Reflections of Refinement: Keeping up

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Keeping up

So, turned out the cold I had was much worse than I thought it was. Last week, I ended up loosing my voice for a whole day, and in danger of loosing it for most of the week. Very sad. Even now, I'm still wating for my voice to get back to normal. I'd like to be able to sing again!

In random news, I found out from a student a theory of why medicine is so weak in Japan. Apparently the government is very strict about what kind of medicications they allow into Japan. If there are even small side effects, it's not likely to be allowed in. So, much of the medicine is weak. That, and difference in physique.

So the good news is that I'm finished with all my classes but one. I still teach this Friday. This means, since today is Monday, I don't have class for three days, and then I come back to teach one day. This left me with a really strange spring vacation. The solution? A short trip with one of my friends. Starting tomorrow, I'm going on a three day trip with a Japanese friend. This will be fun and exciting for me. This might be my first "road trip" with a friend. And it might be my longest time spent only in Japanese. We'll see how long I manage to last! Haha. Please look forward to the awesome pictures I'm sure to take!

This spring break, like most spring breaks, looks like it's going to stay pretty busy. This week is my mini-trip. Then come back, teach for one day, then Easter, one day off (probably spent packing) then it's off to America for a quick trip. There's a lot I need to pack into that trip too. I just hope I get some time to rest in there too. Travel can be fun, but it's certainly not restful for me. But, I'm looking forward to it.

Anyway, here are some random pictures. First is a nice sunset in front of the church. Second is one of my students with his head in his bag. Yeah, I don't know why his head is in his bag. Last picture is of my house on one of the days it snowed this year.

Ok, I guess that's all for now. I'll try to post when I get back from my first trip. If not, it'll be when I get back from America.

2 comments:

Unknown said...: Hello, or shall I say, Ohayo!!

My name is Dottie, and I am a senior at Lutheran High School in San Antonio, TX. My Church History class is currently researching missions work, and I was fortunate enough to stumble upon your page! I wanted to tell you that I think what you are doing is fantastic. It is so amazing to see someone so devoted to spreading Christ's love and His Word, especially in Japan! You look like you're having so much fun while you're there spreading the Gospel!

I was wondering if you had time, could you please answer a few questions I have about your work? I would like to know why you chose Japan as your destination. How do you feel that God is using you? What kind of hardships have you faced while there? When did you first think you would be a missionary? And lastly, what is your favorite part about being in missions work? I would love to hear from you!

My email address is kawaiidottie@gmail.com. I am praying for you, and I thank you for your devotion to the LORD and the inspiration you give to many (like me!)

~~*~~Dottie A. ^.~; 4:18 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi! As I came to leave a comment, I see that there's another person with a similar request!! My name is Reina Shelby and I'm a mom of 3 homeschooled children in Northern California (though my husband is from Bryan/College Station).

My oldest son is going has an assignment from his church class to interview a missionary. I've written to a few, but so far no one has responded! He must have it done by April 10. I know this is not much of a notice, but we had given other missionaries 3 weeks and we haven't heard from any!! If you cannot get back to us before the 10th, I'd still appreciate your response after that. Here's a note from my son.

Hi,

My name is Kepler Shelby. I'm 8 years old and I am homeschooled. I go to AWANA club at First Arcata Baptist Church in Arcata, California. I have an assignment to ask a missionary a few questions. Can you please help me? Here are the questions.

1. Where do you work?

2. What is your job?

3. Are there many Christians in Japan?

4. How do you talk about Jesus?

Thank you for helping.

Kepler Shelby; 4:53 AM

Post a Comment

Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I am excited to know you have been here. Just for the record, I wanted to give a few explanations and disclaimers.

First, all photos are taken by me unless otherwise stated. I try to attach photos that someway correlate to my posts. Sometimes you might have to stretch your imagination a bit, but at least in my mind they all make sense. If you would like to use any of my photos, please ask for permission.

Second, I very much appreciate and am encouraged by your comments. I am very fortunate to have many encouraging comments on my blog. However, please be advised that I do not tolerate spam or rude comments. They will be deleted. Also, I do not link to or promote other blogs. Comments that are obviously only for the promotion of their own blog will also be deleted. I do not make money from this site, and do not intend to use adsense or any other form of revenue. I do not promote my own blog on other's blogs, and I would like the same respect and consideration.

Also concerning comments: I'm very grateful for all that I receive. It is encouraging to know that people are reading and thinking about the things I write about. I read every comment. Unfortunately, I don't often reply to comments. Contrary to my writing style, I am actually a bit shy and socially awkward. I'm more of a "lurker" type than a replier. I just wanted you to know that lack of response does not equal lack of appreciation.

I hope that you enjoy reading my blog. I understand that not everyone will empathize with or agree with what I say and how I say it. I do my best to be honest but respectful, and I appreciate the same respect and honesty.

Thank you for your time and thought.

I ask you to PRAY

Finally brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

Prayers for us and the Japanese people:

That we may

*be given the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Christ
*have our eyes be enlightened with His presence
*know the Hope of His calling
*understand the greatness of His power toward us
*have our hearts strengthened
*have Christ dwelling in our hearts
*be rooted and grounded in love
*able to comprehend the width and length depth and height of the love of Christ
*be filled with the fullness of Christ
*have love that abounds more and more in knowledge and discernment
*be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ
*be filled with the fruits of righteousness
*be filled with the knowledge of His Will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding
*have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, increasing in the knowledge of God
*be strengthened with all Might, according to His power
*have patience and longsuffering with joy and thanksgiving
*be like-minded toward one another so that we may Glorify Christ with one mind and one mouth
*be filled with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
*be enriched in everything so that we come short in no spiritual gift and that we may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ
*have what is lacking in our faith perfected
*be made to increase and abound in love to one another and overflow to all
*have our hearts established as blameless before God at the coming of Christ
*be counted worthy of His calling and fulfill all good works He has planned for us
*be glorified in the name of Jesus, and He in us, according to Grace
*be living fully in the love of God and the patience of Christ

(prayer requests taken from the various Apostolic prayers)