Huh?

So, this week I had my first kind of frustrating experiences.  Those of you who know me, know I am verbal... I like to communicate.  I like to know what it being said TO me also!  In my explorations thus far, I have been able to find what I want, nod politely, hand over my yen, and say thank you in Japanese.  I've felt quite successful.

Then came Ikea.  I mean, y'all - Ikea.  You should be able to do that in any language, right?  Actually, as my boss reminded me today - it's hard to find what you want in English - much less a foreign language.  He thought the fact I made it out again in one day without needing a search party was something to celebrate.

But I digress.

I'm a tad bit on the independent side.  (you can stop laughing now).  Moving to Japan is squashing that like I take on Palmetto Bugs.  (not missing those, for the record)

So - to be in Ikea - a known entity - and to not be able to read or understand ANYTHING... well, let's just say it was a growth opportunity kind of moment.  Special.  Very special.

I did survive - and even came home with most of what I went to find.  And my teammate, Lou, also survived.  :) 

Another trip to the local grocery store - with total inability to communicate left me with the very real desire to take some language lessons.  So, stay tuned for more adventures from Japan - and hopefully I'll have some pictures in my next update also! 

The Neighborhood

Wandered around my neighborhood on Friday... here are a few sights... 

Settling in

It's been a while since I've moved.  I mean really moved.  To a place where everything is new.

This hasn't been the hardest move I've made, believe it or not.  My little journey to Pennsylvania definitely still wins that contest.  This reminds me more of when I went to college.  There I had immediate community, and I have that here too. 

A great thing about military people is that many will dive right in with you from the beginning.  Which is good for this extroverted heart of mine!

So, one week into this new chapter of my life I have:

• Unpacked my suitcases (more unpacking to come later when my shipment arrives)
• Explored a few places (Chinatown in Yokohama, toured the GW, wandered around town a bit - more on that later!)
• And most importantly - I've been meeting people.  I can't wait to dive in and learn more about people's stories - where they are spiritually - what is hard - what brings them joy.  In short - I can't wait to love on people - whoever the Lord brings my way!  

There are some adjustments and new things to learn in every day life. These include things such as:


No garbage disposal in the kitchen.  Instead, you have a container in your drain, with a "food net" that captures the stray food.  This needs to be changed out once or twice a week, or as needed. 

Another fun new thing is the recycling/garbage sorting.  The Japanese take this to a whole to level and there are many days I am not sure what bin to throw my trash in.  I've also never washed so much garbage in my life! 

Different garbage goes to the street on different days - so I have a whole instruction sheet for that also!  My favorite part about the garbage though, is that when the trucks are going down the street - they play a song that sounds like an ice cream truck!  Don't worry - I haven't chased a truck down yet looking for a rocket pop! 

Japan!

Time to dust off my blog and get posting about this amazing adventure I am on!  My plan was to post a bit about my journey here before I started posting about my new life in Japan - but that might have to be put off for a while! 

Yesterday, after an amazing time of worship with my PWOC sisters, I was blessed with the opportunity to tour the USS George Washington.  One of the sweet couples from the Lighthouse graciously volunteered to take The New Divide (a Christian rock band who is touring here right now)  and I tagged along!  It was amazing!  Here are some pics from our day...

The Calling to Japan

 Where did it all begin?

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... oh wait, that's someone else's story!  Actually, as I pondered where to begin, I realized I can't really tell you when it all began, because no one has time to hear my entire life story! (or read it!)

And so, I'll back up to Cambodia.  As some of you may remember - the Lord provided for me to go there last fall for $85 and Skymiles.  While I was there, I felt Him stirring my heart - but I wasn't sure to what...  

On September 18, I wrote in my journal, "Lord, I look around and I see people coming and going - and eventually it hits me - that almost all of them do not know You.  But I don't know what You are asking of me, if anything?  I know that if You are asking me to come here, then You will show me."

"A man's steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can anyone understand his own way?" 

                                                         Prov. 20:24

When I returned, I shared my heart stirrings with my pastor.  Wisely, he counseled me to pray about it for six months. 

In November, some "seeds" were planted with regard to joining a team in Japan.  I remember being very excited about the possibility, and asking the Lord if it might be possible to do some short-term missions trips to Cambodia, as part of that ministry.  Within three hours of praying that prayer, I received this in an email:

Cathy and I are really high on short-term mission trips.  One of the reasons this assignment is appealing to us is the opportunity to regularly lead trips to Thailand and Cambodia...  If you were to join us in Yokosuka, we would love to have you be a huge part of planning and going on the trips.  We would also be very open if you choose to extend your time down there on the backend of those trips to provide additional support...

 Talk about a fast answer to prayer!

One thing that amazes me, as I look back through my journal and my response, was the careful and patient response.  Taking time to pray, to seek counsel and to consider the Lord's leading.  I am amazed because of how impatient I have felt along the way... to know what the Lord was asking.  His timing is perfect!

In January I went away for a few days to really seek the Lord.  It seemed clear that I was to continue pursuing Japan - but I had a list of concerns that I asked the Lord to address.  Wow - and how He HAS!    And, I should add, He continues to address concerns and needs as they arise.  He is GREAT!

Shortly thereafter, I met with the elders of my church, and shared with them about what had been happening.  They affirmed me in moving forward, and agreed that I should continue in seeing if Japan was where the Lord wanted me to go.  

From my journal on Feb 26:

I woke up singing, "I have decided to follow Jesus... no turning back, no turning back"

The Lord again provided airfare for me, and in April, I headed to Japan to visit and seek confirmation.  Here are some pictures from that visit:
 

Future home?

Set up for Friday night dinner.

Busy clean up crew!

Tokyo Bay in the background.

An outing with some of the Lighthouse ladies.

 Needless to say - it was an amazing trip - and any concerns were removed.  A final meeting with my elders upon return confirmed this calling.

So, now the fun really begins!  As I prepare to go, there is much to be done, including:

• My transition out of my Human Resources role - which will happen over the summer.
• Raising additional support needed for living overseas.  I will be traveling this fall hoping to connect with people who will partner financially and in prayer so that this ministry can happen. (more on that in the future!)
• Transitioning well - I have been in Columbia for almost 20 years - the longest I've lived anywhere - and it will be HARD to leave family and friends.  Plus - I have two new cultures to learn - Japanese and Navy.  

If you'd like to financially partner in this ministry -  you can give several ways:

• To give a recurring monthly gift via EFT - click here. 
• To give a special gift online, click here.
• If you'd like to receive my prayer letters, click here to add your email address to my secure mailing list.

Japan

I know, I know!  Another month and no blogging!  But, that doesn't mean that life has been dull and boring!  Quite the opposite! 

So - this is just a little teaser... but in the near future - I'm taking a "little" trip!  As you might guess by the title - my intended destination is Japan!! 

What for, you ask?  Well...  that has an exciting answer!  Cadence has some ministries in Japan, and I'll be visiting one of them.  Why?  Well, it seems that might be where the Lord is leading for my next ministry location! 

And, with that little teaser - I'll sign off!  Stay tuned for more on this adventure.  I can't wait to share the details of how this has been unfolding...  soon, I promise!