I am finally getting this blog started! With everything going on I need a place to express my concerns and prayer requests. Just a brief update....
I have been in Japan for 6 months now and in that short time I have come to LOVE this country and its people. I may not understand the language or some of the cultural nuances, but I understand these people are hurting and in need of a Savior. I am teaching at International Academy of Nagoya (ICAN) which is located in Nagakute, just outside of Nagoya. I started the year with 6 fifth graders, but now have only five. My 6th student's family relocated at the beginning of February. One of the downfalls and perks of an international school, an ever-changing student body. Along with teaching and adjusting to the culture, I am also adjusting to living on my own and navigating cooking for myself....it's been interesting to say the least, I have eaten lots of scrambled eggs! I am doing well and loving Japan, but I miss all of you in the States.
Just in case you missed it, Friday, March 11th a horrific earthquake hit just off Japan's coast. I felt it. I didn't experience it sitting on my couch or hearing it from someone else, I was in it. Thankfully, it was not near enough to Nagoya to do any damage, but we felt it. t. I was at school with my students when the building began swaying, I felt like I was on a boat. Thankfully, God answered my prayer and allowed me to experience my first earthquake with people, however it was still quite scary, as the shaking went on for what seemed like ages, but in reality was probably only a few minutes. After evacuating the building, waiting for it to be declared safe, we re-entered only to experience another earthquake a few minutes later! I was not aware of the tsunami or the large amounts of damage until I got home later that evening. At that point, I was in a state of jubilation that I was safe, but as the weekend progressed, the horrific realization set in, I am safe, but there are tens of thousands who are not. Some who don't even know where there families are, some who don't have a place to sleep, food to eat, or water to drink. I spent the rest of the weekend torn between feeling guilty and feeling afraid after listening to all the news reports.
This tragedy is terrible, not only because of the damage to things, but to people. The Japanese are a proud people, who don't like to ask for help or rely on anyone else. They are incredibly smart and have created some of the most amazing things, but when it comes to eternity they are terribly lost. I am constantly reminded of the amount of lives lost forever, but there are millions left who need to hear about Jesus. I pray that God will use this tragedy to reach many people for him.
Prayer Requests
-Pray for Japan, as a nation, as a people. The recovery is going to be long and painful. Pray for them to recognize God as Sovereign and seek Him.
-Pray for ICAN. All the students were at school when the earthquake hit. Some have family members unaccounted for, and most have NO IDEA how to process any of this. (I am right there with them on that one)
-Pray for fear to lessen, there are still aftershocks and reports of MORE major earthquakes within the next weeks. I am afraid, my students are afraid, and the Japanese people are afraid. Pray that I am able to give my fear completely to God to be able to help others.
Thanks so much for the prayers and the facebook messages letting me know you care and are praying. They are so encouraging, even if they are only a few words. I miss you all! Keep praying! Our God is mighty and has a GREAT plan for Japan and for us!
