If you want an idea of what we will be praying about you can check out this website http://www.mtwtokyo.com as well as this video that we made when we were in Japan http://vimeo.com/6524087 (password: japan).

We do this every first Thursday of the month. Our next meeting will be in February and we will be praying for India and praying for the ministry of RTS alum and family, Jonathan & Maggie Iverson as well as the ministry of a current RTS student and family, Tom & Jennifer Frakes.

Below are some pictures from Japan.

We arrived in the big city on Sunday afternoon.  We left the airport with a cloud of begging children following us to the van, and they only dispersed when rifle-armed soldiers came to chase them away and practice their limited English phrases with us.

Honestly, my first impression was that this city is the dirtiest, trashiest, ugliest, poorest, hottest place I have ever been in my life.

And that’s still my impression.

But even in those first few hours, amidst all the this-is-totally-like-nothing-I-have-ever-seen-before shock, God showed us the beauty even there.

Like the smiles on these kids’ faces to see something new and different from their ordinary: white people!

Like learning that even though we have not one word in common, we can share a walk together and learn about each other.

Like seeing the balance of people who are busy at work…

… but not too much to have a moment to just stand and watch the people around you.

Even in the city, God started to work in my heart a love for these people and this country and, while I was certainly overwhelmed, made the possibility of our family serving Him there an exciting and thrilling prospect.

But, I was happy when we boarded a plane (that I swear has been in service since the 70’s) and went to a smaller city later that evening, and were one step closer to our final destination of the Hill Tracks.

Now, the Hill Tracks… WOW! They were beautiful.  I couldn’t snap enough pictures to give you an idea of the lush, breathtaking, scenes that we took in day in and day out as we toured the village churches in this, some of God’smost beautiful (in my opinion) handiwork in creation.

This is the view from one of our hotels:

But the beauty of the greenery doesn’t even come close to the beauty of how the Holy Spirit is working amidst the His Church in this place.  Stay tuned for more from our trip in the weeks to come.

And please pray for us! The countdown in on and we have 15 days left here in Japan.  I’m not even going to try to tell you how I feel about that, but we would really appreciate your prayers.  Thanks!

And thank you for your prayers.

We had an amazing trip and have so many things to share.  We got home to Japan at 6am this morning and have had a great day being back together.  Tomorrow starts back the busyness of life here, which will be especially crazy these last 4 weeks for us. I will still try to post and share about our trip as soon as I can (it will be a nice break from packing!), but for now, enjoy these, some of the hundreds of beautiful smiles that we saw and fell in love with:

There has been so much that has led up to this trip, and it has been truly amazing to watch the Lord lead and direct, and move in our hearts.  This is a vision trip so we are going to explore the possibility of becoming long-term missionaries there after seminary.  We’re praying for hears that are open to hearing God’s voice as we see and experience a life and ministry unlike anything we have ever even come remotely close to.

I would love to share more, but it is late and we have to leave early.  Plus, my glasses are broken and I already took out my contacts, so I can’t see this screen to save  my life.  I have to pull the computer real close every few minutes to make sure I am typing what I want to type

Anyway, please be praying specifically for these things:

~Our family as we are apart.  I feel like I may stop breathing when I think about about saying goodbye to my babies tomorrow morning.  I know they will have a fabulous time at Baba and Gigi’s house (Noa has been talking about it for weeks!), but It is literally painful for Eric and I to be leaving them.  Pray that we would trust God with them and be able to focus on the purpose of this trip.

~Safety.  We’re not going to the most politically stable country, and there are also significant risks for physical illness.  We have taken a ton of precautions and will continue to do so, but please pray that ultimately the Hand of God would be our protection, especially for my body and little one  inside.

~Vision.  This is a vision trip so please pray that God would use this to broaden our scope of what he is doing worldwide, and that he would be gracious in revealing his specific will for each of the members of our group.  Please pray that we would come back with much to share with our church family about how God is building his kingdom.

Thank you! Can’t wait to share with you what we sea and learn!

Our family at the park this evening having "Super Family Fun Night"

I haven’t yet shared with the blogosphere how God has blessed and led us for after these two years in Japan are up (this summer). So, if you don’t get our monthly prayer update e-mails, this may be news to you.

God has definitely used this time in Japan to call our family to long-term overseas missions, and so we are pursuing that. The first step, in our specific calling, is seminary so that Eric can have the training he needs to be a church-planter. We have been amazed watching God open doors for him to go to school full-time starting this fall, at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida.

So, we have flights reserved to fly to Virginia on July 3rd. The girls and I will stay with my grandparents there, while Eric spends a week at the MTW home office debriefing and training for his new position as an MTW recruiter (his job for the next 3 years). We plan to spend a few more days with friends and family in VA, and then head up to PA for 2 weeks with our Noll family. We are really looking forward to this time to reconnect and just enjoy our precious families who we have missed so much. Then, around the end of July we will pack up everything that has been stored these last two years, and make our way down through VA and onto our new home in Florida. Eric will begin a four-week course of Pre-Greek on August 3rd.

Since we will continue working for MTW in this new capacity, we are still dependent on the support of individuals and churches for our cost of living. It is kind of a crazy place to be, support raising once again, and watching God provide for our needs for this next important stage of ministry for our family. It has also been a step of faith because we are required to commit 3 years of missionary service for every 1 year of seminary that we do through MTW. So, after much prayer and wisdom from others, and affirmation from the Lord, we have pretty must committed the next 12 years of our lives. We still don’t know where that will be after these first 3 years, but are praying and seeking God’s will to that end.

Which leads me to another exciting thing I don’t think I’ve shared yet. Eric and I are going on a vision trip at the end of this month to a country in South-East Asia with two other potential missionaries (one, a close Japanese friend) , and our MTW Asia director. MTW is just now starting a team in this country and we are going for a week to get a vision for what God is doing there, and to explore the possibility of perhaps pursuing long-term church-planting there. We are thrilled about this opportunity, and excited for another chance to see how God is building His church worldwide. We are also prayerful that He will be clear in His leading as we really have no idea right now if this is where He wants us or not. I will share a little bit more about prayer requests as the time gets closer.

All of that to say, we are in a very transitional time of life right now. I have begun packing boxes and recruiting summer mission teams to take them back to America for us to save on shipping. Eric is working on assessing our support needs and raising support for this next stage of ministry. We are looking for a place to live in Orlando, and trusting God will provide just the right home for us. We are figuring out the logistics of moving a household worth of stuff down the East Coast. We are trying to plan our short time in VA and PA so that we can see and share with so many who we love and who have prayed for and supported us, as Florida is a long way away from those “home states,” and we don’t know when our next opportunity will be. And amidst all of this, we still have a very busy and full life here in Japan. The school year, both at CCSI and for the college students, doesn’t end for a while yet, and so ministry and life continue in full-swing. It’s hard to think about saying goodbye, and yet we must start at some point in order to not overwhelm ourselves in the last few days of craziness.

To be quite honest, this is a hard place to be. I really am so excited about our future and so certain that God has led in every one of these details. Still, I feel “snuck-up-on”, like this move is all of sudden staring me in the face and I don’t know where it came from. Didn’t we just get here?? Of course the hardest part is thinking of leaving my parents and siblings. This time of living so near to them has been better and sweeter than I could have imagined (I never dreamed I would live with my husband and family close to my parents, as, hello, they live in Japan), and there is no small amount of ache in imagining them so far away once again, especially as they have become such a normal part of the girls’ day to day life. On top of that, there are so many precious people, both team members and Japanese, who have enriched our lives in so many ways and who we will miss dreadfully. Truly, this weight of sadness in leaving is only a testament of how good God has been in making our lives so full and sweet here.

Another whole dimension of my sadness is in the uprooting of our girls. I am reading a great book on “Re-entry” and learning about how important it is to help them through this incredible transition. Martha is still quite young to be greatly affected, or to remember more than a few days past, but I am anxious about Noa. I know she is still very flexible as she’s so young, but my anxiety mostly comes from wanting her to remember this special time in her life, and the people who have made it so. Noa knows that we are going to America, and often talks about the many people she will see there and going to “Grammy’s house” and “Grandma and Grandpa’s house” and, most recently, “Laura’s house” where she can “hold the puppy Taz”. She also thinks every plane we see is going to America. It is a hard balance because I want her to be excited about what’s ahead, but I want her to treasure and enjoy her last weeks here, as this trip to America will not be like our trips last year, where she got to return “home” at the end of them. This trip will entail a lot of transition, and I think it will be a while before any of us feel like we are at home again.

So there you have it. It wasn’t meant to be that long, and I certainly wasn’t going to try to explain how emotional all this wonderful change is making this 20wks prego-mama. Oh well. Now you know. If you think of it, please pray for all of us in the weeks ahead. And for that matter, the years ahead as we begin this new exciting journey as a family in seminary. It is sure to be an adventure!

Eric had a great time in Nojiri (the mountains) with our teammate, Isaac, and 2 college guys.  I’m so thankful for their protection as they drove so many kilometers and were skiing/snowboarding. I’m so thankful that they had such a great time building those relationships and growing closer.

On Sunday we enjoyed an exciting worship service, that was also the installation service for the first national Japanese pastor in our church.  Having a Japanese pastor has been a goal/prayer in this church plant for so long, and it was incredibly sweet to watch about 20 years of prayers answered in that ceremony.  We had a sweet time of fellowship afterwards, and there was truly an atmosphere of celebration in the air as we ate together.  It was such a blessing to my heart and I just felt so thankful for the Japanese believers that God has put in our lives here to challenge us and be an example to us.  We are always encouraged by their faith and love for God and their love for each other and us. It’s so hard to imagine leaving this body that has become our family…

Starting Sunday night we had our team retreat.  We didn’t retreat to anywhere, but we retreated from ministry.  We had 5 sessions (Sunday night through Tuesday evening), with baby sitting provided from 9 to 5, and MTW’s pastor for missionaries, Ron Shaw, was here to teach us.  It was a great time of learning, being challenged in many ways, and mostly being reminded of the incredible love of the God we serve.  It was a sweet time and I was reminded of how thankful I am to work for an organization that takes missionary care very seriously.  We had ladies night last night (dads at home with the kids) and the guys are out tonight.  I am really looking forward to more conversations with Eric about things we learned and areas where we were convicted and want to see growth.

On a family note – I don’t think I mentioned this earlier – we are in the throws of potty-training and it has gone great.  Granted, it wasn’t a “potty-train in a day”, but it has been better than I expected and a very positive experience.  I will try to keep you posted on our progress.  I hope this is not too much information, but my favorite quote in this time of our life is when Noa jumps up from what she’s doing and starts running for the restroom while yelling, “OH Mommy… the pee-pee’s comin’!”

Another big milestone is that Martha went to bed without her paci tonight.  The paci getting dropped and lost and dirty (with so many germs at this time of year! yuck!) has really been grossing me out and making me think that it was about time.  Plus, as with Noa, I felt the longer we keep it, the harder it would be to do away with it.  I am not much for having accessories that the girls can’t live without so I am happy to see it go (though, if you know me, you know I have a special place in my heart for paci-mouth-smiles…sweetness…).  Anyway, when I took her to bed, I had forgotten to bring one up so, since it had been on my mind anyway to do away with it, I decided to see how she would do.  NOT A PEEP! The girl curled right into her normal snuggled up sleepy time position and went to bed!   I can only hope this is it and it was this easy (Noa took about 3 nights to be ok with it all…).  Here’s to hoping!

So that’s what’s going on with us.  Eric is on spring break from school, which just means we have time to do other ministry during these two weeks.  We are excited but already overwhelmed with the busyness.   We’re also due for a marriage retreat and are hoping to sneak away for a day or two in this time, but we’ll just wait and see if we can make it happen.  Again, here’s to hoping!

Thanks for checking in with us! Sorry there are no photos, but hopefully soon.

Lydia came for about 10 days for CPI in November of 2007. Here’s a photo of us with the team from our church (Lydia is standing to the left of Eric).

I am not quite sure what Eric is doing in this photo...

Ah man, I really miss these guys! I wish they were all coming back to live with us with Lydia…

Anyway, would you all join us in praying for her as she is flying even now and will be here shortly?   Pray that her time here would be fruitful personally and for God’s work in Japan.  Pray that God would lead her for the future as she has college ahead of her after this.  Pray that God would give her good friends, and that he would use us in even a small way to be a comfort to her as I am sure she will miss her big, fun family.  And pray for her parents as they have just sent their oldest across the world for several months.  I can imagine that must be hard but exhilarating (you know, being excited for her and for how God has led her and been faithful to them as parents).  Thank you!

I am sure you will hear a lot about Lydia on here from now on.  We’ve been working on her room this last week (the room that used to be our “office/throw-everything-that-doesn’t-have-a-place-room”) so Noa has been showing everyone who comes over “Leeeya’s” room.  I know we will all love having her around!

Engagement ceremonies are ceremonies to announce and celebrate a couple’s intention of marriage. In the Christian church it is a worship service including the couple’s “vows” of intention. Eric and I also had an engagement ceremony when we came to visit Japan together the winter that we were engaged. It was nostalgic and special to be at one again.

I had a great morning with two of my closest friends here, Ai and Chi-chan, at the beauty parlor where she had her hair done and her Kimoni put on (Yes, you have to have it professionally put on, or at least put on by someone who is certified in putting them on.  It takes a lot of work!)

Beautiful Ai:

Ai-chan wore a beautiful kimono with the long sleeves that indicate she is an unmarried woman. This was the last time she could wear one like that. She looked absolutely stunning in it.

The soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kueh:

During the ceremony:

Stating their intentions of marriage:

They sat with Ai’s parents who came down from Nagoya for the ceremony. It was fun because Jason had a few people planning this and her parents ready to come down a few weeks ago without Ai knowing. When he proposed and she said yes at the beginning of this month, everything was well on the way to being ready for this special day.

The food and decorations were wonderful!

Ai’s parents and her older brother who was also able to make it:

Look at this fun couple! I pray that they have many many years of laughter together!

Some of the cutest girls ever: The Yonemoto sisters and their “adopted sister”:

The Tsuka-Yone-moto families

Would you pray with us for these dear friends as they prepare for the awesome adventure of marriage. Jason will head back to seminary in Philly at the end of this month, and they will be apart for almost the rest of their engagement. They plan to live in Japan for a bit after they are married in July and then live in the states while Jason finishes school. After that, I believe they hope and plan to be in Japan. Would you pray that God would use them mightily for his kingdom here, especially as they become one and begin their covenant family.

Jason and Ai~ We love you two and are so thrilled for you! Know that you are in our prayers and we look with anticipation to what the Lord will continue to do in and through you, as individuals and as a couple. May he be glorified and you be blessed! “Gambate” these next months of being apart and preparing for your marriage!

Translation Appreciation Dinner

The school threw a dinner to show appreciation for the many people who translated an Astronomy textbook for the elementary classes.  It has been wonderful for all the elementary kids (in both the English and Japanese tracks) to get to take this class together this year.  We are so thankful for the many people who used their time and gifts to make it possible.  It was a festive night of celebrating, and even getting to hear a talk by a visiting professor of Astronomy.  We had a great time helping to prepare and serve the dinner, as well as enjoying the festive atmosphere with friends.

Elementary Kids’ Christmas Party

We really had fun one Friday after school, having all the elementary students over for a Christmas party.  We are so thankful that God has not only called these children’s parents into ministry here in Japan, but that he has called each one  them too.  Eric really enjoys getting to teach these kids, and the girls and I always have a great time when we get to hang out too.  Noa LOVES going to the school over lunch break.  We actually watched the movie (the Polar Express) in Japanese since most of the kids are bilingual or trilingual anyway.  It was such a fun afternoon.

Toke Kids’ Christmas Party

It was so fun to help our friends, the Nagata’s throw a Christmas party one Sunday morning for  the kids in their neighborhood. We sang, played games, made crafts, they heard the Christmas story, and Santa Clause even showed up again this year (but Eric made me promise not to post photos of that part).

Sumodon Christmas Party

We had a great time at the Sumodon (our Church’s young adults group) Christmas party.  Me and several friends made homemade pizza for the evening and had a ton of fun getting ready.  The party was a blast and we met so many new people, many who came to the church building for the first time.  

Other fun stuff

We had our last Moms’ and Kids’ club of the year and I was so encouraged to realize what a great community of moms we have who come regularly.  I am so excited for our meetings in this new year.  This is Noa with her friend Mirai whose mom helps to run Moms’ and Kids’.Noa calls him “Rai Rai” and they are good friends.

My friend Chizuka teaches hip hop dance classes and her students had their first recital on the 23rd.  It was so exciting to finally get to watch these kids who we pray for together and to see them dancing their little hearts out to worship music.  I am so excited that they have Chizuka in their lives and I can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to use her gifts and love for kids for His kingdom here in Japan.

I got to visit with my dear childhood friend, Sayaka, and her mom on the 26th.  She is an airline stewardess so we don’t get to see eachother often, but it was such a treat to get together for coffee at my mom’s on the 26th. 

And some Sister Sweetness (for good measure):

The heavenly host, appearing to the shepherds (and animals):

The Hallelujah Chorus, worshipping the newborn King:

The star that led the wise men:

Carpenter Joseph (aka Eric) worked really hard on this star this last week and I am really impressed with how it turned out

Wise Guys Men:

Shepherdesses:

It is so exciting to me that this, Noa’s third Christmas, is probably the first year she will begin to understand that Christmas is about Jesus’ birth. We have loved playing with Nativity sets and reading books, and talking all about Baby Jesus. Last week, when looking at gifts under a tree she said to my sister, “Baby Jesus, present. Died on the cross.” It’s been so exciting to see her make the connection between the Baby in the manger, and the Man on the cross. May the Holy Spirit continue to make the story of salvation real in her heart.

She loved watching the Nativity, her favorite part being when the “Angels say Ha-ye-yu-ya!!!” She came up right away after it to check out the baby Mama was holding and realized it was one of hers! (Hope that wasn’t too confusing to her!)

Merry Christmas!!