I have been meaning to post this for a while but just haven’t gotten around to it. We had a blast celebrating Christmas here in Japan and it was so exciting to see the ways that God was working. He is so good. Here are some photos and highlights from the season:
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):
