fear

I am typically the person with the least threshold for fear. I get startled soooo easily and when it comes to scary movies, a six-year-old can probably watch more of them than I can. BUT, my little brothers have some amusing fears...

First of all, there's my 17-year old brother. He's an accomplished varsity football player and very huge and strong. However, he is the first person to leap onto the couch if you mention a mouse in the house and is more scared of spiders than anyone I've ever met (even you Shyla!)

Then, there's my 11-year old brother. He's overcome living in an orphanage outside of Moscow, and we've been impressed with his ability to tolerate pain ever since he moved to America. Somewhat of a clumsy kid, actually, an entirely reckless kid, I don't recall a time when he cried or complained after wiping out or falling down the stairs. However, if you bring him to the doctor or dentist, he is deathly afraid! In the face of shots and drills, he has no chance to maintain any ounce of composure. Certainly shots are unpleasant, but we can't figure out how he can put up with extreme pain in other circumstances while screaming, wailing, kicking and creating a scene at the sight of a nurse. And then, his second fear is even more entertaining to me. He fears car trouble. I really think the scariest idea you could place in his mind would be suggesting the possibility of running out of gas. Without fail, he checks the gas gauge when you start the car and recommends going to the gas station if the tank is less than 1/4 full. Tonight he was terrified. I need to change my oil, so the oil light came on when I started the car. For some reason, I had a little trouble starting my car also...my brother's worst nightmare! For the first five minutes we were driving, he was asking if my battery was going to run out and how he could check it. Then, I suddenly gasped a couple times on the way home when I realized I had forgotten things. He was so mad at me because he thought I was gasping at something related to the car and said he was shaking because he was so scared! I felt pretty bad for him at that point, but I can't help finding it really kind of funny!

That Thing You Do

Today I had lunch with my fellow staff and student leaders. We ate at the diner in Orange where part of That Thing You Do was filmed! I was so excited! I love Liv Tyler! She was in the same diner as me! One of the seniors, Merrilee, is in the pictures with me and indulged me in my childish thrill!

The Tina Song

My sister wrote this song!!!

Now this is a story all about how her life got flipped upside down.
I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there.
I'll tell you how she became the princess of a town called Japan.

In Southern California, born and raised. In the books now is where she spent most of her days.
Chillin out, maxin, and actin all cool and all readin some books inside of the school.
When a couple of kids who were up to some good started spreadin news about Jesus now.
She got in one little group and they went on one little trip and she decided to go.

She whistled for a plane and when it got near the plane said Southwest.
If anything I could say that this plane was rare.
I thought man forget it, yo home to Japan!

She pulled up to a place about 7 or 8 and she yelled to the pilot,
Yo homes smell ya later!
She looked at her kingdom, she was finally there, as the Fresh Princess of Japan!

staff training

As an intern with Campus Crusade for Christ, there's some training I'm required to do. Each module also has a blogspot entry, which I'm a little behind on. So, here are the first two:

I AM PRAYING GOD WILL USE ME AS HIS SERVANT BY...teaching me to "live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people zealous for good works." (Titus 2) I want to follow the Holy Spirit to share Jesus with every student that I can at Cal State Fullerton and Santa Ana College. I also hope to learn to share my faith more and more outside the context of "work". It is my prayer that students who already follow Jesus will be encouraged and filled by God through me. I hope that we will continue to grow closer together, and that the women I meet with will more fully experience God's love, grace, and peace. I also hope to be a servant to my family, my team, my friends, and those in need.

I TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO SHARE THE GOSPEL, LEAVING THE RESULTS TO GOD, AND...I was shocked at how many people received it with interest and thanks! While the majority didn't accept Jesus into their lives (yet), almost everyone patiently listened and actively participated in conversation about how God sent Jesus to forgive his or her sins. I have been surprised at how much people want to talk about this good news. Students are eager to hear about my faith and we enjoy talking about it together! Students in our movement are also joining my teammates and me, and we've seen 7 people accept Jesus into their hearts and lives!

MY WALK WITH GOD HAS BEEN...less consistent than I am proud of. While I am growing in my relationship with Him, there have been some dips in my dependence on His power and trust in His plan. There have also been some days where I have such a simple, Jesus-filled joy and have been learning so much.

WALKING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS...depending on His power and guidance. It's beautiful! If we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, we don't have to be all-knowing, because He already is! We can therefore share our lives in Jesus with other people and be free from our own sin. His help is supernatural. So, even though we will automatically be really good at sinning, His power transforms us to be good and not sinning. Then we have true life. Then we obey His promptings. Then we care about other people more than fulfilling the desires of our flesh. Then we better understand God's endless love and wisdom and power and forgiveness and grace!!!

thankful

I am sooooooo thankful for:

my new dentist : )
the simple joy of riding my bike around Placentia and Fullerton
the family I'm living with
having a mattress now
Cal State Fullerton students
as cliche as it sounds, friends and family
friends in Japan, even though I get really sad sometimes and miss them!

100%

I am finally 100% ready to go to work at Cal State Fullerton! I'm not quite sure if I want to cry or dance, because I'm so happy! God is so faithful and has blessed me through so many people!!!

I was just reminded how this victory is completely from God! Jeremiah is preparing for his last concert directing FREE, and he taught them that "the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord." (Proverbs 21:31). "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:56)

Please pray to thank God for all He has done...something in your life, creating FREE, raising all of my support. The list of victories is endless

journal (first month in Tokyo)

September 20, 2007 Day 1. On the plane-maybe worse than Russia, but worth it. Nice to be with the team! Still can't believe I didn't cry at the airport-what a blessed morning!

September 22, 2007 ...It's strange how I can't read the remote for the AC and could barely use the shower. We'll get it with some help though...

September 27, 2007 Today was awesome-finally talked to dad...blessed to be with teammates & other Americans. Plus ate no Japanese food today :) Bugs continue to torment. Will work on that.

September 29, 2007 ...Revelation 2 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer" Also, at the end of Mark, Jesus declares that the followers will drink poison and not even die from that. I'm protected here in Tokyo!

September 30, 2007 ...Great day w/ Chris and Shyla in Shibuya...my little socks I got at the 315 yen store are tight! And I got bugspray & haven't had Japanese food in 3 whole days!

October 1, 2007 I'm tired-it's late-I started learning Japanese & prayed for 4 hrs today.

October 3, 2007 ..."live as though your life is at stake, and the enemy is waiting to outwit you." Matt 10:16

October 8, 2007 Great BBQ & Seahawks game! Gave me victory! Set me free! This minute! I have been set free! Should I do the gospel choir Lord?

October 15, 2007 ...I sang in the choir! That's one thing I never thought I'd do. We'll see...It's so exciting to get emails from students! (Haruna, Keiko, Yuka)...

October 16, 2007 There is freedom w/ the resurrection...

October 17, 2007 Just love.

October 20, 2007 It was a blessed day...I miss football more than I thought I would. This is better, but SC & Bubbs & Misha mean a lot to me!...Remember, one day at a time, pray for your requests, pray & be content

a white stone

I can learn so much from older people. They have many years of stories and lessons to share. I love it! I was just talking to an 88-year-old man from my church. He reminded me that we can do nothing on our own. We had a great discussion about the importance of trusting in God!

The really beautiful thing is that I can also learn so much from being with young people. At vacation Bible school this past week, we learned about God's power. The lesson that stuck in my mind the most was "God gives us the power to be brave!"

I've also really been enjoying learning from other women. I have some great close friends who love Jesus, plus a solid women's Bible study. Last week, our leader gave each of us a white stone. Historically, a white stone has been given as a symbol that you are not guilty, you were victorious in battle, or as a symbol of friendship. The Bible also talks about this white stone (Revelation 2:17). The ones we got at Bible study had a word written in gold, and mine said Trust. The night before I had talked with my dear friend about how everything in life really comes down to trusting Jesus. Once again, I love it!

my cousin is married!

by Irina

instead of the kids' crossword puzzle at church

joy

"A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." Proverbs 17:22

"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

cast your care

"Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you." 1 Peter 5:7

dinner

We've been having a lot of people over lately, often to say goodbye. It's awesome to be able to have people in our little apartment and eat together and just enjoy them! Natsuko and Chihiro are Christian women who went on homestay in my hometown when they were in high school! Keiko and Minori are our neighbors here in Mitaka!

Another recent blessing has been seeing my beautiful little sorority sister in Tokyo! Christina and Gen came on a summer mission trip last year and are visiting at the same time as this year's mission team.

The last picture is my favoite place in Japan. I just like it.

really great!

Last badminton practice with Nao and Keiko and their circle, last dance practice with Yukina and Mika and their circle, last day at Toyo University with some hilarious girls, last time at Yumi's beautiful home for an amazing BBQ!

festivities

As in the fall, Tokyo University students presented an amazing school festival today! They're still really smart...they had churros again too. It was also unbelievably fun to watch my friend Kohjiro juggle/dance in a panda bear suit!

My teammates also blessed me more than I could have hoped this week! They were great to be with as usual, AND, Shyla made me this beautiful box to store all of my recipes in and Kermit bought me a Bible in Spanish!!! Both of these gifts were surprises for no particular occassion, I might add!

tokyo tower

While my life has been phenomenally blessed lately, I just want to vent really quickly. I have trash problems. I was really lazy and in denial that the canned tomatoes that I opened a while ago to make enchiladas needed to be thrown away. This would be simple to fix in some regions of the world, but not so easy in Japan. Now that I've cleared out the tomato remnants and mold that were growing in our refrigerator, I have to wait approximately one and a half weeks for the every-other-friday when we can dispose of our cans and glass products. I think my roommate hates me (I'm sorry Shyla!)

I really love living in Tokyo though. We had a great concert a couple weeks ago at a little club in Chofu. I think it was my last one, and I loved it and we ended on "Jesus Paid it All" which is my second favorite. We also sang my favorite, which I fondly call "Blind Man."

Tonight I went to Tokyo Tower with three amazingly cool girls from Sophia University! I love hanging out with them so much and we went to a great Italian restaurant where I got cheese pizza. The view of the city was also beautifully impressive!

Lately, I have also been blessed in many ways such as visiting a monkey park, going on the best rollar coaster in the world, having amazing quality time with all of my co-workers, seeing a friend from high school and her mom in Tokyo, dancing in Shyla's classes, and having the fine privilege of seeing two girls accept Jesus into their hearts!

blessings

Yesterday I went to Odawara, Nao's hometown, and had the best possible day I could imagine.

April showers

I've heard it's raining a lot for April, but for the most part it's getting much warmer in Tokyo!

On Monday, we had our staff meeting at Hinokashira park! So nice, and it didn't rain!

Tuesday we had world-wide day of prayer. It amazes me how the Japanese staff care so sincerely about the whole world too. Even though there are so many people here that need to know Jesus, we prayed for the entire world also! Then, I went to my second badminton practice. My friend Aya is pretty much pro. Her and Nao are good teachers!

The next picture is a bunch of my teammates at about 8:30 a.m. at Toyo university. We were getting ready to invite students to our lunches by going into different classes.

Then there's the American portion of our team on the way home from Todai. Just riding on the train, the Japanese way.

Thank you for your prayers, Bryant got to go home on his birthday!

goodnight!

One beautiful thing about living in Tokyo, while my family lives in California, is that when they are waking up, I am getting ready to go to sleep. My brother gets so jealous (except not today because it's his birthday.) I just got to talk to all four of my siblings, and I am seriously probably the most blessed person alive. Also, Bryant is doing much better and is just waiting to get to go home now!

Also, badminton, apple to apples, my roommate's new dance, the blissfully warm weather today, and my incredibly stunning Shinkan team are real blessings from God!

class

I've been smiling a lot lately. First of all, this song I'm listening to right now brings joy to my life. Most people don't know that rap makes me happy.

"Hey, yo man, let the beat drop on em...Let me tell you where we from...New Jerusalem that's my home, let me put in the song so you never get it wrong. No shame in the message that's the reason I live, Christ up in every song, He's the reason I'm here."

Ok, that's not the reason I decided to write right now, but in case you're interested: "Unashamed" by Lecrae

Actually, my mom wanted to know if I had any new pictures, so here's the latest. It's Anita, Kermit, Jonathan, others (in the back passing out flyers, not shown) and me in a classroom telling them about our lunchtime and other events. We've been on campus a lot lately, so I smile because I have a lot of time with my wonderful Shinkan teammates and cool freshman! Also, yesterday I received a present that made my day!

Some things have been more sad and made me cry lately too. Bryant, practically my cousin, is in the hospital with pneumonia. God is keeping him alive, but his condition is really rough and he needs our prayers! Lord, please protect and heal him! And, Lord, please help people that don't You to find You. Jesus, please help people that know You to rely on Your strength!

tour and home

Tour was indescribable. See the love in the FREE huddle! I've really been enjoying getting to know people and meeting new people! Since being back from the choir tour, I went to a basketball tournament (and felt like I was in America), we had a party for the graduating students (got to see everyone a little dressed up) and I've been enjoying the cherry blossoms.

blind man

I call this the blind man song. It's really called "Please Don't Pass Me By," by Fred Hammond. I said I wasn't going to post the lyrics, because everyone should hear this song, in my opinon. However, I changed my mind. If you didn't have the chance to hear this song, please enjoy the words:

"There was a blind man on the road side, and he heard a commotion yeah
It was Jesus passing by with a crowd and it stirred his emotions
He'd been displaced his whole life, should he even try
Ohhhhh
Don't bother Jesus (they say you have nothing)
You have nothing to offer (stay in your place)
Right then he knew (he had to choose)
He had nothing to lose
So he cried Jesus (Jesus), I need you, (yeah ah) please don't pass me by
He cried out Jesus, I'm not ashamed (to tell you) I need you in my life
(I need you in my life yeah)

I'm not much different from that man, and this is the honest truth
Could this sinful one, with this messed up life, could I ever serve you
(Oh oh oh oh) people and things clutter my mind, should I even try
Ohhhhhh
Don't bother Jesus (they say you have nothing)
You have nothing to offer (stay in your place)
I must admit (when I think about it all)
I need you in my life
So I cry Jesus (Jesus), I need you
Please don't pass me by
I'm crying out Jesus, I'm not ashamed to tell you I need you in my life

As the deer (as the deer panted)
Thirsty for the water yeah (thirsty for the water)
My soul desires and longs to be (to be with you)
Jesus, I need you, please don't pass me by
I don't mean to waste your time but I can't listen to the crowd,
situations in my life telling me to keep it down
but I need you
I know I'm broken, but you can heal me, Jesus, Jesus I'm calling you
(I might not be worth much) might not be worth much, but I'm still willing
Jesus, Jesus, I'm calling you"

Also, please pray for our gospel choir tour! We leave Wednesday (March 12-21). Our desire is to see the nine non-Christians accept Jesus into their hearts. We also hope to bless people in Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Yokohama as we sing!

Ready Post Mailing Carton

I think my new favorite words are "Priority Mail". My family just sent me love in a box.

This week was great too, hanging out a lot with other STINTers, staff, and students!

help

We were blessed with a couple amazingly beautiful days in Tokyo, but tonight there are some icy winds of death blowing. I'm gonna try to stay inside as much as possible : )

So, today at gospel choir practice, we focused on a really good song for a while. It's called "Please Don't Pass Me By" by Fred Hammond. Please listen to it if you can! It talks a lot about how much we need Jesus and how much he loves to help us. I would give you the lyrics, but the song is just so beautiful. It wouldn't do it justice.

Along with that, I was just reading about the help God offers. This might sound slightly psycho, but I'm reading a book in Spanish because I miss it. Probably not the best thing to do to work on my Japanese, but that's coming along a tiny bit anyway. Basically what this book (El campo de batalla de la mente) was saying is that you should know that God "loves you, that He's full of compassion, that he will help you. Know Jesus. He's your friend. He died for you. Know the Holy Spirit. He's with you all the time as your Helper. Allow Him to help you."

smile

This picture is symbolic of the hope I have that we're gonna make it through this winter! These early pink and white blossoms are on my walk home from the park I often go to.

The problem is, if I think too much about how the winter's almost over, it makes it harder to withstand the cold. Similarly, if I think too much about how I'm not all that homesick, I suddenly miss my family a lot. I got really bummed the other day, because my brother Misha was doing impersonations when I was on the phone with my mom. I could hear him, and he is the funniest person on the face of this earth as far as I'm concerned. The past few days have been a little rough, but here are a few things that help me:

A) Acts 2:28 "You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence."

B) The flowers I just put in my window sill

C) friends at home and here

D) the Junior Mints and Circus Animal Cookies I just received from America

E) singing to Jesus in the gospel choir

Japanese hospitality

Man, some people here! Our neighbor Keiko and her daughter Minori had Shyla and me over for lunch last week. It was amazing!!! First we ate...I think they were nervous we wouldn't like their food, because they made about 10 things! We had like a sandwich bar with pita bread and taco meet, ham, and a million other sauces/vegetables/Japanese things. It was actually great, and I am the most picky eater I've ever met, so it was great. And then we had tea. They took us into this special room, where they usually only eat for New Year's I think. They had one of these really cool heaters (I forget what it's called) where you sit at the little table, and it's heated underneath. A blanket/table cloth thing keeps the warm air inside. So we had tea and dessert in this quaint little room while the snow was falling outside and you could see it in the window. We looked at some baby albums of Midori and heard Keiko tell a story to practice her English (she practiced the intonation and everything by listening to tapes!) Then we went into yet another room and heard both of our hostesses play the piano. Keiko is a piano teacher and is so amazingly talented...and of course she teaches her talented daughter. I could not ask for cooler neighbors!

first real winter

I walked to church in the snow today.