Weekly Re-Cap

I’m getting pretty bad at keeping up with these weekly re-caps, aren’t I? Either I’m a day early or a day late or I just don’t know what to say.

Honestly it’s been a pretty quiet week in real life as well as on this blog. That’s not to say I haven’t been doing anything, just that even while living in a foreign country you get into a routine. Routines aren’t bad. In fact, I’m looking forward to getting into more of a routine myself. It helps me get things done.

Life will have more routine for me starting next month when I’m a full-time Japanese student and when I take on more ministry stuff through the church. In the meantime, I’m trying to enjoy the flexibility and freedom I’ve got now. I’m also trying to use my free time more constructively and creatively. It’s good to exercise the other half of my brain at least once a week; it’s refreshing. It’s also, I believe, good preparation for potential future ministry (see previous post).

I’ve got some new ideas I’m toying with, now that SkitZo MaN is going into retirement. I haven’t given myself any deadlines or anything, though — that would make it too much like work, and I don’t need more stressors. I just need something relaxing to do when I’m not nose deep in Japanese textbooks.

The next couple of weeks I’ll be busy with preparations for my final exam, the annual conference and the full-time course. That may or may not mean fewer web updates. In the meanwhile, if you’re a pray-er, please keep me in your prayers. And have a great weekend, wherever you are.

Weekly Re-Cap

Good news: I know what day of the week it is this time.

On the other hand, I’m not sure what to say. Let’s see…

Japanese studies are keeping me busy. It’s more and more clear to me that when April comes, and I’m full-time, I’m going to be super busy with studies and should be careful about taking on more responsibilities. Fortunately, the pastor and church agree, and I’m not under any pressure to do more than I’m able.

Meanwhile, I’ve got one private English student now, as I’ve mentioned here before. He was going to pay me, but yesterday I suggested that instead we do a language exchange; for the first hour I’ll teach him English, and for the second hour he’ll help me with my Japanese. I think I could use the extra Japanese practice more than the extra money. And I’m sure he doesn’t mind saving a few bucks either.

It’s going to be a busy month: With this being the last month of my part-time course, there’s more and more new stuff to memorize. And with a final exam at the end of the month, I’d better review the old stuff and make sure I know it too. Right before that exam is the Immanuel Church’s annual national conference, which means a short and busy trip to Yokohama and Tokyo, which I’ll return from the night before the exam. Right after said exam (the next day), the new, full-time course begins — with a placement exam.

Sigh…

Having said all that, I should get back to studying. That’s it for this week.