8.24.2011

8.17.2011

Web-Image 水曜日。

The end has come too soon, Japan...

8.11.2011

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

8.10.2011

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