tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60242429374410514042024-03-13T09:12:47.383-07:00Dancing for JesusWhom shall I send? Who will go for us? Here am I! Send Me! (Isaiah 6:8)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-64854730850091174612009-09-13T05:11:00.000-07:002009-09-13T05:24:51.672-07:00Yuko San - Part II :)Hello All!<br /><br />I wanted to update you on how my lunch date went with Yuko San and Manami San. IT WAS AMAZING!!! God was in the center of the conversation. God is working so hard in Yuko San's heart and she is like a sponge, trying to soak as much up as possible. I told her that she was an encouragement to me - who has been a Christian for 16 years! I told her that I wish Christians in American would act like she does and she has not even accepted Jesus yet. She is taking the steps to fully understand and then she will be ready to take that next, very important step. <br /><br />She had many questions about what she had read in the Bible so far and other questions like - "How long am I supposed to pray?" Some questions do not have exact answers so it was hard, but God provided the right things to say. She also was wondering how she would feel when it was time to ask Jesus to come into her heart. She can barely talk about Jesus or the Bible without crying. She is so moved by what she is learning. She is already telling many people at her work and her family about Jesus. I answered all the questions as best as I could and Manami San was able to translate everything. It was so awesome! It is awesome to see God working right in front of you!<br /><br />This is what ministry is all about!!!!! Even if this was the only good thing that came out of my time in Japan - which is by not the only good thing - everything would have been SO worth it. To see God working, to touch some one's heart, to be so encouraged! It is so worth it to give a few months of my life up and live in Japan for a while. <br /><br />Thank you so much for your support! Please pray for Yuko San. When I told her that many people in American would be praying for her she started crying again! :) She is an amazing lady. I told her I want to take her to America and use her as an example to other Christians!<br /><br />Have a great Sunday (it has ended for me)!<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-58849681245638005852009-09-11T18:29:00.000-07:002009-09-11T18:36:03.514-07:00Yuko SanHey,<br /><br />I would like to ask prayer for Yuko San. Yuko is a new comer to church. She has been coming to Shonan Church for about a month now and she is there every Sunday and Wednesday. She has not missed yet. She is seeking God's will like no one I have ever seen. She wants to believe and it working so hard at figuring out what God is all about. She has been reading her Bible every day (more than most Christians I would assume) and she finds pure joy in the songs in the hymn book. It is nothing flashy for Yuko San; she only wants to find Jesus and be happy! She has been living in a lost world for too long and she wants out.<br /><br />I am getting ready to have lunch with Yuko San and another lady from church, Manami San. We are going to spend a couple of hours just fellowshiping together and talking about our Maker. I am really looking forward to it! Please pray for Yuko San and pray for the people in her life that are able to show her Jesus. God is going to do amazing work like He always does!<br /><br />This afternoon I am going to meet with my supervisor about what the plan is for the rest of my time here. I am not feeling too optimistic about it, but I GIVE IT ALL TO JESUS!!! He is the only one who can lead me in the right direction. Whatever happens I trust that He is in control. I will let you know as soon as I can about what is going on!<br /><br />Thank you for your prayers and support!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-10117670211449368272009-09-10T21:49:00.000-07:002009-09-10T21:57:22.553-07:00Another great week in Japan!Hey Bloggers! I hope this post finds everyone well! I have had a great week in Japan. <br /><br />The English Bible Study on Tuesday went really good. The students seemed to enjoy it. I introduced to them a new way to do a Bible study and then used the passage I had chosen for the day to explain how it works. They were excited to use it and they were happy they could use it for any scripture they were reading. One of the ladies is seeking God and she said after the class that she now understands who Jesus is more so that is what it is all about, right?! God has really blessed my time here!<br /><br />The cooking class was a blast! We did end up making zucchini bread. The ladies were so excited about it and it turned out good. The meal we had after the cooking class was very Japanese so the ladies all loved it, too! This is my favorite time with the ladies of the church. The atmosphere and so great and they love getting together and chatting about anything and everything. I am so glad I am able to attend this class!<br /><br />Today is a day off. I spent the morning playing with Una - my homestay's granddaughter. She is almost one so it was not quite playing with Spencer, but close enough. :) I am so blessed! Well, my visa expires in about 10 days and I am still not for sure what is going on. I should know in about 24 hours so I will update when I find out. Let's just say that there was a change in plans and I may not be going to where I thought I was going so stay tuned for that! haha <br /><br />Hope you all have a fantastic day!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-86000914391359987512009-09-07T02:54:00.001-07:002009-09-07T03:05:20.626-07:00Ministry the Past WeekHey everyone! I am sorry I have not been updating lately! I need to make that more of a priority. The past week or so has been really good! I had English class week and it went great. I have led two classes now and everyone really seems to enjoy it. My first class was very challenging to the students, but they really enjoyed it because they are not used to it. They were able to learn a lot about the US and learn a lot of new words. I promised them that the next class would be easier so I decided to play Scattergories with them. I intended it to only last half of the class and then move on to something else, but it ended up lasting the entire class! They had a blast with it and they were still talking about on Sunday! It was a great game to have fun, for them to learn a new game, and for them to learn new words and how to spell them correctly. On Sunday, someone came up to me and said - I have a tv show that starts with an "s" - Spongebob Squarepants! And it would have been two points!! haha They had a lot of fun. After each English class there is a short chapel message. It is usually a good time of sharing and learning more about eachother and from eachother. I always enjoy this time!<br /><br />This week I am leading the English Bible study! I am excited about it. The pastor will not be able to attend so he asked me to do it. I am really looking forward to see how it goes. I hope I get to do it more later on! The cooking class is also this week! I am so excited about it too. I have only been able to attend one class since I have been here, but it was a blast last time and I am sure this time will be even better. Belva Kotlarczyk (my connection with Japan and SEND before I came) leads this class and I think she is making zuccini bread!! It is going to be great!<br /><br />I am awaiting my approval to stay for the second three months. My Visa expires in about two weeks so I should be finding out this week if I am staying or going. No matter what I have to leave Japan at some point to renew my visa. If I stay in Japan for the second three months then I will leave for about a week to another country - probably Taiwan. If I do not get approved then I will be home in two weeks. I am pretty sure I will be staying, but nothing is final yet. Please pray that I will get to stay and I will be able to reenter Japan without any issues! Thank you so much for all your prayers! <br /><br />Love,<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-69621799577597741092009-08-24T04:02:00.000-07:002009-08-24T04:05:16.700-07:00As close as I will get to the Ozarks for a while!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5dN0KS-blagJXIcdcGfrsZcVtTPb9_pFj3mIPA74GqwlpsDNIshkAFlcg3bOHV1Trhx-xISKEx6DN5asMUKq26mJULTuu_ga3XBgeMbOwKvsGZXNuu1W4mX8HX7y3d0_rwmxcNN6-j4b/s1600-h/Japan+245.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373484365063159986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5dN0KS-blagJXIcdcGfrsZcVtTPb9_pFj3mIPA74GqwlpsDNIshkAFlcg3bOHV1Trhx-xISKEx6DN5asMUKq26mJULTuu_ga3XBgeMbOwKvsGZXNuu1W4mX8HX7y3d0_rwmxcNN6-j4b/s320/Japan+245.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is a station that I pass thru a lot and evey time I see it, I think of the Ozarks. So one day I took a picture of it! I love it!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-68444003634389779072009-08-18T04:55:00.001-07:002009-08-18T05:00:56.510-07:00Off to camp!Hey,<br />I just thought I would leave you with a quick update. I got back from my "vacation" on Monday and I have been getting ready to leave for camp again. Today, was my English Bible study. There were fewer people there this time. It was probably because of the holiday. However, it provided a great time for some one-on-one attention with the unbelievers. I really enjoyed it. I also received some great packages in the mail! They came from Nokie, Erica, and my family. Thank you all for the awesome packages. They made my day even better! Also, thank you to Aunt Betty who so faithfully writes to me! The letters mean so much! I have finished packing for camp and I will leave around 7:30 in the morning. It will take about 2 and 1/2 hours to get there so it will be a long train ride once again. It will be at camp for four days. I am going to be an English teacher and an assistant counselor. I am teaching first-level senior high students. I am really excited about the camp. Camp is always a great time for me and I meet so many great people. I will head back on Saturday afternoon. I am not going to take my computer to camp this time because it is too hard to carry everything with me so I wanted to give a quick update on what is going on. Pray for camp and the 24 Junior/Senior High kids that will be coming. It is going to be a blessed week! <br /><br />Thank you for all your love and support. I will update about camp when I get back!<br />Love,<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-83660778792287626052009-08-17T01:00:00.000-07:002009-08-17T01:12:00.697-07:00Mt. FujiI know many of you have heard about my adventure climbing Mt. Fuji. It was quite the adventure and I am so glad that I got to do it! I am not sure if I would ever do it again, but it was a wonderful time. I went on Tuesday(8/11) with 4 friends. We started climbing the mountain about 8 at night and arrived to the top at about 3 in the morning. We started early so we could make our way up to the mountain at a slow pace and not be rushed. It worked pretty well for all of us. All 5 of us arrived at the top so it was a successful trip. Once we got to the top we rested for a while and ate so food. Then it was time to enjoy the sunrise! It was beautiful!!!! The pictures will not begin to show the beauty of God's creation. We stayed at the top for a few hours just resting and enjoying the scenery. We then began to head down the mountain about 7:30 or 8. It took us about 3 hours to get down the mountain. The worst part of the whole trip was the WIND and the COLD!!! It was freezing and then the wind just made it so much worse. During the trip up the mountain it was all I could do not to get blown off the mountain. It was kind of scary, but I tried not to think about it too much! The wind actually blew me over once and my knees are proof of it! haha All in all, it was a great time and I did better than I even thought I would. I am so glad I got to experience it. Enjoy the pics!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP2lwtaTHzxvlSdH1nQalTxCBR7HLHfCGjntWmbKdE2Dp_6l3P7Aig-_bbCYD_xdAv6Ijs3ParqvVYKfjEstbJwiRxzvGezSsYOJkWk_YdTWz7gHVooCjN6AkZYtOPQwg-m74heYQ3zLE/s1600-h/before+fuji.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370841625735942946" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP2lwtaTHzxvlSdH1nQalTxCBR7HLHfCGjntWmbKdE2Dp_6l3P7Aig-_bbCYD_xdAv6Ijs3ParqvVYKfjEstbJwiRxzvGezSsYOJkWk_YdTWz7gHVooCjN6AkZYtOPQwg-m74heYQ3zLE/s320/before+fuji.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Caleb, me, Tariho, Brandon, and Alisha before we started climbing.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEVkVAna5bzv1tJADbVq-LDpNczMyS1LFWm5romxq_xiVa0Zp4h-7C9Dr1DinesTtXIuH0gXVIbABQ7tMrWCdqO-I3Y1Xd5vyG3BILHeupWX-dqLyiJwC5y-Cdv9S-yTNX2wym8seYn-K/s1600-h/after+fuji.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370841630489077554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEVkVAna5bzv1tJADbVq-LDpNczMyS1LFWm5romxq_xiVa0Zp4h-7C9Dr1DinesTtXIuH0gXVIbABQ7tMrWCdqO-I3Y1Xd5vyG3BILHeupWX-dqLyiJwC5y-Cdv9S-yTNX2wym8seYn-K/s320/after+fuji.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Brandon, Caleb, me, Tariho, and Alisha after we arrived to the TOP!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x_VCBtyqiiwmP6vodFOxLsh3bOcZMKtBPWtVaTwjaprHY7xPJDnpSmUX3s-Uq82zIq8hH_jnZYgT2eRq9PbevrDHtyA0U0Rf46246lA3-eCRVH7N8wOBCos_DfoaGjdUyuQVhC4uE2f7/s1600-h/A,+C,+and+A+sleeping.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370841638897254802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x_VCBtyqiiwmP6vodFOxLsh3bOcZMKtBPWtVaTwjaprHY7xPJDnpSmUX3s-Uq82zIq8hH_jnZYgT2eRq9PbevrDHtyA0U0Rf46246lA3-eCRVH7N8wOBCos_DfoaGjdUyuQVhC4uE2f7/s320/A,+C,+and+A+sleeping.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Me, Caleb, and Alisha passed out at the top! haha<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxY9-1nG8NwsAUx5g89KlhMH2mULXWQc8msya2LV8BCOKrKj2tyNHCCD2jJB50JNP25yRNvjNRREFOsl3bfpCu6sJiC1vevX1ZdkShoAyGIc2R23wtzmzphPtXTFg4zwyIcn12lWjPR_z/s1600-h/sunrise+on+Fuji.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370841643309160546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxY9-1nG8NwsAUx5g89KlhMH2mULXWQc8msya2LV8BCOKrKj2tyNHCCD2jJB50JNP25yRNvjNRREFOsl3bfpCu6sJiC1vevX1ZdkShoAyGIc2R23wtzmzphPtXTFg4zwyIcn12lWjPR_z/s320/sunrise+on+Fuji.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>The beautiful sunrise.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1SoFe0TV7Zdb95YbaLQxA2RtxSn3ygbz13xoyWlrvwO3-5BLYYM2iCK1Ui2kc8ojGpyE8wn-rbg9CHglsWdIXk8Joy9xBoLQoZmZPprC8gEFsfbOuNCpxvixHbHLJ_6SrX0RZlCRwwD2/s1600-h/me+and+tadi+fuji.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370841651891809250" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1SoFe0TV7Zdb95YbaLQxA2RtxSn3ygbz13xoyWlrvwO3-5BLYYM2iCK1Ui2kc8ojGpyE8wn-rbg9CHglsWdIXk8Joy9xBoLQoZmZPprC8gEFsfbOuNCpxvixHbHLJ_6SrX0RZlCRwwD2/s320/me+and+tadi+fuji.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Tariho and I in the clouds! <br /></div><div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-6807300334386813112009-08-08T01:43:00.000-07:002009-08-08T01:47:44.268-07:00Pray for Me!Hello Dear Friends,<br /><br />I just want to send out a prayer request. I am exhausted!!!!!!! I am sure it is a combination of many things. It is very hot here and most of the day there is no relief. I am sure the stress of just EVERYTHING is weighing on my body. I am not able to rest at night. I sleep about 7 to 8 hours a night, but I am tired much of the time. So please pray that I can get some rest. I am headed to my supervisor's home for the week. A friend and I are going to housesit for his family while they are on vacation. I always am able to relax and get great rest there. So pray that is true for this week. I am frustrated because I am not doing so much that I should be tired, but I am exhausted. So just pray for my body that it can rest so that I can do the Lord's the best I can. <br /><br />Thank you so much!<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-41362202340855317502009-08-06T18:23:00.000-07:002009-08-06T18:33:37.838-07:00It is a HOT Friday in Japan!!I do not think I will ever appreciate A/C like I do in Japan. When I am in a house with A/C, it is a miracle! haha I never really thought that homes in Japan would not have A/C. I just assumed they would. I mean Japan is a well developed country with many people, right? Yes, but they do not have A/C like we do in America. Most homes will have a unit or two, but it does not quite do the job that central air does. haha However, I am very thankful for a roof over my head and my own room where I can have some privacy.<br /><br />Yesterday, I had English class again. I always love the days when I have class so that I can continue my relationships with the members. Mr. Ichimura went with me to English class so he heard the gospel again. He also brought a friend who had not really heard the gospel before. So it was a good day. The members of the class always love to hear about America and how Americans do things. They sometimes are shocked at the differences, but it is fun to learn about the different cultures. I really enjoyed it. After English class, I started home. This journey consisted of a 10 minute walk to the station, a 10 minute train ride to the next station, and then a 30 minute walk home. I could ride a bus instead of walking from the station to home, but I enjoy the fresh air and exercise. Plus, it is less stressful for me because I always just pray I am getting on the right bus! haha A couple of time I have not, but I have always figured it out. Mrs. Ichimura came home yesterday afternoon from her vacation so that was nice. We cooked dinner together which is one of my favorite times of the day because I learn so much in the kitchen and it is good bonding time! <br /><br />Today, I am going to attempt to write my newsletter for all my supporters. We will see if it gets done! ;) Then tonight, Mrs. Ichimura and I are going to dinner in Yokohama with some friends. Hopefully, it goes well! I hope you all have a great day!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-34695171083065558782009-08-05T02:26:00.000-07:002009-08-05T02:45:54.911-07:00Happy Birthday Kaylee and Claire!Today is a very special day that I am very sad that I am missing. Kaylee is my amazing niece. She is turning 5 today! Claire is one of my best friends and my long lost sister! She is turning the big 21!! <div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29ghM8De7KEpzN9Ut_RjxfhKFVNEBsEFmwOewnj_06WEj-exnc0CBqYFCiqgFMMeXIGX0aEKCOkxiLHHE0fui9RueH1rbcvWjo4cbnU8m-wsSAX7G0psFryYhyphenhyphenvHID-M-Lc-a1sbfutjp/s1600-h/Misc+2009+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366409999217655266" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29ghM8De7KEpzN9Ut_RjxfhKFVNEBsEFmwOewnj_06WEj-exnc0CBqYFCiqgFMMeXIGX0aEKCOkxiLHHE0fui9RueH1rbcvWjo4cbnU8m-wsSAX7G0psFryYhyphenhyphenvHID-M-Lc-a1sbfutjp/s320/Misc+2009+006.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>This is Kaylee and me. This picture was taken Spring 2009 and she has already grown and changed so much! Kaylee, you are so very, very special to me! I am so glad that I got to live with you and your Mommy and Daddy for over a year because we now have a bond that cannot be broken. Even though you are not my daughter, you taught me how to love! I never knew I could love someone so much until you came along, Kaylee Girl! I can only imagine how much I will love my own children. I miss you more than you will even know. I cannot believe you are already 5. That is a whole hand! You are an amazing girl and will one day be an amazing lady. Thank you for loving me no matter what! Love, Aunt Mandy</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFLIfvsjihJuzTdIYAUOZvKz0pyz1ChiRKDsUaQyemHiUFEDCq8XsGD1UddFwtmH2TCLB9n5AYR6zHaeGY8mTa-6fWTYHkNA45kR0DyhP10nxnV36gz4gCJz4SBp0CO-bKjuklbwaGbJP/s1600-h/Misc+2009+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366410008705460354" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFLIfvsjihJuzTdIYAUOZvKz0pyz1ChiRKDsUaQyemHiUFEDCq8XsGD1UddFwtmH2TCLB9n5AYR6zHaeGY8mTa-6fWTYHkNA45kR0DyhP10nxnV36gz4gCJz4SBp0CO-bKjuklbwaGbJP/s320/Misc+2009+028.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>This is Claire and me. Claire and I met at church. We bonded over a pillow on a 16 hour trip to Corpus Christi in March of 2006. That was one of the best weeks of my life! We made so many amazing memories that week and it was the start of a great friendship. Claire, you may not know this, but you were one of the first people to really inspire me about missions. I remember you telling me that you had given your life to missions and I thought well that is great for her, but not for me. haha Little did I know that I would be in Japan 3 years later! I am so grateful for our relationship. You know like not many people do and you love me anyways! Your family has meant the world to me the past 3 years. I love all of you. I am excited to see where God leads you in the years to come. You are going to make an amazing nurse/doctor (where ever you decide to stop at. lol)! God is going to use you in a mighty way. Thank you for all the laughs! Thank you for all the support! Most of all, thank you for your inspiration and love. Miss you so much and see you soon! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfkQxSwF8o1Nf0qUB3o5A80jUV5DWCDJijW8HBmzRAZoyVfkfK46fZ1CE9oHLn-7VIBlux4CGA_cM6phX1_cqdP58tW8x-O6xk7qvb2OhQ014xWotHKFQhuCNlD4obfm4hZ5UDRuL0mar/s1600-h/Misc+2009+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366410017131804738" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfkQxSwF8o1Nf0qUB3o5A80jUV5DWCDJijW8HBmzRAZoyVfkfK46fZ1CE9oHLn-7VIBlux4CGA_cM6phX1_cqdP58tW8x-O6xk7qvb2OhQ014xWotHKFQhuCNlD4obfm4hZ5UDRuL0mar/s320/Misc+2009+035.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>This is Claire and Kaylee. They love each other! </div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-27049507409686858422009-08-05T02:09:00.000-07:002009-08-05T02:26:11.364-07:00Japanese CemeteriesSo because my family was in charge of taking care of the Bado Cemetery, we all pay more attention to cemeteries than normal people. :) So, I love looking at them in Japan. They are interesting to me. Because of the lack of space in Japan, virtually everyone is cremated. People do not have a choice usually. So the lots are smaller than the cemeteries in America. Also, there is no grass! No mowing, Dad! Wahoo! haha Here is a picture of a cemetery I pass on the way from my house to the station in Chigasaki: <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpLcNrY8_9UVE-Rl2KuMor7vkEHu9IiWMRA2N71ULZXPN8scNO_aOG8HKbpEKJh2ymPYmm_cb_MXQw_Hz80UkkKpgLM1RBT3jYrMCQxp_dLNDhJ14cvC2up1pIqbtxv8BJLMxCJuE6yNp/s1600-h/Japan+229.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366406624913497234" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpLcNrY8_9UVE-Rl2KuMor7vkEHu9IiWMRA2N71ULZXPN8scNO_aOG8HKbpEKJh2ymPYmm_cb_MXQw_Hz80UkkKpgLM1RBT3jYrMCQxp_dLNDhJ14cvC2up1pIqbtxv8BJLMxCJuE6yNp/s320/Japan+229.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-fEtJmYUdDu-IdRyoJWzeg0ARiWqrhoP06u5xo3pwgZWp_CnMuOY438QV3_njd7Z_jrbVUgUptfJAGfVEjhozuJN-qi0RqgO5sJx-tebz9FN3N2ywP30TX-R9fFivrs1o5weyCE1MxdO/s1600-h/Japan+228.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366406615606291378" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-fEtJmYUdDu-IdRyoJWzeg0ARiWqrhoP06u5xo3pwgZWp_CnMuOY438QV3_njd7Z_jrbVUgUptfJAGfVEjhozuJN-qi0RqgO5sJx-tebz9FN3N2ywP30TX-R9fFivrs1o5weyCE1MxdO/s320/Japan+228.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I know that not many people will find this interesting and some may find it really weird, but I thought it was interesting so I shared it. </div><div> </div><div>Most things are going good here. Today was prayer meeting at church. I always enjoy this time because it is an intimate setting with a few people in the church and we are able to get to know each other better. Meg (the pastor's wife) and I went into Yokohama and ate at Friday's and did some shopping. It was fun to get to know her better. I have started on my gifts for everyone and their brother back home! haha I really enjoyed buying the them today though! Tomorrow is English class. Mr. Ichimura (the person I stay with) is going to come to English class and he is going to even bring a friend. This is another opportunity for him to hear the gospel. When I asked him if he enjoyed church last Sunday, he said, "Yes, church is always nice, but I have a hard time understanding God." Please pray for him as he has many opportunities to learn about God. Thanks again for all of your love, support, and most of all PRAYERS. I think I may not have lasted 6 weeks if was not for them. Love you all!</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-73782767753970657182009-08-02T21:40:00.000-07:002009-08-02T21:49:52.391-07:00A Blessed Weekend!This past weekend was amazing. I had two very fun filled days that were very different from each other. On Saturday, I met up with a missionary family and spent the day with them. We spent time in Tokyo for a while and then traveled to their home for some good conversation. Then, we headed over to one of their friend's homes to enjoy the attraction for the evening - FIREWORKS. The fireworks were a little different from America, but it was pretty close. They were really pretty and it was great fellowship. After the fireworks, I got on a train for a two hour ride home and arrived home about 12:30 am. Long day! haha However, it was a great day!<br /><br />On Sunday, I went to my church in the morning and Mr. Ichimura came with me so that was a blessing. After church, we had lunch at church with other members. I am finding that bringing a lunch and eating it at church after the service is very common here. In the afternoon, I went with a friend to an English church service. It was an amazing blessing! The pastor and his family were from California. It was an international church so there was people from the States, China, Africa, and Japan of course. There may have more by I am not sure. There was a worship band and they did a great job with the worship songs. The message was great and then they had a dinner afterwards, too. I met a lot of great people. One girl, Eriko, is actually moving to Missouri in a year because her fiance (an American) is working in Kansas City. She was so excited to meet someone from Missouri! haha <br /><br />Today has been cleaning day and catch up day. I am getting ready to work on my newsletter so that will be coming out before the end of the month. So I just wanted to update you on my great weekend! Hope yours was as good as mine!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-84779071211312990142009-07-31T04:29:00.000-07:002009-07-31T04:42:32.303-07:00No cattle to be seen, but a bag of feed?To the average Southern Missourian this -<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-Ib-bVusEHb8SD9_BSWoT1PXSDjY3FSK3Boa-43rw28QjK_jbr-tpv9_c6j0OwqCvuFu73GI3xlgun6XpLWzhUaeQYlMDVjAH42rNOuc-x0vEe2a0IogsFh8R3tLkSUv5tzA8C7hu46l/s1600-h/Japan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364585374448150946" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-Ib-bVusEHb8SD9_BSWoT1PXSDjY3FSK3Boa-43rw28QjK_jbr-tpv9_c6j0OwqCvuFu73GI3xlgun6XpLWzhUaeQYlMDVjAH42rNOuc-x0vEe2a0IogsFh8R3tLkSUv5tzA8C7hu46l/s320/Japan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />would be none other than a bag of feed. Not in Japan. This is how some buy their <em>rice!</em> As I helping prepare dinner tonight, the person I am staying with took a bowl and scooped rice out of this bag and then put it in the handy dandy rice maker and a few minutes later, you have the best rice ever! haha I wish I could bring back the rice, rice maker, and rice scoop with me! <br /><br />Today was a fairly good day. It was very cool with a nice breeze so that was good since I did some walking. I went to the station today to do some shopping and then took the train to church. I spent a few hours at church talking and spending time with the pastor and his family. Yamanaka sen se is the pastor and his wife is Meg (for short). They have three kids: Yuki (5), Kohki (3 on Sunday!), and Koto (1). It is two boys and one girl. They are a great family so I enjoyed spending time with them. I then walked down the BIG hill to the station to catch the train, but also took a detour to the post office. By the way, this was first time to the post office and I went by myself and I do not speak Japanese! AND the postcards and packages got mailed. Am I good or what? haha I also received letters in the mail. THANK YOU AUNT BETTY!!!!!!!!!!!! The letters were great and I hope to write you a letter in the very near future.<br />I then came back home and had a wonderful time of prayer and Bible study. Dinner wonderful. At least it was better than last night when I had to eat raw tuna. Yum! haha It was not that awful just wrong. :) <br /><br />Tomorrow I am going to met up with some friends and spend the day with them. I am so excited and if the weather permits, fireworks is on the agenda for the evening. On Sunday, I will attend my church for worship service (and Mr. Ichimura will be coming with me so that is good news!) and then I will go to an English church service in the afternoon. Yamanaka sen se's wife, Meg, introduced me to a girl named Mari. Mari teaches little kids English. She is married to an American and they attend an English church service so I am looking forward to that. I will also help Mari in the next month or so with her English classes. English is popular to learn in Japan, but there is a need for native English speakers.<br /><br />Well, it is almost time for bed on my side of the world! Hope you all have a wonderful day!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-64577727025998498842009-07-30T01:39:00.000-07:002009-07-30T05:20:10.444-07:00Gomen NasaiGomen Nasai is "I'm sorry" in Japanese. Sorry that I have negelected this blog in the last week or so. However, I have good reason! haha I was at English camp at Okutama Bible Chalet. First, was the kid's camp and then the adult camp. These two camps of been the highlight of Japan so far! It was an absolute blast to minister to the kids. I was an assistant English teacher for the kid's and I filled in wherever necessary. It was nice to not be really in charge of anything, but able to observe and learn more about the Japanese people. There were 60 kids there and several of them recieved Christ by the end of the week which is a huge blessing. Many of these kids come from very spiritual dark homes where they do not see or hear anything about their Maker. It was sad to see the realities of Japan, but it is good to understand why ministry in Japan is so hard.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div>A few hours after the kid's camp ended the adult camp began. Yes, I was tired, but it was so worth it. I enjoyed the Adult camp even more than the kid's camp. I was an English teacher and an assistant team leader. The adults were so excited to speak and learn English, but more than that their hearts were so open to hearing the gospel! A few of the adults that came to the camp were Christians and it was a humbling experience to watch them talk with the non-Christians who were seeking. The Christians spoke with such bravery and gentleness. They wanted everyone to know what God had done for them. During the team time (where the campers split into groups and discussed the messages) many of the Christian campers took over the discussion and were probably more effective than what the missionaries would have been! It was great to see God work. He was working in each camper's heart! Again, I enjoyed learning more about Japan and the spiritual warfare that exists in the this country. On the surface, it may seem like Japan has it all together. Many people know that Japan is not a Christian country, but I think that many people do not realize the spiritual darkness this country is in! Once you break the surface and really look into the lives of the Japanese people, there is so much hurt!!!! There is no one to explain this hurt to someone who has not experienced it firsthand. I still have a hard time putting my mind around it! Japan is a HURTING nation that needs to know our Lord, but thier hearts are so hardened that they are not letting Him in. Please pray for Japan! Pray that God will move in this nation and people will begin to seek Him! Enjoy the pics!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsftHEuYP2zQspshhmTjn3uMTJf09reTOzac9k1ivdqnZV4cZQcGbEdoxtEeHJSf44k6TaY-TurIq7lXszyyEH5Ya_TsDBhRLNocxtH1hmoDPvU-iUfNY1yiu_5W3m-8aHSZEL5wo_p37/s1600-h/Japan+193.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364175440789236370" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsftHEuYP2zQspshhmTjn3uMTJf09reTOzac9k1ivdqnZV4cZQcGbEdoxtEeHJSf44k6TaY-TurIq7lXszyyEH5Ya_TsDBhRLNocxtH1hmoDPvU-iUfNY1yiu_5W3m-8aHSZEL5wo_p37/s320/Japan+193.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>3 girls at the kids camp</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC3DwlSqVACQP_7HngpG-2eMmmQNejFBiJSbjsKhhO6LYei-IiX5a4tKMBTQdnhmNTAA31ZC3S-fOTuNdEG4IGMvrgzm4YCxAWK75IBp36SbMdJFqoqkrpPn_jO5WkKbHZSqp9QQuDCs_/s1600-h/Japan+178.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364175450166237202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC3DwlSqVACQP_7HngpG-2eMmmQNejFBiJSbjsKhhO6LYei-IiX5a4tKMBTQdnhmNTAA31ZC3S-fOTuNdEG4IGMvrgzm4YCxAWK75IBp36SbMdJFqoqkrpPn_jO5WkKbHZSqp9QQuDCs_/s320/Japan+178.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>The infamous Riku! He was in too everything, but he was so funny!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGy0Q645DBQC8Fv2U0Rufh8SY1WGWARaz4rXv1IQc482kmV0RsAiwGfv8IoW9PIM6DGSgor8fpY9TlDCTLl1JSAXOlvCPQZ_rybvHJ188ey5ZQe_hNDKp_2gFn1ha4eEtF57-ePU9BVim/s1600-h/Japan+177.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364175454147710626" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGy0Q645DBQC8Fv2U0Rufh8SY1WGWARaz4rXv1IQc482kmV0RsAiwGfv8IoW9PIM6DGSgor8fpY9TlDCTLl1JSAXOlvCPQZ_rybvHJ188ey5ZQe_hNDKp_2gFn1ha4eEtF57-ePU9BVim/s320/Japan+177.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Mogu - she was in my English class and she was so sweet!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_cJe8m2WTH24pn-e3viLRBsFf7c3Ami6I_VS945RZ6M7_x2zkEuHdl2boIt3NSGoGjiOQBltV6hYo9PadQL-zVbFS3YOJyEXXNGlirUJNmNN7yFiCq3RrG0XawG1mny_3v0eFP1CzKHM/s1600-h/Japan+143.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364175464014883362" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_cJe8m2WTH24pn-e3viLRBsFf7c3Ami6I_VS945RZ6M7_x2zkEuHdl2boIt3NSGoGjiOQBltV6hYo9PadQL-zVbFS3YOJyEXXNGlirUJNmNN7yFiCq3RrG0XawG1mny_3v0eFP1CzKHM/s320/Japan+143.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Chie and Me - Chie attended the Adult camp. She is a seeker, but feels a lot of pressure from her mom to become a Christian. She feels like if she becomes a Christian it would be giving into what her mom wants. Please pray for Chie.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMr-rEYQdR8uy0Y4eUIceFKOMpfAtxJmaXfjDS-goPTa3bZELKS6jiCAWW_YY5kXLhiS2vnjX7QnO-sv0fjDjVB7fpY-havSgbCMeoMZKoJsBhvdzngIeDhMO2MXNwHwKT1_GfA5fM1Kb/s1600-h/Japan+126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364175464390811746" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMr-rEYQdR8uy0Y4eUIceFKOMpfAtxJmaXfjDS-goPTa3bZELKS6jiCAWW_YY5kXLhiS2vnjX7QnO-sv0fjDjVB7fpY-havSgbCMeoMZKoJsBhvdzngIeDhMO2MXNwHwKT1_GfA5fM1Kb/s320/Japan+126.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Me and Rika - Rika was in my English class. She is a sweetie. She attended church, but we believe she is not a Christian. Pray for Rika,too.</div></div></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-44185548616805889032009-07-18T01:43:00.000-07:002009-07-18T01:54:19.611-07:00Shinto FestivalThis weekend marks a holiday in Japan and it is very visible all across the city. Monday (July 20th) is the Day of the Sea where the Japanese celebrate the god of the Sea. All around the city there are stings of lightening bolts. These bolts are the symbol for Shinto much like a cross is for Christianity. They usually are seen in groups of four and households or businesses put them out for the festival. They look much like this:<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabmjP7W1IADqOS444MtOW27E3BD5a5RPnAui1hsflmfeTUFiB5lXq6EkexHdoXUfKdqF0GlUM1c15Q0QFFW3xxMbHjxFAiVqAtfN7ihnr0t_El0YQypncEdD0NvIadgNvkW28OQ2mAMYr/s1600-h/Japan+086.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359719083085856706" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabmjP7W1IADqOS444MtOW27E3BD5a5RPnAui1hsflmfeTUFiB5lXq6EkexHdoXUfKdqF0GlUM1c15Q0QFFW3xxMbHjxFAiVqAtfN7ihnr0t_El0YQypncEdD0NvIadgNvkW28OQ2mAMYr/s320/Japan+086.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The couple, the Ichimuras, I am staying with are both very excited about the festival and will be joining in on the festivities. I will be at a church retreat and then heading to camp so I will not be able to observe. Please pray for Japan on Monday as the celebrate a god they believe gives them things from the sea. Today we visited the beach where much of the festivities are going to take place and prayed upon that place. I am continue to pray for Ichimura San as she puts of bowl of rice on the alter each night. Please join me! Here is a picture of us at the sea to give you a face to put with the name. </div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHsRyNEQ-K2jpdGUckzq2WkxUYVy4iWduIAzQrpQe7IzQyvtqEYYwO0kTm3i2qd7p2SNOmWdBaB58_DNOy6hRd95UMVoz53omHA8aeclq2iXhdcjwfLYiI0TBzCC5jP3zksq_qM0ooR5i/s1600-h/Japan+098.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359720089777701858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHsRyNEQ-K2jpdGUckzq2WkxUYVy4iWduIAzQrpQe7IzQyvtqEYYwO0kTm3i2qd7p2SNOmWdBaB58_DNOy6hRd95UMVoz53omHA8aeclq2iXhdcjwfLYiI0TBzCC5jP3zksq_qM0ooR5i/s320/Japan+098.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Thank you for all your love and support and remember the Japanese this weekend as they are serving a god that <em>protects them from the truth</em> not protects them from evil.<br /></div><br /><div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-64626190693102696622009-07-16T23:08:00.000-07:002009-07-16T23:27:25.089-07:00Here's My LifeI felt like sharing a song that has really spoken to my heart while I have been in Japan. It is by one of my favorite artists - Barlow Girl. Eventhough, I am dealing with being in Japan better and better each day does not mean that every day is easy. This song has really spoken to me and reminds me what is important. It is called "Here's My Life"<br /><br />"Once again I said my goodbyes<br />to those I love most<br />my heart feels that familiar pain<br />as I long for hope<br />cause this road is hard<br />when I feel to far<br /><br />And God I'm crying out tonight<br />cause I've given you my life<br />but I'm tired and I'm missing what's behind<br />so once more here's my life<br /><br />On the day that you called my name<br />all that I knew changed<br />I found when I said yes<br />that I would never be the same<br />Though the call is hard, you are worth it all<br /><br />And God I'm crying out tonight<br />cause I've given you my life<br />but I'm tired and I'm missing what's behind<br />so once more here's my life<br /><br />Even when the tears are falling<br />when I find I fear the fear calling<br />you remind me<br />words you've spoken over my life<br />promises I've yet to see<br />you comfort me<br /><br />And God I'm crying out tonight<br />cause I've given you my life<br />but I'm tired and I'm missing what's behind<br />so once more here's my life"<br /><br />God speaks to me through song pretty much everyday so I thank Him for the gift of song. I also thank you for your love and support. I know that I have many people rooting for me! I have heard so many positive things, though hard to believe, they still help me! So thank you!<br /><br />Love,<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-16362331457434818212009-07-16T02:13:00.000-07:002009-07-16T02:24:12.528-07:00Great times in Yokohama!Hello Blog friends! I hope this all finds you well. Yesterday Miho (my friend that is staying with me right now) and I went to the Bible study. It was a good time of fellowship with church members and then we met up with two of Miho's friends that were in Yokohama - Nat and Zum. They showed us around Yokohama and we ate at tgiFridays and Starbucks! Yeah for some American food! It was great to get to know more people. We came back for supper at the Ichimura's which was also good.<br /><br />Today we had another English class. There were 10 women there and 5 or 6 were non believers so it was wonderful time of fellowship. I am looking forward to meeting with all of them again. They had a potluck lunch for Miho and me. It was all amazing. It was funny how Japanese food tests better after having American food yesterday! haha This afternoon Miho and I took a 2 hour nap! Now we are getting ready to eat Korean BBQ with the Ichimuras.<br /><br />Last night as Miho and I were helping Mrs. Ichimura prepare dinner, she got a small dish of rice and took it into another room. I asked Miho what it was for and she told me the alter. Mrs. Ichimura took it into the alter and gave it to the gods. Apparently, the god was not hungry because the rice was still in the bowl after dinner and she threw it out. Miho and I can both sense evil in this house and it is scary. I am scheduled to be staying in this house for the majority of my time in Japan. While I am more comfortable about it now, I am still a little concerned. So please pray for the Ichimura's. They are obviously non-Christians, but the pastor claims they are open to the Gospel. Pray that I a will be able to influence them in a positive way and they will begin to come to church. There is quite a bit of a language barrier between me and them which is frustrating, but pray I can show them Jesus! The only light in this house is Miho and I. However, God is bigger than the enemy and He has already won the battle!<br /><br />Love,<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-8575261032203774702009-07-14T07:03:00.000-07:002009-07-14T07:08:39.315-07:00English Bible Study and Tomato Ice CreamJust wanted to give a quick update tonight - Today was my first English class. It went very well. I shared my testimony and then the students asked questions about me, my testimony, and Christianity. It was a great time of fellowship and people seemed interested in the Bible not just English! Afterwards, I was invited to go to a concert and to dinner with other members of the class. They took me to a nice resturant in the tallest building in Japan! For dessert, we had ice cream and one of the flavors was tomato. Now if you know me really well, you know that my least favorite food is tomato and my favorite food is ice cream so I could not decide if I liked it or not. I ate it, but I will not pick to eat it again! However, it was an experience. <br /><br />Things are going much better! I am feeling all of the prayers and I am so grateful for all the love and support that is coming from the States and people in Japan. God has protected me and provided for me and He will continue to do so. Thank you all and keep praying!<br /><br />Love,<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-39616797712406447742009-07-12T03:26:00.000-07:002009-07-12T03:37:27.810-07:00UpdateWell, it has been an interesting couple of days. On Friday, the pastor's wife and I went to a kids English class for the their children. It was a good time and I may have an opportunity to help in that class in the coming weeks. Also, the teacher and her husband go to an English church service so I am hoping to attend it soon.<br /><br />On Friday evening, I switched to a new home. It was a very, very hard adjustment because the couple speak VERY little English. They try, but most of the time I have no idea what they are trying to tell me. I decided that I needed to take a break from everything new and different and come back to the short-term coordinator's home. I was able to talk to him and his wife about everything that was going on and it was good to talk to people who know and understand everything I am feeling. I am hoping a few things will change to make things a little easier, but we will see what God has in store. I have been at their home since Saturday afternoon and I have been a completely different person. Life is so much easier here!! Last night the coordinator's wife and I went out to the mall and walked around for a bit. I also had the best night of sleep I have had all week so that was a blessing. Today, Sunday, we went to their house church. It was a great time of fellowship with other believers. One of the members brought a friend that was on his way back to the States. He is living in Kentucky now and he was back in Japan visiting. After the service he was headed to the airport to get on the plane. I kind of wanted to go back with him! haha<br /><br />The plan for know is to head back to my church tomorrow. I am hoping that things will be different because to be honest I am sick just thinking of going back. It is has been a hard road, but I will try my best to get through it! Next week is English camp!! I am really looking forward to that.<br /><br />Thank you for ALL of your prayers. I know many of you know my situation and many of you are praying. I am sorry if I feel like I am complaining or something, but this is really hard and it helps some to get it off my chest and to know people are praying for me and rooting me on!<br /><br />Love, AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-23716521505153864252009-07-09T22:48:00.000-07:002009-07-09T22:49:58.833-07:00God is AMAZINGIt is has been a good couple of days in Japan. On Tuesday, I was able to get a lot of things done on the computer like updating things and putting my pictures on-line. Many people commented on how much they liked them so thank you for that. Wednesday morning was prayer meeting at church. It was a good time. The pastor told me that I did not have to attend because it was all in Japanese, but I wanted to go anyway. I am so glad that I did plus one woman was able to translate enough of what was said into English so I could follow along. Something interesting I have found that is even though I do not know much of the language I can still pick up a few words and have a good idea of what the conversation is about. That is nice because other wise I would be totally in the dark! Anyways, at the prayer meeting, there was a small group of women at the prayer meeting and we took our time reading through the first two chapters of James and discussed what we thought was most important out of each chapter. It was a wonderful time to share our heart and get to one another on a more personal level. We then shared prayer requests that we had. All of these women do not have Christian families and many of their husbands are not Christians so it is very hard to practice their faith without ridicule. It was a wonderful two hours and I am looking forward to it next week!<br /><br />Yesterday (Thursday) was a blast!!! My friend Belva came to the church to do her cooking class. She comes once a month and holds a cooking class for women. They come and learn a new recipe that is usually from the States and then they have a meal and try out what they made! The women love it and it is an amazing outreach to women who do not know about Jesus. There is also a short message that tells about the Gospel. Yesterday about 17 women came and over half of them did not go to church. In Japan that is a great turnout for an activity at church! Afterwards, Kagawa San, a woman who attends the cooking class but not church invited Belva and I over to her house. It was a wonderful time of fellowship! Kagawa San, and her friend Kohgo San, wanted to know all about Missouri and where I was from. Kagawa San had an atlas and we marked where I grew up, where Bado was at, and where I went to school. The four of us talked for a couple of hours about church, the States, Japan, Michael Jackson, and Bush vs. Obama. Haha As you can tell it was an interesting conversation!! Please pray for Kohgo San!!! As soon as she walked into the church for the cooking class I could tell that she was hurting. She is searching for Jesus and she is almost about to find Him! Belva and I were able to minister to her and she was so receptive. I think she will be saved before the six months is up!<br /><br />After we left Kagawa San’s home, Ito San and I met her sister and brother-in-law for some Korean food. Well the Korean restaurant was closed so we ate Chinese. However, this was Chinese like I had never had!!! It was a very nice restaurant where we had a 7-course meal!! I had so many things that I had never had that I cannot even remember it all! I had some type of jellyfish, cuttlefish (an octopus-like creature with 10 legs), pork, shrimp (the only thing fried), crab, shellfish, and Chinese tofu. Everything was actually good! It was very expensive and it was an experience that I probably will never have again. It was amazing. We then went over to Ito San’s sister’s house for fellowship and to watch their pictures from their recent vacation. They just got back from Hong Kong to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.<br /><br />I am sorry this is so long, but there was so much I wanted to tell you! Thank you for all your e-mails of encouragement and prayers! God is going to do great things in Japan!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-70478556377362790312009-07-06T19:11:00.000-07:002009-07-06T19:31:30.876-07:00More Pics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyw33m5XWHdLq32zNV3G7JDXGmZSKVaz6E4fLkJUm6Vu2i09lwOxzAsnJ3f0E_WirGBVrutacx2C7__tFdkgMUJnKFx9P7699gZvjaXpp9uAz3vpNwviBBMV_kRA-WSh4pRa1Jp4kViCXC/s1600-h/Me+and+Big+Buddha+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355539563840619682" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyw33m5XWHdLq32zNV3G7JDXGmZSKVaz6E4fLkJUm6Vu2i09lwOxzAsnJ3f0E_WirGBVrutacx2C7__tFdkgMUJnKFx9P7699gZvjaXpp9uAz3vpNwviBBMV_kRA-WSh4pRa1Jp4kViCXC/s320/Me+and+Big+Buddha+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Me and Big Buddha<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9_ulozKiCah7GKphoHIqTSWQeJSVxmwV1wXACn7TrQJ3e37gz4E4AoLTBdgyxYN8D3Cl6lbGWg6pnA8lfEqZd6VgtqKFpM3zkKf4QiZQngXcrE_7wlaZUmM7__JQFGcvxgtu-e-tClCZ/s1600-h/church+party.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355539554382408418" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9_ulozKiCah7GKphoHIqTSWQeJSVxmwV1wXACn7TrQJ3e37gz4E4AoLTBdgyxYN8D3Cl6lbGWg6pnA8lfEqZd6VgtqKFpM3zkKf4QiZQngXcrE_7wlaZUmM7__JQFGcvxgtu-e-tClCZ/s320/church+party.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My Church. This is where they have service, Sunday schoool, and dinner!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYkYdmc6HD9qvcwK50E-2PQP4qttxyW3xZIGUJv6Yhr1yyEbr-fVVBQ9jeO8sxNKAUOB4FFYfqUX1-BDaMmxtliOM6KEEvQ9p7tpU8zL50wlUD__2UEzM0w5AWzU9Cbks5JfSxx3MrPIk/s1600-h/Ito+Sans+house.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355539543756700850" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYkYdmc6HD9qvcwK50E-2PQP4qttxyW3xZIGUJv6Yhr1yyEbr-fVVBQ9jeO8sxNKAUOB4FFYfqUX1-BDaMmxtliOM6KEEvQ9p7tpU8zL50wlUD__2UEzM0w5AWzU9Cbks5JfSxx3MrPIk/s320/Ito+Sans+house.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ito San's house where I have been staying my first week here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTnpawcanFjOw3fASl8J_DaY8TYOXAdRl1mf-pm9u8RSCGxdmlehF_FpClaDAx34VoGlNnKAtvdOK_xFo_tyzMUSEjwb7-nz7YxXmZnFg6L0htbi6qUenFlsMRN33Xdpcg-BiY5hGEFRp/s1600-h/Kamakura+Sea+and+me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355539537660236818" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTnpawcanFjOw3fASl8J_DaY8TYOXAdRl1mf-pm9u8RSCGxdmlehF_FpClaDAx34VoGlNnKAtvdOK_xFo_tyzMUSEjwb7-nz7YxXmZnFg6L0htbi6qUenFlsMRN33Xdpcg-BiY5hGEFRp/s320/Kamakura+Sea+and+me.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Me on the beach in Kamakura City<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGhtmAIeG0QBlCtdqZrD99Xnz1ahgIFa_p04b_4jXw_TmAPFoX8H3iEg5XLSmgmDSA3tTwl_2LK8FhxJEHaxcOo7eu0d5raCZzwn-ynNt7Me4PER7fHXEKAuMuNFDSpVGthi2pKj9OucE/s1600-h/Me+and+Tweety.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355539531036014402" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGhtmAIeG0QBlCtdqZrD99Xnz1ahgIFa_p04b_4jXw_TmAPFoX8H3iEg5XLSmgmDSA3tTwl_2LK8FhxJEHaxcOo7eu0d5raCZzwn-ynNt7Me4PER7fHXEKAuMuNFDSpVGthi2pKj9OucE/s320/Me+and+Tweety.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Me and Tweety. Those who know me well will like this photo!!<br /><br />Be sure to check all the blog. I posted 3 times today to catch up.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-31997809215229713372009-07-06T18:43:00.000-07:002009-07-06T19:11:18.853-07:00Picture Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5PkTE8VI3ckd9Umdel6dTckj0GbH99zvIIXrm_EyPPX9XGL6XEK5jmEFo92JpnYQUT_szvtPgskR4VGFAtVGFzM4VR8HtAuSFzMOcicd6sgpJxQtfNCuSb1fqhf5As6BrRMRcpmElFfn/s1600-h/A,+M,+A,+T+at+Palace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355531875513145314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5PkTE8VI3ckd9Umdel6dTckj0GbH99zvIIXrm_EyPPX9XGL6XEK5jmEFo92JpnYQUT_szvtPgskR4VGFAtVGFzM4VR8HtAuSFzMOcicd6sgpJxQtfNCuSb1fqhf5As6BrRMRcpmElFfn/s320/A,+M,+A,+T+at+Palace.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Alisha, Miho, Me, and Tadi at the Imperial Palace after our 3 hours prayer walk!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEfXSwDXD_rJkF8H9-zzG6na_e7PbHqvVtpsED5-3UmcqPa1zVgFwZy1v7biJ3-0UtsU1-W2NPnjwOqheIsfrATME5MEWE3BBNtFOfEedPQGEnRg8pVwshriGu7P4plzeeO0gb5FbMooi/s1600-h/Me+and+Palace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355531870536618466" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEfXSwDXD_rJkF8H9-zzG6na_e7PbHqvVtpsED5-3UmcqPa1zVgFwZy1v7biJ3-0UtsU1-W2NPnjwOqheIsfrATME5MEWE3BBNtFOfEedPQGEnRg8pVwshriGu7P4plzeeO0gb5FbMooi/s320/Me+and+Palace.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Me at the Imperial Palace<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirouzMOuVaGcLxc4nHEkC4RZ1JZhRqBWHd5Rmbul0ZQ9QhM3KwuIaDyWJ6N3rzXN4oFEhUVK2z_aC2KsWaddTH9ouPznix7Xv75xv-DBscWu9VU0tMkqnBo1nj-PNwFTOYxknO6Qei2tP2/s1600-h/Tokyo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355531861920610914" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirouzMOuVaGcLxc4nHEkC4RZ1JZhRqBWHd5Rmbul0ZQ9QhM3KwuIaDyWJ6N3rzXN4oFEhUVK2z_aC2KsWaddTH9ouPznix7Xv75xv-DBscWu9VU0tMkqnBo1nj-PNwFTOYxknO6Qei2tP2/s320/Tokyo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Tokyo<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtlrOHO6vgHCOwlSYPJ3tIosJ_sEF9YK3xT7dyAhSkIDksZqmmygVqFitu5ttaIiWR44pTDRCGmPXmU6r9_eH_VZPM3TGEZs6yrf5kuvkyuk6ZSsxgyt8OuL1K3IBeUOXi7yfk-newtNP/s1600-h/futon+bed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355531856999946562" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtlrOHO6vgHCOwlSYPJ3tIosJ_sEF9YK3xT7dyAhSkIDksZqmmygVqFitu5ttaIiWR44pTDRCGmPXmU6r9_eH_VZPM3TGEZs6yrf5kuvkyuk6ZSsxgyt8OuL1K3IBeUOXi7yfk-newtNP/s320/futon+bed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My futon bed that I will be sleeping on much of the time in Japan<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecLJWHoR68ECVsWVmPJAt0o_m-YwBDSb0Yuiqo9oFZHWzwSif1OoRaUHCrvtMxk5TrhYzFKQz5a67L5KPzqKQ9soJFgWRn8D2vhI-31RYYdP-deVNcxBUft5Jwxie_pxZf836CVV1ksiK/s1600-h/First+meal+in+Japan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355531849901707442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecLJWHoR68ECVsWVmPJAt0o_m-YwBDSb0Yuiqo9oFZHWzwSif1OoRaUHCrvtMxk5TrhYzFKQz5a67L5KPzqKQ9soJFgWRn8D2vhI-31RYYdP-deVNcxBUft5Jwxie_pxZf836CVV1ksiK/s320/First+meal+in+Japan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My first meal in Japan - Japanese curry, much better than Indian curry!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-52843916679502742572009-07-06T18:41:00.000-07:002009-07-06T18:43:49.529-07:00Why is the food cold and the drinks hot!That is one of the many questions I ask myself as I sit down to a meal in Japan. During the summer many of the Japanese dishes are served cold. Well, I tend to like my food HOT. The hotter the better. But in Japan, I may not get that!<br /><br />I have been in Ofuna, which is where my church is located, since Friday. It is a beautiful city that is built in the mountains. I am staying with a woman who attends the church, Ito San (Mrs. Ito). She is very gracious! She has opened her lovely home to me for a week. She has prepared a lot for me and she even let me call home! I was thrilled and so was my family. <br /><br />Sunday was my first church service at Shonan Nozomi (my church). The people were very excited to meet me! They greeted me with open arms and tried their best to speak English to me (which is more than I can say about my Japanese!). Yamanaka sen se, the pastor, prepared for me, too. He had all of the songs for me in English so I could sing along and he recorded the message for me in English on his iPod so I could listen to it while he spoke in Japanese. During Sunday school a translator joined my class to help me follow along with everything. I have been asked to join the youth class. Regularly, there are 2 boys and 2 girls. They seem to be great kids. They all come from Christian homes. After church, there was a welcome party for me. The food was all very good. Everyone introduced themselves, but I do not remember many of their names. At least, I may remember what kids go with what parents. All in all, it was a good day.<br /><br />Yesterday (Monday) I went to Kamakura City with Ito san and her sister. It was about 30 minutes away by train. We walked much of the time once we got there. Kamakura is a popular destination for tourists and it is famous for its shires, temples, and the Big Buddha. It was very nice town and looked like a good place to go shopping. We also visited the ocean. It was very windy and cool, but it was pretty. It was good to get out, but a very tiring day. There is not much planned for the next couple of days so I hope to relax and prepare for camps. I am going to be a helper at the Junior English camp and a teacher at the Adult English camps. They begin in 2 weeks and they are both at Okutama Bible Chalet.<br /><br />Please continue to pray for me as I continue to adjust to Japan and everything that is new. It is has not been an easy transition, but God has a plan so I just need to keep the faith. <br /><br />Love,<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-91983777015110737392009-06-25T04:08:00.000-07:002009-06-25T04:18:09.639-07:00In JAPAN!Hello! I am sorry it took me a while to blog from Japan, but I have been pretty busy getting settled in and recovering from the flight. However, I made it perfectly fine and everything is going fantastic. Tuesday (the day I arrived) I rested most of the day. Wednesday I was able to stay in the house and me and the other two girls who are going through orientation with me went through some information to prepare us for our time in Japan. Today we went to the Imperial Palace in the center of Tokyo and did a prayer walk for all of areas in Japan and then we went to the oncen (public baths with hot tubs) and ate sushi. Today was very tiring, but it was all good experiences.<br /><br />I am staying with the SEND short-term coordinator and his family. He and his wife have 5 amazing kids and their house is wonderful. They have provided for us very well. The two other people going through orientation at the same time are Miho and Tariho. Miho is very Japan and she is going to Bible college in Canada. She is here for a six week internship for her school. Tariho is from Michigan and is also attending Bible college in Canada (a different one than Miho) and is here for 6 months like me! We are all at different churches, but we should be able to keep in contact while we are all in Japan.<br /><br />Tomorrow we are going to hand out tracks at different shrines and temples and then head to the<br />SEND Center here in Japan. We will spend the night at the Center than head to Okutama Bible Chalet for the SEND family conference. We will be there until the end of the week.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your love and support! Keep praying!<br /><br />Love, AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6024242937441051404.post-25018867453684491052009-06-17T07:20:00.000-07:002009-06-17T07:25:16.374-07:00On my way to California!Hello! Well I finally left Missouri last night about 9:00 PM, only 2 hours late. Unfortaneatly, I missed my connecting flight in Denver and had to spend the night in the airport! What a night! I will be lucky if this is the only time I will be in an airport overnight with all of the traveling I will be doing in the next 6 months. I should be boarding my plane to Sacramento in about 30 mintues and then on my way to see Jacinda! I am excited to spend time with her.<br /><br />My flight are final for next week! I am leaving Sacramento at about 8:oo AM on Monday, June 22nd and should arrive in Tokyo about 12 hours later (but really it will be about 26 hours later because of the time change!). That will be a fast day. I am looking forward to the next week and what it holds.<br /><br />Again, thank you for all of your support (prayer and financial). I will update once I am in California about how it is going and more about the last few days.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109525153421635835noreply@blogger.com0