"Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of my salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
-Psalm 51:10-12
Starting the new year, 2013, this passage has become my daily prayer. As I have been in Japan for a little more than 4 months now, the thing I have come to realize the most is how weak and sinful my flesh is, but how powerful and redeeming our loving God is. I want to come before God every day in repentance, praying that He would create a pure heart in me. I hope to be reminded of the salvation I have in the Lord and REJOICE in the Gospel daily!! And I want to have this willing and steadfast spirit within me, to seek God with all my heart constantly.
It's been quite the journey, in my experiences, relationships, ministry, heart, and spirit. But it's definitely been worth it all. I really can't believe this will all be over soon...it makes me sad. Japan has been one of the most amazing and humbling experiences of my life. It is such a privilege and blessing to be used for God's Kingdom. As I come to see the thorns in my heart, I am so humbled that God could use someone like me, that God could speak through a sinner like me for His glory. It amazes me how God could also take my past sins and struggles and actually use them for something good, testifying to God's grace and power to renew lives.
No more campus ministry!!! The school year has ended in Japan! For the remaining time that I have, it is my responsibility to meet with students personally and invite them to events that we will be hosting at J-House. Please pray that I will be effective during the next month!!
As for my inner struggles... I have been experiencing a lot of loneliness here. It was really easy for me to feel insecure and doubt my relationships back at home. Just like a baby, I felt as if no one cared about me anymore. And then I started to grow bitterness in my heart towards people. However, at one point I realized how conditional and selfish my love is for others. This has been a struggle of mine that I need to overcome. I want to try to encourage and love others regardless of their actions. I have been reminded of God's unconditional, endless love for us and I also hope to love others like Jesus Christ. I love love!!!!! I want to be a lover, not a hater!
Since the 2nd grade, I always envisioned myself becoming a teacher. God blessed me with many opportunities that convicted me to keep pursuing this dream. Now, it's all starting to come alive. I have been accepted into the USC's Masters of Arts in Teaching program! I am so overwhelmed, excited, and relieved by my first acceptance!!! Thank you Lord for always being so faithful in my life! No matter what happens, may all glory continue to be given to You!! I hope we can all worship God no matter what circumstances or struggles we're currently experiencing right now. Our God is a FAITHFUL God and He has a purpose for all of us. In the end of our life, the things of the earth will not matter, except our hearts of obedience and love for Jesus Christ. Let's all continue to run this race and remember His faithfulness in our lives, regardless of what we are going through!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Love ya'll. Thank you supporters and viewers for keeping yourselves updated with my life and praying for me. See you Cali homiez soon!!!
This is how J-House Worship on a Sunday looks like! It's AWESOME!!!!
This is Mio!!!! She is a student at Kangaku who has been really open to the Gospel. She's so much fun to hang out with!!! <3
It was Mio's birthday so we wanted to treat her out! This was cold ramen, where u dip in the soup
The hot ramen. so delicious.
chris was sad this day. HAHA
We decided to go see the famous Illumination in Kobe! It's a special attraction during Christmas time with all these cool lights. ...i secretly wished peter was there too. HAHA
love this girl !
with the EV partner
Streets of Japan during Christmas time. so beautiful~ reminded me of home.
The 12/15 Christmas Party at J-House Choir!!!
Hehe with Kanna at Christmas Party! We did a skit so tis why I am wearing black.
HAHA I love Kanna. She's like my Japanese twin.
Justin took us Jesus Soldiers out for some Brazilian food buffet!!! W/ Ohta, one of the funniest Japanese people ever!
I love Kimi-chan <3
yeah...i dunno..but thanks justin for the meal!
W/ the JS men! they aiite
My MMA is improving, so don't mess w/ me Justin!!!!
JS sistersss <3
Last day of SPEAK!!!! Thanks for coming out guys :)
I love babysitting this crazy girl <3
she makes my heart melt!!!
our little panda!
somaa!!
keke brothers and sisters. so adorable
LKFDJS#!*$&#( tooo cuute i diiee
KOGII <3 he loves the camera
the cutest picture ever. I love Shiinna!!!!
They are dance machines! This is Shiina's way of dancing.
12/24 Christmas Party~!
Tis the season to be jolly~ <3
There's always 1 with Chelsea :)
LOVE these girls!!!
STOMP performance! That little boy is a pro!!!
GOSPEL CHOIR PART 2 at 2nd Christmas Party!
Our Christmas Day Breakfast. MUAHAHAH
We feasted like KINGS! ANd invited students over to celebrate Christmas together. Twas a joyful time <3
Taking some Christmas morning pictures...idk why i always do dat
MERRY CHRISTMAS
We found a $10 all you can eat veggies shabu shabu restaurant close by which became our new favorite place to eat. I went here like at least 3 times a week for a month. IT'S DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY
We had our annual J-House clean up! Took us the WHOLE DAY . But we did good.
MY WONDERFUL PACKAGE FROM MY BF!
CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM THE BEST BF EVER!!!
My FIRST ever Tiffany's necklace!!! :') so beautiful. Thanks Peter!!!!!
Ohh...and he got me some random pencils and pens he won at Owana hahaha
The best present ever. He made this sentimental, thoughtful calendar!! Ok so he actually gave it to me at the airport when I left for Japan...but I left it in the plane X___X so he made me a NEW one!!!
He remembered all the dates we had last year and put our pictures :') On every month, he wrote something encouraging for me to readd waaahhh i love gifts like this!!
For New Years Eve! We had to make apple cider b/c they don't sell it here. A wanna-be Sprite and apple juice! Then for countdown we just found a youtube clip from last year's Time Square ball drop. Twas a ghetto, but good NYE!
Motohi looks like a baby version of peter!
HAHAHA so cute. not me doe I look like a froggie
HIKARI CHAN!! dat smile <3
KOREAN TEAM FROM ORYUN CHURCH!!!
Testify to Love
The famous Korean "we were born to be loved" song
HAHAHA PAUL!!!! He was struggling so much!!! so funny
With some cuties from Oryun Church Korean team!!!!
Their last day. MIss you girls!!!
Our GT's turn to make Sunday lunch!!! Slaved away in the kitchen and made fried rice!!!
Our last week for campus ministry! Met some guys who were open to talk about Christianity!
Also met some girls who were so friendly :)
I always walk by this new Italian restaurant so we wanted to try it.
SUCH CUTE DECORATIONS! Had a nice dinner with Kimi :)
It looks delicious...but it was seriously whatevz...so disappointed
We ate again at a fried chicken place that Sarah told me I had to go to. It was delicious!!
I look like such a loser. BUT it was SNOWING!!!! too bad you cant see the snow.....:/
Kandai University!
AT THE HOMELESS MINISTRY IN OSAKA!
The week before, we went to visit the homeless ministry with Oryun team, and when we came again, they posted huge pictures of what we did all over the front of their building! 2nd time coming with KOREAN YWAM TEAM!
@ the homeless ministry
This pastor has been doing this homeless ministry for 61 years!!!!! Such a respectable, dedicated, humble man of God. I'm so amazed by his faithfulness serving these homeless people EVERY DAY
We had a J-House member share her testimony and sing a Gospel song!
Then, the Jesus Soldiers performed a skit!
Seriously so humbling. Homeless people giving offering. Even when it's all that they have, they are still willing to give.
Time to feed the people!
Osaka has the most homeless people in Japan. It was a blessing to serve and share God's love with them.
Jesus Lifehouse Osaka!!!! We visited them on a Tuesday night worship to learn from their contemporary style. We're trying to create this kind of atmosphere for our J-House church extension that is starting in a couple months!!!
This elderly man is a Korean who has lived in Japan most of his life. He shared his testimony with me - the hardships his family went through being forced to immigrate to Japan for labor. HIs family was ridiculed and discriminated as Koreans. However, his mother held onto her faith in God and took her family to church every Sunday. He is an acupuncturist, hoping to travel all over the world to help others. He actually attends Onnuri in Osaka!!! It was such a blessing meeting him!
I have so many pictures with this girl! She's been busy with work so she hasn't been able to come, but after work on Sunday, she dropped by to say HI!!! <3
Korean YWAM team! This little Korean girl is adorable!!
The Korean YWAM Team!!! Last day of campus ministry!
Delicious dinner with Shoko and Chelsea!!
We went to a pork restaurant. SO DELICIOUS!!!!!!! Japanese pork chops!!
Artsy fartsy barn~
My cooking is improving~ Hamburg Steak!
THANK YOU SO MUCH AYAKA FOR THIS DELICIOUS CHEESECAKE I HAVE BEEN DYING TO TRY!!! She surprised me with cake to congratulate me for my acceptance!! :')
DELICIOUS INDIAN FOOD @ BINDU with some lovely sisters in Christ <3
Tandoori Chicken
Seafood Curry
CHEESE NAN!!!!! MY FAVORITE <3
So blessed by Ayaka! We do discipleship together :)
