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