What do you think??

So, I have a question for you all. This Friday I'm going to be speaking during the chapel time at the school that Cambria and Trenton (Hiebert) go to. My theme is DOUBT. Yeah, not quite the typical fare. But, it's something I think I needed to hear when I was their age (grades 5 to 9). I remember once in youth Sunday School being asked if we ever had doubts about our faith. . . I was the only one who raised their hand. Is it just me, or are we really "discouraged" from doubting, almost as if it's akin to sin at times? I agree that doubt can be a threat to faith, especially depending on what we do with that doubt. On the other hand, I know that if I didn't have questions and seasons of doubt that I wouldn't have the real faith that, by God's amazing grace, I am daily blessed and encouraged by.
I was looking for the reflections of others on the topic, when I found these:
"Faith which does not doubt is dead faith" - Miguel de Chamuno
"Doubt isn't the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith" - Paul Tillich
I'm interested to hear what your thoughts are. . .

So, to continue on the theme of foods I wouldn't normally eat at home in Canada. . . here's a "taste" of our "takoyaki" party at one of my student's houses. (By the way, "tako" means octopus -- it's not Mexican here. . . and "yaki" is fried -- first you dump batter over the grill filled with 18 round indents, throw octopus, green onions, dried shrimp, pickled ginger and deep fried bits of batter randomly on top, wait until the batter has set a bit, and then comes the fun of using shiskabob sticks to cut around each of those indents, trying to get everything into a nicely shaped, browned little ball, to be garnished with brown sauce, mayo, seaweed, and fish shavings that "dance" on top. )
Since this is an "Osaka food", I've had the opportunity to participate and somewhat (and I use that very loosely) hone my art of "takoyaki" making, but most of the students at the party had never tried before -- they were pretty excited (about that, and the fact that the "takoyaki" maker was "dirt cheap". . . who says parties can't be educational?!)
Something else that's neat about this group of women in the picture is that at the beginning of January I had no idea who they were. My first week back teaching and 4 enthusiastic (and talkative) women entered the class. . . things have never been the same, I end up learning more Japanese than they do English sometimes ;-), but it's been great to get to know them!

Making Miso!! So, I've mentioned about my friend Chiaki here who works at a farm, where I've been to visit a few times. This time it was to make "miso" the old-fashioned way. Miso is a popular soup base here in Japan -- many families "drink" miso soup every day (sometimes with breakfast!) When I arrived, they had the soybeans boiling outside, and stuck some potatoes and sweet potatoes in the fire for our lunch later.

Here Chiaki and I are mixing the "ground up" soybeans (yeah, just like hamburger meat) with fermented rice, salt and water. We made balls out of the mixture, and then threw it into a bucket (you have to do this to get the air out, although I have to admit, it was a lot of fun. . . who needs self-help books on stress relief when you have miso?!) It will sit in that bucket, sealed away, for a year. . . when it will be "fermented", ready for use in the kitchen and to be drunk out of someone's soup bowl. It's been really neat to be able to get to know the family at the farm here, and connect with them a few times already. I know Chiaki so much wants to be a witness to those around her, and so it's neat for them to be able to meet another Christian too. :-)

This past Friday, 2 of my students (not including the little girl, but she is studying English and she's pretty good!!) and I went to make pottery!! Since this area is pretty well known for it's articles made from clay (good soil here or something), we drove out to the ceramics museum where they offer little demos on how to make your own creations, and then you just buy the clay, some time in this room. . . and then let your creative energies flow! In our case, it was close to 3 hours by the time we were finished. . . but so neat to see what we were able to "design", and to watch others working nearby (who were definitely not amateurs like the 3 of us!!) Guess we'll see how they turn out when we go back next month to pick them up. . .

What's for dinner??

Any guesses on this one? Well, since I got a Japanese cookbook (written in English) for my birthday, I decided that I should at least try something. . . while getting the ingredients was in a part of the grocery store I had never really explored before, the finished product was pretty good. So, if any of you are interested in this seaweed (black pieces), mushroom, and fried tofu dish, (I forgot the carrots, ironically!!) you know where to go. (But don't worry, Bob, I won't make you eat it!!)


And for dessert, if you "still" have an appetite, you might try out the. . . "Unbelievable" (yes, that was the name of it -- though it's a bit of a stretch to understand the Japanese version of "English" at times). It was a pretty amazing, glorified (even though we went for the 2 litre reduced whip cream version) parfait. Our eyes were a little bigger than our stomachs, though, as our stomachs started to feel it by the time we got past all the "toppings" (and to the real ice cream). Nevertheless, definitely an adventure! (with L-R Chiaki from church, Cambria Hiebert and Grimi - Korean girl that comes to youth)

One year already?!?

Ok, so this is actually a few days late, but my "1 year anniversary" in Toyota was Saturday the 4th. Hard to believe I had no idea who these people were only 369 days ago. I was thinking back about how I had pictured things would be, before I arrived that evening last February. I was excited, but incredibly nervous about living with a family here for a month, not the least of which was having to use Japanese!! (Despite my "best intentions" about studying in Canada. . . I think I did about once!) It's pretty important to use the "right language" especially in a situation where I would basically be "indebted" to the family here for letting me stay with them. But everything changed when, within about 1/2 an hour after getting inside the house, Chiharu started talking to me in very friendly, casual Japanese. . . something I hadn't expected! I learned to quickly get used to listening (since Chiharu likes talking ;-), sharing about myself, being part of a Japanese family and immersed in "kids' talk" (with a 2 and 4 year-old) for the first time.
The other day I went to her place for lunch. We laughed, shared what's been going on, I made a dumb mistake in Japanese (said that Martha was sitting "under" Jesus instead of "down" at his feet, and we laughed about that. . .), prayed together, and couldn't believe how soon she had to go and pick up Hikaru (her son) from kindergarten. So, today I reflect especially on what a blessing Chiharu has been in my life -- God gives us family even "far from home", and she is most definitely a sister at heart.

Ureshii na!!

(Literally, I'm happy! Probably gives you a hint as to why there's so much "nonsensical" English around here. . . the two languages are just VERY different!!)
The reason why I'm happy, well, one of them is, this weekend I bought daffodils!! Aren't they cute?! I've been meaning to put something in my pots for a while, and since my outdoor plant died while I was home at Christmas, I decided to go to the home centre to see what I could find. . . and so spring has arrived (at least inside my little house! :-)


Another exciting thing that happened today was. . . all of the "foreigners" -- ie. the Hiebert family and I -- got to wear kimonos!! Two older ladies from church have been working so hard at getting everything ready (including asking numerous people and a rental place if they happened to have a kimono long enough for a 183 cm tall girl -- we ended up giving up ;-), but it's only noticeable in the sleeves!!). Then, two of their friends came to help put the kimonos on us this morning (it's quite a process -- what I'm wearing in this picture was my "underwear" -- 3 layers before you actually get the kimono on!) Making sure everything is in the right place, getting the bottom to lay nicely, and the obi (belt) tied is something that, these days, most Japanese people can't do on their own, and rely on special "dressers" for these kinds of occassions (which, are happening less and less).

My church family -- at least, those who were there this morning! Funny how we are dressed in traditional Japanese garb, and it's the Japanese who came in jeans! The Hiebert family and I in front (L-R): Trenton(12), Brandon(17), Laurence, Leona, and Cambria (15).

Cambria and I showing off the obi in the back of our kimonos. . . notice how Cambria's kimono has long-sleeves (for young women who aren't married) and the bow is tied up (hard to see in this picture). Here they often refer to young women "older sister" and a little bit older (30s-50s) as "aunt", even older becomes "grandma". It's the same for men. So, I was joking with everyone that I had already gotten "promoted" to the "aunt" style of obi tying -- no longer "cute and fun". . . ;-)


Just me (and my camera) -- having a little fun at my house! Definitely a special memory. . .

Couldn't resist. . .

Here she is. . . little miss Acacia. . . wearing, I must say, something I'm sure she will treasure for the rest of her life!! (thanks Suzanne :-) Only thing is, I know she's already surpassed me in terms of charming, and it's only a matter of time with sophistication. . . ;-)

So, this is Christmas. . .

. . . reality check. . . so I was already having a few identity issues about "visiting Canada" for 2 weeks, when I fell, out skating with my dad and brother. Ok, so I wasn't that great at it even when I did live there. . . It was definitely a lot of fun to skate out on the little river like 1/4 of a mile away from my house -- first time ever, so I guess you can't say there was NO benefit to all the rain. . .
Bob and I at New Year's -- yeah, I'm guessing that's probably quite "self-explanatory" for many of you. . . Had a great time hanging out with a few Bethany friends at Rochelle and Harley's place! Bring on the bowl game, Cranium, and a whole lot of Rochelle's amazing fruit and taco dip (NOT the same thing, in case you were wondering!)
My "new and expanded" family. . . Absolutely fabulous to spend time with my family -- laughing, playing games by the fireplace, and being together!! And it was nothing but amazing to finally meet my Acacia (niece). . . definitely one fab girl who holds a big place in my heart!! Hard to explain how proud and blessed I feel. . .

Kristin, Foord -- I apologize, well, in retrospect. . .?! Yeah, sorry, no privacy regulations on these blogs. . . I can't say how much I love all of you, my friends, and how incredible it was to spend time together -- reminisce, be crazy and share our hearts.
The continuation of New Year's (sorry, I'm too scared to try moving things around in here because I've had it backfire before. . . and you know how often I write, so that could end up being more than a little detrimental ;-) Out in Rochelle's backyard (before being bombarded by snowballs) enjoying her hot tub in the, well, early hours of the morning. . .

I have to say that I was blessed to spend with all of you at home during my time there -- I was refreshed by seeing you. I often remember you, pray for you and miss being with you. Thanks for enriching my life in so many ways!! XOXO

December reflections. . .

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!! We were all surprised to see how much snow there was this week (I was very excited, others weren't so much!) Although it melted rather quickly, it made for a very pretty world of white, and. . . I think Christmas is just better with snow!

At the beginning of December, there was a baptism at the church!!! Yohei (jr. high student) and Cambria Hiebert (part of the missionary family here) took the plunge! Very exciting to hear their testimonies, and be encouraged about how God is working in their lives

Playing games together after the "Canadian Christmas Dinner" we hosted last weekend. . . interesting how quickly the salads went (as compared with meat!!), but I think everyone really enoyed it! Of course, in keeping with the theme for the night, I had to introduce them to a truly "North American" game (?!) -- spoons!! I think it was a little on the "wild" side for a few, and I hope I didn't ruin the "Canadian reputation" over here (after all, it's a pretty big responsibility!! ;-)

Food as an art. . .

It most definitely is more than just "eating" here -- the beauty, colour, shape and appearance of the (many) dishes are just as important as the taste of the food, which of course often relates to whatever is "in season" at any particular time (menus in restaurants frequently change here!)

A more traditional Japanese "set" meal.

A step up from your basic "Ichiban" or "Mr. Noodles" -- the Japanese version of "fast food". . . there are noodle shops in trains stations where you can stand as you slurp (which is polite here) down the noodles, leaving just enough time to catch your train!
Once again, the cakes are no exception to the "beauty in the details" that is prided by Japanese people. They may be small, but they look amazing!! Actually, most people here, if you ask them about Christmas, one of the first things they mention is "Christmas cake", since it's become popular to order a cake and eat it with family on December 25th.
Some squid and other seafood up for sale. . . you also often see packages like this filled with Japanese "pickles" -- NOT my favourite part of the cuisine, but they enjoy them on the side with many meals.
And, of course. . . what would Japan be without SUSHI?! Actually, these are wax models of the "lunch boxes" the store is selling inside. . . quite handy for foreigners, since at many restaurants you can decide what to order before even stepping inside the door!

These things are everywhere. . . standing out in front of some houses next to the gate. . . you are never more than 300 metres away from one. . . and at train stations sometimes you find whole rooms full of vending machines -- everything from hot (milk tea, coffee) and cold drinks (pocari sweat, calpis -- which, I happen to like by the way, even though it is, umm. . . fermented milk :-s) to ice cream, noodles, energy bars, hamburgers, and probably whatever else you can imagine. . . They even have digital displays showing beautiful Japanese cartoon women bowing in gratitude for your purchase!!

Not exactly your "traditional" Japanese cuisine, but I thought it was rather amusing how the McDonalds here are trying to portray their "healthy image". . . by comparing the amount of calories in other Japanese dishes with that a Big Mac, apple pie or fries. Guess the new "trend" to at least look healthy is universal. . . only here they've started from the other side!
A shop selling bars of jellied sweet beans -- with flavours ranging from green tea, brown sugar, "cherry blossom" (whatever that really means) and the ever popular "red bean" flavour. And, I do have to admit, once you've been here for a while, you start to crave it too. . . no longer are beans only a vegetable. . . :-)

So, everybody here thinks that. . .

. . . just because I'm from Canada, the fall leaves here must pale in comparison. . . I beg to differ -- and can you argue? Seriously, the brilliant colours covering the mountainsides, and the fact that you can find every shade from green to deep crimson on the same Japanese maple sometimes is incredible to me. I still love my Manitoba, but. . .

My parents and I spent a week travelling together, taking in some of the sights (lots of Japanese gardens -- you can't help but appreciate the Japanese attention to detail and beauty, and intensive labour!), enjoying the hot springs here (yes, the ones without bathing suits!), putting my "translation skills" to the test. . . :-s, visiting some students and friends they met last time in Osaka, including my "Japanese parents" (I'm being well "taken care of" here too!).
Some of my students felt mom and dad should get in on traditional culture and bought some 2nd hand kimonos for them (afterwards they explained that actually the one my dad is wearing is "underwear" :-b) Being a young person and teaching a high percentage of people closer to your parents' ages than your own, it's understandable they're interested in meeting those who brought such a wonderful human being into the world (that, or finding out some dirt that you'd been able to supress so well with no intereferance from the "other world" -- ie. Canada). (Actually, I do sometimes end up making "liberal generalizations" about "Canada" -- well, when they look on you as the expert, it is a pretty big boost to the self-esteem -- and was "corrected" the other day when my dad was listening in on one of my conversations -- so much for that "image". . .) Either way, we sure felt the immense kindness and warm hearts from students, as we visited together in class, and got together for a (sukiyaki) party one night.

One of the reasons I love Toyota is the fact that within a few minutes' walking disatance from my house I can find trails up into the mountains. . . you just don't get that in Osaka. So, when we hiked up to this lookout point nearby, we were rewarded with an amazing view of the area! Can't help but praise our amazing Creator! It's already the middle of December, but there are still leaves on the trees here. . . definitely makes winter feel shorter! But, I'm glad I'll at least be back to enjoy a "white Christmas" again this year. . .

Open Sunday. . .

These past 2 Sundays have been our official "Open Sundays" for the new church. . . something that has been anticipated and prayed for by many here both in Japan and North America. God has given (through the prompting and generous support of many people) us a beautiful building, but much more than that, a church family of believers here. I am so thankful for each of the people worshipping here, and it is exciting to see how God has worked in strengthening relationships through this building process, and making us more aware of how we need to be a living example of what the church is . . . This past Sunday, quite a few families who have never been to church or rarely attend came to the worship service. We also had a special kids' program during the service and made advent calendars together with over 20 kids (some came back from summer kids' club and other students from English classes! :-)!! Pray with us that these kids will think about the true meaning of Christmas as we anticipate this special season, and will join us again for the Christmas Eve candlelight service, or Christmas morning. Though we can do nothing on our own, we know Who holds both our and these precious lives. 

Best birthday gift ever. . .

Ok, so it was almost 2 weeks ago already, but having my parents arrive just in time for my birthday (on the 17th) was pretty exciting!!!! :-D I felt like a little kid again with all the anticipation, all the stuff they spoiled me with ;-), and having the amazing opportunity to spend time together for these past couple of weeks (they leave this Saturday). Though I hope the pictures and stories on this blog give you an idea about my life here, it is great to have someone come and share in that, and experience those two worlds come together in a special way. . . Praise God for He is so good!! 

You can't live here without. . .

. . . having caught a sense of the Japanese love and pride for their "Fuji-san" (Mt. Fuji). Although it may become more than a beautiful piece of nature to some, being able to see this magnificent mountain (clearly) from my hotel window for the 3 days I spent at the Church Planting (CPI) conference was wonderful!! Not only that, the conference itself was amazing!!! God definitely used the speakers, words spoken and the people I met there to encourage, refresh and challenge me. Sometimes even the most basic ideas, spoken again or in a new way, have a way of meeting us in a special and fresh way. Praise God. . . that He is working here. . . and that He is using people (Japanese and missionaries) accross the country who are passionate about Him to share from their heart. Pray that we foreigners will be "out of work" here. . . I want to challenge you with a quote from this conference that has impacted me deeply, and I pray that I will remember daily as I realize how Jesus is working in and changing my life. "You cannot commend what you don't cherish." May we cherish our Saviour and Lord above all!!! 

Halloween party!!

So, I have to admit, I was pretty proud of Cambria and I. . . for our amazing powers of creativity and ingenuity in costume creation this year, not to mention "cultural appropriateness" (since hearing "onigiri"(rice ball) and "kani" (crab) don't quite get the same reaction from Canadians!). The youth party we had for Halloween at the church was a great time of all kinds of games (finding candy in a bowl of flour), crafts (jack-0-lanterns out of balloons), singing, laughing and finding out a bit more about Jesus together. One of my students and her friend even came for the first time, which was super exciting! Let the good times roll. . . 

Slightly different than your average "Turtle Derby Parade"

For those of you who have no idea what the "Turtle Derby" entails. . . are you ever missing out!! :-b If you've ever seen a small town parade, you can picture what I'm talking about! Somehow our floats look a little shabby next to these elaborate ones displayed on the temple grounds. (see next pics for more explanation on that. . .) 

Two little boys sitting uptop one of the floats, having fun throwing down confetti on those walking down below. 

Okay, so I'm a little behind here. . .

"Koromo Matsuri" -- the annual fall festival here in Toyota took place in the middle of October. Isn't this little boy (Yuuto) the cutest ever?? I became friends with his parents since they have a hair salon nearby where I've been going (hence the highlights and permed hair on this little guy!!) Although they were working this day, her parents offered to take Yuuto and I.
Apparently these "floats" are each maintained by individual communities within Toyota, on the Saturday of the festival paraded around in these areas, and then Sunday (before we arrived) brought to sit at the big temple near the city centre. The paper you see strewn around that Yuuto is throwing is the confetti that they shower on the floats as they enter the temple grounds. 

Sports Festivals are a big thing here. . .

. . .held in the fall at every kindergarten and elementary schools (as well as some jr. highs), the kids prepare and perform songs, chants, dance routines, and various athletic feats (well, I watched the kindergarten level. . . ;-)
The "kiiro-gumi" (yellow class) is the one Hikaru, my little host brother is in, along with 5 of my English students, so it was pretty fun to see all of them out there having a great time!


Let the race begin. . . the kids ran from one end of the field to the other (mind you, a little scaled down ;-) and into their teacher's open arms. The boy on the left and 2 girls are come to my English class! I even got to participate in one race (putting together a giant puzzle of Chip and Dale) with Hikaru.


This was an activity for the oldest group of kids (ages 3 to 6 attend this kindergarten, since kids here can go for up to 3 years -- 2 is pretty much standard. Kindergartens are completely separate from elementary schools.) Grandparents and kids from 2 "teams" competed in throwing these "bean bags" into the bucket on top of a pole. They also had a "tug-of-war" for the parents to participate in.


My (host) sister and I watching the action. . . well, you never really know with Moe. When she wasn't trying to get in on the action with the "big kids", she spent time exploring the grounds. Her face really says everything. . .

Little Hikaru on the far left with some of his buddies at school, celebrating with their medals after the festival was over. :-)