So, when you go to a new country, you expect new things.  Right?  Common sense.  When you do new things in new countries, you expect new things as well.  But sometimes, you’re just taken by surprise. Monday I got my hair cut.  It was an impulsive decision that I’d been considering for a future cut… Continue reading What is up with…

A couple of weeks ago, on a busy Saturday, I got a message from my study partner saying that she was going to have to miss our Japanese lesson that day with our teacher.  It’s ok, she’s prego and I TOTALLY get it.  Sleep, enjoy it.  Savor it.  These are your last months together, indulge in… Continue reading Building Blocks

I suppose something like the day that Kennedy was assassinated, or 9/11, I remember 3/11 very clearly.  Like the whole day.  3/11 of course, March 11, 2011. That morning was a big morning.  I had two big things to accomplish that day.  I met a fellow missionary and a Japanese friend in Shinyurigaoka to file taxes. … Continue reading Remembered

So, this is another practical side of living overseas edition of this blog.  I don’t know about you, but tax season is definitely NOT my favorite season in the world. I am all for paying taxes– give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, etc. etc. but I’d rather not go to all the trouble of filling… Continue reading Things I Don’t Want to Spend My Saturday Doing

So, a week ago, we hosted the brand new, newly-multiplied baby cell group meeting, entitled Groundbreakers (more on that in a minute). After  loads of legit cleaning every last speck of dust, everything was perfect. Our 2 two-person sofas, 4 chairs and floor cushions positioned if necessary.  Laptop tuned into a youtube power-point for worship. At 7:30,… Continue reading As Promised