Hello out there...

Wow.  It's been a long time.

Sorry everyone! My internet has been a bit in and out these past few weeks, but that's really no excuse for my total negligence of this blog.  I'm pretty busy these days, but I have settled into the swing of my daily life and I'm enjoying my life in Tokyo very much.  God's blessing on Chi Alpha and the various ministry projects of  each of the Chi Alpha missionaries, YWAM friends, and pastors I've met is really astounding.  The depth of His love for this nation is unfathomable - if only more would open their hearts to receive it!

I have had some incredible opportunities lately.  In my Japanese class, I participated in a traditional tea ceremony last week.  At work, I met a representative from a U.S. Department of State funded educational project between Japan and America.  They want me to help them next summer when they bring in 30 American high school students. The native check job is educational.  My most recent project is checking the homepage for a Nano-satellite project.  I get to constantly explain why I'm really in Japan - which is great.  I started tutoring a 12 yr. old Korean boy last Thursday nights after my English class at Megumi Christ Church, which is also going well.  On average, we have about 20 kids each week and the parents are really getting involved.  Teaching English has actually been super refreshing for me.  I love going to the yochien and to Megumi each week.  The kids are adorable.  I was worried about how I would feel about these classes when I first came to Japan - as I'd never taught children before and didn't really know that I'd be able to do well at it all - but God has really used it to bless me!  This weekend, I was finally able to meet up with the girl who sat next to me on the plane in September.  She took me to an incredibly beautiful open-air architecture museum.  On the way to meet her, I saw Mt. Fuji on the horizon for the first time.  Words can't describe it.

Japan is beautiful.  Even in the city, everyone is out and about taking pictures of the fall leaves.  The trees on Todai's campus are unbelievable! I have some pictures up on Facebook - but they don't do the golden leaves justice at all.  Everyone loves the leaves, so they leave them on the major walkways of the campus while they are turning and falling.  It's a bit like walking on a street of gold, and the leaves are continuously falling - it's just amazing!

We had a Monopoly game day a few weeks ago at the Chi Alpha Student Center.  I think 44 people came! Praise God!  It was so, so, so much fun! We played Monopoly for HOURS and then fed everyone curry rice! Pray for the new friendships we made that day!  I have been meeting weekly with a couple students from each of the campuses we focus on, so please be in prayer for those meetings as well! I need more wisdom, and they need more understanding - and God has plenty of both! Thank you!

Now, we are preparing for our Chi Alpha Christmas events.  Our first outreach is this coming Friday, Dec. 10, at the Student Center.  The following week, we have two Christmas parties at Todai, I have one at Megumi Christ Church, the yochien, and a friend's bridal shower that Friday as well.  It's going to be a busy couple of weeks, but I'm excited about what God has in store!  Please remember Chi Alpha Japan this holiday season - as it is everywhere, Christmas is a time of special openness to the Gospel - so please remember Chi Alpha and the churches of Japan (specifically my churches here: Tokyo Urban Church and International Christian Assembly - both have Christmas services on Dec. 19, and Megumi Christ Church - our English class has a party on Dec. 16 and they will also have a main church service).  Thank you so much!

I'll try not to stay gone so long next time!  Thank you for all your encouragement and your prayers - they really mean the world to me!
Until soon!
Amanda

Web-Image Wednesday.

Field trip, kiddos!

Please follow the link below to see this week's image:

Tough Love.

(occasionally I just pull this page up to remind myself...)

Web-Image Wednesday, among other things...

I hope you can read the text - these are some random web cards I found online.  Hilarious.

Happy birthday to my mom -

and the plethora of other friends who share November as their birthday month!

(that includes me.)

So, I turned 23 years old today.  This week I celebrated my first birthday overseas.  It was pretty epic!  Monday, I had a really fun night with a lot of friends here in Tokyo.  We ate at this great Japanese restaurant called "Harvest."  I was really surprised by how many people came and all the presents I received.  Thank you to everyone who has wished me a happy birthday! It was a great week!

In general, things are pretty fantastic actually.  The kiddos were super excited at the yochien today.  We sang "If You're Happy and You Know It..." and I thought they would never stop shouting hooray.  So cute!  I also met a really cool girl at Waseda University - one of my first new contacts for this year - so that's exciting and I can't wait to see what God has in store for our friendship! At Todai, I've been working on checking the English website for the School of Engineering.  It's a daunting task - but I'm learning a lot about my new workplace during the process.  LOGOS, our Chi Alpha Bible study at Todai, was great this week with Ty and Cina Silva - the Book of Hope and Chi Alpha directors for Asia Pacific.  

God is showing us more and more that He is ready to move in a new way through our ministry at these campuses, especially Waseda University.  Please be in prayer for us as we seek His will for our Bible studies and our outreaches!  I'm so excited to be a part of what God is doing in Tokyo right now! 

Until soon.

Amanda

Hisashiburi desu....

hahaha - not really!

I totally missed Web-Image Wednesday yesterday - so here's a little somethin' somethin'.  I actually was going to post yesterday, but experienced internet failure mid-web-image-Wednesday-search.  Anywho...

So, those of you who keep an eye on my Facebook know that I was battling an illness for about two weeks.  I'm happy to report that I am feeling pretty much 100% better.  Sadly, due to my sickness, I have little to tell you other than I feel like I slept for days!

Though I was sick, I do feel like I settled a bit into my schedule last week.  My Japanese class is really great and I'm meeting a lot of international students there.  The job at Todai rocks.  Chi Alpha is amazing as usual - and I'm enjoying spending time on campus again!  Singing at the yochien(kindergarten) and teaching the kiddos at Megumi Christ Church has given me a new appreciation for those who work in childcare and elementary schools, but I always leave these two places with a huge smile on my face.  I love both of my church families - those at Tokyo Urban Church and at GAP.  I feel super blessed to have this amazing opportunity to live and work in Tokyo alongside some really amazing people.  Thank You, Jesus!

This week, I had a truly Japanese experience! Early (eeeearrrrlllly) on Tuesday morning, my friends from Oregon - Lydia and Lexy - and I went to the Tsukiji Fish Market.  This is one of the largest seafood markets in the world.  We were there by 5 AM - but missed the huge bluefin tuna auction that Tsukiji is famous for.  We didn't let that get us down, though, and spent the morning roaming around the outer market, eating sushi, hanging out by Kachidoki Bridge, and ended the adventure with a self-guided tour through the busy inner market.  I don't even really have the words to describe it - but I'm really glad we decided to go.  Being there was a bit overwhelming because there were so many sights, smells - some good and some bad, and sounds to take in.  

Anywho, I'm feeling much better so I should have more to tell next time I update! Thank you to everyone who was praying for me while I was sick! I appreciate it.  Please continue to pray for Chi Alpha at The University of Tokyo and Waseda University!

Until.

Amanda

The Return of Web-Image Wednesday.

please feel free to send me your picture books via post...

Encouragement.

It's amazing the amount of good a simple kindness can do.

Pastor Sakai talked about encouragement last Sunday at Tokyo Urban Church and how it's vital in coming alongside others in their struggle and helping them to see themselves as Christ would see them.  I'm sure we all have experienced something like this.  Someone went out of their way to lift you up in a moment of confusion or weakness.  Someone gave you a hand when you were struggling with a challenge or a burden.  

The truth is that God's message is all about love and one major element of loving those around us is being available to serve them when they are in need.  So - keep your eyes open this week.  Seek to become an encourager of God's promises, and not of fear or confusion.  We are tempted to begin dispensing all of our problems as well when we are encountered with someone who is feeling discouraged...but that isn't God's way. 

Speak kindly.  Pray diligently. Serve selflessly. 

Be outrageously blessed by God.

Until.

Amanda

Amanda Fosburg

3-27-10 Kamitakada

Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0002

Japan

Psalm 30:2

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you restored my health.

So, as those of you have been watching my Facebook know, I've been sick since last Thursday! That is partly why I haven't been on to update this thing (my goal is to consistently post at least twice a week - hopefully I can accomplish that!), but I've been a bit busy as well.  I'm happy to report that I have only needed Kleenex once today, which in comparison to every three minutes on Monday is pretty good!  Please continue to pray for my health as the colder weather moves in on Tokyo! ありがとうございます！

Things back home are settling down.  Grandpa's funeral service was last Friday and they had quite a few relatives from out of town in attendance from what I hear.  Both my dad and mom had colds last week as well (maybe mine was a sympathy cold?), but I believe both are also feeling much better now! Thank you to everyone who has prayed for, left kind notes to, visited, or hugged my family in the last few weeks. It's greatly appreciated!

I promised some updates about my time with the Hilo team in my last post - so I guess I better get to it!

After that first day at Seikei University, it was non-stop hula ministry for two weeks! Thanks to my new ohana (that's Hawaiian for family), I've picked up some dance skills and a few new words.  Every time the team would begin a service or outreach, Kamuela would explain the various definitions of the word "Aloha."  I'm sure you know that it is used to say hello and goodbye, and some of you may even know that it is a word for love - but what they taught me was about the deeper, spiritual meaning of the word aloha.  Aloha can be separated into two words - "alo" and "ha." "Alo" means in the presence of, and "ha" means the One who gives us life.  Pretty nice, eh? So when they say "aloha," you are being welcomed into the presence of the One who gives us life - or the breath of life.  If Kamuela, Lei, Keoni, Erica, or Lissa are reading this - stop laughing, if can.  I told you I'd be able to recite it word for word by the time you left!

I really had a great time with this team and running around with them all over Tokyo was a huge help in familiarizing myself with the city again.  I was blessed to meet five pastors that I had never met before and I was tremendously blessed by their church families when visiting each of their churches.  There were small, intimate times of ministry in small churches and there were large, lively outreaches at some universities - but no matter where they went, the Hilo team spread love, genuine life stories with Christ, and hope in something truly beautiful.  It was an honor to meet them, yell at them on train platforms, pray with them, over them, and be prayed for by them, and learn hula from the best of the best!  I can't wait to see them again - whether that be here in Japan, or Hawaii! (I know Yuri would be down for a holiday in Hawaii!)

Since the team left last Wednesday, I have begun to slowly adjust to my daily life in Tokyo.  I have to laugh when I do something ridiculous like wonder where my shoes are in my own room(Hello, they are downstairs in the genkan! We don't wear shoes in the house!), struggle with properly hanging up my clothes to dry, and I am constantly trying to figure out if I should walk on the right or left side of the sidewalk(Tokyoites seem to be a bit all over the place this year, I feel like the lanes keep switching)!

Thursday, I had lunch with Izumi-chan and Yuriko-chan from Tokyo University.  Izumi is a Chi Alpha member that I see a lot and Yuriko is a great friend from last summer!  We had some delicious Korean inspired soba and then I took the afternoon to get caught up on some work I needed to finish before starting up my daily routine.  Little did I know...the plague would soon be upon me...I think I'll just blame the four hours I spent organizing my life in Starbucks for the nasal torture that followed!

Sick or not, I had things to do! Friday, I began my language classes at the University of Tokyo.  Since you may have no idea about the amazing gift God has given me through the University of Tokyo, let me tell you.  Two weeks ago, I had an interview for a job in my housemate Yuri's office in the School of Engineering at Todai(Uni. of Tokyo).  I was a bit nervous, even though this was just for 7 hours a week as a native English check for their translated documents - this is the top university in Japan, and this particular engineering program is ranked 6th in the entire world - so I was feeling a little pressure! But, the interview went really well (British professors assessing my native English and all!) and I was hired.  By the next day, I was enrolled in free language courses in the School of Engineering at Todai! Pretty amazing! God definitely answered some prayers with this one because I was pretty stressed trying to figure out how I would pay for the language courses I'd been looking into. Total and complete blessing - and now, I am a legitimate member of the Todai community.  I both work and study there - and this makes it so much easier to meet new people and share Jesus with them! So anywho...I started class in the J2 AM class (which is a beginner I course), but they moved me to J3 and J4 AM after that class because I've already had a little Japanese study.  This is an amazing opportunity - so thank You, Jesus!

Over the weekend, I mainly just rested up and tried to get over this crazy cold.  Sunday, I was able to go to my home church from last summer - Tokyo Urban Church - and fellowship with my Japanese church family! Sakai sensei is so great.  They prayed for me and then he proceeded to tell them I was there to use my barista skills to make them coffee and that they should all buy me Fuji apples since I like them so much.  Some of them actually did bring me apples at lunch! So nice!! After the morning service, lunch, and cell groups were over - I headed over to the GAP service near Todai.  GAP is a multi-cultural service at a church near Todai's campus.  Debbie (my neighbor last summer) and my housemate Yuri both attend GAP...so I'm also really excited to spend time with friends there and have an "English" church experience in addition to my morning Japanese church services!

Monday, I did go to class - but I was pretty miserable because I was still sick...so I took the rest of the afternoon to get caught up on my laundry and just rest! It was definitely a good idea because I felt so much better the next day, and I really needed to feel better because it was my first day working at Todai as a native check for the translated English documents in the School of Engineering!  I think I'm going to really enjoy it there. Everyone is really nice and helpful.  I will soon have my very own desk and they gave me a locker! It's pretty legit...I also picked up  my Alien Registration Card at the Nakano city office yesterday morning, so I'm officially a resident of this city for the next 11 months.

Today - I enjoyed another set of morning classes before a short XA staff meeting over lunch, which was followed by a meeting with the pastors of Megumi Christ Church.  I will be teaching English there every Thursday evening to about 25 students between the ages of 3 and 8-9 yrs old.  I'm a little nervous about this one, but I know God provides in all situations so I'm sure it will great and I'm actually excited to spend time with the little cuties and just be blessed by their abundance of joy!

Waseda's meeting tonight with the YWAM folks was needed.  We had a really wonderful time of intercession and prayer and I'm so ready for the move of God that I know is coming on that campus! Amen, Lord - let Your will be done in us and through us on that campus!

I'm off to bed now...or to study...you never know which might happen...
Until next time.
Amanda

A Lovely Day.

When I wake up in the morning love
And my heart is filled with pain
The smile I had up on my face is gone
Can't see the sunshine from the rain

I meant to get on here and talk about all the great times I was having with the Hilo Hawaii team before now, but the time never seemed to come.  I promise I'll get back to that soon -- but that's not why I sat down to write today.

After returning from a long day at Tokyo University with Chi Alpha and the Hilo Hawaii team on their last day of ministry, I found out that my grandfather had passed away in Oklahoma on Monday night.  Fortunately, my mom was online at that time so I was able to talk to her a bit about what was going on at home.  My Grandpa Fosburg had been sick on and off for many years, so I knew that there was a possibility he would pass while I was in Japan - but one is never really prepared for this kind of news.  I was blessed to have Joyce and Yuri on hand to pray with that night, and also the whole Hilo team.

He had been suffering more through this last year than the years before, and I believe he was growing tired.  In this way, I am able to rejoice in his release into peace from a place of pain.  I know he is free now from the limitations his illnesses forced upon him.  The hardest part now is the distance between me and my family during this time.  My sister and I haven't really experienced death in our immediate family before - this is the closest grief has ever been to my home - and I'm not there to be with them.

It was difficult to sleep, and even more difficult to get up today.  Where is the balance between grief and strength?  More than anything, right now it would be really easy to start feeling guilty that I am not there to stand by my family.

But when I think of You...

In Tokyo, I am on the go daily - and having only been here two weeks, I'm still sorting out my scheduling and experiencing a lot of "firsts."  Today was  my first day teaching at the yochien(kindergarten) that I visit twice a  month.  Susan took me with her the day after I got to Japan to see how things went there, but I was still a little unsure how the kids would like me and everything....and I was just so tired on the train and during the 10 minute walk to the yochien.  I just kept praying, "Lord, please make me joyful so I can be full of light with these kids."

And, as ever, He is faithful.

Once I was there, things went smoothly and it was extremely refreshing to be with the kids and see how simple it is to make them laugh and feel good about themselves just as they are. As I left the building when the class was over, I turned my iPod back on and that old Kirk Franklin song "Gonna Be A Lovely Day" came on.  The first verse is at the top of this post.

Yes, losing Grandpa is really hard.  It's really sad.  I keep wondering if the voicemail he left on my phone before I left for Japan will still be there or not when I go back to Oklahoma next year.  I can't listen to it here.  I want to cry, and I want to just go to sleep, and I want to hug my grandma and my parents and my sister.  Yes, the distance between us is felt more now than before.  But, when I think about Christ - and the way He suffered alone in His own death - and the way He loves us - I know there is reason to rejoice even in dark times.

So - instead of sorrow, I chose remembrance.  Instead of grief, I chose joy.  Instead of feeling guilty, I chose feeling called to the purpose that brought me to Japan to begin with in even greater measure.  He is still God - and He is faithful to His promises of joy, peace, and comfort for my family and for me.

I know Grandpa would want me to have peace as I'm just starting this adventure in Tokyo.  Before I left, he told me often how proud he was of me for accepting this gift from God and he was able to tell me goodbye then - just in case this very thing happened while I was gone.  He was ready, and so I will be as well.

Jesus, You know all things.  You knew the day and time that we would say goodbye to Grandpa Fosburg from the very beginning.  I trust that all things are in Your hands.  I trust that You are faithful to your promises.  I thank You for joy.  I thank You for peace and most of all, Lord, I thank You for Your precious love.  You are compassionate in all ways - and You know our pain.  Thank You for Your comfort that extends beyond oceans and state lines and brings my family together in this time.  You are limitless and full of love.  I love You, Jesus, and my life is Yours in all things --

Lord, just one thought of You -

and I know it's gonna be a lovely day

For my family, I do wish I could be there with you in this moment.  I can take comfort in knowing that you are all together, and in turn - know that I am not alone here.  Susan, Joyce, and Yuri are here praying for me and for you as we say goodbye to Grandpa Fosburg.  I love you so much. 

Until soon.
Amanda

Joy Unspeakable.

There are a few reasons I woke up with thankfulness and happiness in my heart today.  One - my God is strong and He loves me.  Not only does He love me, He loves this nation that I'm in and He's present here in every moment.

Second - after three days living in the Student Center, I finally asked Yuri how to turn on the hot water in the shower....(Hallelujah!)


It's been a busy couple of days - sorry for not getting around to making a new post! I did post some pictures and a few videos on my Facebook page (Amanda in Japan).  If we are friends on Facebook, you'll find the albums and things listed in the normal places.  On my Japan page, they are all under Links!  I hope you get a chance to check them out.

Thursday, I had the privilege to visit the classrooms of two Christian professors at Seikei University.  I met them last summer when the Carbondale missions team was in Tokyo and I went this week with the Hilo Hawaii team that is here.  It was so great to see them again and to meet their students! They had soooo much fun learning some basics with hula and the ukulele.  It's been really fun hanging out with the Hawaii team as well - they are all really talented hula dancers and musicians and God is revealing His glory and His beauty through them every day!  We spent the day there at Seikei University and then the team went to do a service in Shinagawa.

Thursday night and Friday, I was able to just relax and get things settled in my room and deal with a bit of the jet lag.  It was nice to walk around the neighborhood a bit and reacquaint myself with the area.  Last summer, I was only at the student center for prayer meetings really - so there is still a lot I don't know about living here.  I located a few ATMs, and visited the post office, and did a little shopping.  I felt much better that evening, so I think my jet lag is passing and I'm adjusting to the schedule better.  Which is good - because we're pretty busy here in Tokyo!

Last night, I attended my first official XA staff meeting in Harajuku!  We had a special dinner at a Hawaiian breakfast restaurant there.  It was really nice and the food was delicious.  After we had our fill of pancakes, we relocated for a meeting.  I'm really excited about all the opportunities God is giving me this year to grow and to learn more about Him.  More than ever, I know that I would be completely  lost and useless without Him.  I couldn't do this - but with Him, I can do anything.  Isn't it amazing that He uses us to reveal His glory to the world?

Welp, I suppose I should get off here and finish getting ready for the day. Please be praying for us during these next two weeks as we minister on campus and especially for the Hilo Hawaii team that is traveling all over Tokyo during these weeks to minister through dance and music!

Until!
Amanda

My Second Life.

It's almost strange how natural it is to be back in Tokyo - almost like I never left.  I have two lives now, and yet I am the same person in both.  There is my life at home in Oklahoma and then there is my life in Tokyo, which is just beginning. Again.

I woke up this morning with the immediate desire to run down the street to the combini store and buy some orange juice or something - like I did last summer - before heading out into the day.  The sights and sounds of Tokyo are still familiar to me, and I'm glad to be back with her and her 34 million citizens.

So, as I'm sure you've guessed,  I made it back to Japan! There were no problems - just a few really long flights, but I made some new friends and I got here safely so praise God!  Now, I'm just tending to my jetlag and getting my schedule in order for the weeks ahead.

Today was pretty busy, but I was able to experience some new things and we got a lot accomplished.  I stayed at Susan's apartment last night (which is where I stayed last summer) so we could go to the yochien (kindergarten) this morning together.  She's been teaching there twice a month, but I will be taking over the English class now. Those kiddos are sooooo cute!  We sang some children's songs and then we headed out so I could get my outrageously heavy luggage to the student center!  We dropped the luggage off and went to the city office so I could apply for an alien registration card. I'm glad Susan was there because I would have been so lost trying to figure the application out, let alone talk to the woman about where I live and what I do exactly.  We took care of that, then back to the student center where...

...I'm only halfway unpacked. I quick after my clothes were put away so I could lay down for 2 minutes.

After that, the Hawaii team that is staying in the student center for the next few weeks showed up with Joyce (I finally met her! yay!), so we were able to meet them before we went to our meeting at Waseda University.  Waseda University is one of the primary campuses we do ministry, so I'll be there a lot.  Please pray for our Waseda group! There are a lot of new things happening there, and maybe a few schedule changes, but we are blessed to be working alongside a YWAM (Youth with a Mission) team from Hawaii for the next six months.  They have just a huge heart for this campus and God has made divine arrangements for us all to cross paths and join together to reach the students of Waseda University.

Now, I'm back at the student center staring at my unpacked stuff, but knowing I should go to bed soon because tomorrow is another full day! Jetlag is killer, but I'm adjusting.  So I'm off...

Until soon.
Amanda

So - I'm on my way tomorrow morning pretty early and it may be a few days before I can get back on to let you guys know how Tokyo looks in September.  I miss you guys and girls already and I can't wait to update you on my happenings and whereabouts.

Thank you so much for your continued love and support, it means more than you could ever know! Talk to you soon.

Until.
-Amanda

A Week Away.

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) 

- ee cummings.

The Bridge.

So, as many of you know, I helped found an international student ministry for Chi Alpha three years ago.  When I graduated in May, I was a bit concerned about what would happen to it because I didn't have any student leaders in this last year.  I did, however, have a few girls who'd been slipping into Bible study from Chi Alpha during the final weeks of the semester.   These girls are lively, friendly, and passionate about Christ, so I immediately started praying that He would give one of them a heart for this ministry.

And He has.

Maybe it wasn't the way I'd pictured it in my mind, but God's ways are higher than my own.  Through a combination of my own busy schedule in Tokyo and Heather's insane schedule with class and Chi Alpha - I knew that The Bridge couldn't operate the way I had originally planned.  As I was looking back through all of my ISM material to prep for an impromptu meeting- I stumbled upon a link to Student Alpha.  You  may have heard about the Alpha Course. It's used worldwide to introduce the gospel in a dynamic and approachable way. Well, I came across the student version online and thought - "this could work!"  You see, Heather is also the worship team leader for Chi Alpha at Northeastern State University.  She's busy with ministry activities all the time, and yet she still has found a way to make time for the international students around her. So we ditched our old method for Student Alpha - which I love. I know this is God directed, and as I watch the Week 1 video, He's speaking to me about who He is as well. (for more information about Student alpha visit www.studentalpha.org)

Tonight is my last night with The Bridge for at least a year, although I imagine I'll see most of the members in Tokyo in the spring or summer months.  It's bittersweet handing off something that has been such a key element in re-shaping my heart to fit God's plan.  I can't wait to see the girls and just kick back for awhile - soaking up what the Lord has for us. After all that is said and done...it's off to be with the friends who made my college experience. My NSU family. I get the feeling it's going to be epic!

Oh, and today was pretty productive:
- Sent my résumé to Yuri for the Todai job!
- Received my Certificate of Eligiblity from Japan!
- Overnighted that to the Embassy in Houston!
- Mailed my insurance forms!
- Bought my plane tickets!

Hallelujah! I'm on my way!  I've booked my flight for September 27!  Please remember us in your prayers as we prepare for the weeks ahead!

Love you guys & girls,
Amanda

Packing, again!

Hey guys and girls - I finally have my leave date! After supplying me and my family with much encouragement this week, the Lord has made it happen!

I'll be setting out on Sunday, September 26! I hope to catch up with as many friends and family as possible before then. If you would like to keep in touch - please e-mail me at fosburg@alumni.nsuok.edu -

More soon!

It's True.

Almost Time.

Hey gang, sorry it's been awhile. I've been in "waiting" mode. You think this would give me ample time to post a blog here and there...but alas, I have just been enjoying my time at home.  I'm just a few weeks away from leaving now.  We're just waiting on a few documents to get here from Japan, then the Visa application will be completed and I'm free to go! Please be praying for my documents as they are being sent off - we need speedy processing and favor!

A few other things, my friend Debbie Shaw is a missionary associate in Tokyo that I met last summer.  She had knee surgery last week and will be doing physical therapy for awhile and needs a quick recovery. Also, my friend Kohei broke his arm and is in surgery today.  Please remember them both in your prayers so that they may be healed and feeling even more whole than they did before!

Most importantly, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been praying, supporting, and keeping in touch about Japan.  It's really been a blessing and a constant source of encouragement and confirmation. God is using you to bless my life, and my family's lives, in ways you couldn't imagine.

I can't wait to be back in Tokyo with Susan, Yuri, Debbie and Joyce - and all of the Chi Alpha members and church family from Tokyo Urban Church.  I can't wait to see what God has in store! 

Until soon ---

You can contact me in the usual ways, or check out the Facebook page
Amanda in Japan

The Crossing.

Shibuya

I hear the street campaign of a local politician as I exit the station,
the tinkly sound of a tambourine drawing my eyes to the soapbox -
a middle aged man in neon blue gym shorts serenading a crowd
of could-be supporters.

Meeting eyes with Hachiko, who patiently endures the daily spectacles
from his stone pedestal, we remind each other of the important things
and shoulder our judgment of trivial matters in favor of loyalty,
and in favor of love.

Slipping through the small congregation with a wary smile,
I narrowly miss the outstretched arms of the blind hired hands
full of paper backed fans that seem to draw away on sight -
I can't vote here.

The intersection calls me - all light and sound, all electric life.
Here, I am one of many. Here I am blond, and white, and still invisible.

The sidewalk begins to swell like a wave offshore, building strength -
the people waiting to rush the street the moment a light changes.
I sway with them, dizzy and drowning in the sound of a thousand souls
suspended together.

Red to green.
We all wait for the change that we know is coming.

And we are moved together. The will to go, to cross,
to conquer this concrete moment in time pushes us forward.
Shouldered against one another into the opposite current,
we fight upstream until -

at last, we hit land. Exhilarated, breathless, triumphant - I look back,
there is a new mass already gathering in our wake, patiently waiting
for a sudden change to move them. Here, the struggle is lonely -
but never alone.

af 2010

This is set in Shibuya Crossing - quite possibly the busiest intersection in the world, and it's famous for being thus.  Originally, I was just writing about Shibuya - but I think something a bit deeper surfaced as I was writing.  


Until next time!

Love Poem Number 137.

This came from a set of prompts - both the title and the first line were the inspiration.

When the ice melts -
I come to you shyly,
eyes cast down like a young girl.

We don't ever have to say "I'm sorry."
The words hang in the air between us
like a thread slowly being stitched.

You sigh as I enter -
staring at you from the doorway,
blurry eyed and biting my bottom lip.

We never need to say the words.
Your footsteps on these hardwood floors
are the sound of absolution.


af july 2010

Susan is awesome...

Spaghetti Dinner was a blast, and a huge success - a huge thanks to all those who helped, donated, and bought desserts at the auction.  It was a lot of fun and your support means so much to me!

So - my missionary mentor (and former housemate!) Susan Ricketts e-mailed me this past week, from Budapest no less, to invite me to do some kind of independent Bible study (like Berean or a discipleship program) over the course of the next year and to let me know that she'd found me a job.

Praise my sweet Savior, Jesus! A job!

I'll be teaching English at a Christian daycare twice a month in Tokyo. I know what you are thinking - only twice a month?  Twice a month is going to be perfect for me a) I'm there to serve Chi Alpha, the job is to supplement my support budget and gain a bit of new experience b) Japanese kiddos are outrageously adorable and you are going to want to see the pictures and c) erm, I don't really have a C...moving on!

I'm really excited to do Berean or the other study course that is available. Right now, Susan and Joyce are still discussing what I'll be doing as independent study. Whichever they choose, it's going to be awesome and I'm just really excited about the opportunity to grow and expand my boundaries a bit.

I'm about a month out now, folks, so be praying for me and my family as I fight to get all my clothes and essentials into two suitcases! Thank you for your continued support.  Gonna head to bed now, I'm speaking at Church of God in Wagoner in the morning!

For more information, or if you just feel like talking to me:

Amanda Fosburg

P.O. Box 105

Wagoner, OK 74477
fosburg@alumni.nsuok.edu

Facebook: Amanda in Japan

Rejoice in the Lord - Always.

Well, well, well...I have been pretty silent this summer! For that, I apologize. I guess in my efforts to get things ready, I decided to hold off until I had some concrete news.  Okay, enough excuses, prepare to get filled in on my life!

In early June, we had about a third of the money raised for my missions trip. I quit my campus job a few days before I left on a family vacation (an extended family family vacation) and have just been spending time at home and fundraising since we've been back.  Before we left on vacation, we did complete the grill raffle at Wagoner Summerfest.  We made $800 with the raffle, so that was a super blessing! It's been really nice just to spend some time at home before leaving - the past year has been really busy with it being my senior year of college, so I really didn't get to spend as much time with my family as I would have liked. God provides, right? Not just financially, but in other ways too!

But, boy, He really does provide.  If you'll look back two posts or so, I wrote about a morning drive when God was teaching me something about doubt. I didn't think I'd have that moment, but it came in June when there was a complete lull in activity both in fundraising and general planning. I was struggling a bit with acquiring the documents I needed for part of my Visa application, I wasn't hearing back from the anyone about support letters, and it just seemed like everything was perpetually on hold. Along the way though, God has put people in my life to remind me of His faithfulness to His promises, His provision for His plans, and His overwhelming love for His people.  My parents, especially, have worked insanely hard to help me make this happen and to keep me focused on the days ahead - no matter how difficult it will be for them to see me leave.  I don't think I deserve such awesome family members, but that is God's grace kicked in...He blessed me with them anyway. (Thank you, Family!)

And then, as if a floodgate were opened holding back a ton of garage sale items, we were launched into the three week process of getting ready for the most epic yard sale I have ever had the joy of being involved with.  A lot of people really helped us out and donated boxes full of great stuff to add to our ever expanding collection of "Things for the Yard Sale."  We tore our house apart - I think I touched every item in my room in those two weeks, some I hadn't seen in years, some I didn't even remember at all. Into the garage it went to be sorted and priced.  There were at least ten people who donated to the sale - so a huge thank you to all of you! You helped make it a success. In the end, after three days behind the little table in my dad's shop and after selling a ton of stuff, we had made $1,600 at my missions yard sale! Pretty amazing, huh? God is super cool...

After that, everything seemed to start falling into place with the money and my Visa.  We are about one third shy of my budget now, all the documents for my Visa have been sent in and I'm just waiting to hear back, and I'll be able to buy my plane tickets in the next week or so. I am preparing to speak at Church of God in Wagoner on August 8 - they have been so kind in inviting me to come and share my heart for the nation of Japan!

Most recently, we have been preparing for the spaghetti dinner and dessert auction tomorrow night! All of the food has been donated, so that is a huge blessing.  There have been attacks left and right this week coming up on this dinner and I think there is a certain someone who wants to steal the joy out of God's provision, but it's not working. Almost as soon as problems arise, they are solved - and we're moving forward again.  A few other big thanks:

Tina - really? You're awesome. Thank you for everything.  Food Donations -  Thank you, you know who are! First Assembly of God - Thank you for your constant support and for letting me completely take over the Fellowship Hall for a few days.  Erika Maru - Domo arigato gozaimasu! Thank you for being here to support me and help me out this weekend!  Sis. Darla, Daniel, Haven - Each of you have blessed me with your talent, I can't wait to hear you on Saturday. Uncle Derrial - Thanks for being our auctioneer! I appreciate it! Mom - Thank you! I can't do this without you, but you already know that!

Again - SPAGHETTI DINNER w/ SINGING and DESSERT AUCTION - I hope to see you there! Everyone is welcome and it's only $5 for dinner! Wagoner First Assembly of God - JULY 31st - 5 PM!

Thank you for your prayers and support and I'm going to be more consistent with my posts from now on, so stay tuned!

  As always, for more information:

Amanda Fosburg

P.O. Box 105

Wagoner, OK 74477
fosburg@alumni.nsuok.edu

Facebook: Amanda in Japan

A Story.

A girl took a long train ride -
the landscape dissolving into glass,
cold and breakable. She sighed often.
She read more, trying to find suitable
material to draw from when they met.

Night fell, a book dropping to the floor
with a dull thud and no one to pick it up.
The train cut through the dark, the girl
silenced in a vision of the coming dawn,
opening her eyes upon a cherished smile.

It was what it instantly was. Natural.
Hands taken because there were no others.
A journey unmapped on the horizon, meager
bags on their shoulders, two pairs of shoes
set on the same unknown path through sunrises.

They broke bread in hostels, they drank moonlight -
napped under the Eiffel Tower in France,
danced in Spain, tried art in Venice and Rome,
rode motorbikes in Greece with the ocean below,
laughter marking their presence on the wind.

In Egypt, they stood hushed before the pyramids,
the magnitude of the human spirit - its genius
and its cruelty - quietly changing their souls,
molding them into something more than they were.
They slept in desert tents with tears on their lips.

She gave him Asia, her heart's country, the exotic
language of her deepest self. Weeks passed by
steeped in the flavors of a half dozen countries.
She took a photo of him on the ancient root bridges
of Cherrapungee, the river whispering below.

They were called to the coast of the Andaman Sea,
the limestone walls of the Krabi province rising
from the deep like a refuge for their weary bones.
They buried their secrets on the beaches and left
them behind as the fisherman's boat pulled away.

Drifting, the warm air broke with a sudden whistle -
the book scratching across the floor slowly
as the train stopped. She turned with a sigh
and stared at the ceiling for a long moment,
taking in the sunlight like this were the dream.

As she disembarked, her eyes lit upon a cherished smile.
A man waited, stamping out a cigarette as she approached.
He had two tickets to Paris in his jacket.
It was what it instantly was. Natural.
Chance taken because there were no others.

af July 2010

Sorry for neglecting you, blog world. 

I've been busy.

In the Dark.

In the Dark.

Summer days always seem to end the same -
with the breath of God against the horizon,
His whisper on my skin, a shiver cool and inviting,
before the sun descends into another balmy night

bare feet rooted to the soft earth -
I wait for a slowdance of fireflies
carried on a crescendo of cicada song
under the ambient lighting of the moon,
the pearl of Oklahoma

this is my home -
tender blooming of a country rose in my chest,
I lay back under a blanket of sky, stars woven in pattern,
head pillowed by a fragrant hope,
wondering if you would hold my hand in the dark

af june 2010

Web Image Wednesday.

On Thursday.

One of my favorite pictures ever - it was my desktop image for a long time.

Web Image Wednesday.

Pretty awesome Japanese graphic artist - Marumiyan. 

www.marumiyan.com for more!

that last one is from an ad the artist did.

enjoy and have a great week!

Great week!

This has been a really busy week, and it's actually still pretty busy -- but I wanted to stop and jot down a few lines of thanks to some special people:

God - You are amazing, and I love You.

Mom - For real, you are a support raising machine.  Thank you.

Kathy and Craig - We couldn't have pulled off the chicken salad fundraiser without your help.  Thank you so much for donating the ingredients we needed and for cooking the chicken.

NaNa - Who knew you had mad raffle ticket selling skills?  Thank you for getting a heads start on that while we were finishing up the chicken salad luncheon.

Brenda Moore - Thank you so much for inviting me to the Women of Worship meeting this week.  It was great meeting all of your ladies.  Talking about Japan was a bonus.  I really appreciate Church Central Women of Worship's support.

Women of Worship - See above, really thank you! It was great talking to you and the food was delicious!

Tina - Thanks for teaching me and mom how to make homemade tamales, they were delicious and really did sell well! It was really fun - also, just thanks for all the hard work you do with Wagoner First's Women's Ministries.

There are many more people who have just really got on board with my support team for the next year - and I appreciate each and every one of you.  A few dates to remember:

June 3-5 - Wagoner Summerfest....we'll have a booth with Wagoner First Assembly to sell raffle tickets for the grill!

June 5 - Last day to buy raffle tickets for that Grill Master 4-Burner Gas Grill!

June 6 - Raffle drawing - winner will be contacted.

July 16-17 - Missions Garage Sale, location will most likely be my house. More info TBA.


As always, if you would like more information - you can contact me:

Amanda Fosburg

P.O. Box 105

Wagoner, OK 74477
fosburg@alumni.nsuok.edu

Facebook: Amanda in Japan

Web Image Wednesday.

Foggy Mornings.

Monday morning, I drove through a white cloud of fog for half the journey between Wagoner and Tahlequah.  As I turned out of my driveway onto the nearly imperceptible road before me, the Lord spoke a little something to my heart.

There is so much unknown about my immediate future, let alone the long term.  If life really were a road, I'd be standing in the midst of a fog bank - straining my eyes to see ahead.  If there are dangers on my right, or my left, dangers ahead, or sneaking up on me from behind...I can't really know.  There is always a little fear when staring into the face of the unknown.

God tells me that not only has He walked this path before, He designed it just for me.  If life really were a road, I'd be standing in the midst of this fog bank with Jesus holding my hand.   If we really understood God's love, we would know without doubt that though the journey is shrouded in mystery, the destination is a prize - and we would be running without hesitation into the unknown. Why doesn't it occur to us that He knows our hearts and wants to surprise and delight us - why rob us of the gift of elated surprise by making our days completely known?  I'd say half the excitement of His blessing, provision, and plan is how it didn't seem possible before, and then He made it so.

On my way across the bridge Monday morning, the fog lifted and the morning sun greeted me on the other side and I had to smile knowing He was teaching me a lesson about discouragement before it even comes.  The next few months might get harder; there are a lot of foggy pathways to travel.   But, I really can't wait to be surprised and delighted by My Love - He gives good gifts and He knows my heart.  These are paths and roads He created for us to walk together.  Family and friends will be coming alongside as we go with their love and support - provision for a long journey that I couldn't do without.

* * * * *

I also want to say a quick thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate my college graduation this past weekend.  The financial and sentimental gifts given do not go unappreciated!  As always, if you have any questions about Japan or my support team - you can contact me anytime!

Amanda Fosburg

P.O. Box 105

Wagoner, OK 74477
fosburg@alumni.nsuok.edu

Facebook: Amanda in Japan

Graduation, Support, and Other Things.

It has been awhile since I've had a spare moment to post.  A lot has happened since my last entry.  Here's a run-down and then I'm going to touch on some specifics and a few prayer needs:

• I graduate college in two days! In case you don't know me that well, I'll be graduating with a B.A. in Mass Communications - Advertising, and a minor in Leadership Communications! Pretty exciting...
• I have the best family and friends in the world, and that's a fact.  These past two weeks have been a little up and down emotionally because of all the goodbyes, but knowing these people will remain a part of my life long after I leave Tahlequah helps with the transition.
• True support raising has begun! I sent out my letters a few weeks ago and the Women's Ministries at Wagoner First kicked off a raffle drawing this week.  I cannot tell you how thankful I am for my church - they are behind me 100%! (interested in a brand new gas grill? let me know, I'll get you hooked up with some tickets!)
• My literary journey around the world is also about to start.  My dear friend Sara and I have compiled a list of 40 books from around the globe to read together over the course of the next year.  She bought me the first 6 on our list for my graduation present.  I cried...we get a bit emotional about books (and each other!).
• I'm officially counting down the days to vacation with my family in June.
• I should be sending off my Visa application soon!  Yay!

God has been good, like always.  As I said in a previous post, it's been difficult to really get started on things for Japan when I'm trying to tie up all the things I have or had going at Northeastern.  Regardless, support has been coming in little by little and it shows me that God is preparing the way on the path He has laid before me.  It means everything to know He's set the groundwork for my year in Japan, because, ultimately, it's all about loving Him anyways.  

Rob, my Chi Alpha teammate last summer, is back in Japan right now for three weeks with a team from the International House of Prayer. Please be praying for their weeks of ministry ahead and for the team.  I heard a few of them aren't feeling so well, but my God is bigger than any traveling bug that they've caught! So, please pray wholeness over the team and just a powerful anointing over their ministry this month! Thank you, and if you would like to get blessed with their testimonies, here is a link to their blog: http://thunderinjapan.blogspot.com/

Need more information about joining my support team? Feel free to contact me anytime!

Amanda Fosburg

P.O. Box 105

Wagoner, OK 74477
fosburg@alumni.nsuok.edu

Facebook: Amanda in Japan

Web Image Wednesday.

I've been aching to write a real post all week, but I need to wait until Friday.  I can't sort through all I'm feeling for a few more days.  It's a little overwhelming.

This Day.

Today held my heart in its hands -
together we turned it upside down
and shook out the memories,
spreading them wide on
these familiar tables already beginning to take dust.

I want to gather them all up to keep forever -
but I can't stop this
and I don't even know that I would,
faces already fading into what will
too soon become past in the light of future.

I can't relive the moments I forgot to savor -
tomorrow, I'll be both drawn and dragged by clock hands
through doors and down new paths with unknown curves,
and, knowing time slows down for no one,
I'll run wherever tomorrow leads.

But, today's name was Goodbye -
I collected my things and turned in my keys,
and shed smiles through the tears I couldn't stop,
I held on to what has been mine for as long as I could
before I knew I had to let go and fall apart alone.

af. may 2010

Web Image Wednesday.

This week is dedicated to Bridget - 

because friends dedicate Web Image Wednesday to friends.

^^ I don't know why...but this belongs to you ^^

(giggles)

As We Learn to Sing.

Open your eyes wide,
and begin to take in the endings -

tunnels widen to green expanses
the path behind starts to fade

for long moments don't move at all
you have to stand still

the hum of the familiar mixes with the ring of the new
into a harmony of past and present converging -

and you realize just how much it costs to be
grown.

af 2009

For Chi Alpha -

Unrelated

We are a family

Of mismatched faces

And different smiles

Each cling to our own dreams and

Childhoods without one another

And homes separated

By memories and miles

And yet

We are family

Stand strong with me and

I'll call you my brother

Touch hearts with me and

I'll call you my sister

Together

We laugh, we pray

We grow and

I can look at our faces

And know

We are a family

Drawing blood lines

From Calvary-

Our common gene.

af 2007

Web Image Wednesday.

I want summer days

and summer nights

In Love.

In love, in love, in life, in love

In you, in love, in death, my love

in time, in love, in place, in love

In form, in love, in death, my love

My God, my love, my life, my love

Is yours, my love, my bride, my love

This cross, my love, is mine, my love

To bear, my love, to die, my love

This cup, my love, this bread, my love

My life, my love, is yours, my love

Come drink, my love, my blood, my love

My life, my love, in death, my love

My God, my love, my life, my love

Is yours, my love, my bride, my love

This cross, my love, is mine, my love

To bear, my love, its time, my love

lyrics by Jon Foreman

Amanda Fosburg

P.O. Box 105

Wagoner, OK 74477
fosburg@alumni.nsuok.edu

Facebook: Amanda in Japan

To Know You.

I want to jump into
the deep inside you
drown in what that means
let my lungs fill with
the expectancy
and the fear
and just jump in
without the hope
of ever breaking surface
again

I want to reach the darkest depths
discover the strange creatures
you hide
in waters both wild and placid
I'll swim, keep swimming,
still swim

Until you don't feel me
and I don't feel you
so much are we
one and the same

I'll be as a shipwrecked sailor
buried under the sands
of your ocean

adf april 2010

Web Image Wednesday.

Today's images are dedicated to Sara Lane,

who scolded me for missing Web Image Wednesday last week.

Look! No Milk!

So True...

Spring Haiku.

April is National Poetry Month.  Did you know?

Sweet Spring afternoons -

a blanket in the sun 

four sisters dreaming

Earth is renewing -

breezesongs on parted lips

tickling budding trees

Dandelion full -

a wish on fragile wings

dancing with the wind

adf 2010

Also - I evidently forgot Web Image Wednesday this week. I owe you two next week, Sara...

ArtBeatOk

My poem Testimony[City Lights&Ink] is published on ArtBeatOk's website
http://www.artbeatok.com/ -Amanda Danielle, under the "Poetry" section.

Web Image Wednesday.

the good ol' days. i want to play.

It's April!

Time to get to work!

It's still a pretty busy time for me this semester.  I have a few really major events coming up at NSU, and more than one major project that needs finishing before the end of the year.  But, God is with me and I have peace.  It will get finished and, by God's grace, I will also be getting in order for recruiting my support team this month.

I was just telling a friend the other day that I was amazed by God's total provision.  Even in the midst of my busy schedule, He is blessing me and reminding me daily that He's still got His plans for Japan and He's working behind the scenes for me as I try to finish out my last semester of college.  The week before spring break, I was blessed with my first financial gift of $10 by a Chi Alpha friend who was raising money for a trip to Brazil and also a trip to Costa Rica this summer.  It was such a surprise and it really reminded me that God is in control, even when I feel I don't have the time to devote to the things that are on my heart.

In addition, the Costa Rica team and I had the opportunity to speak at our Chi Alpha chapter two weeks ago for missions night and I was able to show my support video (link coming soon!) and each trip received $80+ respectively for their support funds.  Amazing!

A couple of support events are in the making and I will be posting information soon.  As always, thank you for your continued support and your prayers!

Look my support page up on Facebook -"Amanda in Japan"-  for information regarding support, fundraising events, and ministry in Japan!

Web Image Wednesday.

Carnivals.

* * * * *

After supper,
concrete bleachers call on me to watch
Mother Horizon pulling her Sun-Child home;
cotton candy clouds dissolving on his sticky lips,
leaving the sky carnival to the Night Watchman.

Behind me, an eight-legged friend of our garden
shares the moment.

Somewhere past the unforgiving gaze of the Mother,
she who holds her arms wide in our separation,
you are opening your eyes to Sun-Child smiles
and the sound of ferris wheels.

I wait here until I hear your hollow steps echoing on the porch -
I don't turn, but I know the facet eyes of the spider see something
I cannot.

Retreating, he leaves us to our silence.

Looking out,
I see only shadows and starlight on the lawn
but you are seeing Dawn dancing through the acreage,
playing on my flaxen locks and kissing my lips peachy.

You only slightly detect my breathing as I sit there
on the porchsteps with my back turned, waiting.

Mother Horizon, ever aware, scolds me
for attempting to cross her boundaries
and join our beating hearts -
even in imagination.

(And the Sun-Child giggles near your desk as
the Night Watchman drags me to bed -
spider eyes the only witness.)

adf 2008

 * * * * * 

This is old, but I entered into a contest not too long ago so I thought I'd post.

Web Image Wednesday...

A picture from the first truly beautiful spring weekend in Tahlequah.

We had a photo adventure.