Fun week!

My birthday was on Wednesday (the 8th) and I was not forgotten, that's always nice, right? Cards and telephone calls from family and friends in the States were great. And my Japanese friends gave me a special party too. My starbucks ladies, as I call them, made sure I had a memorable birthday from Japan. They even dressed me up in one of the ladies' kimono! Unfortunately my camera wasn't working, so I have no pictures for you :-( I prayed before I went to Tomiko's house that the Lord would give me any kind of opportunity to talk about Him. And don't you know he did! For the first time ever, Tomiko asked me what/why I had come to Japan, besides to teach English. I smiled inside and started talking. It didn't lead to any further earth-shattering discussions, but it was an answer to prayer and a step in the right direction.

I had another cool birthday present too. My friends Beth and Jeremy Thomas gave birth to their first child, Brooklyn Kate Thomas, on my birthday!! Congratulations guys!!! It cannot be denied, she is a beautiful baby. I can't wait to see her :-)

Remember the Gospel Choir Workshop from the fall? We had a small dinner party this evening and it went very well. We were missing a few people, but I was encouraged to see how long everyone talked and mingled. They will be starting the spring Workshop late-March, so please pray for Ruth McDonald as she prepares to lead again. They are hoping for more people this time!


Yummy food!


The Sawai family. She is a terrific soloist!


Group picture...a must in Japan. We were missing some people, but we still had a good time.


I watched the Olympic opening ceremonies this morning, did anyone else? I absolutely love to watch the Olympics! I get teary-eyed when the participants walk in country by country. I don't even know them but I think of how proud each country must be of their own representatives.