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!"