Some things God did this year...

It's amazing to me that the end of 2008 is just 4 days away. It's the perfect time of year to spend some time reflecting on what God has done in my life in the past 12 months. It has been a very full year. During my brief visit home right now, several people have been asking if they have missed the "monthly updates" that I promised to send. No, you have not. I have just been very poor at keeping up with that commitment. Other than posting pictures on facebook, I haven't been very faithful at keeping anyone up to date. Hopefully, this "end of year" update will fill you in a little bit, and then it is my New Year's Resolution to spend some time blogging and emailing more regularly in 2009.

January - June 2008:
- completing the second half of my first year of teaching, which was a big challenge, to say the least. By the end of it, I was seriously questioning whether I had chosen the right profession and wondering where the "way out" was. Thankfully, God provided a support network of friends and colleagues to give me advice and help me through. It was hard and I sometimes sturggled with depression because of how overwhelming things seemed, but it was a big victory for me to keep going even when it got so difficult. As James writes, "Perseverance must finish its work so that we can become mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:3-5)

July - Aug 2008:
- came home to reconnect with family and friends and be refreshed physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. God really provided "times of refreshing" and gave me a renewed sense of purpose and vision for my time in Japan.
- spent a week serving at a camp for Native children in Quebec, where God reminded me of the joy of sharing the gospel with hungry hearts, and also that 10-12 year olds are lots of fun!

Sept 2008:
- returned to Japan to teach 6th grade for the second time. I found that, just like they say, everything is easier the second time around. I was (and am) still putting in lots of hours as a teacher, but the stress and anxiety of having to figure everything out for the first time is gone. There's still lots to figure out, but I am actually able to enjoy my students this year.
-almost immediately, I sensed an openess and sensitivity to the things of God in my class. Their hearts are open to learn from Him. My prayer became that their eyes would be open to see wonderful things in God's Word and His world, and that He would give me wisdom and guidance as I teach them and interact with them day by day.

Oct 2008:
- went on a retreat with our middle school students, where I drank in the beauty of God's creation and also had some really significant conversations with some of the girls. God gave me some words of encouragement for those who were seeking direction.
- spent some time talking with my friend and co-worker, and then praying about God's direction for the following year. I came home from the retreat with a strong sense of peace about staying in Japan for a 3rd year. I know that God is directing my steps to be here for a slightly longer season than I initially had in mind, but I am excited about that and looking forward to what He will do.

Nov 2008:
- November came and went quickly as I walked through daily tasks like report cards, parent conferences, committee meetings for school curriculum, and leading English Club once a week after school. It was an exciting/historic moment for our school when we started our first basketball team and played our first game against another international school. Students are so thrilled to have some extra-curricular activities!
- Our school is going to be adding a high school next year so we had some Parent Information meetings about that. We will be adding one year at a time, starting with grade 9 for next year. We will have a new teacher coming to teach Bible and English next year, I will begin teaching 9th grade Biology instead of 6th grade Bible, and the two other middle school teachers will move to subject-based teaching and we'll have more of a rotary schedule. It's a big step forward for our school. We are praying that God will provide the right building to meet our needs, since the one we are currently in is great for now but could not contain a high school.
- I took a break over Thanksgiving weekend and went to Seoul, Korea, where I reconnected with a few friends I'd met at our big training session for internaitonal school teachers in Memphis during July 2007. It was really great to see them again and also to explore a new part of Asia!

Dec 2008:
- Our school Christmas program went well, and we were able to share the true Christmas story with many parents and friends of families who might not have heard it otherwise
- One of my students was playing piano for the prelude and when she got too shy to perform after hearing another girl, I was able to share with her a story of how my own jealousy of others' gifts had held me back for a long time from doing what God wanted me to do. I encouraged her to play because she played well, too, just in a different style! We can't compare ourselves to others.
- I actually stayed on track with my curriculum plans this year, so I was able to spend time celebrating Christmas with my class. The party went well but the best part for me was the devotion, after a guest speaker shared her over-the-top reaction about meeting someone famous and I connected that to what it must have been like to meet God incarnate for the very first time. There's a big difference between seeing someone on TV or hearing about them versus meeting them IN PERSON. We're bound to react somehow when that happens, and when a GREAT BIG GOD who made the universe steps onto earth, that deserves a big reaction. Their eyes showed true understanding and I could tell that several were touched.
- Throughout December, we had been studying about the Solar System in math and then about how God reveals Himself thorugh creation in Bible, and it was really cool when one of my students made this remark: "People on earth are so proud. We spend so much time fighting and really, we're just such a small part of the universe." It was an amazing "AHA" moment, when we were able to see God's greatness and His love, in the face of our smallness

I've come home to spend Christmas with my family and to visit with some friends, while trying to relax and regain focus for the New Year. I'm thankful for those of you that I've been able to see so far and I look forward to catching up with those that I'll be seeing in the next few days. I hope that you've all had a great Christmas and I pray that you will know God's presence with you throughout the New Year!

Northstar

I just got back from a 3 day retreat with the 6, 7, and 8th grade students at my school. It was an amazing time of enjoying God's beautiful creation, bonding through silly games and team-building activities, stretching themselves through rock climbing and mountain biking, and being challenged to go deeper in their walk with God. We stayed at Northstar, which is a Christian outdoor adventure ministry in Nagano, Japan. They provide an excellent program, delicious food, and great opportunities for relationship building.

One of the highlights for me was going hiking with a small group of students to a waterfall and then through some absolutely breathtaking scenery. It was such a huge reminder of how much beauty God has put all around us.

I also really enjoyed going on a night-hike with most of the students. Besides the fun of jumping out at one another in the dark, which the boys really liked doing to make the girls scream, we also spent some time in a huge open area, looking up at the stars and talking. At this point, some of my 6th grade girls opened up about their hopes and dreams for when they grow up, and I was able to speak some words of encouragement into their lives.

Another valuable memory was watching a group of 7th and 8th grade girls play a new version of "Truth or Dare," where all the dares are already written on cards and just funny, not dangerous. It was great to see them bonding with one another as they watched one another make ridiculous faces, do a model walk and (oh how scary) hug a teacher. It's great to see students who feel safe to just have fun.

I was also encouraged by how students responded to the music and messages during our chapel or devotion times. As we talked about our theme of "What Goes in Must Come Out," students were challenged to put "good stuff" in and keep away from the "garbage." One of the applications of this was to speak encouraging words and stay away from gossip or saying things that cut people down. Some students really connected with this, asking questions later on like, "Why do people make fun of other people?" Our retreat closed with a reminder that God is our greatest encourager, standing beside us to change us and help us, never leaving us on our own, and an opportunity for students to "cut out" the bad stuff from a giant heart they had made in an earlier activity. This activity was not we had planned, but just an example of how God fits things together to accomplish His purpose: the Northstar staff had drawn a huge heart and had students write things they would like to have people say to them on the inside, and things they would NOT like people to say to them on the outside. On the last day, students could take scissors and cut away the bad stuff while praying for forgiveness, as a symbol of leaving things behind and having a fresh start with God and others.

Thanks for your prayers for this time. It was really valuable and I trust that God will continue to complete the work He has started here.

Home

Wow - two long plane flights and one layover later, I safely arrived in Toronto Pearson Airport where I was greeted with a big hug from my mom and my good friend Krystal. As we drove home together I had the opportunity to share many stories of what has happened during the last 10 months in Japan, and that helped me realize just how much God is and has been working. One of the highlights for me near the end of the school year was to read my students' answers on their final exam for Bible. Because we had studied different letters in the New Testament, the last question was, 'What do you think is God's letter to you through His letters to the churches?' I was blessed by each of the responses. One student spoke of being challenged to have joy in all situations, even when life doesn't seem to be easy. Another student explained that he didn't think God was telling him anything, but he had learned that God is good and faithful and loving. I decided that if that was 'nothing', then I'm OK with that! The best part of reading their responses was realizing that, in spite of the hundreds (thousands?) of times I felt nearly paralyzed by weakness or fear of not teaching Bible well enough, it seems the Holy Spirit was working through me to reach their hearts. I really shouldn't be surprised, I know, after being sent to Japan with Isaiah 55 ringing in my ears: 'My word will not return void, but will accomplish what I have set out for it to do...' Yes, I am weak. But He is strong.

After spending just two short days at home and a brief visit with friends there, I boarded a bus for Val-d'Or in order to make it to Quebec in time for my friend Marilyn's wedding. I am still here in Val-d'Or, and totally blessed to reconnect with my church family here. It was shocking but encouraging when a lady whom I barely know came up to me after church on Sunday and exclaimed, 'I am SO happy to see you! I have been praying for God to protect you and watch over you. This month, I asked God to give me a sign that you are doing well and everything is OK. This morning, here you are!!!' I was blessed by this for 2 reasons: first, it's incredible to hear that people are praying for me. I wonder how they remember to think of me but recognize that the Holy Spirit works to bring me to mind when I am in need. Second, my coming to Val-d'Or was an example to this lady's friends that God answers prayers. She had talked about me with them before and so I was living, breathing proof of a God who responds to our cries -- sometimes even little ones. :)

I'll be here for a few more days and then I'm heading to a camp near Mont Tremblant, where I will be volunteering for one week. I'm looking forward to being able to minister to Native people again for a short time. After that, I will return home for a full 6 weeks to REALLY spend time with family and friends there.

Isn't summer great? I'm so thankful that God gives us seasons of REST!!!

The fun stuff - Sports Day

School is almost over and our school just had its annual sports day. It was a GREAT afternoon and you can see how much I'm fun having with my students during the water games part of the day in this video. I don't know why it's sideways - I got it from someone else's camera and it was right side up for them. But if you can endure turning your head slightly, enjoy! :)

Intense Love

I've been thinking about love recently - God's love. Last night I listened to a podcast from Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan that was talking about a mother's love. What is it about a mother's love that makes it so unique? "Intense nurture," was the speaker's response. "A love that gives itself fully" all for the benefit of the child. What can we learn from this about God's love? He loves us with a love that gives itself fully for our good (not always our wants).

After listening to the podcast, I opened my Bible directionlessly, planning to read for a while before going to sleep but not feeling motivated for a certain passage. The book fell open to Song of Songs, and so I started to read. As I read, I was struck by the intensity of love that is displayed between the bridegroom and his bride. Phrases like "love is as strong as death" and "do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" punctuated the passage, emphasizing intensity. If God designed this love, if He is the author of a love like this, then it is no great leap to think when the Bible says "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son...", He is talking about a love that is this intense and this intimate. Does He really love me like this? As I read last night, I felt the Spirit of God saying to my heart, "Yes, I do love you this much, with this much intensity, with this much "giving fully". "I belong to my love, and his desire is for me," (SS 7:10). As I read this verse, I realized that it echoed two of my deepest desires: to belong and to be desired. Yes, this poem is talking about love between a man and a woman. I trust God with my desire for human love like that. But even with my desire, I know that no one can love me as much as God does or give me a home as comforting as His presence. God has clearly expressed His love for me (and for you) through sending His Son Jesus to take the punishment for sins on the cross and then rise again to bring us new life. What is my response to a love like this? I found the words in this song:

"I think your pants are in a tree."

Life is busy as always but I really want to write about some of the ridiculous things that have been happening...like: my pants blew away! That's right, they were hanging outside to dry (or so I thought) when friends who live in the apartment below me called: "Are you missing a pair of pants?" I didn't really think I was, but as my friend went on to describe them as dark jeans, with white stitching on the pockets, I realized that yes, they just might be mine. "I washed those and hung them up to dry this weekend," I said, all the time wondering why she knew I was 'missing' them before I did. I soon found out: "Look outside in the tree," she told me, "and let me know if those are your pants." I clapped down the phone and shuffled to the window, stretched outside to peek - but all I saw were beautiful cherry blossoms. No pants. So, supper in hand, I walked downstairs and rang her doorbell, "Where are my pants?" I demanded. She laughed and then directed me to her window, where you could see, sure enough, my pants dangling among the pink-petaled flowers that are Japan's national treasure. "OH NO!!!" I cried. "How are you going to get those down?" she asked. "I have no idea," I replied, and then burst out laughing.
And I truly didn't have any idea...until that night when I was standing at my window again, gazing at the tree and wondering what to do. "Lord, please show me how to get those pants down," I prayed. "Send a strong wind or something!" He didn't send a strong wind, but He did send Emily, a friend with determination and creativity greater than mine. First, she tried climbing the tree but the branches on level with the third-story window of our apartment, where the pants hung, were too weak. "You need a long pole!" she insisted. "I know, but where am I going to find that?" I searched my apartment and found a cardboard tube meant for poster paper, which was about 5 feet long. Knowing it wouldn't be long enough but unable to find anything else, Emily and I returned outside and launched our "javelin" in a futile effort to release my pants iron grip from the cherry-blossom tree. After several near misses, we gave up. "We need a longer pole!" Emily said again. "I know, but where am I going to find that?" Then, suddenly, it dawned on me: the pants HAD been hanging on a laundry pole on my balcony, and that pole was MILES long! It would definitely reach the pants...if only we could get it downstairs.

I almost broke a window bringing it in the apartment, but the greater challenge was getting in down four flights of stairs: it was too long and wouldn't bend and so we just got stuck. Until - the genius of it - Emily went down one flight of steps, stuck out her hands and I passed her the pole. Then I raced passed Emily to the next flight, and received the pole as she passed it down, giggling the whole time and trying to escape my roommate's camera! We eventually got the pole all the way downstairs, outside, and snagged my pants from their nest in the tree. Cherry blossoms rained down as the pant-flag was lowered on the pole. A moment occassion...as I stood cheering (quietly) with Emily, waving at our third-floor neighbours who had been enjoying the show, and keeping my pants tucked snugly under my arm, safe from wayward breezes and gale-force winds. These pants were coming home - to stay.

The end of Spring Break

I'm enjoying the last few hours of Spring Break. School starts tomorrow but I am actually excited about the new beginning. God has been very good to me and given me a refreshing holiday - spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I was blessed to travel to Thailand with friends for 6 days. It was an amazing and very eye-opening experience. Then, on coming home Friday morning, I spent the rest of my day doing "little things" that have piled up for a while. While working, I started listening to a podcast from Mars Hill Bible Church and was INCREDIBLY encouraged by those messages. I felt like God was breathing new life into my spirit. Then today, I went to church and I was really wishing for a "community" experience at church instead of just singing and awkward small talk (trying to talk in understandable English). I decided to go to an English church for internationals on the other side of the city (for a change), and was blessed again when the pastor and his wife invited friends and me over for lunch. The pastor is also an artist so he showed us his work (very inspiring) and then we chatted over lunch. A small blessing, but very refreshing.

I'm ready to dig in for the next month of school, now. My prayer is that God will show me the best ways to "tell the next generation of His wonders." (Psalm 78:4)

Small sample of Thailand pics

Pictures of Thailand

I've made a web album of pictures from my Spring Break trip to Thailand. You can check it out if you like:

http://picasaweb.google.com/steph.mcintyre

The journey of humility

I've sat down many times to write about my life for the past few months, and I experience the same writer's block every time. That's why I haven't written much since January. I've posted pictures and showed you all the fun things that have been happening, but there's a deeper story. I kept hoping I would get inspired one day and know what to write, but almost three months have passed and the words still don't come.

What do I say about 2008? It has been, once again, a season of growth and change. January and February were marked by final exams, beginning a new quarter of school, meeting with parents about various problems among students, praying hard to find wisdom and trying hard to do the right thing. It has been a time filled with frequent tears, sprinkled with triumphs and moments of joy. There really is too much to share it all, but now, looking back, I can see the journey God has been taking me on and will share with you some of the highlights:

Lesson 1:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.” - I have a tendency to be perfectionist, and I get frustrated with myself for having weaknesses. I see so many of them and wish I could “iron out” all of my wrinkles, but my greatest efforts have fallen flat and it seems God's Spirit just whispers to me, “My power is made perfect in your weakness.” He knew my weaknesses before He called me here to teach in Japan, and He is able to work through me despite how I fall short. My mom likes to remind me that the weaknesses keep me humble and dependent on Him, and then He gets the glory for success. I guess lesson one in humility is admitting that I can't get everything right.

Lesson 2:
Acceptance with joy. One thing that seems to be true of first-year teachers is that there is always something more to do. I could work on schoolwork every day, all day, and weekends, too, and still not be done. Sometimes that's more than what needs to be done. On busy weeks, I HAVE to do that. The weeks before, during, and after exams were like that for me. I spent all day at school and all night preparing or grading exams and then making report cards. I was afraid to count the number of hours spent on school because it was just too intimidating! It seems there are many weeks like that, and I resented how much school was getting in the way of “real life.” I wanted to rest sometimes, enjoy Japan, and really, have more than 1 hour of freedom each day. Although the amount of work was stressful, God showed me that my attitude towards work made it more stressful than necessary. He drew my attention to Ecclesiastes
Ecc. 2:24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness
Ecc. 8:45: “nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.”
I realized in a deeper way than ever before that happiness did not come from avoiding work, but by recognizing that work itself is from God's hand. He has led me here to work as a teacher. Rather than resenting that work, I can find joy by accepting that what He gives me is good. Certainly, I have much to be thankful for – who should really be complaining about a job with as much freedom and responsibility as teaching? After a grueling week of work, with a pile of more work waiting for me on the weekend, I made peace with God about the piles of paper in my backpack and the mountains of decisions to be made and tasks to accomplish in the upcoming week. I was able to rejoice as I worked, instead of rejoicing when I finished the work (although I definitely do that, too!) One simple but powerful thing I did when God showed me the need for an atttitude change was begin to play worship music as I worked and intentionally keep an attitude of praise throughout the day. Although the amount of work has, since then, ebbed and flowed depending on the week, I have had fewer tears, less stress, and more enjoyment since accepting my work-related tasks as “good” because they, too, are from my Father's loving hand.

Lesson 3: “Put on a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Is. 61:3)
After reaching the peak of my struggle against work, I thought all would go well. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards I was filled with negative thoughts of a different nature: “Everything is meaningless.” (sound like Ecclesiastes?) I became a teacher because I wanted to “make a difference.” But am I really doing anything that matters? I rediscovered the age-old answer to this question of meaninglessness:
“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecc. 12:13).
“I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up and make your life significant.” (James 4:10, Amplified)

I also realized that these feelings of meaninglessness are an attack from Satan, trying to depress me and make my heart heavy. God has given me a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, so, once again, the answer is to go about my daily work with a song in my heart.

Wow - I love to write these updates because it really helps me to reflect on what God is doing in my life. I definitely didn't understand as much when I started writing as I do now. I remember, now, times when God spoke to my heart and said that “When I am weak, He is strong.” I remember last year, hoping for a job as a teacher in a Christian school because I thought when I could walk in this ministry I would be fulfilled. I would be great at it because I'd been told for so long that God has gifted me to do this. This year, I have struggled with questions like, “Am I really gifted for this? Why, if I am so gifted, is it so hard?” God has been answering those questions by teaching me about humility. I must humble myself before the Lord, recognizing my insignificance and weaknesses in my own abilities, and then waiting for Him to keep His Word that He will lift me up. What I do this year may not be significant, but I know I am being obedient. I am fearing God and keeping His commandments, and this is the whole “duty” of man.
I wrote the lyrics to this song (really a gift from God to be able to express things this way – it's been a while since I have been inspired to do so). I think they best express my journey from pride in my own abilities to recognizing my complete need for my heavenly “Dad” to be the world-changer. It's a lesson I hope (and pray) I won't soon forget, but one that the Holy Spirit will help me to really live it in more and more areas of my life:

The Change
I'm getting caught
In all that I'm not
Longing to show
The love that I know
Others need
I want to be cool,
More than a drop in a pool
If I could be the change for good,
I promise I would

But I've been reaching
For more than I could give
And I've been crying
So that others might live
But I don't see the change
They said that I could be the change
Others need

So what's my role in all of this?
When I stumble and blow it and miss?
What's a girl to do
In a woman's world?
What's a seeker doing trying
To lead the way?

I think I've lost the reason
Too much “I” in this season
Where are You when I am living life,
And trying to be the change?
I need a change...

I didn't mean to push You out
But I need You back in my
everyday
There's too much I can't get done
And what's a little girl to do
Without her Dad to hold her hand
To face the world,
And change the world?

A Beautiful Place

Yes, yes, I know it's been a very long time. And I'm very soryr. I do appreciate all of your prayers, and please know that I have needed them these past few months. There has been a constant stream of work to do and feeling pressured to complete it all. Thankfully, God is now teaching me to find joy in what I do - instead of fighting it and trying to "enjoy life," I'm just accepting the fact that this is going to take a lot of work. I need to be willing to put the time into it. I've come to peace with that, and God is blessing me in the midst of all "the work." I often remind myself that there are many who would rejoice to have the problems I have - too much to do, no time to cook so food goes bad in the refrigerator (at least there's food there!), wanting more time to talk with friends and family (thankful that I have both!). There's always a new challenge in teaching, but God is giving me the wisdom I need. Please pray that He continually gives me patience and love to really show my students how much HE cares about them.

This weekend was a great break, though. I visited a botanical garden with 3 friends, and the flowers there were absolutely BREATHTAKING. We called it "heaven," but it was more just a great reminder of how beautiful the garden of Eden must have been. God is still just as good, and I was amazed by His creation once again. There's lots of pictures at this website (there are too many to upload here):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29545&l=22dac&id=501141145

I love to hear from you and I'm looking forward to a visit home this summer. Be blessed!

My Neighbourhood

I traipsed around my neighbourhood last Saturday, enjoying a peaceful morning walk.

The Japanese kids are all at school for extra-curricular activities, but I'm FREE! :)

I always smile ruefully at these signs with the green men on them, telling us where to run to if we need to be evacuated from the area! They're all around open spaces, so in my imagination we'd be airlifted by helicopter to safety, escaping the trauma of a horrible earthquake or natural disaster. But I don't really know if the helicopters come...it could just be wishful thinking! Better to pray for no natural disasters, I guess.

I thought this whole garden looked amazing. I don't know whether the trees grow like that naturally or they have to do something to them. I'm curious, with all of my teaching about phototropism and plants in Life Science!

Not that I drink coffee, but it's a cute shop, and it just seemed so typical of the neighbourhood.

Big Wave in Japan

Well, I didn't spend my first long weekend in Japan creating final exams, as I expected. I got some work done, but God had much different plans. I soaked in encouraging words at a New Year's Conference my church was involved in. The guest speaker, an Australian church planter working in Tokyo, shared how God is moving in Japan! I realized how I can be negative, and believe negative things about a country, like, "People here are just resistant to the gospel." That's no excuse for not seeing people's lives changed! Our God is SO MUCH MORE able to work here than we imagine. The Israelites were so stubborn, but He continually reached out to them, calling them to Himself. Besides, in every nation people are resistant to the gospel! That's our sinful nature striving for independence. God's grace is reaching for them, and I'm excited to be "His hands and feet." It's a cool reminder at the beginning of a New Year!

God Bless You and Send You a Happy New Year

I've been surprised at how well this past week has gone. I was concerned about returning to school and the stress of teaching, but my first week back after Christmas vacation, while full, has been comfortable. I'm thankful for a little more time to rest in the evenings. After realizing that I should probably be going to bed at 9 pm in order to get "enough" sleep every night, I made that my New Year's resolution and prayed for God's help to actually DO it. So far, it has been great! The mornings are much happier and the whole day goes better. If anyone wonders if sleep really makes a difference, IT DOES! So I feel like a kid going to bed at 9 pm, but it's worth it! hehe

In spite of the ease of day-to-day things, there has been sadness because of the loss of a friend from church. Her funeral is on Sunday and, even though I have not been personally close to her since being her youth sponsor a few years ago, I know that her family (close friends of mine) and my church family are going through a difficult time and I would like to be there to walk through this with them. I am praying often, and God has encouraged me with Isaiah 40:1, "Comfort, comfort my people.." God offers Himself as our greatest Comfort. In spite of it all, I see how God was preparing my heart to turn to Him in times of trouble. My mom gave me a book called, "Living Confidently in God's Love" for Christmas, and the last chapter I read was all about how God promises to be our comfort and we so seldom really take Him at His Word for that. After meditating on that for a week, it seemed so natural to turn to Him for comfort when I received the sad news. I'm not saying that any of it was God's will, because I know death is a result of sin in the world and even Jesus got really angry when confronted with the death of a dear friend, Lazarus, but I see God's gentleness and love in how He worked in my heart beforehand. I think when we have ears to hear, God "cushions" us from the blows Satan throws at us through circumstances. Not that we are lifted up from the troubles in life, but we are given the strength and peace to walk through them without becoming overwhelmed by them. His grace is sufficient.

I know God has so much in store for each one of us this year. We will all face trials and difficult situations, but He will see us through. I wish you a Happy New Year because Jesus is our joy and strength in all things. Be blessed!

Narita, Japan

Before I left Japan, I stopped for some touristy site-seeing in Narita City. It was a fun way to fill an 8-hour layover at the airport. It was a very cultural experience to see the temple, where many Japanese come at the beginning of the year to offer prayers to Buddha. They believe that if they pray here on a specific day, it counts for 1,000 prayers. I didn't pray (to Buddha, at least), but I did enjoy the peacefulness of the gardens around the temple. There were also some tourist shops to buy samurai swords and other souvenirs (but they wouldn't fit in my luggage...sorry, Chris and Greg).

Beautiful White Stuff

For all of my friends in warmer climates...here's the beauty of snow! Of course, it also means you have to clean it off your car, but every rose has its thorns! ;)

Christmas Parties Galore

I had a great time visiting friends and family over the holidays. I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I thought I did, but here's a few to chronicle the fun I had with so many of you! Sorry there's not more...I usually forget to take pictures.

The crazy ones

CSE girls...I've never had so much fun playing Nintendo games! Thanks for coming to rescue me during our "race," Kristin! Hooray for co-operation! :)

A New Year's Eve sleepover...what a great tradition! If only the mattress was a little longer...or not sideways! Haha