"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.."