It is hard to believe that we have been here for just a little over a week. I have adjusted to the time change pretty well, although my eyes still pop open way to early and I have to tell my perky mind that I need to sleep longer. (For those of you who don't know, I'm most definately not a morning person. This is very different for me!)
There have been a lot of blessings so far. My times with the Lord have been particularly powerful. He seems to give me just the verse or passage I need for the day ahead. Another awesome thing is the way I have really connected with the team. I feel a bond even with those who are in different parts of Japan. I have also loved being back with Hiromi Takahashi. She has a huge heart for ministry and it is going to be a joy to work with her these next few weeks. The English classes Mariah and I have been helping out with have been fun and interesting. There is a great eagerness on the part of the Japanese to learn and practice English. Using simple words and sentences we talk about ourselves and our homes and our hobbies. They love to ask questions about America and also to know about our impressions of Japan.
Mariah and I are now settled in our own place. We are staying in a guest room at the Tajima's church in downtown Koriyama. We are living Japanese style with futons on the floor. There is a grocery store just around the corner and we go shopping for our own food. (It is the Japanese way to buy everything in very small portions and then go shopping every few days.) Shopping is very interesting. It is a challenge to buy food when you can't read the labels. We rely on pictures alot! We have found a granola cereal, yogurt, salad dressing and different kinds of candy that we really like! The Japanese diet is very veggie oriented with rice, noodles and meat making the most common additions. In general everything is more health-conscious. Food comes in small portions. McDonalds is the same, though!
Please pray for our Mariah and I as we adjust to a new schedule of English classes and outreach and for Evan as he works at the camp. Pray that we would keep our focus on the Lord and the purpose He has for us here in Japan. Thank you so much for your prayers.
That's about all I have time for now. God bless!
-Elsbeth
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4 comments:
Hi Elsbeth,
Thanks for the updates of all you are doing and experiencing. It has been amazing to hear of all the different things you have been able to do in such a short time. I'm praying for you and looking forward to hearing more of what God allows you to enjoy and experience in the days ahead.
Jen :)
Dear Elsbeth,
I loved hearing about the English classes and where you are staying. It sounds like you are having some really awesome experiences. I will look forward to your next blog! We are praying for you!
When you see the bakerdouglas it is from me, Mindy. One of these days we are going to have to get that fixed so that I can actually have my name pop up with my comments. So Hi from Mindy with the bakerdouglas address.
Elsbeth,
its great to read your blogs and learn about what God in doing through this team in Japan. It is helping better prepare me for when i go over there. I'm so excited to see you there.
I'm praying for you!
Leah :]
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