In the Normal Things

     Today was such a good day. After several major miscommunications and a lot of confusion, we are actually beginning to feel a part of what is going on here in Okinawa Shogaku Senior High School. When I got here I was very surprised by lots of things... food, culture, language, classes. Okay, I was surprised by pretty much everything. Some of that was just routine culture shock, and some of that was because of bad communication prior to my trip. Either way, I ended up feeling like I was in over my head. I was wondering how on earth I'd gotten here... I didn't really sign up for all of this.

     And, God knew that. He knew that I would be overwhelmed, and frustrated. He new that I would feel unable to change the situation without being rude. He new that I would have to learn how to stand up for myself in a whole different way. As I began to slowly try to voice my feelings, options began to open up. I started Okisho as an international student (taking full classes) and now I am technically an intern (I don't take classes). This change has allowed Emily and I to speak about Heart for Africa, and that's reallly super exciting!!

     It has been such a blessing to get to know the students here and speak to them about what God is doing in Swaziland. When we do our presentation, they are full of questions and interest and passion. It is so encouraging to see students my age and younger get really mad about something, so mad that they decided to change it.  We brought some HOW (Helping Orphans and Widows) Jewelry with us, and we have certainly started a trend with the students!!! It is so easy to see God's purpose for our trip in these moments.

     But most of the time we are not presenting on Heart for Africa, we are doing normal things, experiencing a tea ceremony, learning a little karate, playing another game of sharades with some students to communicate across that language barrier... Sometimes it's easy to get sick of the parts that seem less important in my eyes. But get this...

     Japan is a country that, as a whole, does not know Jesus. So, I am very conscious of the fact that I represent Jesus, quite literally, to these people.

And our faith is not meant to be lived out in the spot light... it's meant to be lived out everyday in the way we treat people, the way we do normal things, experience a tea ceremony, learn karate, and struggle to communicate.

I think that I am here, definately to spread the word about Heart for Africa, but even more importantly, I am here to spread the word about Jesus Christ and the hope that He gives. What better way to do that then by being completely in over your head? That way, all you have to rely on is Him.

     I am praying for the wisdom to see His purpose through the day to day challenges, for the humilty to reflect His character in everything I do, and for the courage to be vulnerable so that it becomes very evident where my strength comes from. I honestly don't know what to expect next... and I kind of like it that way :)