'Manda's Adventure in Japan!: Summer in Okinawa

Hello everyone! Once again, i must apologize for the absence of posts.

This summer was a lot more busy than i thought it would be.

But, i am making my goal to be one to two posts a month, instead of trying to get one done every week (that's really what i want, but i keep failing to do so).

So here is an update for you all what has happened since S.O.S. started:

We had two VBS's we helped out with, both (ironic) in the same building! The first was New Life Academy's Sea adventure VBS that we helped with. it was every friday for atleast 4 weeks i believe.

Then the next was the 5 day VBS that CCO (calvary chapel okinawa city) had (they share the building with new life academy for church and school). It was the theme of Joseph in Egypt!! that was a BLAST! we decorated the WHOLE inside of the building to look like Egypt, the palace, and everyone wore outfits! i had never been to a VBS as a kid really, and never helped with one like this before. i feel like i had just as much fun as the kids did. We had a good mix of american kids and Japanese kids. it was so blessed, with translations for the songs and group time too!

One song i get stuck in my head from it is this "for I know the plans i have for you, says the Lord whoa-oh-ohuoh-oh oh-oh-oh, they are plans for good and not disaster, plans to give you hope and a future! they are plans for good and not disaster, why? because He told us so! ooh whoa ooh!" it's so fun, i wish i could show you the hand motions that go with it.

Then, we have had child care and teaching on Kadena base on Tuesdays, and for another study on Wednesdays on Foster. both are for american military kids, and have been a blessing. we are on a two week break right now for Kadena, and the Foster one just ended this past Wednesday.

Both are such a blessing and have taught me a lot about teaching and taking care of these kids.

We did a lot of sight seeing this summer (mainly in Nago), and made it atleast 3 times to Pineapple park (its so tasty~).

One of the last cool things we got to do before the students left, was go to a Matsuri. A matsuri (for those who do not know), it's a festival that's held every year in the summer (some into the fall i believe). But, as with most everything else in Japan, the culture makes it ten times more fun and cool and cute.

everyone wears Yukatas and jinbei (girl and guy outfits), the summer version of kimono and stuff, and heads to the fair to eat food from booths, play games (i played the fish game! you try to catch a gold fish with a rice paper paddle), hang out, and watch fireworks at the end.

The whole thing has been a dream of mine to see and go to for YEARS. i really enjoyed it, it was my first one.

My little sister was really excited to go too, she bought a yukata just for the event. Everyone really enjoyed their time, and especially the fireworks at the end.

We also finally got to go to the SECRET WATERFALL!!!!! ( missed it last summer when i went to Korea) Yes! it was so much fun! it was so beautiful too!!! man, there are so many things i have seen here that i NEVER thought i'd be seeing in my life. this island is beautiful.

Well, after that, this past Tuesday all the S.O.S. students took off for home.

it was funny, because they all left the same time around the same time! they all flew to Tokyo, and Allie was the only one who went further (she had to fly 28 hours back to Michigan....loonggg).

It was really sad to see everyone go, and to see them so sad to leave too (They all cried). but it was really comforting in my heart to know that they weren't crying for a bad reason, but a good one. they all made REALLY good friends out here, life friendships, and were changed and used by God, and blessed and were a blessing. They had a GOOD summer.

Well, now i have a bit of a break until the students get here. I've just been relaxing and getting my classes prepped.

I am teaching ESL1 (the level one English class for the Japanese students attending this semester), and Missions class. Neither of my classes are translated, so i have a bit less to work on than other interns. I am really happy to be teaching these classes, i am getting blessed by what i am studying for it, and missions has been on my mind and heart lately.

I want to have so much more of a greater heart for the lost, and i know i do care (i wouldn't be in Japan if i didn't), but i want to care more. I want a heart like Jesus'.

So that's what i'm praying for, that's what i want to let God do in my heart. i'm excited to see what He does in me, He is always faithful to move and change me.