Commence!: Perfect Timing

God, You have been so gracious to me. I don’t want to think of this time as “cheating” from my one-year commitment to Japan, but I want to think of this time as You showing favor towards me. My short time here in California has made me realize how special this place and the people are (not that they weren’t already special). Oh, how much did I take for granted, but I know that this time is not only just a time for rest, but a time for me to gather myself and refocus my heart and mind for the next 6 months to come. During these past two weeks, I had asked myself questions that I asked myself before I left to Japan the first time:

“What do I want to accomplish in Japan?” and “What is God trying/going to teach me during the rest of my time there?”

I guess my answer (I think) to that is to just have an open heart/mind as well as a spirit of awareness. Through doing that, I can accomplish what God has in store for the people of Japan and for me. I don’t want to think for a minute that everything I do there is by my own ability, because if it weren’t for God, I wouldn’t even have had an opportunity to go to Japan or have the gifts that I have for that matter, in the first place!

“Jonathan’s focus was not, ‘What is God’s will for my life?’ but ‘How can I give my life to fulfill God’s will?’ He had no certainty concerning his personal well-being, that he was moving in line with God’s purpose was the only certainty he needed. He didn't presume upon the fact that God can be trusted by trusting Him for things He never promised. He understood that to move with God is to accept a life full of uncertainties.” –Erwin McManus, Chasing Daylight

I certainly don't know what is ahead of me, but I am not going to just sit here and wait for something to happen. This journey, this time was God allowing me to go to Japan, but as for what I do there, that adventure is up to me to make it either very memorable and awesome, or it could be a very long 6 months.

I am so blessed to have so many people here at home who support me and love me. Words truly aren’t enough to express how much I am thankful to all of you. I know that when I feel tired or weak, that the prayers you all send to me will push me and pick me up to keep pressing on!

I really enjoyed my stay back home. God’s timing is so perfect and now I believe that when I return to Japan, it will also be a time for God to use me in His perfect timing. I know I didn’t get to see everyone I wanted to see, I didn’t get to eat everything that I wanted to eat, but those I was fortunate enough to meet up with, thank you for making my short time in Cali so special :D I am currently in San Francisco finishing this blog up, but there is no Internet connection here…(only t-mobile.. bleh) I am also very thankful to meet the leader of the KCM team that will come out in a couple weeks to J-House, also Edwin and Sarah (Last years KCM team). I was also able to go to a Graduation Party and also our Church’s Grad Banquet, but I think especially being able to see and spend time with my whole family. None of this was planned, my older sister happen to make plans to come to Cali for four days, my little sister came home from Syracuse on summer break, and I happen to have a Visa problem and we all came back home. Truly amazing, it has been so long since we all were together with our parents. Thank you God for that time we had!

Maybe all these things wouldn't have been possible if I came a week earlier or left a week early? I guess it didn’t really make sense why I had to go back home just to pick up a Visa that literally took 5 minutes to get, but I can truly say that I am blessed and that God really really really loves me!~ I know even when the road ahead is unknown, I can trust that God will provide for me! It may not be in a way I expect, but God’s ways are far better. Hallelujah!

Now…

Gotta go strong for 6 more months! がんばります！Bring it!~