Back in Japan!

Hey Everyone!

Well, here I am again! Tomorrow will mark two weeks! For those of you who don't know, I'm interning with the IMB in Tokyo this summer to reach the Japanese people and spread the word! So far, it's been a great two weeks! Not easy, but it's been good! There are two other interns other than myself, and we've been doing different things throughout Tokyo and Yokohama (where I worked last summer). We've been working with the homeless ministry, doing five minute English (a way to evangelize), prayer walking, and working with students at Yokohama National University. We've also been in communication with different ministries here in Japan, and we've met a lot of neat people!

It's been an interesting adventure the last few months in learning to trust God. It can be so easy to say we trust God, but it's a completely different matter in the action department. For me, it's been the challenge of trusting God in my finances. I felt like I was getting no after no when it came to getting funding for Japan, and I ended up having to choose a shorter time to stay here. However, God is faithful, and it looks like I may be able to stay another two weeks. Again, it will be interesting to see how God provides even in these uncertain times. But like I said, it's an adventure! And Who better to be on an adventure with than the Creator Himself???

I have really enjoyed getting to know the students at Yokohama National University! We've been having English conversation together, and it's so fun and interesting to see different cultures combining! We actually have several Chinese students and a few Japanese students that come every Monday and Wednesday. I remember when I was a little girl who greatly desired to go to China as a missionary after watching the Inn of the Sixth Happiness that covered part of Gladys Alward's life. She was my hero when I was a little girl. I find it slightly ironic that I ended in Japan, at least in this stage of my life, and get to talk with Chinese students while I'm here! We've talked about several different things. Religion, politics, dorm life, etc. I love this group, and I hope that perhaps we will be able to continue our friendships even after Hannah, Rachel, and I leave.

I'm living near a very busy station named Shibuya, and it's always interesting to walk across the intersection to the station because it's the busiest intersection in Japan! You should check out a video of the Shibuya Intersection on Youtube if you ever get the chance! It's also frustrating at times though since there's always people in Shibuya. It's always busy. And you don't even wanna see it on the weekends and at night! It's a popular place to shop, and you have all sorts of styles and different people to look at. Being here is different than being in Yokohama. You have the press of people surrounding you, and it definitely makes it easier to understand why the Japanese people may only feel like a number. After all, you're just one person out of the millions who pass by each day. You also see the devastating affects of image in the advertisements, especially for women! The drive for perfection in Japan is so strong! And yet you have this opposite drive, especially towards sexuality. People are encouraged to experiment, and that was something that shocked me. Even when it comes to homosexuality and cross-dressing. They have this line of buildings called love hotels. If you can imagine what that is for, it definitely gives you a more sobering view of the Japanese people and the darkness that surrounds them. On one hand you have this great desire to be perfect, and on the other, a great desire to do whatever you please.

I have more to write, but please if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! And I have picture on Facebook that you guys should check out! :)

Peace to you all!

Keri