Preparing for baptism

(Taken in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, 2005)

(Taken at the geographical center of Mexico, Cristo Rey, 2005)

(Taken at the National Cathedral, Mexico City, Mexcio, 2005)

(Taken in Atlacomulco, Mexico, 2005)

(Plaza de los Tres Culturas, Mexico City, Mexico, 2005)

Outward signs of Christianity...the Cross, Jesus, Cathedrals, Churches, Angels. What is baptism? Is it only an outward sign? I have been pondering this question for many months. To me it is an outward sign to others of my faith that Jesus Christ is God, He died to give me forgivenss for my sins, it is a symbol of dying to my old self and being reborn into a new person, of being washed clean, of letting go of that old self and welcoming the Holy Spirit that lives within me to guide me in all things. Of proclaiming my faith to others and being welcomed into my family of believers who will support and encourage me in my walk with Christ. These things aren't necessarily happening AT my baptism. They have been going on for many months and actually years.

But now I've realized baptism is not only an outward sign. It is a time for other Christians to reflect on their own lives and to learn from others. For me it was a process that I felt commanded by God to do, so He could teach me many of the basics that I was struggling with...such as from Genesis 1:26..."Let us make man in our image...". Notice the "us". How awesome that it had never dawned on me before my baptism classes that Jesus was always with God before time...well of course, 'cuz He is God. Ok...so there were many memos to myself about rather simple things like this, but also exceedingly complex to my little head. It has also been an inward journey of reflection on my life and testimony. What does my life say about me both in the past and now in the present? How is God working in my life...what was the outcome? These and others thoughts are what I´ve been scribbling out and mulling over for my testimony as my baptism is quickly approaching on Sunday, December 4th!!! I wish you could all hear my testimony...somehow everytime I write it or talk about it with a friend, it always sounds different. But the best part is...the beginning and the end will never change!!! Que Dios te bendiga mucho en el dìa que viene!!!

(Relating to the adventures of a finger and other surprising facts.)

So last week I was teaching in my largest elementary school, over 800 students. They set the "classroom" up in the gym and all the students of one grade are crammed into this space while having to sit in rows. The one and only time in my life that I must be standing behind a microphone comes during my trips to this school. Doesn't really sound like any enjoyable English lesson, right? Well, I still try to get 'em exciting by making 'em do jumping jacks and frog jumps. But there is little to no interaction with each kid. I had fifth graders that day, about 115 in my class. As I was talking and looking around the crowd, I spotted this boy. He was hard at it with his finger up his nose!!! hahaha It was hard to keep a straight face or a steady voice as I continued teaching. I couldn't help but venture another look in his direction a few moments later. Still at it!!! Wow, teaching in elementary school really takes me back...I spent the remainder of the lesson reminiscing about my days as a school gurl. There was always one kid (usually a boy ^_^!!) who had the reputation for the desk with the booger-covered underside. I'd always hate to sit at one of those desks and accidentally touch the rock-solid scratchy bottom. Ok, ok, I know I'm getting a little graphic here...but they are fabulous memories. So now I can easily say I have no desire to see or feel the underside of this kid's chair...this discovery is left for the unlucky adventurer!!!!

It's a feast....X 2!!

(Click on images to see bigger ne!)

So the feasting took place....actually 2 nights in a row. Louise, the short-term worker from New Zealand, and I, apron-clad, kept a more or less sassy, happy face as we tried to be of assistance making whatever was handed us. It's not so easy to cook for 30+ people 2 days in a row and I had much less responsibility than the hosts...so many awesome people helping out and chipping in. I can't say I did anything too wonderful except to offer my help in the form of picking turkey bones, stirring gravy, cutting apples for pies, and washing a non-stop pile of dishes, etc, etc. The normal thanksgiving prep. We went through 14 pies, 4 turkeys, and who knows how many peeled potatoes. One great blessing for the weekend (besides an overly full tumtum and plently of pumpkin pie and turkey) was I was totally excited to FINALLY learn the art of making bread!!! So can't wait to crank out some special cinnamon rolls and walnut/oat bread when I get home!! Although be warned for those of you who will partake in my bread-making skills....it will also entail a run on the treadmill afterwards. My silent but brightest moment of the day came during the Japanese children's Sunday school this morning. I was holding little Hikari (whose name means "light" in Japanese), she is just over one years old. I put her little hands together when we were praying and at the end of the prayer she said in a sweet, clear, and all-knowing voice "amen". I couldn't believe it...kids are so full of thoughts that we can't even see or understand!! Then she proceeded to fall asleep in my arms for just under an hour...there is nothing better than holding a warm, cozy baby who is soft as a peach and has cheeks like mochi! Ciao...hasta mañana!

Calligraphy Time (書道のタイム)

Originating in China, calligraphy is the ancient art of writing pictographic characters with an ink-drenched brush and they say using a focussed mind...may sound easy, but wait until you're in a class with 38 kids, ages 8-9...then the fun really begins. Let it be noted this is my first EVER time at Japanese calligraphy or "shodou" and that added to my excitement...did I mention there were actually 39 kids in class??? Only this last kid's age adds up to the 9 years at a 2 + 7 rate :)! I wasn't too sure how the class was going to procede after my partner proudly displayed her last calligraphy practice. It says "biru"...which means BEER!!! What are they teaching these youngsters I'd like to know???

Ok, but onto the more serious stuff...here are some kids hard at work!!

These boys are crazy about my skills of calligraphy...actually I think they are just camera crazy. But most importantly they give me a nice, lighthearted laugh everytime I see 'em and no crazy business as other JETs will know exactly to what I'm referring!!!

And finally the finished product...or object of the day. The kanji 和敬精寂 which is said "wakeiseijaku" and in English terms means "harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility". These are the 4 most important elements of the tea ceremony.

A lot of hard-earned brushing went down today...shown by black stained hands, crumpled up paper, and my all time favorite-unbenownst to this boy, the ink-splattered face!!! Kawaii ne!!

Giving thanks

These are from my kids...a Happy Turkey Day to all of you!!

And these are from ME...giving THANKS to my subarashii students and the turkeys they made enabling me to have some fun Photoshop time!!

Thanks comes in many forms. A thanks said before a meal. Sometimes it's also just a casual way to show appreciation or an automatic reply to someone handing you something, someone opening the door for you, or even as in my case, when I don't know what to say to some of the Japanese formalities of speech....I just throw in a good "doomo" or "arigatoo gozaimasu" and figure it's all good.

But there is also a different kind of thanks that comes from somewhere deeper. It is the kind of thanks that brings tears to my eyes and a feeling of indebtedness because of the overwhelming amount of blessings that God continually gives me. He doesn't stop loving me and withholding His blessings even when I don't give proper thanks, I am not deserving. In fact He gives without any desire for an outward sign of the words "thank you," but only for my actions and inward thoughts to give obedience to Him and to glorify and praise what He has already given me, freedom in Jesus Christ. I'm still working on and learning how to give that kind of thank you!! But for you all I can easily say...

"I thank my God everytime I remember you." ~Philippians 1:3

Happy Labor Thanksgiving Day

I awoke at 7:30am to the sound of the loudspeaker, a mower, and some birds tweeting their happy song. Couldn't quite say what the harsh, militant voice on the speaker was saying...but I'm sure it must have been something to the tune of "Enjoy your wonderful Japanese Labor Thanksgiving Day everyone!!!!" Or at least that's what I imagined... and then the ding, ding, ding, ding in lowering degrees of musical notes as the loudspeaker announcement came to a close.

Today is a VACATION DAY!!! November 23rd. Close enough to my American Thanksgiving holiday that it feels quite nice. So what does one do on a holiday in Japan you might ask?? Let's find out....

I was overly excited as I looked out the window and saw blue sky!! The case being rain, sleet, and snow for the past week or more...I couldn't wait to get some of that sun on my face. So I had the fancy idea to take my longer trek walk, which winds its way out into the "inaka" or countryside and takes me about 1 1/2 hours. I'm gonna take ya along too...so you can see a walk-in-the-life of Sarah. I was a bit disheartened as I headed out because the sky was quickly changing to its wintery dullness and overcast skies. I was so wanting to get a fabulous shot of Iwakisan with its snowcapped peaks...but anyways here we go!! (Click on image to see bigger and better ka-pow!)

These guys sure weren't takin' a holiday...they weren't so sure about me takin' their picture either even when I asked in my nice Kansan accent, but the farmers are amazing...they go non-stop. This wall stencil always reminds me of KFC Colonel Sanders...maybe you want your haircut like his?? Some apples...guessing the sign says "not so good". A temple decked out in some holiday splendor. Which way should I go?? More people at work...government employees taking a go at the roadwork. The winter weather plant protection is in its teepee splendor. My favorite vending machine...even if it's been out of order for years. A traditional house w/ storage house attached...it's rumored kids were sent to the store house as punishment back in the days(it's totally devoid of windows and has thick, impenetrable walls). Some awesome hanging fruit ("mikan" or mandarin oranges)...I just really liked the colors!! Aomori water- scary that it's blessed by the emperor as the cleanest and best tasting in Japan. The raccoon says "Take care!!" and I think he also says something about "Don't pick up hitchhikers!!" hahaha...but I could be wrong. Finally a view of Mt. Iwaki...hazy and drab, but ultimately that is my memory of winter in Japan...at least until the pure white hits...then that brightens things up a bit.

I love the color of cars here...and the porch decorations. In case I wanna soda or drink on the way...not to fear...there's a vending machine every block. That's me in the mirror...winter clad. The last of the pretty leaves. I always feel sorry for this poor doggy...so sad...but maybe he enjoys the apple orchard view like me. Finally, someone is onto this holiday thing with a patriotic flag. I always wanted a picture of a funeral car...they are the most gaudy things I've ever seen...I for one can't even conceive of why you would wanna take your last ride in this, especially the gold....give us some silver already!! Home sweet home. Some Vitamin C drops for that red, cold, runny nose!! And wouldn't ya know, as soon as I got home, the sky cleared into blue again and left me wanting to go for another try at that Mt. Iwaki picture...well, maybe next holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving familia y friends!!!

A bit of hatto chocolato

There is something about sitting in my lackluster, warm room with a cup of hot chocolate...this isn't any ol' cup of cocoa either...it's Japanese Black Soybean Cocoa...said to give you good health (or something like that right on the package). It has a nice smooth taste that is bitter and sweet at the same time, but it may seem a little bland to those over-sugared American types. But plainy and simply I like it, especially the lil' black speckles that are kinda grainy when you get to the bottom of the cup...it reminds me of all the times I overdid it with the coffee grinds but drank the cup of joe anyways.

But hatto chocolato isn't the cure for all unfortunately. I've been feelin' a heavy burden for one of my recently-met friends here. How do ya pull someone outta their depression if they have no hope?? They are reaching but they can't quite grasp it...even though it's right there in front of their face, it's in their ear, it's trying to seek out their heart, it's God. "He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony." (John 3:32)

I know what's like to feel like you're living in a jail...a jail of your mind. Yeah, it takes a lotta faith, but slowly with the help and strength in Jesus Cristo I've been able to bend those bars...so far in fact that I became free through Him. Of course, when I look behind I still see a couple bars that are quite stubborn and sometimes I still go take a jab at 'em...but the fact remains that God gave me a new life to see and live. I don't ever hafta return to that jail again...and I won't, except to remember what it's like so I can try to reach out to others who only see the bars and not the other side.

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejets the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36) I just pray that this friend can see the light and not the darkness of her world. It doesn't hafta be that way I tell her, "I have my own way" she says. Even though her "way" obviously isn't panning out. I pray in fact that maybe someday in the future her way will be the Way...you only need faith, faith as small as a sesame seed and of course a good ol' cup of chocolate won't hurt anything either :) !! "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

Haiku a day keeps the sensei away!

falling autumn leaves
dropping tears from the blue sky-
now a stinging wind

Haiku is one of the most important forms of traditional Japanese poetry.

The metrical pattern of Haiku: Haiku-poems consist of respectively 5, 7 and 5 syllables in three units. In Japanese, this convention is a must, but in English, which has variation in the length of syllables, this can sometimes be difficult.

The seasonal theme: Each Haiku must contain a "kigo", a season word, which indicate in which season the Haiku is set. For example, cherry blossoms indicate spring, snow indicate winter, and mosquitoes indicate summer, but the season word isn't always that obvious.

Give it a go yo!!

Turkey Time!

Ok, my lil' group of Sunday school kids had never seen a turkey...correction...they had only seen "a dead one". So the turkey feather project went over quite well in their fascination to create what turned out to be one cool bird!! My turkey drawing abilities weren't exactly up to snuff, but the webbed-feet and rather strange gobbler head didn't seem to throw of the kid's newly acquired impression of a real turkey. They were to each write something they were thankful for on their feathers. Some attained great thoughts...others the goal was only to color the whole feather a very saturated purple while also giving the table a similar coloring job. Check out the cuties at work!!

Sarah Elizabethtown, Japan

The goal...to see the movie "Elizabethtown". Hence, my middle name...

The result...a roadtrip to Aomori City!

(Naomi la japonesa, Louise la kiwi, y la ùnica Sarita)


The day wouldn't be complete w/o a picture by the silver Christmas tree...

Does is really say not to bring in outside food at a Japanese theater???

Well it's not everyday you can eat a bento box with chopsticks at the movies. Oh, and my review of the movie...couldn't stop laughing!!! I thought it was excellent...it didn't follow the traditional boy meets gurl romance storyline...it was a work in progress, even if the progress was by most standards a bit sporadic. My friends had a different view by the time tell sign...at the last scene they all said "That's it???" Ok, but how could I not enjoy a comedy that included a gurl named Claire who reminded me of myself at times...too many times hahaha!! The obnoxious and simple dialog and the turnaround theme of a sad occasion, a funeral that is given some comic relief. And the last scene was shown driving through mi querido Kansas with the clear blue skies and cotton candy, white clouds...I sure miss seeing that horizon line...but soon enough, soon enough I'll be home to enjoy the starlit sky and peaceful calmness of my little hometown where you never are in want of blue skies or a friendly smile or wave. Hasta pronto!!

(That would be 4 fingers up for me!!) :)

Of God, not of man

Upon seeing the beauty of the Sea of Japan at sunset and a traditional "torii" gate on the horizon, I couldn't help but see how time and the might of the wind and water had decayed this simple piece of wood. By Shinto belief, it marks the entrance to a sacred place. In my eyes, I see how swiftly things made by human hands fade and corrode into a warped image of what once was. The strength of God, His omnipotence, never fades. It is as strong now as it was in the beginning and it encompasses all places, not just where this gate and others stand. No idols can hold or designate the places of God. He is above all, but intricately woven through us all. "Shall I bow down to a block of wood?" ~Isaiah 44:19.

Tea Ceremony Plz!

I had the honored opportunity to take part in an introduction to Japanese tea ceremonies with my 3rd grade students. It's easy to say they are one of my favorite classes even though they began the year on my negative list with the at times craziness of a room packed with 38 squirming, excited kids who have the tendency to yell, grab, or fall out of their seats for any given reason. For many of my little ones it was the first time to taste the time-honored "maccha" or green tea used especially for tea ceremonies. It has a rather sharp, bitter, frothy, thick taste and goes best with a lil' bit of sweet (like of course everything in life) and so it's paired with some "okashi" or Japanese candies. The linoleum floor and florescent lights hardly detracted from my kids excitement at seeing the tea whisked into a foam and the Sensei's lack of kimono attire was quickly overlooked in the frenzy to get some of the before mentioned candies.

This having been my fourth time participating in a tea ceremony, the thing I enjoyed most was watching my kids’ faces and seeing their reactions to the taste. There was plenty of smacking of lips and slapping at hands to quit drinking so much already!! We each were situated in groups of four and had a soup-sized bowl to share our helping of tea. I was quickly offered up the first go at our bowl...and it is easy to say I declined further offers in the hopes of avoiding the unavoidable colds of all my kids this year. In future classes we will be taught the specifics of how to behave in a tea ceremony...this will go over fabulously I'm sure. After all, who doesn't love the feeling of your legs falling asleep after sitting on your knees for what seems like hours and that tingling sensation and lack of coordination upon standing...can't wait!!! Part II coming soon!!!

Green tongue swweeeeet!!!