[wpvideo SGTsPkGR]
Shot last Tuesday (Oct. 5 ‘10) at Oasis21 in Nagoya.
Quote
A Japanese woman once explained why a Japanese would be reluctant to… accommodate a friendship with an expatriate. “If he asks you how long you intend to live in Japan and you say, ‘Ten years,’ you think that’s a really long time. But to him, a new friendship is not worth taking on if he knows you will move away in a decade.
(Michael Zielenziger, Shutting Out the Sun)
This quote really stood out to me recently. If true (and I think is is for many Japanese) it is one major reason long-term missionaries are needed in Japan. And it is a big part of why I am planning to stay here long-term, perhaps the rest of my life. Of course, the fact that I love it here and feel at home definitely helps, too.
Home
Because it’s been over a week since my arrival, I thought I should post a quick update. First of all, for those of you who don’t follow my Twitter for Facebook: Yes, I’ve safely arrived in Japan.
I arrived back in Nagoya on Saturday night, September 4. Since then I’ve been getting over jet lag, having many happy reunions, unpacking and settling into my new apartment. I really like the new apartment my church has provided for me in our building here. But of course, all the un-boxing and arranging and shopping involved in moving in kept me pretty busy for the first week. Thankful for my church’s generosity and help.
Of course the other major task has been getting back into Japanese studies. Being re-immersed in the language has helped me get motivated; it shows me both how far I’ve come and how far I’ve still to go. My first language class was yesterday; I’ll be going twice a week at the same YWCA school as I did before.
As for ministry: I’ll be taking part in a retreat this weekend, playing in the band and helping lead the youth session. I’m also on tap to play guitar in the AM service at my church on Sunday.
As I’m back in Japan and getting back into the swing of things, I’m reminded afresh of my need for prayer. There are some new ministries I’m working towards starting, and I really need God’s guidance. I’ve got a head full of ideas, and it would be easy to just dive in. But God seems to be telling me to slow down, pray and listen for His guidance. It could be that He’s got something in mind I haven’t even dreamed of, and it would be a shame to miss it. I’d appreciate you praying with me…
Meanwhile, it’s good to be home.
As I said when I started this new blog, I don’t plan follow any particular updating schedule. But now that I’m actually in Japan I think I’ll try to post something at least once a week. So follow the RSS, Twitter or Facebook feed if you don’t want to miss anything. Or just check back here once a week or so.
(posted Wed. Sept. 15 2010)
September Prayer Letter
Hi everyone,
Good news! My visa has been approved and my plane ticket purchased. I am scheduled to return to Japan this Friday, September 3. Please pray with me for the last minute details, goodbyes, and a safe trip back to Japan.
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. I look forward to sending you my next update from Japan!
robin
(posted Sept. 1 2010)
ETA
Today I recieved my Certificate of Eligibility — that all-important document I have been waiting for, that I can apply for my visa. So tomorrow I’m off to Ottawa (11-12 hour drive) to apply for my visa in person at the Japanese embassy. After that it should be about a week till I get my visa, meaning I should be able to fly to Japan the next weeked or a few days after that.
If you are the praying type, please keep me in mind for safe travel and a quick, smooth visa process. I would also appreciate your prayers for safe trip to Japan and a smooth transition back to “normal” life there.
Thanks!
(posted Wed, Aug. 25 2010)
August Update
Hi everyone,
My home ministries for this term have come to an end after several months of busy travel, ministry and support raising. I’ve lost track of just how many places I’ve been and churches I’ve connected with since January, but I’m thankful to say I’ve had safe travel and good experiences everywhere I’ve gone. I’m sure your prayers have played a big part in that — so THANK YOU!
I had been hoping to be back in Japan within the first couple of weeks of August. But it looks like it will be mid-to-late-August before I have my work visa. Please PRAY for the visa application process to go quickly and smoothly, and that God will bless this extra few weeks at home.
Meanwhile, in early August the Immanuel Church of Japan is holding couple of big events: Youth Station (Aug. 10-13) is a youth/young adults rally being held in Yokohama. Tonicam (Aug. 17-20) is our summer teen camp. People from all over Japan will be coming to these events. Please PRAY for safe travel, open hearts and changed lives.
Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support!
– robin
(posted August 2 2010)
Good News / Bad News
The good news: I’m back safely from my trip to the US — all the way to Delaware and back. This brings an end to my home ministries for the year. I have had a good time catching up with many friends and supporters over the past several months. But am glad to be done, too, as it can get quite tiring traveling that much. Living out of a suitcase gets old.
The bad news: I probably won’t be able to go back to Japan for another month. I was hoping to be there in early August, in time for a couple of summer youth events. But it looks like I won’t have my visa until mid-to-late-August. It is my own fault, really, for not starting the process sooner.
At any rate, I am planning to make the most of this time of waiting — working ahead on some stuff, studying Japanese and giving God time and space to spiritually prepare me for this next chapter of my life and ministry.
(posted July 30, 2010)
Sufferin’ in Suffern
OK, I’m not suffering… but I AM in Suffern, NY… and trying unsuccessfully to be clever, it would seem. Here’s a list-form update of recent happenings:
1. I was at Beulah Camp for about a week, where I caught up with bunches of people, heard some good preaching and music, and was ordained as a minister in the Wesleyan church. I also got to share briefly about our ministry in Japan during one of the missions moments.
2. I traveled to PA, where I spoke at a supporting church this past Sunday. My former youth paster is the pastor there now, so I had a good time catching up with him and the family. And a ministry team from Bethany Bible College did the worship music for the service. It was good hanging out with them, too.
3. Tuesday I traveled to NY, where I’m staying with friends here in Suffern before heading to Syracuse tomorrow for some ministry there on Sunday. One more night here, so we’re heading into New York City for some fun. I’m also craving some New York pizza.
4. Monday I’ll be heading to Delaware, where I’ll be hanging out for about a week. Next weekend I’ve got another camp and two churches in that area to minister and support raise at.
5. Then, around the 27th I’ll be back in NB to prepare to go back to Japan (Lord willing) in early August.
Continued prayers are much appreciated!
(posted on July 16, 2010)
July Prayer Letter
Hi everyone,
Good news! I’ve reached “financial clearance” status with Global Partners, meaning that my support is about where it needs to be and I’m on track to return to Japan in August. There are still a bunch of details to be worked out over the next month, so please be in prayer that these will go quickly and smoothly — especially my visa application. I’m hoping to be back in Japan in early August for a couple of youth events.
Meanwhile, July will keep me busy, on the road again. Please pray for safe travels, friendly border guards, and and fruitful ministry.
Here’s my July itinerary:
July 1-9 — Beulah Camp & District Conference, NB
July 11 — Hillview Wesleyan Church, Lock Haven, PA
July 18 – Lyncourt Wesleyan Church, Syracuse, NY
July 23-24 – Chesapeake District Camp Meeting, Denton, MD
July 25 – AM – Calvary Wesleyan Church, Harrington, DE
July 25 – PM – Elkton Wesleyan Church, MD
Thanks for your prayers and financial support!
– Robin
(posted on June 30, 2012)
Good News!
I’ve received word today from Global Partners that I’ve reached “financial clearance” status, meaning essentially that I’ve reached my support raising goals. There are still a bunch of details to be worked out before I can actually buy a plane ticket — the biggest detail being my visa application — but this is a big relief and means that I’m on track for returning to Japan sometime in August. Details will follow as stuff gets worked out. Please be in prayer.
(posted June 22 2010)