by Whitey | Dec 16, 2009 | Life in Japan, Photos
This past weekend I finished my first two-year term as a GP missionary in Japan. I had a good weekend spending time with friends:
Saturday morning, I went out for breakfast with a former classmate from Japanese school and then ran some errands. Then it was back to the church to hang out with some other friends. I had them help me move boxes, and then we did some preparation for Sunday, buying supplies and making some dessert for Sunday’s party. Really great excuse to hang out with 3 good friends. We ended the day with supper together at local Yoshinoya (Japanese fast food chain, and one of the things I’ll miss about Japan).
My last Sunday at the Nagoya church was, of course, bitter-sweet. I got to give some short farewell greetings in the AM service, but as I said to them, it’s “see you later”, not “goodbye”, because I do plan to be back. I had no ministry responsibilities this week, and it was nice to just hang out, chat, and eat together with my Church Family. The day ended with a young adults party; we ate nabe, followed by some great desserts.
Here are some photos from the weekend; click on any one of them for a close up and/or to flip through the gallery.
Monday morning, my pastor and one other friend drove me to the airport. We were early enough to have lunch together and spend some time chatting before I flew out in the afternoon. It was a good ending to my last weekend in Nagoya for the year.
Now I’m back in Canada, relaxing and waiting for the jet lag to wear off. Prayers for this period of transition are greatly appreciated. I’ll try to update you all soon on what’s next.
In the meantime, enjoy the holidays while you can!
by Whitey | Dec 15, 2009 | Ministry News, Photos
Well, I’ve safely arrived back in Canada after a really long day of traveling yesterday. Since I was up super early due to jetlag, I had the time to do some photo sorting and editing. So this and the next post will bring you up-to-date on some recent events, in words and pictures…
On December 6 I had the opportunity to lead/host a Christmas outreach event at my church in Nagoya. It was a bi-lingual Christmas party we called “Christmas Around the World” (that’s the event flyer on the left). The event was well-attended and a lot of fun. There were almost 60 people who showed up, a good handful of whom were not regular attenders at the church. After some games and music (but before the sweets) I shared a short message about how Jesus came so that we could find peace with God.
Below are some photos from the party; you can click on any of them for a close-up and to flip through the whole gallery.
It was a great “bridge-building” event — thanks for praying!
by Whitey | Dec 6, 2009 | Weekly Re-Cap
This past week, this term’s “finals” began: Final meeting with the pastor who has been my internship mentor. Final young adults prayer meeting. Final Japanese class (not including this Tuesday’s test). And today was my final ministry event, the bi-lingual Christmas party I hosted as an outreach at my church.
The coming week has more finals on tap: Final Wednesday night prayer meeting, final Japanese test, final chance to hang out with former classmates and church friends, and final worship service in Nagoya.
Final… for now, anyway.
I’d appreciate your prayers during this time of transition. I’ve come to feel very much at home here. I’ve gotten used to the Japanese language and to life in Japan. I’ve come to love this city and these people. And, although I’m looking forward to re-connecting with friends, family and supporters back in North America, it’s not easy to say goodbye. Or even “see you later”, since I’m not sure how much later later will be. And living in the West again will be an adjustment. Please pray that I adjust well.
And that’s a wrap for this week.
by Whitey | Dec 1, 2009 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
Happy December! I know this will sound cliche, but can you believe it’s that time of year already?! This month’s email will be short and to the point, because like most of you, these days are busy for me too!
Thank you for your prayers over the past month. Ministry has been going really well, and plans are coming together nicely for both home ministries and my next term in Japan.
I’d appreciate your continuing prayers these next two weeks as I finish up this term and begin the transition back to life in Canada. I’d ask you to especially remember the Bi-Lingual Christmas Party I’m hosting at my church this coming Sunday. Pray that our church members will invite their un-churched friends, and that God will use this to begin to draw some of them to Himself.
Thanks as always, and God bless!
– robin
PS — Just a head’s up: Posting on this blog may be scarce over the next month, for obvious reasons.
by Whitey | Nov 29, 2009 | Weekly Re-Cap
… But then again, to my mind, Sunday feels like the end of the week anyway. Anyway, here’s some highlights and stuff from the past week:
1. We had both a wedding and a funeral at our church.
2. I spent some extra time studying, in an attempt to get caught up.
3. I started the process of packing up my room. My book shelves look sad when they’re so empty…
4. I helped decorate the church for Christmas yesterday.
5. I taught my second-to-last English class this afternoon at church.
This week looks to be very busy. I’ve got 2 more Japanese classes, a Christmas event next Sunday to prepare for, as well as continuing to pack my room up and prepare for home ministries. Of course there are lots of people to try to connect with this week and next before leaving. Prayers during this transition time are much appreciated.
