plane rides are only enjoyable to me when 1.) I'm in good company and can visit the time away in a carefree way and 2.) I'm on my way to some exciting place. This plane ride was extremely qualified in both areas.

Being absolutely exhausted from my hectic schedule, I was asleep on the runway even before the plane took off. When I finally dragged my senses together, we were already several hours into the flight. Turning to the lady sitting next to me, I smiled and began to ask her questions. As it turned out, she was a Chinese lady who attends Portland State University but was on her way to Shanghai to visit family. We made small talk for several minutes before falling silent again... but I felt God convicting me – I needed to share my faith with her.

After telling her that I had spent part of last summer in China, I began asking her cultural questions, which led straight into religion. She seemed rather reluctant to talk about spiritual things, but convicted by the Holy Spirit, I dove in and asked her what she believed. We ended up discussing our beliefs for over an hour, and I was able to share the gospel with her! God really put it on my heart to stress that Jesus is the ONLY way to a relationship with God. For each question she had, God helped me to have the words to tie it back to that fact.

In the end, she just smiled and thanked me for sharing with her. I wasn't sure how much of that was just being polite or how much of it was genuine. But then, with tears in her eyes, she reached out and hugged me. All I could do was pray that God would use our discussion to bring her one step closer to Himself. She has her own set of stepping stones, but I'm thankful that our paths could cross briefly.

One step at a time...

Rachel <><

Stepping Stones

Stepping-stones: sometimes dangerous, often unstable.

But they have a very important function: they get us places.

I imagine life like a series of stepping-stones. Most of the time, I can only see the very next stone. It looks far away and scary, but if I give it a full-fledged leap, I know that I can make it. Usually, I can’t see past that next stone, but I know that God has called me to take the leap anyway. The future is unclear, but I can leap knowing that God will continue to direct me to the next stone.

Right now, I’m on life’s path through sometimes frightening waters, teetering on one stone – poised – getting ready to take my next leap of faith. It’s not clear where God is leading in the long run, but this next stepping stone is in place – God has called me to spend the next three months in Japan.

So, I’m taking the leap.

One step at a time . . .

Rachel <><