Our life in Seto

Since we have limited internet access, I have been typing blog entries on my computer. Here is one from a couple days ago.

Chris is excited about his donut!

Another day in Seto. I realize that everyday that I am here, I experience miracles. Everything that is happening seems to just flow. What I mean is that no matter where we go or what we do here in Japan, everything works out.

God is the guide of this trip. God has been providing for us in so many ways. Whether it is housing, food, luxuries like cell phones, he provides it for us. Today I was talking to the Mizuno family (the husband is the one that is my fathers old dean). They were giving us advice about getting to the next place (saga). We mentioned that we may drop by Kyoto and then Hiroshima. My fathers family lives in Kyoto and I thought that it would be nice to drop by if possible, and if not at least see the sights in Kyoto. Well the Hiroshima thing was kind of a last minute thing. When we were in Kamenokoyama (close to yokohama), I met my old friend from college. I went to PUC with Lisa and found out that she was actually a missionary there in kamenokoyama for around 2 years as a student missionary. She is now currently in Hiroshima teaching over there. Well she happened to drop by the Kamenokoyama area to visit Becky (Pastor Ishii's wife who has been so wonderful to us). Well I got to hang out with Lisa, Brooke (the other missionary there), and Calene (the secretary of the Japan Union Conference that has helped us so much as well). Well to make a long story short, Lisa asked us if we could go to the Hiroshima area doing our last week in Seto. We actually have a free week for the last week, so are planning on dropping by Hiroshima on our way to saga. So we may leave early to go to Kyoto-Hiroshima-saga. So what is the miracle? Well the fact that we have that extra week off to be able to go, the fact the Mizuno san was looking through one of the bus guides and found a bus that is quite cheap that runs from Hiroshima to Saga, and the fact that so many people have been helping us out to find ways to get places as well as find places to stay. I mean what can I say··God is in charge of this trip.

Chris's private English class

When I first started this trip I was so stressed out about things. What about where we will stay when we get back to Tokyo? Or what about buying food? How will people contact us? How will we find cheap ways to get around to the different places? Where will we stay? Will our money last? I worried about everything. But you know what? I decided towards the beginning to just give it up to God. And guess what? God is guiding us. Faith·I believe that if you believe in God and give it up to him, he will definitely provide. He is working in me and in our trip.

Ok so what about the whole teaching experience? Another miracle. We started off with Becky at Kamenokoyama. We actually had a lot more free time there because it was mostly planning for the VBS and teaching little classes (only three). But you know what? That was the start we needed. We needed to start off slow and get adjusted to the Japan as well as to teaching. Becky helped us by teaching us games to play with the kids, the VBS helped us to get more acquainted with dealing with kids here in Japan, planning helped us to become more creative, and teaching that class Sayaka sensei gave us the foundation for teaching. When we got here to Seto it was kind of like here are some books, teach and do what you want! But you know what? We had a foundation and were not completely lost. We knew what we could do, and we have also adjusted and adapted our own teaching styles with the kids. I believe God planned that for us. He sent us Becky and everyone here.

Enjoying a Mr. Donut

People here in Japan are so nice to us. A lot of the parents bring us food and things that we may need. One of the parents is a pharmacist and brought us some antihistamines and cold medicine. Another one of the parents brought us donuts! Emphasis on donuts cause they were so gooooooodd! (and they were Mr. Donut! The best donut shop in Japan!) I think Mr. Donut is the theme food of this trip haha. Another parent  cooked lunch for us today. She made us rice balls, fried tofu, and a pickled vegetable salad. Oh man, we are eating a lot of fresh food over here and I am enjoying it. A lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Well my point is that people really take care of his. People really care and show us kindness that I don't feel like I deserve. I see Gods love in these people.  I mean Mizuno san even offered up his house for us to stay in! We are still staying in the mother's room in the church for this week and are intending to go to his house next week. I mean even the mothers room is our own private room in the church! It's very nice actually.

Fujisan!

So our trip is in Gods hands and we are definitely in great hands, that's for sure. 

Leaving kamenokoyama. Our mom in japan, Becky:)

Our room

Taking a break after a long day

Teacher Chris, doing a great job

Teaching English and learning as I go

This is a picture of the church