My planned departure date for Japan is in less than three weeks! I can't believe how quickly time has passed. Unfortunately my visa has not gone through yet so I'm still waiting on buying my plane ticket. Please pray that my visa comes very soon. I'm not really worried about it because I trust that if the Lord want me in Japan he will provide the visa, but it would be nice to have things a little more concrete.

I said my California good-byes about a month and a half ago. I find myself thinking of my friends there quite often, wishing they were closer to just hang out with. I certainly haven't lacked things to keep my busy while I'm in Oregon though. In addition to trying to see a few old friends while I'm here and spend a bit of time with my family, I have also spent time with some old neighbor kids that are my adopted niece and nephews. My parents had them visit from Colorado for a little over two weeks which was a lot of fun playing with them, but a ton of work. My dear Auntie Onnie has also occupied my families attention as she went through surgery and had a lot of complications landing her in ICU, a general post op hospital floor, and now a rehab center. It was hard seeing her so very sick for so long because she's such a spunky person but she's doing much better and has a great attitude in the midst of it all. It's been a blessing being able to be here to support her an my family in all that has gone on.

A couple weeks ago I went to counsel at Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp for foster kids, and as always it was a highlight of my time in Oregon. I've had the same camper for five years now and each year she lets me in just a little more. It's so hard to see so many kids that have so much brokenness, but amazing to see God's faithfulness amongst it. I found myself leaving with a feeling of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

The lastest has been a visit from my Auntie Daria from OH, finishing an online class, and spending a few days at my favorite beach. Auntie Dar always adds a spark to our family, and the beach always refreshes me. It's been a long time since I've just sat and read for pleasure, and spent hours just walking on the beach contemplating all that's gone on and talking to God. I needed it. One book that I'm currently reading was written by a guy in 1991 who went to teach in Japan. It's really fascinating, but also a bit overwhelming. I almost feel like I'd rather go to Japan blind, and without much knowledge of the cultural differences. I know that when I'm faced with the challenges of a new culture I will learn how to deal with them and be just fine, but anticipating them is a bit stressful. I'm trying to just read the book for it's enjoyment and let whatever sinks in about Japan, sink in. I've traveled all over Western Europe, a bit in Russia, and a bit in Israel, but I'm begining to realize that while the knowledge I have about being flexible and adjusting will do me well, this is a culture that is quite different from any that I've experienced. There are so many social norms that are totally different form what I'm used to.

I can say that I'm excited for the adventure. For a while I've been feeling the need to do something totally outside my comfort zone and I do believe this will satisfy that need.

I'm sitting in one of my favorite study/relax places right now have a cup of coffee. The last three weeks have been crazy trying to get everything done. I'm thankful for the work that God's been provided (sub jobs aren't so easy to come by anymore), but between working everyday, moving out of my house of two years, taking a condensed summer class, and trying to fit in as much time as possible with my friends here before I go, I'm exhausted. God has been so very good to me though. I decided that people would be on the top of the priorities and so sleep has taken a major hit....averaging around 4-5 hours :(. I'm not sick, and I'm getting A's on papers that I found myself with my eyes close mid sentence as I was writing them, or I realized that I'd left part out after I wrote it and just threw in a couple sentences on that part here and there. I'm telling you they were not A quality...I'm a teacher, I know...but I've got the grace of God resting on me right now. I even got pulled over for text messaging this week (I was in a neighborhood...not on the main road...I wasn't been that rebellious), but the officer let me off even though when he asked me if I had justification I just shrugged and mutter..um, yeah, nope... God is so good to me.

In the midst of the craziness, I'm saying goodbyes and realizing how blessed I am to have such wonderful supportive people in my life. I will miss my friends here so much, but am grateful that they are sending me off with excitement for my new adventure, and will welcome me back when I return. The last two weeks I've had the blessing of living with my dear friend Meg, and it has been so good to spend some time with her before I leave.

On Saturday I head back to the great Northwest to spend some time with my family before I go. It's hard saying goodbye to this place that has become home for the last five years, but I'm so confident that God's taking me to Japan. I will have about a month and a half to prepare to leave for the next year. Right now I'm still waiting on my visa to come through, but I'm starting to get excited for the adventure. A couple weeks ago I found out that I will be teaching Language Arts for the sixth grade and high school students at Grace, and I'm really excited for that. I also discovered that I have about three contacts not too far from where I'll be. A high school friend is teaching not far from Tokyo, a college friend is moving back to Tokyo, and Shota, my Japanese exchange brother is in the area. God's already provided people for me.

Keep me in your prayers as I say my goodbyes and prepare for a year in a place I've never been. It'd also be great if my visa would go through so I could get my plane ticket.

The Journey Begins

About 4 months ago I was given an opportunity to venture off this August and teach in Japan for a year. In all respects the opportunity came from God as I had been itching to do something out of the ordinary and was trying to figure out what I should be doing with my newly received teaching credential. After about a month of praying about the opportunity and asking for advice I told the school that I'd like to come join them for this coming year. Since committing to go everything has been falling into place and at this point I am just waiting to get a visa. As the adventure draws nearer I decided I ought to jump on the blogging bandwagon and create one of this lovely little things. I might even throw in a few blogs pre Japan that are entirely unrelated to it.