First Week in Japan!
It’s been a week and a half since I arrived here late last Thursday night, January 19th. Because of flight delays I had to come a day later than Niki and James, which was disappointing - but it all worked out and I made it!
It has been a challenge adjusting to a different culture - a challenge that comes in so many different forms. Jet lag from the time zone change, Japanese customs, the language, living in a new house with two new housemates, and new foods are just a few examples. The first few days were a little overwhelming. We went shopping with Peter and Wendi and they showed us the cheapest stores and where to find good prices for groceries…. there were so many options and so many new food items, not to mention being unable to read any labels! Simple things like shopping and going out in public (because of the language barrier) have suddenly become much more challenging than at home.
Also, this time coming to Japan feels so different than the last two times I came here. Previously, it was just a short mission trip…. and on the World Race, we were just passing through for a month, on our way to the next country. But this time, the purpose is different. I am actually living here, moving into a house, getting to know people in the community, and thinking about staying long-term. In some ways it’s intimidating. It’s scary to not know the future or what will happen at the end of my three months here; yet at the same time it’s exciting because I know God will lead me exactly where He wants me to be.
I am so thankful for the Thomson family! They are helping us adjust, explaining details of Japanese culture, getting us settled into our house, and making sure we're doing okay as we begin our time here. I am also super thankful for Niki and James - I couldn’t have asked for better housemates! Every day is fun with them :)
This past week we got to observe and participate in English classes at Flip English School (which is on the ground floor level of our house). We also helped with a ladies class, participated in Adventure Club at a local elementary school, and visited a church for an English class. The first month of being here will be mostly observing and learning how to teach well. Then once we are equipped and confident, we will have the opportunity to begin teaching some classes.
So far we have learned how to cook a couple Japanese meals! ‘Nabe’ was our first dish, which is basically Japanese stew with seafood and vegetables in it. On Thursday, a friend came over to our house to teach us how to make miso soup, fish, and rice (a traditional breakfast or lunch). She went to the supermarket with us and helped us shop for the correct ingredients, and then we came home made lunch together! We are also meeting other friends who want to help us improve our cooking skills, as well as teach us Japanese, which I’m super excited for!
The next three days we will be meeting with the leaders of Sunrise International Ministries (the organization the Thomsons are with). It will be a time of teaching and training; they will be teaching us specifically about discipleship and bible study methods. Please pray that our time will them will be meaningful and fun, and that we will soak up as much as we can during these few days!
I’m so thankful to be here, and every day I feel more and more like this is where I’m supposed to be. I'll do my best to continue writing updates every couple weeks! Thanks so much for reading!
