Continued life in Japan!

Friends, do you even know how difficult it is to publish a blog about everyday life? I don't know how people do it. Especially when their lives are so similar to the readers of the blog. But here I am, again trying to tell you about life in Japan. We are keeping very busy and trying to fill our time wisely. It is so hard to think that we have less than three weeks left here. I am not ready to go back to the US. 

In the last couple weeks, we have done quite a bit. Our roommate Sarah went back to the US as her midterm assignment here was over. We had a farewell/congratulations party for her before she left. She will actually be back to Japan in the beginning of August to begin teaching at an elementary school, AND get married in October! Yay! I am so excited for her, but also miss her so much already! That same week, we went out on a roommate date to Shimizu. This is the neighboring town. We ate lunch there and then visited Miho Beach. Miho Beach is a part of the world heritage of Mount Fuji. Unfortunately it was raining and we were not able to see Fuji San, but it was still a good time spent with our roommates on last time before Sarah left. 

This week, I had the opportunity to meet up with my friend Wendy! We have known each other since elementary school. No matter where I go, even to Japan, I cannot escape her! Haha, I am so thankful that God has brought her into my life and kept her in my life through so many years and circumstances. 

Yesterday we went on our first day trip out of the city. We visited a restaurant of the parents one of the BEST club members. Here, I ate more raw fish in one day than I have in my entire life. I didn't even cry! Haha! No, it was actually good. I just had to avoid eye contact with my meal. :) Following this lunch we went to Odawara to visit the parents of another BEST club member. This family is a Christian family, and are currently pastoring a church in Odawara. It was very encouraging to hear their testimony and to see what church life looks like in the Japanese culture. 

There is one girl that I have been intentionally spending time with here in Shizuoka. She came to one Bible discussion where she was introduced to the Bible for the first time. I know she was very overwhelmed by the discussion. She told me it was difficult and hasn't come to another one since. She is a very sweet girl. Please pray for this relationship. Pray that I can show her Christ's love and grace through my own life. Pray that I can  enjoy my time with her and not feel that I need to force the Bible on her. Thank you for praying previously that I would be able to love these people as individuals and not as projects. I can definitely see it in her life. 

As our team is on the last stretch of our visit here to Shizuoka, please continue praying for us. Please pray:

• We will be intentional with the time left that we are given here. 
• We will remain mentally present here and not wander back to the US already.
• We can each continue to find our way to serve the team better.
• Our relationships will emanate the love of Christ to those around us. 

Thank you again for your continued prayer over our time here. I know I serve a big God, and I know that He hears your prayers for us too!