Finger Prints

  I am writing this from JAPAN!! I still can't really believe that I'm here. Everything has been sooo crazy, and nothing like what I had expected. It's good though... in a really different way.

    Emily (my sister) and I left home at 5:30 last Wednesday and got to Okinawa, Japan, late Thursday night. It was such a long time to be traveling, but everything went smoothly, and our flights were not delayed. Our first Japanese food was on the airplane... that was an experience in itself!! We stayed in Okinawa Thursday night, and then flew to Osaka Friday.

    Osaka was amazing. The city is beautiful and full of history, and the people are so welcoming! We spent our days at a school meeting students, exploring the culture, and presenting about America and Heart for Africa. That evening I went home with my host student, Shiori. She is absolutely the sweetest thing I have ever seen! I could not have asked for a more patient, kind-hearted, fun person to spend so much time with!! It was such a blessing to spend 3 nights in her home.

    Probably the most exciting thing that happened in Osaka was the presentation on Heart for Africa that Emily and I made to Shiori's class (a class of 15 year old girls who spoke very little English). We used the slides we had prepared, but had to use very simple language when we were speaking. However, the students and teachers listening certainly heard our message. As we told them about the people of Swaziland, the situation of the country's many orphans, and the work being done on Project Canaan, they were very obviously moved. I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for Heart for Africa.

     We flew back to Okinawa (where we will be for the rest of our trip) Monday, and began school at Okinawa Shogaku or Oki Sho Tuesday (yesterday). This is where the culture shock began to set in. We were under the empression that our classes would be taught in English, and that our complete ignorance of the language would not be an issue.... we could not have been more wrong! Yesterday we arrived at school to find that ALL of the classes are in Japanese and most of the students speak English well enough to introduce themselves but not much more.

     It was definately a hard day. School starts at 8:15 and goes until 5:00, and then we have extra classes afterwards. It's just all very overwhelming!! Last night I was absolutely exhausted. I feel kind of like a fish out of water... People are asking me "Why did you come to Japan if you don't know any Japanese?" I'm beginning to ask myself that question too!

     Then I think, I came here to spread the word about Heart for Africa and speak for the orphans and widows in Swaziland. That is enough to get me through a class of Japanese (for native speakers, kind of like our high school level English class). When I am completely unable to listen to another word of this language and I miss my family and my food and my summer vacation... I remember, I am here because God commands His people to stand up for orphans and widows, and He sent me here specifically to do exactly that.

      This opportunity is covered with the finger prints of God, and I know beyond a shaow of a doubt that I am here for a reason.  Right now it's not easy to see why He sent me here; It's not easy to see what He is doing through me. BUT I know that He is working in me, strengthening me, and preparing me for whatever else He has planned in my life. I am here with a smile again today, taking another stab at the language barrier, because I know that great things happen when God's people are doing His will. Maybe, just maybe, He will use this small town Missouri girl to something special. I certainly won't be the one standing in the way.

     So, is my trip going well? Yes, but it is not easy. Am I looking forward to being home? Certainly. Do regret coming? Not a chance. I am looking forward to all the unexpected adventure that I'm sure are yet to come. You would be surprised how much fun scary, different things can be when you give them a chance :)
Please pray for my sister and I, the students at Oki Sho, and Heart for Africa, but most of all, please pray that God's will be done are we represent Him here.

     Thanks for reading... I know it's long! Sorry!! Next time I'll try to upload some pictures if this internet can handle it! Also, my spell check doesn't work, so now you all know how badly I really spell!!