Wow!

I thank you, High God -- you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration -- what a creation! ps. 139: 14 (msg) This is little "Wataru", the baby boy born to my friend Chiharu this past Saturday. That morning, at 5 am I got an e-mail on my cell phone from Chiharu saying she was in the hospital in labour. . . at 9:30 I got pictures, and around 5:30 I was able to go and visit her. New life is amazing. . . and it's so special to be able to be a part of this experience with Chiharu, who is like a sister to me. It makes me think of what my niece Acacia must have looked / acted like when she was born only 8 months ago. . . What a special gift!
The "before" picture. . . this was Monday of last week, when Chiaki (right -- well, I guess it's pretty easy to see. . . the NONpregnant one!), Chiharu and I had a girls' night before the baby came!
I had the privilege of spending the "Golden Week" holiday surrounded by nature in Karuizawa (where I went last summer). We actually had a missionary gathering, so there were 4 who came that were living in Osaka (far left, Amberly, my right, David, middle, Andrea and 4th from right, Doris), the Hieberts -- 3 of them are on the right, and a couple from Canada who are friends of the Hieberts, Jim and Irene London (on either side of Andrea). So, other than Justin, who was home for the holidays, it was neat to be able to spend the time together as MB missionaries here in Japan.
Of course, we had LOTS of chocolate -- almost everyone brought some kind of desserts, knowing they would be well appreicated among us "gaijin" (foreigners)!! We were so blessed to have Jim share with us during the 3 days -- on intimacy with God. I was challenged in soo many ways. . . and especially in my longing for God (not the things that He gives, just Him). . . and a readiness to have Him use me / see Him work.
The morning before we left. . . full, refreshed, challenged and having enjoyed many good talks together. . .but a whole lot more sleep-deprived (after all, chances to talk naturally in English don't just come everyday!!) Definitely a lot of fun! (with Cambria, Doris, Amberly and Andrea)