My host family took us fishing and later we go to watch our little host sister hula dance!
A week ago we got on a plane from Mongolia, conquered a twelve hour layover (in which I did not sleep) in Korea, and arrived in Osaka, Japan. For the first couple days we had orientation at a retreat center which helped us learn more about Japanese culture and the ministry we are working with. Japan is a shorter month than most, so even though we’ve only been doing ministry for less than a week, we only have two weeks left.
Our ministry this month is with a preschool in Ashiya, Japan near Osaka. The preschool is popular because it is an English only school which encourages learning of all subjects in English. They also have several programs outside of the preschool for the moms to be involved in, such as English classes, bible studies, yoga classes, and hula. Moms, children, and the teachers are like family at the preschool and are constantly involved in each other’s lives.
My team’s job is to support the preschool in all they do. Two people will be in the preschool in order to speak English, teach certain lessons, and help with projects. The other four people will work with the moms by putting on English classes, attending bible studies, and babysitting their younger children during yoga and hula classes. This past week I was in the preschool with the children and it was honestly a great experience. They all have such big hearts and incredible faiths that are a huge example to me and their moms.
Time is going by quickly here as me and one of my teammates, Mykal, are staying with a host family. Our time is split between the preschool and investing into our family as much as possible during this time. They have showed us so much kindness and constantly want to share their Japanese culture and learn about American culture.
Finally, as many of you know, this is my fourth time to Japan and I have studied abroad here twice. God is teaching me what it means to rely on him when it comes to learning and using my language skills. I have also been praying about my future with Japan and where exactly God is calling me.
But more on that next blog!
