Lately: Picture Update

PICTURE gallery LINK

Japanese Language Class

Well, I am nearing 2 months in. Naturally, my co-workers thought my language skills would have progressed more over this short time. I, however, was not so naive. Of course I am learning but I don't expect it to come so quickly. My co-worker does admit that my hearing has improved. What she may not understand is that I am not naturally talkative in English to begin with.

A Japanese Funeral

Hey there. I have just come home from a funeral - for my boss' son (See previous post). I wanted to jot down what it was like a) so that I can remember and b) in case other people are curious. IF you didn't know, I am a Christian and grew up in Los Angeles. So, my funeral experiences are dramatically different than what I experienced here. That is what I would like to share. The day the baby died, we were all told at work. People were crying and my boss was crying. Other than that, the work day was normal. At the end of the day all office staff walked over to the boss' house. There, we greeted the grandparents. We sat on our knees in one room together huddled around the baby's body, with the parents (my boss and his wife). There was a small table with burning incense.

A call for prayer

Two days ago my boss' son passed away. It is very sad. The boy was three years old, but had suffered a heart defect that limited his growth. The boy never aged past a few months old. This is a hard time for my boss, my boss' wife, their family, as well as my co-workers. The day it happened the office was in full panic. Everyone was crying. That night we went to the family's home, sat with the baby's body and visited with the family. I was very saddened, too. It was very tough and I've never seen things like I saw that night ever before. All this to say, what a seemingly good way to share God's message to everyone involved. The good news is that while that baby suffered here on earth, the Bible tells us that since he was too young to know good or evil he is with God in Heaven. Better yet, he is in a new heavenly body - healthy and full of life for eternity. If you can pray for me specifically through this time. Tomorrow is the service and I am preparing to be of any use. Please pray that I get an opportunity to share God to these people. I want to be on call for the Holy Spirit here specifically. Thank you!