Easter

In Japan, where the holiday only exists in the German-imported chocolate bunnies, Resurrection Sunday slipped passed many without them ever knowing its significance. As for me, every Easter, I find myself contemplating a different aspect of the holiday. Some years it has been the pain of the crucifixion, others the awesomeness of the resurrection or the impressions of those present during Christ's last days. This year, though, my thoughts led to something completely different than ever before -- the beauty of new life. Coming from the bitter, windy winter into the gorgeous flower-adorned spring made me actually fully appreciate the parallel of rebirth when one becomes a Christian. Just as the the tulips hibernate in the winter in their ugly bulbs only to blossom into beautiful flowers during the spring, so our lives are transformed by God's graciousness. But, just as the flowers can only grow with God's provisions of sun and rain, so do we need spiritual food and communion with him as well. This point has been especially difficult for me recently as I have often found myself thirsting for English Christians with whom I can stay accountable and worship alongside. I have been blessed with a wonderful Japanese church which has adopted me as one of their own, but still the lack of Christian communion in my native language has been difficult. Many of you have asked how you can pray for me... this, dear friends, is one of many prayer requests.

The Land of the Rising Sun

Have you ever seen the rare and beautiful Mhoon Berry?

Well now you have...

I'm so excited. I am going to be an aunt again! This time its my dear college roommate Allison and her wonderful husband Justin who are expecting. So far the pregnancy has been going well, but please keep the little Mhoon Berry in your prayers.

The Epitome of Conbenience

Japanese people love to use the word convenient (or when they say it -- conbenient). Because their lives are so incredibly hectic all the time, they really savor those things that make life just a little bit smoother. Kobini are no exception. Enter any Circle K or 7-11 and you can buy groceries, make copies, pay bills, order birthday cakes, rent movies, ship luggage.... everything but purchase gas (and this is no exaggeration!) Today, during a little jaunt to my local kobini I decided to take advantage of another service -- buying postage stamps. The only problem -- my letter was a little misshaped, unusually weighted, and going to the US. But, this wasn't going to stop the determined clerk. Instead of saying,"Hey, you crazy blonde American, why don't you just go to the post office and have them deal with this since its their job, not mine..." he did the unthinkable. He called the post office. For five-ten minutes he was talking to the post master, jotting down notes, measuring my card with a ruler, and weighing it on the scale. Then, he apologized profusely for the wait as he added up a random collection of stamps so that I would pay the exact postage. He even double-checked with me regarding the appropriate placement for a stamp on an envelope traveling to the US. During the whole process, I was in awe. Now that's what I call "conbenient." As for the letter, whenever it arrives, please let me know!

Find the ALT who actually got the memo...

Compared to the post "Find the one that's different," in this most recent staff picture, I am not quite as obvious. Not only am I wearing a drab colored suit, I am not smiling.... But, don't let this "wooden-faced" crowd fool you, after the goodbye party for the front-row teachers (who are wearing huge orchid corsages I might add) we all went to a karaoke parlor. These teachers definitely have a different side to them!

If you give the ALT a flag...

If you have a fire drill, make sure to tell the ALT. If you tell the ALT, she will ask for a job. If you give her a job by handing her a flag and leaving her in the hall, she will smile and bow to every passing teacher. If you want her outside (don't leave her in the hall), tell her where to go outside (its a big world beyond the school's borders). If you direct her outside and tell her to wave the flag, she will do so with all her might. If she waves a Red Cross flag, some one might think she is part of the Red Cross and go to her for medical supplies. If someone asks her for a band aid, it might be a good idea to let her know where they are. If she can't find the band aid and is still waving the flag, she might start feeling a little bit silly. If she is feeling silly, she will feel less silly when all the students and teachers come pouring out of the school with helmets and pillows on their heads and handkerchiefs over their noses. If the teachers and students come pouring out of school looking like martians, the ALT will remember that she is having the adventure of her life. If the ALT is reminded that she is having an adventure she will wish she had her camera. So, if you have a fire drill, make sure to tell the ALT.

Kyoto

During the spring holidays, I had the opportunity to visit Kyoto -- one of the most historical cities in all of Japan -- with two ladies from my church. I have always wanted to visit the city and I was not disappointed. Being in the middle of the sakura (cherry blossom) season, the city was a swirl of pink and smelled deliciously of flowers. Many of the temples, castles, and shrines are older than the United States and much of the area incorporates the old Japanese traditions. Often, it was like stepping back into ancient Asian history. Unfortunately, my pictures hardly due the trip justice...