Yay!!

An on-going mission...

I won't lie to you - it's 2 a.m. on a Friday morning. Should I be sleeping? Yes, but that won't stop this from hitting the interweb before sunrise.

I have had something on my mind for some time now, a nagging thought that just won't go away. You see, I had a very dear friend in college that has somehow vanished into thin air within the last year. No one seems to know where she is, how to contact her, how she is doing. I am worried about her. I pray for her a lot. I think about her at random. She was a very good friend to me - one of my very first international friends, the first prayer I heard in Japanese was hers, and I just have a whole stash of memories with this girl that I cherish.

I want to know where she is.

Why am I not insanely worried about her whereabouts, you might wonder...well, what little I have found out is that she left and doesn't want to be found. However, I don't accept that as an answer.  One, it was hearsay, and two, this girl is warm, funny, generous, smart, brave - she just wouldn't drop all her uni friends for nothing.

I am determined to make contact with her!

I have messaged strangers on Facebook with the same name, stalked Twitter, Mixi, performed Google searches, and scanned her old university website.  All to no avail.  I  keep asking our mutual friends if they've seen or heard from her - no one  has. No one knows anything! It's totally creepy to me.  The last time I saw her was at a fundraiser dinner for my Japan trip. She helped me so much in those final weeks - and went missing only days before I left America. I have been trying to contact her for a year now.

Tonight, I think I may have found a breakthrough. Finally.

Please pray that this works, because I really miss her and would like to know that she is safe and happy wherever she is! Even if she does, indeed, want to cut all ties to those she knew before, knowing she's out there where she wants to be would be enough...but I really hope she still wants to be friends because I miss talking to her!

Thanks.

Until soon,
Amanda

Web-Image Wednesday - Winter Edition.

“I was born with a reading list I will never finish.”  
^{- Maud Casey}

^{Until soon.}

^Amanda

Monday.

"Paris is always a good idea."

-audrey hepburn

(I know I have failed to update the photo challenge...it's coming...slowly...)

Until soon.

Amanda

Projects.

Amidst the holiday crafting, baking, and general planning, here's one more thing to amuse myself...

DAY I. - Self-Portrait

I just like that hat...


* * * * *

This week has been interesting to say the least, and not really in the good way.

I had been contemplating posting about my dog Wilson all week, and discussing the gentle way in which our dogs help us through the difficult times, buuuuuuut....

He went full on psycho on my face this evening:  

teeth, growling, claws of fury - the whole bit.

So much for that.

So instead, I will go back to the scripture Pastor used in service on Wednesday.

Habakkuk 3:17-19
 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
      and there are no grapes on the vines;
   even though the olive crop fails,
      and the fields lie empty and barren;
   even though the flocks die in the fields,
      and the cattle barns are empty,
 yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
      I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
 The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
      He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
      able to tread upon the heights.

Even though my dog bit my face, and I can barely comprehend half the things that have transpired this week, and even though I know the storm is far from over, and there seems to be no safe place to go in the meantime -

I will rejoice,
for the Sovereign Lord is indeed my strength,
and He has always been my song.

Until.

Amanda

 

Sunday.

He is ever faithful.

Okay...if you insist!

Mata ne.
See you later!

Friday.



What to say, what to say...

I want to write, you know.  I want to talk about the overwhelming love of Christ.  I want to describe the warmth of the late morning sun. I want (and need) to start recording the thoughts, plans, and dreams I have for a new year with XA Japan - whenever that should come.

I want to write endless letters to friends around the world.

Alas, I sit at home with our little furry dog, Wilson, or study at the local library for Global (or just roam around checking out books I shouldn't have the time to read). Lethargic much? Oy.  I do find satisfaction in knowing that at least I've been hitting the "home gym" at least 2 or 3 times a week.  It is a start at least. 

Although sometimes I feel as if I'm standing still when I know there is so much more that needs to be done, I am happy because I know God's plan is in place and it is active and always moving forward whether I can feel the push or not.  I have enjoyed getting up each day and meeting Him over His Word and blank pages to write to Him - if not to anyone else.  I have the opportunity to talk to Kohei often, and am super excited and extremely aware of how blessed I am to get the chance to visit him in Australia in just a few short days.  I've made progress in my studies, created things that have brought me joy, and delighted in the love and comfort of being at home with my family.  I recognize that it can be a rare thing indeed to have a family that loves and supports each other as much as mine does, and I'm thankful each day for the love of Christ in our home that makes it possible.  I guess what I am trying to say is that though the past few months have seemed quiet, they are still treasured as an evident part of the bigger picture God has.  Anywho...

I was privileged to attend the funeral of  my great-great-aunt yesterday.  I had seen her often throughout my life, but did not truly know her well.  As the service was held, her pastor and many others testified to her devoted love of Jesus and to the study of the Word.  It was a celebration of a life well-lived before the Father.  What a beautiful thing - to have a faith strong enough to outlive you, to continue to bless and challenge others after having gone home to be with Him.  I want that kind of love for Jesus - for a personal relationship with Him that makes others thirst for His presence. It is always hard to say goodbye to a loved one, but I left encouraged by her life and genuinely happy for her. She's home. She's with the One she loved more than this life.  It makes one ask themselves, "What kind of legacy will you leave to those who loved you?"

It's a beautiful day. I think I'll head out before the sun disappears.  Whoever you are, have a fantastic day! For those who continue to support XA Japan through prayer, thank you and please continue praying for the our campus Bible studies! I heard from our director that many new members have joined and God is changing lives and revealing Himself through the Word weekly. Praise God! He is always doing a new thing, you know!

Until soon.
Amanda

Just one more week and some change...

I'm going to Australia for a few weeks to visit Kohei!
What a crazy year....

God is good!

Bliss.

Coffee, pairs perfectly with a book.

This reminds me of Tokyo.

Also, I please pray for my 6 yr old friend and former English student,

Lena.Lena will be having a brain tumor removed Friday, Oct. 7 at 9 AM Japan time,

7 PM Central time. Her 4 yr old brother Kan will be having minor ear surgery

the same day. Keep the Miyake family in your prayers this week and in the

weeks to come. Thank you!

Until soon.

Amanda

burōchi.

I made something for you.

burōchi.
$3 for simple ones, $5 for fancier brooches/hair clips -

great for dressing up jackets, bags, scarves, etc...

can be made in a variety of colors with custom fabric button centers

or vintage buttons/jewelry pieces.
$7 for headbands I have yet to photograph.

 More colors and variations soon.

Interested?

I'm hoping to start saving a little money in advance

to go back to Japan.

Until soon.

Amanda

Web-Image Wednesday.

I'm feeling super crafty lately -

I want to make things and bake things.

This could get dangerous, folks!

It's TUESDAY!

Fall is coming!

Woohoo. Another Tuesday has come and almost gone. It has really been a lovely week.  The weather has been perfect! Sunny, but breezy. Jacket and boots season is upon us! Finally!

In "miscellaneous business," mom and I made The Pioneer Woman's Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe last night.  It was super yummy. I reccommend it. I really love most of the things that Mrs. Ree Drummond does anyway.  If you are behind the times, and don't have a clue who on earth I'm talking about, follow the recipe link above and have your eyes opened! If you like photography, food, or country life - you'll adore her!

My tickets to Australia are totally booked now and my sweet boyfriend has taken care of booking our beds at the hostel in Sydney and our flight to Melbourne, etc. I'm getting totally pumped up about it! It is still a bit surreal, to be honest, but I can't wait to see what fun awaits in the land down under. Dream come true? You bet.  Life is interesting with God.

Other than that, and studying a ton for Bible school, eating lunch at my mom's work, and harassing my dog on a daily basis, I've done a whole lot of nothing this week! I did drive up to  my former university on  Monday for lunch with one of my mentors in international student ministry.  He was also in Japan post-earthquake, so we had many things to talk about and pray about as we look forward to a new time of ministry to the nation of Japan on campus in Oklahoma abroad. I've had some cool opportunities since I've been home to reconnect with the Asian community at NSU. God is good - and He knows my heart.  Whereever I go in life, that is sure. He knows my heart and His plans for my life.  I am filled with more joy, and I am  more humbled, each time the Lord turns a new page in my story. So blessed!

On that subject, I have been so encouraged at my home church since I have been home. God is meeting people where they are at.  It is always amazing to me when I see people at the altar, or anywhere else for that matter, surrounded by brothers or sisters in Christ who feel comfortable opening up and allowing the healing or the process of change to begin. That is family!  Listening and praying for one another and standing with one another as, together, we let the Lord do what He loves to do - restore us to His original design.   It's been good. If you don't have a home church in Wagoner, there are many fine churches in the area to check out. You are always welcome to come see us at First Assembly.  Wednesday night service tomorrow at 7 p.m.! Can't wait!

Well, I guess I will wrap this up and get to bed. I have an early morning Skype appointment, directly followed by an online Global Uni test.  If you were on my Japan prayer team, please keep praying for me! My Japan story is not over. Thank you so much for being a continual part of it.

Until soon!
Amanda

Moon River.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Web-Image...this week...

Pretty days...



I'm really bad at this...

Of all the things that are coming together beautifully in my life as of late, blogging consistently just isn't one of them. Maybe during the next wave of change. We can always hope! Really, there are probably other things I should be doing right now, which is why my dear blog has been graced with my presence and undivided (for the most part...) attention at this moment.

So, let's catch up!

In the last two weeks I spent in Japan, I was blessed to see just about everyone I know there! It was busy, but so amazing. I can't even begin to describe the amount of love and joy I experienced in those days, though they were bittersweet knowing that my leave day was fast approaching.  My Chi Alpha
"Sayonara" Party in Odaiba (my favorite place to celebrate in Tokyo!) was so much fun! I have such beautiful, amazing friends and mentors!

Church family at Tokyo Urban and GAP!

Co-workers from OICE // Sayonara Party in Odaiba

Like a repeat of 2009, it rained the day I headed to the airport. Again, I was so blessed by my friends! Teiko drove me to the airport and Susan, Joyce, Yuri, and Hyunhee were all there to see me off.  They are so sweet!  Especially since I had so much luggage!

I miss them!

 I've really been having a blast at home with my family, though! It is nice to be back in Oklahoma.  The pace of life is a lot slower, but I find I still have so much to do! I find myself just staring at all the grass and the seemingly simplistic beauty of the landscape that surrounds me. However, the overwhelming complexity of God's creation never escapes me for long.  He truly is the master artist!

A week after I got back, my mom hosted a little get together to welcome me back. It was so good to see so many family members and friends! My cousin Miranda made the cutest cake ever!  Just look at it:

kawaiiiiiiiiii!!!!

My mom took a week off of work as well, and we had so much fun running around with each other! We also ended up at Fashion's Night Out Tulsa to celebrate the beginning of NY's Fashion Week. Unexpected, but totally worth the drive up to Utica Square! To finish the week up, we headed to Arkansas to get my tattoo touched up and to get my mom's first tattoo! That's right...my mom is pretty cool, if you hadn't aleady noticed!

And, although none of you are sitting out there with bated breath, just waiting to hear what happens next in the life of Amanda - that does bring us up to this week.  So far, all I have done is cardio kickboxing and study for Global University. Prayer requests?  My studies. I really want to get on a roll with these Global courses and move on to some more intensive Japanese studies. Also, I am speaking for the first time about my trip tomorrow at a chapel service for a Christian school in my hometown.  I need boldness and the right words to say to these kiddos! And, of course, I am still praying about what to do with my life next!

In closing, I want to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kohei! May each day hold more blessing than the last as your love for Christ and your revelation of His love for you grows! Hugs!

Until soon, my dearies.

Amanda

ただいま。

Life is good in Oklahoma.
I've been having a ball with my family.

A few things are changing in my life here lately - 

but all for the good.

God is faithful, and He is ever kind and gracious

though I could never even come close to deserving it.

I'll bring an extended "from home" update on Tuesday.

Until.

Amanda

Web-Image 水曜日。

I'll miss you, too.

Web-Image 水曜日。

The end has come too soon, Japan...

火曜日。

It has been a busy three weeks - where do I even start?!

Since I last posted, I have been to visit my Japanese gramma, spoke at a church in Chiba, finished my second term of Japanese, went to DisneySea, took a three day holiday in Hakone, said goodbye to two other interns returning to the States, and celebrated the gift of salvation with three new sisters from our Bible studies.

I can't believe how close I am to the end of the 11 months in Tokyo I signed up for! It has gone by so quickly! (My parents would beg to differ, I'm sure...)

Hakone was really nice.  It is an area near one of Mt. Fuji's five lakes - Ashinoko.  It is famous for it's hot springs!  It was a bit overcast while we were there, but Liz, Fusae and I had such a relaxing weekend.  It was nice to see some green and be out of Tokyo.  It was my first scheduled trip in Japan! I went to Tohoku to work in the spring, but that doesn't quite count as vacation...so anyway, I am really thankful for the time we got to spend in Hakone!

Sadly, Amanda Keller left in the first week of August and Liz followed her yesterday.  Everything has slowed down and it's back to how it was when I first came to Japan. I am excited to spend these last few weeks meeting up with university friends and spending time with Yuri, Susan, and Joyce.  I have met so many amazing people. They have all changed and enhanced my life in different ways, and although I am sad to be saying goodbye soon, I know these are friends for life.  No matter where we are, we'll always have Japan.  Always.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, God has blessed us with four new sisters this summer from our XA Bible studies - celebration is in order! In a country where ministry often takes years to see the opening of the door, a single life changed by the love of Christ in a whole year is a wonder and a joy to behold. I have been blessed to experience four salvations and eight baptisms this year through Chi Alpha and my churches.  What grace! I am humbled to have been able to be a part of what Christ is doing here in Tokyo!

I better get back to work, I'm already starting on my packing because there is just too much to do! Please pray for our  new sisters and for me as I prepare to leave.  Thank you!

Until.
Amanda

Web-Image 水曜日。

I did start a Tuesday blog yesterday, but it isn't finished.

I have a lot of ground to cover from the last two weeks,

so prepare yourselves for a belated Tuesday blog on Thursday --

with pictures!

Until.

Amanda

Web-Image 水曜日 on 木曜日。

Now would be the time that I need to be productive and 

finish writing all the things that I need to have written

by this weekend.

Expect more information next week.

Jya ne.

Until.

Amanda

月曜日。

It is Monday.

I am at Wired Cafe in Shibuya, typing this out on a iPad keyboard, waiting on Tony to show up so I don't look so lame just sitting here by myself. I also have a ton of stuff I need to be doing, but having jotted down a few brief notes concerning the testimony I will give on Friday, the message I will give on Sunday, and the Japanese speech I will make in class on Monday -- I have decided to break before I really get to business fleshing this stuff out and doing some work on my Global course.

So, how is everyone?

I can't believe that I only have five more weeks left in Japan. Although campus ministry will unofficially end in the next two weeks, I know that the remaining days will still be busy with meetings and last attempts at seeing the city where God has so profoundly changed my heart and my life. There is still so much I don't know, and so much I want to.

I regret not spending more time studying Japanese while in Japan. Even I am surprised by how much I understand when listening, but I can't get past the cotton in my mouth when it comes to an appointment to speak. Still, I wish I had scheduled the hours into my week to really study kanji. My desire to read and write Japanese outweighs my actual desire to speak fluently. I guess I A) presume the speaking would be easier with the vocabulary in my head from reading and B) my addiction to the written word could then span an ocean and two vastly different cultures. I HAVE TO BE MORE MOTIVATED IN AMERICA! (How? I don't know. Does someone want to start a Japanese club with me...in Wagoner? Maybe I could convince my mom to start learning Japanese...oh, Mommy...日本語を勉強したいですか？)

We'll see! There are a lot of things I want to do when I get home. Things I want to get in order before I return to Japan. Things I want to do before I settle anywhere for any amount of time. Things I am going to have to find a reserve of motivation for that I have previously never possessed in my life. Jesus, help me to be who You intend for me to be!

In these last weeks, I really want to make the most of my time. I want to see as many of my friends from this last year as possible. I want divine opportunities to share what Christ has done in my life, and what He could do in the lives of others, with those I have grown to love so much. I want to finish well, as Pastor Shelley preached last night at GAP. I want to continue holding onto to Christ as I seek His blessing over my remaining time in Tokyo, as Pastor Sakai shared on Sunday morning at Tokyo Urban Church.

I feel like you guys and girls get a lot of repeat information from me, and I guess that must not be entertaining. But, I am still a work in progress and realizing more each day that I always will be. The moment I think I'm "all good" would be a day apart from Christ - whose sacrifice made a way for us to grow daily more like Him in goodness, kindness, humbleness, and patience.

That said, I will wrap this up and get back to work. Much love.
Until,
Amanda

Web-Image 水曜日。

火曜日。

Hello, world.

Today - the typhoon rain began in Tokyo.  I wish I could express to you my displeasure, but, alas, it is far too intensive to convey through mere words.  If I could lay in my futon all day long and just alternate periods of reading and periods of napping...perhaps it would be okay. Alas, English must be checked at the School of Engineering, so I donned the blue boots I wore to work in in Tohoku and headed out into the tropical downpour.  The rain stopped approximately minutes after I was on the train and well past the walking portion of my morning commute. Eh.

That said, everything else in my life this week has been pretty spectacular.  We have some new friends from YWAM partnering with us at Waseda Uni., and they also attended at Meiji this past week as well.  I turned in my Japanese exam, Liz and I met with a really awesome guy from Seikei Uni., and the beautiful wooden room divider from Sasaki-san's home in Tohoku finally made its way to the XA Student Center before XHOP on Saturday.  It was nice to have this reminder to pray for Tohoku, and specifically for the Sasaki family.  God is good!

Summer vacation is fast approaching.  All of our friends are starting to get super busy with preparation for end-term exams.  The matsuris are beginning; almost every night we see the girls dressed in their summer yukatas for the various events.  We had a little holiday of our own this week! Yesterday was "海の日" - or Day of the Sea.  Susan, Liz, and I took this day off to roam around the shops of Nakano Broadway near the Student Center. I didn't think it would keep us occupied for long, but we were there for several hours! It was pretty interesting, and it was really fun to hang out with these two lovely ladies for awhile. 

After that, Liz and I headed to Shinjuku for dinner with some friends.  Our friend Sarah was in town this last week and joined us for dinner - so it was extra special! Sarah, Liz, and I were all in orientation together in 2009 - our first summer in Japan.  It was nice to have a mini reunion! Following dinner, Amanda Keller, Liz, Hyunhee, and I headed to Starbucks to hammer out some plans concerning common dreams that God has given us for this city and for our various ideas of ministry in Tokyo.   All I have to say on that for now is that God is really good and He is doing a new thing, no doubt about it.

The coming week is packed with activity - a hip-hop workshop, a potential "going-away" trip to Disney, and Debbie's much anticipated return to Tokyo - and I am excited to meet new people and experience all that God has coming up.  At the same time, I recognize the slowing down of my schedule and the preparation that will have to start soon for my return to the States.  So, please continue to pray for me as I try to keep things in perspective!

Of course, please keep praying for Chi Alpha and our various campus ministries and for those living and working in the devastated areas of NE Japan.  Thank you for your support!

Until soon.
Amanda

Web-Image 水曜日。

It's summer....

火曜日。

It has come to pass / Each night dawns eternally into / White plum blossoms 

// by Yosa Buson (tweeted from DailyKu)

すみません。。。。

I missed a week! To be honest with you, I was just super tired.  I went home from work at the Uni. of Tokyo after lunch last week, so I didn't complete my afternoon post.  After some good times and some not so good times last week, I found myself in desperate need of a bit of rest and restoration in the Lord's presence.  And, He's always so sweet and so kind, He met me where I was and this week started afresh.
 
I love Him!

Since I last penned a post, I have done some fun things with friends and we've had a few XA events.  The weekend after we went to the Ghibli Museum, Kohei, Liz, Kane-san, and I headed to Ueno Zoo to lay our eyes upon the pandas.....it was amazing!!!!  But, I think I confirmed that I love the red panda even more. I wish there was some way I could bottle it's cuteness for not so fun days.

After that, we headed over to ICA for the start of a weekend Pentecost Celebration with IHOP-Tokyo and The Tokyo House of Prayer for All Nations.  It was so good.  God changed hearts and lives and set people free in joy in that house! By the end of the second night, everyone was up dancing and clapping and singing - and it was beautiful to see and be a part of.  Jesus is so much fun! I feel bad for those who think He's boring because they are missing the party!

The next day was our July XA Power Praise Night with a July 4 theme! Yes, we are in Japan - but it was pretty fun celebrating America's independence at the XA Student Center.  Our IHOP friends came to do worship and share testimonies and we also had a special guest from a hip-hop team in California there to give us a sample of the hip-hop workshop/performance XA will be participating in later this month.  He is amazing!!! I spent most of the night in the kitchen making hot dogs - and they ate them all! I was surprised....once again, God extends our means to feed all the people in our house!

Our Bible studies at Todai, Waseda, and Meiji are going well.  I shared at WEBS and at Meiji's study last week - the discussion times at WEBS have been so good these past few weeks! I am really looking forward to this week's meetings. Meiji has blown us all away with it's growth and I absolutely love everyone there! Thank You, Kamisama!

Friday after Meiji, my housemates and I slipped away to Shin-Okubo to enjoy Tokyo's Little Korea.  It was like being in a totally different place! We ate some amazing Korean food and stumbled upon a pet shop with the cutest dogs running around.  We now know where we will spend our free time if we start having pet withdrawals again.... and big thanks to Yuri for treating us!

To top the week off, we enjoyed a beautiful - but very hot - day at Musashi-Koganei park for our July XA Outing.  Seven of us had a picnic in the park and then we visited the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum...which I absolutely love and I was really glad I had the chance to go back there before I left Japan.  Tanoshikatta!  Japan is a beautiful place, with a long, rich history.  I am so thankful that I have had so many opportunities to experience Japanese culture!

 The rest of the weekend consisted of goodbyes (Kohei went back to Australia, again) and too much food with friends! Strange point - I think I might actually enjoy sushi, now?  Who knows...

Anyway, keep praying for this nation.  The suicide rates up north are climbing now and there are still so many needs to be met for so many people.  Beyond the physical needs - there is deep spiritual need in this nation.  I can't wait for the day that I see the hope and the joy of the Lord rising in this nation.  It is closer every day!  Thank you for lifting up our university Bible studies at Waseda University, The University of Tokyo, and Meiji University, as well.  Your prayers pave the way for the relationships we make and the actions we take in sharing the love of Jesus wherever we are in Japan.  Thank you!

For those of you who don't know, I will be returning to the States on August 26.  My English classes are ending (so sad!) and we only have a few more weeks left in the summer term at the universities.  Please remember me in your prayers as well as I wrap this amazing experience (one I am sure is not over entirely, even after I leave).  Thank you for helping me get here!!

Until soon,

Amanda

Web-Image 水曜日。

...or not, because it's wicked hot in Tokyo these days....

火曜日。

This could be the longest post of all time....or not...but chances are it is going to be lengthy. Brace yourselves!

Our time with the IHOPU team ended too quickly, but the harvesting of fruit from their visit continues.  We were able to establish new relationships at each university they visited and we continue to meet and fellowship with these students from Waseda, Todai, Seibo Nursing, Seikei, Dokkyo, and Meiji.  Here are a few photo highlights from the IHOPU outreach trip:

XA Game Night at the Student Center - 06.10.11

53 people, 6 universities, and a ton of waffles/pancakes

English Service at Megumi Christ Church - 06.11.11
The first Saturday English service at Megumi, where I teach 
English- I just love the pastor's son, Kan-kun!

Healing at Sayama Christ Church - 06.12.11

This woman, who was severely injured in a car accident 8 years 
before,was healed and able to put her weight on her left leg for the 
first time since the accident. The kneecap was completely crushed 
and they were unable to replace it, but God is greater!

XA Logos Party - 06.13.11
Over 30 people were packed into our weekly Bible study room

at the University of Tokyo to say goodbye to the IHOPU team!
It was a lot of fun, and we had the chance to get to know some of the students better.

Sadly, the team had to leave the following day.  It was so much fun to see Rob and Kenneth again, and I hope to see everyone else on the team again someday! Since that time, Liz and I have been meeting with the new students we met and continued with the summer ministry at Todai, Waseda, and Meiji.  I am simply amazed at the work God is doing on these campuses!  He gets all the glory, because it can't be anything we've done that has caused this sudden overflow of friendship and outreach opportunities.

We've had a great few weeks at Waseda Uni.  I am just soooo excited to see movement there.  We started the book of John a few weeks ago in a free discussion format and I find myself really looking forward to it each week now.  It has been great! In addition, Meiji University's Bible study is just doing its own thing! We had 12 people in attendance last Friday and we all ate lunch with each other afterward at a nearby Chinese restaurant (oishikatta!).  Meiji has really been a beautiful example to me of how the Holy Spirit works and how God's plans for each university are truly in His hands.  I just have to trust His leading!

We also opened up the XA Student Center once more last Friday night for dinner and games.  It was so much fun! I love being a college student (um, kinda...Bible school counts, yo!), and hanging out with other college students! Again, we had friends from Seibo, Seikei, Waseda, Meiji, and even my roommate from my university in the US, Nanami, was there.  Kohei (who is back in Japan during his winter break in Australia), Liz (whom I love dearly and who I am so glad is here in Japan for XA this summer), and I made taco rice for dinner and then we played mafia! Tony (who is serving with the Miyakes at Megumi Christ Church) is pretty much the best narrator for mafia I have ever heard! None of us could stop laughing!

 Friday Fiesta - 06.24.11

It has been so much fun these past few weeks! I can't wait to see what God has in store for the coming weeks and for the events we have on the calendar.  If you could, please pray for our Chi Alpha Power Praise Night next Monday - July 4.  We are going to cook hot dogs on a George Foreman grill! Then, at the end of the week, we will have another XA outing.  We aren't completely decided on location, but we are hoping to go somewhere outdoors and perhaps away outside of Tokyo.  Please pray that we have wisdom as we plan so many people can join us and His love can be shared and glory be given to His name!

To end the week right, Kohei, Liz, and I headed out to Odaiba - one of my favorite places, as I've said before -　for a bit of relaxation by the sea.  Originally, we'd planned to pull our funds together to rent a puppy....yes, rent a puppy... at Puppy the World.  Basically, you can rent one of their dogs for about $30 an hour.  You can take a little walk around the beach, pet the puppy. Desperate?  Maybe. But, we were prepared to pay.  Unfortunately, that place is closed. So, we had to think of a new plan. We were trying to decide where to take lunch and whining about puppies (okay, I was whining about puppies...) when we found a pirate themed restaurant!  It was basically amazing.  After that, things got better.  We took a ferry about the bay.  We walked around the shops.  For dinner, we headed back to Nakano - where Liz and I live - where Kohei treated us Chi Alpha interns to yakiniku! 

 Odaiba with Liz and Kohei - 06.25.11
Pirates and stuff.

But, the fun wasn't over on Saturday.  Yesterday (Monday), Amanda K.(Missionary Shelley Carl's summer intern), Liz, Kohei, and I headed out to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo.  Normally, we'd have Japanese class on Monday afternoons - but Seikei was on a school holiday, so we were free! It was definitely one of the neatest places I've ever been.  I've only watched a few of Hayao Mizayaki's films, but the place is just cute and so imaginative! I will add some pictures to this post when I get home tonight, although we were sadly told not to take pictures inside!

Ghibli Museum - 06.27.11
The picture from inside is from the museum's official website!

Well, maybe this wasn't so long.  Today, I am starting on the first unit of my next Global University Berean course - Intro. to Hermeneutics.  Pray that I can be motivated to complete this course in the next two weeks so I can move on before I have to leave Japan!  

As always, thank you for your support and your prayers.

Until.

Amanda