Almost 5,000 miles of driving later, we are back in Japan from our whirlwind support-raising trip! It was wonderful to meet with our supporting churches and those who are partnering with us as we work on reaching our Japanese community and serving the missionary community in Japan! If you'd like to commit to supporting us in the work we do, or have questions about how you can help, please let us know.
As I write each month, I picture many of your faces, reading on the other end of the screen. Today, I have fresh memories, as I remember laughing across your delicious tables, sharing cozily on your couches over a cup of coffee, and enjoying the breeze in backyards overflowing with bug spray, wafting barbecue and damp children. Thank you, each, for the delicious food, the laughter, the tears, the attention and time for us and our stories, for sharing your lives with us.
On the plane home I had a few moments when all three littles slept. A line from a movie (Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) lingers as I reflect on this summer: "There is no present like the time." Thank you for the gift of your time.
Gratitude!
1) Our kids are healthy and resilient! Nearly every night one would ask, "are we sleeping here?" They were overjoyed to return home to their familiar territory. Yet we are grateful that they grew in their capacity to handle change and unfamiliar. They engaged deeply with so many new and old friends - and cousins - so many cousins!
2) As I told many of you in person, we rest heavily on your prayers. "You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation . . . . I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise" (2 Corinthians 1, The Message). We feel loved and supported, having connected with many of our cloud of witnesses first hand.
Prayers
1) The kids and I came back to Japan early to spend some time with my siblings and parents. Ryan stayed in the states for two more weeks to finish his last on-site class at Calvin College for his Masters of Education. Please pray for me as I solo parent, and as we all adjust to home and this time zone! Please pray for Ryan as he works through his research and ideas. He will spend the next school year doing his research project, in addition to teaching.
2) We're on the cusp of many new opportunities and changes as we move into the fall. Please pray for wisdom as we choose between various options, take on leadership positions and renew responsibilities at CAJ and in our community.
We love hearing from you! Thanks to each of you who take the time to pray for us and to send us a quick encouragement!
