December- Is the Most Wonderful Time of the YEAR!!!!

   December was the craziest months of all this quarter! Seems like i didn't realized it was here and then just gone! There were many exciting events coming up and some mixed feelings about the holidays as well. After all the planning and practice for the different RA activities, Church programs, and celebration parties, started happening. First weekend we had our ESL (Saturday's class) Christmas Potluck party. Since many of our students are not christians, this is avery good opportunity to invite them to Church and to tell me the real Christmas story.

After we all enjoyed the delicious dishes, the students do a small presentation showing what we have been working on for the last quarter and then we all eat. I shared experiences about our Christmas when I was younger and Dim shared the real Christmas story.

 RA students and teachers were all ready for Christmas break we well! We had almost three weeks off school, and had very nice Christmas program too. 

A major highlight was the visit of one of my best friends EVER! It was so great to have Ette here for a week which seem more like a couple days. We had a great time together and took advantage of everyday. we have been friends for 5 years now and been great/best friends since the we met. I love this girl and always a party and laughter when we are together. It was like early Christmas present for me, and one of the BEST!

By the Pacific Ocean

Yokohama/ Minatomirai

Tokyo Tower

Bingo winners! 

Hanging out in Kamakura

Even baked cookies with some girls from church

And the Christmas activities at church continue...The third Sunday of December, there were a Christmas Cantata, puppet's show, and a picture/video story telling, prepared by the Sunday School children and teens. They had all been practicing and did a great job! The youngest kids were so cute singing loud only the parts they remember of the songs. 

Every year, a group of people from different churches come together to do carolling together by the train station. It's a great opportunity for witnessing and it's only allowed during Christmas season. 

After that, my "swimming friend" invited us for dinner

On Christmas Eve, we had a very nice candle service, where Pastor Kenji shared the Christmas story. The church was full with many visitors, and it was a special time. 

Some Christmas presents:D

Seems like the days between Christmas and New Year go by so fast! It was very relaxing time, and got to catch up with paying visits to some of my new friends. Tasawa San, (swimming friend), introduced me to an older couple a could weeks ago. Kanan and her husband had been inviting us over and now was the time to do it. They are very nice people, and really enjoyed cooking and having guest. They also showed me tons of pictures from their trips all over the world! I was glad that they came to the Christmas Caroling at the station and hope they will agree to come to church with me too. 

This year I got to experience a very traditional celebration for the occasion. We started since the 30th, that nigh we went out to a steak restaurant and have a very nice time with my Japanese family. On the 31st, I made mexican fajitas, refried beens, and even home made flour tortillas! It was a bit of taste like home!!! On January 1st after church, we had lunch together with my Japanese grandparents and granduncles. Delicious Japanese dishes were served and it was all very very delicious! 

  

No, we don't eat steak raw, but you cook at the table as you eat

  God really watches over me and has been blessing me greatly! Holidays like Christmas are times I remember spending with family and friends, eating good food, playing games, sleeping on and yet not sleeping much, watching movies, talking, eating again, coffee, visiting family, going to church, and lots of music! It was hard spending the last two years away from home specially during these days. I am really excited about spending them at home on 2012! I won't deny that I felt a bit homesick and even tear a little a few nights, but even then God surrounded me with wonderful people and filled my homesickness with reminding me that no matter where I am, or with who, He is ALWAYS there! I can't complain of being pampered and well-taken care, besides it's not about me at all or who I feel, but about remembering and celebrating the birth of Who can to save me and unconditionally loves me. 

" For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder : and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. " Isaiah 9:6  

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.