Resemble a Sakura (サクラ) Tree

Hello everyone!

It’s been a crazy week… Funky Clubs have officially started and honestly I didn’t know what to expect. Most of the students that are Christian either have class during this time or are going out for job interviews. This upcoming week Kansai Gaidai will start school too so Tuesday through Thursday is going to campuses and outreaching. I must say it still is quite nerve-racking to go to random people and just talk to them, but I am sure it will become like second nature….eventually… haha. It has been pretty tiring, but I know that when I am weak, He is strong!

Kandai

                                    

Kangaku

However, when I did have time to just sit and think, I just reflected and thought about all the people who serve in ministry full-time, and my respect for them increased even more! It was already pretty high up there, but to do this for a living is not an easy task, but when I remember just some of things that people who serve as pastors, missionaries, etc., I am truly amazed for their heart and dedication not only to God, but to the people they serve. Much love and respect to you all who are serving the Lord full time!

Anyway, this week has been pretty good… now that the schools have started, the day seems to go a lot faster now. From now on, I’m guessing time will just zoom by without me noticing. I just hope that in the midst of the craziness, I will be able to reflect and thank God for what he is doing here in through me. It is pretty hard to write an update every week, but it keeps me in check to think about what God has done throughout the past week. It is also a self-discipline that I am making myself do. I am already ¼ done here. It is really hard to believe, but (I know I always say this, but I really mean in) thank you sooooo soooo much for all the prayers and support you all give me. Seriously, I don't think I could have lasted even 2 months without your prayers, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.


So right now, it is the season of Sakura (サクラ Cherry Blossom) Well, now its ending. Why? Well, Sakura only last a month at most, maybe even less than that. The Japanese people think that Sakura represents life: short-lived yet beautiful. Hmm… but when I look at the Japanese people here in Osaka, most are either just tired of working, going to school, or they just live a very routine life. Indeed, I agree that life is short, but it is only beautiful when Jesus is in the mix! We never know what will happen in the future so, at least for me, I want to live a life that is considered beautiful in God’s eyes. When the Sakura start blooming, people all over the world come to see it, even though its lifespan is so short. When you see Sakura in person, it is really a magnificent picture that will stay in one’s mind forever. I want people to look at my life and say that it was beautiful and have some part of my life imprinted in their mind or heart also. That is what I hope for to happen here for the rest of my time here in Japan.