I got to see my parents in action in their ministry with International students Thursday morning. An Indian couple was moving back to India and a group of people were there wishing them well and these are international people that go to their bible study. It was really cool to see this community of people from around the world gather around this couple and pray for them. It reminded me of my goodbye party and having all my friends around me praying for me. It is cool how where ever you go, you can already feel connected with others. I was sad to see this Indian couple go, even though I never knew them before. From what others said to them as a farewell, I could see it would have been cool to have gotten to know this couple. Plus, I love Indian culture, food and dress :)
I then went to my parents mission prayer meeting. Every Thursday all the OMF missionaries gather together for a time of worship, prayer and discussion. It was really cool to see the fellowship and gathering of missionaries. I love being around other OMF missionaries. It brings back memories as a child meeting all the missionaries at conferences and different meetings we would go to. Being able to meet up with other missionaries, to encourage and pray for each other goes a long way. Gives you strength! I loved meeting them. I never knew many missionaries up in Sapporo because we were in Tokyo growing up.
My dad and the team that went down to the Iwate prefecture, where they helped in the disaster area did a presentation of what is going on down there, and what they did and their impressions about it. Your heart hurts for all that is going on and hearing stories from those that went was interesting. I am glad I was able to be there and hear them. It hit me that I am now in the same land as the devastation and that maybe sometime in the next year I could go down and help. Which would be a really good thing to do. My dad wants us to go down in August and stay at our cabins by the beach. Probably to help out, not so much for vacation. Our cabins are standing but the whole village is gone.
While we were in the meeting, and they were sharing about their experience in Iwate, I experienced my first earthquake since I have been here in Sapporo. We were all sitting and listening, and then you just felt like you were being rocked back and forth very slightly. It makes you a little bit dizzy. But we just kept sitting there and listening. It was not very big, but you could definitely feel it. I thought to myself: I haven't felt these in a long time....I told my mom that we are alright, not to worry. It was interesting, it didn't phase anyone. As long as it is small, everything is good. The bigger shakes are on the Honshu island.
Today I went with my mom to meet some international mom's and their children at a little play area on top of a department store. It was really loud there and there were so many children. The kids running around, playing, laughing, and jumping all over the place were adorable and so cute. I got to ride a train today :) I haven't ridden a Japanese train in so long. All these familiar activities that used to be a part of my daily life in Japan, is finally returning to my life.
I will be going to Tokyo in a few weeks, visiting friends and then going to orientation for my job. I am looking forward to the time. In a few days, my parents and I are going up to our mission's cabin that is on a lake! I am really excited!!! Nature out here in Hokkaido is beautiful!
One more comment: Outside my parents window, and everywhere in Sapporo you can see the mountains!! They are still full of snow. I love being able to see mountains again. They aren't as magnificent as the ones in Switzerland, but they are beautiful! My dad and I are thinking about going skiing, as it might snow tomorrow. I am not too sure if I am excited about the snow in April. But I got to get used to the cold weather. Instead of experiencing two springs, I get to experience three. This is because I already experienced blossoms in Cleveland. When I go to Tokyo, the blossoms will be in full bloom, and then I come back up here, and it will still be cold. May is when the blossoms will come out in Sapporo! What a blessing!
I am sleeping well, and waking up a little later every day. I have been waking up at 5, but today I managed to get back to sleep. I am going to get rid of this jet lag, and hopefully soon.
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