The Day In The Life Of Bekah

Refresh Your Heart by Claudia Barba

2012-02-19T07:49:00.002-05:00

Psalm 139:17-18

17. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18. If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

"When my son Jeremiah was little and learning to count, we read Psalm 139:17-18 together. He asked, 'How many is that?' 'How many is what?' I responded. 'How many is the number of the sand?' 'It's a lot,' I assured him. 'Can we count them?' he persisted. 'Yes, we could count some,' I agreed, thinking that he could use some counting practice. We got a cup of sand, a toothpick, a sheet of white paper, and a magnifying glass and began to count grains of sand. I quickly realized that this would take more time than we had and larger numbers than he knew. We decided to count just a spoonful. Still there were far too many. We finally decided to count just the grains of sand that stuck to one little finger and were then brushed onto the paper. That was manageable. 'Forty-two!' he exclaimed when he was finished. 'Did God think about me forty-two times today?'

The God of the universe doesn't think about you just forty-two times a day. His thoughts of you are continuous--HE NEVER STOPS!"

2012-02-15T01:29:00.000-05:00

Time out with friends

2012-01-10T08:42:00.003-05:00

Over the New Year's holiday, Jenny, Kumiko and I went to the Nagoya Aquarium and Harbor. It was sooooo cold but sooooo much fun!

After watching the dolphin show and seeing all the fish, we decided to do SUSHI for supper, hahahaha!!!!

Vocabulary cards

2012-01-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

This is a list of words that I wrote down during the Sunday school lesson and the morning message yesterday. Most of the words are ones I don't know but some are one I've heard before but the meaning didn't come to mind instantly. When I first started doing this over a year ago, I had more than both sides of the paper filled. At times I felt like my head would explode and would quit writing down words. Now, more than a year later, I'm down to only one side of the paper!!!! Not pictured are the sermon notes on the other side of the paper. I know I'm understanding the message when I get convicted, hahaha!

Don't leave home without it....

2011-12-23T20:34:00.006-05:00

I pretty much don't leave the house before checking to see if I have my cell phone and my iPod touch...which has my dictionary app. I use my dictionary all the time...in church, talking with Japanese friends, and grocery shopping. In fact, it came in very handy yesterday while I was shopping.

A few days ago I found a recipe on the internet that I wanted to try but it called for Chinese 5 spice...which I didn't have. When I got to the spice section of the store yesterday, I remembered to try and look for it. So...I scanned all the spices to see if I could read any of the kanji. I came to an excited halt when I found a packet that had the kanji for the #5 on it...

...I instantly pulled out my little handy dandy dictionary and started writing the three kanji to make sure this was the spice I was looking for.

Meaning: #5

Meaning: incense, smell, perfume

Meaning: flour, powder, dust

Put all three together and what do you get...FIVE-SPICE POWDER!!!!!!

Yes, Bekah did the dance of joy right there in the middle of the grocery store!!!!

Out with Kim

2011-12-22T21:08:00.002-05:00

Kim and I enjoyed a lunch downtown at the Hilton! It was Kim's treat for watching Pixie while they were on furlough. We chose to wait until December so we could enjoy all the Christmas decorations they had up...and enjoy we did!

Kim really got into it with sitting on Santa's lap! Before you all ask, no there isn't a picture with me and Santa.

The train set was really neat!

Christmas Ladies Tea

2011-12-21T20:38:00.003-05:00

I guess the title is pretty self explanatory. We had four visitors and I they all seemed to have a really good time. This definitely something the average Japanese lady does not do and it was a lot of fun seeing them enjoy themselves.

This is really Kim's "cup of tea!" She does a great job with this kind of fancy stuff :) We both worked on the menu together and it was a lot of fun.

Kim asked me to give the devotional. With it being a mixed group of Japanese and English speakers, Mrs. Matsuo did the translation for me...not that good yet in my speaking ability to translate for myself, ha! For some of the ladies, this was their first time hearing the Gospel.

2011-11-29T19:48:00.002-05:00

Fear thou not for I am with thee,

I thy God-be not dismayed:

Face the days that lie before thee,

Trust Me and be unafraid.

When the nights are darkest trust Me;

Trust Me when the days are bright.

'Tis My mighty hand upholds thee,

Though 'tis hidden from thy sight.

All the journey I am with thee,

All thy weakness I'll sustain;

Never shall My presence leave thee;

Trust Me still in joy and pain.

Trust Me when the shadows lengthen,

And the shades of night draw near;

I am with thee still to strengthen.

Trust in Me and have no fear.

When for thee life's journey's ended

And thy days of service o're-

With Me Who for thee has tended

Thou shalt be for evermore.

~J.C. Whitelaw

The tree is up!

2011-11-25T02:05:00.005-05:00

I pulled out the box of decorations today and got my little place all ready for Christmas.

I don't put out a lot, but I like what I have.

My most treasured ornament. My grandmother made one for each of her grandchildren many years ago...just love it!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2011-11-23T22:20:00.001-05:00

First time ever!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-23T06:09:00.004-05:00

Today I cooked my very first turkey!!!! As you can see in the pictures, I was VERY excited! Got up at 7:00 AM and got that little sucker in the oven.

Made a few phone calls to my Mom and she helped me through it all...plus making a few calls back and forth to my coworker, Kim. It was fun to be on the phone with my mom...she also walked me through on making her stuffing. So, today I made a turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and red cabbage....fun day of cooking!

This is the "TOTALLY excited" picture! I remember watching Bobby Flay on TV once showing how to carve a turkey. In fact, it was the Thanksgiving Throwdown with him and the Pioneer Woman. Finally got my opportunity!

Friday nights

2011-11-18T09:53:00.002-05:00

Since the beginning of this year, Kumiko and I have been getting together most Friday evenings. It's been great practice for my Japanese and Kumiko has been very patient. We talk a lot about the Bible and the different things we're both learning. Kumiko asks a lot of questions and it's been really exciting to see her grow spiritually. I'm very thankful for her friendship.

Kim joined us tonight for the first time. We had a great time laughing and looking back, I'm kind of shocked we weren't asked to keep it down, hahaha!

Fall in Asuke

2011-11-17T21:53:00.005-05:00

A few days ago my coworkers and I headed out of town to see the fall colors. We really enjoyed our time and loved seeing what God has done.

Festival in Asuke

2011-11-15T08:27:00.004-05:00

Aren't festivals always about the food??? Today, my coworkers and I went about an hour out of town to enjoy the Asuke Matsuri. I'll show pictures of the beautiful scenery in the next post.

Here my friends are enjoying "goheimochi." It's basically mashed rice on a stick smeared in a sauce. This is a specialty of the area and people just love it...me, not so much!

Sparrow on a stick anyone? It's only $5.84 for one!

This was the best Chinese Ramen I have ever had! They made the noodles in this big pot.

YUMMY!!!!!

Totally cool!

2011-11-15T08:14:00.004-05:00

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of Japanese adults learning English. I was asked to give a speech on women of the Bible, so I chose Rabab, Ruth and Mary. All three of these women were in the line of Jesus Christ. At the end of the speech, I was able to open it up for questions. I cannot tell you how amazed I was at the way the Lord had directed. The questions ranged from the names of Christ to 'What has been the greatest impact on your life?' Because this was a one time opportunity, I'm very thankful I was able to share with them so much about God and His great love.

2011-11-14T17:55:00.003-05:00

He does not lead me year by year

Nor even day by day,

But step by step my path unfolds;

My Lord directs the way.

Tomorrow's plans I do not know,

I only know this minute;

But He will...say, "This is the way,

By faith now walk ye in it."

And I am glad that it is so,

Today's enough to bear;

And when tomorrow comes, His grace

Shall far exceed its care.

What need to worry then or fret?

The God who gave His Son

Holds all my moments in His hand

And gives them, one by one.

~ Barbara G. Ryberg

His Word in my Heart by Janet Pope

2011-10-14T22:01:00.002-05:00

This is an excerpt from a book that I am currently reading. It's a bit long but was a blessing to me and hope it will be to you as well.

"When our son Austin was born, one foot was bent the wrong way. We were sent to a specialist, who explained that it was a completely normal foot but had been cramped in the womb. This doctor did not ask for our suggestions or ideas; he had his own procedure. He described the tiny orthopedic shoe Austin would have to wear. These would hold both of his feet together with an eight-inch metal brace. The doctor assured us that if we followed his instructions precisely, Austin would have a perfect foot in about a year, with no lasting effects. If we didn't follow his orders, Austin would be impaired for the rest of his life.

The instructions were simple: Keep the shoes on at all times, except for bathing, and buy new shoes every four or five weeks. That didn't sound too complicated. We left the doctor's office with our six-week-old baby boy and his new shoes. We were so relieved at the good news and determined to be faithful to the guidelines because nothing less than a perfect foot was acceptable for our son.

Before we even pulled into our driveway, Austin began to cry. He did not like those pretty new shoes. His feet were basically tied together, and he couldn't kick one without the other. He cried, he screamed, he got mad, he fought and kicked and begged us with his eyes to stop this torture. He didn't understand what was happening to him and why we were being so cruel. He looked at us with such sad eyes, and we really did feel sorry for him. But we loved him too much to give in, no matter how much he cried. That first day and night, he wailed constantly until he was so exhausted he finally fell asleep.

The next day, we were flying to Florida to visit grandparents, so we decided to skip the bath that morning, because if we took off the shoes and he tasted freedom, he'd start crying again when we put them back on. We went to Florida, and it wasn't until the next day that we finally took the shoes off for the first time to bathe him. Bless his heart, he had kicked and fought so much that he had a terrible blister on his heel, already broken, sore, and red. It was almost too much for a mother to bear.

I called the doctor in Dallas and asked if we could keep the shoes off until it healed. He said, "Absolutely not. If it hurts him enough, he'll quite kicking." For the next twelve months, we rigidly followed the doctor's orders, and today our son has a perfect foot. He said to me the other day, "Mom, which foot was it?" I laughed and said, "I can't even remember."

What's the point to this story? We are all born defective, and God, who is the Master Designer, has a plan to fix us. He has given us a Book of complete instructions, and He has given us a resident Helper, His Spirit. As we obey these instructions, we are being transformed to conform to God's original design. If we ignore the instructions, we will continue to be impaired. When we are faced with these two options, there seems an obvious choice, but of course, it's never that simple. Obedience means changing, and we resist change because it is often a painful process that involves trials and hardships. Our nature tells us to find another way so that we can avoid the bruises and scars. We may kick and scream and blame God, but He loves us too much to change the instructions. Nothing less than perfect is acceptable to God because we are His children."

Come, Thou Fount

2011-10-13T21:10:00.002-05:00

O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here's my heart, O take and seal it;

Seal it for Thy courts above.

~ Robert Robinson 1735-1790

Off to Yoro

2011-10-08T18:01:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, our church was invited to the 17th anniversary of Grace Gospel Church in Yoro. Pastor Nagata has been serving the Lord faithfully for over 60 years. It's always a blessing when both of our churches get together. A lot of good fellowship!

Tim brought a great message on Faithfulness.

Ladies singing group

Kumiko and Joy.

Joy just recently started coming to our international church. She really has been a lot of fun getting to know.

Had to throw this one in just to show everyone how I coordinate my chewing gum and necklace, hahaha! It's very important you know!

Painting

2011-10-04T07:38:00.009-05:00

The church kitchen was in major need of some TLC or as the Japanese say, "reform." Kim and I took on this project last week and are very pleased with how it all turned out.

The thing that took the longest was organizing this large shelving unit and covering the windows.

After pulling everything to the center of the room, Kim and I got busy.

Painting the walls, adding new rugs, curtains, and baskets to the microwave stand made this little room look 100x's better.

It was so fun to see the reaction of the church people this past Sunday. All the ladies were very pleased with how it turned out.

To the mountains we go....

2011-09-23T06:04:00.005-05:00

Red calendar days = national holiday! Today Kumiko, a friend from church, and I went to Nagano Prefecture for a 10k hike in the mountains. The pictures don't do the views justice but I hope you enjoy the photos.

The picture above is a stone road that has been around for a few hundred years....can't remember how many though.

We stopped off at a local restaurant for lunch. We both ordered cold Soba noodles made from buckwheat flour. The green onions, grated daikon (like a radish) and wasabi is mixed into the sauce in the little cup. Then the noodles are dipped into the sauce and from there you enjoy your meal!

I couldn't get over how blue the water was.

The local farmers are gathering the rice. It was neat to see but I'm sure it took a LOT of work.

Another day with my sister

2011-07-15T02:58:00.003-06:00

This morning, Trina and I headed downtown for the day.

After doing some shopping, we went to Wolfgang Puck's for lunch.

YUM!

After lunch, we took a tour of the Nagoya Castle...

...and got our picture taken with this guy! I guess he's some "samurai" character roaming around the grounds. Not sure what's up with his porcupine hair though.

It really has been a lot of fun having my sister here and taking her all over Nagoya.

The Toyota Factory

2011-07-15T02:43:00.007-06:00

This past Wednesday, a group of us toured the Toyota factory. We weren't able to take pictures inside the factory but we were allowed to take ones inside the showroom! We all had a blast sitting in brand new cars....ones we'll probably never again get to sit in!!!!

Never in my life did I think I would sit in a band new Lexus.

Today's Activities

2011-07-12T06:32:00.003-06:00

This morning, I taught my very first Japanese Ladies Bible Study. Since it was my first time teaching, I gave my salvation testimony and how I was called into missions. Trina also gave her testimony and the ladies really seemed to enjoy both, though I'm not sure you can tell by their faces in this picture, hahah!

After the Bible study, Trina, my coworkers and I went downtown. Sorry no pictures of the coworkers, haha! Just Trina and myself :)

We enjoyed cooling down in Starbucks!

Let Freedom Ring!

2011-07-03T17:12:00.003-06:00

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr, noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution.

These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Welcome!

2011-07-02T02:32:00.008-06:00

Before entering a Japanese home, you always remove your shoes first. The cupboard that the flowers are sitting on is the "getabako"~shoe storage. Yes, it is full!!!!

The bedroom is a bit narrow but it works.

The door on the left in the photo below is the restroom.

My new apartment

2011-06-28T18:53:00.006-06:00

Back in April, I moved out of the church apartment into my permanent place. I can't thank the Lord enough for providing a beautiful apartment at such a great price. Over this past year, I was collecting furniture and am totally thrilled how it all finally came together. I took my time making choices on the styles and prayed that the Lord would help me make it look classy but inexpensive. I'm very pleased with the turnout.

The living room/dining room area has two sliding doors that lead out to the veranda.

I know it's hard to see but the plant in the middle of the curtains was given to me as a house warming gift. It was the perfect gift for that spot.

The room behind the couch is my office. I typically leave the sliding doors pulled across to divide the rooms up a bit. I just love the blue potted plant down in the corner. I asked the Lord to give me a unique plant to place there and I think it adds a really nice touch.

The office

The sliding doors on the back wall is a huge Japanese closet. I would show you but it's my dresser/storage area.

Once my co-workers container arrives, the bookshelf to the right will be full of A Beka Flash-A-Cards. I'm thinking I might have to get another shelf for all the Sunday school material that will be arriving. Not sure yet but we'll see.

Diningroom/Kitchen

When I was contemplating on how I wanted to decorate my home, I did a bit of research on cheap homemade wall art. While I was back in the States for Erin's wedding, I bought the yellow material. Once I got back to Japan, I went to the local home store and bought a $7.00 cork board and stretched the material around it and stapled it in the back. I love how it turned out.

The cupboard and sink were brand new when I moved in. I couldn't have been any happier with the color of the cupboards. It matches my dishes just perfect.

This is a little freezer and my coffee "dana" shelf. Behind the door there is a sliding door that leads into the office. It's in such an odd location that I never use it. The two little things on the wall are the hot water gage (left) and the doorbell monitor (right). The doorbell monitor is equipped with a camera. I just LOVE that!!!

Well, that is the tour of my living room, office, dining room, and kitchen. I'll post pictures of the bedroom and entrance area in the next post.

Church BBQ

2011-06-27T17:32:00.002-06:00

This past Sunday we combined the Japanese church and the International church. Afterwards, we had our annual church BBQ. It was well attended and we also had four visitors. Two of them are contacts my co worker's wife made through the gym she's been going to for the past four years!!!

There was food a plenty! No one went home hungry.

Jenny was ready to dig in!

There was a lot of screaming and laughing while playing Bocce Ball.

We ended the BBQ with relaxing inside with the air conditioner and playing card games.

Rachel and Jenny

2011-06-26T07:15:00.003-06:00

This past Friday, Rachel and Jenny came over to spend the night. Our fun started out by eating at a "Shabu shabu" restaurant.

Shabu shabu is basically a boiled meal. Sitting on a burner in the middle of the table is a pot that is divided in to two filled with two kinds of broth. The pork and beef are sliced very thin so once they are placed in the broth, it doesn't take them but a few seconds to cook. Also, the buffet is full of raw vegetables to be added to the broth as well. Once cooked, you can dip everything in two different kinds of sauces. This by far one of the healthiest meals I've found in Japan.

Rachel has a part time job at a French restaurant so later that evening while Rachel was hard at work washing dishes, Jenny and I went for dessert and coffee. It was a lot of fun spending time with girls this weekend.

Out with friends from church

2011-06-19T07:31:00.003-06:00

A group of us after church this evening went out to Tsurumai Park. We really had a good time walking around and just spending time with each other.

Sunday AM

2011-06-02T02:53:00.002-06:00

Here's a picture of the Sunday morning church. This was a welcome home for my coworkers and a goodbye to the Musks. You can tell that it was kind of hard to get two of the girls to want to be in the picture :) Please pray for our little church as we reach out to our community.

"The Garden Of The Gods"

2011-05-31T17:09:00.005-06:00

After visiting in Omaha, I flew out Denver to visit my sister Trina and our other sister Penny flew out from Pennsylvania. We were only together a few days but we had a good time. On our last day, we drove over to Colorado Springs to go hiking at The Garden Of The Gods.

The snow caped mountain is Pikes Peak.

The views were breath taking!

We took a packed lunch and eat on the trail enjoying God's creation!

After Trina and I were done taking pictures of ourselves, we came around the corner and found Penny checking out the map.

After I ran back and forth several times trying to get my camera to take a picture of us on timer, which wasn't working, another couple came by and they were able to take our photo!

In Omaha with my cousins

2011-05-30T21:14:00.003-06:00

After Erin's wedding, I went and spent the night over with my cousin and and wife. It's been ages since we've seen each other and we had a great time....when Don wasn't glued to twitter, haha!!!

They asked me what I can't get in Japan that I miss eating and I said a good pizza. They took me downtown to Zio's Pizzeria and it was really good! If any of you are ever in that area, a stop off at Zio's is a must.

You can see we enjoyed it!

Downtown

Saw this in a window and thought it was pretty neat.

Wii with Erin and Jeff

2011-05-13T20:35:00.004-06:00

Playing archery

Major concentration was going on!

A lot of screaming and cheering was going on!!!

Nabano No Sato

2011-05-08T20:33:00.005-06:00

Another day trip during Golden Week. A group of us from church enjoyed the day looking at all the tulips at a flower park. We had so much fun running around and taking pictures.

Out with friends

2011-05-03T23:14:00.003-05:00

Golden Week is one of the major holidays in Japan. Because most everyone gets an extented holiday from work, it's the big travel season. Jenny, Kumio and I decided to travel to the mountains and visit Kumiko's friend who owns and runs a small cafe. We enjoyed our day together and it was great practice for my Japanese.

The cafe is in an old style Japanese home which is over a 100 years old.

Jenny, Kumiko and myself

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T06:58:00.004-05:00

We really had a great turnout this year for Easter Sunday! We combined the Japanese and International service together and everyone enjoy the fellowship together. Mr. Musk did a great job switching from Japanese to English throughout the entire program.

Potluck Meal

Everyone enjoyed coloring Easter eggs. For several, it was their first time.

We started at 10:30 AM and ended around 4:00 PM. It was one full day but such a blessing to see everyone fellowshipping and enjoying themselves.

Last bit of language school stuff

2011-04-18T04:32:00.003-05:00

In the mail this week, I received several copies of the newsletter my language school puts out bi-monthly. Look whose essay got placed in the April issue! I was pretty excited about it.

Receiving my graduation diploma from the principal.

Graduation day group photo. Notice the guy in the second row giving bunny ears to the principal of all people!!!! I had a good laugh when I saw that one.

A Healthy Lunch

2011-04-16T06:51:00.003-05:00

I came across the idea of using rice paper wraps in place of bread or tortillas several weeks ago on the internet. One wrap has less then 4g of carbs! It's a great substitute and very tasty. If you can find them in your local oriental grocery store, try them out for yourself. Not pictured are carrot sticks that balanced out today's lunch!

The Tin Can

2011-04-08T23:17:00.002-05:00

The Lord provided me with the cutest little car!!!! For the past year, I've been asking the Lord to lead me to the exact car He would have for me. Well, last week He lead me to this Daihatsu Tanto!!!

Language Class

2011-03-07T02:55:00.002-05:00

Last semester, Mike designed the cover page for the J1 class and this year he was asked to design the J2 cover. He got pretty creative by putting Godzilla in the photo. My favorite part are the two nuns!!!

Kimyal New Testament launch in Indonesia

2011-02-18T20:10:00.000-05:00

I know this isn't Christmas but it has a great message!

2011-02-16T03:27:00.000-05:00

The new mall in town

2011-02-14T04:15:00.007-05:00

After church Sunday, a group of us went out to the new mall that opened up. I cannot tell you how exciting it is!!!!

Eating supper at the food court and below is just one of the meals that was bought.

Not mine but it looks good!

The squid ball stand.

Starbucks and The Gap are my two favorite places to go.

Thank you!

International Church

2011-02-14T04:08:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures of church this past Sunday. I forgot to take pictures of the Japanese service so that will be next week.

Our International Church consists of Malaysians, Filipino, Japanese, Canadians, Indonesians, and Americans.

After church, we have a fellowship time.

Slippers

2011-01-15T01:58:00.002-05:00

I'm sure you all know that the Japanese take off their shoes before going into their homes. Well, often it's not just their homes where they take their shoes off before entering, church, doctor offices, governmental buildings are a few others. All this to say, this past Sunday I looked down at our slippers and had a little laugh about all the different designs. Several of us bring our own because the blue plastic ones that the church provides do not seem to keep our feet very warm enough.

Back to South Africa

2011-01-08T05:54:00.002-05:00

Amy was in the States on her first furlough for the past 7 months. She went back to SA today which will take her about 33 hours.....glad it doesn't take me that long to get to Japan! The Lord has really used Amy in the ministry and I know He will continue to do so during her next term.

They're in love.....

2011-01-07T08:50:00.002-05:00

My bestest friend in the whole wide world is getting married! I can't be more excited for Erin and Jeff.

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-12-31T10:57:00.000-05:00

International Christmas Party

2010-12-29T22:24:00.004-05:00

We started off with singing about 30 minutes of Christmas Carols and then went into some games and snacks. Here are pictures of everyone that came.

Christmas Program

2010-12-29T22:13:00.003-05:00

It might look small but we were thrilled for the turn out that we had for the program. There were at least 6 unsaved that heard the Gospel. Two of my classmates from language school came.

Mrs. Matsuo sang a solo.

The trio sang "A Long Time Ago In Bethlehem"

Min and Jenny played "Joy To The World"

2010-12-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

The tree

2010-12-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

Finally got my little tree up tonight!

Troy Polamalu Crazy Interception

2010-12-13T16:50:00.000-05:00

Going Home

2010-12-06T03:39:00.002-05:00

One of my classmates, sitting to my left, will be going back to China tomorrow. Several of us from class went out together for lunch and to say goodbye! We all had a good time talking and laughing. Shue San will be missed!

Me, Shue San, and Evelyn

The Story of Jonah

2010-11-23T08:40:00.000-05:00

Wish I could have been there too!

2010-11-08T03:23:00.005-05:00

At least once a year, four of my friends and myself try to get together for a "Girls only weekend." This year Becky and I couldn't make but Erin, Roxi and Mary Ann had a great time together. You'll have to go to Erin's blog and check out all the fun they had!

1st year in Japan

2010-10-07T18:19:00.002-06:00

I was looking through some pictures my sister and put on her Facebook page and came across this one. My guess is we were singing a special in church but not sure.

It had to have been taken when I was about 4 years old. Left to right: My brother Rich, Wess R., Tobby R. Marlo R., my sister Penny, my sister Trina, Bekah R. and myself.

My trip to Costco

2010-10-06T16:18:00.004-06:00

This past week, the Musks and I took a trip to Costco which is about 2 1/2 hours away. We stopped at several rest areas and I just had to take pictures of these signs I saw in English.

Wash Button = Flush

No, it's not to wash your hands!!!!

...just in case you aren't sure as to how to properly sit down.

...and last but not least, your guess is as good as mine!!!!

Friends

2010-10-01T06:16:00.004-06:00

This past week was the last day of school for the J1 class. We're all pretty excited that we'll be moving on to the next semester together. Our teachers, the three sitting upfront, mentioned several times how our class had formed a unique friendship with each other. I'm so thankful the Lord placed me in this class.

The cover page

2010-09-24T17:38:00.006-06:00

The teachers at my language school are putting a remembrance book together for our class. Mike (front middle) was volunteered to design the cover page. His idea came from a Japanese game show and I think he did a great job!

Yeah, we had a few words about the choice of picture he used for me, hahaha! I told him it looks like I'm about to chew the guy's head off. He said, "Yeah, that's what I wanted." Oh well :)

Hello!

2010-09-22T01:56:00.002-06:00

The other morning I went to open my window and found this little guy on the other side. Had to take a picture cause I thought his little toes were so cute!

Birthday gift

2010-09-20T23:38:00.004-06:00

During one of our study sessions this summer, my friend Evelyn gave me this stuffed bear for my Birthday. At first when I pulled it out of the box, my first thought was "Um....a green bear with no eyes." I really tried to sound excited about it but Evelyn could tell that I wasn't impressed at all. She says to me, "You have no clue what it is do you?" I said, "NOPE!"

It's speakers for my itouch

It's pretty cool and I use it most every morning...listening to music while I'm getting ready for the day.

To Life: Vanessa's Wedding Surprise

2010-09-18T04:28:00.000-06:00

Sushi

2010-09-18T03:49:00.003-06:00

After touring the Yakult factory today, we stopped for a late lunch/early supper of Sushi. There are several kinds I wasn't willing to try but there was enough variety to choose from.

Min did the ordering for us. When you order, it comes on a little train but I forgot to get a picture of that.

You can also take any of the plates that come around on the belt. We didn't choose any of those because they looked a bit dry.

You pay by the plate. There are two sushi per plate. It can differ in price but pretty much it's 105 yen a plate.

Do I really need a list????

2010-09-15T06:42:00.002-06:00

When I looked into my frig. this evening, I told myself it was getting cleaned tomorrow. Then I got this great idea to make a cleaning list. After writing a few things down, I finally realized.....

Gone Fish'n

2010-09-13T22:46:00.002-06:00

Last month, my sister Penny and her family went up to my parent's place for a week or so. Here are pictures of their little fishing trip. Casper was totally into the fishing as well.

My dad, Billy and Casper

Kathy showing off her "big" catch.

Penny said that Billy asked his dad if he could help clean the fish. He told his dad that he wanted to see the heart and see if God was in it. Soooo cute!!!! Yes, he was a bit confused but we are praying for the day when Billy accepts Christ into his life!

It was nice to see pictures of my doggie and see that he is doing so well. Sure do miss the little guy!

September 11

2010-09-11T04:12:00.000-06:00

Complete in Thee

2010-09-08T23:28:00.001-06:00

Lunch

2010-09-07T02:21:00.005-06:00

Today several of us from language school went to a local restaurant. It was fun spending time with students from the other classes. Also, it's great language practice.

There are four countries represented here: Philippines, England, China and America. It was pretty funny watching the one Chinese boy eat with a fork and knife. You could tell he only ever uses chopsticks!

Kim, you should recognize this restaurant. Wolfgang Puck's. It's pretty fancy but they have a cheap lunch menu.

You Bet Your Life with Marcia Brody (Part 1)

2010-08-28T17:33:00.000-06:00

You Bet Your Life with Marcia Brody (Part 2)

2010-08-28T17:32:00.000-06:00

Shocker of all shockers

2010-08-25T01:18:00.001-06:00

At school studying during summer vacation!!!! Got together with another friend from class four times during this month. We didn't want to totally forget everything we learned.

Trick Art

2010-08-25T00:43:00.007-06:00

Last Saturday, Loh, Min and I went down town and spent several hours in a trick art museum. We had a blast acting pretty silly and basically pushing the little kids out of the way so we could get our pictures taken.

Standing in line for an hour waiting to get in....I would have to say it was worth it!

First off though, we stopped and had lunch at an authentic Japanese style restaurant. Notice how every thing has its own little dish. Erin, thought of you....not a single thing was touching unless you wanted it to. Min and I both commented on how many dishes we would have wash if we eat like this at home...no thank you!

We were pretty much the only ones acting things out.

Most of our time was spent on these three photos trying to figure out how we were supposed to take the picture. Have to say it looks pretty real!

Camp #2

2010-08-21T16:50:00.001-06:00

This is our church group. Not a very good picture but there were seven us that went for English Family Camp. We all had a blast playing in the carpet ball competition, Bible quizzing, Basketball, and of course the great fellowship.

Craft time, fun!!

Helping out in the kitchen.

Texting in a foreign language

2010-08-20T16:31:00.005-06:00

I have never been a texting fan by any means but since living here in Japan, I've been doing it a lot more. I personally would much rather talk to whomever it is that is texting but I do have to admit that it has really helped with my Japanese.....thanks to my good friend O San. The first few times it took me like 30 minutes to just get "Hi" typed out.

Don't you all wish you knew what it said???.....basically, we were texting back and forth about our summer vacation.

Kamikochi

2010-08-17T07:15:00.005-06:00

Last week, a group of us from church took a day trip to the mountains. It was really beautiful and I would go back in a heart beat. Enjoy the pictures from the day.

Singing in the rain!!! Yeah, I think all the Japanese people we passed thought we were a bit crazy!

Very thankful for the great friends the Lord has brought my way!

Family Camp

2010-08-17T07:05:00.002-06:00

The month of August has been full of summer fun and one of those is Japanese Family Camp! Two families from church and myself spent two days at camp. We really had a great time enjoying the fellowship of other believers from two different churches. Mrs. Ishikawa and Mrs. Matsuo did a great job during the Bible Quizing.

Friends from church

2010-08-13T22:48:00.002-06:00

Left to right: Min, myself, Kyoko, Melissa, and Irene

Kyoko lives in the States but was home for a few weeks visiting her family this summer. Her parents happen to live right across the street from the church and it was a blessing to spend time with her. She is also good friends with my sister Trina.

Trip to Yoro

2010-08-13T22:39:00.003-06:00

Several weeks ago, our church was invited to a special music event at a church about an hour and a half away. Pastor Nagata, the man in the straw hat, and his wife have been coming to our church once a month filling in until the Musks arrive in September. It has been such a blessing getting to know Pastor Nagata and his wife (standing to the right of me wearing a black hat). In many ways, Pastor Nagata reminds me a lot of my former pastor, Chance Ickes, who is now with the Lord.

Fireworks

2010-07-26T06:07:00.001-06:00

Dinner at Loh and Min's

2010-07-20T02:36:00.003-06:00

This past Saturday, Loh and Min from our International church invited us all over for a Malaysian meal. It definitely was "Good Eats!!"

Left to right: Irene, Jenny, Min, Loh, Glen and Tammy.

Pictures from school

2010-07-20T02:28:00.004-06:00

This was practice for the BIG speech we all had to give.

When I signed up for school, I asked the Lord to put me in the exact class He wanted me in. I'm very thankful He put me in the J1 class. We all get along so well. I can say each one has become my friend.

Jon San, the boy between the nuns, is the funnest kid ever. He sure does makes class a lot of fun.

Beautiful

2010-07-20T02:19:00.004-06:00

I was given these flowers over the weekend by an elderly lady I met. My friend Melissa and I stopped in to visit her for a few minutes and she went out into her garden and cut us some flowers. Red just happens to be my favorite color too!!!

Look what I found in my house...

2010-07-17T01:03:00.002-06:00

Thought I was living in Japan not AFRICA!!!!

Study Group

2010-06-23T05:47:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, a group of us from school got together to study up for the big test tomorrow. Amongst all the laughing, we did get work done!!! If you think about it, you can pray for us...the test is Thursday the 24th at about 9:30 AM, Japan time of course.

Left to right: Evelyn, Me, Shue, O, and Ka.

live and learn

2010-06-12T05:27:00.008-06:00

Today I spent the day out shopping and basically going places I normally don't get to go. Well, around supper time I thought it would be nice to eat out. I was at one of the local "malls"....for Kim it was the Atatamabashi Aeon, when I walked past this restaurant that looked like this Organic Buffet that I had gone to with some friends at another location. So I go in and tell the lady that I will be dining by myself. She leads me to my table and I realize, oops this isn't the Organic Buffet that I was thinking it was....turns out, it's a "meat on a stick and you batter it and deep fry it yourself restaurant." Yeah, don't ask me how I thought it was an Organic Buffet. Needless to say, I made the best of it. Won't be going back there again, but it was an experience.

There were all kinds of things on a stick but I pretty much stuck with chicken.

First you batter it and than roll it in bread crumbs.

Then into the deep fryer, which is located in the center of your table. Note to self...if I ever do go back, remember to wear a shirt that I don't care if it gets little grease marks on it.

Pull it out and you're ready to eat. There were several sauces to choose from for dipping but I forgot to take a picture of that.

Supper with the girls and Loh

2010-05-29T07:47:00.005-06:00

Tonight I had friends from our International church over for supper.

Right to left....Shige, Irene, Jenny, and Min. Loh, Min's husband, is behind the camera.

Random shots of the night.

Yeah, so it was stinking hot and these three are bundled up like it's the middle of winter.

Picnic

2010-05-29T00:55:00.003-06:00

Today Malissa, Eiko and I enjoyed a picnic at a local park. It was good to spend time with friends from church.

Malissa has lived here in Japan for 12 years and was saved just a few years ago. She is a faithful member of our International Church. It's a true blessing to have her friendship.

Our walk to the park.

Trying to catch crayfish.

Pixie

2010-05-28T18:56:00.002-06:00

While my coworkers are in the States for the next year, I have a little house guest. We're getting a long just fine.....though I don't really like my 5:00 AM wake up barks on a Saturday morning :) Since missing Casper so much, it's been nice having the Pixster around.

Language School Field Trip

2010-05-28T18:00:00.007-06:00

Yesterday our language school took a trip the the pottery place. We were all able to make what we wanted and if we had enough clay left over, we were able to make more than one thing...which I did.

Evelyn and I have become pretty good friends. She is Filipino who has been living in Japan for 12 years and married to a Japanese.

Right to left.....Rosa, O, and Agatha. Rosa and Agatha are from Korea. O is Chinese. O and I had a blast yesterday racing up three flights of stairs. I won the first two times....might have something do with cheating, taking more than two steps at a time. O really out did me the third time though!!!

Right to left......Jon, Cynthya, Ka. Jon is the youngest in the class, the baby (15). Cynthya is from Mexico. She is here with her husband on business. Ka is married and he is working as a chef and would like to start his own Japanese restaurant when he gets back home.

On the subway.

Our teachers. The two on the left are from my class. We have two more teachers but they weren't able to go. The big joke is that no one can remember the teachers names so we call them the Monday teacher, Tuesday teacher and so on. Right to left.....teacher from J2, Friday teacher, and Monday teacher.

My classmates as we get ready to make our creations!!!
From the right going around the table.....Evelyn, Ho, Kogi, Friday teacher, Ka and Jon.

Our instructor.

My fruit bowl. Yes, I realize it looks like a pie plate.

The J1 class of 2010

Kanji

2010-05-24T04:46:00.003-06:00

So far, I have 50 of these little suckers memorized. Only 5000 and something more to go!!!!

Goodbye

2010-05-17T00:58:00.002-06:00

Well, my coworkers have left for their yearlong furlough. They will be greatly missed!!

The year will be over before I know it.

I Miss Him

2010-05-13T05:56:00.000-06:00

CASPER

Visitors

2010-05-13T05:24:00.002-06:00

This past Monday, our field director and his wife came for a short visit. Because my coworkers are busy with furlough preparations for next week, I had the privilege of housing the Schmidts in my home. They arrived Monday night and left Wednesday morning but it was a blessing to spend time with them.

Found this on Rachel's FB page and thought you all might get a kick out of it.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-08T16:51:00.001-06:00

LOVE YOU MOM!!!!

Tests

2010-04-20T03:59:00.006-06:00

Was pretty excited with the grades I got on my first Japanese test.

96% on the Grammar

95% on the writing and spelling.

Thank you all for your prayers. Please keep praying...today we've started Kanji!!!

Cherry Blossoms

2010-04-09T06:17:00.003-06:00

"The Cherry Blossom Festival"

Last week we went downtown to the Nagoya Castle to look at the cherry blossoms. They were so beautiful!

Boy, am I going to miss Rachel when she leaves for school!!!! That's not to say I won't miss you too Benji! There were a LOT of laughs that day.

Tokyo: Day 4

2010-03-26T22:46:00.003-05:00

Thursday, we attended another Ladies Bible study that Martha taught at the church. Her study on Trusting God was such a blessing. Very challenging and convicting.

After the Bible study, we stayed and had lunch with Pastor Hideki and his wife Ruth. It was such a blessing to get to know them and be encouraged by their fellowship. Pastor Hideki and Ruth are good friends of my coworkers and I know Kim really enjoyed their time spent together.

After lunch, we spent a few hours at a very dangerous place....COSTCO!!! I wish I would've taken pictures of our time there. Let's just say that it was so crowded that after the first 30 minutes, I was ready to head home. We got supper there and went home and ended the night with the rest of Emma.

Tokyo: Day 3

2010-03-26T22:29:00.004-05:00

Wednesday, we joined Martha for her ladies Bible study in her home. It was a great blessing to be a part of such a great group of ladies.

Martha had asked Kim, Rachel and I to give a testimony. Kim shared what it was like to be a missionary wife. Rachel shared how the Lord worked in her heart with coming to Japan as a teenager. I shared what it was like to be on deputation and the victories the Lord gave in my life. Martha then asked the three of us to sing Blessed Assurance.

That evening, we met up with Chiemi for supper. Chiemi had stayed with me in my home about two years ago in Pennsylvania. Since then she has gotten married and it was great catching up and looking at wedding photos. Chiemi is a lovely, young, christian lady and it was a pleasure to spend time with her again.