I will follow Him to the wild corners of the world.: one month.

temple at Meiji

Can you believe it?! It is so hard to believe that I have been in Japan for a month; I still feel like the new kid! I am still getting used to how the culture, the people, & the language all work here in Japan. Throughout this past year I have come to love & truly know the following quote:

The more I see, the less I know.

Miho, Christina, & Sachiko

How true it is. . .the world is so diverse & so beautiful! The more I get out & experience the world (whether in the States or not), the more I realize how little is known. For being here in Japan for such a short time, my mind has already been blown by the differences & beauties of their culture. I love being here in Japan, I love learning the language (despite how frustrating it can be), I love the food, but most of all I love the people!! I have been making such wonderful friends & I wish you could meet them & get to know the amazing heart God has placed within each of them.

Saki & I

So apart from all of that, the Lord is so good & I am continuing to learn what it is to press into Him, to lean on Him in every aspect of my life. Get ready for a quick rambling (I ramble a lot, haha): It's so funny because when circumstances or situations head in a direction I did not intend or desire them to go, my heart & mind have a freak out. When I say "it's so funny," I seriously laugh at myself because of my small heart attacks, ha ha! I think back to a moment I had earlier this week & I giggle because it was so silly, yet I look back on it so grateful because every day I am realizing/learning more & more how important it is to press into the Lord in EVERY area of my life, both the minuscule areas & the largely important areas of my life. Another thing I am so thankful for is my friends back home; in particular my friend Meghan Cox. She has been such a huge blessing to me while I was living at home & while I have been here in Japan. Heck, she has been a blessing since I have known her (I have known her for about 8 years)!! She writes me daily reminding me of how much Jesus loves me & that He is enough when I'm not. Meg has made a big impact on my life & I am grateful to God for her friendship & her love for Him. Thank you Meg for your prayers & daily encouragement!

Meg & I a couple years back;
we went to water world (:

I also want to thank everybody for their constant thoughts & prayers for me & Japan. I'm serious when I say they are felt & they make a huge impact. I am praying for you too! :) Before I go (have to start making dinner for after prayer tonight), I wanted to ask you to keep my friend Justin Schielke in your prayers as well; he is headed to Uganda for a missions trip in about 2 weeks. He needs lots of prayers & support! You can get to know him & find more information on his trip at: Justin Schielke: Uganda Support Letter

Please check it out! :)

Once again, thank you for everything & I cannot wait to share my small photo project with you!