Pounding Mochi

2005-08-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Gosh where to start? Well i've been in the states now for about a week and a half. I spent the first week in PA. That was really fun. I got to spend time with my Grandpop, we went out to lots of diners. What's with old people and diners? Anyways, I also got to hang out with my cousin and uncle and other relatives. We went to a balloon festival which was pretty cool, we walked around and got free stuff. They even had an Hp booth where they took your pic with different displays and then printed them up for you. They also had a DVD maker so my cousing Abby and I did the bike riding movie. She rode the bike and I ran next to her. It's pretty funny and we look fairly stupid. I also got to visit my Grandpop's brothers and their wives. One night four of us played cards which was fun. It's a PA tradition for me to play cards at night. We didn't end up carrying out some of the other traditions, mini-golf, bowling, and birch beer. But I did shoot some pool with my Grandpop at the senior center. I'm TERRIBLE!!! It was really impressive to watch him and his friend shoot because they saw and made shots I would never have thought possible.
One major highlight was also hanging out with my friend Mike. I met Mike in Japan and he's been one of my best friends for 2 years now. I won't go into all the details but we decided that we wanted to be more than friends so now he's my boyfriend. yessssss (imagine Napoleon when you read that yes)
Now I'm in New York. It's really different than what I thought it would be. The first night Heather and I just went out to eat (yeah thai food) then out for a drink and spent the night catching up. I always forget this until I'm around her but we're so similar! It's like we're the same person. We have similar mannerisms, laughs, we say the same random things at the same time. Often I'll be thinking something and she'll say it or vice versa. It's like we have the same mind. Truly scary!! Anyways the first day she had to work so I went around 34th street and did a ton of shopping. Then we went to dinner and a movie. Yesterday she didn't have to work until the evening so we got up for breakfast, at yet another diner, then we went to the Empire State Building, got lunch and walked around Central Park. Originally we were going to have a picnic in the park but it was sweltering so we decided to eat in the air-con. So walking around the park was pretty miserable! Then she went to work, I walked around a bit more then headed back to Queens to chill before going out. When she got off work we went out dancing at this Brazilian place and it was SO fun!! Today we're going to do Chinatown, Little Italy, see a Broadway show, and go to another diner where the servers sing. It's going to be a great New York day!

nagano

2005-07-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

ooops, i was posting my blogs on the computer at work (japanese) and apparently I just saved them as drafts instead of publishing them. I have to remember it's the right button not the left. It's kind of weird to try to memorize where commands are on different menus so I can function on a Japanese computer.
Anyways... my weekend. It was great spening time with the family. It wasn't as hard as I thought. Partly because we were in a different cabin than the one I spent the summers with them in. But the new cabin is where she was sick last year so it holds many hard memories for them. It's strange to see the family dynamics now. If you didn't know them before you would miss the changes. But having spent lots of time with them, mostly during summers, I see the hole. It was really obvious with the times of peacefulness. With 4 kids their cabin was always bustling with activity. And going down to the lake meant I had to try to be fair and split my time among them. Sammy likes to see how far and fast he can swim, especially against someone. Karisa loved to swim to me and have me 'catch' her. Lilla used to be fairly afraid and want me to pull her around in the shallowest part, and Sky is fearless, always trying to push into water that is too deep for him. This year Sammy had a friend his own age to run around and compete with. Lilla was getting braver with her swimming and she swam to me a few times. Sky is still fearless wanting to go everywhere. But there were times when Lilla didn't swim, and when Andy (the mom) watched Sky. So i was free to swim laps and sit on the dock and read a book. I certainly enjoy those things, but I couldn't help but notice the lessened activity. It was like that at other moments. There were times when I could picture what Karisa would be doing, either entering into a fight with a strong spirit, or playing video games with Sammy. She was a total firecracker. I saw a lot of myself in her. I saw Andy's struggle of how to help her to grow properly, and assured Andy that with Karisa's iron will and her personality she would change the world. I guess in some ways she has. It just wasn't in the way we all expected. I guess that's Karisa for you. Always full of surprises.

End

2005-07-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well we're wrapping things up here at school. We technically finish on July 20th but I'm finished grading and returning tests so I don't have a whole lot to keep me busy. Although tomorrow I have a quick 'lesson' with students preparing to go to Australia on a homestay program. Then Friday I have an elementary class. I'm getting excited for this summer but it's one of those things where I've been planning it so long it just doesn't seem real. I feel like it's still a few months away. I'm stoked to head up to Nagano with my favorite missionary family next week. I don't get to see them as often as I used to, or as often as I'd like. SoI'm excited for the few days I'll have with them. I'm sure it'll be hard though, it'll be my first time back at Nojiri since their daughter Karisa died last summer. It'll be hard for all of us, but I hope I can be a support to them and not turn into a mess myself :) This weekend will be cool too. I'm going to a pizza party at the Japanese church I used to go to when I worked for OCC. I'm bringing 4 of my friends from the lighthouse and I think they're pretty stoked too. They're all Japanese and some of them don't have much contact with Japanese churches, only international ones. It would be cool to help them get plugged into a Japanese church and hooked up with other Japanese Christians. Well that's about all the news fit to print.

current and future

2005-06-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

Last night we had our last Greenhouse meeting until the fall. It was exciting to see new students and a great turnout. Our school has testing next week so it was cool to have 3 of our girls go inspite of that. It's wonderful to be at a school that isn't super high pressure about tests. Many of the other schools really frown on students being involved in any extracurricular activities, especially around test time.
I've been thinking a lot recently about my future. I'm applying to start on-line classes at Fuller. But when will I eventually return to the States to complete the degree? In all honesty my MDiv is the only reason I really see myself going back. After that it's back to the mission field for me. I have some decisions to make about some future possibilities and without elaborating I would like to ask anyone that reads this to pray that I would make the right decision. I want to be sure to follow the Lord's leading, especially in the big decisions :)

June

2005-06-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a LOOOONG time since I updated. I apologize to those who have been checking in vain for something new.
June has been alternately cold and hot with a large dose of humidity. Today has been a hot and sticky one! Classes are winding down this week and next. Then it's time for mid-terms. I've enjoyed most of my classes this term but there's been a few challenging ones as well. Last week a number of grades were on their school trips so I had a lot of free time. I've realized that I have lots of weeks like that. Even on my normal 'full' weeks I have plenty of extra time at work with not much to do. I think I'll start working on my MDiv with the extra time. I want to pursue that degree when I return to the States so I figured I could get a head start on it. So today I'll be researching where/how to do that. I'm looking mostly at Fuller. I will eventually shift to North Park. If I want to be ordained in the Covenant it makes sense to spend my last year or two at their seminary (Otherwise I would have to spend a year of 'orientation' there anyway). But Fuller offers a wider variety of classes and is significantly cheaper. Plus if I decide to spend a year in Seattle before going to Chicago I can attend the Fuller branch campus there.
I'm also looking forward to this summer. My plans have changed some but that's alright, I tend to roll with the punches anyway. I'll be spending a week in PA with family, then NY with Heather. Then a week in Nebraska for my cousin's wedding. I'm stoked cuz I think my whole family will be there! Then back to NY for a week. Originally that last week was going to be in the Dominican Republic with my friend and her family. But her family bailed. Ahh well, what can you do.
This weekend the Greenhouse is having a one day 'retreat' for the students. I pray that it goes well. It's part of the Alpha program and from what I've heard that weekend is pretty powerful. I guess that's my life in it's current nutshell.

routine

2005-04-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well it's the second full week of classes since the new year began and things are going pretty well. I'm settling into my classes and my students are starting to get used to me. I still get some blank looks and I want to say 'Beuller, Beuller....." but that will wear off as the year progresses. I gave the chapel message for sr high chapel yesterday, I'll give the same message for jr high on Monday. I decided to use 2 corinthians 5:17. I related it to the dark winter and new spring, each of us can be a new creation through faith. Tonight is our first greenhouse meeting of the new year. The leaders got together last week and discussed/prayed for this new term. We're going to be using the Alpha for youth material and I pray that God will work through it to bring students to Christ.
I'm going on a retreat this weekend with the lighthouse. We're going to Lake Yamanaka which is near the base of Mt Fuji. It's a beautiful place and I hope we have good weather. May 8th I'll be preaching in a church near here that I've been getting more involved with.
Well that's about it for my bowl full of cherries ;)

new beginnings

2005-04-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

Well things have begun again with a whirlwind of activity. It's good to be back in Japan and I'm excited for a number of new ministries that I will be doing. The school year starts in April so I've been busy preparing for new classes with mostly new students. Some of my students are the same from last year but a number of them are new to me. The Greenhouse (youth ministry) will start next week and several students have already been asking about it. We will have a leaders meeting this week to prepare and pray. I've recently started attending an English worship service at a church somewhat near my house. They are currently without a pastor and need help with leadership and preaching. I volunteered for both andwill be the worship leader this coming Sunday and will most likely preach in May. It also looks like I will be able to be involved in an orphanage ministry again. Starting either this monthor next we will go to the orphanage one Saturday amonth and spend time with the kids there. Please pray for me, as I will be speaking in our school chapel this month

Blessed

2005-03-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

Well I certainly feel blessed! I'm excited about all of the things the Lord is doing in my life. I love my job, exciting mininitries, lots of great friends etc etc.
Speaking of friends. We went out last night to celebrate my birthday (since I'll be gone on my actual b-day) and I was surprised at how many people came. We had a great time and it was fun to see people, some I hadn't seen in awhile. It was just so encouraging to know I have so many friends. :) Well I'm off to the States tomorrow!!! I can't believe it!!!

Make like a baby

2005-03-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

Well I had a great weekend. I stayed the night with a couple friends and we had a good old fashioned 'slumber party' complete with junk food, movies, and talk of babies and pregnancy. Okay so the topics have changed since high school but that's to be expected I guess. I can't believe I'm so old!!!
Sunday was fun. A missionary that I work with at the Greenhouse connected me with a church that is looking for a pastor. In the interim they need people to help lead, plan, and preach. I went to the service on Sunday and out to lunch with the woman currently planning the services. I may have an opportunity to preach there in April. I'm totally stoked about that. Since leaving OCC it's been hard not being involved in leading a worship service. I really enjoyed preaching, leading, and planning special events. I hope that I can become more involved in this church that is a bit closer to me.
Speaking of OCC I went down there Sunday afternoon/evening. I went out with some friends and they surprised me with Birthday presents. We had a great time and even tried pasta with squid ink all over it. It tasted a little fishy but the grossest part is to watch people eat it. It turns your teeth, tongue, and lips black. We took some great pics though! It was kind of weird being back at OCC. I was there a few times in the fall and for the Christmas party but it feels like a hundred years ago that I worked there. In reality it's only been 7 months. I guess that's a good thing though, it means I'm settled in my new apartment and job.
I guess that's the latest. Can't wait to go home on Saturday!!

Amanda

I guess that's the latest with me. I'm stoked about going home this Saturday!!!!!

finally!

2005-03-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well it's finals time around here. And unlike mid-terms I've been pretty busy. Mostly with grading and trying to figure out exactly how many times I saw each class. Now that I know what information I need to report at the end of the year I'll keep better track of it all. It seems strange to me that my classes are finished. I was really just getting used to my classes and how to tailor my lesson plans for the differences between those in the same grade. But in other ways I feel a sense of accomplishment that I was able to end the year better than I started with one of my more troublesome classes. I learned how to motivate them to do the class activities and what activities worked with them. I was also able to 'hang out' with a couple of the girls that I had problems with because they came to the Greenhouse. It was wonderful to have that out of class time to get to know them, and for them to get to know me. Sometimes I felt like an ogre in that class.

Now all of that is behind me as the new school year and new classes will start in April. I even cleaned out my desk to get ready. It was fun to go through all of the stuff left behind by previous teachers and sift out the good stuff. Well to sift out 'my style' material anyway. Everyone is so different in their teaching styles that not all materials work for everyone. It was interesting to try and figure out what kind of teacher they were based on the materials. They seemed to have more quizes and harder tests than I do. But to each his own. Some goals for this year would be to learn their names better. By the end I really only knew a few names and it was usually only the outgoing ones. Also, now that I know what to expect I can be a bit more organized. I've always thought that it was strange that I can be really organized and kind of scatterbrained at the same time. But I want to work on the former, not the latter ;)

I'm completely stoked about going home in a week and a half!!!! Two weeks just seems way too short! I already have most of my days booked up. Ahh well, I hope to get as much out of it as I can.

Prayer requests:
There are some exciting ministry possibilities on the horizon. None are definite and some are only dreams/goals so I don't want to go into detail just yet but pray that the Lord would open doors and use me for his glory.
Continue to pray for the Greenhouse. We have finished for this term and will start again in April. As April is the beginning of the school and business year it is usually the time of year that people start new things. Pray that many new students, as well as the old ones, would come to the Greenhouse consistently.
Pray for my Grammy and Grandpop as my Grammy should be leaving the hospital soon and they will be moving into a nursing/assisted living facility.
Pray for my parents. My mother is returning to Malaysia within a few days and hopefully they will be able to finish there in June. Pray that my father finds a job in the Kent/Seattle area.

I guess that about wraps up this edition of Where in the World is Amanda...until next time.

more growth!

2005-02-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

Okay so I know when I started this blog I said I would try to update it once a week. Well from now on I will work harder to make that happen. I just don't know if anyone reads this so I wasn't really motivated to keep at it. But I have heard several people recently say that they do read it so I'll keep it up.
For those that don't know what the greenhouse is let me explain. The building itself is owned by the RCA and was purchased/remodeled last year in order to be a youth center. The ministry that I'm currently involved in there is with students from three mission schools in the area. My school is one of the three so some of my students attend as well as students from the other 2 schools. The missionary heading it up is in charge of youth ministry for the denomination here in Japan. Two teachers from one school, one of my co-workers, and myself all help to lead/plan our meetings. We meet every Thursday nights, but take breaks when the schools are out and when they have final exams. We do most of it in English, with bits of translation when they don't understand. We're not trying to make it 'English only' but we know that the English thing is big in Japan right now and it tends to open a lot of doors.

With that being said things are going great! Last time I mentioned that the first two weeks none of the kids showed up. Well the third week no one came either. We figured we'd meet one more time and if they didn't come we'd bag it until April when the new school year starts.

Every week I have lunch with students in their classroom atleast once. Sometimes they talk to me, sometimes I try to talk to them but it always seems kind of forced and I get a lot of one word answers. So sometimes we also sit there in silence. But two weeks ago as I was having lunch one of the students started talking to me and others joined in and before I knew it we were all laughing and talking and having a great time. One of the students asked how she could improve her English and I asked if they had heard about the Greenhouse. They hadn't so I explained it and gave them a flyer.

Sure enough 3 of them were waiting at the gate that Thursday to go with me to the Greenhouse. We had a blast and they were really open. It was my turn to give the lesson and I talked about Jesus as the Shepherd. Afterwards they even asked questions! I was stoked. That's exactly what we want! I don't want to just preach at them, but I want to answer their questions and be able to meet them where they are.
This week those 3 told their friends and as we were leaving they saw a few more that they convinced to go. So we had 7 of them. They sure are a lively bunch and it's awesome! This week during the lesson time they really opened up. One of them even shared that she was a Christian and talked about the presence of the Holy Spirit in her life!! Another shared that when she's scared she prays and then she feels peace. It was amazing to hear these girls open up with each other! In this culture it's rare to have people open up so freely and with teenagers it's especially rare for them to be really vulnerable with each other. I am so excited about what God is doing in this ministry!!!!

going green

2005-02-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

Well this week I've had two Greenhouse leaders meetings. On Tuesday a few of us gathered to re-connect and to discuss future greenhouse plans. On Thursday we met for our first greenhouse meeting of the new year. Unfortunately, with the students not having class this week, none of them came. We weren't terribly surprised and we enjoyed an evening out at a great restaurant nearby. The restaurant even had American style cheesecake, mmmmmmm! Each of us will have a chance to lead the discussion for the group this term. I will be leading it March 17th. I haven't decidedon a topic yet so you could be praying for that. You can also pray for support from the schools and churches that are involved or in the area. Some are have given consent but are holding back full support of the ministry. It's something new, which is always a scary thing in Japan and in ministry here. So many are hesitant to support this ministry. Please pray that the Lord would break down barriers and work mightily through this ministry.

same old interruptions

2005-01-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back to school since being in Nebraska. This week we have entrance exams for students hoping to enter this school for the next school year (starting in April). Which means we have no classes for junior or senior high. So this morning I had my kindergarten class. Which was fun because the older kids made okonomiyaki (looks like a pancake with cabbage and seafood mixed in). They were really patient and well behaved. It's funny to see the difference between kids in school and kids out with their parents. In school they're generally very well behaved, they listen to instructions, they do what they're supposed to. But at home, it's another story. They're all over the place. They rarely listen, they throw tantrums, they have few rules and are basically little savages. I know I'm generalizing and there are exceptions but that seems to be the basic trend.
With no classes this week I'll have lots of time at school with very little to do. In the mornings I will be greeting people but will probably have the rest of the day free. I like the routine of classes, and I like teaching but it seems like in Japan there's always something to interrupt the normal schedule of things. It seems that we have 2-3 weeks of normalcy and then a week for something different. O well I guess that's just the life here. I'm really enjoying it in general though.

grandma

2005-01-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

As some of you know that my Grandmother passed away last week. I found out last Friday and by the Lord'sprovision I was able to board a plane on Saturday togo back to Nebraska for the funeral. I won't go intoall the details but there were lots of hoops to jump through in order for that to happen. Through all of it I kept singing that old song "God will make a way,where there seems to be no way, he works in ways you cannot see, God will make a way for me..."On Sunday morning at my Aunt's church that song was sung in the service and I was reminded again how gracious the Lord is and how he desires to give his children good gifts. At the viewing my Grandma looked great. I honestly haven't seen her look that good in a long time. It was wonderful to see how peaceful she looked and to know that she is now whole and complete with her Savior. It was wonderful being able to see so many relatives and hear a lot of old stories about my Grandma, and my Dad. I'll always cherish the time I had to spend with my family as we remembered what a wonderful woman my Grandma was.

There's no place like home

2005-01-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

It sure is good to be back in the swing of things in Japan. We had some trouble with flights, which resulted in lost luggage. But we made it back safe and sound on Sunday morning.
After Chiang Mai we went to Bangkok for 3 days. The first night we went on a river cruise that was wonderful. There were many beautiful temples and sky scrapers along the river as well as a nice cultural show aboard the boat. I was amazed at how far back they can bend their fingers when dancing in the traditional Thai style. If you've ever had the opportunity to see it, it's truly amazing. The last song they even asked people to join them up front. Of course I volunteered and had a great time! I haven't developed my pictures yet so you'll have to use your imagination for the time being. The next day I went on a tour of the city's temples and the grand palace. It was quite interesting to see the similarities and differences between Thai Buddhism and Japanese Buddhism.
This weekend we'll have a big youth rally on the Navy Base so if you could keep that in your prayers. Thanks!

I rode the Great White Elephant!

2005-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

We're in Chiang Mai Thailand right now. We did an 'adventure tour' for a day. In the morning we rode an elephant. We rode in the carriage seat atop the elephant for the first part and then the trainer got off and asked if one of us wanted to ride ON the elephant. I said sure. So I hopped on his neck and away we flew. It was scary (did you know that Elephants are WAY bigger than horses?!) but tons of fun. I just had to remember to squeeze with my thighs and I was fine. Then we hopped on mountain bikes and went about 4k's. okay so it was kind of wussy but we had been out til 2am the night before and we're lazy so we hopped in the van and rode the other 4k's with the air con. Then we got on for a great white water adventure. The river was a bit dry so we got stuck in a few rapids and our guide's command of English pronunciation was lacking so we flipped over when he was trying for a right forward left back paddle. In another rapid we were also catupaulted out of the boat as well. All in all it was a great run! Then yesterday I enjoyed a massage by the pool in the morning and a spa treatment in the afternoon. Ahhh livin the good life....Okay don't envy me too much I've been having stomach trouble for a week now. Which you could pray for. THANKS!

I'm alive

2004-12-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

Wow I think this is my third "I'm alive" e-mail this
year. I guess natural disasters follow me around. ;)
Many of you know that I am currently in Malaysia
visiting my family right now. About 9am we were at my
parents house in Alor Setar when we felt a mild but
long earthquake. My friend from Japan and I remarked
at how we felt right at home with the earthquake and I
didn't gave it a second thought. Later that morning
we boarded a ferry boat to go to the island of
Langkawi. We got to Langkawi and one of the streets
was flooded. The taxi driver said it was because of a
wave from the earthquake. We were surprised but still
didn't think much of it. Then bits of news started
pouring in. The place we had taken the ferry from had
major damage (cars turned upside down, buildings
destroyed). Parts of the island we were on had major
damage, and a few deaths. Penang, the island we had
just left a few days before had major damage, as well
as some deaths, along a road we had traveled on
several times. Then we figured out the time the
tsunami hit and where we were and realized we had been
on the ferry when the tsunami hit the surrounding
area. Apparently the middle of the ocean is the best
place to be for a tsunami. It's near or on the coast
you need to avoid.
We were planning on going to Phuket (where they
suffered the loss of almost 1,000 lives at last count)
this coming Saturday. So other than looking for a
place to stay for a few extra nights. We are safe and
sound. This morning as I marveled at the Lord's
protection and his marvelous creation I read Psalm
34:19 "A righteous man may have many troubles, but
the Lord delivers him from them all;"
Praise the Lord he protected us. But please be in
prayer for the thousands that have lost loved ones.

praises all around

2004-12-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

My sister Angela and I have enjoyed the short time she's been here. She was able to go to Kamakura with a friend on Wednesday. Kamakura was the capital of Japan from the 12 century until the 14th century. It has many old temples and shrines. Because of the unusually warm weather this year there were still quite a few trees with their brightly colored leaves. I was able to join them later that afternoon. Thursday she joined me for a few of my classes in the morning and then at noon we headed out to Tokyo. We went to a famous temple and shopping area there (Asakusa) then headed to a small, but fun museum in Ueno. This little known museum (Shitamachi) recreates a slice of a neighborhood in Tokyo during the 1920's. There are plenty of hands on activities and you are able to walk into all of the displayed rooms.

That evening we headed back to Yokohama for our Greenhouse Christmas party (Japanese youth group). We had an ASTOUNDING number of kids! 21!!! The most we've ever had before was 9. It seems that word is getting around and kids are coming. We'll take a break for their winter vacation and start again in February. There is some opposition to this program among teachers of some of the schools. We have the official go ahead from all the principals but please pray that the Lord would make the way smooth and soften the hearts of those seek to hinder this ministry.

Thanks so much! May the Lord Jesus Christ be the center of all you do.

Many many thanks to 'da man' Isaac!

2004-12-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

I hope this blog finds you all well ;) Sending out massive e-mail newsletters and updates was becoming increasingly difficult with Yahoo limits and my good buddy offered to help me set up something a little easier to communicate with. This also allows a way for others to leave comments directly on this site. I hope this isn't too complicated for you all. It certainly makes my life easier :)

Recent happenings:
Things have been going very well with the Japanese youth ministry here. There are three regular students from my school that attend and several others that have been asking about it. This Thursday (december 16th) is our Christmas party. Please pray that many will come and we can share the importance of the true meaning of Christmas. Most of these students know the Christmas story. But to them it's just a story and nothing more. Pray that the Lord would open their hearts to understand the truth, the glory and the significance, of his birth.

My sister flew in last night and will be here through Saturday. I'm completely STOKED! Although it is a little world when people from the States come to visit because it's a mixing of my two homes. I think she'll leave here completely stuffed because I keep telling her she has to try this and that and this and that..... I get a little bit of time off work in the afternoons to spend with her.

Next week it's off to Malaysia and Thailand for a few weeks. We'll visit my parents, do lots of sighseeing, and of course ample time lying around on the beach.

Merry Christmas All!!!