Oita friends + Yokohama friends
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
No place like home..
Im back in Yokohama after a very very brief trip to my home town.
In the last 2 years I have unfortunately missed some of the most
important events in lives of friends and family. I had to miss a
handful of weddings. If I had been living in California at the time, I
wouldn't have missed a single one(... except for 4 of my friends
weddings.. 2 of them happening on the same day 2 different times.) I
guess I dodged those bullets there. Despite those important events I felt an overpowering calling that told me to be where I am now. Im still starting to understand that..
But there was one wedding I wouldn't let my self miss. No, not this time. As someone I have known since kindergarten and being with the same classes with all the way from Elementary to Highschool, having watched this guy grow up, ups.. downs... finally finding the one he wanted to spend his life with, I wasn't gonna miss it.
Despite the akward timing of Japan's business new years in April, I couldn't miss it for the world. Not just the wedding because its a wedding.. but it was more like a family reunion.
I never really get homesick, but I think I'm learning something from my short trip. FAMILY FIRST. I can't fully understand it now.. but it might be time to start slowly stepping forward in some areas of my life. Gonna pray real carefully for my vision, future career... and finding what most people long for. Oh.. I think you know what im talking about. There will be some important questions to ask myself in this next season.
For now... pictures!
Some old Ghetto Shop work..
I do miss my family... Ill be back!
But there was one wedding I wouldn't let my self miss. No, not this time. As someone I have known since kindergarten and being with the same classes with all the way from Elementary to Highschool, having watched this guy grow up, ups.. downs... finally finding the one he wanted to spend his life with, I wasn't gonna miss it.
Despite the akward timing of Japan's business new years in April, I couldn't miss it for the world. Not just the wedding because its a wedding.. but it was more like a family reunion.
I never really get homesick, but I think I'm learning something from my short trip. FAMILY FIRST. I can't fully understand it now.. but it might be time to start slowly stepping forward in some areas of my life. Gonna pray real carefully for my vision, future career... and finding what most people long for. Oh.. I think you know what im talking about. There will be some important questions to ask myself in this next season.
For now... pictures!
Books!?Drugs!? What more could you want?
Got home to find that my home Gym was still there.
Catching up with childhood friends...
The playground at our elementary school is much smaller than I remember.
Watching this guy tie the knot.. Priceless
There are alot of things Japan does right.. wedding receptions are not on that list.
Despite the ridiculous cost of a Japanese wedding, even in the "western" style weddings they are missing a huge aspect that authentic western weddings have. Groomsmen and Bridesmaids.
There is dancing, drinking, eating and a whole lot of socializing between friends and family that i never experienced in a Japanese wedding. If by the grace of God I do marry someone from this country I live in, I will definitely have an American style Nijikai.
It was great catching up with old friends and meeting new ones too.
My Dad, Sister and I. The only missing one is my mom. She would make this picture even prettier.
Meet Runa.. my new GF.
My brother and his stuffed animal.
I do miss my family... Ill be back!
Friday, April 25, 2014
Hometown Slowdown
Im back in America. Back to my little hometown of Antelope.
I just finished spring break only to work a week and im back on vacation! Well, its sort of a vacation but strangely enough I don't feel right not being at work. Things in Japan are hectic in April as it is that time all the contracts renew and the next generation comes into various companies. Its also right before Golden Week. I got the feeling that taking time off now was considered rude. But I did it anyway!
One of my best friends since childhood finally decided to tie the knot... which is one of the few things that would ever get me to get up and head home during this time of year.
There are three things I notice whenever I come home:
-Things move hella slower in Antelope... (no trains, no walking,, just slow traffic in cars coupled with nothing to do.)
-I remember how much I love food here. (In-n-out, mexican food...pizza)
-I have to fight stagnancy off like it was a bear trying to break into my tent. (spiritual stagnancy and laziness are the biggest problems when you realize you have alot of free time and no productive outlet to use it.)
But with that in mind... i decided to try my best to document all i can from my friends wedding.. maybe learn once again how to use my video editing software just to make a project for fun. V-log in the future.. maybe?
I just finished spring break only to work a week and im back on vacation! Well, its sort of a vacation but strangely enough I don't feel right not being at work. Things in Japan are hectic in April as it is that time all the contracts renew and the next generation comes into various companies. Its also right before Golden Week. I got the feeling that taking time off now was considered rude. But I did it anyway!
One of my best friends since childhood finally decided to tie the knot... which is one of the few things that would ever get me to get up and head home during this time of year.
There are three things I notice whenever I come home:
-Things move hella slower in Antelope... (no trains, no walking,, just slow traffic in cars coupled with nothing to do.)
-I remember how much I love food here. (In-n-out, mexican food...pizza)
-I have to fight stagnancy off like it was a bear trying to break into my tent. (spiritual stagnancy and laziness are the biggest problems when you realize you have alot of free time and no productive outlet to use it.)
But with that in mind... i decided to try my best to document all i can from my friends wedding.. maybe learn once again how to use my video editing software just to make a project for fun. V-log in the future.. maybe?
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Walking Hanami Adventure
今日は僕が横浜に引っ越してから最初の花見だった。実は人数が多くて皆はまだお互いのことを知っているわけがなかったので心配していた。本来、一人の友達と遊ぶつもりだったが色んな話があって、あっという間にミックスグループで大きい花見パーテになっちゃった。一時半ごろ、大学の友達、教会の友達、仕事の友達と集合して花見のアドベンチャに出発した。
桜木町と黄金町の間の大岡川に沿って花見散歩をした。思った通り、人がいっぱいだった。それなのに、皆で穏やかな態度で遊んだ。
あっという間に２時間が経って野毛山公園に行った。思ったよりいい場所を見つけた。リュックに持っていたTarpをして皆は座る事が出来た。お菓子を食べたり、フリスビーで色んなゲームしたりして楽しかった。
夜になってもディナーをたべてコスモーワールドで遊んだ。解散の時はもう九時半ごろだった。うわあ、今日は本当に素晴しい。１２人の大きいグループ遊ぶ事が出来た。皆は暖かくていい人だから全然大丈夫だった。色んないい友達に祝福されてラッキー。皆さん、今日はありがとう！
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Vision What?
One big thing I'm asking myself lately is "What is my vision?" What am I here for?
Since being here in this city and in my current job, one thing ive been trying to figure out is what my purpose is. When I first set foot in this country as a student I was so proud that I wasn't here as a missionary. When I first set foot here as a graduate, I was so proud that I wasn't teaching English. Some people call it Karma, God, life's humor... whatever it was I was humbled. Because today I find myself doing both.
But my "vision" what is that? Someone said that we find our calling when the Worlds greatest need alignes with our greatest passion. uhh.. something like that
A month or so ago, my church was doing a live recording in order to test out a new sound system. In order to make sure we knew what we were looking for, we had a sound guy come in from Osaka, Lifehouse. We were blessed with his staying at our place for the night.
While he was here somehow the conversation got around to what we were doing in Japan and how our calling in life related to our Jobs. He told me about the schools he works at and teaches English in... and about the dream he had before ever coming to Japan. I don't remember it all, but then it something about his dream or his vision triggered a memory.
Before I ever even set foot in Japan 4 years ago, I had one dream I do remember clearly. Though words cannot describe it, Ill try my best.
Here it is:
It was a bright and sunny morning, not a cloud in the sky. Walking over soft, unpaved ground, I found myself amidst many large tents. Not flimsy camping tents, but the kind of tents that had metal supports and everything was draped in that Red and White stripe pattern. It was just like the morning of any Japanese festival when everyone is setting up to get ready. I had no idea where I was, but i found myself being guided by two small children, one at each hand. I could see bright colors, balloons, and people smiling. In the background I could hear nothing but sounds of laughing, playing and children's songs.
I woke up and forgot about that dream up until now. I never knew it had any meaning until I looked at my current job and all the things ive been learning recently through God's word. As I said, I was so prideful that I didn't come here as an English teacher and I had no interest in missions. But the very thing im doing now is missions and teaching English. I had this dream way before I ever went to a Japanese festival, knew what the colors were, spoke Japanese or even realized I liked kids!
So with these pieces to the puzzle I can't clearly say what my calling is or how I will achieve what I want to see, but I can see my vision as its developing.
I work with kids and teach them games in English, but my real purpose isnt to teach them another language. Im here to see these kids become great adults who will become future leaders.
The thing I desire the most as I see these kids grow is that I want them to grow up in good homes. But the reality is many of them come from broken homes. Ive developed a sense at being able to spot which kids either don't have a mom or dad to look up to. I can see the things that these kids do for attention, even if its bad attention.
My desire is to see broken families and lives restored. I want to see people healed and children smiling. Much of that will start with the ones in charge of the family.. but I am asking God to give me a way so I can do something. Although Japanese people are a very polite and amazing people there is a facade most people who dont live here cant see. There is alot of brokenness here, but at the same time there is a cry for hope. Most people want to be happy and live a fulfilling life. Waking up dragging life, thinking about suicide should not be a normal thing. Looking forward to what each day brings should be.
Gah.. its too late for me to be writing. Oyasumi!
Since being here in this city and in my current job, one thing ive been trying to figure out is what my purpose is. When I first set foot in this country as a student I was so proud that I wasn't here as a missionary. When I first set foot here as a graduate, I was so proud that I wasn't teaching English. Some people call it Karma, God, life's humor... whatever it was I was humbled. Because today I find myself doing both.
But my "vision" what is that? Someone said that we find our calling when the Worlds greatest need alignes with our greatest passion. uhh.. something like that
A month or so ago, my church was doing a live recording in order to test out a new sound system. In order to make sure we knew what we were looking for, we had a sound guy come in from Osaka, Lifehouse. We were blessed with his staying at our place for the night.
While he was here somehow the conversation got around to what we were doing in Japan and how our calling in life related to our Jobs. He told me about the schools he works at and teaches English in... and about the dream he had before ever coming to Japan. I don't remember it all, but then it something about his dream or his vision triggered a memory.
Before I ever even set foot in Japan 4 years ago, I had one dream I do remember clearly. Though words cannot describe it, Ill try my best.
Here it is:
It was a bright and sunny morning, not a cloud in the sky. Walking over soft, unpaved ground, I found myself amidst many large tents. Not flimsy camping tents, but the kind of tents that had metal supports and everything was draped in that Red and White stripe pattern. It was just like the morning of any Japanese festival when everyone is setting up to get ready. I had no idea where I was, but i found myself being guided by two small children, one at each hand. I could see bright colors, balloons, and people smiling. In the background I could hear nothing but sounds of laughing, playing and children's songs.
This is the exact Red n White pattern I saw in my dream before ever setting foot in a Japanese school or festival.
The ground at this school is the same exact ground I walked on. This was before knowing that most school yards or play areas in parks in Japan don't have grass.
I woke up and forgot about that dream up until now. I never knew it had any meaning until I looked at my current job and all the things ive been learning recently through God's word. As I said, I was so prideful that I didn't come here as an English teacher and I had no interest in missions. But the very thing im doing now is missions and teaching English. I had this dream way before I ever went to a Japanese festival, knew what the colors were, spoke Japanese or even realized I liked kids!
So with these pieces to the puzzle I can't clearly say what my calling is or how I will achieve what I want to see, but I can see my vision as its developing.
I work with kids and teach them games in English, but my real purpose isnt to teach them another language. Im here to see these kids become great adults who will become future leaders.
The thing I desire the most as I see these kids grow is that I want them to grow up in good homes. But the reality is many of them come from broken homes. Ive developed a sense at being able to spot which kids either don't have a mom or dad to look up to. I can see the things that these kids do for attention, even if its bad attention.
My desire is to see broken families and lives restored. I want to see people healed and children smiling. Much of that will start with the ones in charge of the family.. but I am asking God to give me a way so I can do something. Although Japanese people are a very polite and amazing people there is a facade most people who dont live here cant see. There is alot of brokenness here, but at the same time there is a cry for hope. Most people want to be happy and live a fulfilling life. Waking up dragging life, thinking about suicide should not be a normal thing. Looking forward to what each day brings should be.
Gah.. its too late for me to be writing. Oyasumi!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Growing Up
Time is a funny thing. It moves at different speeds depending on your situation. There are times I find myself in a stagnant sludge just hoping and waiting for some sort of change... hoping to just do something. There are times when things are moving so fast that theres just not enough time for all the fun that needs to be had. Luckily ive found myself experiencing most of this fast stage. But it does have its bittersweet side to it. In the past couple months I felt like ive grown physically and spiritually. Its taken me over a year and a half of hearing about journaling to finally do it. Ive finally chucked out some bad habits that ive been set free from for almost 4 months now. Still have much work to do, but my vision for this mission i have in life is slowly coming together. The picture is still in pieces, but im starting to see those parts come together steadily.
The past few weeks especially have been fun. But living in God's plan we can't get too comfortable in one place because he might just move us somewhere we are meant to be for a specific time. I still wake up amazed at how I live in Japan and share an apartment with some great friends. Had I been successful in my previous situation I may have never met the friends and family that I have now.
With that said, all seasons most come to an end so new seasons may start. I'm starting to see how beautiful living this life in God's plan really is. Ive seen what living a life sold out for God can really do. My good friend Ely is a living example of that. He is currently on the train to Narita Airport. The last couple days with him and the Hama family have been a real blast. Looking back on just his one year here, hes really had an impact on the church and so many lives. When he just got here a year ago we were doing church in a small funeral hall with 60 people somewhere in Chinatown.. A year later were in a much bigger venue doing 3 services a week and the numbers have tripled.
Words can't describe how blessed ive been to live with these guys striving to give it all to their maker. Ive grown heaps and you are all a part of it. As I get ready for the rest of this beautiful Sunday, Ill remember all of these thoughts and just be thankful.
Let the next season begin!
The past few weeks especially have been fun. But living in God's plan we can't get too comfortable in one place because he might just move us somewhere we are meant to be for a specific time. I still wake up amazed at how I live in Japan and share an apartment with some great friends. Had I been successful in my previous situation I may have never met the friends and family that I have now.
With that said, all seasons most come to an end so new seasons may start. I'm starting to see how beautiful living this life in God's plan really is. Ive seen what living a life sold out for God can really do. My good friend Ely is a living example of that. He is currently on the train to Narita Airport. The last couple days with him and the Hama family have been a real blast. Looking back on just his one year here, hes really had an impact on the church and so many lives. When he just got here a year ago we were doing church in a small funeral hall with 60 people somewhere in Chinatown.. A year later were in a much bigger venue doing 3 services a week and the numbers have tripled.
Words can't describe how blessed ive been to live with these guys striving to give it all to their maker. Ive grown heaps and you are all a part of it. As I get ready for the rest of this beautiful Sunday, Ill remember all of these thoughts and just be thankful.
Let the next season begin!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Carbs, more carbs, protein and friends.
Despite having two nights of all-you-can drink parties with co-workers and university friends over the weekend. I can proudly say I had a very productive weekend. Did I study Japanese? No. Did I find my vision for my future career? No. Did I go to the gym before-hand each day and also after church on Sunday? YES.
I have been down that road before. During my internship in Fukuoka I went to a nomikai every week, maybe twice a week. I was also not working out or running. As a result I got big… not the good beach body big, but the "you look fat around the face" big. Thats what my aunt told me, so I promised to never let myself go like that again. Its not very uplifting when you see someone you haven't seen in a while and they say "太っているね” which literally means, "you got fat."
Long story short, that was my motivation to go to the gym and put in the extra effort. I don't drink much, but when I do….. I go to the gym. (before or after(not at the same time))
That being said, I had a great time at my university reunion on Saturday. I went to Oita University for a year in 2009-2010. I didn't know there were so many people I had met now living out here on the east side. It was good seeing old friends again. And making new ones. Some of the people I knew from before I never could really talk to because my Japanese was almost non existent back then. Now that I could speak, it was like meeting a different person. I love that experience! I need to get back into intense language study… not just Japanese, but all the other languages I just forgot about halfway through learning them.
Life is good. With some of those new people i met living in Yokohama, I have one goal in mind. Turn some of them into gym buddies, or Catan players. Yeah.. Catan ministry. Its coming soon.
I haven't seen some of these guys in years! Its good to meet again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)