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