Pictures, pictures!

This was my last week of teaching English here in Japan. Teaching is not necessarily my favorite thing anymore, but I have absolutely loved being with my students! We've had lots of fun times! This week was full of good-bye parties and good-byes (which I won't talk about), and some other fun stuff. Enjoy....I know I did :-)


Monday: Yumi San (back right) and Yumie San (front right) have been wonderful. We had a final lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant in the neighborhood. Yumie is not a Christian, but I have been privileged to see the Holy Spirit working in her heart. I've been amazed at how many times over the last year God has given me opportunity after opportunity to simply give testimonies of what He's meant to me in a particular week. She mentioned a few weeks ago that she wanted to start reading the Bible daily. On Monday she explained that if the Bible was so important and made such a difference in my life, then it must be important for her too. Wow! It was all I could do to hold back my tears. I was floored at what God was allowing me to be a part of. With all of my flaws, mistakes, and ugly sins...God STILL chooses to use me? "Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world." ~Psalm 98:1~



Mizuki and Natsumi. My two favorite kids to teach! Oh yeah, that's Shirley next to me! She's my replacement. If she were not here, I don't know if I'd have the same peace about leaving.



This is my Canadian friend, Kara. I just met her in November, but we hit it off and I have been so grateful for her friendship these last few months. She and her husband will be here until June. We love Starbucks!



Here's a unique man, Nakamura San. He's a character. Please pray for him as he continues a friendship with Donnie McDonald.



I only a few more times with my Starbucks ladies :-( (Interesting sidenote: the only time I've actually been at SBUX with them was when I met them! But somehow the nickname just stuck) Anyway, I've prayed for a few months now about 'transferring' my friendship with them on to Shirley. Of course I hope to continue from the States as well, but it's not the same. A few weeks ago they were really nervous about meeting someone new, but God answered my prayers and we couldn't have asked for a better time. Shirley liked them and they all liked her!



Left: Shimotomai San, a very sweet Christian lady. She's a great addition to this English class. Right: Nobu San, who from one day to the next can be open and inquisitive about the Gospel, or against it.



I don't know where I'm looking, but they all look great! The lady on the floor to my left (your right) is Etsuko San, she is one of the leaders of the Good News church and helps teach the Bible section of our English classes.
Top: Shimotomai San, Nobu San, Yamakawa San, and Nemoto San
Bottom: Nozomi San, me, and Etsuko San


Well, that's all folks! I'll be back later with more...there's always more.