'Manda's Adventure in Japan!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!

2011-07-16T17:36:00.002+09:00

Hey everybody,

As you know, me and Eder were in the process of getting ready to be married. Well, a midst lots of planning and traveling, i didn't have the chance to post during that time.

And now, me and Eder have a combined blog, which you can go to here:

www.stepinthewater.blogspot.com

We only have a couple posts up, but its what God has started since returning to Okinawa.
I want to make posts of our wedding, or atleast post a link to share photos. So if you have not already seen photos people have taken posted on Facebook, then please wait and when we get our photos back from the photographer, we will post a link on our new blog.

So please follow our new blog, me and Eder will probably be closing these blogs down in a little while, and just posting on the new one.

Thanks for praying, and thank you for following us as we follow God.
-'manda

Past weeks~

2011-04-12T11:41:00.004+09:00

A much needed update!

So, here are the things that have happened since i last posted:

We had MIDTERMS! The students did great, everyone studied very hard and didn't get too stressed out.

We took the students and youth to the small Island Tonaki Jima (Jima means island) for a 4 day youth retreat camp. It was a BLAST! We set up 7 tents (most people we've ever brought there, we bring the population up by over 20%, only 400 people live there), and one main tent to eat our food and have our studies under. We had afterglow bon fires, marshmellow time, hot cocoa and cookies. We had a total of about 6 teachings, all from the interns or bible college students. It was a very blessed time, God spoke to everyone in a really special way. The camp theme was "Search My Heart" out of Psalm 139. "Search me, o God, and know my heart, try me, and know my anxieties, and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Interns, students, and youth were all spoken to. And God gave us AMAZING weather the whole time, it never rained, and the sun came out every day (wind was a little cold, but people still swam).

After coming back, we jumped right back into classes. There are only 5 weeks left of school! Everyone is preparing for finals, and finishing up their ministries at the different churches this month.

We've also been sending supplies or sending people to help out in mainland with the relief efforts. CCOkinawa and some from CCGinowan have already gone, helping with the churches out there (CCTokorozawa etc.). Keep on praying for Japan, they got hit with more earthquakes in the past week, even one this morning.
Pray for this to be Japan's turning point, God is calling out to them strongly. They need Him as their hope.

We also have the worship conference "Worship in Hard Times" that we are hosting here at the church coming up. It will be a three day conference, with teachers coming from all over Japan.
It's cool, because the theme was picked out before the disasters hit mainland. It's something we need to learn about, because it's hard to worship in hard times.

The Guam missions team is also heading out tomorrow (Wednesday), so please pray for Tommy and the College students who are heading out. A team of 12 students will be heading out there, first to mainland to stop in Tokyo and do a one day conference there (worship conference) and then head out to Guam to do a longer one there, and minister at the church.

Easter is also coming up, we are doing a breakfast and one easter service on sunday (normally we do a sunrise service), and possibly a children's outreach at the park later that day.
Then, it's finals! It is going by so fast, really only less than 4 weeks until semester closes.

It's exciting to see the things God is stirring in the students hearts. I've talked with a few who are really feeling called back here to Japan, even Okinawa. I hope to see many faces back here again.

Times flies, and it's almost our wedding time. We are very busy with work schedules here at the school and other responsibilities. Sometimes it's hard to find time to plan for the wedding, but it keeps getting provided for. So many people have offered to help and are pitching in to either make things, plan things, or even buy some things. It's such a huge blessing, i know not everyone gets this much help when they plan their wedding.

Thank you everyone who reads this, your a real blessing to us. We are excited to get to share in celebration with you soon!

God bless you all,

-'Manda

Pictures!

2011-03-04T11:03:00.010+09:00

(From the previous post)

Me and Allie (my mom, me, and allie outside Justco!)

My mom at Araha beach. (first picture of me and eder on my new camera)

Me and my sister being cool. (we took my mom to mcdonalds - because it tastes better here and has Shaka Shaka chiken!)

Okinawa~

This drink (a tea) had catnip in it. (Eder's fruit roll-up tongue tattoo)

I bought a new air freshener for the room. (pictures from ESL class)

My ESL2 students! Chala! Aya!

The random mystery bag in the cafe. (last day of MELT class at the university)

Women's Breakfast group ^_^ (me and Natsuki chilling after Wednesday night Bible study)

Last of the Sakura blossoms

Pictures from our engagement photo day~

My Tanuki (raccoon) slippers from Eder.

It started in a flash!

2011-02-09T15:13:00.004+09:00

We have now ended our 5th week of the semester.
Times flies!!

Well, here are some updates on what has happened since i last posted:

(Pictures will be in the following post)

Me and Eder have started planning our wedding, making preperations to head back to the states, making phone calls with families, deciding what things are needed and have to get done Japan-side. God has really blessed us, He has given us so much favor, and a lot of the work and planning is being done for us. We really are excited and so blessed.

My sister flew in for this semester, along with a surprise gift: my Mom!!!
It worked out that my mom could fly to Okinawa cheaply, and so she hopped on the plane with my sister and stayed for a week. It was a shock! I was completely surprised!

We had a blast, showing her around the island, introducing her to all the people we know out here, showing her how we have been living for the past 2 years. It was amazing.
It was a complete blessing, it was really good to see her again.

Then semester started, and we are full with students once again! We have a really awesome crew this semester (like every semester!), everyone is so unique and interesting, a lot of different stories and backgrounds.
I haven't gotten a lot of pictures of everyone yet, but i hope to soon. They are so cool to watch and listen to.

I am only teaching one class this semester, ESL 2, with my two students from last semester: Chala and Aya! I LOVE teaching them, they are the most precious women ever. God really blesses me through them.

I tag-team the women's Discipleship study/class with Tamiko (she teaches the Japanese students), but it doesn't really feel like a class. It's been really good studying for this class though, God has really been speaking (to me for sure) to us a lot about prayer through it.

We go through a book written by Chuck Smith on prayer, called "Effective Prayer Life", and i really see it coming true.

Other than that, the rest is pretty much the normal thing; ministries around the island, English/Japanese classes, cooking, grading.
But, by only the second week in, and I had already seen God do an amazing thing. He completely hears prayers, He hears MY prayers, and answers them. He acts.
I was praying for God to act, for God to provide and come through. And He did. God never lets us down, He's good on His word.
We always know God can do things, but we don't often trust Him to do it. I find myself re-evaluating my relationship with God a lot more recently. I see that there are a lot of things that i believe, but i don't trust in, there are a lot of things that i know are true, but i don't really step out and test it.
Not talking about testing God, but proving His promises sure and true.

God has been challenging me in my prayer time. He really encouraged me with James 5, it talks about Elijah praying for the rain to stop, and it did for 3 years or so.
Just a normal man like Elijah prayed fervently/earnestly and the rain stopped.
What about me? If i pray will God really do something so crazy like stop the weather?
God showed me He does. And He will.

We recently got blessed heading out to King Kong Yakiniku, after helping out CCOkinawa with their belated Valentines couple dinner. We did kids for them, VBS style! There were so many kids, that it needed to be split up into groups and different rooms and activities. The night went really smooth, the Lord blessed us as we helped.

We also headed to the beach for the first time this year, the students loved it. A lot of them even go into the water ! (it was really warm that day, some of the students from colder climates couldn't believe how warm it was, and it wasn't even summer heat yet - pray for them!).

This weekend, i got asked to sing at a couple from our church's wedding. Me and Pastor Tim (up in Nago) are providing background music for their reception.

The songs we have been practicing have really been speaking to my heart recently.

One of the songs talks about all the great things we have in Jesus, how He made us holy and chosen by His grace and love, and that He gave our life purpose when it had none, and filled us with a treasure that never fades. It's really refreshing in the heart and soul to remember what Jesus did for us.

"Come Jesus come".

Keep us in your prayers, we want to serve God faithfully, we want to live pleasing to Him, and to live like Jesus: loving others. "Walk in love towards others."

-'Manda

New Visa!

2011-01-21T15:49:00.004+09:00

The Lord supplies all i need in my life. God always has provided everything single thing i have needed to do the things He has called me to do. He has always filled every single need in the right time.

This time, the Lord provided a visa extension. I prayed, and I asked for a 3 year visa renewal, and we went to pick it up today after lunch. I was asking to be satisfied with whatever God provided, because I know He would provide what was needed.

I went up to the desk, and the worker started giving me instructions on the expiration and things, and then i saw it; a stamp for a 3 YEAR VISA.

GASP!!!

Praise the Lord! He is so good, It's so cool, i am so filled up with happy excitement today!

God will do something continually amazing in my life, and for 3 years it will be in Okinawa.

Praise the Lord, He is our provider, we don't have a thing to worry about (this was one of the first big things i have not worried about beforehand, it's VERY refreshing to the heart and soul to rest in Jesus knowing He will provide whatever my needs are).

I have the best God ever, He is so amazing ^_^

-'manda

End of 2010, and on into 2011!

2011-01-15T13:44:00.007+09:00

It's 2011!

So much has happened in the past year, it literally flew by!

I will recap on some of the things i got to do since my last post, and highlight a bit of my year.

Well, the semester ended, and i got engaged, and then i left for mainland Japan, Tokyo - to the city of Tokorozawa to spend my Christmas and New Years with the Spearmans.

While i was there, i had the opportunity to lead worship for the Calvary Chapel there, make sweet decorations for the kids Christmas game party, cook, fellowship, and see my best friend's first child be born.

Staying with Amber and Rusty was amazing, i was so blessed to see them both again. It had been far too long.

We didn't do a whole lot, not a normal site-seeing trip, but that's okay; i wanted hang out time more.

Cute "Maid Cafe" or cake shop (i forget the name).

This is what i got: caramel Mousse, with apple inside.

even cute with a bite out of it~

Sunshine City. (underground mall)

Namja Town!

Icecream City! they have a TON of different ice cream shops (all different brands)

cream cheese ice cream.

Akihabara, the electronic city.

I don't know what this place was, but i liked the sign for it.

One of the stations we got off at.

Edo Period Museum.

only in Japan will there be a parking lot for your bicycle.

Super space tube to enter the museum.

Rusty riding the person carrying thing.

Waving to my adoring fans~

Some of the miniatures.

Kabuki play display. (Check out her heels!)

House layout for the house style at the end/after Edo period.

sweet house i wished i owned..(wasn't real though)

Poster for one of the first trains in Mainland.

A display underfoot.

Waiting for the train home.

The day after Christmas, (really the night of Christmas day), Adelle Kaede Spearman was born, 5 am. She is the most beautiful child i've ever seen. I know i'm slightly biased, but she really is beautiful. Each day she looked more and more like a cute little girl (looked like a tiny old man at first ha!).

We got to celibrate our own Christmas before the baby came, and our mom's even sent out packages from the states for us. Thank you Mom and Fay, we really enjoyed opening so many gifts! The tree looked like it had a fort wall built around it.

After Amber got back from the midwife's house (such a nice place! i wish i had more pictures of it, it was so nice), i had about a week left to spend with them.

We didn't know how it would work out with me staying in their house, and having a new born baby at home. It worked out just fine though~

It was a really amazing experience to see this child come to be and then start to grow. She totally enjoyed her first bath at home (was practically swimming around in the mini blow up bath tub).

I can't really put my time there into words, but it was: blessed, refreshing, precious, eye-opening, joyful, and something else that i am failing to find the English word for (maybe that means my Japanese is growing!).

Well, after i left (on the 6th), I flew back in to Okinawa, and Eder picked me up and we got dinner at the shopping center in Naha city. We exchanged our Christmas gifts to each other in the car, which had flowers, Tanuki slippers (Japanese raccoon), and a wrapped gift with a beautiful scarf and sweet bag!

Eder LOVED the gift i brought him: starbucks coffee thermas/cup, with inter-changable inside. I decorated it with purikura pictures and drawings, and some old notes we wrote eachother. It was a winner~

So, now i'm back, and preparing for the Ruiz family to return to island, new students to come, and preparing for classes. It looks like this semester will be a small one for the girl's D-house, only 4 students (compared to the 8 last semester). Our house will only have 6 girls in it, instead of 10. But the guys have a LOT coming, we have to shuffle around where some of the interns are living. We are excited for who will be here this semester, getting to know new faces and characters.

Here's some pictures from being back:

Me and Eder, reunited.

The flowers he brought me at the airport~

sunflowers are my favorite...

We got invited to Sachiko-san's cottage/cabin to eat Japanese style bbq!

the view.

being cool~

And some of my favorite Okinawan clouds~

Teaching the kids on Tuesdays on Kadena started again, it will continue through the year. It was fun to see all the kids again, they were suprised that i was back! (one kid thought i was staying forever in Tokyo or something haha).

It's interesting, God's been speaking a lot of different things to me in these past two months. I learned a lot being in Tokyo over the holidays, God just spoke a lot of different things to me in my personal time with Him.

Being back here, things have been moving fast, and a lot of things are changing.

Me and Eder have been praying about our wedding dates and plans, and they have shifted. I won't post anything yet, until things are finalized. But God is really speaking clearly on things, and we are learning to take steps of faith and obey immedietly, instead of waiting and being unsure of our trust in God.

It's kind of scary, but really cool at the same time. I have moments when i want to float away in the fast, gushing torrents of all the things that need to be done, but i always get a strong grip in my hand, pulling me back to reality: Jesus won't leave me. ever. I can do this in Him with His help.

This morning i read in Jeremiah, (i just finished Isaiah), and God told him two times, reminding him 3 times total i believe, that He would be WITH him, to deliver him. He told him "don't be afraid." God wants us to know He is right there, don't fear, He isn't jut going to watch us drown right in front of Him, He is with us to deliver us, to help us.

So that was encouraging~ thank You Jesus.

God bless you all, i have to finish studying for kid lessons. I will post again when my sister arrives, and then more when semester starts.

-'manda

Christmas Gift

2010-12-18T18:05:00.005+09:00

This year, i haven't asked for anything really. I've gotten some really nice gifts though.

I've received candy, hand warmers for my pockets in Tokyo, a free jacket, socks, leg warmers, and some various other things.

But this year, i received something really special. I received a gift from someone really close.

This friend took me way up high on a hill, to the very top of an old Castle ruin. We gazed at God's beautiful creation all around us, captured some of the beauty with pictures, and watched the sun
go almost down all the way.

But then, there at the top of the castle ruins, in the Kings courts, i was given a promise backed up with a hear full of love, and asked a simple question, "will you marry me?"

On December the 10th, Eder proposed to me and gave me my Christmas present.

For those of you who were praying (and still are) for us, we really thank you. None of this has been an easy journey (so much learned and so much pride worked through), it's all been by God's tender hand leading us. We really just want to let you know we appreciate your prayers, and to tell you how much we need them. We are both just two people with many faults, following after the Lord because His redeeming work in our lives changed us. His love completely changed us forever.

I just wanted this post to be it's own special one, because it's a really amazing thing that God gave into my life. I don't deserve or expect for God to give me such great love and such a great gift to have in my life serving Him here, but i really am thankful. I hope this thing brings glory to Him, that it would encourage you somehow in your life, that it would make you see God's love more and more.

Stay tuned for more stories of the adventure God is taking me on :)

God bless you,

-'Manda

Break Begins

2010-12-07T16:38:00.017+09:00

December: it never ceases to speed by with the utmost intensity. It's almost CHRISTMAS!!

Wow, as a kid, this NEVER happened. It was always an agonizing thing to wait for. And now i find myself thinking there isn't enough time to do everything.

Semester ends the 10th (today!), four students have already left, with a couple more leaving this weekend.

I can't believe how fast this semester sped up. Tommy even said it when we had a retreat up in Okuma, how it would speed by.

Well, here are the updates since the last time i posted (sorry for the absence...):

We have had several women's and men's breakfasts and a married couple's dinner, serving at different chapels, teaching, playing worship, and THANKSGIVING!!

We had two Thanksgiving meals here at the Cafe: one on the Japanese holiday, and one on the American holiday. It was cool to have both kinds of foods; two big turkeys, two hams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, all that good stuff. And then Sushi rolls, fried rice, and other assortments of Japanese foods. It was a really blessed time, mainly because people got saved.

There were some Japanese girls who came, one was just a friend who came first time with someone we knew. It was a really cool time.

Ministry at Kadena Chapel (Child care!) ends for the winter break, we have had some great times teaching these kids about Jesus and what the Word says. These kids are smart, and they are so precious and cool to hear talk.

the kids made different fruits that are supposed to be in our Christian lives (Fruit of the Spirit!)

This is Nathan. He is one of the coolest kids. "Hallelujah! The blood of Jesus Christ SAVES us!" He said that once. :)

We also went on a trip up to OKUMA!! We had a camping retreat for all the students and Bible interns. The past from the Calvary Chapel church in Fuchuu (mainland), Rich, came to teach for the retreat. it was a really, really blessed time. We got to trek all around the beautiful beaches and camp outside, have bonfires, and enjoy each others company. There was even a nice restaurant with cheap prices!

We studied through 2 Timothy, just learning to be faithful to God. It was refreshing, a lot of people really got ministered to by Jesus there. "God doesn't call us/ask us to be successful, but to be faithful."

We had graduation this past Sunday night; Fukiko graduated! She was the first student to graduate from this Bible college in a real Kimono! (The rest have been in Yukata, the summer version).

It was a really special time, her whole family flew in from Osaka to see her graduate. They are an open and loving family, so happy.

Just some random little pictures i took during the past month and a half:

the roof view to the left.

Panda Nikumon (steamed bread with meat inside!)

330 at night.

The rest was just giving finals, finishing up grading, cleaning dorms, saying good bye.

This time of the semester is always sad and happy. Happy that we get a break from the busy schedule, happy to visit people, and happy to spend more time together. But it is sad because people leave, people don't come back (sometimes), and a chapter ends. But its always something good. God is always doing good works, things end, but that means new things start.

Also, this past Monday, i took off to Tokyo for 3 weeks. I have the privilege of spending my Christmas with my two best friends: Amber and Rusty Spearman! I also get the privilege of being here when their first child is born. I have waited so long to see their children, to buy them cute things, and to watch them! She is due December 24th, but she might come sooner.

So currently i am in Tokorozawa! i don't have time at the moment, but i will be posting pictures soon. Pray that God keeps us safe, and that everyone back in Okinawa would stay safe too!

I've been praying that God keeps us all safe this break, that we would stay strong in Him, in His word and spending time with Him in personal prayer. If we walk away from that, we will fall, we will get weak, and we might compromise that witness we have for Him.

Stay with the Lord this winter break, stay close and keep on loving Him, keep on seeking Him.

Take extra time to just sit with Him and rejoice in who He is! He came to die for us, He put away our sin forever, so we can be with Him forever. Praise God!

More updates will come (from Tokorozawa!), along with photos and new stories.

God bless you,

-'Manda

Midterms: Over! Typhoon: colder weather!

2010-10-28T15:29:00.014+09:00

Hello again, it's now almost the end of October (seems to be that i post at the end of the month a lot). It has begun to become more cool (not too cold yet though), and the weather has been a bit crazy recently. Okinawa has pretty crazy weather sometimes, Michigan was the same.

(this was a couple weeks ago, the sky is just grey right now)

We are having a typhoon at the moment, the wind is strong (dangerous coming down the stairs!) and cold, and the rain changes its direction frequently. I am currently wearing two jackets, pants, a scarf, and shoes. Goodbye sandals for a while.

Midterm week is over! All of the students worked extra hard, we even took off Adventure Mondays to allow for studying. Everyone did extremely well in both my classes, and used the beautiful creative minds God has given them. I had the students in my Missions class make Newsletters (pretending as if they were sending them from the Mission field), and many of the students got very creative.

For my ESL 1 class (English as a Second Language level 1) they had to memorize a Psalm, the first half of the Old Testament books (written), and turn in a project: their family tree. I told them to be creative and make it however they wanted. They were the funnest thing to read and grade. Here is a picture of them:

This one is Chala's.

and this one is Aya's.

Here are some other photos of "happenings" during this semester so far.

We took our semesterly trip to Yomitan to see the lighthouse at Cape Zampa and the cliffs.

a special monument to a man in the war (got to learn that Kanji!)

The wind was strong, Brevick almost blew away.

We stopped at the local university Ryukyu まつり(festival) and saw some break dancers perform. We also ate a lot of food (didn't get a shot of that), and visited the different things set up by the students (themed cafes, game rooms, animal exhibits, etc).

We got to have a tour of the airbase to see some of the gear and airplanes used for rescue missions. It was a survival tour! (Chala got to try on one of the parachutes, she was so small in it!)

Trying out one of the ground vehicles.

The Green foot and green mascot figure on their uniforms is an old theme. They told us that the huge helicopters used were called "green giants" because of their color, and from the imprint they left when they landed on the ground: it looked like the footprint of a giant.

Futenma had a Fear Factor Challenge night! I went to help out with some worship, and photograph the games. It was intense, they withstood bombardments of pillows, ice cold water, and octopus filled Jello. Props to all who participated.

Logan and Cole came along to help cook that hamburgers and hot dogs. It was a blessing to be able to have american food.

I had a super awesome class last week for ESL.

I taught the students what the idiom "you've got guts!" means.

my first rainbow in Okinawa.

One of the great wonders of God's creative hand.

This semester has been pretty busy, with lots of studying, lots of ministry, and lots of growing. Having so many people in our house it sometimes feels overwhelming to try and build relationships with them all. But God keeps on showing me how precious and valuable each one of them is, and how its worth the effort it takes.

It really stops becoming a burden when you stop trying to do it all with your own power.

Isaiah 40:31,
"But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."

I feel a lot that i don't have enough to do it. I get weary, i want a long vacation sometimes to just rest and sleep, and not have to think. But i need to keep going, there is a work that has to be done, i can't faint yet.

But what do i do when i am going to faint? what do we do when we are not enough, and are going to fail soon?

Look up.

Psalm 121:1-8

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.

The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth,

and even forevermore."

God is always right there to help us. we just have to look.

God bless you, thanks for keeping up with the work God is using my life for.

-'manda

three weeks in!

2010-09-17T11:15:00.005+09:00

This is now the third week of the semester, and everyone is on a pretty good schedule.

We've gone around the island a little bit, swam here and there, tasted some delicious food, and played games together. Its' been a good couple of weeks.

Here are a few pictures.

Cute ラムネ candy.

I made a snow man おにぎり。

I tied my first おび on my dear friend なつきちゃん。

A beautiful island we visited.

This is Sakura and Ayana.

Ayana is ちょ adorable. She was dressed up for our "Matsuri Prayer Night".

They are really good at posing for being so young.

Well, everything is going pretty normal here. Classes are going every week, youth groups, prayer meetings, church, chapels. In October we start up MELT at Ryudai university again, I'm pretty excited for that.

God's been putting more serious things on my heart recently. Things about growing up more, being more and more diligent, changing how i speak and live. It's not really fun, but at the same time i don't hate it.

I love it when God works in my heart, i love it when He wants to move me and change me. I know i can't just stay the way i am, because i get stale and stagnant, and that's not beautiful.

I was really ashamed to share my testimony with the students this past wednesday morning. I am ashamed and embarrassed at how i used to be, deppressed by the things i used to do. But as i was reminded by a faithful friend, that looking at it gives God glory. Seeing the difference now shows the real change God made.

Psalm 149:4 "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation."

There are so many encouraging verses in the Bible.

I've been reading "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret" for the Missions class i'm teaching, and it's really good. It's a biography on his life and the work he did in China. It's super encouraging, and moves me to walk deeper with Jesus. He was always trusting the promises of God, he didn't just read them but he tested them, he believed them to be true. He knew his God would provide everything He says He will. If you haven't read it, i really encourage you too, it's super good.

Well, we'll see the awesome thing God is doing in my life and heart. i don't know what it is exactly yet, but i know i will soon. It's amazing that He loves us so much, take the time to just sit in His presence and let Him talk with you (He really loves doing that, He doesn't hate us).

God bless you all, thank you for reading this blog. Soon we will have pictures from the Korea missions trip, our many thanksgiving dinners we eat, and much more.

-'manda

Summer in Okinawa

2010-08-18T14:50:00.006+09:00

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.

Sachiko san came and made us another delicious meal (cold noodles and tempura!)

I took Allie out to my favorite bakery (Castle Bakery), and got her cake for an early birthday celebration.

Eder took us to Marco Polo: an Italian pasta restaurant/Japanese bakery.

Araha beach's shipwreck playground.

a free night we all spent together.

Beautiful Okinawa island sunset.

God bless you the rest of this month and into the rest of the year.

-'manda

Last week before it starts~

2010-07-07T16:07:00.005+09:00

So this is our last week before S.O.S. (summer of service) starts! This Saturday we have our first attendee flying in from mainland Japan (of course, besides my sister who is already here).

Tommy and the crew that went to Israel will be heading back soon (check out e3missions blog to see what they have been up to), and that will fill our little cafe once again.

It has been getting even more hot, with some strange weather. Today, while it was shining brightly, it started to down pour at a harsh angle! It's always freaky when it rains in broad daylight.

But, there are no typhoons noted to be out there.

We've recently just been getting things done around the cafe: cleaning, learning to keep eachother responsible, preparing for VBS's and child care teachings we do throughout the week.

The past week, I've been back and forth on the verge of being sick, and two days ago my body finaly decided it wanted to be sick for real. So i've been sort of out with a small fever, aches, swollen throat, and other things. Today the new thing is coughing a lot; so i bought a handy dandy sick mask, which all Japanese natives sport when the germs are flying.

Other then that, not too much else has been happening around here. This month is the start of the Matsuri's (summer festivals), and everyone is getting excited. We all dress up in the summer traditional garb (Yukatas for the girls, Jimbeis for the boys), eat food, play games at the booths, watch traditional Eisa dancing, and fireworks at the end.

This will be my first time attending (A long awaited dream actually...), cause last summer i was in Korea serving at the church in Daejeon. So now for a new summer experience!

We went on base to celebrate the 4th of July with our friends for a BBQ (american style).

there were fireworks after!

We went to Mihama to hang out on our free night, and we saw THIS! Gamera!!! (This is for you Dad, we posed by every child's favorite flying turtle from space ^_^

The beautiful sky behind the Mihama ferris wheel.

One of our friends from MELT is leaving (this past Monday actually) for Canada, to study english. Were going to miss her a lot...she is super cool :]

Yuka, Jun, and me (we got to hang out and practice english on her last class!)

Nimonyendoh (or however it should be spelled...it's in kanji on the sign) with the beautiful Okinawa clouds over it.

Lifeguard chair at Kira kira beach (he protects the life at the sea very well)

I practiced drawing Kanji (With no clue of the stroke order, bad habit i know) to share a Bible verse with one of my Japanese friends and english student. She said it was really good and easy to read, "neatly written" she said. kanji is sort of getting easier ahaha

I love this. i live here.

It's pretty crazy thinking back on the past year (it seems like a lot longer though), all the places i have been, and the things i did in those places. I was talking with another missionary/previous student who was in Korea with me last summer, about some of the ministries we did out there. I have really fond memories of Korea, i'd really love to make it back out there soon to see the church people again, and just to be in Korea again (it's a fun place to be in).

A lot of the things i am learning here right now in Okinawa are hard; it looks so fun from my pictures (because it is), but it is also a lot of hard times of growing, and learning.

Growing up is a lot different than i thought; it takes a lot more of different things than i thought it took; it's also easier in some ways than i braced myself for.

Sometimes i find myself in the rut of making ministry a job, and other moments i remember what a privilege i have in my hands and i try not to waste it.

The way I am being allowed to live my life out here is completely amazing; i have to apologize to God most of the time for forgetting that. Serving the Lord is NEVER boring, it is NEVER a waste of time and life, and it is certainly not something that is lame in the least bit.

I don't really know all the things God is preparing me for in the future, but some of the things i can see are amazing, and the rest makes me excited to see what they are. I'm not always excited, most of the time i'm scared. But that never stays long, God never lets me doubt and flop about in my puddle of fears and insecurities. He is a good God ^_^ He's my Father and He knows what's best, i LOVE that He doesn't let me be a sour puss and make my life lame by wallowing in self pity. Sometimes i really want that, but God knows i don't need that (it benefits no one and nothing).

God is so tender, and so patient, He is love, He is strong; He is merciful and just.

let this God breath in you and light you up for His glory; serve Him with your life.

-'manda (thoughts for now, more pictures later)

Summer Ministry

2010-06-23T13:46:00.008+09:00

Summer has kicked off here in Okinawa: the beaches are open!!!

The Ruiz family is back, and the day after Tommy took us all out to Tropical beach to swim. It was nice, the water was a lot warmer than i expected it to be.

Then, we went up to Nago on Monday (it was Ayu's birthday!) and swam. the water is so beautiful out there...

S.O.S. (summer of service) starts soon, next month in the teens somewhere. We already have a couple applications from people, but usually we won't know until they show up here.

Already, we are preparing and starting some of our summer outreaches and ministries this week. This past Tuesday, i started teaching childrens ministry for a women's Bible study on the Kadena base. There were a lot of kids (35 in the older kids, and 18 babys and toddlers!). I am getting really excited for it, looking over the things i want to be able to do and teach them. The first time was winged (someone with the information had to leave the island suddenly), but it was good. The kids are really cool, i already like them.

We have 2 Kid VBS outreaches planned for this summer, which we are helping out at. The first one starts this Friday, with the New Life school. A group of us are heading over there are friday for the whole summer to help with the games and the skits. Then we have one with CC Okinawa. There might be one more, but i'm not sure.

Other ministries involve just helping at the church, and some extra childcare things, and anything else that comes up during the summer.

It is hot...i am sweating as i'm writing this. But it's really blessed, the sky is so beautiful (Okinawa clouds are my favorite), and the beaches are so beautiful. Sometimes, it's hard to believe that i live on this island.

God's really been teaching me how to (slowly) be busy in ministry, be busy about His business, but at the same time, take those moments, set them aside and cherish them; to spend time with Him, meditating and thinking upon His love and grace, His awesomeness and just to look at this beautiful creation all around me. It's really so peaceful, if the Lord wills, you really should visit this beautifl island, it's very wonderful. The sights, and the people too.

It's a good time, it's a blessing to live here.

My sister is getting to do a lot of fun things, and i get to see her grow in the Lord everyday.

Maybe, if your not already, take the time this day, to look around you and thank the Lord for the good things you can see. Sometimes, because the world we live in is so dark, we can't see good but only the bad in our lives. But, if you look, there is always good. There is always something God is doing. Thank Him for that, no matter how small it is. ^_^

God bless you,

-'manda

Arrival!

2010-06-02T08:05:00.004+09:00

So, this past Wednesday night, my sister flew into Okinawa!!!! She made it!

we all knew she could make it if I could make it alone (i tend not to have the best sense of direction...).

So she is here and settling in, today it has been a week she has been here! She has gotten to help with children's ministry, cooking (lots of cooking, and she loves it!), and starting to practice some music for worship.

I don't have a lot of pics yet, but tonight we go to Nago to spend the night and then have a day of sightseeing, so i am sure some photos will come out of that :)

Here is what i have at the moment though:

I tried taking a picture of us all in the van...

I tried again...failed.

And the third time! dark, but everyone is in!

we headed down to the Peace Memorial Park (also Hime Yuri museum)

The Suicide Cliffs, where the generals, doctors, and others took their lives during the war.

It rained a lot that day.

me and allie

This is what the museum looks like from the outside. it's a pretty cool looking building.

It is pretty new, at first it was really just a monument for peace, with different things built around the area dedicated for peace and such. It's a very beautiful area, hopefully the next trip will be sunny and we can take a stroll around outside.

Well, we have church tonight, then Nago sightseeing tomorrow. The rest of the week is pretty normal. Thursday Tokito comes back from California! We are happy and excited to have him back with us here :)

On the 16th Eder comes back from the states, and the Neely's leave for the states. And the 18th the Ruiz family returns. Yay! we miss them all! It will be good to have a full house again (that is a good show too).

God bless you all, read your Word.

-'manda

SUMMER TIME~!!!!

2010-05-24T13:58:00.005+09:00

Hey everyone!

Sorry for the lack of updating, I've really just been lazy, and also a bit busy adjusting to a new schedual.

So semester ended, the students headed home, and the Ruiz family (head pastor here) headed off to california for a little over a month. So the few interns that are left here are adjusting to taking over duties and making sure things run well while they are gone.

It's been a lot more "Chill", but also some more responsabilities. I've gotten to take over some english classes, and also taken up more times to lead in worship here at the church. It was a bit nerve wracking at first, and a little overwhelming (i want to be diligent!), but God settled my heart and show me once again just how completely faithful He is and i really just have to keep on following His Spirit and i'm good.

He leads me every day, and guides me in things i don't even think to ask for it in. God is truely amazing.

My sister is coming out here this Wednesday, やった～！！！Please pray for her to have a safe flight, and to not be nervouse - God is leading her the whole time, and is right there with her :]

After that, there isn't too much out of the norm until SOS starts!!!! (Summer of Service)

We will be having some guys from Korea heading over, and maybe a couple other people (not sure yet who all is coming), so it will be exciting once they all start arriving. This summer is going to be great. It might not be easy, and there will always be challenges, but with God it is blessed, and we will grow. Please, if it comes into your heart and mind, pray for us all here and for those coming. We really want God to just move in us, and let Him change us.

Here are some pictures from the past couple weeks. Enjoy ^_^

Going to Kinser for youth group

cute cafe behind the Union store

The Ruiz family leaving for california

Buying a mouse-trap for our "friend"

Mihama, on top of Justco parking lot

Michal and Tokito, relaxing on their "Cruise" (we had a photo scavenger hunt for Michal's birthday)

Graduation night

M.E.L.T class, the outside addition

M.E.L.T again.

God bless you all.

-'manda

Okinawa~semester closing

2010-05-06T09:55:00.003+09:00

Here in Okinawa, the weather has started to warm up, and the skies have cleared into beautiful paintings of the good o'l Okinawan clouds.

(Gecko building)

The semester only has one more week, we have finals, the banquet this monday, and graduation on wednesday. Things fly by so fast here...

These are some great sisters i am really going to miss (i feel cheesy saying Christian lingo like "sisters in Christ", but that's what they really are.)

(Fat family rejoicing with their fat dog) - this was on the envelope i got in the mail.

I got my first piece of mail in Japan! (that wasn't from the states)

Summer has started - because we've been to the beach now. :]

The sunsets are the best things to watch here from the roof and the balcony on our three story building. God blessed us a ton here.

We have MELT again today, and english classes, upcoming events, last classes, different ministries. please keep us all in your prayers, we really appreciate and need them. Thank you.

-'manda (God bless you)

LUNCH TIME!

2010-04-16T16:42:00.003+09:00

This past Thursday, we had our first class of MELT at Ryu-dai university!

For the first class, we had fun games and snacks, and just had a good time talking with the students and getting to know some new faces.

(Mai eating her lunch, part of the "deal" in the class: M.E.L.T. = my english LUNCH time)

Most of the people that came were new students we hadn't met before. There also were some familiar faces too (good to see them again).

Jun, Yuka (or Yuko..gomen i forgot)

Natsuki and Anna (natsuki didn't want her face in the photo ahaha)

God has really blessed this ministry so far, it's really neat that I can be a part of this every week. The people we get to meet and help to learn english are priceless, there is nothing to trade for the chance we get to meet them. Just being a part of their lives, no matter how big or small it is, is completely amazing. This is what amazes me most about being out here and getting to do what God is letting me do. Sometimes i forget it, and i don't appreciate it when i get too far into making sure i am perfect in all I do. I miss it. But God always reminds me what it is that is amazing, and it's the hearts of these people that He wants to save.

The Okinawan and Japanese people are really unique, and have such awesome hearts and minds. Just their whole characters are so neat to get close too. God really keeps growing this love and care for them in my heart, i really wish i could see all of God's heart for them, He loves them so much.

Remember to pray for them when you think about them. They need your prayers.

God bless, more updates soon,

-'manda

2010-03-30T11:00:00.011+09:00

So! (i usually start all these posts with "so"....)

These past couple weeks have been crazy here at the Bible college. Not too crazy, but crazier than usual.

We had to extend the school day to Monday and Saturday to cover all the classes, because other exciting events took their place!

We had another wedding, and a mini conference here.

This past week ago, Justin's parents (one of the students here this semester) flew in to visit him and celebrate his 19th birthday. It's been a blessing to get to know them (he looks so much like his mom!). It's really neat to be able to see into some of the students lives, really see some of the things and people that have made them into the awesome people they are today.

Two weeks ago (i think two weeks) all the guys were gone on a men's retreat, so me and Tamiko (dorm-steward/intern) took the Ginowan youth group (the girl's in it) up to Yomitan (Tamiko's native land) for a Bible study and time of worship/fellowship. We brought a sweet dinner (snacks and sandwiches!) and after picking up some famous Creme Puffs at a local spot, we sat down to chub out and take some sweet pictures.

Infamous Creme Puff shop (Tamiko's favorite)

View from the yard.

After that, we headed down to the beach for some worship (Thanks Hannah!) and a Bible study.

God has been putting on my heart to really be loving to EVERY person. If we say we love God and hate a brother, then we are a liar. If we love Him who begot us (saved us), then we will love him who is begotten (him who is saved).

Mariko!

Hannah: full of the Joy of the Lord.

Tamiko is the best translator ^_^

(We stopped to visit Tamiko's family and see their sweet house her dad designed!)

It was cool to be reminded of God's great love, and also that this is not something that is impossible no matter how faulty a person we are. We can do all things through Christ.

We have some people from our church that left/will be leaving for the mainland soon, so we threw them a goodbye bash this past Sunday night (really a lets-eat-cake-and-say-goodbye).

It is really sad to see them go, we don't like having to miss our brothers and sisters. But at the same time, it's super exciting because we know they are going out for an amazing thing. God is using them, and God is with them. We are blessed that they are blessed going out.

We stand behind them and pray for them. ^_^

Abraham is heading out too mainland for a new Job (i don't know what his pose is hahaa)

Tomoyuki! Tomo is the coolest! he drives a sweet scooter, and he draws and does photography, he is a good brother. your missed dude! have fun in mainland with your family! (he finished college here)

and Mariko, my only tall asian friend. She is the coolest, i really miss her. She has the sweetest/coolest heart from Jesus, i really enjoyed getting to see it and to watch it grow. Be blessed and so filled with Jesus while your attending college in mainland. God is going to bless you, even though times will get hard, in this new step you've taken. Keep your eyes on Jesus, we are praying for you ^_^

This past sunday, was Easter! So in celibration of the day our Lord rose and gave us that shining hope we live in, we all headed up to Nago where Tim was hosting a Japanese BBQ in his home! (now that doesn't mean things cooked on a grill outside in Japan). We were going to have it on the beach, but the weather was a little stormy and rained a lot. So we kept it indoors (praise God, the house they live in is a perfect size!) and it was awesome. Lots of people came, and we ate, had some live music (Incoming Rush, and Hakugaijin played acoustic shows!) and then had an easter message speaking about the whole reason we were there celebrating. It was super cool, and we got to talk to some sweet Nagonians (the people that live in Nago).

A cornucopia of shoes.

Hakugaijin playing

I personalized everyone's cups so they wouldn't get mixed up.

Now we're settling back into a normal schedule, until FRIDAY! when the students leave for the Korea missions trip!!! So everyone is buckling down hard for the second half of the semester, to stay ahead on homework. Time flies...~

God bless

-'manda

ごめんなさい！！

2010-03-18T12:51:00.012+09:00

Sorry for the lack of updates! Things have been busy here, but also i have been neglectant of this blog..ごめん。

So, here are some things we have done these past few weeks:

First off, we took the students to the south side of the island (opposite direction of Nago), to the Peace Memorial Park. This is the area where some of the "suicide cliffs" reside, where the wealthier, or more educated took their lives during the war. Most of the medical doctors or higher ups in the army did so in this area.

It is always a sobering place to visit, very beautiful, but very sad. The stories and pictures inside the museum are hard to process as real most of the time. (it's a bit more graphic than the pictures and things shown in american museums, at least from what i remember).

Then, the next event, was my BIRTHDAY!!!

On the 5th, i turned 20! はったち！

I got some really great gifts from people, my stomach was greatly filled with delicious little goodies. here are some pictures of the blessings i got: ありがとう　みんあさん！

Anna Hebel (my german friend) gave me this cute frog hair tie!

Emiko cooked breakfast that morning, and cut my tofu into heart shapes.

This, my friends, is Taiyaki. It's the best and cutest thing EVER. (fish-shaped bread, with あんこ paste inside, aka red bean paste). This is prolly one of my favorite things here.

Okinawan power rangers. melon drink /no.1

Jewelry Natsuki gave me. :]

This came straight from mainland, tokyo. It was the cutest packaging i've ever seen.

And this is what was inside: from Amber! thank you!!! I love it! (see how happy i look!)

It was such a beautiful day too, the sun was out, and the clouds were really big and white. ^_^

That saterday, we went to Yakiniku (meat buffet!) and karaoke to celebrate all the march birthdays this month (There are alot!). It was a lot of fun and good times.

outside Bombohe (pronounced "Bombosh" for some reason) after chubbing some yakiniku.

The Nihonjin rockin' it out at karaoke!

Kentaro looks confused.

Joanna, michal, and Ryuko breaking it down.

Something new God has allowed me to be a part of, is an English class up in Naha. It's an evening class on Tuesday nights, and i get to help teach English to really cool Japanese people. Most of them are older, middle-aged and above. They are totally great though, they are funny, and willing to try and learn. There is a precious older woman there, named Sachiko-san, and i had an awesome time talking with her this past week.

(Sachiko-san is on the right here)

This is not everyone, there are some more that come but they were not here for this picture.

Now, for the most recent update. We went for a one day, one night camping trip to Tonaki Jima (a small island, a 2 hour ferry ride away). This trip ended up being a 4 day, freezing cold trip, stuck on the island! The waves got to 12 feet high, all the boats were canceled, and the weather turned stormy, rainy, and very cold and windy.

But, despite all this, it was in God's hands. He kept us on that island to show us some amazing things. Every step of the way we were provided for, too. God stretched 3 meals into 9, provided two houses for us to stay in instead of tents on the beach, and as there was no translator to help the Japanese students communicate with the american students (and one German), He completely took that barrier away and we were all able to communicate and fellowship fine.

(this is the house the girls stayed in; it's actually Brevick's Grandma's house!)

The things He showed us are so sweet. Hearing each person after that trip, they each needed to hear God, and were shown something amazing by Him. One friend said, they had told God "You didn't have to trap me on an island to teach me this, You could have taught it to me at the cafe." But they realized, that God really DID have to make them stuck on an island of only 400 people that don't speak our language at all, to speak to us. He had to remove those distractions of our daily lives and even the comfort of nice weather and normal meals. He made it so that all we had was Him, and each other. It forced us to make friendships and to really spend time with Him. we had nothing else to do, hardly any of the students brought homework to do with them! (we only planned for one day!).

I wish i could better explain what everyone shared from that experience, but just know that we were blessed. Maybe God wants to do something similar in your life right now. He always wants to teach you something, but sometimes we aren't looking for Him too and we miss it.

Don't be afraid to let go of your time and spend it with Him. He knows you have lots of things to do, and He knows how much time is needed for them all. Let that be in His hands and do what you were created to do: fellowship with the Father.

John 15:4-9

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

"I am the vine, you [are] the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

Jesus wants us to abide in Him, and in His love. we were created to be in a relationship with God. So we need to make the time to spend with Him, He deserves it. If you "can't" make the time to spend with God, then maybe there is too much in your life and you need to let go of it and make that time for God. We really need to pray for discernment in what to drop out of our lives, but we need to not be slack in making those decisions because so many time too often we let our "Christian life" style, duties, responsibilities, ministries; we let those things we do for God, get in the way of God. And God didn't send His Son to die on the cross for us to serve Him. He sent His Son to restore our fellowship with Him.

God bless whoever reads this,

-'manda

Nago Road Trip!

2010-02-18T11:42:00.010+09:00

I must apologize, this was meant to be posted early last week. My blog has been sort of acting up lately, and hasn't been letting me post pictures, or move them where i would like them.

So, i just decided to leave them all in a long line in random order!

Two mondays ago, we loaded up into two vans, two cars, and a tiny Japanese cube car, and headed off to Nago!

All the students, interns, and our friends from on base and our Japanese friends, all headed up together. It was one long car line going down the road.

We hit the famous, "Elephant Rock" tourist spot on the island first, Manzamo Beach. It was good to be back, i don't think i had seen it since last year! There is also a big famous hotel on the beach, that is in a local Okinawan movie called "chekitou chyo!" (Check it out yo!). We were excited to see it in person.

Then! We sped off the one of our favorite spots on the island: Pineapple Park!

It was VERY crowded this time! but, it also had some new parts to it! They added a board walk to it, and also cute pineapple cars that drove around tourists to see where the pineapples grew.

After filling our tummies full of pineapple samples and noodles and cookies, we headed toward a beach we like to eat lunch at. But it was cold, and raining, and the covering over the picnic benches was gone for the winter. So we turned around and headed to Expo Park!

There, we made a great, bountiful amount of PB&J sandwiches and ate our lunch in the parking lot!

After that, everyone split into groups to enjoy and explore the park. This time, instead of the Aquirium (which is completely amazing), i headed to the Okinawan houses. There is a whole area that has the old style Okinawan houses, and you can tour them and see how they used to live on this island.

One of them has employees working in it, and they teach you various things when you come in. We stopped and attempted to learn one of the Okinawan traditional dances (very hard...), and we sat down and played the Sanshin (Japanese instrument, like a 3 string guitar). It was a lot of fun.

After that, we met up with the Newell's at a famous Okinawa Soba shop. It was good, and not too expensive.

After all that, we fellowshipped and played games at their house, and then before it got too late, we all made the trip back home. Everyone was tired, but also very blessed and happy by a fun day.

Here are a bunch of photos!

(learning to play the Sanshin, or Shamisen)

(going into the old Okinawan style homes)

(Kentaro breaking the rules again...)

(the evil pineapple that bites my arm every semester!)

(its super big, you could sit in it most likely)

(it was smaller than my hand!)

(me and Natsuki, she's so tiny! i love it)

(me as a giant Goya-bitter melon)

(this is the famous hotel, it was in a movie made right here in Okinawa, "ちぇけらっちょ")

(the elephant rock)

(a fast tree)

(Mariko - she drew herself!)

(me - she also drew me. at the valentines day dinner we had, i sang some worship songs and some random fun ones too. one of them was sixpence none the richer's "Kiss Me" song, but in Japanese. I had chocolate "kisses" repeatedly thrown at me all throughout the night...)

This past weekend, Andrew and Kayo got married! The wedding was BEAUTIFUL, it was very nice, and very fun. I didn't get the best pictures, but others did. In my next post i will include some from it.

This past Tuesday, i filled in on an English class up in Naha. It's really fun, because for two hours we help the teacher go over their lesson, have a "snack time" (Ocha time), and then i got to tell them about where i live in the states. The people that come (all older, maybe a couple college aged) are all really cool, their willing to try, and its neat to watch how excited they are to practice their English with you. I hope to get some pictures this next week, i forgot my camera when i went.

Things have been really cool here, but also (as always) challenging. God ALWAYS surprises you in the ways He wants to stretch your heart. And its good, it's different than what i anticipated, but its also something i knew I needed.

I felt like i was just going to be an intern, just grading, helping with ministry, and encouraging the students. But its a bit more then that.

As an intern, i myself am being discipled by those around me and older than me, but i am also learning to disciple those around me and younger than me (Even if not younger, in the position of a student). It's really a place for these students, these Christians, God's children, to grow and be discipled. But along with that comes correction and rebuke, encouraging and learning and growing.

It's sort of hard for me to step out in this, i don't like to confront and i don't like to upset people's "liking" of me. But I know that isn't right, that it isn't love if i hold back what needs to be said or done. So for me; this is a stretching. But as i step out each time, and i start to watch out for these kids (tho some are older than me) and concern myself with their spiritual well being and growth, God creates a beautiful thing in my heart. I learn to pray for these people, to watch out for their interests too, and i really start to genuinely care what happens in their lives.

God is interesting. God is really good.

God bless you all,

-'manda

Semester Start!

2010-02-04T11:13:00.014+09:00

Old Post/New Post:

Old -

So the semester started this week! The classes have started and the students are already plowing through their "Chuck Tracks" and the new addition of "J-Tracks"!!! We have added, because this is our first semester of full time Japanese students (almost every class is translated in either Japanese or English, or is in only Japanese or only English), we have added Japanese teachings for them to listen too instead of the english chuck tracks. Praise the Lord huh!

The weather hasn't been to bright, but the students are all in the best of moods and excited (even though unsure) for what comes this semester. It's neat to see, the students are all bonding and becoming friends so early on in the semester. Some of us interns were commenting on it and were amazed! usualy it is very quiet for the first few weeks until everyone warms up and gets comfortable with eachother. God is doing something, i can feel it.

So far we have not done too much, we had one Adventure Day Monday, and two of the interns took the students up to Nago to see the Sakura (cherry blossom) festival. They climbed "700 steps of doom" to the top and saw all the beautiful blossoms.

I didn't go, but i did see the beautiful blossoms that are in our backyard!

I've actually been pretty sick this past couple days (i know, i get sick right off the bat when i get here!). But praise God, i am getting better now!

Last week, we had our last day at melt until the next semester starts. I got to see three of the girls i met from last semester at thanksgiving time. It was really good to see them, and they were happy to see me! ほんとに～！

Two saterdays ago, we went to Mihama with the new students. We hit the arcade there, it was fun to see all the strange and colorful games full of candy, ipods, stuffed animal butt-cushions, and many other assorted things. Here are some pictures:

(Taiko drums! i didn't play though...)

(These cats were pretty sweet, but they wern't attainable, just decoration)

(Yes, you can win an ipod)

(Tamiko (left) and Teria (right) wandered around with me)

(always have to hit up the purikura machine)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New -

Week AFTER: week two of semester - START!

(good to be back on an island! its so pretty, its sunny this week!)

So, this past weekend, we had our normal church ministrys, which include the two bases we minister on (futenma and kinser), and cc okinawa, and cc Nago and cc Naha, AND cc Ginowan!

So all the students and interns headed off to serve the Lord all over the island. I got the opportunity to fill in/help teach the older kids in chidlren's ministry up stairs! It was super fun, it's really cool to teach the Japanese kids because they bring a whole new feel to teaching. I had Takako san and Teria help me teach and translate.

Then on monday, the guys headed to the base early to watch the superbowl, and the girls headed to the Ruiz' house and had HOME MADE WAFFLES!!!!! yeaaaaahhhh

Hannah found a pink waffle maker at one of the recycle shops here, and bargained it down to only 5oo yen (about five follars)!! It made really great waffles, we were stuffed!

After that, we walked to the movie store and rented Bridal Wars (i believe that is what it was called) and sat down for a chic flick.

(All the girls! minus Tamiko who wasn't there yet, she was hanging her laundry)

(After we scarfed it down...)

(Anna sitting under the warm Kotatsu)

(my dream come true)

This is a Kotatsu: a heated table. It had a sweat comforter attatched, and under the bottom side of the table is a heater with a little cord you plug into the way with a switch. click it, and TADA! you get an amazing heat! Japanese invented this amazing table to keep warm (i think it's better than a fire place...).

(The few who ventured out from the Kotatsu great warmth to rent a DVD)

(Those who stayed behind to be sheltered by the Kotatsu)

Then, later that night, we had parties for Andrew and Kayo for their wedding that is coming up soon (like, wedding shower and all that sweet jazz!). They were both lots of fun (we heard some of the stuff they had Andrew do, it was funny!). It was a really blessed night, at the end of it, we got to pray for Kayo and give her encouraging notes and Scripture verses. Pray a prayer for them, they get married on the 20th!

(We dressed Kayo up like a princess: Kayo Hime!)

(Andrew didn't get it "quite" as good)

And again, here are some more random pictures!

(Kiki - Tokito's little sister - made each of us a valentines chocolate! she is good!)

Okay well, that was the only random picture i had.

Well, be blessed by God, spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer (don't worry, you will be blessed by spending time with your God).

^_^

-'manda

Landed in the land of the rising sun: Okinawan version!

2010-01-29T12:12:00.002+09:00

Hey everyone! I made it! Praise Jesus!!!!!

I made it fine through immigration and through the flights. I had some long layers, but thankfully i was able to sleep on the planes ride a bit more than normal!

It's much warmer (and "moist" in the air) here, and it's good to see everyone again! I even received a phone call from the main island from the spearmans.

We head straight into ministry today! I got to help clean a fan in the kitchen, and tonight we have an outreach with the university students from Ryukyu, for a sweet concert and dinner at the cafe tonight!

School starts this monday, (well orientation) and there are already a few students here. Another gets in tonight, and two more tomorrow. Looks like it will be a smaller semester of girls, and the guys (though there are still many in our group).
Please pray for the students and all the interns and teachers here. There are a few students who are teaching classes at the same time, i know they will need prayer and strength from God. thanks!

I'll put up photos later today, we are about to eat and the laptop needs to go off!

Praise the Lord for His providence, and for walking before me on this journey. i still don't know exactly what lies ahead, but i know He's going to be with me. Thank you for your prayers, and for the continuence of them. God bless you in them.

-'manda

fast arrival of God's leading

2010-01-22T14:32:00.004+09:00

So,

This coming Wednesday, i head back out to Okinawa on my 1 year visa, to intern at the Bible college out on the island.

すごい～！

This is amazing! But all so fast too! (pretty much like it is everytime!)

I found out two days ago (i think two days) that i got my visa, and then the days following tickets were found that were cheap and from the airport near my home (usually too exspensive because it is such a small airport), and now i am flying out on wednesday!

My time at home here in Michigan feels short, but i also knew it would most likely be. I sort of have mixed feelings of sadness (to leave my family, whom i have become once again much closer with), excitement (to see friends and mainly to be back out there serving where I believe God has called me), and anxiety/fear (for the long plane ride, and not knowing how i will do as an intern).

All of these are okay though, i can handle it with Jesus. He called me to this, sent me out, He will be there right with me to go through it all.

Thank you for all your prayers, they really, i can't think of good enough words for it. But thank you, just know you are all effective through Christ in them, and that they are greatly needed and wanted. God bless you in them. Spend that time with Him (i know we can all lack in that area, as i know i do many times). keep coming when He calls, your going to be blessed beyond what you expect.

Well, now i'm just preparing to go, getting some last minute things, starting to pack up things being left, and things being taken. Spending time with friends and family before i go. it's nice that a lot of my relatives live so close, I can pretty much see them all before i leave again.

I've really been blessed while i have been home. It's really cool that i've gotten to share a room again with my sister. Things that i wouldn't have imagined to be even a possibility are happening, its really cool. Me and my sister have gotten really close, and it's neat to see the things that God is starting to do in her life. i've been blessed by it.

i forgot how funny my brothers are too, the random "fights" they get into over the last bit of a bottle of orange pop (yes, we say pop in michigan). i am never at a loss for laughs here.

it's cool, my parents are still neat (they won't ever be lame ahaha). my dad started writing this sweet story, his own take on "Frosty the Snowman: a horror" it made me laugh a LOT. He has a good sense of humor!

my mom is silly, she is keeping up with us kids and watching foreign dramas and things, including Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese (maybe i spelled that wrong)!

It's just been cool to hang out with all of them. I hope that someday they can come out to Okinawa and see it there, it really is an amazing place (especially the church family there).

Hopefuly, i will get some pictures up of what were doing here before i leave, they should be pretty funny.

Here are some that have been taken in the past month:

a sweet snowman someone in our neighborhood made.

pondering the path before him...don't worry, he has many more months before he melts (good ol' michigan)

i promised Tamiko i would build her a snowman, but i haven't done it yet....that's on my list to do before i leave)

my mom thought it was funny how i was reading one day. i needed light, and it was super comfortable after i accidently tipped over. :]

I like to leave my mom random photos on her camera.

us kids cleaning up after dinner...but-

in true Japanese style! : equipped with cute sponges with faces.

I love Japan ^_^

God bless,

-マンダ。

Prayers answered

2010-01-20T02:49:00.003+09:00

Psalm 66

To the Chief Musician. A song. A psalm.

(parts of this psalm)

Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the

honor of His name; make His praise gloriouse.

Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works! Through

the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall

submit themselves to You.

All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You;

they shall sing praises to Your name.' Selah.

Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing

toward the sons of men.

Oh, bless our God, you peoples!

And make the voice of His praise to be heard,

who keeps our soul among the living,

and does not allow our feet to be moved.

You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went

through fire and through water;

but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

Come and hear, all you who fear God,

and I will declare what He has done

for my soul.

I cried to Him with my mouth,

and He was extolled with my tongue.

If i regard iniquity in my heart,

the Lord will not hear.

But certainly God has heard me;

He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed be God,

who has not turned away my prayer,

nor His mercy from me!

So,

God brought my visa in!! I got an email yesterday from Okinawa saying it came in and was all set to be sent to me to get it stamped on my passport. Amazing, so amazing.

(I took a picture, but this was all i could do since i don't have the stamp/paper in my possesion yet)

thank you for your prayers, i seriously get so much blessing from them. Thank you.

Now i am praying for provision and when to leave. If I could once again ask for your continued prayers on this, that would be AMAZING. I really hope and pray God blesses whoever reads this and whoever prays for me.

Don't forget to fellowship with the Lord wherever and however you can find all along the way of the journies He takes you on (a good friend told me that). find ways to fellowship with Him everday, that's what He saved you for to fellowship with you.

God bless you (^_^)

-'manda (praising the Lord, wherever we go)

a blog?

2010-01-08T06:43:00.004+09:00

i asked myself "why do you update this blog?". My reason when i started it, was to keep friends and family involved and up to date on my life. I wanted to share with them what God was doing while i was out in Okinawa.

Now that i am back in Michigan, and not actively involved in school or the ministry that was provided out there, i've started to wonder why i do some of the things i do. This blog was one of those questions

But i realized, i have this blog for the same reason as when i started it, my vision just blurred.

I don't post this to make myself look good, to impress people or to keep some "image" going. I sometimes like to tell myself that i have this super great image and i'm a really nice, outgoing person, but i'm not. I'm flawed.

But i've just found so much acceptance and love in Jesus recently, it doesn't even matter how flawed i am. I am completely accepted by Him, and am so content in Him, i find a deep assurance there in Him.

I post this as a witness to others and a reminder to myself when i look back, that He is always working in my life. And also to keep showing that He cares for a person like me: lazy and flawed, trying to change slowly.

i recently got my wisdom teeth out (just yesterday actually), and it was quite horrifying...(i really hate needles and operations). i was a bit traumatized when i found out i would be awake for it, and fretted over it in the weeks leading up to it. I got a nice distraction when i visited my friend kaela the three days before it took place.

The day i went in, as i started getting the shots (which "HURT", not make me feel "PRESSURE" ahaha they should just describe it how it is i think), i couldn't stop shaking. i could barely hold the pamphlet the woman gave me while she talked me through the next part of the procedure and after-care. while it was going on (the teeth-removal part) all i could do to stay calm was to keep my un-focusing eyes and thoughts on Jesus. I hummed (not too loudly) a song i realyl love through the operation, and it really helped.

the whole three days before and the day of, i didn't have a time in His word. He gave me a sweet heart check while i was visiting my friend, but i hadn't been in His word. Normaly, i do a good job of beating myself up over missing those times with Him, but after this surgery i wasn't really in the "mood" for beating myself up about it. I figured "i'll do that later". Now i clearly understand that my reading His word does NOT gain me goodness, or any special points with Him. But its important to me, and Him, and i know i need it.

But this time, i found no place for that, but this amazing overwhelming feeling of His love. I just felt completely and totally in love with Him. It was just amazing, so precious. and it wasn't because of anything i did, i wasn't even in His word that day. I just loved Him. He was there with me no matter what, and cared for me.

Psalm 119:71-72

I don't know how to explain that. He's just amazing.

Psalm 119:41-48

I get so upset with how hard it is to keep His commandments sometimes, that i forget that i love them. I love the way He commands me to love, its such a beautiful love! There is none other like it! It makes it so much lighter and not burden some when i realize i just love Him, and thats okay.

Psalm 139:16-18

He really loves me. the days fashioned for me, there all there with Him. He made them, i can't wait to find out what lies in the days before me ^_^

Here are some pictures:

(me and izzy had a Japanese lesson together "bento benkyo bento shimasu!!!")

(of course some artwork happened)

(i spelled egg wrong i think)

(we listened to a bible teaching on sunday morning, David Guzik!)

(my grandma gave me instant cooked bacon)

(cool old doodle i found going through stuff. appareantly studying was hard that day for me)

(i got this on one of my flights back, this is for you Tom Cotton)

(at kaela's house, her little sister, herself, and me. I don't know why they hang out with me)

[for friends in Japan]

(aannddd the car ride after my teeth were taken out. lotsa gauze stuffed in my cheeks, i couldn't focus my eyes either, straight on i was cross eyed ahaha)

thanks for listening ^_^ thanks for your prayers (alot)

-'manda God bless you all, He loves you dearly

Christmas, studying, artwork...

2009-12-28T07:23:00.003+09:00

So Christmas was fun. I got sooo much that i didn't ask for, didn't deserve, and am completely blessed by it all (and also overwhelmed!! i have too much!!)

(it snowed a lot again!)

I now own six bibles, two bible cases, and multiple notepads to fill with notes. Thank you everyone, i think i will be good on bibles for now (unltil these six fall apart ahahaa)

It was really good to see all my relatives and friends this year for Christmas. we had lots of good food, and good times laughing about our lives and things we do. I got to hear some pretty sweet stories about my grandpa's time in the navy when he was younger. He got to live on bermuda! (i think that's how you spell it).

lately, i've been trying to get back into drawing and painting. I used to be so brushed up on it, i feel so out of practice. But i don't want to lose it. As Amber was pointing out, i've come so far with it, it would be a shame to just lose it. And i know God can definelty use it, even though it's in ways i can't imagine or think up. (He used it in korea!)

I've also started studying kanji, my brother has shown me some of the ways he used to learn them (he knows over 2,000 kanji). It's a really cool way, i think it will work. i really want to learn the language, i know it's hard (i've already studied it for three years, though it's gone down to remembering hardly anything), but i also know i can do it. God gave me a brain, He gave me the ability to learn these things, and I know He will give me the capability to learn it all the way through if i just try my hardest and give my best. He's pretty darn cool like that.

anyways, i don't have a lot of photos at the moment (isn't too much i have done that is really that interesting to take a photo of), but i did get a camera as a graduation present from my parents (thank you guys, it's something that definetly blesses me) so i will have photos of whatever does happen in the future.

(here's one of me and my family though)

God bless you all, stay safe this new year's and last bit of Christmas parties and such. Praise the Lord, we made it another year huh! don't forget to look back and see what He has done this past year in your lives, im pretty sure you will be amazed, even if there were hard things.

peace in Jesus,

-'manda

snowing, winter, coldness, snowing...

2009-12-22T02:29:00.003+09:00

So, Michigan is a lot colder than i remember it being.

I've sort of adjusted to it (sort of meaning that i can bear the coldness on my face and eyeballs now), but it's rather dry here too. Less dry than California was (and should be expected because its winter), but harsher on the skin than Okinawa teehe

Anyways, i've not been doing too much. just visiting people, eating, helping with some shopping, trying to recreate okinawa-dishes of food, walking the dogs in the snow.

i took some photos, and some videos (we'll see if those work).

(the front of our home)

(it snowed a lot that night)

(when they picked me up from the airport)

(cooking Taco-Rice with my little sister)

(the jello my grandma gave me)

(the path we walk the dogs on, before it snowed alot)

This wednesday, i got blessed with being able to fill in at my aunt's company as the receptionist ('manda gets to answer phones!) while they attend their company christmas party. then it's christmas eve at my other aunts house with our grandparents, and then christmas morning with the family, and dinner at my first-mentioned-aunt and uncle's home. We normally go to a chinese buffet on Christmas day for lunch, but this year my aunt wanted to cook and eat at their home (which will taste super good, though it's a little sad not to eat with the vietnamese at the chinese buffet...).

^_^ God bless you all, thanks for reading and following along with me in prayer.

Merry Christmas (stay warm wherever you are!)

-'manda

Graduation!

2009-12-04T15:18:00.007+09:00

Well everybody-

I GRADUATED!!!!! I made it! やった!!!

This past wednesday night, we have a Bible study/graduation night. We had worship and a short message from pastor Tommy, because all of the graduates (four of us) all shared from the word.

Me, Christina, Tom Cotton, and Bu-chan (ahaha) all graduated together.

It was a really blessed night, it was a really cool thing to graduate here in Okinawa. I am so blessed by the people out here, and the things that the Lord showed me and did in me here. It is a place of wonderful memories and amazing works of God happening everyday.

(Bryce rockin' out)

(he graduated too ^_^)

(we started together, we ended together)

("oh, what a hunky man! he's graduated!")

Also, the update on my circumstance is this: I am back in Michigan!
I was going to update sooner, but i was keeping my coming back a secret to suprise a friend (yay surprise!).

It is snowy, and cold. VERY cold (though i don't get much sympathy from people here because i came from an island). it is good to see everyone again, my little brother isn't little anymore! everyone has grown and looks different!

I'm going to put up a post of our new home (They moved while i was gone), and of all the snow in my next post.

Thank you for all your prayers, i really appreciate them. I need them a lot.
stay warm, and stay in Christ's deep, great love.

(Oki semester fall 2009)

-'manda
(pictures curtousy of Tamiko Murakami :] )

cold weather, changing circumstances...

2009-11-24T16:41:00.005+09:00

It's getting colder here in Okinawa, which has also brought a lot of random spurts of rain.

(Take note of our hats and coats)

Like today, in the morning it was raining super hard! But then mid day it was bright and sunny and hot!

But now, it's raining again and cold again. Praise the Lord then, ね?

We also headed down to Kokusai dori a couple weeks ago (sorry, haven't updated consistently).

All of the students got to see the cool shops and had sea salt ice cream (i passed, it didn't look great, but i'm also lactose intolerant ahaha).

(the students are stoaked!)

(this little tiny Okinawan lady helped me try on a Kimono)

(gotta have one of my infamouse "dorky" posed pictures)

So, there is an update in my life to post on here.

I had applied for my missionary visa a long while ago, and have been waiting for it to come in.

The visa I was staying here on only lasts for 90 days, and that 90 days ran out today (Nov. 24).

So, the office amazingly granted me (and Dean, another student out here) an extention on our passports to have time to buy tickets out of the country.

Well, here is a prayer request: I have two options, one is to head back to the states, to Michigan and stay with my family there, and the other is to head back out to Korea and help at the church there again.

So I would like to ask prayer for God's guidance; that I would be senesative to the Holy Spirit and go where He wants me at this time. Both places are good places, I just want to be where He wants me to be. (and this is not a long term stay either way, but the first step of many on this next continuing adventure of my life with Jesus).

Thank you for all of your previous prayers, and your future ones. Prayer is one of the most precious gifts we have here in our lives. Thank you God.

-'manda

skype calls

2009-11-10T11:13:00.005+09:00

Sometimes, i get to talk with my family on skype, and i really get blessed by it.
My family is growing up a lot (my little sister and brother are all big now and looking older and older...). It's sad not to be there with them as they grow up, but i know they have will grow, and sometimes grow better with an absence there.

Being away really makes me love my family, shows me what i have. I really enjoy talking with my little sister. She keeps getting more and more pretty. If you think too, please pray for her, she is making life choices, and i want her to make one's that please the Lord.

He has blessed her with a talent to dance, and i know she can use it for His glory, that it would please Him. I really want to see her do good with it.

God has given us such a gift ot have a family down here while we wait to come Home. Even if it's hard and difficult at times, it also comes with many blessings which we all too often look past. This life is not promised to be easy (in ministry, in our families, in everything in life). But it is promised to be a blessed life as we follow Jesus Christ. He is amazing.

That's all for now. There is not too much ministry that i am joining in, but a lot of school. There are only 4 more weeks left of the semester, and then graduation. This time has really been a lot of growing and learning, which i know is going to be put into use and action/application in the coming days after graduation. Pray for the students here, as they go back home and variouse places during the break. We want to live for Christ, and a life that counts for Him.

ありがとう

-'manda

2009-10-25T15:15:00.002+09:00

John 13:1-38 (i encourage you to read this)

"Jesus left us such an amazing example of love and serving one another. He said “hey, look at these people around you. Your not above them, you are not too big to serve them. Go, love them like I have shown you.” There is no excuse that we can give to say we don’t know how to serve them or love them. Yes, it will be hard, but Jesus has shown us how to, He even loves us with that same love He wants us to show. This is an amazing love He is calling us to give and to show, but it should be displayed in our lives, despite our circumstances and the people it needs to be towards. You’ve got to show love, its part of you now since Christ saved you.
I keep having moments when God just whispers that He is love. “I am love.” I remember something that I love that I learned first semester of Bible college and partly from church back home. The grammar in the text when God says to the children of Israel “I AM” is an un finished sentence, there is no period at the end of it. It’s a sentence left unfinished, that we might fill in the blank of whatever our need is. He is our strength, our courage, our wisdom, our righteousness, and our love. He is all of it.
He’s going to be what we need, and He won’t call us to do something we can’t do. He will give us what we need to show this kind of love."

This is something i studied for my homework, and it gave me an amazing, preciouse, golden "nugget" to hold onto and really learn and understand.

I really encourage you to read this chapter and see what God shows you. This is something too many of us take forgranted, i know i did. I brushed over the verse where Jesus tells us to love as He has also (verse 34). We should not do so, don't follow my example, follow His.

Don't forget: God so loved us, He Sent His Son.

^_^

-'manda

Semester Girls

2009-10-13T10:31:00.005+09:00

So we've been missing our girl's this semester as they have been in Korea this past week.

We have 5 girl students this semester (if you don't count me), which is smaller than last semester, but still very big for what they normally have for girl students at this campus.

We are SO blessed by them this semester (God's hand is seriously in our lives and on our D' House, we really have no problems living together.

After class one day, Tamiko took us up on the roof to take some group photos, and here they are! Everyone is so beautiful (God blesses us with beautiful young women, in face, but more so in heart and in spirit).

(It was rather bright that day...hard to keep your eyes open)

(Ina was excited to be out of class teehee)

^_^

(me with Anna and Emi, our two international students)

And this one's for Tamiko, because she got cut out of the other photos that we took by accident!
We love you Tamiko, thank you for being faithful to teach us in our class each week ^_^

Praise the Lord, He is so good to us and for us. He provides all things, and gives us the strength to do all things He has prepared and called us to do. :] who is a God like our God?

God bless

-'manda

Swine Flu, Typhoons~

2009-10-06T22:16:00.002+09:00

So, the Swine Flu has died down, which is a blessing (considering that right before i came back to the island, the whole bible college had it almost). I have only had a bad cold/stomach flu being here so far, and that passed in two days. Praise God, i think He is strengthening my immune system!

(something my brother drew while we were chatting)

While that has died down, a storm is brewing as i type this. A typhoon is hittign the island! But, it is supposed to be moving in a different direction, so we areo nly getting the tip of it, if not even that, but just the winds. We typhoon-proofed the cafe and our girl's house to protect againts the winds (which are harsh enough to blow me around while i am standing).

It's sort of exciting (partly because we have chub parties here if there is a bad storm), just to see a different kind of a storm. In Michigan, we have tornados, and in california they had earth quakes. It's sort of strange how it's not the same wherever you go (Ana and Christina were complaining nothing exciting happens where the come from haha).

Everything is going awesomely, the Lord is doing so much in our lives. Each student is being changed, and stretched. I didn't expect it to be such a stretch with the things i am beign stretched with (thought it would be in different areas of my life). But it is all soo good, no matter how hard my flesh wants to make it, Jesus makes it easy if i just yield and submit to Him (i have already felt that relief several times).

This friday, the students are leaving for the mission trip to South Korea. I am sad that i am not going, but i know the other students are going to have their socks blessed off completely. The people there are so impacted by a life lived for the Lord at such a young age, its amazing what God does through just that. Please keep them in prayer, that they would be led, grown, see God's love and Spirit working, and to have the most amazing life changing time ever.

I wish i had more pictures to put up and show you all the little things i get to be a part of everyday. If you get the time and think of it, please pray God would provide me a camera so that I could share the wonderful things He is doing out here and in my life. Thank you greatly.

A cool thing i read, "to shine Your love; even in the least of things."

God bless.

-'manda

MORE!

2009-09-24T18:22:00.003+09:00

So, updates have been absent!

We have been pretty busy here at the college, school is about 4 weeks in, and there is lots of homework (atleast for me).

I am a student/intern this semester (Sort of? if you want to call it intern). So I have a bit more on my plate than last semester, but it is so, so good. I have been blessed by it and growing already.

All the students here are great (i wish i could take photos for you! maybe i will steal some off facebook). We have a few that are actually from mainland, and one from Germany! It is very exciting, i love getting to know them all.

(up at the house in Nago, spending the night in the Tatami room)

(our semesterly trip to Pineapple Park!)

Life is pretty chill here, though it does get exciting and busy at moments during the day. It is starting to cool off from the killer heat (it feels like fall today!). I think i am going to wear pants tomorrow!

Thank you for all your prayers, I know I have people out there praying for me. I can feel them, i know i need them. Thank you so much.

God is so good, and so strong. Trust in Him for everything, He loves us dearly.

More soon,

-'manda

An Update!!

2009-09-08T14:57:00.003+09:00

Yay! everyone, Praise the Lord! i have a converter for my laptop cord!

(me praising the Lord with an instrument)

my new roommate Ana (She is from Germany!) let me have one of her european converters and it works with my korean plug! I'm so happy!

So, it feels weird to update without any pictures to share, but i will update anyways.
(actually, i found some other people took so i added them)

We just started our second week of classes, and it's going pretty well.

I have five classes, and i will be leading a group out to a base each sunday to minister there.

It's a step up with responsability and things i have to get done, but it's really good. Growing hurts a lot, but it's so, so good for us.

This past weekend we went up to Nago for our frequent Pineapple Park trip, and a visit to the beautiful beach there.

Me and three other students headed up there a couple days early than the rest of the group, to help with the first service for the church Tim started in his home there, and to pass out fliers for it. It was very fun, and amazing to see another part of beautiful Okinawa. It's more woodsy up there, with tons of green and more mountainy trees rather than tropical. We went to the beach Saterday evening, and stayed until dark. Got to see the stars and a beautiful moon coming out of the foggy clouds. Very beautiful, God is great at His creation.

I'd like to ask you to pray for us here. There are four of us here that need to get missionary visas to stay this semester, and it might be difficult for one person particularly. Please pray, God can do ANYTHING. We know He will provide them when we need them, His timing is wonderful we just have to wait for it.

We need God's guidance, we want to live to please Him and to be with Him. We really want to stay strong in our quiet time with Him each morning, please pray that the students would learn how important an appointmant that is each day. It's so beautiful to meet our Savior each day.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers, we appreciate them beyond what you could know. we see them, and we feel them.

trust God with all you've got, He is amazing and faithful always.

-'manda

(this one's for amber ahaha) miss you :]

Arrived!

2009-08-28T08:53:00.002+09:00

I'm there!!! Praise the Lord!!

So, this is two days late (i haven't bought an outlet converter for my laptop cord yet). But, i made it to the island, and all is well! we had a little trouble with immigration, but it's all fine now.

Thank you for your prayers and love, it helped. Please pray for me and Dean again though, we need to apply for our missionary visa's to stay here now. Pray we get the applications in fast, and that it gets processed and we get approved soon! Thank you, watch God work ^_^

So, the island is hot and humid, but its lovely. The humidity feels soo great on my skin! it's all moist ahaha
Getting ready to welcome students coming, and the semester starting September 1st!

More updates soon, and pictures soon!

God bless
-'manda

Heading to Island

2009-08-26T00:44:00.002+09:00

It's 12:50 AM, and i just finished packing. I think it's over weight...

I head to Okinawa tomorrow at 4:30 AM, take a 2 hour bus ride to the airport in Incheon, then a two hour flight to Okinawa Island (Naha airport). Should be in at about 11:45 or so.

*sigh* it's sad leaving, i kind of have an ache in my heart.

But i also have an ache in my heart to see Amber again, and other loved ones on the Island. I'm excited to see the Japanese people too, get to know them more and share Christ's love.

So, prayers are SO welcome. Safe travel (i don't like airplane rides...) and prepared for whats to come, and just to live with my God. And prayer for those staying back here (Iza and Jesse), and for the people we are leaving. They miss us a lot already.

We had a great night of hanging out after english MELT, eating Baskin Robbins 31, hugs, talking a LOT, taking pictures. We ended the night with some Korean toast, and then headed off to pack. It was a very, very good night.

Here's a picture Jesse snapped.

God bless.

-'manda

Preparing

2009-08-20T20:48:00.002+09:00

Well, it's almost time to head back to Okinawa, Japan, for another semester of Bible College. This will be my last semester, i will be graduating this December.
It's hard to believe that this will be my fourth semester, it only feels like i've done two. But praise the Lord, He has done so much in that time, and will still do so much in this last one, and after.

So, me (and Dean, he's going back for his third semester) are getting ready to go, winding down some of the things that we are doing here in at the Daejeon church. It's not quite like when Daniel and Sosimo left, but people are starting to get sad already remembering we are leaving.

I know i am going to miss the girls here the most.
I did not have a very big heart for Korea when i first came here (i will be honest, i really didn't know anything about Korea, and had a hard time pushing my desire for the japanese people to the back part of my minda nd focusing on the korean people).
But God has completely changed me. I LOVE these people, i have a concern for them. There is so much do be done in Korea, the heart of these people are searching, they are being opened.

There is a girl, Salley, who i do a discipleship bible study with. She has not been a Christian very long, but its so beautiful to see her heart. She comes and says "teach me about God. i want to know the Bible, i want to know God". so pretty...

There are so many of them here, and their so precious to God. i am sad that i am leaving, that i won't have the opportunity to speak into their lives, to help them anymore. I just pray, i ask God to work through Iza, to bring other people to disciple these girls. i love them so much, it kinda really hurts to leave.
But God showed me it's not me thats doing the work, it's not me thats keeping them close to God. He is the one doing the work, and it won't stop when i leave. I have to put them in His hands, just like i did when i left home. The people i care about, should always be put in His hands, they are safest there.

*whew*
So, doing last time things here in ministry, getting to teach! scary but so, so sweet. i get to share my testimony with the church this sunday night, tomorrow we are doing two tourist things (Pastor Mike wanted to take us somewhere since we didn't really go anywhere all summer).
Monday i'm having a last discipleship class, and then hitting the batting cages one last time, and pump-it-up at the arcade with the guys before we go.

All of this time here has been a complete blessing. I am changed, and so blessed. Thank you Mike and Hye-Young (and Jeena!) for being a real blessing, for taking care of me while i was here. I'm very blessed having had the opportunity to work along side you both, and to share in your fellowship. I'm sorry your gonna "hate me for the rest of your life" for leaving Hye-Young, I still love you!

(this turned out to start to be a sappy goodbye ahaha!)

anyways, more soon.

God bless you reading this,

-'manda

songs

2009-08-17T22:25:00.006+09:00

this is what i say to You God:

"that i will sing to You as long as i have breath
i will praise You with all that i am
i will lift Your name on high all through my life
then i will praise You forevermore."

and this, this song asks God to renew the love inside us, to renew that first love again:

"bring back the light that burns deep inside
Lord i need You now, Lord i need You now
renew my strength, breathe Your life for me
i will rise again, i wil rise again

come like the wind, move me again
catch me off guard, unveil this heart
fall like the rain, fill me again
my Savior and friend, move me again."

just some cool song lyrics i found while playing today (i dont remember who wrote them tho..from worship songs tho)

and some photos of God's beauitful creation:

(Dean took this one, thanks dude)

I like what the Spearmans posted at the end of their blog post "let God bless you". sometimes, we have to let Him. We can't stop Him, we shouldn't try. He is God, He will bless us if He wants too. whether we deserve it or not.

-'manda

Second Breakfast? No, Second Supper!

2009-08-15T21:22:00.007+09:00

So last week, our roomate, Monica (Korean name hard to say and spell) took us to her parents home, about an hour away from Daejeon. It was in the country. KOREAN COUNTRY!!!

How cool is that? Thank You Lord, it was a blessing.

(this was actually there, it's not a postcard to send home ahaha God is just that great a Creator)

We had dinner (actually, two dinners!), and appetizers!

(being full, but still heading to second dinner)

(second dinner! and Monica's Omma!)

She showed us around the area, it was VERY beautiful. Korea has amazingly beautiful mountains and trees. its amazing to see what God has created in other countries. All of it makes you think of how much there HAS to be a Creator of it its just so perfectly and uniquely beautiful.

(the rice fields they lived by)

(their home between their church and the kids ministry building)

(just beautiful, the view from all around at every angle was spectacular and gorgeous)

We headed over to the local mountain, and had some traditional Korean treats and saw the great sights of God's beautiful creation.

(the park had a wooden walkway going up part of the mountain for viewing spots)

(we all look great in this picture)

(we were eating fried "Dauk", which is rice cake, it was really really good, despite the fear you see on my face)

(pose-by-sign picture!)

(i present, the squatty potty outhouse!)

(resturant/convience store for visitors overlooking the lake. Praise God for reflections in the water! so pretty)

(iza snapping some shots)

(South Korea, 2009)

We stayed until dark, and then drove back to get some shut eye before another day serving and living for our King!

(Korean's like american photos when we all jump, they do it a lot)

Thank you Monica!! Your a blessing to have as a sister, i'm glad i got to have you as my roomate!!!

-'manda

Kids VBS in Cheonan

2009-08-11T19:29:00.006+09:00

I actually have my laptop with me, so I can update before its over!!

So, we just finished day two of the 3 day VBS we are helping with at the Calvary Chapel in Cheonan. It's been great so far, a real blessing with all the kids that have come!

There are a few from the church that Dean teaches at on sunday in Asan, it's really neat to see their smiles here too!

The first day, Pastor Cobb and Jesse taught. The VBS is on the story of Noah, and pastor Cobb kicked it off first (but we came late because Mike had to take care of Jeena for his wife).

It was so much fun to see them all dressed up! Jesse did such a sweet job building a part of the ark.

We do a Bible story in the morning (with worship first), and then a Bible review/English class and a craft with the kids, and then repeat for the evening (with games and lunch added in with a snack too!).

(Dean teaching the Bible review class)

(Getting ready for 1st day of english class, they make it look like it's scary...)

(The younger kids coloring and studying what we went over in the Bible story)

(We had a cotton-ball blindfold relay race. It was the best when they would start going but didn't even have a cotton on their spoon! The kids really got into this game)

At the end of the second bible teaching, we had all the kids draw animals to put in the big Ark we made on the wall. They had SO much fun sticking their animals inside it and opening and closing the ark doors. (I think Maria is pretending to be in the water)

The first day was a blast and a blessing. The second day went great too! We were short Jesse and Dean for this day (They have M.E.L.T. to teach back in Daejeon), but it was still so, so good. I taught on the flood, and how God was the one that shut the door, to keep them safe. And how the ark reminds us of the cross because God provided a way for those that walked with Him to be saved. It was a really neat time. THEN Iza taught about the waters stopping, and Noah sending out the bird (we have some GREAT videos from that part). I didn't get the pictures from today, but i will tomorrow and post those along with tomorrows pictures.

Over all, it was a blessed day today. God spoke to His kids, it's so neat. Please pray for these kids, they have the Bible taught to them a lot, but they need to know how to use it. It's only knowledge until their taught how to use it, then it becomes wisdom.

A had a kid ask me today, how can they hear the answer from God if they ask Him something. They all KNOW a lot, but they haven't experienced it. It's such an amazing place to be able to teach them these important things. I really wish i had these answers growing up, but it teaches me to share them now, its so cool to see these kids grow.

So, updates tomorrow. God bless you.

-'manda

(Here's a video of Jesse "building" the ark for the kids. Enjoy :] )

Promised Pictures!

2009-08-05T23:23:00.005+09:00

So here are some photos as promised!

(kind of an update of what happened the past few weeks that i fell behind updating you all on)

First, Daniel and Sosimo LEFT!!! *tears of sorrow*

But! Iza came in!! All safe and sound.

if you go to http://www.ccdaejeon.com/ , you can see a funny video the guys made right before they left.

Then, Megan stopped by Korea to renew her visa from Japan.

So we took a picture. I missed my musume!! (musume means "daughter" in Japanese, when we were in Okinawa at school she always called me "Okasan!" which is "mother" in Japanese).

After she left, there were some complications, and she is now back in California for a bit. But praise God, He works things out the way He wants to.

Then, on the 27th (of July), me and Iza headed to Seoul for a week VBS camp for n and s korean kids. We had such a great time there. I got some sweet pics of one of the classes i got to teach.

(This little girl liked me a lot)

I'm awaiting some more pictures i got with all my classes. These kids are great, please pray for them and their walks with Christ!

So now were just settling back into the ministry here. We are helping with a 3 day VBS in Cheonan (i can't spell it right) next week, and then i'm not sure if we have anything else planned.

But on the 27th of this month (aug), im heading back with Dean to finish my last semester of Bible college. I'M GRADUATING. I never thought I would graduate from college. It's really cool and kind of weird ahaha

But please pray, that all continues amazingly awesome here in daejeon and Korea, that God would continue His amazing and mighty work out here. I'm sad to leave, so many faces, friendships here. But I trust God to do His work, it really doesn't matter If I'm here for His work to be done. I will miss it, but i know I need to go and finish school. So im' excited for that too!

Thanks for stopping to read this blog, I really pray your blessed by it hearing what God is doing somewhere else in the world. God moves, God works so much. He is amazing. Keep trusting in Him for everything.

God bless (next time, Lotte World photos!)

-'manda

Back from Seoul!

2009-08-03T12:06:00.002+09:00

Hey everyone,

So, this vbs was the most amazing experience. God moved SO much. He has grown me, and also many of His children that came.
We got to teach the gospel to about (or maybe over) 300 korean kids, 100 North, and 200 South. It was so sweet, i can't even put it into words correctly.
I can't speak much on it now (busy schedual today!) but, i am being sent pictures from it that i will post up here.

I want to ask you who read this blog, to please pray for these kids. They learned that God is ALWAYS with them, and ALWAYS loves them, but also to live an upright life. Pray for them as they turn from sin, as they seek to live a life pleasing before their Creator. Pray for strength, and great growth as they come to Him daily for all they need.

updates soon, sorry for no pictures (it's so hard to be patient for photos to be sent to me! but hey, my patience grows through somthing so small).
Praise God.

-'manda

Seoul VBS...

2009-07-26T23:14:00.002+09:00

Tomorrow, at 5:30, me and Iza are heading to Seoul for a week VBS for North and South Korean Kids (Element. and High school age).
We will be teaching several times a day, along with 3 other teachers, along with many games and fun times.

Please pray for us, we have had very little time to prepare, but we KNOW God is going to be faithful and give grace for this. He will teach His children. Pray for strength, for energy when we are tired, and to be in tune with His Spirit. And to simply show His love. This is such an amazing opportunity to share it, to give it away to them. He has such a great love for these kids.
Lord help us to share the light and hope of Your love to these kids.

thank you, pray knowing He will give.

we're back friday night late or saterday, we'll share what God has done then :]
-'manda

Well Fed MT(Retreat)!

2009-07-25T21:11:00.001+09:00

This is old, but precious to remember.

A few weeks ago, we had our Well Fed retreat for the church here in Daejeon. We headed up to Karyong (karyon?) Mountain, and had a blessed 3 days to spend together dining on God's Word.

Each teaching showed something about God's Wod. That it is for everything in life, that we can partake of it and get the deep rich things just like the great pastors and teachers we have all around us.

We had a blessed time, swam in the mountain pure water river, climbed up the mountain for 4 hours, learned lots. It was so good, God really blessed it.

All the people who came, said it was amazing, because even if they did not understand every sentance or word we spoke, that somehow from where they did understand, to the next time they could understand, it connected. That's the Holy Spirit, TOTALLY overcoming the barrier of two completely different languages. Praise Him.

Here are some Pictures.

-'manda

A Quick Update

2009-07-21T23:38:00.002+09:00

Hey,
This past week we have been very busy here in Daejeon. But i thought i'd give a quick update (will update with pictures from retreat soon!)

Tomorrow (the 22nd), Daniel and Sosimo leave for California (then to Italy and Jerusalem), and Iza flies in. Pray for them, coming and going. To hit the ground running wherever they are, and also to get some good resting time in the Lord before new ministry in new places.

Next week, me and Iza are heading down to Seoul for a kids VBS (Vacation Bible School) for North Korea kids. It's crazy, so crazy good. pray for God to move there, and show these kids His great love for them. To prepare us for whatever He wants to use us for.

Pray for SOS (summer of service) in Okinawa, its "time to get seriouse" there, and we want them to be moved in so much by God.

Pray for family back home, to be strong in the Lord, and to grow in Him.

Thank you,

-'manda

A Song And A Scripture

2009-07-06T18:54:00.002+09:00

The Power of Your Love
Verse 1:
Lord, I come to You, let my heart be changed, renewed,
Flowing from the grace, That I found in You
Lord, I've come to know, The weaknesses I see in me,
Will be stripped away, By the power of Your love

Chorus:
Hold me close, Let Your love surround me
Bring me near, Draw me to Your side
And as I wait, I'll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You, Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your Love

Verse 2:
Lord unveil my eyes, Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love, As You live in me
Lord renew my mind, As Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day, In the power of Your Love

His will is unfolding in my life. He is changing me into the person He has always planned for me to be, and it is pleasing in His sight as i learn to obey whatever He asks me.

There is a lot He has asked me to do, a lot that He calls me to be. But it's not a bad thing, its an amazing thing. And as i start to see it, as my eyes are being opened to them, i'm amazed i didn't see them before.

There is such opportunity all around me, with everything and every part of my life, that He wants to use and to spread and shine His light through.

This morning i read in Philipians 2:14-16.

It says "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have to run in vain or labored in vain."

In verse 16, it says "hold fast". It has two thoughts: hold fast, and hold forth. Hold fast, always blaze for God, always reflecting Him. And to hold forth; hold out into the darkness around us. Let it shine out into the dark.

Every part of my life has a person in it that needs His light shined on them. They need His light shown to them. I was just reminded to do this, to open my eyes up to the opportunitys around me every day, there is always someone i can pour out on.

I'm filled with light, i'm His child.

So, just a song i found, and a Scripture I read.

-'manda

Kids Sunday School

2009-07-04T20:21:00.002+09:00

The new sunday school for kids we have been planning, is falling into place!
Yesterday, we got the design for the fliers printed onto a banner. Praise the LORD! it only cost us 20,000 (won), that's less than $20!!

Here's some pics of it from the outside!

(This is the back of the building the church is in, atleast i think its the back...)

(Look! there's Daniel, asking if its straight ahaha)

(and ta-da! there's the finished product!)

Praise God, really. I never thought He would use my art for His ministry here, it's really mind blowing. God uses every gift we have, if we give it to Him.

We start tomorrow! Keep us in your prayers, we want these kids to know who created them, and who loves them and takes care of them every day!

God bless,

-'manda

Iron Chef meets Cooking Mama

2009-06-29T22:47:00.004+09:00

For Dinner today, me, I, 'manda Drew, cooked a meal. Yes, praise the Lord, i cooked.

Yay!! So today, Sosimo offered to teach me how to make fried rice (bokumbap). So we headed to the little convience store right by my house, and searched for some great ingredients. (we found my favorite thing to eat in Korea besides popsicles, Korean Sausage!!!).
Dean took the photos, and consumed the meal. Thanks Dean, i appreciate you eating my cooking!

(washing hands, that's important)

(LOOK AT THE KOREAN SAUSAGE!! SO GOOD!)

(look mom, one handed!)

(first yoke broke, but the transfer to the pan was succesful)

So we cooked, and cooked, and AMAZING!! a meal came forth!

Ta-Da!!!

After the feast, i studied my Korean. I'm not very good at it, and i don't practice a lot. But i'm going to start too. So i studied!!

Then, Kailey came over for her guitar lesson!! She is doing very well, she catches on fast. I taught her "Jesus Lord of Heaven", and she had the verse and chorus by the end of the night! I'm very proud of her, pray that she keeps growing in her skill, and will play for the Lord with all she's got!

Thus, the night of another great day was finished.

EXCEPT FOR A PRAYER REQUEST!!!!
On Sunday, we are starting new services at the church in Daejeon. There is a morning service translated, and the same evening service we have been having. There is also a childrens english sunday school, and i ask for your prayers. We really want to bless the people around us, and to teach them God's Word. Pray for boldness in sharing in these kids lives, and that their parents would see the love Jesus is going to fill them with. Because He will fill them, and work great things in their lives.

Thanks in advance,

-'manda

Walk to Church

2009-06-26T21:56:00.005+09:00

Here's a few pictures of the things around me on my way to the Church, and what i see every morning.

This is the first thing i wake up too.

Then it's our rice cooker. i call it "blessing".

Then it's my fridge, because i'm hungry.

Then, if i make it past family mart without buying triangle kimbop, i see the girl's junior highschool(i think thats what it is) that i live behind, as i wait for the light to tell me to cross.

This is the street it tells me to cross. red means stop, not go. (those are some buildings)

Then i walk down this pretty road in the shade, its my favorite part.

Well, hello building-that-the-church-is-in!

That's our sign! (korean stores/businesses are entered from the inside, isntead of the out).

And that's the cool person on the drink machine i pass by before going up the stairs (i didn't take pictures of the stairs, because i dont really like them).

Anyways, thats my walk to church every morning.

This Sunday, were changing things up at CCDaejeon. We are having THREE services, instead of the one we usually have at night. The room is starting to get packed out as the Lord is bringing more and more of His children to learn every week. Please pray for us, and especially for past Mike. Pray that God would bless His church here, and show us just how He wants to have it be.

Praise Him for this opportunity though!

-'manda

I do not live,

2009-06-22T19:49:00.003+09:00

Galations 2, verses 20 and 21.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

If you are dead, you cannot be bothered.
i read in a commentary today on the book of Hebrews (we are studying that right now, just the five of us), and it gave an example. I don't remember which verse it was talking about, but it reffered to the verse in the Gospel where Jesus says "Deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me". It gave the picture of going into all the visitor rooms in a funeral home, and whispering in the corpses ears "your marriage won't work out, the money for the bills won't come, you can't make it better, you messed up", whispering all these things that we let Satan tell us, that we believe. And Jesus said "die". When i first read it, i was like whoa hey, but then that verse is telling us to die to self. Death to self, no to self, and follow Jesus. If we are dead, we have no concern with the problems of life. We trust in Jesus more completely, when He is the one living in us. When He is the one being our strength.

I don't know, it was a cool thought to me. Jesus knows how much we need Him, He knows it more than we know ourselves. We gotta come to that point when we say "Jesus we need You to dwell among us, we need Your help. Jesus we need You."

I live by faith in Jesus, I put my trust in Him because none other can help me. I have so much life in Him, my faith in Him makes me alive.

"Praising the Lord, wherever we go.
Humming a tune not fit of His love.
Our burden is falling, down past our feet
We lift up our eyes; we are full of His peace.
"He's all that we need, and gives us just that
if we seek; He will give, and pour out of His grace.
The love is a fire, alight in our eyes
a window unleashing the shadows inside.
we walk in the light of His radiant face
Abounding, abounding! Oh Joy, oh grace."

-'manda

Birthday!

2009-06-20T19:30:00.006+09:00

Today is Rusty's birthday!!

Happy Birthday Rusty!!
"Dude, your 21." (That's what i would say to you if i were in Okinawa still).

So it's pretty neat that you get a birthday in Japan, and to celebrate it with everyone in Oki.
Just wanted you to know i'm celebrating it with you here in Korea. love you a lot dude, you are always going to be in my life.

So, we made you a picture.

It spells your name!! (you prolly can tell though...)
Hope you had a great day dude, happy birthday Rusty.

-'manda (and the Korea gang)

Daejeon Days

2009-06-19T22:23:00.004+09:00

That's a catchy title. it sounds like a sitcom, or an album name.

Anyways,
So on Sundays we have a lot of fun doing ministry together.
This past sunday, we had our normal things, but just little things about each place was funny and a blessing.
At the church that me and Sosimo go to, we are planning a big water even at the park for the kids. Please pray that a lot of kids will come, we are doing the wordless color Bible, and playing games and eating with the kids at the park. it is very hot now, so the Lord blessed us with water balloons!! These kids are going to have a blast!

This past week, we brought Dean along with us, and he joined in the sword warm with the children. But alas, he got a battle wound! One of the kids hit him in the nose and it started bleeding! It was a lot of fun, and he recovered well with honor.

Before that, at CC Cheonan, Daniel came in the back where we teach the kids after service, and brought some joy to us all. He found a magical chair hat that changes emotions. (watch the video to see what i mean).

So, everything is a lot of fun here, but a lot of work too. Please be praying for the church here, and everyone that is in the ministry God is doing here. There is lots of laughs, but there can be a lot of tough spiritual things going on at the same time. We appreciate your prayers a TON.

Living for Christ,
-'manda

Blessings come a floodin'

2009-06-16T21:14:00.005+09:00

So, as promised, here are some more pictures!

(this is the outside of the apartment building)

God has filled our apartment so much, we almost cannot fit everything in it!

(our FULL cupboards!)

(our clothing rack)

(our sweet livingroom/diningroom!)

He has given us pots and pans,

Cups and plates,

bowles and silverware

serving plates and platers,
and food in our fridge!

(we have apples, they are good)

(yep, those are juice-sicles! i ate some...sosimo took one, i didn't eat two...)

All of this has been given to us either free, or for very good cheap prices. Everything we prayed for, has been given. And things we did not think to ask for, has been provided as well. Who ever said that money was an obstacle for God?

This is a great testimony of how rich God is, He owns everything. Praise Him, He is so big.

-'manda

The new place

2009-06-15T19:00:00.003+09:00

So this week we got the new apartment!!

God has blessed us so much with the things needed to fill the inside, and even extra as bonus blessings.

These are the moving in pictures:

And here are the afters (continuing to expand too!):

(the bedroom)

(the office/other bedroom)

(the living room)

I will get better pictures (we have actually moved in a few more things so it looks nicer!).

praise the Lord, He provides all things we need when we need them.

-'manda

Subway, english lessons, chubbing out...

2009-06-10T22:43:00.004+09:00

On tuesday, me, Daniel, Sosimo, and Dean all hit the Subway to go teach a bunch of crazy kids english. These kids are so crazy, but awesome. They speak english better than me! We played a game with them, called "Pepsi Cola Delicious" or something along those lines, which was really just fun to hear them say the english "Pepsi Cola Dah-ri-sash! Dah-ri-sash is numbah one!" (there are more words, but it was to hard to understand ahaha).

It is crazy to see how much they love learning english, and how fast they pick it up! Mike's daughter, Jeena, speaks both Korean and English. Her mom, Hye-young(i spelled it wrong..), says that at first she understood more english, but not she translates things so fast in her head. Amazing, God has made our minds so intriquet (i spelled that wrong too).

I've only been here a week, but God has already done so much. He has shown me so much of His grace in a deeper way to me, like what i was reminded of tonight when Sosimo taught from Genesis chapter 12. Abram disobeyed God many times, he messed up many more times too, even after obeying God. But God looked at him, and only wanted to bless him. God see's us with such great love, and we so often think He looks at our failures so much more. God see's His Son's love and blood all over us. He only see's the good He can do and wants to do in us and through us.

Our God is so, so good, and so, so big.

Please, be encouraged by this fact. Don't give up when you mess up. Learn from it, and go on.

And don't worry mom, i am well fed out here ^_^

(this is an aloe drink, it is SO GOOD. it tastes like my favorite Japanese grape jello drink!)

Christ's love,

-'manda

Satisfy Concert

2009-06-08T22:50:00.005+09:00

This is a little late, but time has not allowed me to post sooner.

Two days ago, we did a worship concert at Danguk University. Earlier, Daniel and Sosimo put up fliers around the school, and we passed out a few tracks before we started. It was such a blessing, people came!

Daniel jammed out with some worship songs, before sharing his testimony of God's grace in his life. It was good to hear yet another life that God has changed. Hearing a Christian's testimony gives so much hope, it strengthens me when i hear it because i remember how great my God is to save us.

thanks for sharing Daniel.

(the guys preparing before the concert)

I was blessed by it, and i got to help lead in worship with back up singing, and playing the Box for them. After Daniel's testimony, Sosimo got up and shared from the Word. There was a group of guys from the school, that stayed and listened to the whole teaching. it was really cool.

Later that day, we had an english class at one of the english schools nearby the church in Daejeon, and then we headed off to an amazing dinner with some of the students. But afterwards, we hit the BATTING CAGES!!!!! (DUN DUN DUUUUNNN)

So what you do, is you exchange your paper money for change, and you go into the area with the batting cages in it, and you stay behind the net so you dont get hit in the head!

Then, when it's your turn, you go in through the net, put your money in the machine, grab some batting gloves, a bat, and step up to the plate!!

Dude, these things come fast. But it is so so much fun!

(here's Dean up to bat! yay go mister deeaaannn)

This thing is addicting! i tried two times, and i got better as i did it more.

Then, the boys took me home on the bus (i think that was my first time on the bus since being here this time). We were a little worried to find the stop in the dark, but we found it the first try! Praise the Lord for memory!!

(this is the bus.)

Psalm 16:2

-'manda

Korea

2009-06-04T22:38:00.004+09:00

Hey everyone, i made it to Korea!!! yay!!

So me and Dean headed out on Wednesday morning (along with Megan, who went to mainland Japan) and safely made it to Daejeon with no complications at all. praise the Lord!

We will both be staying until the end of August, before heading back to Okinawa for another semester. I will be graduating!

Everything is wonderful here so far, and i think it's only going to get better. Right now, i am staying with a family that is amazing and graciously letting me live with them. Gloria is my new Korean "ohmah" (mother) and takes wonderful care of me. I had the most amazing breakfast this morning!

Her son David (they have all been given american names by friends or teachers) is realy funny, his english is very good. We played "Badmitten" with ping pong paddles last night before bed. His mom told me "we train, everynight".

The first day here, we had prayer in the morning, and then headed to Mike's (pastor) house for some delicious lunch that his wife cooked! it was soo good. I don't even know what it was, but there was dumplings!! there was a soup we had, it was so, so good.

My new Korean family i am staying with, unvited everyone over for dinner after an evening Bible study we had. They threw together an amazing meal in under an hour!

For desert, we had fruit, a TON of fruit. it was so so good. Fruit is a lot cheaper here than it is in Okinawa.

(one of the girls cut the apples into bunnies!)

Afterwards, we played some games before everyone headed home for the night. We played "Baskin Robbins 31!", they love that game here! The punishment was "Indian Bump!", which was mercifuly given out several times.

My stay so far has been amazing, and i know it's only going to get better. I will post with more photos, because we have done a lot of things in the past few days.

Tomorrow is Sunday, we go to 3 different churches to help out! Busy all day long, but with many blessings.

Thank you for your prayers, and for reading along on my blog (it's nice to share God's work with someone).

-'manda

I'm a Winner...

2009-05-28T14:51:00.003+09:00

So,

In Okinawa, they have these great ice cream's (popsicles are included in that phrase).

I look for the "lactose ice" ones, and there are actualy a lot that are dairy free (prasie the Lord!)

On certain ice creames, the package will say "you could be a winner!" on it, and if you get a popsicle stick that has kanji on it, you WIN!!!!

I WON!!

(not the most flattering picture, but i was truely thrilled to death that i won in this photo)

This was my first time winning!! it's really exciting and such a blessing to win, because that means you get a FREE icecream!!!

Praise the Lord for good times.

-'manda (the winner)

Paddle Boarding

2009-05-19T13:18:00.004+09:00

Paddle boarding is this great invention that we like to use here in Okinawa.

You get on a giant surfboard, swimm out a bit (not to much, "you go to far you die"), and then stand up and paddle around with your paddle! It's great!

Some of us got pretty creative (Tim breakdancing!)

We went to a spot called Toguchi, and camped out all day. The water was really warm, even though the sun never came out.

This rock is well known, and when you look at books about Okinawa (like if your visiting) it has a picture of it.

This was also the day that both Mellissa and Kelsi left for home (California). I didn't get a shot of Melissa (would have been to sad! she cried...), but i got a few last shots with Kelsi.

I think our height difference is hilariouse (she looks so tiny next to me!)

This was a huge roller slide that we all slid down. They have the best slides here.

I jumped off of this rock (on the other side). it was scary! but i did it twice!

On to "big" things

2009-05-15T23:49:00.004+09:00

God is big, His plans are big, His love is big.

I am heading off to South Korea for 3 months to serve at the church in Daejeon!

Bought my ticket for the 3rd of June, and all is in place to go.

Thank you for your prayers, they are powerful ^_^

We had our semester banquet, our finals, and graduation for three students (congratz Rusty, Iza and Nathan!). Now everyone is heading off to new and big exciting things.

'Wonder what's in store...

-'manda

Prayer Request

2009-04-29T07:27:00.003+09:00

Matthew 9 verses 35 through 38 says,

"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

God is doing things constantly. He is sending people out, and people are obeying.
God is sending me out too, and i ask for your prayers. There is an opportunity to head out to Daejeon, in South Korea (which the school just visited last week) to help out at the church there.
There are also opportunities to go to mainland Japan and minister, but i am not 100% certain yet where God wants me. But i think it is in Korea, so i am taking a step towards that door.
Please pray:
-To be in tune with His Spirit
-For clear guidance on where to go
-for safety, and diligence in serving Him and living for Him
-That all exspenses for school next semester (my last one!) and tickets would be paid (which they will, God is rich)
-for my family, to be safe and drawn closer to Jesus while i am gone

I can feel your prayers guys, they are heard. Do not be discouraged, God is in control.
God is good, and is doing many, great and good things. Praise Him.

-'manda (forever grateful of your prayers)

Tonaki Trip!

2009-04-08T15:51:00.015+09:00

This past weekend, we went on our camping trip to Tonaki, the island off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. We got back all safe and sound, and had buckets of fun.

The first group of students/inturns set out on Friday morning. Me, Amber, Rusty, Joel, Eder, and Leon set out the next morning (we all had ministry that we didn't want to cancel on friday night).

Us being cool on the boat ride.

the shore of Okinawa as we pulled out of the docks.

We got tired (the boat ride was 2 hours), and rested on the floor up top.
There is a tatami room downstairs for sleeping (so cool ahaha) but it was full.

who's that back there...?

we lost a few along the way...

Eder mourning the loss.

Tonaki Jima(island).

getting in closer.

wave breakers. the sky is wonderful there.

Lookit' that little boat!

as we got closer, you can see right to the bottom of the water. (you can kind of see the rocks in this picture.) When there isn't any sand being kicked up by the boat or by people walking in it, its so, so clear.

Our boat coming in! Kume Line!

who are all those people on the shore?

Our entourage(i asked Amber how to spell that, and then found out it was wrong on dictionary.com) of friends! Awaiting our coming! (how nice, we didn't think we would be greeted so warmly!)

One of the girl tents (they all look so happy).

We did a two day VBS (vacation Bible study) for the kids on the island. We had a ton of them come, which was amazing because we were only counting on 3 or 4. They all enjoyed the games and activities we had for them. The theme was "detectives", and they went to three different places and met "characters" (aka-Rusty, Tom Cotton, and Dean) who told them clues for the person that they were trying to find (which was Jesus).

The kids are creating there "detective notebooks".

the kids meeting "John the Baptist".

Meeting "Nicodemus". (unfortunatly, i don't have any photos of the kids meeting Pilate (aka Rusty), i was leading one of the groups of children through the course.

The second day, we put on a play for the kids. We did three scenes (everyone had a part), which were Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus brought before Pilate, then beaten, and the disciples and the two Mary's at the tomb (ressurection). The kids really enjoyed themselves, they told us that they were happy when they watched the play.

(This is one from the rehearsal, Rusty is the donkey, Izak Jesus ahaha)

A lot of children raised their hands to have Jesus be their friend and Lord. Keep them in your prayers, that the world may not take away their preciouse gift.

Pray for these kids, they all got up to ask Jesus to be in their heart and be their friend.

During our free time we sat down and worshipped God and got into the Word. It was a blessing, for us it was a retreat while also being a mission trip. we studied on the person of the Holy Spirit. God moved there.

Multi tasking.

There was also a "Family Mart" on the Island, which was actually in someone's house!

(That's it behind Tamiko, Ina, and Kelsie)

Towards the end of our trip, we had a huge rain storm come in. It was a little bit scary, but was loads of fun at the same time. We sand praise songs while holding up the walls of our tents againts the wind! We really learned to say "this is the day that the Lord has made, i will rejoice and be glad in it". As a Christian, its pretty neat to see God working a character and attitude about your heart and spirit to take whatever comes at us. The storm didn't dampen our spirits at all, even though we got wet and were cold.

Me and Tamiko holding up the side of our collapsing tent againts the wind. It was freaky, but funny at the same time. We had alot of fun.

Melissa looks all wet...Tamiko had her board shorts on, just in case.

But we then had a brilliant idea.

First, let loose the crabs we captured.

TA-DAH! Fire in a rice pot!

God provided ways to be warm.

Sufficient for many student's warmth.
I like Megan's face in this one.

After weathering the storm for an evening and a night, we headed home to Okinawa.

It was pretty great to see the island, it was so beautiful. It was also sad to see the state of the people there though. Only one Christian, and no church for Him to fellowship in. God, sustain Your servant there, be with Izulu.

The group gathered for a last shot to head home (Tommy said this was the biggest group they had ever taken out there, and we were even short a few people who left early).

The trip back was pretty choppy, so most of us slept to get through it without losing our breakfast.

look at them all! sleep buddies!

Amber looks like a mummy.

While most of us slept, others had different ways of taking the waves...

They're paddling out-

And they're standing up!! Look at them ride those waves!

So over all, the trip was great, and we got to love on a lot of people.

Praise the Lord, were home safe and back into school (but off to Korea next week!)

-'manda

Prayer Request

2009-04-01T16:56:00.004+09:00

Hey everyone (that reads...ahah!),

So this weekend, we are heading out to an island called Tonaki Jima, which is about a two hour ferry ride. We will be camping on the beach (woot!) and doing kid's outreaches, and encouraging the one brother in Christ out there.
Please pray for us, and for him.
He is the only believer out of the 400 people that live on the island.

It's going to be great, and i'm sure some great pictures will come out of it (so stay posted!).

Thank you for reading,

-'manda

Life

2009-03-29T15:46:00.009+09:00

We do alot here in Okinawa. There are times we learn, times we teach, and times we share in both.

Things are pretty small here in Japan, like the ice cream.

But you've just gotta roll with it.

We don't always have the best umbrella's, but we make do.

The sand here is special, its shaped like stars.

and broken pieces of coral.

The fish sometimes die.

We feed our friends snacks we make, while blind-folded.

And they eat them, even when it makes them throw up.

We play games at the arcade, we try to atleast.

We make new friends everyday.

And sometimes literally make them.

We take naps, at the park.

We worship God at the park.

We eat chubs all the time.

Our laptops have family reunions.

We have a great selection of tear-inducing movies.

We see new things everyday.

The wildlife here is unique.

You learn to fly from billboards.

We walk in style over the roads we cross.

We like to share, even if it's just the food in our mouth.

And everyday, we have a balanced breakfast.

Life is pretty great, i couldn't come up with a better one.

Thanks, God. =]

-'manda