蜂蜜　の　力

Fighting

2011-09-07T06:21:00.002-05:00

"Fighting for the poor, you forget your own pain." -Sr. Silvia

"The Song of the Shirt"

2011-04-01T18:03:00.003-05:00

With fingers weary and worn,
With eyelids heavy and red,
A woman sat, in unwomanly rags,
Plying her needle and thread —
Stitch! stitch! stitch!
In poverty, hunger, and dirt,
And still with a voice of dolorous pitch
She sang the "Song of the Shirt."

"Work! work! work!
While the cock is crowing aloof!
And work — work — work,
Till the stars shine through the roof!
It's Oh! to be a slave
Along with the barbarous Turk,
Where woman has never a soul to save,
If this is Christian work!

"Work — work — work,
Till the brain begins to swim;
Work — work — work,
Till the eyes are heavy and dim!
Seam, and gusset, and band,
Band, and gusset, and seam,
Till over the buttons I fall asleep,
And sew them on in a dream!

"Oh, Men, with Sisters dear!
Oh, men, with Mothers and Wives!
It is not linen you're wearing out,
But human creatures' lives!
Stitch — stitch — stitch,
In poverty, hunger and dirt, 30
Sewing at once, with a double thread,
A Shroud as well as a Shirt.

"But why do I talk of Death?
That Phantom of grisly bone,
I hardly fear its terrible shape,
It seems so like my own —
It seems so like my own,
Because of the fasts I keep;
Oh, God! that bread should be so dear
And flesh and blood so cheap!

"Work — work — work!
My labour never flags;
And what are its wages? A bed of straw,
A crust of bread — and rags.
That shattered roof — this naked floor —
A table — a broken chair —
And a wall so blank, my shadow I thank
For sometimes falling there!

"Work — work — work!
From weary chime to chime,
Work — work — work,
As prisoners work for crime!
Band, and gusset, and seam,
Seam, and gusset, and band,
Till the heart is sick, and the brain benumbed,
As well as the weary hand.

"Work — work — work,
In the dull December light,
And work — work — work,
When the weather is warm and bright —
While underneath the eaves
The brooding swallows cling
As if to show me their sunny backs
And twit me with the spring.

"Oh! but to breathe the breath
Of the cowslip and primrose sweet —
With the sky above my head,
And the grass beneath my feet;
For only one short hour
To feel as I used to feel,
Before I knew the woes of want
And the walk that costs a meal!

"Oh! but for one short hour!
A respite however brief!
No blessed leisure for Love or Hope,
But only time for Grief!
A little weeping would ease my heart,
But in their briny bed
My tears must stop, for every drop
Hinders needle and thread!"

With fingers weary and worn,
With eyelids heavy and red,
A woman sat in unwomanly rags,
Plying her needle and thread —

Stitch! stitch! stitch!
In poverty, hunger, and dirt,
And still with a voice of dolorous pitch, —
Would that its tone could reach the Rich! —
She sang this "Song of the Shirt!"

By: Thomas Hood (1799-1845)

Simple Gifts

2011-03-08T19:18:00.007-06:00

Hymns, glorious incantations to God...
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight
'Till by turning, turning we come round right.

-Elder Joseph Brackett Jr. (Shaker, 1797-1882)

Battling Angels

2011-02-27T10:17:00.003-06:00

Battling with Angels.
Calm + Chaos.
Pure thoughts + Stigmas.
Wakefulness + Blind rage.
Floating on Wings.
Through this Life.
Suffering + Happiness.

Eyes of glass

2010-10-18T06:38:00.009-05:00

Distress signals
ebbing to the edge of me.
What am I asking,
A need?
Or simply looking for
answers
that don't yet exist.

Disconnected.
I see you among recognized strangers.
You talking, expressing, smiling, laughing.
Me with hopeful eyes on you,
behind glass.

Americans

2010-09-19T09:30:00.006-05:00

Fat Americans are
everywhere.
Sweating, consuming,
wearing poorly fitted clothing,
sitting on a throne.
How are we seen?
Are you surprised?
(From glimpses of Wuxi, China, 6/2010)

Unease

2010-05-01T08:26:00.004-05:00

Voices, radio, intrusion.
A boat rumbles.
A Jeep perturbed
by sand.
Stuck.

Men.
Produce fear,
for only being a man.
Me, a single woman.
Anxiety shifts to
unease.

Wake-up call

2010-04-24T08:32:00.011-05:00

Sun rising over a hazy city
with palms sprouting
from disheveled sidewalks
of filth, brokenness, and hope.
Dirt, trash, deterioration
outlined in soft, worn pastels.
A couple grinds flour,
school uniforms glide past me,
all with shy smiles
and opened eyes.
Burma.

(From journal, Rangoon, August 21, 2008)

Expectations

2010-04-20T22:04:00.003-05:00

the person you expect.
expectations.
so i was not perfect
enough
to fit your every need,
you with more expectations,
more criticisms of not my own inward struggle.
aren't unmet expectations saying,
not good enough?
what do you expect?
with too many expectations.

i am, me.
good enough and more,
to exceed all your
expectations.
but indeed perfection
is not my truth.
expect imperfection
and truth.
i am,
not an expectation.

Once

2010-03-23T20:51:00.005-05:00

i thought once
was enough,
but once only comes one time.
twice or thrice.
bridging the gap in time.
time that it takes
to hold back that anger,
that fleeting memory,
that once there was love.
twice or thrice.
wouldn't it be nice?

Confidence

2010-01-02T21:00:00.004-06:00

Confidence.
Decisions--
made surely, firmly.
Strength
of character, convictions.
Respect--
for me, for him.
Cherished.
Encouraged.
Blooming and
growing
into me.

Marvin

2009-12-06T20:56:00.002-06:00

Cuddly,
purrrring,
snort.
Fuzzy
tuffs,
of adventure.
Encounter--
Marvin.

to be

2009-12-04T20:38:00.000-06:00

to be the couple--
that he puts on her coat,
she reaches for his hand--
to steady her.
they laugh in deep tones,
to be.

would i, if i were?

2009-02-11T22:16:00.002-06:00

sitting in a chair,
why am i more
privileged
than him?

because i have $,
because i don't carry
my belongings on my back,
because strangers don't
cringe
at my presence?

am i privileged?
or do i live in my own hell,
because i can't help him.
because i could be him.
because i feel guilty,
ashamed
that he has to struggle
for everything.

would i live
if i were in his hell,
or would i?

i want to be

2009-01-08T08:38:00.006-06:00

i want to be...

the couple still clasping
hands
when they are gray and stooped.

the mother who calls
her kids
pumpkin.

the explorer trekking through
the outbacks of
Montana and Mongolia.

the girl that
pounds the pavement
training for a marathon.

the lady with the cat
who all day sits in the window
awaiting her return.

i want to be...
oh, heck
a pastor's wife!

Grasping

2008-12-03T09:45:00.003-06:00

Awareness
is frightening.
Bigger than
my grasping
conscience.
Churning, faint shadows
of faces--
Amo las sombras,
aunque ellas que
no me conozco.
Don't fade.

unknown

2008-10-11T23:20:00.002-05:00

pictures of my reflection,
my shadow.
always lurking
beside me.
obscure,
unknown,
waiting, my soul,
waiting.
to meet
my Spirit.

Garrison sunset

2008-09-21T13:07:00.004-05:00

i hear malted milk
in the waves,
locusts frenzy,
gulls like angry whistles
on the breeze,
lackluster caresses,
careening.
the sun
cutting through the ripples,
softly piercing
the horizon
of malted milk.

sign language

2008-09-04T13:28:00.001-05:00

sign language is...

beautiful,
mysterious,
full of expression,
amazing and...
silent.

afternoon innocence

2008-09-01T05:27:00.012-05:00

Mountainside soccer game.
Unexpected laughter.
Fleeting innocence.
Heho, Burma

out of reach

2008-08-31T11:31:00.003-05:00

meteors

2008-08-14T19:22:00.002-05:00

regardless
of my perspective,
they were
falling.
showering.
behind
grey, billowing
haziness.
caressing
the earth,
with their
brilliance.

embraces

2008-07-30T14:37:00.006-05:00

gentle stillness.
engulfed
in tranquility.
abrazos
encircling
my being.

cuatro cuartos

2008-07-27T14:07:00.009-05:00

cuatro cuartos.
waiting for
life,
vida
viviendo.
yo y él-
estar aspirando,
life.
comienzando en
cuatro cuartos.

i-n-s-o-m-n-i-a

2008-07-25T15:51:00.009-05:00

insomnia
in-som-nia
insom-nia
inso-mni-a
insom-nia
in-som-ni-a
in-s-o-m-ni-a

air conditioner
bumbling,
heavy night
sweat.
vibrating locusts
fading
into the sunset.
buzz,
buzzzz,
buzzzing
streetlights.
rumbling
cars.

purple-cast
eeriness,
outlined in
yellow haze.

stillness.

tossing,
turn.
the same
pillow.
same smells,
same sounds,
same outlines
of my
pillow.

chirping
perpetrates,
along with
crisp, white
radiance.

it's 5am.
insomnia.

insomnia
in-som-nia
insom-nia
inso-mni-a
insom-nia
in-som-ni-a
in-s-o-m-ni-a

Descend

2008-07-22T11:39:00.006-05:00

Heavy, basement
bar.
Seasoned with
cigarette-stained
walls.
Of wood.
Reverberating
music,
late into the night.
Dark,
glamorous,
clumsiness.

The Moaners
Auntie Mae's

2

2008-07-20T08:09:00.006-05:00

i thought i lost

a friend,
but i gained 2.
8 years ago,
seems like 8 days.
kindred spirits,
gentle creations
of God's earth,
molded into
compassion and joy.
i found a friend
i thought i'd lost.
and there are 2.

a box

2008-07-19T12:35:00.004-05:00

sometimes i think that pictures are memories- pent up, stored up- in a box. waiting to be remembered.

A shadow story...

2008-07-18T14:33:00.010-05:00

the metallic,
impenetrable
waters of the present.
my Soul,
a reflection
of the deep Unknown.
Raw,
exposed,
alive.
Lake Michigan
Chicago, IL

I am

2008-07-17T12:47:00.010-05:00

Torn.
Between giving and withholding.
Frustrated unknowing.
Grasping for,
craving for-
balance.
Desire.
Anger from
questions without
answers,
actions without assurance.
Joy,
in simplicity.
Warm tendernesses.
Unrestrained-
smiles.
And laughter.
Free, uninhibited
happiness.
Whole.
Because my own humanity
creates boundaries,
for undiscovered
love.
I am torn.

there are

2008-07-16T16:25:00.003-05:00

there are these couples
with blank,
starving
eyes.
empty.

Beatitude

2008-07-15T18:58:00.003-05:00

i saw it outside myself.
on tippy toes,
it was there.
cupped in delicateness
that washed down my arms,
from the sky
i was reaching towards.

palms burning,
deep ravines.
massive brown paper bags,
leftovers--
from gluttony.

his hands-
empty.
his eyes shone-
behind hallowed
features,
of God.
Bryant Park,
Manhattan,
midnight.

fear,
didn't exist.
on that street,
where the Sun was shining.

at midnight.

Beatitude-
i was there.
with palms burning.

In that place

2008-07-14T19:15:00.007-05:00

In that place
where dreams overtook me,
and fought within me,
under the covers, under my pillow
this song haunts me,
rich, powerful, distraught patience.
I'm reminded there is a difference
between "toughness" and
"strength."
I am both.
Together.
One.

Regina Spektor, "Samson"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p62rfWxs6a8
(Samson means "of the Sun" & was a Herculean figure, who is granted tremendous strength through the Spirit of the Lord to combat his enemies and perform heroic feats unachievable by ordinary men.)

Forever

2008-07-12T23:50:00.004-05:00

Forever is like a moment that stretches unseeingly into the hazy future. How does Forever decide that Now isn't enough, can Now be part of Forever? Does my Forever end with the Forevers in another's life, or will my Forever continue long into the future-- forever? Forever seems so permanent, stable, terrifyingly distant-- exhilarating. Is God the only source of Forever? My path stretches forever before me, God is Forever with me, I can't change parts of me to be Forever, it's what already exists in me that is Forever...

From Wave Watcher by Craig Johnson (my 9th grade soccer coach & encourager of life's experiences): "Forever" is an important word in my family. We use it only when we mean it, and it can mean so many things. I've learned a lot about the word this year by reading a few of my father's love letters to my mother. Dad always signs his notes with a stroke that reads "Forever." In turn, Mom signs her notes "Sempre"-- that's Portuguese for "forever." Recently, I've learned how so many things are forever.

Summer 夏の俳句

2008-07-10T22:07:00.004-05:00

lightning bugs ignite
a calm, restless radiance
in the thick, night air

deep earth echoing
venerable cicada
resonates desire

Sunday

2008-07-08T01:00:00.006-05:00

“some day”

sounds like –

a Sunday sundae,

my dreams,

a long time,

today…

my mind

2008-07-08T00:58:00.004-05:00

my mind
changes like blinking eyes,
subconsciously;
one moment never begins
because a beginning has an end.

Now

2008-07-05T19:10:00.005-05:00

construct a dream

existing of reality.

now.

i want to cherish it
in my heart--
undiscovered.
until Certainty
answers.

Answers

2008-07-02T18:26:00.006-05:00

Today this quote was called to mind by a conversation I had...

"Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart.
Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language.
Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them.
It is a question of experiencing everything.
At present you need to live the question.
Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer,
some distant day."
-Rainer Maria Rilke

For years this quote has very likely been
the answer to many of my questions.
Not so much answers,
but sentiments allowing me
to continue on God's path.
I like the thought
of distant days.
I like the thought
of living
in the present.
I don't like the thought
of living in the
past...
except as incentive to
enjoy today,
now,
forever,
and tomorrow,
today.

Restlessness

2008-06-26T22:29:00.004-05:00

some form of restlessness
is overwhelming me.
not so much restlessness,
but excitement.
yes, that's it.
excitement.
for life.
with joy
for blessings,
poured out to me,
with each
falling
raindrop.

Cycling the summer away

2008-05-22T20:58:00.002-05:00

so this summer i decided i'd bike to work every day. this might not seem like such a challenge in the bike-filled asian countries, or the hot-paved streets of new york. but in little manhattan, ks, the city isn't planned to accommodate, get this, a bike. 3 miles across town. 730am. several pot holes later, i cross the mammoth 4-laner + turn lanes. passing by the local wal-mart, sonic, quiznos, big bumbling trucks, gas $3.79, waiting at the light. i'm in the turn lane. sweet love, the straight-away is all mine. on my bike. in manhattan.

Christmas traditions

2007-12-25T09:45:00.000-06:00

(A Kansas sunset in December)

Many of you are blessed with innumerable family traditions during this holiday period. The Conyer's have a Swedish tea ring breakfast, The Elliot's- sushi at midnight w/ root beer floats, others gather around the tree, Christmas Eve services, hot chocolate, enjoying each other's company. For many reasons, I have a hard time enjoying Christmas time. I would rather not have to be dealing with old problems, family silences, overlooked words and stifling feelings. Today there are no presents or a happily-lit tree. Perhaps it's even harder to see other's families who at least appear to have a sense of togetherness.

However because I've been able to experience so many wonderful places and friends, I've always been included in celebrating with others and I have a clearer view of what joy, thanksgiving, and love should look like during this season. I suppose over the years I've also amassed many traditions that I hope to have with my own family and friends.

So my hope, joy, and thankfulness comes from so many people who make this time special for me. Myron's family- for the salmon Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Eve service w/ Althea at the Lutheran church, pizza and the Hairspray musical at the Reynold's, coffee and a bagel w/ my mum and making pies w/ her, helping at the Christmas community dinner, Meagan- wine and The Office, helping Amy and Emma wrap presents, visiting w/ Jess at her store... I have so many friends for which to be grateful, God does provide His love in ways we don't even realize.

So my own traditions... what will they be? Well for a start: Cinnamon rolls, Mexican hot chocolate, reading my favourite "Peace Begins with You" book, Midnight Service, making cookies to decorate the tree, serving at the community dinner, and so many others... but especially seeking out other friends who may not know that Christmas can be a very special time of sharing God's love and life, even if you have to walk through the valley of shadow and death to see it.

Facebook

2007-12-17T22:25:00.000-06:00

So it seems like eons since I've posted on my account... it has been. I thought I'd give that Facebook thing a go, but it wasn't for me!!! I couldn't say anything meaningful on it like I can here. And I think it just sucks you into distractions... I have ENOUGH of that in life, right?

God has been working miracles in my life since June 2006 when I last logged on here. I also have been running from God at times as well. Running and not even realizing it, 'cuz I didn't wanna face what He had to say. So I tried the good old diversion tactics, not good. Recently, I found myself standing smack dab in front of Him, but the good thing was... I didn't wanna run this time. I just waited for His embrace, which He gave undeservedly.

So what does all this mean? I don't exactly know. But I can say I feel so much better waking up in the morning having Him to talk to. My Bible is FULL of lovely highlights, notes, and wisdom that somehow I temporarily forgot, or only listened to when I wanted, and now I feel like diving back in and knowing more. To me that is the nature of life and spirituality... to go through peaks and valleys, but to always end up on top-- a renewed spirit. And the top is a bit higher each time, like you gain just a bit more understanding of life and your innerself.

A snapshot of my memories with Mom

2006-06-22T23:25:00.000-05:00

Ok, well there's no way that I can recount all the different adventures that my mother and I had....so I'll just let you enjoy a part of our days during her trip here. She mastered the "doomo" or thanks in Japanese. So much in fact that she kindly told a little girl at the park "doomo" instead of "konnichiwa". But regardless of that....she moved onto the more formal thank you, "arigatou". However, this one never came out so well...it was always "aribato". This caused many chuckles by me and probably some confusion to the receiver of the thanks. We then tried to move on the very formal thank you very much, "arigatou gozaimasu". This one never went down. But I love my mum and all the great memories we had together...she was definitely a up for doing anything and everything. I think what she enjoyed most, though, was just being my mom (and I treasured up being her daughter ^_^)!!

Mamà さん arrives...

2006-06-10T07:38:00.000-05:00

I spent Thursday running down to pick up my mum from Tokyo... it began at 5:00am with a one-hour drive to Aomori City. Then a 4-hour train ride to Tokyo Station. As recommended by Steph, I diverted my time there cruising around the grounds of the Imperial Palace. As the gates and bridges were well-guarded and closed to the public, there was no means for me to scale the rock walls and cross the moat...but it was amusing never-the-less.

God blessed me with a wonderful mother and she arrived safe and sound with luggage in tow. We also had many more miracles in the travel back home...besides lugging 2 massive suitcases (not what I would recommend in Japan), we made a 10-minute transfer in Tokyo Station to the shinkansen. I would have loved to get the look on our faces when we spied the 2-stories of steps we had to carry her luggage up...but the happy ride back up north made it all worth it. She's one brave traveler...and so cute when she says "どうも" or "thanks" with her little practiced bow ^_^! To be continued....

Sports day...HOORAY!

2006-06-06T06:16:00.000-05:00

For the second year running, I attended Minami Elementary School's Sports Day (南小学校の運動会). Besides watching all the kids run their hearts out, the day was filled with lots of cheering, a couple traditional dances, some random relays, and (I think the best part) the special bento lunch. Granted I didn't take as many pictures as I would have wished...maybe you can enjoy a few moments. Having laryngitis over the past few days diminished my abilities to participate much (not that I would be expected to under normal conditions), BUT I did get out there and do a relay with my 4th grade class teacher and one of the dances with the kids where we hold origami flowers. And a newly discovered favorite...lychee (or lichi, a type of fruit from a Chinese tree) throat lozenges...I wish I could tell the old man who gave them to me how much I love them! I will have to stock up for my trip home!

(This guy had the right idea on his back even though he wasn't out there running.)

(Two of my favorite 4th graders...so sweet!)

Bowling is NOT boring

2006-06-04T06:28:00.000-05:00

When I looked up the correct Japanese translation for "bowling", I found it had the same pronunciation as "boring" (ボーリング). However this can easily be clarified with a few pictures that show not only a brilliant time, but also a very Happy Birthday to Niqie on May 31st! So here's to my first ボーリング experience in Japan...

(Steph inevitably with the best Japanese out of us gurls had the most amusing misspelling of her name as "Stella", she's also appearing quite serious at this whole bowling thing ^_^. We were digging the 80's velcro shoes. Niqie enjoying her balloon surprise in the car.)

(The cutiest ballgirl ever....that would be Yukie of course in the striped socks! Aaron gives his thumbs up approval...as does the rest of the gang.)

(What more can I say?)

The seven-onsen-in-two-days trip!

2006-05-25T00:32:00.000-05:00

(This is a sampling of all 7 onsens...)

So the gurls (Bethany and Stephanie) and I went on a brilliant weekend adventure to the lost lands of Shimokita. The purpose of the trip was to visit as many onsens as possible, of course to enjoy ourselves with some Godly fellowship, to see Luke & Yuko (and soon-to-be Emma), and to squash as many frogs as possible. Seriously, we drove through a freak frog storm on Friday night. It was raining madly, causing huge pools of water to form on the roads, and this in turn attracted hundreds of little hoppers to frolick happily across the pavement until squashed by a passing car--mainly ours. We also saw an abundance of other creatures, viz.-- a red-faced monkey, a fox, a Japanese pheasant, a bird that flew alongside our car in a rather strange fashion, the before-mentioned frogs, beware of bear signs (but no bear), and a foreigner on bike (this being the most uncommon sighting in the far reaches of nowhere land hahaha). So for all of you that are a bit leery of the Japanese onsen or "public bath", you may be missing out on one of the best parts of Japanese culture. And in case you can't enjoy them at the moment, maybe some of these pictures will inspire you for the future!!

(Inside of a couple joyful onsens.)

(A lovely view of the bay, strait, and ocean farther off.)

(Can anyone say trash? The Japanese coastline...impossible to keep clean as garbage daily washes up from Japan, China, Korea, Russia....)

(Enjoying some gyoza, tofu donuts, and strange ice cream that I believe was really herb flavor!)
(And of course hanging out at the Elliot's...lil' Emma is getting QUITE big now, but Yuko is as energetic and joyful as ever!!)

Rice seedlings, ready for the taking...

2006-05-18T01:45:00.000-05:00

So the fields are glistening under the sun. They water has been poured in, the dirt tilled underneath, and the baby rice seedlings are ready to meet their master. This is my favorite time of year. The rows of fields reflect everything that lies above and beside them. Here's a sampling of the greenhouses and transport of these precious seedlings...they are after all a national treasure in some respects.

Tomomi ちゃん shows off a spry little sprout....
...while I attempt to not trample the babies.
( I had thoughts of jumping onto the fresh, soft "grass" with bare feet and frolicking around joyfully. But I believed the Takahashi family would've had most unhappy thoughts of this adventure and banished me from their farm forever.)

The real festival...

2006-05-08T17:50:00.000-05:00

...is enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

So the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is packed up, leaving behind garbage, empty stalls, and the best part- the cherry blossoms in brilliant bloom. The park is particularly beautiful now that the tourist mobs are gone, the rambunctious noise is lifted, and you can hear the soft pad of feet upon gravel as the admirers drift lazily by. The wind softly blows petals to the ground or into the moat creating a pink polka-dot dreamland. It being my last "hanami" time in Japan for the near future...I'm going to indulge you with all the pretty pictures I can.... Diviertete!

The after effects....

Once upon a time...

2006-04-29T19:56:00.000-05:00

Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

(with lack of cherry blossoms at the moment!)

Easter fun time with Marc and Dinah!

There was a 28th birthday in there somewhere!
(which called for some crab and tomato spaghetti celebrated with Steph)

Some things....

2006-04-17T05:33:00.000-05:00

that made me happy today...

(They seriously need a "rainbow" button for text font colors...come on Steph/Jenn...gurls, I'm waiting for you to invent it!)

1. the sun shining thru the clouds this morning...God said "good morning, sunshine"
2. the Yakult-selling office lady had my favorite lemon yougurt drink
3. I studied Spanish and read a book for most of the day...and tried not to bust out laughing in my relatively quite office about a Mexican white meringue treat that is nicknamed a "nun's fart"
4. I got an email from my mum
5. My supervisor skipped and danced around the office on random occasions
6. A few of the office workers were humming "high, ho, high, ho...it's off to work we go". I thought about chimming in with the English but decided against it.
7. On my walk I saw the old man that smokes a cigarette while "walking his dog" on his bike that always says "konnichiwa" to me, he has the small Japanese dog. I also saw the man that walks his dog w/ his K-truck, he has 2 very large Clifford type dogs. And then I saw one of the younger dog walkers, he has a small type dog and we politely give a little nod of a bow.
8. I saw the apple trees begin to have buds. I touched the pussywillow branches that grow wildly along the waterway.
9. 2 ducks flew up and quacked at me
10. the 8 o'clock jingle is playing over the city intercom and I've made and eaten a lovely dinner
(diced chicken, steamed veggies, and soba noodles...with my favorite wasabi/seaweed/sesame seed sprinkle topping)
11. and now I'm gonna have a bit of quite time with God and knit some more on my scarf...

Let the planting begin!

2006-04-11T21:16:00.000-05:00

My friend Tomomi now lives with her in-laws, the Takahashi family. So she not only gets to live in a HUGE, new house; she also lives on a farm of sorts! A Japanese rice farm. Please note that she is a city gurl, and so when I came to visit her new place I insisted on getting the full tour...which happened to be the first time she explored her own backyard. I harvested rice back in the early autumn last year...so this spring I wanted to also learn the basics of planting rice. Here is where it begins!!

The greenhouses are being prepared for the seedlings. The soil trays are ready to have the seeds planted. Those maggot-looking things are the rice seeds that are being heated in an "incubator" to expedite their ripening. They are planting 3 types of rice this year, hence the 3 different colored bags. Can you imagine how many seedlings will come from 60 bags of that size?? No...well me either, but time will tell!!

And this is one of the BIGGEST doggies I've ever seen. You realllly can't tell by the pictures, but Hana-chan ("little flower") is a "REALLY BIG flower" dog.

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor." ~1 Corinthians 3:6-8

Baby Showers, an American thing

2006-04-05T19:51:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I threw a little baby shower for my friend Yuko. Little did I know this is mainly an American custom and doesn't extend much into Asia or even Europe at that! Her baby is a gurl and is due in early July. When she's told Japanese people that she's "5 months along", they have stared in shock at her size....saying "You're too BIG!" She only just realized that this is because the Japanese follow something to do with the lunar calendar for counting months...so she's actually "7 months along" to Japanese people, BUT either way...she's really due in July and she's looks so sweet with her little bundle. We joke that the size must be because Emma Grace, the little soon-to-be-seen one, is part Canadianish and other part Japanese. We are hoping that Emma Grace won't have the same layer of fat on her head when she is born...Yuko recounted that at birth her head was layered with a thick fat and her family believes it was because they used to eat fatty meat such as bear and whale quite regularly. She likes Mexican food (as much as me) and we both have a heart for the Midwest as she lived in Oklahoma during high school. I wish I could be around to be a part of Emma ちゃん's life, but I must be content with photos, stories, and emails that I will hear throughout the years....and the prayers that I can send from across the waters. I have been so blessed to have met Yuko through her husband, Luke, a fellow English teacher and missionary kid from Japan. One last comment- Yuko's grandmother makes the smashingest, tastiest, sourest plums around. If you're really nice, I might let you try a nibble from my stock ^_^ !!

(I can't remember what face we are supposed to be making...maybe Luke will remind me?)

Goodbye, foreign films.

2006-03-31T06:36:00.000-06:00

So I watched Goodbye, Lenin tonight. I was hoping (expecting) for there to be English subtitles for this German movie. After all the first foreign film (that meaning anything other than Japanese or English-speaking) that I accidentally rented last week was French. I was pleasantly surprised to find an English subtitle selection on this movie for what would have been an otherwise slight waste of money and time for this impatient viewer. But not so tonight, I was a bit unpleasantly surprised to listen to this movie in German and read the Japanese subtitles to the best of my capabilities which means a few words out of each dialog. But at least it was an expressive movie, so all in all, it wasn't too hard to take in what was going on. About 3/4 of the way thru I turned it to the Japanese dub, funny to hear...but the recollection of "Oh! That's what that kanji character means!," came to mind a few more times than not!! Maybe I should stick to the English movies or perhaps some Russian roulette with the French ones??

Sunshine and curls

2006-03-26T06:04:00.000-06:00

If only I knew as a child, the wonders and blessings that God was preparing for me...that He laid out for me when He created me. But now I AM His child and what better teacher could I hope for than the one that knows every thought and question of my heart and understands every action that I give. That is the best blessing that I could ever ask for...someone that understands me, forgives me, and continually loves me. Even when I feel defeated, He picks me back up and guides me on."Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." (Hosea 6:3)

Of all the things I wanted to write about...

2006-03-25T06:23:00.000-06:00

(Mt. Iwaki on a clear, crisp day...shining with her happy, snowtopped peaks.)

...BUT didn't find the time to!

-the lovely time spent in Misawa with the Conlans and friends and too much good food and fellowship
-freezing our tails off as we wait for the Airforce Base bus...which never came.
-the base lock down...sitting in our car wondering if we'd ever get to leave Misawa
-the trip to Kazamaura to see the Elliot's (Luke & Yuko)...the ends of the earth it seems
-sewing a bib for Yuko, enjoying watching Sarah E. teach Yuko the tricks of the trade
-eating and socializing at the quite famous cedar house built by Mr. Muraguchi, there was even a reporter that night from Tokyo
-again freezing our tails off as Sarah E. and I attempted a walk in the wind blasts
-some super salmon fried up by Yuko...a fish a day keeps the doctor away!

-elementary school graduation, like military roll call, but quite fascinating
-only moms attending to see their children off
-seated in the "Guest of Honor" section
-only person w/o a suit jacket...
-but THEN onto the real fun:
-bento box lunch...mmmm...fried scallops w/ Bulldog sauce
-soft volleyball w/ moms, grads, and teachers....i pulled sticks (or really chopsticks) for the C TEAM
-we came in 3rd place (out of 4)
-but the rewards were great...gatorade for a job well done and cake for the car ride home

-saying goodbyes to my teachers...sad. they usually change schools EVERY 3 years. sometimes in the same town, other times hours away. it's a transient lifestyle really. not for the average joe or sarah at that.
-and low and behold below is a bridge!!
-the amazingly looooooong Tsuruta bridge...loooooongest wooden one in Japan, and only 15 minute drive from my little abode
-I showed Andy & Rebecca (missionary couple from England) the wonders of this bridge
-in the process Rebecca and I slyly broke the rules and tramped out onto the "closed" bridge...how dare we cross the line and break the law...that is the law we can't even read, but assumed the sign said "Bridge Closed to Foreigners unless insane."

The end of my happy adventures for the present!

Asbestos or Secondhand Smoke???

2006-03-17T00:07:00.000-06:00

I've been pondering over a thought, one of which has indeed been a hot topic the past few years in Japan- asbestos in public areas. There are many articles on it...but here's a little link. It was "discovered" that my age-old Junior High is completely covered in the stuff. No surprise since even back home, this was a common problem in the 80's and 90's...and I believe it was resolved then some 10-20 years ago for most places. But here in my Japanese town a new school is in the works...in like 3 years...so they went for a cheaper alternative to removing the asbestos. They covered the ceilings with plastic and tape holding the strips together and patching the holes where the lights drop down. Hmmmm, I wonder how much protection this really is in a classroom where the wind blows through some cracks in the windows and the ceiling occasionally leaks water?? I've gotta get a picture of this handy work sometime. But the part that really humors me even more...I wonder that the public isn't so concerned about all the secondhand smoke we get to inhale everyday in the teacher's room. Students and fellow teachers alike. I guess Japanese common sense isn't always to my understanding!!!! If anyone can enlighten me, please do!! (Pictures to follow...when I can smuggle my camera in for some good shots ^_^!)

Disengaged...

2006-03-16T03:29:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm ready to go home...NOW!! Not that home holds some magical aura or an abundance of immediately known opportunities, but I'm ready for a CHANGE. I guess I've always been that way...seeing change as an exciting thing that brings new experiences, obstacles, joys, and opportunities. I feel content with life, with all of which God blesses me with, He is sooo good to me, but maybe He is calling me for something more....or maybe it's just my over-imaginative dreams. But either way He's also teaching me how to be PATIENT while I wait...but sometimes it's sooooo HARD to wait!!! I just wanna fling open the door and GO some place. Ok, ok weekend to the rescue...going on an extended trip to eastern Aomori...hoping that will get rid of some of my cabin fever....

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:10-12)

In other weekly news...

My kids threw a fabulous year-end assembly for me at Miyoshi Elementary School. There was Fruit Basket mayhem...if you don't know this all favorite game, oh believe me I can teach you with my eyes closed. We also did some sort of dance jig with janken involved. Of course a song with band and many cute speeches by students. The Principle was so kind and wished to give a farewell speech in English. Well she read it to me beforehand to make sure it was intelligible. It was more or less...and I didn't have the heart to correct her, nor do I think it would have been so proper to do it since she is officially retiring this year!! Such a super duper school!!

And in still more exciting news...

For my last class in Minami Elementary School I subjected my 3rd Graders to Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwiches. It went over well...except for the fact I think all their mouths got plastered shut as they were eagerly trying to finish licking the mixing bowls and then proceeded onto eating their scrumptious sandwiches without any sort of beverage. But so goes the life of a 9 year old.

This boy was hard at it and I proceeded to call him "Peanut Butter Face" the rest of the class ^_^!!

Non-stop

2006-03-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

Post have been few and far between...not for lack of things, but for abundance. With the inklings of springtime in the air, activities are becoming more and more numerous as the hibernation of sleepy Aomori melts away. Here's just a quick recap of the past week....
(Watched "Narunia" or The Chronicles of Narnia as more commonly known in English and enjoyed some sushi afterwards with friends/Elliot crew. It was great to see the movie for the 2nd time...once while home for Christmas and then again on the opening day in Japan. I saw even more symbolism and meaning as it relates to Christ the second time around and I also relearned some useful Japanese phrases with the subtitles...such as "mochiron" meaning of course and "yamete" meaning STOP !!)
(Never underestimate the power of the English alphabet...my kids never tire of making A's, B's, C's, etc....they wore me out just trying to hand out their letters every other second!)
(The school year is quickly coming to a close here in Japan. I received numerous plaques, songs, and scribbled notes from my wonderful kids. I will truly miss them...especially the body arch my little first graders gave me today on the way out of my elementary school...each pair of students holding their hands above them to clasp their partners hands forming a sort of cave for me to practically crawl through. I cried...'cuz God gives me so many awesome experiences and memories!!)

(Watched Rie's traditional Japanese dance last Sunday...she has been practicing since she was 8 years old and competed that day in a dance rehearsal of sorts...it was very beautiful, simple, but intricate.)

And the 5-month update of sweet, glowing Yuko!!! It's a GIRL!!! Emma Grace...you can read more about it on Luke's (in English) or Yuko's (in Japanese) page!

Priests Purify Shrine after Bush Visit

2006-03-05T06:45:00.000-06:00

Ok, this story caught my eye. I'm usually less than interested in the comings and goings of Bush or any politician at that...but by the title I was assuming that the aforesaid Bush was somewhere in our vicinity of the world. Now was there really any need to cause India "national disgrace" for the sake of his special visit to Gandhi's memorial?? But by all means remove your shoes...after all who wouldn't want to walk on ground that has been cleaned by the sparkling and sanitary Ganges River.

The Season of Lent, Shrove Tuesday

2006-03-03T06:57:00.000-06:00

I had never heard of Pancake Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or as one website favored saying Pancake Day as said by the proper Brits. Check out the history! But in fact to me it just sounded like an exciting evening of breakfast for dinner!! Well that's exactly what we did last Tuesday... crepe/pancake style at the Elliot's house as a means to kick off the Lent season. Lent or "fast" is a time of fasting, prayer, temptation, and repentance. It is not required in scriptures, but has been a custom of Christians for over 2,000 years. It is by no means necessary and its participation is different from denomination to denomination, person to person. It lasts 40 days (46 days counting Sundays) up until Easter and stands the period of time that Jesus was tempted and fasted in the wilderness. Last year at the conclusion of Lent in our Bible study group, many of us gave testimony on what we had learned in our struggles. In the past the focus of Lent was (and still is):

1. A time to prepare new converts for baptism through classes and instruction.
2. A time for long-standing Christians to review their lives and renew their commitment to Jesus Christ.
3. A time for backsliders to be restored to the faith.

As an added bonus to Pancake Day since 1950 (my mother reminded me), Buckinghamshire, England and Liberal, Kansas, USA, have been holding an International Pancake Olymipcs. Go Kansas, Go Kansas!! But how sad, my Kansas was not able to defend the title this year after a 7 year streak!!! Well, there's always next year....maybe I'll try out for the team! ^_^

The goods.

A few of the fixins, minus the ham, cheese, & tomatoes.
John, rather dismayed that his pancake is rapidly loosing heat, as he waits patiently for the rest of the family.
Sarah, the fabulous chef.

Karuta (かるた)

2006-02-27T02:51:00.001-06:00

Karuta (かるた), the legendary art of playing cards or as my kids seem to think...the art of slapping every card visible in the hopes that one of them is right. So how it works is a topic is chosen with different vocabulary, cards are made using pictures, words, or symbols. My elementary school kids go ballistic when it's karuta time. I call out a word in English and then they must be the first to slap that same card with their cute little pudgy hands. Seems innocent enough at first, until a kid falls out of his seat and cuts open his lip (as happened today) or the bully of the group takes the card out of the timid girl's hand or there is one child in the group who has advanced English skills...which ruins it for the other kids.
"Rock, scissors, paper" is the only way to settle a dispute over who gets the winning card...but then again it's about the only way to settle any dispute in Japan. Here's a cutie shot of 3 year old Aran, my friend's son, who I tried to play original Japanese karuta with...he was a fast sucker!!! That and I could barely read out the Japanese fast enough on the hint cards to him...but he didn't mind. I love kids!!

HELP!! All of you computer techies...

2006-02-24T19:53:00.000-06:00

I've tried everything to get my sidebar to reappear at the top of the screen (as it's now hovering shyly at the very bottom of the pink expanse of my cyberspace)... I've erased pictures, shortened titles, changed number of days/entries shown on main page....but NOTHING WORKS!! Any ideas, any ideas????? Please help!! (And no I'm not desperate....just don't wanna waste any more time over it ^_^ !!) Siempre...

The decision is made...Mexico!

2006-02-22T04:09:00.000-06:00

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD : "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18: 1-6)

Through many prayers, blessings, events that most don't know about, and some much needed encouragement, God has guided me to the decision to return to Mexico this coming fall!! At least a decision as far as decisions can be made in the here and now!! I will be returning to my dear Mission Mazahua. I don't know how or when I'll be going, but I do know I'm EXCITED to see the work that God has set before me to help at the Mission!!!! They need my help in ways that God has gifted me, such as working with the artists and developing marketing materials, and I already know I will come away with much more than I can give by experiencing the generosity, humility, and strength of working alongside the Mazahua people. This mission has been heavy on my heart since I first became a Christian during which time my love for Mexico and its people have increased with subsequent trips there. Here are a few snapshots of the area...

For those of you who don't know the story, my mother lived in Mexico twice as she was studying to become a Spanish profesora. How random that of all the pueblos in Mexico she happened to live, one was Atlacomulco with a señorita named Consuelo Mercado. She stayed there when she was about my age...ummm...well ok maybe like when she was college-aged hahaha. I guess I can't use that phrase so much now as I'm almost 28!! This pueblo is, as the crow flies, a stones throw from the Mission. When I traveled to Mexico last summer, I went on an adventure to find the afore mentioned woman. My mother had lost contact with her over the years. After scouting the streets of Atlacolmulco for quite some time and pestering about every friendly person I could see with an crumpled and scribbled on paper stating a "Sur" (South) something or rather, I was finally directed to the Office of Addresses where I was expecting to find further help. However to my surprise, the Srta. Mercado was situated at the desk. She immediately knew who I was with one mention of Kathy, my mother. A remarkable woman...oh that would be both my mother and also Consuelo hahaha ^_^ ! Consuelo has since corresponded with my mom and I'm looking forward to visiting with her more as my time allows in Mexico.

So please pray for me spiritually, financially, and physically as I begin preparing for this new adventure. God is shaping me into that piece of clay that only He can see its final form!!

The face (顔)

2006-02-16T04:44:00.000-06:00

Bishamon Elementary School (毘沙門小学校)

1st & 2nd Grade ( 一年生と二年生)

My favorite class of happy and silly monsters that can be found...and only 8 of them at that! They are so sweet and seemingly so shy...until you REALLY get to know 'em hahaha!!

For our final lesson of the year we studied facial parts...did some self-portraits and some pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey (or on the face) activities....

The self-portraits are a real treasure!

"Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." ~Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

(I want to live this verse to the fullest EVERYDAY!! But it can be so hard to forget my gladness when I let other things cloud my mind...somehow it can be easier to remember the times of struggle than the times of joy and gladness!!!)

My Dream

2006-02-13T18:33:00.003-06:00

(As written by my 7th graders...)

My Dream
I have a cat.
I see a white cat.
The cat is very small and very cute.
Cats make me warm.
The cat is sleeping next to me.
~Minami

My Dream
I'm spending our summer vacation in Australia.
So, it's four o'clock in the afternoon now.
It's a very hot day. I'm running to the river.
I enjoy playing in the water. Wow! It's six o'clock.
I come home. But, I am lost in the woods.
But, animals help me.
~Mako

My Dream
I am cooking dinner at home.
I have one husband and two children.
I go to the park every Sunday with my children.
Today is my child's birthday. I make a cake.
We are doing a birthday party.
Our family is happy.
~Ayana

My Dream
I'm standing on a cloud.
I see white clouds all around.
I look at the street from the cloud.
It looks very small.
~Masanori

My Dream
I'm holding wisdom and understanding.
"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you."
I want to turn my face to God and shine like the glimmer of a snowflake in the sun.
~Sarah 先生

Sushi and snow festival fun!

2006-02-12T05:45:00.000-06:00

100 円　Kaiten Sushi, Hirosaki

Scallops, hotate, are my favorite!

(Of course so are Bethany, Laurie, Sarah, and John.)

Hirosaki Park

The famous Hirosaki Castle in all its snowy splendor.

Randomly met a long-lost friend, Naomi, who moved away a year ago...small world!

Down the path of snow lanterns...and slippery at that. I only fell once as did about everyone else.

The whale really is blowing steam at me!!

My favorite food vendor lady...the festival food is my favorite. Just like having funnel cake in the States, it's the kinda food you can only get at special times, special places. And saying that I didn't get anything (sigh, sigh)...'cuz I was already full on sushi!!

Meditations on today

2006-02-09T04:31:00.000-06:00

Complete silence. The world seems to stand still even while all is in motion...the scrapping of the wipers, music blaring, snow pounding, a distant howling, heater blasting, the winds speed quickly by, around, above, below...it is white and beautiful...in a scary dream. Lights come, two. Headlights.

Gray sky cowering over me, holding me down, pressing in on me. A break. Above there is blue sky.

When all the world around me is a cloud of white curtain, You Lord are forever present.

Occurances at the sweaty gym...

2006-02-06T03:58:00.000-06:00

As usual I was the only foreigner in the fitness center that has equipment pulled from the early 80's...the puffed-up hair, dark eye makeup, and leotards on the blonde gurl in the demonstration pictures kinda of give it away. Anyways when I was on the treadmill today, I noticed a familar odor. I couldn't at first recognize if it was bad or good, but there it was and making me rake through my mind to bring the memory back. And then POW!! I remembered...the smell of my grandparents. That old age odor that is kinda sweet but objectionable. It was the old man plugging along next to me. I must of had the happiest, sweatiest, red face in the gym after that as I recalled so many nice memories of my Grandpa Ralph, Grandma Orpha, and my Grandma Mary Jane...my family members all have our own special stories about each of these amazing people, but of course I hold many more special ones in my heart that have yet to be written down....some day Mom & Dad!!!

And in other news...the snow saga continues. Another 20 cm expected tomorrow...well over 2 meters in about a week. The National Guard has been called to help dig out some of the prefectures south of us. Please pray for safety and warmth and springtime would be nice too!!

(The entrance to my middle school, 2006.)

(The entrance last year, 2005.)

(Some happy shovelers!)

星...Adieu!!

2006-02-03T07:34:00.000-06:00

(Hoshi jammin' w/ the striped gloves.)

星（ほし or "Hoshi"）...The one name I have always been able to remember in Japanese. Maybe 'cuz it means "star"....what an amazing name to have!! My name begins in Japanese with the same character 星 but is pronounced differently "Sei"....for Seira...and it has a longer meaing with the extra "ra". So we said good-bye tonight to someone very special to our church...a star in himself. Hoshi is headed off to Vancouver, B.C. at the sprouting age of 15 to study English and hopefully attend high school there as well...instead of the rigorous and streamlined Japanese high school system. Louise I hope all those English lessons will not leave the poor boy stranded!! hahaha ^_^ Here's a taste of the evening's fun!!

Many blessings Hoshi on your journey!!! "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." ~Romans 15:13

Yes boys and gurls, break-dancing is still done and mighty fine at that!! Aaron and Hoshi have been practicing all week, bruises and all, for this night...very cool!!

Oh my!! And my previous post stands corrected....that would be Yukoちゃん is by far my best Japanese gurlfriend, she is an awesome inspiration!! Somehow it slips my mind that you are Japanese hahaha...must be that Oklahoman accent ^_^ ! Or that you need to come visit us all more often from the far reaches of Aomori-ken!!! We miss you guys...that would be Luke, her husband, also hahaha... And watching the little one grow...at 3 months and a cute little pooch for sure!!!

Tomomi ちゃん, the culinary chica

2006-02-02T05:01:00.000-06:00

Tomomi, my best Japanese friend, says to me..."You haven't had your mochi for the new year???"...in tones of astonishment and with echoes of a plan in the making. And so it came about Tomomi was the usual super chef and whipped me up some traditional Japanese New Year's Day soup called "ozouni" that includes various things, but most importantly "mochi" which is like a giant-sized riceball that has no desire to be anything but a riceball, whether in your mouth or stomach....but it's mmmm mmmm good!!! She also prepared "gomoku gohan" which is basically rice with stuff mixed in it. You all might be smacking your lips about now...but don't rely on me to fix you any of this good stuff...I'll leave it all up to Tomomi, who never ceases to amaze me, and enjoy it all the more!!

(Ozouni soup and gomoku gohan)

(Tomomi and I)

(Hide, Tomomi's hubby, proudly showing off his recently acquired Okinawa beer.)

The sun came out today...

2006-01-31T02:28:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it!! The sun finally got over its lengthy and dreary depression after several long weeks and showed its face across my Aomori sky. I was so happy that it didn't even damper my spirits when I stepped out on the pure 4in. thick ice and fell flat on my side...that would be twice in two days so far, a record for me. But I hope nothing that some Tylenol, a soak, and someday a backrub or chiropractic visit won't cure. Anyways, I HAD to take a walk, ice and all. I love WALKS!!! So here's the scoop, the scenery, the melted snow...after all it hasn't snowed in like a record 4 days or so, and who would have believed there was rain in the sky only yesterday???!!!

(The crosswalk signal finally appears!!)

(Above average winter driving conditions for non-major roads...ok folks, and this has to fit 2 cars!!)

(Gotta love this sign...cracks me up every time! Everything in Japan must be made "cute".)

(Mt. Iwaki shows her shy face behind the local bowling alley.)

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3)

My door?

2006-01-27T21:21:00.000-06:00

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." (Psalm 24:7)

This verse hit me hard out this week....to realize I was making a door to God...only letting Him into certain areas of my life, thoughts, actions. Not only to God, but to my friends and my ownself. What kinda door???...and why?? Only God knows the thoughts of my heart and the reasoning behind my own doors; but perhaps we all have similar doors we put up between ourselves and God, family, or friends in our lives...What is your gate like???

Do you look through it from the darkness to see the light?

Are there distractions that lead you off your path?

Is it hidden behind a mysterious curtain?

Do you post a note or give a knock without waiting to hear an answer?

Do all the doors seem closed?

Is it only found behind lock and key?

Are there too many choices and does the path seem too long?

Is it fortified like Tolsky's?

Is it wide open and exposed?

Is it dilapidated but surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty?

Do we need a door...when God shows us His magnificence and love in everything??

Well I guess I still have a door after all...I am who I am. All the doors above are a part of me, but this is how I envision my own gate as it creaks and swings from side to side more and more to hear, see, and listen to my God...and He is so good to me. And by the plant that is blooming there, I hope it will one day invite you all to know and grow in God's glory by letting your own door be opened to Him and as your friend to invite you into my life more!

(All pictures compliments of my lovely trip to Mexico, 2005.)

Satchel and I

2006-01-24T16:42:00.000-06:00

A cutie petutie with plummer's butt...and my sweet Satchel cat putting up with all the TLC I could give him. (From the collection of forgotten photographs that were rummaged thru on my trip home!)

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." ~Matthew 18:5

三沢　(Misawa)

2006-01-23T15:46:00.000-06:00

The first time I went to Misawa was over 1 1/2 years ago. I always remembered the kanji name because of the slants meaning "3" (mitsu) and I always thought the other kanji looked like crawdads....not that this is relevant to anything but I guess that's how my brain works hahaha. The day I went there I attended the yearly AirShow. It was a drab and overcast day. So overcast in fact that the actual airshow was pretty much cancelled. But that didn't stop the Japanese and foreigners alike from parading up and down the runways in search of food, fun, and more food.

Since then, I now have other reasons for making the journey across Aomori to see my friends!!! And I can now say that there is nothing drab about the Misawa sky....And could there be jealousy in my voice when I say there is no comparison to the amounts of snowfall between the west and the east sides of the state!! This became all the more apparent after traveling home late on Sunday. The trains were running late because of having to plow through the snow and the general fact of having to wade through 2 feet of fresh snow on my walk home somewhat tainted my spirits. But here's a few pics of my weekend away!!! There was brunching at Mike's, devotions and general chillin' at Drea and Patrick's, and a small get together at the off-base Hospitality House.

The dusty old wall...

2006-01-20T00:47:00.000-06:00

The previous headmasters at one of my elementary schools...Man oh man, these guys are really ancient...some I dated back to 1885 (Meiji 20). Amazing the photos still line the the top of the dusty old walls. Some photos have been cut out and superimposed onto an old grey background and the images appear cloudy, and others are more modern with crisp, clear features. All of them men so far at this school.

And the future headmasters of my schools are below....kids, ya gotta LOVE 'em!!! They are soooo precious!!

"But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. '" (Luke 18:16)

The pleasures of JUSCO

2006-01-17T01:16:00.000-06:00

JUSCO is the equivalent of an American mall. It has all the necessary stores...shoes, bags, books, housewears, clothes, and the stuff store (my favorite place). This is the place I go when I have too much time to kill in between changing my schools each day...the most important reasons being 1. it's heated in winter 2. it's air-conditioned in summer. In JUSCO, among other things, you can find penguins...

Or you can opt for a more relaxing time of it by partaking in the massage chair section...but be forewarned, this is not for the drowsy individual if that same drowsy individual must carry-on teaching for the rest of the day...

Hmmm, which button should I choose?? So many options that I can't understand anyways!!

I'm not sure if I'm in agony, pain or enjoyment in the middle picture....but the experience couldn't have been any better than this ojiichan, he definitely has the right idea...and all this could be yours for the small sum of about $3000!!!

And let's not forget the primary aim of the excursion to JUSCO with the Elliot family...to see Pride & Prejudice. I found the movie poster interesting...Pride (プライド) is written in katakana...meaning it is a "foreign" word or not necessary having an original Japanese equivalent. While Prejudice (偏見) is written in kanji which is the mainstay of the Japanese language....what are they trying to say here??? Is the type of pride in this movie not found in Japan?? Just wondering..... No reviews, not 'cuz I didn't like it but what can I say....please read the book!!

The forecast as seen thru my windows...

2006-01-15T05:59:00.000-06:00

Ummm....was it gonna be sunny today???

Ahhh, shucks....I guess only snow, snow, and guess what....more snow!!!

This 'n' that...

2006-01-11T01:54:00.000-06:00

I get really excited when I get to kick the frozen snow build-up off of my tire guards...I'm not sure if this is a good thing or bad????? ^_^ But it definitely marks the highlight of my driving experience.

I brought my ちゅうがっこう "chuugakkou" (junior high school) teachers some good old fashioned Chase's Cherry Mash candy for the traditional little token or gift that is given after visiting someplace on vacation or on business. It's called "omiyage" おみやげ and it's a large part of Japanese custom or maybe it just lets everyone in the office smile at you for once?? If you haven't had a Cherry Mash, you'd better run out and get yourself one before you die of curiosity...they are my mom's favorite treat, so I was excited to share them with my co-workers. It's always interesting for me to watch 'em taste something for the first time...didn't really get a reading except the Cherry Mash is maybe way too sweet...as a couple teachers ran to the drink area for some tea to wash it down. But I was disappointed to find one in the discarded omiyage dish in the cupboard...I'm gonna sneak over there one of these days and give it the respect it deserves...to eat it!!! I guess it went over a bit better than the cacahuete candy I brought back from Mexico...and then there was the unknowingly illegal buffalo sticks another time...oh well, live and learn and LAUGH!!!!

Hangin' with the Christoffersens

2006-01-10T02:41:00.000-06:00

Wow, I thought Heidebrecht was loooooonnnngggg!!! Spent the last couple days with a sweet couple, Mark & Ayako, who originally met at my own little Itayanagi International Chapel. Did some baby store shopping with 'em and they fixed me up some very tasty quesadillas sabrosas and gave me the leftovers!! Mark was a JET in Nakasato (in the same programme as me) some 8 years ago and Ayako grew up around here...but they are now living in the DC area. We enjoyed bouncing around old and new stories of this place and seeing how God is working in each of our lives. Of course the highlight of the room was always Luke くん!! What a cutie pie...with cheeks like mochi ^_^!!

It was also my first time to see an all out Japanese altar for ancestors. Akayo's parents carry on the Japanese tradition and religion of Buddhism and Shinto. I'm sorry I don't know all the proper names nor do I really want to learn...but it was astonishing to see the amount of preparation that goes on each day just in order to keep the altar or ancestors...should I say...at peace??? Not sure how to phrase it. It was a bit overwhelming with so much detailed, delicate goldwork and lacquer. It makes me reflect on how we give respect to our dead without worshipping them....and how our own American customs at a funeral and afterwards at the cemetary could be seen to an outsider with no knowledge of Christianity as something like this Buddhist or Shinto ritual.

The Buddhist Altar

The Shinto Altar

The great grandparents on Ayako's father's side.

Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? .....
Are we trying to arouse the Lord's jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

(1 Corinthians 19-22)

Christmas trees

2006-01-08T14:09:00.000-06:00

This posting is a bit late...but trying to adjust to the jet lag and waking up at 4 AM lent itself to motivating me. I was wondering about the origins of the Christmas tree. The spruce itself was worshipped quite extensively in the past by the Egyptians, Druids, Celts, Romans, etc. The Christian tradition didn't start until much later with the Germans and slowly it spread over to the Americas. I won't bore ya with what might be a long history...but you can read here or research at will!! But I like to compare peps trees...I wonder if it's like "you are what ya eat" hahaha???

This is my family's tree. It changes slightly from year to year, sometimes real, other times the old fakey. Sometimes tinsel, other times straw chain. But the little wood ornaments are the most special to me because my mom painted them when I was a little tike and they've always hung in their place each year. The lights are usually multi-colored and on occasion we get out the old heated, bubble candle lights. This year is our Mexican tree hahaha...or we liked to imagine it so.

I last put up my tree 3 years ago in my Wisconsin apartment...I loved that place and my specially painted orange walls and happy colors. The tree now lies somewhere in deep storage along with all the other parts of my life before Japan. I fancy myself a retro gurl at times, so it's no surprise that I have a silver tree. The glass ornaments are my very special to me...an assortment from my Grandma Mary Jane and Grandma Orpha, given to me after they passed on. White lights are my favorite and always go on this tree as the silver reflects the light like a brilliant star. Nothing more could be added to bring a smile to my face. I think I left it up until March or later that year hahaha.

And for some reason, I not surprisingly had a craving to go to Mexico this morning. If there was a plane, I'd take it...but I had to resort to my collection of pictures. So please enjoy a few of my haunts if you like!!

ようこそ　日本　(Welcome to Japan!)

2006-01-07T17:20:00.000-06:00

I have flown. Flown for work, play, work, and some more play, oh and work too!! As I was traveling back to Japan this time, I was recollecting some of my more interesting seatmates and incidences. There was the chap from Australia (twice), the psychic, the Philipinian with 3 maids and a driver, many men in business suits, the nanny from S. America, the scientist studying the bird flu disease, the missionary from SE Asia, the college student, the people that wanted to talk and I only wanted to sleep and probably the reverse too ^_^....

The incidences and people could go on forever...but one in particular that I chuckled about was the prim and self-absorbed lady that I sat by on a flight back from NewYork to Chicago. I was wearing my headphones and she huffed and puffed for a bit while looking over at me. I was thinking "What's her problem?" So I closed my eyes and tried to rest. Well, not long after she taps me, "Miss, could you please turn down your music?" I was a bit annoyed as my music wasn't in the least loud to my own ears but I said, "Sure." I got some more huffing and puffing for quite some time and even a few dirty looks. She once again taps me and proceeds to rant about my music. I pulled my headphones off and in whatever you can imagine a most angry Sarah voice to be, told her "It's NOT my headphones, it's the PLANE!!!" As soon as she realized she couldn't hear any music from my headphones, she was quite embarrassed. It was quite a while before she decided or had the nerve to apologize. I was surprised she did...and she went onto explain that she had some rowdy neighbors at home...and so her wits are basically fried when it comes to loud music. I can't say I was too warm and fuzzy to her in conversation afterwards, but I think we've all felt that embarrassed feeling on making an explanation that was completely in error or assuming too much. I actually have that feeling quite often hahaha!! Or at least the times I do, I never forget because I always learn from them and hope to be more wise and less ignorant in the future.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. ~Proverbs 12:18

And now that I'm home or home as in here....Japan welcomes me to winter with some whiteness and shivers that will never be equaled in any other place I live. The loud speaker is saying what I imagine to be "Sorry about the snow, but that is just the way it is." And I am now back to my own warm and cozy heated rug with a miniature dachshunds pattern...believe me it's not my style but style versus warmth...hmmm, I can now say I'll go with the latter any old day.

B'Gosh it's Oshkosh!

2006-01-04T16:23:00.000-06:00

So I'm in between a million thoughts and pictures on layin' out my last week in the States. The gurls at Oshkosh (and their respective husbands ^_^) treated me fabulously as usual. No detailed was spared in what seemed like 4-star lodging and good times. Heated bed, leasurly magazines to read, coffee in the AM just the way I like it, mint chocolate chip ice cream, car and cell to use as needed, prayers and cathing up with my old pastors, an American haircut, so much good food, so many good discussions, so many friends and not enough time, the Oshkosh B'Gosh office (like nothing and everything have changed), turn of century houses, aveda in the bathroom, fruit, tea.....ok, well you get the idea. So enjoy the pictures even though you won't as much as I did!!

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." ~Ephesians 1:16

Becky, Wendy, Sam (Wendy's daughter), Leah, Lilly (the pup), Sarah

(Michelle, Sarah, the bear, Kim)

Sarah and Leah at the video store.

Becky, who will be mortified that I put her picture up...but I made it small for you ^_^!!

My old upper.

The lovely First Congregational Church with oldest and most splendid organ in the NE United States.

Fading faces

2006-01-01T13:15:00.000-06:00

Main Street, McPherson, Kansas

It's strange being back in my hometown. Faces drift past me in the store...and I think, "I know them. Or do I?" My mom introduces me to a long time family friend, "I haven't seen you since you were this high (as she holds her hand to her waist)." "What are you doing now?" .... "Japan!! Oh that must be different." Etc, etc. Everyone is that much older, that much more dug into their life, that much more distant to my memories. It can be remotely sad to see how life moves on from your memories, but I also feel an underlying gratefulness to HAVE those memories. So here are just a FEW of those fading faces and memories that mean so much to me and my life!!!

Did I mention my Christmas present?? An orange Chevy truck!!!
Ok, ok...but I at least got the picture of this beauty.

Pickin' out frames with mi mama...well for her, not for me!! Neither of these made the cut, but I'll post the real deal some other time.

Being silly with my gurl Althea...I'm sure you'd love to know what I'm pointing at???

My cousin Angie's and husband Joe's children waiting at the door with all their toy babies in tow for us to meet as well...so adorable!! Emma and Amelia...just babies last time I saw 'em...amazing!!

A commonly seen house in the historic part of town. I forgot how precious these views are...big porch, bigger yard, tall oaks and maples, Victorian styling...que lindo!
The old United Church of Christ. Wood, organ, the US flag, light filtering in through the stained-glass windows...tradition.

So many things do fade in my life, but new brilliant things always show the old in a new light!! The new year is so full of miracles and surprises, blessings, hopes, disappointments, joys, sadnesses but most importantly learning wisdom to find understanding in them all!!
I just finished another reading of "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, 1813. This quote caught my eye...."I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun." She is speaking on love, but I am thinking on life and love...there really isn't a difference for some ^_^!!

Happy New Year and may God reflect on you all with His mercy and grace.

Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My!

2005-12-27T10:05:00.000-06:00

Sitting down to write this post...I have no idea why this title came into my head...when suddenly I recollected that I am now back in the Land of Oz...maybe the chant comes back intrinsically into my head somehow hahaha. Good ol' Dorothy says this as she's heading out on the yellow brick road and is expecting all kinds of unknowns. And no, Oz is NOT those Aussies or the love hotel,Land of Oz, that is situated between Goshogawara and Aomori City...it is my lovely state of Kansas, a claim I never had to dispute until I moved to Japan.

Christmas weekend flew by in a flurry of activites, comforts, relaxations, and generally eating more than my share of pumpkin pie. Christmas Eve traditional Swedish service...brilliant candle lights. Christmas morn service...hometown gurl trained in Italy singing some amazing Messiah. Awesome Christmas story...never get tired of hearing it and wondering how Mary must have felt giving birth to a King!! And Joseph there supporting her thru it all! The gifts and presents followed. Cousins....and more cousins. Brillant walk on a 55 F day...shockingly warm...but the sun on my face was everything I wished for.

(I used to play hide-in-go-seek here in the wheat field as a kid...now it's all development!!!)

Some more pumpkin pie. Puzzle placing w/ my sister-in-law, Inga. (We look like sisters...no she is not my real sister. Us Eastern European gurls tend to have similar characteristics I guess hahaha.) There was plenty of German flying...as that is the common tongue between my brother and wife. But I got to teach a few Japanese words to Inga....like the all important "yatta!" to say while arranging the puzzle.

(Inga (sister-in-law), Matthew (my brother), and Sarita)

(Kathy and Larry,a.k.a. Mama and Dad,...I'm sure they will love this less than flattering picture ^_^!! Oh well...gotta go with what ya've got!!)

Shuffleboard with my dad's friends...a traditional since forever. Calling of friends, etc, etc. And now back to that yellow brick road. In fact I'm still trying to find it here in Kansas but I know I've got my own road to follow (and I hope it's orange with an occassional turquoise ^_^) and there's so many unknowns, Oh My! But I've only gotta reflect on this verse to bring me back to center...and I hope you will all take a minute to do the same!! God continues to teach me and show me His miracles in my life!!! I LOVE HIM!!!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Phillipians 4:6-8)

Many holiday blessings and wishes. Abrazos y besos, Sarita chan
Ps. Funniest holiday question posed to me...."Do you speak English?" ^_^ And I thought my Japanese kids gave me some jolly laughs hahaha....

Reflections on Disappointment

2005-12-23T19:54:00.000-06:00

The best part of Kansas...never ending sky!!

What is disappointment? By definition it means "to fail to satisfy the hope, desire, or expectation of; to frustrate or thwart." Sometimes I get so caught up in my own expectations and hopes that my disappointment is inevitable. If each of us all put in the same effort in friendships, work, family, spiritual life, etc., would we have to face disappointment??? Without a doubt, yes. We all have a different degree of effort and more than likely our hopes, desires, and expectations are not the same. I am learning that I will never be completely satisfied with the situations in my life or in my expectations. Only from believing that God's Will is true and perfect will I see contentment within myself and others. But it's HARD!!! I still become disappointed with friends, family, actions, people, and of course MYSELF!! But's God is so awesome...I don't have to do it alone. He's ALWAYS there to help me through it. And BELIEVE ME I can readily say I've given Him a nice share of disappointment over the years, but He has never stopped encouraging me!!! And for those of you with some disappointing Christmas presents....sorry, no advice here except to go to your room and cry. At least that's what I did as a kid when I recieved the Cabbage Patch Koosa Doll...what I thought was the ugliest thing ever. But now I'm not disappointed at all...I think it's the coolest orange-striped, cat/dog mix, non-gender doll with overalls around!! ^_^

"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." (Romans 9:16-17)

Canadian geese on the move...give me a honk!!

I don't remember this bear from before...but somehow I think they put his head on backwards hahaha ^_^!

My alma mater...Kansas State University...lovely.

The next best part of Kansas...squirrels!!

Macs 101

2005-12-20T20:52:00.000-06:00

I always thought I'd like an iBook or even just a cutie lil' hot pink mac...after all it is the computer of my previous world in art and graphics. But I could never bring myself to use one unless it was to hop on someone else's to retreive something...and so I continued all cozy, snuggly, and warm with my own pc knowledge. So now that I'm forced to use my mom's iBook given to her by the Kansas Board of Education...I'm in quite a bind!!! This thing is crazy, icons coming outta nowhere, pages disapearring, no backspace button....so bear with me as I jumble thru trying to post this!!

A view down my neighborhood street...WOW it seems wicked WIDE!!

My best friend since high school, Althea ('Thea). I'm so proud of my gurl, working in Chicago for urban exchange program for college students, volunteerin' and participatin' in Rev. Jesse Jackson's organization, Rainbow PUSH...she's finding her way in what can be a confusing world.

Thea's dad is Wayne Conyers, a famous watercolorist...and one of my teachers while I was in high school taking college classes.

Everyone LOVES the candy store!

My mom and some last minute Christmas shopping at the reststop payphone hahaha....

They like me at the hospital....I just don't like them. But Dr. Z is the best...and prays with me.

Is there a resemblance? Mi mamita is the coolest curly haired mom (even w/o the hair she's still the best!! ^_^).

Attended a special Kansas State Board of Ed. meeting...they're always getting themselves in trouble with that evolution stuff...I guess they thought the cookies afterwards would warm some hard hearts.

Haven't gotten the tree up yet...but here is the nativity set I made my mom when I was younger...somehow I never finished the 3rd wise man or the animals...but I hope you know the story and can use your imagination!

Happy First Day of Winter or so the calendar says!! Hugs coming from cowgurl country!!!!

Mi querido Kansas

2005-12-17T16:37:00.000-06:00

14 F!!! Burrrrr....left the snow to come to snow...but under a piercing blue sky and fresh Kansas wind, it is a different world. Big cars, big people (I no longer have the biggest hips in the room hahaha), big drinks, big hearts. ^_^ Favorite activity- newspaper, the police log....do I know anyone?? Looking at the births...wow, Jaime had his 2nd kid!! This is life in the small town of McPherson, Kansas. The local news, boys lost the high school basketball game last night...gurls won....GO PUPS!! Can't escape a trip to the store without talking for 5 minutes with every other person....at least as a bystander to my mother, I love her. Btw I cried in the olive, pickle, and coffee isle...out of sheer joy at it all and a bit of an overwhelming feeling hahaha... Most missed food- cottage chz. Looking forward to Chronicles of Narnia and KingKong action in the theater. On to setting up the eclectic Christmas tree...glory, glory to God in the highest.

Narita...mmmm

2005-12-15T22:58:00.000-06:00

6am train, 1pm Tokyo. From snow to dry, brown land. Chai latte, bruised shins, overheated!!! But lookin forward to that chocolate chip cookie. Shiney marble floors, low murmer of nothingness, crazy canadian chic in a stocking cap, and lots of military with their green packs....

Let the games begin...

2005-12-14T01:21:00.000-06:00

Oh...well perhaps not basketball as the truck won't be moving any time soon!! But no worries, there are plenty of other things for the winter-inspired person to do and see...

You can always take up

shoveling or shoveling or shoveling or shoveling or shoveling or shoveling or shoveling or shoveling....

For those of us that must drive in this weather...meaning about everyone...you can play Hide & Go Seek with your car.....is that really my car somewhere under there???

And soon enough, I will be asking the same thing about my schools...Is that really my Bishamon Elementary School under there?? (Note the candycane poles for reference...that's so we know where the fire exit is after the doors completely disappear for the gym hahaha....no seriously!!)

And so let's have the games come to a close for a bit on the blogging side of things and my super snowy memoirs...my bags are packed and Kuronekoed down to Narita Airport and I'm so looking forward to my 3-week trip back to mi querido Kansas and Wisconsin (and good old B'Gosh) with the beginning of the journey starting tomorrow evening. I think my Mom and Dad have been waiting for it like nothin' else, since I surprised 'em with the news a while back...We are a crazy crew!! ^_^

(Mamà y yo!!)

Luv you all, hope to hear from you and/or see you soon...God Bless!!

"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." ~Hosea 10:12-13

Weekends and the Week begins

2005-12-11T08:16:00.000-06:00

I'm beginning to think the term..."weekend" is really just a jazzy way to say that the best part of the week is beginning!! Friday started off on a bit of a low note for me...I found out my best friend was sick, I wasn't feeling up to my day of teaching, and well it was just one of those mornings contemplating.... But on the way to work, I just kept praying and trying to get my Spirit up with music and God's fellowship. So here is it begins: My 3rd graders made me French Toast for a special English cooking lesson. It totally brightened my day...even the very soggy egg toast that could have used a few more minutes on the pan. (Note to the hygenists...a little raw egg never killed me as a kid!!)

I was able to spend that evening singing Christmas carols and having dinner at the Elliots...which since I spent the whole last Christmas season with them, it was very special for me. They are easily my family away from home. (And Anglea, a missionary from Germany, is in the picture.)

After battling the shower slots on Sat. morning with the 10ish Aussies that I'm currently sharing "my space" with hahaha (I'm so selfish!!)...it was off to Misawa to see the crew!! It's always such a refreshing trip for me...uplifting, connecting, reflecting. Spent Sat. chillin' with the Conlans...of which Drea and Ellie were recovering from being sick, so it was all relax watching Breakfast at Tiffany's, devotions, Ellie's teething struggles and new pink kitchen, and our lack of movement, we had a good day on the couch pretty much. ^_^

Then Sunday morning...off to a slow start...we headed over to make tamales for a traditional Christmas celebration done Mexican style (Mamà, I know you're gonna be so excited!!). Watch out, those Mexicans are feisty about their secret family tamale standards. Heard varying degrees of chili powder this, wrap like this, etc,etc from both Drea and Mike...but ultimately I had an awesome first tamale making experience and we ended up with some super tasty tamales, even with the gringos involved ^_^!! There was also of course guacamole, frijoles, arroz y polvorones to top it off...and a bit of Abuelita at the end. Check out my friends' blogs on the full out... Mike, who hosted the Christmas special, and Matt!

And who couldn't love sweet, lil' adorable Ellie ちゃん....

So life didn't quite get back to normal after the week began on Friday...I guess my mid-week slump was today, Monday!! I had an exciting turn at the stomach flu all thru the night....it's going like wildfire through the winds of Aomori. But it gave me a good opportunity to lay in bed all day and try to rest and recoup, call my parents and talk for endless minutes, miss the homepampering that one gets with a family...but to manage to make my own chicken soup and Sprite remedy, and to refocus my life back to God...so all is well with my soul, even if my body is still in shambles!!

バス男　(Napoleon Dynamite)

2005-12-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

Of what discoveries will happen at the video store....and how my life is intertwined with it all...

None other than "バス男" (Bus Boy) hahaha...crack me up at the translation... or as more commonly known in English "Napoleon Dynamite"!! You see this movie goes way back for me....First off....

The gurl in red standing next to me is an old Japanese comrade of mine and native Idahoan now turned Arizonan. She, Autumn, and her husband, Jacob, showcased "Napoleon Dynamite" at my first ever church movie night about 8 months ago in Ajigasawa. (In case you have not had the viewing pleasure of this movie, it is based in Idaho which is it's own special world....kinda like Kentucky.) Next off...

On my journey to Mexico last summer, I met a gurl named "Althea" and her mom, Courtney. Well for those of you who don't know me...Althea is the name of my oldest and best of friends back in the States. I had never met another Althea 'til then. This gurl was the splittin' image of my friend, blonde hair and all, minus about 24+ yrs... And this lil' gurl's favorite movie was Napoleon Dynamite even at her young age of 3. She could readily quote from throughout the movie...yeah really!!! We had our share of adventures on the streets and buses of Mexico City. And lastly...

We all saw a double rainbow together over the plaza of the Basilica of Guadalupe. A sign of God's eternal covenant with us and all of the living creatures of the earth. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. (Genesis 9:13-15)

Some lovely quotes from バス男:

-"You look like a strong, young pup."

-"How does the dealy-o sound to you?"

-"Geez, I think you ripped my mole off!"

-"La Fawnduh"

-"I like your sleeves, they're really big." "Thank you. I made them myself."

-"Are you ready to get your groove on?" "Yes!" "Alright, then let's get started!"

And so ends my life as it is intertwined with Napoleon Dynamite!!

Lunch mishap

2005-12-08T03:27:00.000-06:00

How do you eat a kiwi w/ chopsticks?

I was so excited for lunch today after a rather exhausting three 1st grade classes right in a row. My time of peace and refreshment (a.k.a. lunch) usually happens while sitting in my car as I travel from school to school. The seat was a bit reclined, the sun bright and cheery shining in the window and warming my face, and the book I had been reading was almost finished...I opened my lunch sack...and low and behold, my only eating utensil was chopsticks!! Needless to say this didn't bode so well for the kiwi I attempted to eat....and I wasn't feelin' up to the traditional N.Zealand way of eating it skin and all...but messy and green using chopsticks and fingers, I enjoyed it all the more!

バレーしばしばバレー (Ballet or Volleyball)

2005-12-07T02:04:00.000-06:00

I always wanted to be a ballerina when I was a little kid. But believe it or not, I was too much of a chunk. I remember I attempted gymnastics for about 10 sessions...long enough for the instructor to readily comment on how heavy, fat, and awkward I was and long enough for my dreams of being an Olympic gymnast to rapidly fade hahaha....

As my days swiftly pass here in Japan, I've been learning not to take criticism so personally and to put my best foot forward in matters where I have little experience. So now that I could care less, chunk or not, I decided a few months ago that I was gonna be that ballerina...good or bad. My kid in the candy store moment came when I received my princess pink slippers. Nothing fancy but it did require about a 5-week shipping order to fulfill my enorme size 26.5 foot size here in Japan!!! Plz note that the ballerinas below don't look nearly as cute as the lil' ones with tutus...but even so, we have a jolly time. I've not only learned some ballet basics (as noted in title...it is pronounced the same as "volleyball" in Japanese which leads to some confusing conversations) but I've also gotten down those pesky " left, right, back, forward" Japanese terms to a swift kick. I hope to continue learning...preferably someday in English, or if nothing else to keep STRETCHING!! Maybe on my trip back to the States, I'll deck myself out in my own lil' tutu. But until then....the moral of the story is to "do something totally unexpected today or maybe find a lost dream"!!! It doesn't hurt (at least figuratively speaking) to try ^_^ !!

Hasta luego to a special Kiwi...

2005-12-04T03:56:00.000-06:00

Louise came to live at the church at the exact time I did...9 months ago. She was a short-term missionary from New Zealand, the first kiwi I've ever talked with hahaha. Only through her did I learn the finer points of the N.Zealand culture, the slang, the awesome accent (way better than those Aussies...since I don't know too many...I don't think I'll be cut down on the spot ^_^!!). I experienced the TimTam Slam, Milo, and a variety of other unique words and things. But more importantly, we grew in Christ through our struggles, our blessings, and our encouraging. She was always a great source of inspiration both in her hard work and in her never-ending love of putting Jesus first in her life. Thxs Lou!!! For all the memories, the sacrifices I saw you give up, the strength in your walk and faith!!! I pray that that camp really pays off as your dad hopes ^_^!! Don't get lost in the boonies, ok?? "Ja ne" sleep talker chicachan....

Preparing for baptism

2005-11-30T01:49:00.000-06:00

(Taken in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, 2005)

(Taken at the geographical center of Mexico, Cristo Rey, 2005)

(Taken at the National Cathedral, Mexico City, Mexcio, 2005)

(Taken in Atlacomulco, Mexico, 2005)

(Plaza de los Tres Culturas, Mexico City, Mexico, 2005)

Outward signs of Christianity...the Cross, Jesus, Cathedrals, Churches, Angels. What is baptism? Is it only an outward sign? I have been pondering this question for many months. To me it is an outward sign to others of my faith that Jesus Christ is God, He died to give me forgivenss for my sins, it is a symbol of dying to my old self and being reborn into a new person, of being washed clean, of letting go of that old self and welcoming the Holy Spirit that lives within me to guide me in all things. Of proclaiming my faith to others and being welcomed into my family of believers who will support and encourage me in my walk with Christ. These things aren't necessarily happening AT my baptism. They have been going on for many months and actually years.

But now I've realized baptism is not only an outward sign. It is a time for other Christians to reflect on their own lives and to learn from others. For me it was a process that I felt commanded by God to do, so He could teach me many of the basics that I was struggling with...such as from Genesis 1:26..."Let us make man in our image...". Notice the "us". How awesome that it had never dawned on me before my baptism classes that Jesus was always with God before time...well of course, 'cuz He is God. Ok...so there were many memos to myself about rather simple things like this, but also exceedingly complex to my little head. It has also been an inward journey of reflection on my life and testimony. What does my life say about me both in the past and now in the present? How is God working in my life...what was the outcome? These and others thoughts are what I´ve been scribbling out and mulling over for my testimony as my baptism is quickly approaching on Sunday, December 4th!!! I wish you could all hear my testimony...somehow everytime I write it or talk about it with a friend, it always sounds different. But the best part is...the beginning and the end will never change!!! Que Dios te bendiga mucho en el dìa que viene!!!

(Relating to the adventures of a finger and other surprising facts.)

2005-11-28T15:58:00.000-06:00

So last week I was teaching in my largest elementary school, over 800 students. They set the "classroom" up in the gym and all the students of one grade are crammed into this space while having to sit in rows. The one and only time in my life that I must be standing behind a microphone comes during my trips to this school. Doesn't really sound like any enjoyable English lesson, right? Well, I still try to get 'em exciting by making 'em do jumping jacks and frog jumps. But there is little to no interaction with each kid. I had fifth graders that day, about 115 in my class. As I was talking and looking around the crowd, I spotted this boy. He was hard at it with his finger up his nose!!! hahaha It was hard to keep a straight face or a steady voice as I continued teaching. I couldn't help but venture another look in his direction a few moments later. Still at it!!! Wow, teaching in elementary school really takes me back...I spent the remainder of the lesson reminiscing about my days as a school gurl. There was always one kid (usually a boy ^_^!!) who had the reputation for the desk with the booger-covered underside. I'd always hate to sit at one of those desks and accidentally touch the rock-solid scratchy bottom. Ok, ok, I know I'm getting a little graphic here...but they are fabulous memories. So now I can easily say I have no desire to see or feel the underside of this kid's chair...this discovery is left for the unlucky adventurer!!!!

It's a feast....X 2!!

2005-11-27T07:40:00.000-06:00

(Click on images to see bigger ne!)

So the feasting took place....actually 2 nights in a row. Louise, the short-term worker from New Zealand, and I, apron-clad, kept a more or less sassy, happy face as we tried to be of assistance making whatever was handed us. It's not so easy to cook for 30+ people 2 days in a row and I had much less responsibility than the hosts...so many awesome people helping out and chipping in. I can't say I did anything too wonderful except to offer my help in the form of picking turkey bones, stirring gravy, cutting apples for pies, and washing a non-stop pile of dishes, etc, etc. The normal thanksgiving prep. We went through 14 pies, 4 turkeys, and who knows how many peeled potatoes. One great blessing for the weekend (besides an overly full tumtum and plently of pumpkin pie and turkey) was I was totally excited to FINALLY learn the art of making bread!!! So can't wait to crank out some special cinnamon rolls and walnut/oat bread when I get home!! Although be warned for those of you who will partake in my bread-making skills....it will also entail a run on the treadmill afterwards. My silent but brightest moment of the day came during the Japanese children's Sunday school this morning. I was holding little Hikari (whose name means "light" in Japanese), she is just over one years old. I put her little hands together when we were praying and at the end of the prayer she said in a sweet, clear, and all-knowing voice "amen". I couldn't believe it...kids are so full of thoughts that we can't even see or understand!! Then she proceeded to fall asleep in my arms for just under an hour...there is nothing better than holding a warm, cozy baby who is soft as a peach and has cheeks like mochi! Ciao...hasta mañana!

Calligraphy Time (書道のタイム)

2005-11-25T04:56:00.000-06:00

Originating in China, calligraphy is the ancient art of writing pictographic characters with an ink-drenched brush and they say using a focussed mind...may sound easy, but wait until you're in a class with 38 kids, ages 8-9...then the fun really begins. Let it be noted this is my first EVER time at Japanese calligraphy or "shodou" and that added to my excitement...did I mention there were actually 39 kids in class??? Only this last kid's age adds up to the 9 years at a 2 + 7 rate :)! I wasn't too sure how the class was going to procede after my partner proudly displayed her last calligraphy practice. It says "biru"...which means BEER!!! What are they teaching these youngsters I'd like to know???

Ok, but onto the more serious stuff...here are some kids hard at work!!

These boys are crazy about my skills of calligraphy...actually I think they are just camera crazy. But most importantly they give me a nice, lighthearted laugh everytime I see 'em and no crazy business as other JETs will know exactly to what I'm referring!!!

And finally the finished product...or object of the day. The kanji 和敬精寂 which is said "wakeiseijaku" and in English terms means "harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility". These are the 4 most important elements of the tea ceremony.

A lot of hard-earned brushing went down today...shown by black stained hands, crumpled up paper, and my all time favorite-unbenownst to this boy, the ink-splattered face!!! Kawaii ne!!

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