November 2011

   Raymond Academy School Festival finally happened this month. We were finishing up details even during breaks, lunch time, after school and any other needed time. Also my roommate was going to cook Indian Curry and I was going to make quesadillas (with tortillas made from scratch) to sell that day. So the first couple weeks of November were even more busy. November 12 came and thankfully all went well. We had the support from the parents and a lot of extra help that day. About 100 guest and parents came making it a very nice event! 

Pastor Kenji, Miho (wife and RA Principal, Sakiyama and Saito)

This year's theme

Being crazy as usual!

Last minute prep

Photo Exhibit

Parent's Cooking

Calligraphy Exhibit

Ready to serve

I won a medal for Scripture memorization:)

  After the school festival was over, we started practicing and preparing for december's programs at church. Even when Japan does not celebrate Christmas for the right reasons, they love decorations and western christmas songs. Everywhere you go, there is christmas all around. The church also uses this to make several outreach events and programs. Specially, for the community around us. Sunday the 26th of this month we had our first advent service, it was very nice. Next weekend, we have the first christmas party for the children of the community. Busy, busy, busy...but in between all that, there is always time for coffee and baking!

Banana/Chocola Chip Bread:D

  In a thanksgiving note, there is so many things I'm thankful for it would take more then a blog to write them. This thanksgiving season thou, I'm specially grateful for an amazing heavenly father, wonderful parents, sweetest sister, and supporting and loving family and friends! On other news, I finally got my visa approved so I can stay until the end of the school year! Several people had been praying with me about this, and God answer. He's never late, but just on time! I am so thankful about this too. Now I can go out freely without the wondering if I would get detain and sent back for being in the country illegally. Lol.. ok maybe not to that point, but still more peace to have all my papers in order.  

No matter what..you're ALWAYS there...

  About two weeks ago, I wrote this sort of prayer, after having a few of those days like those I am sure we all have. It is so amazing how God loves and understands us. He amazes me everyday with every little thing. It's hard to picture how such a great God cares even for our little things, when there are always bigger problems or more important ones. 

Sometimes I feel like a tree without life,
 but I look up and the sky is always blue
even in the dark days

"I am so stupid for trying and worrying like I could fix things when I can not do anything about it. I am sorry for coming to you when I think I can not go on in my own strength, when I knew all along that in my own strength I would not get anywhere. Thank you for always being so patient, kind and loving with me. I've seen the way you work and how you work everything out at the end for best, and yet I still doubt and worry. Through all my life you have hold me in your hands and guided me in every decision I have made wether big or small. Even when every time I have tried on my own or try to figure it out by myself... It is hard for me to understand your patience because I would not be that patient with myself if I was you. I close my eyes and finally come to that point of surrendering what is bothering and keeping me up at night... All I can say is Thank You!"

Crazy October!!

  Wow! so so many things to prepare and happening at school. Next month we have our biggest activity of the year (as big as a small school like ours can have, but still busy/big enough). RA Festival this year will be different from other years, students will be performing some music pieces, we'll have a photography and craft exhibition room, a bible bowl contest among parents, guest, and students, and the cafe place where we'll sell food and collect money to send to the affected areas by the earthquake/tsunami in northern Japan last March. Most of these need to be prepared ahead. Signs, decorations, pictures, crafts, music practices, RA school year DVD, organization, a bulletin. 
On the relaxing side, we have a holiday here and there, and this month, I will go to see Tokyo Christian University in Chiba, a city about 2 hours from Yokohama. Dim, my roommate, graduated from there a year ago, and they are having a festival/homecoming event. I will be my first time in Chiba, so it'll be nice to travel a little. I love traveling, so every chance I get, I'm always on board. I will miss the train rides in Japan for sure! That weekend we also visited Ginza, close to Tokyo, one of our favorite places to go hang out and eat at this amazing steak/buffet restaurant. I'm really thankful for a nice roommate and friend! We are very similar in many ways, even when we come from completely different backgrounds and countries. The funny thing is that I look more Indian then she does!

  This month has also been a month of changes in the school and in my life. God works in mysterious ways and moves things and people around in ways we don't understand sometimes. Some students are struggling and facing some walls in their studies. As teachers, we try our best and we are really praying for God's wisdom to go through it all and help them the best possible way. To add to all of it, my visa expires this month, can't believe it's been a year!! One year in Japan has passed and looking back at it, seems like it went fast. The renewing process is taking longer then expected and we are praying it  will all work out according to God's will. I am planing on finishing the school year, which ends in march, so I need my visa for five extra months. 
  I don't always get to go on the student's field and honor roll trips, but this month I did, and had as much fun as they did :D 

Back In Japan - September

   Coming back was not as homesick as I thought, as soon as I landed, things got very busy. September was a month full of activities at school. We had educators convention the week I got back, so no time for jet lag or anything. We had about 60 people; parents, teachers, and pastors from all over Japan. As the church/school hosting this event, we were very busy. The International Representatives for ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) were the main guest and speakers. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland were the first students to use ACE program. It was nice to hear their story and experiences. 

Off course our students always find time to have fun...:)












As the same time, we had visitors at the church. Abe Sensei, the missionary/pastor to Mexico for over 30 years and also the principal of my high school, came to visit different churches around Japan. 

Chen also came and it was really nice to hang out with him in Japan for a couple days. We both love sushi, so to celebrate his birthday, we had quite a few dishes at the kaiten sushi.

Chen, Dim, Kawasaki's Pastors (met them about 10 years ago in Mexico)

Having such a busy schedule helped me not to get a little home sick. I love Japan and really enjoy it here, but I can't just not miss home, family, friends... I know God brought me back and my time here is not over yet, so I want to faithfully do what He wants me to do while I'm here. I'm so thankful for all the prayers and support from everyone back in America and here. September flew by so fast, I didn't realized until October was right around the corner, and also with many things to happen and preparations to make. 

Amazing Summer

   I was so blessed to have an amazing summer traveling back and seeing my family and friends. It was better then I expected and realized I needed it more than I thought. I got to travel a little and that just made it go faster. I spent ten days at Florida and got to see one of my best friends from high school. We hand't seen each other in two years so we enjoyed every minute, shopping, hanging out, watching movies, and eating a lot. Jodi and I have been friends for about ten years now, and love each other as sisters

Next stop was AZ with my aunt and cousins. Enjoyed ever
y minute of it! Thanks for being more then my aunt, almost a second mother and a great friend hermosa!

After ten months of not being home, I was so so  ready to be home!! I was there for three weeks and they were not enough. It was so nice spend time with my parents and sister! Got to sleep in so, but had so many things to do and people to see that sleeping was like a waste of time haha... 

Really missed this princess, she's the sweetest 
sister Love you  Lita!

About to enjoy breakfast at 
our favorite restaurant:D

3 days at this beautiful Mexican beach for family vacations was awesome!

Karlita and I kayaking:)

Coolest parents..what can I say I'm the daughter haha...

Spending days at home was awesome! Certainly there is no place like HOME !!!! I  couldn't have been more spoil. I do love being pamper and feel literally, feel the love!

We are THE best cousins..crazy, party,
food, and laughter..yea always there

Off course I also enjoyed visiting my church at home and hanging out with my cousins.  They had all been praying for me and supporting me all this time and it was so great seeing them.

Some the girls from church

Last stop..my second home... CINCINNATI!!!I really like this place and most of all I missed my friends here! After living here four years, and after so many experiences and wonderful memories, I was so so happy to be back!Even when somethings and people have changed, still blessed to have some great friends!(Praying and really wanting to move here one day)

We have a great time together :D

Ivone's bridal shower

 Flew back to Japan for a couple more months in September 11, and even when in a way is hard to go back, I know there is where I am suppose to be. God has guided my steps so far, and I trust He will show me His plan in His perfect time! I can't be more thankful for this amazing summer, surrounded by love, care, happiness, family, friends, delicious food, and great memories! Looking forward to whats next.

June Happenings

   Well it's been a busy, busy month. Summer is definitely here! The weather has become hotter and humid. School work, activities have kept us all with schedules filled. Here are some of the things that have been happening:

On June 11, we had Sport's Fun Day. It was a day of sports activities, games, and competitions. We were about 70 teachers, parents, friends, and students. The students were divided in three teams and had trained for several weeks before the event. They were all looking forward to it and we all enjoyed it very much. 

Dim and Me :)

COG (Church of God) 

"Father's Day Mini-Concert" was the special program for this year for father's day. I enjoyed it, but really miss my father.  I'm so blessed to have a wonderful Heavenly Father who is with me everywhere I go and at every moment.  

Cooking Club ended this week. We had 6 weeks where we cooked some different things like cookies, spaghetti, hamburgers, snacks, and dips.  I will really missed it and I think my girls will too. 

Time is going so fast and July is almost here! Summer break starts on July 15 so I'm ready and excited to go home and see everyone! :) Mexico and US watch out here I come and I'm ready for great time with family and friends, delicious food, parties, traveling, and lots of sun!

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow"

 Spring is finally here!! I learned that in this side of the world, flowers don't bloom until late April or beginning of May. It's like a new beginning, a fresh start...It's been lifting and encouraging to see the natural beauty all around. It's like God showing us that no matter how long the sky has been gray, and things have been rocky, He's there..He's always there.

  School started again in the beginning of April, and things are definitely back to normal there; as busy as they can be. This new school year I am teaching a girl's cocking club on Fridays, and we all really enjoy it. Even when we only had a few weeks of break, it has taken the students a few weeks to get back into their study mood but I am thankful things are getting better now. I am also teaching, ESL to three boys, one hour - three days a week. They are my best students! Well, maybe I should better say the cutest of all! (sorry no pictures yet). When I first got here, a little over six months ago, I would not imagine how close I have gotten to so many of them. I am grateful God has brought me here and even with all that has happen, I do not regret it for a second. 

I wont deny I am looking forward to summer break since I will be going to America (as they call it here)! I am really excited about seeing my family and friends. But until then, I will be updating as much as possible. 

  One of my house-mates, Namiki, got married a week ago. That was my first christian-Japanese wedding. It was really nice and different. The ceremony was short and to be honest not sure of all they said since it was all in Japanese hahaha. She looked really pretty and radiant. I learned a new word too; Omedeto gosaimatsu = Congratulations! She moved to Yamagata Prefecture, which is north from here, closer to Sendai area. They will both be assistant pastors in COG( Church Of God) there. Everybody misses her around here, but we are all happy for her too.

As Life Goes On...

  Well, time doesn't stop. It goes by so fast! It's hard to believe that in a few days it will be two months of the biggest earthquake and Tsunami in Japan's history. Since then we have had over 800 aftershocks. For about three weeks now, we haven't had any, which I'm very grateful!

  The Fukushima Nuclear Plant situation seems to be more under control. It will be a long process and months before it can be completely declared controlled and 100% safe area again. In other matters, slowly some things are going back to normal. Many of those who had been living in refugees centers returned home last week. The construction projects are going at a slower pace then expected, but going none the less. The most affected areas still have a long way to go before they can live "normal-lives" again. I find it hard to believe that after going through an experience like this, they can go back to living the way they use to before. Life changing events like this change not only the way you live, but your perspective in life and what really matters changes too. It's hard to explain how something so unexpected has changed my life in many ways. I am amazed of the love and sensibility God has put in my heart for Japan and the pain of others. How their suffering has become mine. I can not thank Him enough for teaching, showing, guiding, holding, and being with me through it all. It's so encouraging and motivating to have my family, friends, and churches prayed and supported me in many ways. I am so blessed to have felt the love and care not only towards me, but also my parents. 

 Catastrophic events and natural disasters are happening all over the world, but it is not something we need to be afraid. They are just signs that the final days are coming. It has made me think on the things I'm doing. On how many more I can and should be doing. It has made me reflect on my past, present, but mostly on my future. Even when I do not know for sure how long I will be here in Japan, I know that God's timing is the best. This past week I've been meditated on a song by Casting Crowns titled, "Glorious Day" and been reminded of His unconditional love for us. It is good to be reminded that eternal life is something our minds can not completely comprehend, but preparing for it is what all we do should be all about...

  

 "He who holds the stars in space holds His people in His hands.."

Missions Trip Report

   In the midst of the storm, God always takes time to show us His faithfulness, love, and overflowing blessings. You Can See the Sun even In a Cloudy Day!
   Sunday March 27, the first trip with supplies collected by different churches, neighbors, and donations to Miyagi and Sendai. Kenji sensei made a three days trip to Yamagata, and Miyagi prefecture. Kohatu sensei, Kakoto sensei, and a high school student from Kawasaki church went along too. The bus was loaded with supplies such as; fresh vegetables, fruits, rice, clothes, toiletries, babies' supplies, kitchen materials, bicycles, and money. People over there lost everything and were so tired of the hard re-construction work everyday. They had spend many days drying up after the Tsumani hit their area. Many of them were getting sick because of lack of nutrition, electricity, and medicines. They needed money to buy food supplies, and gas to go to the closest clinic, the situation was really critical. 

  The team left Sunday night 9 p.m. and arrived at Yamagata church around 3 a.m. They took a nap till 6 a.m. and met another team from Yamagata church. They headed to Sendai that morning.  There is a church that belongs to COG (Church of God, our denomination) in Sendai and they were headed that way. The first thing they did was helped repairing the roof of the church which had been damage by the earthquake. They also left rice supplies there before leaving. That same day, they headed to Shiogama to another church there. This church was not hit by the Tsunami, but surrounding neighbors had lost everything and had been living in very bad conditions. The church has been helping the people around taking some  refugees in, providing warms meals, and sharing some supplies. CRASH (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope) had sent many supplies already,  so  Kenji sensei was asked to drive up north, close to Iwate prefecture to take the supplies. They left the donations at Shiogama church about two hours drive from Sendai. They uploaded what they had at that church and headed home. A couple days later, the news announced that many refugees from Miyagi prefecture had been sent to Kurihara city, where Shiogama church is,  by the government. This showed us that we had been let by God to bring the supplies and donations there since they were needed there the most. 

   On April 8th, Kenji sensei and other two pastors made the second trip to Kurihara. It was a short one-day trip. Makoto sensei, the pastor who was planning on going and taking the van full of supplies, hurt his back the day before the trip, so Kenji sensei was asked to drive in his place. Kenji sensei, Makoto sensei, and Mitsugu sensei left around 4am that day. Even when it was a long, last minute trip, Kenji sensei was thankful that God gave him another opportunity to serve. The day before they arrived, all the extra supplies at that church had gone to a refuge place prepared by the government. The church members were happy for our arrival and it was an answer to prayer for them. God knows the best way and the perfect all the time.  

The church's van full of vegetables, gas stoves, and other supplies.

Pastor Kenji (COG my church here) and the rest of the group who went for two days.

Some pictures of Miyagi and Sendai

The coast

Mani cars along the road haven't been removed

Chiogama Church
They have been receiving a lot of evacuees to this area. the church has been distributing the supplies. 
Pastor Kenji and his wife Miho send their special thanks and regards to all those praying for us.
 I will like to thank you again for all the prayers, support, encouragement, and financial donations.


Special thanks to:
Vision Cumpliendo tu Destino - Cd. Obregon, Sonora Mexico
Centro Cristiano Tierra Fertil - Cd. Obregon, Sonora Mexico
Living Word Church - Phoenix, AZ
God's Bible School & College - Cincinnati, OH
Florence Community Church of the Nazarene - Cincinnati OH
Iglesia La Roca - Cd. Real, Spain
Escuela KJOKMA - Villahermosa Mexico