Project Ezra - Luke 2

This Monday I was privileged to participate in Project Ezra again. Although the recommended reading was different this weekend, I still wanted to participate in some way, and I'm glad I did. This weekend, they got teams together to read the whole Gospel of John in the open air. I'm not quite there yet, but I still praise God that they are doing so many exciting things to increase involvement.

Since there are many Japanese people who have very little idea of what Christmas is all about, I chose to read Luke 2. Monday afternoon, the weather was cold but clear and sunny, and I headed out to read in Suido park. Just as I was about to leave, I realized that my very friendly neighbor lady was outside shoveling, and I prayed for boldness to be able to share with her, and prayed that God would save her. She is very easy to talk to, and usually starts the conversations, sometimes to my chagrin if I'm leaving in a hurry. But I do always try to be kind and talk with her a moment. So, as I left my apartment, it was no surprise that she started talking to me and asked where I was going. I explained that I was going to read aloud in Suido park, and somehow or other started reading Luke 2 to her. I only read about half of it, as it was quite cold and I read very slowly in Japanese. I'm also not sure if I was even reading loudly enough, as she kept leaning closer in to hear. Chatting briefly, she seemed happy to hear me read, and wanted to have me read to her again. If I understood her correctly, she's illiterate. I offered her one of my New Testaments, but she didn't accept it because she couldn't read. But she said she was really looking forward to me reading it to her again!

I walked to Suido park then, and it was very cold, but I was filled with praise. Recently my favorite Christmas carol praise songs are O Come All Ye Faithful and Joy to the World. I got to the park which was nearly knee-deep in snow, and so I didn't walk the perimeter, but went straight to my usual tree on a hill. I began to read, and presently, two little girls who were playing at a house across the street came running over. One of them is a student of mine, in second grade, and she also attended the Catholic kindergarten. I told them I was reading the Christmas story from the bible and asked if they wanted to hear it. They said yes and came and stood next to me. So I squatted down so they could see what I was reading, and continued. They listened, but were fidgety, playfully pushing each other. Halfway through I stopped and asked them if they had ever heard that story before. My student had, by virtue of attending the Catholic kindergarten, but the other girl hadn't. I offered them a Christmas present of a New Testament, which they joyfully accepted, thanked me, and ran off, clutching their new treasure and escaping to the warmth of the house. I finished reading the second half, and then went home, praising God and memorizing the new girl's name.

It is such a blessing to be able to have these opportunities, and I want to try and find time to go to the other parks during the week, now that I'm on winter vacation. I don't even mind having gotten a wet backside from squatting in the snow or letting my toes get frostbite. I realize I still have a ways to go in the area of boldness, but I'm excited by the ways God has been using me.

That night too, after orchestra practice, I invited the other horn players and anyone I could, to come to our Christmas Eve candle service. One clarinet player I invited said she couldn't come because she lives so far away. She mentioned the town Kashiwazaki, which is at least two hours away, but maybe doesn't take that long on the tollway. But it started a good conversation where I was able to share the meaning of Christmas and the Gospel with her, which she had never heard before. I want to be more bold, so that I don't miss any of the opportunities I have left! Even though I often come away from such times feeling like I didn't say enough, or didn't make much sense, it's encouraging to remember that it's not about my performance, but about God's grace.
To Him be the Glory!

Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Holy Spirit

"Jesus answered [Nicodemus], "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and of the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." -John 3:5-8

It has taken me a long time to learn this lesson, and I still forget sometimes: I have no control over the salvation of anyone. I thank God that there is nothing that I can do to save someone, nor anything I can do or fail to do which would condemn someone. God desires, even requires my obedience, for my own sake as His child, but nothing depends on me. As Jesus said "The wind blows wherever it pleases." That was especially evident this week.

I haven't read for Project Ezra for several weeks, but last weekend I couldn't resist the urge to go and read in at least one park. I'm still not sure why I stopped before, on one hand, God wasn't sustaining me in it as he had been, and on the other hand I was getting a little self-righteous and needed to pull back and restore my focus on Him rather than on my activities. I suppose God just took the wind out of my sails. This week, the wind started blowing again.

It's the last week of the school year, and I wanted to do a special class for all of my kids. In addition to making Christmas cards with a nativity coloring picture that my friend gave me, I wanted to write a short explanation of the meaning of Christmas on the board. So I asked my boss, can we put "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord," up on the whiteboard? Even with the Japanese verse alongside it, she felt none of the kids would understand it. So instead of a bible verse, we put up: "Christmas Day: Today a special baby has been born. His name is Jesus. He has come to save us!" Then I wrote a simple Japanese translation as well.

It was very interesting to see where the wind would blow. It seemed like my fourth grade classes were the most responsive. One little girl said to me, (in Japanese) "Isn't Jesus the one who was nailed to the cross?" That opened the door for me to share the Gospel with her, that he died on that cross to take away the bad things we've done so that we don't have to be punished, if we trust in him. In more than one class, someone asked, "Is that a true story?" To which could testify my faith that it is, and one child then asked, "Were you there when it happened?" I said no, because it was over 2,000 years ago, but I wish I could have been there. Then another girl said she was probably there, assuming she had been reincarnated. But I said, no, each person only dies once. The conversations weren't very long, but they were exciting. I hadn't realized that there were still some kids that didn't understand why we have Christmas.

Online, I found a word search that involved reading Luke's account of the birth of Christ and finding certain highlighted words. I printed it, not even sure if I could use it, but my boss encouraged me to try it with my high school kids for reading practice. Although it was hard to read how they felt about it, they were determined to finish even though it meant going late.

Sometimes, it feels as if there is very little I can do. But the truth is, there is nothing I can do but be obedient to what the Holy Spirit is leading me into. I can't even desire to share my faith without God moving in me; how much less can I be responsible for making my students or friends eager to hear about it. But when the door opens, I still do have a choice: testify or remain silent. Yet from the love God has placed in my heart for these students, it's not much of a choice, because I really want to tell them. The opportunities come, the word is spoken, and the door closes, but I continue to trust that God is in control and will bring to that person all that he desires. Sometimes it is hard to trust, I want to finish the job and enjoy seeing them come to faith, be born again, and enjoy new life in Christ. But God is teaching me that it's not about what I want, but about His will and His glory.

Project Ezra: Praise songs and Ecclesiastes 3

God has blessed me so abundantly! This weekend for Project Ezra, my friend Megumi and I combined our passions for street ministry and spent four hours at the south entrance to Niigata station on Sunday night. She brought her guitar, and I brought my Japanese bible. There were several people sitting around the plaza, and lots of people going past as well. We mostly sang praise songs in Japanese, although a few songs had lyrics in both languages so we sang both in turn. I also sang Revelation Song a cappella. Every now and then, when we were tired from singing or couldn't decide the next song, I would read Ecclesiastes 3, the recommended Project Ezra reading for this week. Altogether, I read it three times. Also, I invited Megumi to read something, and she wanted to read Psalm 139, so she did. Is she the first Japanese Project Ezra member?

We were blessed with mild weather, it was cool but clear, we came prepared and bundled up, and towards the end moved around a bit more to keep warm. But it was probably around 50 degrees, which only feels cold if you're out in it for long enough.

Towards the end, a very drunk Japanese man came and started yelling at us. I had great difficulty understanding everything he was saying, and I wasn't really prepared for what to do. I read the chapter to him, to which he responded with anger and cuss words. At one point I tried asking him what happened to him, why did he get so drunk? I couldn't understand his answers, but Megumi explained that he's the president of a company that has a huge deficit that needed to be paid by the next day and he didn't know what to do. But he wasn't willing to listen to anything we had to say. In the end, a police detective spoke to him and got him to leave us alone, and after he left, Megumi and I prayed for him.

There were actually a lot of police around, conducting a murder investigation. I don't understand all the details, but it seems that the weekend before, the suspect hired a taxi from Niigata station, and then killed the taxi driver to steal his money, and the murderer is still at large. So the police were questioning everyone at the station to find out if they saw anything last weekend. Megumi had talked with them on Saturday night, too, and she told me that police in Japan aren't allowed to read the bible or any other religious book, but that they didn't mind her singing, and were very kind. They didn't seem to be around when I was reading for Project Ezra. Just before leaving, we also prayed for that whole situation: for the murderer to be found and captured, for the police in their work, and for the victim's family. We prayed for justice and comfort, but we also prayed for salvation, for God's grace to be worked out in their lives.

Please pray for us too. It is such a joy to glorify God in this way, but we need more of God's direction, wisdom, and boldness.

Glory be to God alone!

Project Ezra - 2 Timothy 3

Sometimes I have days when I can't see clearly what's happening, but I know God has a purpose for it. Today was really rainy, apparently because there was another typhoon coming through the region, and it literally rained all day long. I went out for about an hour and didn't expect anyone to be out, although there were a few people out walking their dogs. It was more difficult to praise today, but I got through. I went to Suido park, and chose not to praise walk the perimeter because I know how soggy it gets. So I just read in my usual spot. Again, in my peripheral vision I could see someone hurry past and out of the park, but I have no idea who it was. I walked a bit of a longer way home, praising as much as I could. There were only a handful of people, here and there, all in a hurry because of the rain. When I got back to my apartment, I stopped at the door and spontaneously decided to read right there, on my front porch. Again, I saw a kid dash past while I was reading. I also thought I heard some noises from the neighbors within their houses, as though they were aware something was happening outside.

Days like these might seem discouraging, but really they lead me to trust God more. Because it's not a matter of what I do seeming effective or purposeful to me, but it is a matter of God's sovereign plan, and my obedience to His call. To God be all the glory!

Project Ezra - Deuteronomy 6 and 1 Corinthians 13

Oh the joy of bringing the Word of God to even one hungry soul! God's patience, faithfulness, and love always astounds me!

Last weekend I was visiting my former pastor and his wife in Fukushima, Japan, which is about a three-hour drive on the tollway from where I live. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to read anywhere, and I was away from Shirone the entire weekend. But on Monday, Pastor took me to Nihonmatsu castle to see the chrysanthemum decorated mannequins, and also the rebuilt foundation of the castle. The castle had been on the top of a very high hill, mountain foothill, perhaps, had a beautiful view and lots of people milling around. Bursting with praise of God, I had a very strong desire to read there, so I stood up on one of the tower foundations and read Deuteronomy 6, that week's reading. It's likely lots of people could hear me; even so, they all just ignored me. But that's alright. Most seeds don't sprout instantly! I continued praising God all the way home.

Today, Monday afternoon, I left a bit earlier aiming to go around to all six parks in Shirone that I've read in before. First I went to Yostugouya Jido Park, the one that has always been the hardest for me to praise in and read in. I found it a bit easier to maintain a heart of praise all the way there today, and while I still encountered some difficulty, it's getting easier to praise and read there, too. I stood to read this time, and this was my third time to read there altogether. The other two times I sat down to read, and I sat in a different place each time, too. It seemed that there were a few people passing by on the street, but otherwise no one was around to hear. I chose to read both Deuteronomy 6 from last week, and 1 Corinthians 13, this week's recommended reading.

Next I went to the "Lions' forest" and Shirone Jido Park, next to the ward office. It has gotten very easy for me to praise there. Today I stood in a different place as well, on the foundation of some kind of water tower that's painted with a child's mural, perhaps done by a school. I read 1 Corinthians 13, and near the middle of the chapter, out of the corner of my eye, I could see someone walking by quite slowly. I suspect they lingered close enough to hear the ending, but not near enough to talk with me afterward.

After that, I went to Minoguchi Park. No one was there when I arrived, so I praise-walked the perimeter and stood on a hill to read this time. Again, I read 1 Corinthians 13, but I found that I struggled a bit, and was even distracted in my thoughts. So, in spite of the encouraging chance to distribute bibles there last time, it's definitely very much a battleground. As I was leaving, I greeted some highschool boys who were just entering the park.

Next I went to Shirone General Park, near the culture center. There were lots of people using the outdoor track, but no one in the park area. After praise-walking, I stood on the stage, and silently prayed for a moment before reading 1 Corinthians 13. I had an overwhelming sense of how much we all need to receive God's love, as well as share it with others.

Still full of praise, next I biked over to Suwanoki Park, next to the nursery school. Again I had the urge to sing Jesus loves me, and although I could greet some of the kids and moms, most were not in the park. There were a couple of older girls, perhaps in elementary school, playing nearby on the swings when I sat down in the same place to start, but they had left by the time I finished. Again there were some boys playing baseball on the field behind the park as well. I read loudly, but I'm not sure if anyone was near enough to hear.

Next I went to Suido Park, which is usually empty, but since it was later than I usually go, there were some elementary age kids playing in the park. Some boys were in one area, and about three girls were sitting in another area. I praise-walked the perimeter as usual, but from the morning rain there was a lot of mud, and I had to carefully watch my step. Then I decided to sit on a bench to read 1 Corinthians 13 rather than stand on my usual hill under a tree. I think they probably could hear me, but they ignored me. I sat there for a few minutes longer, still full of joy in God's word and the privilege of having it and reading it, full of the joy, hope, and faith that comes from receiving God's love. I reminded myself that God's word never returns void, but always accomplishes His purposes. Then I headed home.

On the way home, I passed three kids, a girl in upper elementary, a boy maybe in kindergarten, and a toddler boy who was crying. They appeared to be out for a walk. I stopped and asked the toddler if he was okay, then started to take out my Sunday School bible memory cards to offer him one, but he and his sister continued on in the opposite direction. The other boy was moving on too when I asked him if he wanted one or not. He came over and asked about it, and I explained that it's a bible verse, it's God's word. "Can I have it?" he asked hesitantly, and I said of course, and gave him one. He joyfully took it and ran to catch up with and show his sister. Then I continued home.

"And now I will show you the most excellent way.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
- 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13 NIV

Arrival in Calcutta

August 12, 2009

Waiting to board the plane to Calcutta, I began to feel really nervous. Am I really boarding a flight to Calcutta alone? No, God is with me. Sure enough, God provided for me and reassured me in several ways. As I boarded the plane, a Japanese couple was ahead of me. I shocked them by speaking Japanese, and chatted a little bit. Then I got on the plane, and once again, as soon as I plugged in my headphones and switched to the classical station, there was the 4th movement of Prokofiev's 5th symphony! They fed us on the flight -- why anyone wants a meal after midnight is beyond me. I ate as much as I could because I didn't want to waste food, but then I was really stuffed because I had already eaten dinner. The majority of the people on the plane were Indian businessmen, and I think probably all the others were foreigners going to Calcutta to volunteer.

After I got off the plane, got through immigration, and got my bag, I changed my baht into rupees and was surprised to find that the airport is really small. I was lingering near the exit we were expected to use, wondering what I would do. Another lady, also alone, approached me, and as soon as I learned she was Japanese, I made a friend! She had booked a room at a boutique hotel, and they were sending someone in a car to pick her up, but she didn't want to go alone like that in the middle of the night, so she invited me to come with her. As we chatted in the car, we both felt very comfortable with one another, and upon hearing that I didn't have a place to stay, she offered to let me share the room with her! I offered to pay 1/2 the cost, but she only wanted 1/4 of the cost of the room from me. But, I think they charged us more because there were two when they had been expecting one. The room was gorgeous, beautifully decorated with a/c and a private bath. In a way it was like a normal hotel room, but it was decorated like something you'd see in a magazine. I am so thankful to God for providing such a safe, clean, and easy first night in Calcutta.

Story continued here or under 2010 March in the links to the left.

Week in Chiang Mai: Part 2-G Tuesday

August 11, 2009

Another beautiful, sunny day in Chiang Mai, yet my last. I had breakfast, checked out of my guesthouse, and hired a tuk-tuk to the consulate. The driver waited for me while I went in. I had to wait a while, and then I had to pay more than I was expecting. The 1400 baht I had previously paid was for consular services, then today I had to pay 1700 baht for the visa itself. I had enough, but then was slightly concerned about having enough to get to the airport. So when my driver took me to the bus station, I looked around to try and find a place to change money. Although I asked at the information booth, there was no place to change money. I found another place and asked about a ticket, and it was 518 baht, much cheaper that the 1000 baht or so that I was expecting to pay. It's a double-decker bus with air conditioning and a toilet, scheduled to arrive in Bangkok at 7:30pm.

We left Chiang Mai at 10:30. Besides the driver, there was a stewardess who served everyone snacks and drinks, just like on an airplane. At 11:27, we were stopped by a police roadblock. They boarded the bus and said something in Thai. Luckily I noticed the person next to me take out her ID card, so I knew to take out my passport.
We stopped at a large roadside cafeteria for lunch. I watched to see what everyone else did. Part of their ticket paid for a certain amount of food of your choice. So I picked something that looked good and found a place to sit. There wasn't anyone to talk to, because all the people on the bus were Thai and no one seemed interested in speaking with me, but I didn't mind. At 1:30pm I got back on the bus, my mouth on fire!
At 5:17pm I spotted a thermometer clock that said the current temperature was 34*C! I'm really glad I got an air conditioned bus! If it's that hot at 5pm, what was it around noon?!

The bus arrived in Bangkok about an hour late. As soon as we got off, there were all kinds of people trying to get us to take their taxis or whatever. I didn't trust them, and felt uncomfortable with some of the things they were saying to me. It's perhaps a good thing that I was low on Thai cash, because they were asking way too much for giving a ride to the airport. Honestly, why would I pay 600 baht to go from Bangkok bus terminal to Bangkok airport, when it cost less than that to take a bus all the way down from Chiang Mai? I had only 263 baht in my pockets, plus Japanese yen. I was looking for a bus I could take, not a taxi. I was also looking for a place to change money. I finally found a proper information booth, but there learned that there is no bus to the airport, and the banks were already closed. Taking a taxi was my only option.

At that moment, I learned yet another important lesson in walking by faith. I walked outside, now in a totally different area from where I had gotten off my bus, and made eye contact with a taxi driver. I tried to ask him how much it would cost, but he just said he would run the meter. He was using gestures mainly, to communicate. So, he took me to the airport. As is usual, I gave him money for the tolls, but I was short 5 baht in change on the second one, and then I had 200 baht left. When we finally arrived at the airport, the meter had gone to 230. I gave him the 200 baht I had left and showed him my Japanese yen, trying to explain that I could go into the airport to change it to baht, and then come back and pay him the rest. He said not to worry about it (with gestures, again) and drove off.

I still had plenty of time to change money, pay my airport tax, check in, and get some dinner. God is so good to me!

Week in Chiang Mai: Part 2-F Monday

August 10, 2009

Monday morning, I had breakfast at my guesthouse as usual and then my friend Fon, from church, picked me up to give me a ride out to Viengping Children's Home for my last day of volunteering in Thailand. She gave me a helmet to wear and we headed out on her bike. It seemed that about 60-70% of the vehicles on the road were motorbikes. I wasn't sure if we would be able to talk to each other on the way, but we could, a little, especially at stoplights. I kind of felt sorry for the cars at stoplights, because all the two-wheeled vehicles work their way up to the front of the line and wait in a large mass in front of the cars for the light to change! It's such an unusual form of transportation for me, yet this time I was really comfortable in spite of the fact that it was a much longer ride and we were on bigger roads. Perhaps it was partly because we were actually wearing helmets, or because she was more of a friend, and a Christian sister, than a stranger. It was nice to have company on the ride out there. I just wish I could have done more for her. I was sad to say goodbye, but I am keeping her in my prayers.

Although I was a bit early, I was able to go to work right away. The time flew by so quickly. In the morning, all the babies were in the room with the cribs because the play room was being cleaned out. Almost all we did was feed and change. There seemed to be a few more volunteers there that day than before, so I had a little more time to spend time holding the youngest babies as I fed them, speaking loving words to them. Of course, they don't know English, but they don't necessarily know Thai, either. I think the youngest baby I held was about 5 weeks old.

I went with three of the other volunteers for a lunch break, and the food was really cheap, so I got two different dishes. By the end I was really full, but I was using up a lot of energy, from the combination of heat, the distance we had to walk to get there, and the work at the orphanage.

Towards the end of the day we were helping to bathe them, dress them again, and put them in their cribs. It was nearly time to go, and the little girl I was holding was so content in my arms, so trusting. When I put her down to leave, she wailed miserably, and then I started to break down. I walked to the bus stop, literally sobbing, with the older Englishwoman, and she was a bit of a comfort and encouragement. She said that many of the children will grow up there, but they look out for each other. We were waiting at the bus stop for so long before a bus came, that the other two gals we had gone to lunch with also came out and we all got on the bus together. It was pretty crowded, but we could still chat, and by then I wasn't crying anymore. I exchanged emails with the Englishwoman and the Japanese lady, and I got off the bus where the Japanese lady did because the street looked familiar. We said goodbye and went our separate ways.

The place I got off the bus was actually quite a ways from my guesthouse, but it was okay because I really needed a walk, and time to process. The sky was beautiful and pink with the setting sun, yet impressed in my visual memory was the beauty of the children's eyes gazing at me. I picked up my photos, but of course those were only of the elephant ride. So I only have them in my memory and my mind's eye. I could still smell them on my clothing all that evening. Now and then I would weep again for them. I loved this, and prefer it over any other activity on vacation, because it's real. Why is it that everything about modern life and society seems to be designed around falsifying reality and numbing pain? Even though I was sad, even though I didn't want to leave those children, I wouldn't trade those two days for anything in the world.

Project Ezra - Luke 13

God's ways are so amazing! I'm transformed every time I go out to participate in Project Ezra. Especially on days like today, it is one of the most enjoyable, thrilling things I have ever done. I commented on my facebook page not too long ago that I had completely lost all desire for any form of entertainment because my own life has more than enough adventure and excitement. Participating in Project Ezra is one of the biggest reasons why that is true, and God gets all the credit for getting me out there and making it what it is.

Luke 13 begins with some people telling Jesus about some other people having been massacred by the Romans, and Jesus teaches that those people weren't "more sinful" than anyone else just because they died in a tragic way. Everyone is a sinner, everyone must repent, that is, turn away from their sins, or they will perish. Then he tells the parable about a fig tree that isn't producing fruit. The master is ready to cut it down, but the servant intercedes for the tree, promising to do everything he can to help it produce fruit if the master will give it one more year. Jesus heals a crippled woman, teaches about the kingdom of God, urges the people to enter through the narrow gate, and expresses his sorrow over Jerusalem. My favorite part is the section on entering through the narrow gate; understanding this concept was a turning point in my walk of faith. Christian reader, do you fear and love God enough that you can read this passage and realize that you might be the one Jesus is talking about? In verse 26 and 27: "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!" Non-Christian reader, be careful not to judge God based on any Christian hypocrites you may know. God is holy, regardless of whether or not those who claim to be his followers live godly lives.

I chose not to read on Sunday this weekend in favor of more Christian fellowship, so I only went out Monday afternoon. Monday afternoon is really proving to be a great time to go "fishing," because when the weather is nice, many kids are out playing in the parks after school lets out. I wanted to get to the parks I didn't go to last week, so I decided to go in reverse of my usual circuit. After prayer, I biked north to Yotsugoya koen, for only my second time to read there. I haven't been there for a while, and I've always gone there alone. It was very difficult to praise there, and as I walked around praising, I walked through a bunch of twigs that somehow felt like a nail poked clear through my plastic sandal, but I looked at the shoe and there wasn't a hole, and when I looked later my foot was fine. I sat and read, but there was a lot of noise, and I struggled to read, too.

Next I rode down to Jido koen. There were lots of kids playing, and some grandmas looking after younger children. As I praise-walked around, I greeted people as I was able. The last thing I want is for people to be creeped out by some weird foreigner circling the park with an odd look on her face. If I could talk to each one of them, I would be really glad. It's getting easier to praise there, and from where I normally sit to read, my voice seems to resound through the park, which has trees all along the edges. Actually, only one half of the park, the part with the playground, is called Jido koen. The section where I read is called "Lions no mori" or Lions' Forest, presumably named after the Lions' club? I read, and people kept their distance, but it was still good.

I was on my way to Shirone Sogo Koen when I paused by another park that I've walked past many times, but for some reason didn't consider for Project Ezra before. I never made it to Sogo, because God had a divine appointment in store for me. There were some young kids, and also some highschool students in the park. There wasn't a lot of room around the perimeter, and for some reason I felt very awkward. So I just found a bench and sat down and started to read. Very soon after, I could hear some of the kids come up behind me, and got a good feeling about it, like they were listening. But before too long they ran off to play again. I was nearly finished reading when they approached me from the front and greeted me. I was really surprised and delighted to see Mariko, a girl who has been on my prayer list for children for a number of years. I first met her in Sunday School at Shirone church. Later, when I took my current job, I was delighted to find her in one of my classes. So she was my student for several months until she decided to quit in favor of other activities. I offered her and her friends the New Testaments I had with me. Mariko said that she had gotten something like it from the church, and told me that whenever her mom gets mad and sends her to her room, she reads her bible and finds relief. She and her three friends were really excited to get the bibles, and I also gave them each a Sunday School memory verse card. I told Mariko that I still pray for her regularly (I have her on my list of all the children I pray for) and she was really glad. She still gets postcards from Shirone church about JoyJoy Sunday, the event for children, and said she was thinking of going to the next one.

We finished talking, and then I went back to reading the few verses I had left in the chapter. As I was leaving the park, her friends thanked me again and again, and I stopped and asked them their names. Although they gave me their full names, the best I could do was memorize their first names, say goodbye, then hurry home to write their names down in my prayer journal before I forgot them. Praise God that I had exactly the number of bibles left that I needed for the girls who were there. They're in fourth grade.

God gives me so much joy through the doors he is opening as I participate in this project. Even though I still face struggles and opposition, He is strengthening me through it in many ways.

Soli Deo Gloria - Glory be to God alone

Project Ezra - Acts 26

God is so awesome! Every time I go to read, I am more and more in awe of His power, more encouraged and excited about what He wants to do in this city and in my life.

Today I learned that the passage I read matters little; God's word is powerful no matter where you look. I'm sad to say I got a bit of a late start. I didn't have so much time this week to practice reading, and I didn't leave as early in the afternoon as I would have liked. I'm still a little worn out from yesterday with the church bazaar. I woke up super early on Sunday to spend a lot of time in prayer, then spent nearly the whole day in prayer and praise upstairs while the bazaar was going on. In spite of some qualms that my friends and I had about the traditions that go along with this particular church's bazaar, which I won't get into now, God blessed us with a strong spirit of praise, God put Gideon New Testaments into the hands of many grateful people, and many other small joys.

This afternoon, I was able to go to three parks: Suido koen, Suwanoki koen, and Shirone soh-goh koen, in that order.

Suido koen is the first one I started going to and the one I always go to. As always, I praise-walked the perimeter and stood under the tree on the little hill to read. No one was there, but perhaps someone went past on a bicycle and heard a little.

Suwanoki koen is one of my newest ones. Today was only my second time to go. It's directly across from a nursery school, Suwanoki hoikuen, and also next to a big baseball field. Today there were lots of kids there with their moms. I smiled and greeted them as I went in, and sang Jesus Loves Me again. At all the other parks, I sing Revelation Song, but for some reason at this one, I always sing Jesus Loves Me instead. Probably because of the kids. I sat on the same bench as before and began to read. I slightly regretted that I only had five bible memory verse cards, three of one kind and two of another. Yet I began. On the bench was something that at first looked like garbage, but I quickly realized that it was someone's "creation" from school. I carefully sat next to it and began to read. Shortly after, one little boy ran up and grabbed it and I said hello. I continued reading. I was about halfway through when the same boy and two little girls came up and asked what I was doing. I told them I was reading from the bible and asked if they knew what that was. Another, quieter little boy lingered nearby. They didn't, so I explained a little, and I showed them the few cards I had. We talked a little bit about the cards, the verse on them, and the picture, and of course I told them they could have a card. The little boy in green also took one. The other little boy ran off to show his mother and the boy in green wandered away a bit too, while I kept talking to the two little girls. I asked them if they could read, how old they were, if they go to that nursery school, what grade they are in. I told them how old I was, too. They told me they were in Himawari-gumi, the sunflower class. We talked a bit more about the stories on the cards. Both boys came back; the one boy brought his back saying "iranai" "I don't need/want it." But the little boy in green came and took another one, then ran and gave it to his baby sister, who was playing with mom. Presently, the girls' moms said "It's 5:00, time to go home." So, they said goodbye and ran off with their cards. Then I noticed that the boy in green was sitting at the top of the slide, studying his card. I praised God for this response, and then resumed reading. Shortly before I finished, the boy in green and his mom and sister headed home. So, when I finished, the park was empty and it was starting to get dark.

Today was my first time to read at Shirone soh-goh koen, but I have praise-walked around there many times, and I recently was convicted by the Spirit that I needed to do Project Ezra there, too. It's the park that's next to the big athletic field, the "culture center" gymnasium, and the Shirone kite museum. There is a good-sized open-air stage that looks out onto a lawn, so that is where I read from. This week there is some big sports festival happening all over Niigata city, and I noticed signs that said there were wrestling matches taking place at the culture center gym. There were all kinds of security guards by the parking entrances, and they asked me if I knew where I should park my bicycle. So I properly parked my bicycle in the designated spot and walked to the park. A mom and her son were playing baseball in the stage area, and about three girls, maybe Jr. High age, were hanging out on the playground. By the time I had prayerwalked the perimeter, the mom and her son were headed home, and it was getting dark. I read, but I struggled more than usual, and by the time I finished it was quite dark and I knew I wouldn't be able to read at any more parks.

I've learned that the first time at any park is never easy; the way must be cleared first. I'm so excited that only in my second time at Suwanoki koen, I had such an opportunity to share God's word with the children! It's such a blessing to be a part of this project!

Project Ezra - Acts 17

It's amazing how much I have changed in just a couple of short months of participating in Project Ezra. When I first went, with fear and trembling, it was largely because of a conviction to bring God's word to anyone in Shirone who would listen. Through prayer, obedience, and perseverance, by God's grace, I have been constantly growing in courage, boldness, and confidence, and have developed a deeper love for the people of Shirone, and experience greater joy and satisfaction from reading God's word in public. Last weekend, I had been confused about the reading for some reason, so I had nothing prepared, so I didn't go read. But I really missed it. I longed to go. I even considered going without preparation, but I couldn't decide on a passage. Absence makes the heart grow fonder? I really longed to go read this weekend.

Acts 17 is the chapter where Paul and Silas get chased out of Thessalonica, then Paul gets chased out of Berea by the jealous Jews who followed them there from Thessalonica, and finally Paul preaches the Gospel to the Athenian and foreigners in the Areopagus, citing their shrine dedicated "to an unknown god."

Sunday afternoon, after worship, Lindsey came with me again. We went to the same two parks as we went to before, first Suido koen, then Jido koen. At Suido park, there were a couple of families with kids playing on the playground. As we encircled the park with praise, we didn't have any openings to talk to anyone. After I had gotten started reading, as a man and his young kids were headed home, they walked past me quite slowly. I could see them in my peripheral vision; Lindsey told me later that they were obviously listening. They didn't stop, and I have no idea what they were thinking, but I feel that it's huge progress!

On the way back, near Suido park, we stopped to talk to an elderly lady who was standing outside. She asked if we were out for a walk, and I told her that I had just read the bible aloud in the park. She responded with an "oh," and quickly moved on to talk about other things. For the moment, I was glad to have a small opportunity to connect with someone. In this area, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses are often going door to door, but I really want to avoid people associating that with Christianity if at all possible. I thanked her for talking with us and we walked on.

At Jido park it was similar to the last time we were there together. There was a group of about 10 people having a barbeque party, and there was a family playing on the playground. I sat down in the same place to read. Somehow, it's less obnoxious if I sit down, but I'm still very easily noticeable and clearly heard. Plus, the thing I sit on I could stand on, but then the tree branches are in my face. I stumbled over words a bit more there, but I'm pretty sure they could hear me, and occasionally the picnic group would get noisy so that I had to raise my voice a little louder. A bit of opposition or annoyance, I'm not sure. I suppose breaking up rocks would necessarily be a messy business!

Project Ezra - Joshua 24

Last week, I felt convicted that I need to invest more of myself in the people I meet and the time I spend reading God's word in public. I've been praying that I can love people more and more, as an overflow of the love God has shown me. I was also looking at some maps of the city this week and noticed two more, smaller parks. This weekend, I went out on Monday afternoon, because I had gone to an orchestra concert with some Japanese friends on Sunday evening, and anyway, Sunday and Monday are my days off.

At 3:30 I prayed, then set out alone on my bicycle. I went to Suido koen first, as usual, praying that this time I would have the courage to invite anyone I should meet to listen to God's word. As I made my "praise lap" around the park, I noticed some garbage in the form of discarded cigarettes and a lighter, so after I completed one lap, I walked through the middle, back to the spot. One had been smoked, there were a few others unlit. Kids experimenting? I wondered at it. Regardless of who had left them there, I picked up all the garbage in the vicinity, prayed blessings of repentance and saving faith over whomever had left them there, put them in a garbage can near the park entrance, and also prayed for whomever the person is who empties the garbage.

As I walked to the spot where I normally stand to read, I saw a lady walking her dog, who very cordially greeted me and asked me if I was out for a walk. I told her, that and to read God's word aloud, would she like to listen? Her pasted-on smile quickly transformed into a glazed over, smile-like expression as she said nothing and walked away. Then I stood up and read as usual. I could hear the TV volume go up a notch in one of the nearby houses.

Next, I rode my bicycle farther south (Suido koen is south of my apartment) to the other new park I had found. I had never gone in there before, and wasn't sure how much I'd be able to do. There is a nursery school right next to it on one side, and on another side there is a baseball field where some elementary school boys were playing or practicing. As I parked my bicycle near the entrance of the little playground, a small boy of about 4 came up to me and asked me where I was from, and why I was parking my bike there. I told him I had just come from Shirone, and asked him if there was a better place to park it. In hindsight, I wish I had told him that I had come to the park to read God's word, because I think that's what he really wanted to know. We chit-chatted briefly, and then I walked around the park, this time singing Jesus Loves Me. Two-thirds of the way around, I sat down on a park bench and began reading Joshua 24 aloud. The little boy, his mother, and his baby brother were playing nearby the majority of the time.

Then I rode around, through the center of town, past the big Suzuki Butsudan, a very famous shop that sells Buddhist home altars and gravestones, all the while singing Revelation Song. I made my way up to Jido park, which I've circled on my bicycle about three times this week, the last time was just after lunch today. On the way, I prayed that I would be able to talk to people. I parked my bike on the far side and began to walk through, praising. Two girls were sitting on the swings and talking, and one of them recognized me as I approached. As I got close enough, I recognized her as one of my former students. We chatted for a while about all kinds of things, in Japanese, and invariably she asked what I was doing at the park. I told her that, because of the incredible amount of peace in my life, I wanted to share it with whomever would listen, so I had come to read the bible. She asked me what the bible was, and I explained that it's a collection of writings of what God has done for mankind over many years, that even though many different people wrote it, it's all the same story of God's love for us, through the nation of Israel. Our conversation didn't get too much deeper than that, and I offered her one of my Gideon New Testaments, but she didn't want to take it. I told them where I was planning to read, that I would be reading from Joshua, where they've arrived in the land of Israel and Joshua is asking them if they will serve the Lord or other gods. We chatted a little while longer, then I said it was good to see her, and we said goodbye. I finished my praise lap, also thanking God for the opportunity to see hearts begin to be stirred. I went to the same spot as last time, and stood up on the thing at first, but then remembered that the tree was hanging in my eyes last time too, so I decided to sit again. As I read, three young boys came in and started playing soccer in the small field there, and every now and then as I read, they would kick the ball near me and come over, so I know they heard a little. After I finished reading, I sat watching them and praying for them a little while before I left.

Although I had a headache throughout, and by this point I needed to use the restroom, I still decided to go on to the fourth park. Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Somethin' Crazy" was in my head: "It's crazy when love gets a hold of you, and it's crazy things that love will make you do. It's crazy but it's true, you really don't know love at all until it's making you do Something Crazy!"
There was no one in the fourth park, but I still completed a praise lap singing Revelation Song quietly, picked up a little bit of garbage, and chose a park bench to sit on. As I read aloud, I could hear someone through their kitchen window in the house behind me, next to the park. After I finished, I biked home, praising a lot, greeting people that I passed, including one young student's dad whom I recognized. When I got home, it was at least 5:30pm.

I'm very tired, but very glad that God has given me this privilege of reading his word in public. I know that it won't return void. Another answer to prayer that I saw today in my own heart, was an increase in mercy. I've been really lacking in the area of mercy lately, but also praying that God would have mercy on these people, as he has had mercy on me, and also to help me display mercy to them. God has been teaching me a lot this year about how it takes time for most of us to come to a place of faith, and then to come to a place of spiritual maturity. For the people of Shirone, it's also going to take time before some of them even come to a place of being able to handle listening to God's word. God, in his mercy, is patient with us all.

Week in Chiang Mai: Part 2-E Sunday

August 9, 2009

As promised, when I called Saturday night, my bus/taxi driver came on Sunday morning to pick me up for church. He introduced his daughter, and as it was still pretty early, we chatted a little, then she showed me the bulletin, which was all in Thai, and explained what everything was, which scripture verses they would be reading, and which were the hymn numbers. She had more things to do to get ready, so she went off and I sat and worshiped God.

It really didn't matter that I didn't understand any of the language, it was enough to be there worshiping God together. They had a special ceremony and a prayer for the Queen's birthday later that week, at the beginning of the service.

Afterwards there was a lunch, and I talked with Fon (her nickname) and another young man nicknamed Bank, who is the youth leader. We chatted about our spiritual histories and our families. Fon reluctantly admitted that she has 8 brothers and 2 sisters because her father has 4 wives! Bank light-heartedly joked that her father is a little like Jacob in the bible, who had two wives and two concubines. I guess polygamy is still legal in Thailand, even if perhaps somewhat old-fashioned. Or, it could be that it used to be legal, and then when they made it illegal, they still permitted polygamous families to remain together. I didn't ask, because it was obvious she was really embarrassed.

Not too long after lunch, I watched Fon teach three children for Sunday School. They were reviewing the Exodus. She told me ahead of time what they were doing, and during it, the only word I could recognize was "Pharaoh." After Sunday School, the kids went home and she brought me into her house and introduced the young adults. They couldn't speak too much English, but we sang a few praise songs, they sang in Thai and I recognized the melody of some really old-school songs, so I sang in English. We had a short prayer and then headed out to a coffee shop to chat some more. I sat by Fon, and we shared notes about the spiritual climate of the respective countries where we live. That is where I learned how similar Japan and Thailand are spiritually. Very Buddhist, and less than 1% Christian, but even the Buddhists are mainly cultural followers.

Fon and Bank were going to an evangelism meeting later that evening, and I debated whether I should go with them or not. If I had known more Thai, I think I would have gone to encourage them. Instead, I decided I should go to the international church. After we were done chatting at the coffee shop, she and Bank took me over there and searched for their friend to ask him to make sure I had a ride back afterwards.

The international service was wonderful! I felt complete freedom to worship without worrying about what others thought. I knew some of the hymns and praise songs, but a few were new to me. The sermon was very powerful, and it made me want to go home and study the book of Zechariah more. After the service, I had some good fellowship with a few people, adding a few names to my prayer list. Two of the ladies invited me to join them for dinner, so I first went and found Fon's friend to let him know I didn't need a ride. It was a lovely, encouraging meal, and the first meal on the trip where I experienced real fellowship. Both ladies worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Chiang Mai. We shared all kinds of stories.
Afterwards, they gave me a ride back to the neighborhood of my guesthouse. I didn't go back right away, but went to a cheaper internet cafe and caught up on my blog first. (Actually, that was the last time I posted to my blog while I was traveling, and I didn't post any more about the trip until this weekend, with Part 2-D) It was a truly blessed Sabbath.

Story continued here or under "October" in the links at the left.

Week in Chiang Mai: Part 2-D Saturday

August 8, 2009
Volunteering was not an option on Saturday or Sunday, so on Saturday I decided to do one of the things that I had wanted to do in Thailand when I was here six years ago, but didn't have the opportunity. I took a day-trip to an elephant camp so that I could ride an elephant!

A van picked me up from my guesthouse at about 8:30am, and then drove around picking up the other members of the tour. There were 11 people in the van altogether: 2 Thai men (the staff leading the tour, our driver and our tour guide), a lady from China and her 10-year-old daughter, a young married couple from Paris, France, two young women from the Czech Republic, two young men from Canada, and me (an American living in Japan).

The trip was only about an hour, but I nearly fell asleep by the time we arrived. I literally woke up and opened my eyes to see someone riding an elephant just outside our van! We parked and got out, having a few minutes to stretch and look around before going over to the platform where we would mount our elephants. Each elephant had a bench seat strapped to its back which would seat two, and a Thai man working as the handler, sitting on the elephant's neck. Since I was on the tour alone, I had one elephant all to myself.

As we set out, one of the first things we did was cross the river. The water came up to the elephant's belly, and we crossed at an angle so that it took about 5 minutes or so to cross. At one spot along the river there were some rocks, where a photographer was taking photos of each elephant with its riders, which made it feel just a bit like a theme park. After crossing through the river, we climbed up a bit of a slope, which made for a bumpy ride. Not too long after going back down again, we crossed back through the river at another place.

After crossing the river the second time, there were some small treehouses with people selling bananas or sugar cane. I didn't buy any at the first one, but I did at the second one. Then my handler got off and offered to take a picture using my camera. That is, through non-verbal communication, as he didn't speak English and I don't speak Thai. Then he told me I should get down on the elephant's neck, and showed me how to unlatch the seat I was in so that I could climb down, and then re-latch the bar.

Astride the elephant's neck, it felt a bit like riding a horse bareback, only a bit wider and more steady, but also higher off the ground! Her skin was thick and rough and dotted with coarse black hairs. After one picture, the handler told me I should give her a banana. But then he couldn't figure out how to take a second picture! I was using a disposable camera I had brought from Japan. Finally one of the other handlers nearby told him how to wind it and then he took a few pictures of me feeding bananas, as shown. It was really fun! I would just hold the banana out, and she would reach up with her trunk and take it.

We walked along that way for a while, the handler walking in front, coaxing her along. He showed me how to bump her neck with my heels to get her to go forward. I also had a strange habit of patting her head, which after a few times I figured out that that made her stop. There wasn't much need to hang on to anything, but I could hold on to her ears like the handlers do.

Then, I think when we were getting close to a slope, the handler instructed me to get back in the seat, and then he climbed on to a low tree branch that was in a perfect position for him to mount the elephant again. Overall, the elephant ride was about 40 minutes long.

When we dismounted in a different place, we walked through a "village" where they were
selling all kinds of colorful, handcrafted items, but for some reason I didn't want to buy anything. Then we boarded an ox cart to ride back to the original camp. The ox cart seated four, so I rode with the couple from Paris.

Back at the camp, we watched "the elephant show." It began with watching the elephants have a bath in the river. Then the elephants first did some simple things, like tugging, pushing, or lifting logs or other things to show their strength. The elephants in the show were smaller than the ones we had been riding, and we were told that they were between the ages of 2 1/2- 6 years old. They showed the inside of their mouth: they have one big flat tooth that they crush things against when they eat, which I never knew. One elephant could not only kick a soccer ball, he could drop kick it with his front leg, and he could throw it back to kick it with his back leg! Another elephant painted a picture with her trunk. Her trainer just gave her a brush with paint on it, and she very slowly painted a simple rendering of an elephant, a tree, and a flower, and then wrote her name.

After the show we had lunch, an all-you-can-eat buffet of mostly Thai food. Our tour group all sat at one table, and there were other tour groups sitting at other tables. The food was very good, the most interesting and memorable was the deep-fried bananas. No, the oil was probably not good for me, but I decided to allow myself one small indulgence.

After lunch, we gave our bags to our tour guide who was going to drive on ahead, and we boarded bamboo rafts to ride down the river. These seated 6, and I rode with the Canadians and the Chinese lady and her daughter. They were just very simple rafts, several long bamboo logs tied together, and then three simple wooden benches for us to sit on so we wouldn't get wet. There was a bit of water at our feet, as the rafts were completely flat, not raised on the sides. There were two Thai men steering the boat, one in front and one in back, using a long thin bamboo pole against the bottom of the river, and they let anyone who wanted have a try, so I did. Overall, the ride was peaceful, and a beautiful look at Thai jungle greenery.

When we got off the rafts, our tour van was waiting for us, and we drove off to the orchid farm, the last event on our tour. Upon arrival, a lady came out and pinned an orchid to each one of us. We went in and our tour guide gave us a demonstration of how they cultivate orchids. After that we had freedom to wander around. There was a lot of orchid jewelery for sale, but I wasn't interested in that. I went around looking at all the orchids, and had my picture taken with the bluest orchids I could find. That was a picture exchange with the Czech women: I took a picture of the two of them with their camera, and then one of them took a picture of me with my camera. I also really liked some of the brigher orchids, bright yellow with a red spot, or a rich peachy color. There were so many, and all gorgeous. There were also some butterflies flitting about.

I was still wandering when I overheard something about "the American-Japanese" and thought, that must mean me, I wonder if the people in the tour are looking for me. They were. I was the only one who hadn't wandered back yet. They didn't want to rush me, but I could see that everyone was tired. Soon after I found them, we headed out. As we drove back, I replayed the memories in my mind: the flowers, the river, the elephants.

I was the last person dropped off, and I noticed that as each person left, I said goodbye to them, but they didn't seem to be saying goodbye to the other people. I suppose it was easier for me to connect with everyone because I was on my own.

After I was dropped off, it was only about 5pm, so I went for a walk, dropped off my film for developing, changed more money, and tried a new place for dinner. All in all, it was a lovely day off.

Proverbs 28

Today after church, my friend Lindsey came with me to Shirone to support me in Project Ezra. After praying together at my apartment, we walked together to the park I usually go to, Suido Koen. Today there were a greater number of people out and about, and we mostly just said hello to them. One lady started talking to us, just small talk, but we sort of kept walking. Just after we passed her, I felt convicted that I could have stopped for a moment to talk to her, tell her what we're doing, and invite her to come listen. But by then it was too late.
When we arrived, no one was at the park, and we walked the perimeter singing Revelation Song again. Then as I read Proverbs 28 in Japanese, Lindsey went a little ways behind me and kept singing praises. When I finished, we walked back to my apartment.
A few days ago, I had decided I wanted to try reading in another park as well. So, we then headed over to Jido Koen, a park near the city office. There were lots of people there, some older girls hanging out on the playground, a parent with a young child, and a group of adults having a picnic party. We walked around again, singing praises for spiritual preparation, and also to find where would be a good place to stand and read. All of the people noticed us, and I think they could hear a little. Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw one person come and stand and listen for a moment, but left before I finished.
As we walked back to my apartment, we talked a bit, and she felt it was much harder to praise at Jido koen. Looking back, I didn't notice it strongly, but it was harder to praise there. Is it only because I've never read there before? Or is that area more enslaved for some other reason? One possible reason for that might simply be that it is used by more people. It's a popular spot for parties during cherry blossom season. Next to the city office, it's close to the center of the city, so more people naturally go into and through it.

Little by little, I'm gaining confidence and getting bolder. However, it definately helps to have supportive friends go with me. I'd like to continue reading aloud at both parks, but I wonder if I should go praise-walk around Jido koen a bit more often.

Psalm 49-50

This weekend I resumed participation in Project Ezra after my two weeks "abroad" in Thailand and India. I have to say it is very helpful to do the bible study during the week prior to reading in public, even if I don't do much more than practice reading the Japanese. In many ways I still feel like I'm just practicing, since there is usually no one in the park when I go to read. Sometimes people pass by, and I think little by little, as I read more and more often, God will strengthen me to be able to read in front of more people.

This time, I was encouraged to have two Christian friends come with me. Both ladies go to my church, one is American and one is Japanese. Although they didn't say too much about it, they patiently went with me and listened while I read. Although I still faced the battles of the mind on the way over there, I found it much less terrifying to read aloud in public with them there. Afterwards I asked my Japanese friend how my Japanese was, suggesting that the slowness might be a problem. She very supportively said that, if it's too fast, no one can understand it, either, and said it was very clearly spoken.

I thank God for the blessing of my two friends and their willingness to support me. I am very encouraged. It seemes that God is always giving me encouragement, one way or another. I don't like having to do it alone, and most of the time I have no choice. For today, I'm really glad to have had company.

Week in Chiang Mai: Part 2-C Friday

Although I woke up early again, I had great difficulty getting up. I was so exhausted. "Heat exhaustion" was the phrase that kept popping into my head. I got up to have my quiet time, but fell asleep again during prayer. Later, I decided to look up heat exhaustion on the internet and check on symptoms and treatment. Unfortunately, they couldn't open the internet room on time because the person who had the key wasn't there yet. I still had a headache and was feeling really crabby.

I bought my breakfast from the convenience store instead, after I checked my email and saw that I should rest, drink more water, and refrain from caffeine. I had been drinking a cup of coffee each morning, and fairly anticipated a caffeine withdrawl headache. So, since I also thought I would hear from the other orphanage, and I hadn't, I decided I would just go in that afternoon.

After a morning of sleeping, guzzling water, and just generally taking it easy, I felt much better. I had lunch, and I was going to try finding a bus to take me out to the orphanage, but it was pouring rain so I just gave in and hired a tuktuk again. This time, I had him leave me there.

I was given a face mask and followed a staffperson to the building where the babies were. I was given an apron and a place to put my belongings. I walked into a playroom with babies everywhere! After washing my hands, I picked up the first little guy who had crawled over to say hello. I smiled at and greeted as many babies as I could, as well as the two other volunteers there, one from England and the other from Japan. Shortly thereafter I was handed a bowl of mashed banana with a spoon and told to start feeding. The other volunteers were very friendly. The Englishwoman is an elderly sort of lady, very grandmothery, and she was really nice about explaining things to me. I was having some trouble feeding the one I had. When I had a spare moment to look around, I counted 29 babies in the room.

After eating, some of the babies fell asleep, so we took them to the other nursery with all the cribs. There were some really fussy babies in there, so I worked to try and cuddle and comfort them, get wet diapers changed, or rescue them from a nearby baby who decided it would be fun to pull on their hair or ear. Part of the time, I managed to be holding two babies, one in each arm. I was really too busy to be sad for them, but at one point, I thought about the uncertainty in their lives every day, and felt very selfish for having felt upset at the uncertainty I had faced in Bangkok and on the train. As I held them, I talked to them sang to them, rocked them to sleep. Before I knew it, two whole hours had gone by, and it was past time to be done, but there was still plenty to do, and all three of us decided to stay until 5:30.

Even at 5:30 it was hard to leave. When you're rocking a baby to sleep, and they're almost there, you can't exactly just drop everything and leave. To feed bottles, the staff normally props them up with blankets so the bottle will stay vertical. But that's not how a baby of that age would be breastfeeding. Milk only and very little human touch! But the blankets must make them warm, I suppose. We did finally go.

We took the bus back and chatted on the way. I was glad that I had rested in the morning, as I wouldn't have been much good to them otherwise, but I was wishing that I could have spent more time helping, too. I thought of coming again next year, but then all these babies will be in different places. Still, it would be worth looking into it.

Story continued here or on September page, follow the links on the left.

Week in Chiang Mai: part 2-B Thursday

Once again, wide awake before dawn, I got up, had my quiet time, and went downstairs for breakfast at my guesthouse. Some of the staff at the guesthouse mainly work there all day, but someone else, one of the tour guides, brought me my breakfast. He was very friendly and once I was mostly finished eating, I had a nice chat with him. He grew up in a mountain village in this area, left home at 15 to attend highschool, and he's been working as a tour guide for treks though the jungle. He has never studied languages formally, but his English was better than the majority of my students in Japan, and he can also speak some French, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and Japanese. I was most impressed.

Promptly at 8:30, the orphanage coordinator picked me up and we drove outside of town to the site. The coordinator, an upper-middle-aged man, spends part of his year in Thailand and part of it in the states. He told me about the Christian ministry of the orphanage, the teachers who are there, and other details.

I observed and assisted a young lady from New Zealand. She is an excellent teacher, and I was very impressed. The kids also have incredibly good English on account of living with foreigners in this school. During a break I was chatting with her and another foreign visitor. I asked her if she knew Ray Comfort, as he's the only person from New Zealand that I know of. She said that her grandfather does the artwork for Ray Comfort's blog! The visitor new of the blog too, and it was a real treat to talk to believers who are familiar with it, as most of my family and friends have never heard of it. (I should still have the link, to the left, if you're curious)

There were a couple of classes where she let me take half the kids to read, or work on something else. During breaks we chatted about games and lessons, how to go about teaching grammar points, and many other things. I had lunch with them, and after lunch, the visitors gave a music lesson, they had brought recorders for all the kids and were teaching them how to play different things. The younger kids were having more trouble, so I was among those helping to coach them, get their fingers in the right place, and get a feel for the rhythm.

The facility was new and very modern. It was built about two years ago, funded by a church in Washington State. They are in the process of constructing a larger private school as a ministry and service to the community, as the area isn't so close to town, but there is a kindergarten nearby. The classrooms were equipped with all sorts of resources, and they also had computers and wireless internet. It didn't seem like an orphanage, it seemed like a really large homeschooling family. They all live together, there are several teachers, both Thai and foreign, and the kids are all like siblings. The ministry was started seven years ago and I think they are connected with Compassion International, so probably all these kids are sponsored. It's a really great situation for these kids. I exchanged email addresses with the teacher I worked with, and we're keeping in touch.

The downside to the day was the heat. For some reason, I didn't feel all that hot, but they said it was one of the hottest days of the summer, and I didn't exactly drink all that much water. The latter half of the day I had a dull headache, and when I returned, I ate dinner, showered, and got to bed as soon as I could. But it was a really good day.

Week in Chiang Mai Part 2-A - Wednesday

I don't know if I always wake up early in a new place because of jet-lag or excitement or both. The sun wasn't up yet, but I was wide awake, so I got up and had my quiet time, then got dressed and went down. It was exactly 7, so I ordered breakfast (the kitchen opens at 7).

The morning was spent entirely in taking care of some business. I checked my email and had a reply from one of the orphanages I had applied to. I wrote down the name and number. Then I went back over to the airline office, not expecting much, but figuring I could at least leave them the number where I was staying so that I wouldn't have to keep checking. It turns out that wasn't necessary! They confirmed both of the flights that I needed!

I went back and called the number for the coordinator. I was having some difficulty with the pay phone, so he offered to call me at my guesthouse, and I gave him the number. He briefly explained that I would be helping the new teachers and giving them ideas or advice, as able. He had to confirm some other details, so he said he'd call back by 1pm.

So, I spent the morning working on my blog and writing postcards. I had lunch also at my guesthouse while I waited. Finally, he called back saying he would pick me up at 8:30 on Thursday, and that someone else would help me get back into town.

That settled, I decided to check out the other orphanage. I hired a tuk-tuk, a small open-air taxi that is basically like a motorized tricycle with a bench and an awning... they are actually quite comfortable and convenient. It was a little expensive to hire one out of town, but it worked quite well. Someone at my guesthouse had written directions in Thai for me to show the driver, but he still had to stop and ask directions on the way. Finally we found it.

At the first office, for the home for boys, the administrator said they don't need volunteers because the boys go to school during the week. But she said the Babies department was usually in need of volunteers. My tuktuk driver was waiting, so she gave him instructions to take me to the next office, farther in the grounds.

The different children's homes had several buildings on a large, green campus. We had to drive a couple of minutes, somewhat slowly because of speed bumps, to get to the next office in another building. Again, the driver waited while I went in to talk to the administrator.

I explained my circumstances and interest. The way she kept saying "I'm sorry" made me think she was going to turn me down, but she copied my passport, gave me an application form, asked me to fill it out and fax it back to her, and said she would see me on Friday. Then my tuktuk driver took me back to the city.

Back at my guesthouse, I filled in the form, listing my boss and my parents as references. I was glad I had so much experience teaching children to report. Then I set out to find a place to send a fax. It took some doing, but finally I found a place that would even send faxes overseas, but since it was local, it wasn't so expensive.

On the way back, I came across a Starbucks, and I couldn't resist going in. I bought a tumbler from Chiang Mai... I could have gotten a Bangkok one as well, but decided to wait and conserve money. I got a mango smoothie and a ham and cheese croissant. The store had air conditioning and plenty of space. I found an upholstered chair on the second floor and had the whole room to myself. I must have been quite thirsty... I gave myself brainfreeze multiple times!

Upon returning to my guesthouse, it was nearly dinner time, and I decided to choose a new place to eat. I was nearly finished eating my noodles when another foreigner, a young lady, came in and sat down. We were both sort of stealing glances at one another, so I said hello and invited her over to my table.

We had an absolutely marvellous conversation. I think she and I are similar in the types of conversation we like: deep, engaging, thought-provoking, and long. First we talked about teaching ESL in Asia for a long while, and empathized with each other on many points. Then we started talking about religion because that was her major in school, and if you know me, you don't have to ask. She was raised Christian but, at best I would guess that she hasn't yet matured in her faith, and having studied religion has had a negative impact. So I was able to share with her all that I've learned in my walk, as she asked me how I would describe genuine Christian faith. Finally, we ended up talking about politics and the decline of American society. Despite having opposing political views and feelings, we had a wonderful, intelligent debate. I was really thankful for such a companion.

Although there wasn't necessarily anything big, I got a lot accomplished on Wednesday the 5th of August, my second day in Chiang Mai.

Part 1 G - Thank God for Perspective

In the front of my guesthouse, there is also a sort of travel agent, tour guide services desk. After using the internet to update everyone, I noticed a picture of someone riding an elephant.

I went back to my room to think and pray about how I would use my time. I decided to try to find out if I could volunteer somewhere here, and also see if I had the time for an elephant ride. I asked at the desk, and they gave me some ideas. The man said I should check the internet, but I could try at an orphanage, or at a refugee camp. They said a day-trip including an elephant ride would be about 30 dollars, and also included lunch in a village and bamboo rafting.

After thinking some more, and also searching the internet, I put my name in to two different opportunities with orphanages. The man at the desk also wrote a message for me in Thai that would give directions to a driver to take me to an orphanage he knew of.

I was so thankful to God for renewed perspective. He must have wanted me in Chiang Mai, after all. I've been to Thailand before, exactly six years ago. Then I came with four other friends, and we spent most of our time at the beach. At that time, I also wanted to ride an elephant, and I really wanted to go to church on Sunday, but we weren't in a good place to have those opportunities during that trip. Now here I was, in northern Thailand, a place I never would've expected to find myself, let alone on my own! I had a place to go to church on Sunday, an opportunity to ride an elephant, and even a chance to volunteer. I felt really glad, because I could finally see just how everything was working out, just how God had planned it all.

Part 1 F - Trust, trust, trust!

Upon arriving at the station in Chiang Mai, my mind was set on going to the Consulate of India immediately. We were already late, it was after 10am, and the consulate I knew was only open from 9am to noon. I asked at a service desk how I could get to the consulate, showed the address, and she called a lady over, whom I followed.

She brought me over to her car and called out to a man who also got in. In response to my surprise, she showed me what I suppose was some kind of taxiing license hanging from her rear-view mirror. The man was in the passenger's seat, and I was in the back, I showed him the address, too. We drove off.

They took me to the address I had, but there was a sign on the gate saying that the consulate had moved. So we drove to the tourist police station to ask. Also, the lady driver called the phone number that I had for the consulate. Eventually we found it, it said clearly in English "Consulate of India" on the gate, and so I paid the driver and went in.

There were only a few people inside waiting. I got the form I needed and sat down and filled it out. While I was waiting, I chatted with a young British man. I was encouraged; he said Chiang Mai is a much nicer place to wait for a visa than Bangkok. It's much more laid back. He told me that since it would take 4-5 days, I should just settle in and figure out how best to use my time.

After I was finished at the consulate and told to come back on Monday or Tuesday, I went outside, and the British guy was smoking and chatting with a driver of a song-tau, a kind of taxi that is a truck with two benches along the sides and a covering over the top. He asked if I had anywhere to stay, and I said no. They had pictures of various places, and I just said I wanted somewhere cheap and quiet. I had actually been thinking to just stay someplace near the consulate, but I don't think there really was anything. The Brit suggested I sit in front in the passengers seat, he got in the back, and we took off.

The driver's English was very broken, but he could communicate well enough to tell me he's a Christian! He is quite an old man. I asked him all about his church and if I could go to services there on Sunday. He said he would even pick me up. From the sound of it, his daughter teaches the Sunday School and goes on missions trips around Thailand. Not only was there a Thai service in the morning, but also an international service in the afternoon. I told him I wanted to go to both!

We arrived at a guesthouse, and I was allowed to see the room even before paying the driver. He waited to make sure I was happy with this place. The room was cheap; there was internet access and a restaurant downstairs, and they seemed to have a lot of information and practical help.

Finally, I decided I needed to get in touch with the airline office to make sure I could get a flight to Calcutta once my visa was ready. After a failed attempt to call, I asked at the desk again, and one lady, a friend or staff person I don't know, said she was going that way and offered to take me. She took me on the back of her motorscooter! No helmets for either of us! But she was a very careful driver, and got me there safely.

All day, I had numerous tests where, in order to trust God, I had to trust several people. In the end, I was really glad to be able to unpack and settle in somewhere. It was nowhere near where I had planned to be by that time, but it was obviously God's plan.

Part 1 E - Train to Chiang Mai

The sleeper car I was in had two bunks, and I was meant to be on the top bunk. The beds were not set up, but the top bunk was angled down to be like the back of the seat. I sat and waited, the train left and stopped in several places, but I was still alone in the room.

Finally, I decided I wanted to be able to stretch out and lie down, but the top bunk was too heavy for me to lift up. I asked someone about it, and they asked me to wait. I waited and waited. Finally a man came and set it up, but he only put sheets on the bottom bunk. He didn't speak English, so I didn't even try to ask, I just supposed maybe the other lady had cancelled.

The door didn't lock properly, so I decided to just sleep in the clothes I was wearing. I stretched out and read for a while, and nearly fell asleep even though it wasn't all that late, maybe 8 or 8:30. Keep in mind, though, that I had only gotten about 3 hours of sleep the night before. I hadn't slept on the plane at all.

Presently, my roommate came, and she was a pleasant, friendly lady. I apologized for being on her bunk as it seemed she wasn't coming. She said she didn't mind, and she got someone to set up the top bunk for me. She was born in Thailand, but has lived in LA California pretty much all of her adult life. She asked why I was going to Chiang Mai in the midst of our conversation in getting to know each other, and I told her. She acted really shocked and couldn't understand why I didn't just go to the embassy in Bangkok.

By then, I was feeling pretty miserable. I got up on my bunk and rolled towards the wall, just wanting to cry. I prayed, I asked God, what on earth am I doing? Why am I going so far away from Bangkok? Did I make a mistake in coming at all?

I didn't sleep well in spite of my fatigue, largely because the airconditioned car we were in was way too cold. The first time I woke up, the light was still on, but my roommate apparently asleep. I whispered "May I turn the light off?" but there was no response, so I just turned it off. Later on when I woke up cold, I said softly "It's so cold," and tried closing the vents in the ceiling that were within arm's reach for me. I was in a long-sleeved shirt and linen slacks, and had one thin towel-blanket that they had provided. I curled up in fetal position to try to get warmer, and that helped a little. Another time I woke up and went to the bathroom. I'm not sure, but I think when you flush it, it dumps the waste onto the tracks. There was soap in there, at least.

It was a long night, a long morning, and a long trip altogether. Fourteen hours, and we arrived about 45 minutes behind schedule. I felt like a little kid, weary of asking myself in my mind, "are we there yet??" Eventually I let them put the beds back to sofa-style and sat, waiting, chatting with my roommate. At one point, I had a wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel with her, and she was quite pensive after that. So I was encouraged by that, thinking, even if that is the only reason I've come up here, it's a good reason. I was more encouraged later when my roommate said it is maybe easier to get a visa up here than in Bangkok.

At last, we arrived at the last stop, Chiang Mai.

Part 1 D - Rude Awakening

Towards the end of the flight, I went over plan B again in my mind. I looked at the address again. Hmmm... it doesn't say Bangkok anywhere, and this is the full address. Chiang Mai? Is it possible that I got the wrong one? Would there really be more than one embassy? Do I want the embassy or the consulate? I guess I need to find a way to get to Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival, I changed money right away, about 200 dollars worth, from yen to baht. I asked at a counter how I might be able to get to Chiang Mai, and she recommended taking the express bus, and to look on the internet for more information. I got my picture taken.

I spent a long time searching for internet access. One that I tried didn't seem to work, so I thought maybe that wasn't what I needed after all. Sometimes men would stop me and ask which flight I was getting on, since I was searching in the area around the ticket counters, as I was told that's where all the internet access spots were. Finally, someone showed me how to use the machine and I searched for a way to get to Chiang Mai. I found information about an overnight train and thought that looked nice. But it said something about the ticket office closing at 4pm, and it was nearly that.

So, I took a taxi to Bangkok station. I was able to get the last ticket in a first class sleeper car for the 14 hour journey to Chiang Mai. I found internet access and updated everyone. I got some dinner, and sat around waiting for the 7:30 train departure. At 6:00, everyone stood and faced the portrait of the King of Thailand that is over the station entrance while what I assume to be the Thai national anthem, was played over the loudspeakers. I used the pay toilet once... a bit disgusting, but functional. Around 7 I got on the train and waited for it to leave. I was looking out the window at the next platform and saw several people, among them a mom with a little girl about 3 years old, possibly 4. At one point, they went near the empty tracks, the mom pulled down the girls pants, held her feet out towards the rails with her daughter's back against her chest and bare bottom pointing down to the track so that she could poop there! Talk about culture shock! I kept waiting, and the train finally departed.

Part 1 C - Stress Management

As I walked through the airport, my mind was awash with questions. What is my next step? What do I need to know? Where is there a computer I can use?

Having found one and paid for a bit of time on it, I first sent out a quick email to my prayer update list. "I don't have a visa to India! They won't let me fly to Calcutta today. I'm going to Bangkok instead, and will try to get a visa from the consulate there. Please pray that everything works out. Perhaps this is God's way of transitioning me to Calcutta, and perhaps He has some unknown purpose for me in Bangkok during the next few days."
I closed by saying, "What an adventure! Praise God that I'm not afraid!"

Then I searched for the embassy online. I went to the first site I found that said it had visa services. It was full of information, all kinds of details about what to bring with you, how much it costs, if there are special stipulations for people from certain countries. I wrote down everything pertinent, including the address and contact info. I also emailed to let them know about my situation and ask if there was anything more that I should do.

I began to formulate my plan B. As soon as I arrived in Bangkok, I would keep an eye out for a photo booth (as two recent photos were one requirement), and a copy machine (to make a copy of my passport and Japanese residency card). I would take a taxi to the Indian consulate, but as their hours are 9am to noon, and I was arriving at the airport at 3pm, I would need to stay overnight someplace nearby and go the next morning. Then I would apply for the visa and think about how to spend my time in Bangkok.

After that, I felt pretty good. I boarded the flight and thoroughly enjoyed it. God lifted my spirits when I plugged in my earphones and turned to the classical station and the first thing I heard was the 4th movement of Prokofiev's 5th symphony! That's the one my orchestra is playing this fall, which through diplomacy and preparation, I secured my position as 1st horn. It's Prokofiev's most famous symphony, but it's not really so well known. In all humble honesty, I did have to listen for a little while before I could confirm for myself that it was indeed the 4th movement, I also thought it might have been the third movement. They only ever played the 4th movement, but I was able to hear it about three times during the flight.

I gave thanks for all the food on the flight, trying not to worry about what kind of oil was in everything. Actually I was able to choose a dinner that had less oil anyway. The first movie was a bit repulsive to me, but the second movie was Star Trek, apparently a recent one that shows more like the origin of the story, the maiden voyage of the USS Enterprise. I had never really liked Star Trek before because I didn't understand it and it seemed to have way too many disgusting creatures. However, I have always like science fiction, so I decided to watch it, and I was really surprised! I enjoyed it immensely. The flight to Bangkok was extremely pleasant.

Part 1 B - Tokyo Shock

Although I was only able to get 3 hours of sleep, I was full of adrenaline and ready to go. I caught my train on time and everything was running smoothly. I even got to the airport a bit early, and so I had time to stop in a restroom and also to pray and give thanks. I was really excited and feeling good.

I waited in line and when I reached the ticket counter, I received the shock of my life.

"Don't you have a visa for India?" the lady asked.
"I didn't know I needed one ahead of time." I replied.
"Please wait a moment. Let me check with my supervisor."

Lord, what is happening? Please let everything work out okay, I prayed silently.

"I'm very sorry miss, but we can't let you board the flight if you don't have a visa to India."
"Oh no! What can I do?"
"Well, we can let you fly to Bangkok only, but we can't put you through to Calcutta. What would you like to do?"

Lord? Now what? Go to Bangkok.

"Okay, I'll go to Bangkok. Maybe I can get a visa for India there."

Having checked my bag through to Bagkok, I took my boarding pass and thanked the ticket agent, apologizing again for causing her so much trouble.

Adventure 2009 Part 1 A - Niigata Farewells

The past two days of my life could be a novel. Will I get it all onto the blog? I'm going to post in that style, but this is a completely true story. Just so that I don't lose it all, I'm going to post each segment separately. Also, I'm using a coin-operated computer, so I have a time limit. That's another reason for posting shorter.

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
It was another beautiful Sunday. After worship at Nozomi, I told a few prayer leaders about my trip to India, and they promised to pray for me. One of them prayed with me, quite boldly and powerfully. I was greatly encouraged.
In the afternoon I went to Niitsu church, and that was a blessing in many ways, too. They're a small church, in number and sometimes in spirit too, it seems. But that day God's spirit brought us into closer fellowship. We also worked out more details for the prayer retreat that will be held there.

After returning to Niigata and parking at the church, I caught Pastor just as he was leaving, and so I was able to leave my car key with him. Every thing went so smoothly in Niigata. I got dinner at my favorite meat-bowl place, picked up a few more things I needed for the trip, and got on the highway bus with plenty of time to spare.

Once in Tokyo, I got slightly careless, and ended up taking one train much farther than I needed to. Even though it was late at night and there was some danger of missing the last train, my bus had gotten in early. So, I was able to get to my friend's station eventually. I had two different routes I could take, and I foolishly took the one I though would be safer, even though I didn't know it as well. Tokyo is always safe! So the only loss was that it took me about twice as long to find her place. It was a blessing to have a place to check email, re-pack, leave some things there that I wanted in Tokyo but not in India (like my cell phone, other clothes, etc.), and to have a place to sleep.

First Corinthians 13 and Philippians 2

Today was my second time participating in Project Ezra. The suggested reading doesn't get posted until later in the weekend, and this weekend I'm really busy getting ready to go to India. Last week I read the bible aloud on Sunday evening, but this Sunday evening I will be on a bus bound for Tokyo. So I chose Friday morning instead, and I chose my chapter from among the Epistles, according to the schedule.

Last time I read the Japanese so haltingly and with such difficulty that I decided I had better practice a little ahead of time. So on Thursday night, I initially chose Philippians chapter 2. I read through it verse by verse, alternating with English first, then I read it once straight through, to practice.

My morning was a bit unusual. At 6:30, I woke up to the neighborhood kids doing "rajio taisoh" in my parking lot, and part of me wondered whether I should read my chapter there after they had finished. Part of me wanted to, but most of me didn't want to. I got dressed and went outside anyway, just after they had finished. I said Good Morning (Ohaiyo Gozaimasu) to some of the parents who were there watching them, but they looked uneasy for some reason. I walked up to one parent who was remaining and asked him about what the kids were doing. He explained that it was a kind of summer homework assignment, to do this stretching to the radio every morning. Then he told his son, hurry up, let's go, and they went on their way. I suppose they must have realized they had woken me up and felt embarassed. Even so, I was glad to have a tiny chance to connect with the community that I'm hoping to reach with the Gospel.

Then somehow God brought 1 Corinthians 13 to my attention, and I practiced it the same way as I had practiced Philippians the night before. I read my bible in English for a while, then fell asleep again. When I woke up, it was getting late, so I had my breakfast and had a time of prayer. All morning I was fighting an inner battle, tempted to stay home, wondering if maybe I would go on Saturday night instead, but eventually I prayed to prepare and departed. I rode my bicycle to the same park, and as before, I walked the perimeter singing "Revelation Song" and then stood under the tree to read. There wasn't anyone in sight.

I began reading 1 Corinthians. Partway through, I noticed out of the corner of my eye some people from a house nearby getting into their car to go somewhere. As they drove past where I was standing, they said "Hello Betsy!" It was one of my elementary students and her mother. I said hello, they drove on, and I continued reading. When I finished the chapter, there was no one around, and I proceeded to read Philippians 2.

Shortly into the reading of Philippians, I saw someone come into the park with a dog and walk around behind the tree where I was standing. I got a little nervous, I stumbled over some words, but I kept going. When I finished and looked behind the tree, there was an older lady lingering there with her dog. I greeted her and offered her one of my little cards, but she refused it. I asked her if she knew Jesus and she said no, and wandered off in to the park. I noticed then that she had an odd gait, possibly from some kind of disfigurement. I waited a moment, I silently prayed for her, and then I got on my bicycle and rode home.

In some ways, these events seem rather insignificant, but considering the huge mountain that is before me, I see it as necessary and significant progress. Reading Japanese is difficult for me in any context. Reading the bible in Japanese in public, even if there is no one there to hear me, once seemed impossible, yet God has enabled me to do it. Even if God chooses to only move in small increments, little by little doing the impossible more and more, I am so thankful for the privilege of being part of it. I can see that there is a lot God needs to change in me before He will begin to do the impossible in others. I must confess that I'm rather afraid of searching out a well-populated area where many people could hear me, at this point. But, I love God, and I love the Japanese people, and I want to be part of bringing God's word to them. As the Corinthians passage says, (paraphrasing) no matter what I do, if I don't have love, I haven't done anything important or good.

I won't be able to read in Japan for the next few weekends, because of my trip to India. If possible, though, I want to post updates about my trip as often as I can.

To God be the Glory!