See You At The Pole

The international youth event, "See You At The Pole" was the other day. Some of our core students planned a breakfast at the youth building at 6 am. They invited both Middle School & High School students and did a quick devotional and then sent them to their schools to pray. I was able to go to both the MS and HS school and take pictures.

It was fun to remember when this event was really something new when I was in MS and now over 10 years later its still going strong. And now I have been able to participate in it in 3 different countries, Germany, USA and Japan! God is so much bigger than our country! =)

Beautiful Island

One of the blessings of living here in Okinawa is the beautiful scenery in the sky. I have seen some amazing full rainbows, colorful sunsets & sunrises, huge beautiful clouds, and much more. I have yet to get a good picture of the rainbows, but the other day I was able to get some pictures of the sunset down by the sea wall. Our Lord's creation is pretty amazing.

Pictures of my new place...

My new place is coming along. I still haven't moved in, which is fine. I will try and move in sometime this next week. One of the AC units needs to be fixed and they are going to replace the stove. But, here are some pictures of the apartment, still in process. I am looking forward to painting the walls. But again, that's going to have to wait another couple weeks. =) The key with the picture off of my smaller balcony is to see if you can see the ocean at all!! ;)

God does a switcheroo!

About a week and half ago, I began to try and get a 3 bedroom apt with a certain housing agency. It was right outside gate 1, of Kadena Air force Base. It was a good size but like most apartments it had wood paneling walls and was pretty dark. I took it because I felt like it was my best option, although I didn’t love it. Anyways, as I began to work with the agency, everything moved very slowly. Because I am civilian they were making me go through the “normal Japanese” process. Basically, I would be paying about 4 ½ months rent, for insurance, deposit, and agency fee. Also, they said if anything went wrong with the apartment I would have to pay for it. This would include AC units, which can be very expensive.

On Monday, my co-worker, Buddy made a call with his housing agency Peace because he didn’t feel at peace about the other place. He told me they had two apartments available in the location I wanted and the price range. I thought, it wouldn’t hurt to look. And I found one that is great! It is only a block south of the first apartment, still very close to Kadena and only a little ways from the Sea Wall. It has white walls, is very bright, and the agency has been wonderful. Peace Housing only asked for 2 ½ months for fees and rent. And they have been so helpful! Also, if anything breaks or broken they send someone out to fix it. And in less than a week I have signed the papers, got the keys and even moved in some of my stuff! I am not living there yet, but I should be by next week!

I can see God’s hand in this. He knew that first apartment was not right. Praise God for his goodness, even in small things like apartments!

The "Sea Wall"

Tonight the couple I am living with, Ed and Lauren and I went down to the sea wall to have dinner. We sat on the balacony of the cafe and watched people walking along the wall. We could even see some people snorkeling and diving in the water. From my new apt. I will be able to walk down to the sea wall. I am excited to be living this close to the water.

“They Like Jesus But Not The Church” By Dan Kimball

This past week I began reading this book. I must admit, I wasn’t all that impressed with it at first. But once I got past the first chapter, I found myself enjoying it more. And honestly its even been convicting and saddening at points.

The book is written by a pastor who is sharing the upcoming generations in America view of the Christian church. Of course he is not saying all their views are correct but I believe he is right we need to take a serious look at what they think. One of the main reason’s he has written the book is because of the alarming rate of American’s in their 20’s dropping out of churches.

Today I read about the emerging generation’s seeing the church as negative and judgmental. This is what convicted me.

We in the church often love to debate on secondary issues of the Bible. Of course this can be good and growing. But just like young children who are quick to pick up criticism from their parents, young believers are quick to pick up on our criticism of each other in church. “Younger Christians see our critical and judgmental hearts, and then we wonder why they leave the church and turn to Buddhism or other options.” –D.K. So my question for myself must be, how do I talk about issues in front of my students? Do I come across judgmental? Or am I speaking in love?

My new car!

Upon arriving in Okinawa, I was given a vehicle. And on Friday we went to do all the paperwork to put everything in my name. With the military you never know, if its going to be a simple process or not. But everything went smoothly and I now own a Toyota Surf. No idea what year! =)