Back to School... In Japan?

Konbawa Everyone!

Well, day two of school is complete! And how am I going to celebrate? Why going to Mt. Fuji of course! haha. Yesterday was my first day working at the school. It was great getting to see all the kids and finally put faces to the people who had been preparing for my arrival for a few months now. They even had a countdown for when I would arrive! The kids were and are great welcoming me to Japan and making my stay as comfortable as they can. I've already made friendships that will probably last a lifetime. Hikari, nickname is Pea-chan, has been so helpful and so talkative. Yuko has been faithful as always in taking me to school, making my schedule, and just being a really good friend I can confide in. Everyone has been more than willing to teach me all the Japanese I need to know. I wish I could stay longer and really become fluent in the language...

The kids welcomed me with a banner that read, "Welcome to Japan!" and they sang songs that had some words translated into English so I could sing along! I met the Down Syndrome girl that is the same age as my sister, Keva. Her name is Seiko, and she is so sweet! She gave me a note that said she was so happy for me to be there and that she wanted to become good friends with me. Hinako too gave me a note and I was warmed by their gracious hospitality and a real curiosity about who I was and where I had came from.

Crystal Chapel, the new building, is very open. You can hear other classrooms in your room, so it can be a bit distracting at times, but I am getting used to it. The trees within the building are really cool, and I love how open the building feels!

Today was my second day, and I am working with Mrs. Edith teaching English. We taught seven lessons today, from elementary to Jr. High to High school to adults and babies. It was a wide spectrum of ages, and it was a bit overwhelming. However, God truly blessed me and I was able to really enjoy myself and enjoy teaching English. I read a book to two of the groups I was teaching in, and I found myself thinking while I was reading, "Now this is what I really want to do!" I remember my mom reading the way I was to the kids, and I thanked my lucky stars I was able to have a mom like her. :) The kids are so precious, and it makes me want to stay in Japan for forever. I only hope that the feeling doesn't ware off when the newness of being in Japan and teaching wears off. With God's help, I don't think my passion will ware off at all, even if it will be hard at times. I want to serve Him here for the summer, and then follow His lead from there. God is omnipotent, and without Him, I would be lost. He is the real reason everything has gone so smoothly so far, and I hope that He will continue to guide me and teach me. I love how this church prays all the time. They pray at the beginning of a lesson, at the end of a lesson, before a meal, when they are about to make an important decision, meet together, or just in the car. I am impressed, but I know it is God Who is truly to praise for the people following Him so faithfully here. I can only hope that He will do the same for me.

Well, due to the fact that it is late, I must retire for the night. Big day ahead of me tomorrow with my trip and all. Please continue to pray for me, for I truly feel all your prayers! I love you all! And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Peace to you all,

Keri Lynn