back from my adventures...

yes it's been a whirlwind, incredible, couldn't-have-asked-for-more 4 days! i'm back from japan.

it really was wonderful being back in this country that has captured my heart for so long. just walking along the streets was a thrill (and a chill! brrr...), watching them walk along in their trendy coats and scarves, hearing them talk, seeing the way they laugh, the way they smile, the way they frown, the way they talk to their friends, to their kids, to their colleagues...

i just love the japanese culture!

tracting was a lot harder than i thought. people were cold, so their hands were in their pockets, and i could see it took energy for them to take their hands out to take a cd from us. also, the japanese always seem to be rushing to one place from another - you seldom see someone aimlessly strolling along. so in their hurry, it was also harder to catch their attention and get them to stop to take a cd.

the cold made it harder. really cold... i was shivering at some points! my teeth felt cold! our hands and toes went numb. haha.... but all part of the experience!

it was also tiring to smile constantly, despite rejection, and to keep saying the same phrase "merry christmas!" about a hundred times over the few hours we were out there...

so, that was the work part.

the fun part were the late afternoons-evenings. my friends ohno, haramichi and kotarou were AMAZING hosts! they really went out of their way to show us around, bring us to eat delicious food, and patiently waited when we wanted to shop or take pictures! (i can't wait to post some up)

they are really such sweet guys. i love them to bits! the last night, i was really sad that we would have to say goodbye again. i had to keep reminding myself not to be silly and cry. but it was such an honour to have the chance to pray for them, for their walk with God and their futures.

just a very simple prayer, but i can tell it meant a lot to them. it also meant so much to me, because i am filled with thanksgiving that God has not let these precious sheep of His fall out of His hand over the past 4 years. He has been faithfully watching over them, protecting them, nurturing them, loving them.

it's a miracle that they continue to walk with Him, because many new believers in Japan often backslide very easily. so i am so so happy for them!!!

unspeakable joy =)

we saw the bright lights of the Christmas decor.

the short skirts and high boots of school girls.

the beautiful south terrace at shinjuku

the view from maranouchi building, including tokyo tower, the port, the emperor's palace

the bustling streets of harajuku and ikebukuro

the crowded trains and subways, where people were packed like sardines!

the lone girl or guy at the station, looking so lost in life, so desperate to look cool, so afraid to fall...

the swarms of business men and women along the streets, always hurrying, never stopping to enjoy life.

the hearts and souls that God has been faithfully looking after these 4 years. i know they will be with me in Heaven.

my personal decision at the end of the trip? i pray that i won't have to wait another 4 years pass before i return to this special country. thank You God for bringing me back to Japan.