105=15=5=120...........college math

Well as most of you know, many colleges have been finishing up with this semester by giving their students final exams. Even though I don't physically go to a university, I too had a final yesterday. My final test for 2010. =) It was Social Science and History.........basically I had to study everything about, well, everything. It covered Western Civilization 1 & 2, United States History 1 & 2, Psychology, Sociology, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and much more. It was kinda nerve racking because I had taken this test in May but had not passed. Thankfully though, after many more hours of study, I was able to pass yesterday! =)

So you are probably wondering what the numbers above mean. Well, because I passed my test I now have 105 credits! =) 120 credits is what I'm aiming for, which means I only have 15 credits left before I graduate with a Bachelors in Liberal Studies! I only have 5 more tests. I'm so very excited! This was an amazing early Christmas party!!!!! =) 

Have a very Merry Christmas!!! =)
Love,
Ashton

Heart Matters

Hello all!!!!

I apologize for not writing sooner! My life has been super busy this past couple of months with preparation for the Mystery of Christmas. (We performed this past weekend-it went really well and was so much fun! I'm kind of sad it is over, but relieved to be able to sleep again!) Recently over the past couple of months God has really been highlighting to me the state at which I hold my heart. I often find myself in the prayer room just flipping through different parts when verses I've never noticed before will jump out at me, all of them dealing with issues of the heart. I've even had conversations with different close friends about how our hearts are doing.

I was struggling in October/November with really trying to understand my heart and feeling kind of disappointed that I wasn't able to control the emotions of my heart well. I found a verse in Jeremiah that said "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jer. 17:9) I was reminded that my heart was human, and that if I followed what my heart was 'feeling' then I was following things that were untrue. I found the verse that said, "Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God." (1Chron. 22:19) I realized that we are supposed to give ourselves in our day to day business. Even though our hearts are wicked, God still really wants them!

He even knows the secrets of our hearts. Which, honestly, could be a little scary for most of us if we stop and think about it. God knowing everything we think........everything. It makes you not want to think! =) "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." That would probably be my prayer right now. That in everything, through everything, that my gaze would be such that I would depend on God to sustain my heart. He should be the strength of my heart......He's the one who created me. I have nothing that I could give Him in return for His sacrifice for me. He deserves every second of every day.  

It also says in Matt. 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Doesn't that make you want to go get your heart in check? I mean, who wouldn't want to see God?  I love how blunt the Bible is. It tells you what to do in order to get desired results. Only they aren't things we can do on our own......we have to depend on His guidance. =) Colossians 3:1 is also encouraging because it says, "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." God wants us to meditate on Him. How cool is that? Our job is to think about Jesus. =) I also like Phil. 4:7 which says that the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. The thought that God's peace will guard our hearts is so comforting to me because that means I don't have to be in control! He leads my heart!

One day during this past week, I was putting my makeup on for the show and Uncle Matt came up while fixing his suit/costume and asked me a few questions. I love it when he asks me questions because it always makes me think. He wants to know what's going on deep in the heart, not just the surface. I love that about him! =) He was asking me about my heart and how my life was going. Through our conversation I was reminded that the matters of the heart are so extremely important! We should hide ourselves in Christ. (Col 3:3)

I also really like this quote. It would be so cool if this were the case of the guy I end up marrying! =)

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her."

Max Lucado

Hope to write more later!

Ashton  =)

Word of the Day

I thought a while ago I should unsubscribe from the Dictionary word of the day. Moma signed me up for this a couple of years ago to prep for the SAT. But now that I am a college Senior it seemed as if it was not serving its purpose anymore. I'm so thankful I kept it! The funniest words come through! Here are just a few of them:

Slugabed \SLUHG-uh-bed\, noun:

One who stays in bed until a late hour; a sluggard.

Viand \VAHY-uhnd\, noun:

An article of food, now usually of a choice or delicate kind.

  

Smithereens \smith-uh-REENZ\, noun:

Small pieces; bits.

Acta \AK-tuh\, noun:

Official records, as of acts, deeds, proceedings, transactions, or the like. 

Lucifugous \loo-see-FOO-guhs\, adjective:

Avoiding light.-----------(Interesting since Satan's name is Lucifer and he hates God, who is light.....)

Hobbledehoy \HOB-uhl-dee-hoy\, noun:

An awkward, gawky young fellow.

Frabjous \FRAB-juhs\, adjective:

Wonderful, elegant, superb, or delicious.

  

Brobdingnagian \brob-ding-NAG-ee-uhn\, adjective:

Of extraordinary size; gigantic; enormous.

Quaggy \KWAG-ee\, adjective:

1. Marshy; boggy.
2. Soft or flabby.

Tittle \TIT-l\, noun:

1. A dot or other small mark in writing or printing, used as a diacritic, punctuation, etc.
2. A very small part or quantity; a particle, jot, or whit

Kenspeckle \KEN-spek-uhl\, adjective:

Conspicuous; easily seen or recognized.

Mojo \MOH-joh\, noun:
1. Personal magnetism; charm.
2. The art or practice of casting magic spells; magic; voodoo.
3. An object, as an amulet or charm, that is believed to carry a magic spell.
4. Good luck or favor concerning an event or individual.


Yeuk \YOOK\, noun:
1. An itching sensation.
verb:
1. To itch.

Cheechako \chee-CHAH-koh\, noun:
A tenderfoot; greenhorn; newcomer.

There are so many funny ones!!!!!!!!!!! All this to say, you should sign up for the Dictionary word of the day; it provides you with a fantastic vocabulary and you will laugh twice! (once on your own and then again when telling all your friends!) =)

Have a great day!

Ashton =)

Fred

Hello everyone!

I want to share with you a special story of what happened in my life today and ask you to partner with me in prayer. Today as I was doing school in the basement, my entire house's electricity went off. Unfortunately since all my school work is on the computer and internet, I was unable to do school. So I went to the Grandview McDonald's because they have free wi-fi. (Personally I think it's just to get you to purchase food but yeah....=) )

There was quite an unusually large number of seniors in the McDonalds so I assume they had some type of gathering or celebration or something. Personally I love elderly people. I love to listen to their stories and listen to their wisdom. Most people in my generation don't give them a second of their attention and act as if they don't exist. What great wisdom we are missing out on! We shouldn't shove them in a corner just because they need us to talk a little slower and louder......we should listen intently to what they have to say because they have lived life and know what's coming our way.

As I was sitting there working on my biology homework a very sweet, older gentleman saw me working on my computer and saw the symbol of the brand of my computer on the back of my screen. Jokingly he asked me if my computer was an Apple. I was like, "No sir." wondering what he was going to say next. He said that if it was, he was going to ask if he could take a bite out of it. =) I smiled at this old man's humor. Little did I know this little encounter was going to last 1 1/2 hours.

He started talking to me about how the companies were trying to get our money by showing us that we needed the newest, latest, better version of everything. I responded by saying that my generation would be wise if we would listen to the advice of our grandparents and parents. He said that we should also listen to Christ. I heartily agreed and then he asked if I was a Christian. I said that I was and his next question was if I was part of the International House of Prayer. I said that I was and that my parents are on staff there. At this point I was thinking that he was in favor of the International House of Prayer but his next comment quickly put me in place.

He told me that people from IHOP are antichrists and freaks. Immediately I knew my place was not to argue with him and prove him he was wrong but to rather listen to what he had to say and just question him on why he thought that way. (Later I found out that this instinct was from the Holy Spirit because anyone who knows me knows that I always like to argue and prove I'm right until, well I'm right! =) Also during the conversation I felt a trembling that would rise up inside my stomach to my jaw where it would tremble. I was like, "Not now Holy Spirit! =)" And I kept seeing flashes of light out of the corner of my eyes.)

I asked him why he thought IHOPers were antichrists. His answer was incorrect in that he said that we didn't teach from the Bible; that we paraphrased and taught from the paraphrased version and that was punishable by eternal damnation. He is correct in the fact that if you change the Bible by adding or taking away from it that you are putting yourself in the position of eternal damnation. (It says that in Revelation) He said that the leaders had taken the scriptures, added and taken away from them, and were teaching from that. I had no idea where he got this idea but I knew that the IHOP leaders only teach that which is straight from the scriptures. He was wrong about the IHOP leaders. Mostly the one he kept referring to was Mike Bickle. I told him that Mike Bickle even puts the exact words of the NKJV into notes and hands them out so people can search it out for themselves what he is teaching. This brought us to another point.

He said that the only real version of the scriptures was the original documents due to translation errors by humans. I asked him how the originals were true if they too were written by humans but he didn't have an answer for me. He only said the NIV, NKJV, KJV, NAS, ESV, and many others were wrong. (I don't believe this though.) We talked about many of history's translators, like Wycliff, and I was very thankful for my education where I had studied this! =)

This man was so right on so many issues but just a little bit wrong on a couple of parts, which throws all of it off. He said that he had studied 23 different translations of the Bible, including the Greek and Hebrew. He believes that all scripture is God breathed and infallible. He believes that only God is God. He believes we are saved by grace and that salvation is a free gift from God.

But some things I knew were wrong. He said that there are 3 stages of life for humans. 1) The first generation of humans being before Jesus' death in which men had to perform offerings (works) and attain salvation. 2) The second being the ones after Jesus' resurrection who receive the gift of salvation freely. 3) And the third being those who live in the final days. That in itself wasn't wrong but he said that we don't need Jesus' blood. He said that Jesus wasn't God, but merely an image of God. But then he said that if we reject Christ we will burn in Hell for eternity forever, which is correct. So instead of pointing out he was wrong I simply asked him, "If Christ isn't God, then why does it matter if we reject him or not?" He had to ponder about that one for a while and eventually told me he didn't know the answer.

Another question I asked him was, "If Christ isn't God then how was he born of a virgin?" He responded by telling me that all things are possible with God (true) but that Christ was only an image of God (false). I asked him what he thought about John 1:1 where it says that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Wouldn't that be Christ---God? He didn't have an answer for that one either.

Another thing he said was that God and Satan don't dwell on the earth....at all. (false) I asked him if he thought that demons could control the minds of humans and he said no. (I knew this was wrong). Since I could tell he knew the scriptures, I asked him this, "If God doesn't dwell on earth then answer me this. In Acts when Jesus left his disciples, he said that he would send a helper for them and he sent the Holy Spirit. Is the Holy Spirit God?" His answer was that due to the languages of Greek and Hebrew, words mean different things in different orders next to other words. He said that there are 8 different meanings of the words Holy Spirit, one being God and the others meaning a 'good' spirit. In this case, he said, the meaning was a 'good' spirit. He said that God took their bad spirit and gave them a good one. (This is true, it's the message of salvation, but not the Holy Spirit). He also said that man was born good natured with eternal life and that men choose against Christ, when the truth is we are born eternally damned and we receive the free gift of the Christ's salvation.

He said that there were no Christians on the earth today because Christians were the one's who did works, and we didn't need to do works anymore because we were out from under the law. That is true that we are not under the law of Moses anymore and don't need to offer sacrifices because Jesus' blood covers all. But I believe he was wrong about there not being Christians on the earth. True, there are people that claim they are Christians who are not and many of the churches do teach heresy, but not all. There are true Christians on the earth who give up their lives for Christ and true churches who teach the exact words of scripture.

He was so smart. He was able to back up some of what he was saying with correct scripture left and right. He said that he had studied with the Jehovah Witnesses, the Mormons, the Catholics, and many others......no wonder the deception on his mind! He does say that they are not teaching the correct truths of the scriptures, so he is right about that. He said that he was so grateful that I listened to him. He said that most people will just combat everything he said with a statement and not even listen to him. So I was so grateful that the Holy Spirit had allowed me to shut my mouth and just listen and inquire; and not teach. This way the Holy Spirit was able to plant a seed through me in this man.

This man's name is Fred L. Please pray for my newly encountered friend. He is so close and yet so far. And due to his age, I'm not sure how much time this man has left. Please join in with me in praying for this man!

Also please pray for me. Today was the first time I have ever had to really defend my belief in Christ....on my own without my parents or others with me. I had to depend on what I had learned from Scriptures and what I had learned by spending time with Jesus. And while I feel like I was used by the Holy Spirit, I also feel like I failed miserably. After the McDonald encounter, I came home and sobbed for about 2 hours telling my family of my day. How could I profess to be a Christian when I clearly came up short in reciting verses to back up my theology when this man was quoting scripture left and right and most in context. He even knew the verse address! My calling of being a missionary was very squashed too. I spent 1 1/2 hours with a man who was so hungry for the truth, and I felt like I couldn't convincingly state what I believe.

McDonald's on October 19th, 2010, was a divine encounter set up by the Lord. I'm so grateful He was able to use this to teach me how much more I need Him. I press on towards the goal He has set for me!

Thank you for praying with me for the salvation of Fred! He is blinded and needs to see the truth! Come Lord Jesus!

Blessings,
Ashton

October 15th.....a special day in history!

Well, my October 15th has been great for multiple reasons! I worked this morning at the Holiday Inn and it was incredibly busy. It was hard work but very enjoyable. Today was also my cousin (well, half cousin) Kaeo Skeele's birthday. =) Also on this glorious day I am getting together with some of my friend (Kawase's, Kimberly, Stan, Dacia, and some others)  to watch the movie How To Train Your Dragon. It will be good to hang out with them outside of dance. In addition to all of these, I found out from dictionary.com that smithereenes is a real word that means small pieces or bits. That practically made my day. =)

But, let's get to the real news. =) So today I took another test. Well, actually the same test I took before and failed. History of the United States 2. Again. Not cool for a girl who can't stand history and would rather be doing algebra all day. It took me down the first time but I conquered it the second time gaining the 3 credits I should have earned before. Adding these credits to my already earned credits gives me 90....which means.......

I'M A COLLEGE SENIOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so super excited and pumped!!! I only have 7 more tests. Technically I would only have 5 but two other tests have gotten the best of me as well. But I will conquer them too! =) I was so excited I was doing a party/happy dance in the car driving back and this lady in the other lane saw me and pointed me out to her husband who was driving and they were laughing at me. But I just smiled and waved at them cause my day was going great and it gave them something to laugh at. =)

October 15th, the day I became a senior in college........................while technically still a freshman in age! =)

~Ashton =)

Team gathering!!!! =)

Hello all!

I'm so sorry that I haven't blogged in forever but hopefully that will change. =)

Today we were blessed to be able to have a team gathering! The Kawases (with the addition of Dacia!) and koalas (Stan, Kimberly, and I-we renamed ourselves while on the trip =) ) and our families got together at my house today for fellowship and prayer. It was really encouraging to see everyone and be together again. One of the things we had noticed while on the trip was that God was using our group as a support group for each other. We had what we called "flamily" meetings where we would go around one by one and tell what was on our hearts and then pray for each other. God was able to minister to our hearts in deep, powerful ways through these times so we felt it was essential to continue them! We prayed for each other today and one of the big concerns for lots of people, including me, was where to go from here. Where was God leading us in our lives and how to faithfully walk His plan no matter how hard the decisions seem to be was the big question that needed answering. We were asking God for his wisdom and clarity in hearing His voice.

We were also able to pray for all the churches we visited. To name a few we prayed for Living Waters Church in Tainan, Taiwan, the Hongodai church in Yokohama, Japan, Ricky Gordon's church in Shizuoka, the Bostroms and their community in Kakegawa, the churches in Kure near Hiroshima, and many of the surrounding churches we have maintained contact with. It was a great time of intercession for our beloved friends!

Because we were able to have Dacia with us, who is a daughter of the Bostrom family living with the Kawases for school purposes, we were able to have direct prayer needs from Kakegawa. Please pray for Mrs. Bostrom as she is suffering with a pain in her forearm, back, and other pains. Also please pray for them as they are in the process of acquiring an old public school building for their Christian school. While this is a tremendous blessing it also comes with lots of stress due to the monetary aspect. Pray that God would bless them financially to be able to compensate the teachers who have to work an additional job for enough income.

We are planning on being able to have regular meetings as God allows! I'm so grateful God has enabled us to maintain such a closeness as a team and as friends.

I will write more later!

Many Blessings,
Ashton =)

I love God's way of saying, "Good morning child. I just wanted to bless you today. Love you forever and always. ~Abba"

Back in the USA..... =)

Well, I have been home for a week now. I can't believe that much time has passed by! It has been good to be with my family and re-adjust to the time zone. Jet lag hasn't been too bad which I am forever thankful for. Abi slept for 19 hours once we got home. Now that's what I call a deep sleep!


I am hoping to be able to put LOTS of pictures on the blog soon. We downloaded all of the pictures into the Kawase's computers so I should get them sometime near the end of this week and then figure out how to put bunches on the blog!

It was amazing to see God work through us when we least expected it and felt the least usable for ministry. God truly does move in mysterious ways. Being able to see another view of who God is and see Him through the eyes of a different culture group was an incredible experience. Many good friendships were made and others were strengthened. I am so thankful that God allowed this trip to be written in my history! God is so good!!!! =)


I'll write more later. I am currently trying to study to take another test before I leave for Georgia in a week. I'll post pictures soon!!!!! See ya in July! =)

dancing in the orient - day fifteen/sixteen-

We're at the Narita Airport, two hrs. from takeoff. Below is our final trip diary and a few pics attached.

See you soon.
Sue

_________

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010 : TOKYO

Quick Sketch:

• Zushi Beach
• One hr. visit with Nagisa & mother
• Ja Mata Hatanakas’
• Kobe Beef , Hymn Singing, and Nakadairas’
• 10 Yukatas + 20 slippers + 1 bed = slap-happy fun

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

Our final day has been pure relaxing, fun, connecting with extended Kawase relatives, and playing the American tourist. With our busy two weeks, this has been a welcome chance to relax and debrief.

Saturday after breakfast, Reina, Hatanaka’s 15yo daughter, took the teens to the beach. Walking along the Pacific shoreline in the sand and water was relaxing. They discovered live starfish; some stayed on for devotions.

After their return to Hatanakas’ designer home, Nagisa arrived with her mother. (Nagisa was a JCCC student in 2008 who we had taken in at a crisis moment in her life.) How good to reunite with her and meet her mother for the first time. We were moved to tears when at the end of her visit she stood before us, reading a long thank you letter in her broken English. She is finishing her teaching degree in Japan.

Late morning we left for Jiyugaoka, a suburb of Tokyo. The Tokyo commuter trains and stations are quite busy. There was no way we could have made it without Yutaka and Jenna’s Japanese language. The rushing of black-haired crowds in all directions is a sight to see. These people are used to the tight spaces; they learn to talk quietly but move swiftly from place to place. We enjoyed seeing an evening train packed to the gills! The train screeches to a halt; the doors open. No one gets off the crowded train. But a line of 15 people still push forward into the train. The final people in the line turn around and simply back up into the crowd then hug their purses, skirts, briefcases to themselves as the soothing whistle blows and the doors close. Despite one woman’s skirt getting caught in the door, the train sped forward. Very efficient. A sight to see.

Our final visit was with the Nakadairas’ . Yutaka’s uncle and aunt and cousin welcomed us to their home. So did G’ma Nobuko. How pleasant to see them all. Immediately we were invited in for a meal of Kobe beef, rice, salad followed by ice cream. (Beef is very expensive in Japan; Kobe beef is even more rare—the beef cattle are massaged and given beer to give us very tender steak….a very expensive and delicious plate!) Oishi to ippai desu nee! (delicious and filling). The guys were wide-eyed when they were given seconds! A gift from God!

Uncle Kenkichi is a retired Tokyo appellate court judge. More importantly, he is a believer who for the last 25 yrs. has argued many cases (even before the Japanese supreme court ) on behalf of minority groups in Japan, especially the Koreans. He is a man of words. We each gave our greetings and thank yous to this dear family, all translated. At his request we worshiped together, singing “Jesus Loves Me” and “It is Well.” He then presented each of us with Japanese yen to spend. You truly can never out give a Japanese person!

Later the teens enjoyed the Japanese private garden outside while some of us rested and chatted further. We took pictures in front of the Japanese garden gate before we bowed, hugged, gave our final “sayoonaras” and sped away on the taxis to the train station where we were taken to Richmond Hotel, just one train stop from Narita airport3pm Sunday. where we will leave at

Our final debriefing was slap-happy fun as the entire team dressed in our Japanese style white robes and slippers jumped on Yutaka and my bed for some former god-stories when Yutaka was a student here 35 years ago. The stories moved to giving thanks for all that God has accomplished in our trip here. What a time we had. There is much more to share. Pics will have to wait…if we find a WiFi connect at the airport.

Please pray for our final trip home…. About 13 hrs from Narita to Detroit, MI…a short 2 hr. layover, before we meet in Kansas City.

Much love and thanks for being our stateside team. We are very grateful for each of you.

With love!

Sue, for our entire team

Hatanaka home.


Nakadairas

Team at Tokyo Garden Gate

Tokyo Trains

dancing in the orient - day fourteen-

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010 : Zushi

Quick Sketch:

• Train traveling north
• Tourists
• Hatanakas’ welcome weary travellers

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

8:30am our team gave our final “chows” at the Nishi-Hiro train station, then headed north past Hiroshima, Nagoya, Osaka, and finally to Yokohama. There, for two hours we enjoyed being tourists. We had caught snatches of sleep esp. on the shinkansen. We were grateful.

Yokohama, Japan's 3rd largest city is set for tourism—lots of beautiful sites to see--parks, Japanese gardens, waterfronts, architectural structures, and shopping. We thought of John Ho as we marveled at the Yokohama Landmark Tower : built to withstand earthquakes with shifting plates within the foundation. This 70-story structure is the tallest building in Japan and has the world’s fastest elevator, rising 28mph . Here’s a pic and website if you want more info: http://web-japan.org/atlas/architecture/arc10.html Mostly, we laughed and enjoyed ourselves.

At 8pm we arrived at Zushi station where Yutaka’s cousin graciously greeted 10 weary travelers. The Hatanakas’- Ichiro, Itsuko, and daughter-Reina are believers that minister in the corporate and educational sectors. You may have known, they housed Monika & Juergen Kramer’s youngest daughter several years ago. They have a fascinating story of the Lord’s pursuit. It includes a dangerous Zaire I love hearing each believer’s story—each so fascinating and unique. This is certainly no exception. military coup, Buddhism, Havard MBA, regularly hearing the audible voice of God (it began when he was 20yo as a Buddhist.), and a Christian baptism in Boston, MA.

Saturday Prayer:

• Connecting with former student- Nagisa- here at Hatanakas.
• Our final trip to Jiyugaoka, a suburb of Tokyo
• Honoring Uncle Kenkichi Nakadaira (84yo?) who helped us first establish contacts in Japan
• Reuniting with Grandma Nobuko
• Travel to hotel by airport: Reorganizing our luggage ; Debriefing

Much love to all!!

Sue

Natalie

More than Ashes

Hiroshima City Hall after Abomb

Hip Hop Blocking

dancing in the orient - day thirteen-

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010 : Hiroshima³

Quick Sketch:

• Reunited with team : heart check-in
• Last rehearsal
• Brazilian home-cooked lunch
• Finale Concert

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

Our final dance concert is over! It was truly a grand finale for all the past four months of preparation. The concert was held at the newly built Hiro Civic Center adjacent to the busy train station. Lighting, sound, and stage (with large wings!) and separate dressing rooms made it a perfect place. Natalie and Jenna co-led this one. Who would ever have guessed when they met 17 years ago at MCF that they would be leading dance teams near Hiroshima, Japan!

The local Brazilian hip-hop dancers opened the evening with the vibrant dance:“He Reigns”, followed by “Go Get “em, and later “Living Clean” . Natalie had prepared the dancers well—with four practices each week for the last two weeks—all spoken in Portugese! And this is Japan! They love their Natalie!

Our dancers joined with them in the opening piece, then later in the program added their own repertoire- “When It Was Over” , “Man of Sorrows”, and among others, a powerful Cory Asbury piece “More Than Ashes.” Some of the song lyrics were first read in English, then translated to Portugese, then Japanese. We ended with improv worship to a Battlestar Gallactica instrumental. The evening was a celebration of friendship with these warm-hearted believers; a gift of encouragement during their hard months.

True to Brazilian culture, the socializing continued on and on- first in the civic center lobby, then outside, and finally in a local Italian restaurant. Lots of laughter and hugs… slap-happy fun. Exhausted, we fell into bed after midnight. Our final “chows” and pics taken—our hearts full. We had accomplished our purpose in coming.

Friday prayer points:

• Four hours of train travel to Zushi (near Yokohama)
• Late afternoon and evening with Hatanakas’ (Yutaka’s cousin)…pure relaxing.
• Touching hearts with our team: beginning debriefing

Much love and gratefulness,

Sue

PS: The movie, “Ratatuolli” (sic?) portrays well how much tasty food reminds us of past conversations, places, and emotions. Ask Kimberly. One of the Brazilian grandmas cooked a large meal of soup beans, rice… at noon today. Kimberly’s eyes quickly brightened at the sight and smell….”This is my mom’s food,” she exclaimed! She looks forward to her return with them in mid-July, as we all do with our families and friends. Just three days left here.

Natalie and Kirsti Backrub

Kimberly and Soup Beans

Sayumi and Gustavo

Team Heart Check-in

dancing in the orient - day twelve-

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2010 : Hiroshima²

Quick Sketch:

• Team on-their-own for the day—rehearsal, train ride, shopping & A-bomb visit, & more rehearsing
• Yutaka and Sue counseling day

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

As Yutaka and I ate our Wed. supper in the “Thankfull Restaurant” (that really is the name!), it felt like dejavous. Just two years earlier, our last team in 2008 had ended their stay in Kure (town near Hiroshima) with an evening at this restaurant. It had seemed the perfect ending to our time with these joy-filled folk. Never would have we imagined the testings ahead for these believers.

We met for several counseling sessions and various conversations; we have heard quite a few stories—many the same—how hard the last months of trial (abuse on all fronts) have been, but also how faithful God is. We came home both saddened and encouraged—many going on with God despite the hard season, yet other younger believers struggling in their faith. We are sobered. We are called to prayer. We are reminded that in this earthquake ladened land, where every building is constructed in preparation for catastrophe, we too must have solid foundations, and develop our daily personal history with Jesus that will withstand any possible catastrophic event.

We also came away with two other assurances—

-- that God is faithful and will not allow more than we can handle;

--that these people feel incredibly loved by us for traveling the distance to hear their hearts.

The dancers successfully managed their 24 hrs. without their “team parents.” Surprise?! It was we who missed them! We couldn’t stop talking about the great team that we have. Some shopped; others visited the A-bomb Peace Memorial—very sobering.

Thursday prayer—

• Final rehearsal for Thurs.7:30pm (Th., 5:30am CST) performance at the public auditorium near the Kure train station.
• Marcio (one of pastors Yutaka, Joshua, & I homestayed with) & friends will prayer walk the streets Th. before the performance, attempting to gather interested unbelievers to performance.
• Final “chow” (Portugese for goodbye) Friday morning early.

Much love,

See you in just four days!

Sue

dancing in the orient - day eleven-

TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010 : Hiroshima¹

Quick Sketch:

• Chapel with KIC School
• Sword posing in front of Japan’s oldest castle
• Shinkansen and Commuter trains to Hiroshima
• Three Japanese HS gals fascinated with Americano dancers
• Reconnected with Natalie!
• Team hiphop rehearsal in open park while
• Yutaka and Sue joined the Hiroshima Church’s prayer meeting

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

After just 40 hrs. with the Bostrom family and students of the Kagegawa International Christian School (KICS) we loaded our suitcases into the 20-passenger Toyota van (a far cry from our Ford diesel van affectionately named “Clifford”—Yutaka did I catch you drooling?!) and headed for the Shinkansen downtown. Paul Bostrom graciously chose to drive us via the old section of the city where we spent 15 min. inside the giant gates of the Kakegawa CastleJapanese swords (replicas) for them to pose with. What fun they had for the few remaining moments! I have no doubt it was a gift from God to seal their time here! complex- the oldest castle in Japan. It was beautiful! Of course the guys immediately began climbing the huge stone base of the watchtower followed by sparring at the gate entrance. A Japanese man noticed them and brought 2

The next 7 hrs. were spent in trains and stations…the further south we travelled the more crowded it became as we headed into rush hour Japan-style. As before, the guys were such a blessing, regularly stacking 50# suitcases overhead our train seats and racing down stairs with a large suitcase in each hand. They were troopers! Pas de Deux trained them for this life!

We were so glad to reach our southern most destination around 6pm. As we awaited our contact, our team engaged three Japanese high school 15yo girls, attempting to try out their English on us. I pulled Jenna and Yutaka into the conversation when needed. The gals were fascinated that we were dancers from America. We invited them to the Thursday night performance. Pray that they come. As we left, we exchanged our American coins for some of their Japanese coins. We had made new friends.

And then Natalie arrived! How good it was to see her! We all cheered and hugged. Of course, it was also great to connect with Marcio, Hernaldo, and later at a pastry/coffee shoppe with Eri, Sayumi (Paula), Hiro, and other friends. It was great, yet sad because of all that has transpired with these Brazillian immigrant believers in the last half year. Their world has been shaken by much abuse at the leadership level. Though several limping churches now, they appear to be holding on to God. Hopefully, they will allow time for their hearts to heal completely.

Last night, the team had a 2 ½ hr. hip-hop rehearsal in an open public park led by Natalie. The Brazillian/Japanese dancers will join our team for a few dances on Thursday night. During this time, Yutaka and I joined Marcio, wife Sayumi and the believers of the new Hiroshima church for a prayer meeting. Unfortunately, the 45min. hum of Portuguese prayer was just enough to “sing” me to sleep! I awoke in time for Yutaka & my translated talks! We hugged and cried with the believers, encouraging them to take time to heal their hearts.

The entire team divided into groups of two or three for welcoming homestays for the next two nights.

Please pray for—

• The weary dancers--esp. Jenna/Natalie as they lead the two groups (Portuguese/Japanese/Spanish/English speakers)
• Abi and Joshua our youngest team members-emotionally/physically hard with the constant travel and quick entry/exit in each place here in Japan.
• Yutaka and Sue --as we travel to the other church today, engage in listening/counseling two separate couples.
• Jenna--as she leads the team this afternoon ON HER OWN : travelling by train/trolley cars to downtown Hiroshima shopping and/or the Peace Memorial (A-bomb museum).

Again, thank you so very much for your prayers. We are greatly indebted to each of you for “holding up our arms.” Don’t stop…in this place especially, we need your prayers!

Much love,

Sue, for all the team

Kimberly and Maharia




KICS Dance Camp

KISC Camp
Kakegawa Castle

dancing in the orient - day ten-

MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2010 : Kakegawa

Quick Sketch:

• All-day Dance Camp at International School
• Evening Performance at City auditorium

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

This will be just a quick note as we need to pack before 9am, and be “on the road again…” this time to Hiroshima. Monday was filled with a full day of dance. The team divided all the children into three groups to teach them—preschoolers, elementary, and Jr/Sr high. After tough warm-ups by Jenna, then Kenon, the team showed a hip-hop piece and a modern piece. The rest of the day was choreographing with the students. These students are truly international—there are Brazilian, Japanese, Filipino, American, and Korean. Some believing households, some not yet. (Yes, I googled it and Filipino is correct for people from the Philippines.)

The performance in the evening was a celebration for the kids for all their hard work during the day. Then, the team performed beautifully the entire 3 sets. Again, tears flowed freely. One deaf man in particular that was sitting near me was moved. I was moved just knowing that though he heard nothing, he could appreciate the dance and message behind each piece.

Our hearts were full though our bodies were exhausted.

After the international school’s chapel, we will leave this place for the shinkansen…traveling till supper to Hiroshima. We look forward to connecting with Natalie, and we hope to reconnect with a former Johnson County Community College student of ours—Nagisa as well.

We are so proud of our team. Each one has risen to the occasion, taking advantage of small opportunities to bless, and serve and love from the heart. Please pray as we prepare to minister in Hiroshima--

• unity in team
  
• safe, unencumbered travel from train-to-train-to-train
• clear, heaven-sent counsel/listening from Yutaka and I due to the Hiroshima church changes
• God-conversations

With love,

Sue , for all

PS: No pictures are able to be sent today. Will try another day.

dancing in the orient - day nine-

Crowded Japan

The T/J Team and Emily Hong: L-R top-Jenna, Abi, Ashton, Joshua; middle-Emily Hong, Kirsti; bottom-Stanton, Kimberly, Kenon



SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2010 : Shizuoka

Quick Sketch:

• Team dances/Yutaka preaches at Living Way Church, Shizuoka : powerful
• Many conversation over Curry/Rice church-wide meal—American C’ian, Indian Hindu, Japanese cripple prayer warrior,…
• Quick travel to Kagegawa-Paul/Cheryl Bostrom and 13 children
• Slap-Happy Planning for tomorrow’s dance camp

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

We feel as though we are on eagle’s wings; no doubt, we are being carried by your prayers. ARIGATOO!

Today we awoke from our futon sleep(strewn throughout the church bldg) - well rested, though we could have slept longer. We scurried through breakfast, put the church in order, just in time for the arrival of church folk. Living Way Church moved into the present building in March. For those who’ve joined us in previous mission trips (2006 or 2008), you will understand if I say—“there are no pillars in the center of the room to dance into!”

After worship, led by Ako Suzuki (old friends of Glenn and Karen Baron when they were missionaries in Japan), the team presented 3 dances—When It Was Over, Come Thou Fount, & Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Yutaka then gave the sermon—an extended thank you and word of encouragement to the church, followed by a sermon on Psalm 19—responding to God’s non-verbal (creation) as well as verbal (the “law of the Lord”) . The dancers then completed the service with a powerful improv. worship piece using none other than a Battlestar Gallactica song! Lots of tears followed. The church warmly received us like never before.

This Shizuoka church takes the “breaking bread together” literally, and each Sunday they provide a very inexpensive meal at the church which builds much community. Since two years ago when we visited last, there is a renewed vibrancy in the congregation and many new faces and believers present. Some of the chats included—

-Stephen (Evansville,IN-teacher of TESL for one yr) who brought one of his new friends, Sumit

-Sumit (Indian Hindu –master’s level researcher of earthquakes). I asked if he was a believer…He smiled and said he is interested and learning. I remarked that I too am “interested and learning”, and that with Jesus I first learned about him through his work on the cross, but that He is so powerful, loving, and wise, that I am still interested and learning.” I told him I am jealous that next week he will hike up Mt. Fuji!

-Deder (sic?) Gordon—one of the oldest Gordon daughters who danced two years with San Antonio Ballet, but is returning to Mississippi to dance with a brand new modern company bringing the message of Jesus.

- Catherine and Ando—another married daughter (two adopted children) of the Gordon’s who expects in the next two years to move to Indonesia as missionaries.

- ?twenty-something male : Can’t remember his name, but I asked how he learned English so well. And this is his encouraging story—a reminder of the power of prayer:

“I studied college in San Francisco, but when I dropped out later, my parents refused to provide funds. Since I wanted to stay in America, but had no job, no food, and no bed I was desperate. A friend introduced me to a church family, provided for me, and introduced me to Jesus. I later returned to Shizuoka as a very new believer, still so hungry. As I was reading my Bible, I realized that I needed to be water baptized. I prayed what to do next. My apartment was located behind the old Living Way Church building and every Sunday I began hearing English worship songs sung. I was fascinated. Finally I developed enough courage to knock on the church door. Ricky Gordon, the pastor greeted me. I told him, ‘ I have come to be baptized!’ This was in the fall of 2008, and I have been with the church ever since.”

As I chatted further with my new friend, we exchanged more details, and I realized that he was the fruit of our prayer walks as we circled the church community praying for their neighbors. Both of us were very encouraged.

- Naotaka— This gentleman (30’s) has been with the church for about ten years. He is crippled, some brain damage, walking slowly with two canes. This is his story—

His parents raised him in Oregon. As a new believer in college, Naotaka was in a serious car accident which left him in a coma. The doctors told his parents that there is no way he will live. So, his parents returned him to Japan to die. Instead, he miraculously lived. Then He was told that he would not speak, but slowly with prayer he began to speak. He was told that he would not walk, but with great pain and lots of therapy, he is now walking. This man is a living miracle! I asked him why God brought him back to Japan to live and not die? He said, “For prayer… I am called to pray for Japan!” Immediately the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, and I began weeping, realizing that God was allowing me the honor of meeting one of the great prayer warriors of Japan. I began praying for him. Pretty soon he began shaking and fell to the floor. I firmly believe that this man will see with his own eyes the revival of Japan; what many only long to see.

By 4:30pm we were on the bus, heading to the train station. We gave our goodbyes, and traveled 15 min. south to Kagegawa. Here , Paul & Cheryl Bostrom and their 13 children lead a Japanese/English congregation, the Sakuragi Christian Center. They are third generation missionaries. Several of their children are adopted from Eastern Europe, another is a 12 year Down’s child whom they adopted just a few years ago. They began an international school two years ago that is thriving, except for space!

We spent the evening renewing/gaining our friendships, then planning for Monday’s dance camp at the school. Because the team is tired, it was hard to plan….yet, very slap-happy! We fell into our futons, strewn throughout the schoolrooms, separated by make-shift “curtains”- sheets hung on clotheslines. Oh, how we love the mission life!

Thanks again for your prayers. There is so much more to share; we save that for our return in just 6 days!

With love,

Sue

---

Edith and grandson Rui

Fujikawa new friends

New Fujikawa friends with Kirsti and Kenon

Penguin salute: Jenna, Kirsti, Stanton, Kenon, and Abi

Signatures on Ashton's Heel