You know you're in Japan when...

Konnichiwa Everyone!

Well, I have a lot of catching up to do, so I'll try to do my best. First off, everyone here has been absolutely wonderful! I'm starting to feel like part of the group and no longer a foreign stranger. I can laugh with them, cry with them, and try to do my best for them. They love me unconditionally, and I hope to do the same. This is a praying church. Nothing is done without prayer, and I love that! It's widening my prayer life, and I hope to continue in my growth as a Christian.

My trip to Mt. Fuji was great! We stayed in a nice condominium place, and you could see Mt. Fuji from our balcony! The first day we arrived, the weather was very cloudy, and there was no way to see the mountain. Second day was clearer, but Mt. Fuji was still covered at the top. So I could see the base, and I could start to see some of the magnificence people have described. Yet I still couldn't quite see the whole thing. Finally, on the last day, God let me see that glorious mountain. So majestic and awe inspiring. I could see why it's such a popular mountain to paint and to take pictures of. It reminded me of an unsaved person searching for Jesus. They don't understand at first, and they can't see the mountain, so they have to trust that He is there, even if they have their doubts. Then they begin to see Him, but they still don't quite understand. And finally, they see God and His unending mercy. I hope that the people I pray for will eventually find Him and live a life they couldn't even imagine without God.

We visited six lakes in all. Five of them were formed by the Fuji when it exploded about a thousand years ago. The other was located near the hot springs near Hakone. They were really beautiful, and they looked almost black because of the natural lava rock beneath the water. Very cool. It was beautiful to see, and I love how God's handiwork is so obviously seen no matter where you go. In the trees, the water, the clouds, the animals, etc... He is quite brilliant if I do say so myself. :)

As some of you may know, I had my nineteenth birthday this past Friday. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to top it! It was so great, and the love I feel from these people is sometimes overwhelming. I can only begin to hope that I can repay their kindness somehow. They make me want to be a servant and to follow God in all I say and do. They sharpen me, and I hope that I can help do the same. I went with the Moris to lunch with their art group, and it was a really nice restaurant! Very decorative plates, champagne (Which I didn't drink- I still need a year till that. haha), and good service. It was a really pleasant time with a view that was to die for. It was at a hotel located at Kamukara beach overlooking the water. Really nice stuff. Then I arrived about an hour too early for my "surprise" party at Crystal Chapel. So I walked with my friend Riko and played with the little kids while I waited for them to finish setting up. It was a lot of fun, and they got me Costco pizza and sushi to eat, as well as cake and presents! They also sang me a really sweet blessing song. It made me want to cry! I don't think you could have made it a more special occasion. Thank you everyone! :)

I still haven't had a full work week yet. Everyone wants to take me places and do things with me. They're so kind and generous! So I'm waiting for the newness to wear off so I can just be part of the group. I hope that they'll soon feel comfortable enough to relax and not worry about trying to impress me or give me things. I'm here to serve them, but as my mom has said, often the people you are serving serve you more. I can use all your prayers, and I hope that the rest of this trip will go really well! I have a Japanese tea on Wednesday, a concert on Saturday, and English to teach! I hope all will go well!

Peace to you all!

Keri Lynn