Update #2

Quick update on the last several days:

We were able to spend 3 days out of this week at Osaka Prefecture University (OPU), 1 day at Osaka University (OU), and an afternoon at Koyasan High School (which is a 2 hr car ride away).  It has been an interesting experience learning about Japan, her people, culture and religions.  Spending time with the OPU and OU students has been great.  It was somewhat difficult to communicate with the High School students as their conversational English is not as good, but it was still informative.  

On the whole I have had a wonderful time building relationships and strengthening with the students I’ve been able to spend extended time with.  It’s been both eye opening and a blessing.  I am thankful for my parents and the home I grew up it.  God is good.  Yet, my heart breaks for those who do not yet know Christ as Savior and Lord. 


Some highlights:


-Monday: Teriyaki McBurger - delish!

-Tuesday-Thursday: OPU

Dessert...taiyaki? I think...I'm really tired and can't remember exactly right now.

A dinner....

Thursday - Trip to Osaka Castle and America-mura (village)

Ryo (Mush) and I; he was our tour guide for the day :)

Shota and Shin

Osaka Castle

America-mura

cool lamppost

Olympus!

Friday - 1st visit ever to OU
Politicians....

OU

"Taco" and Beland - explaining how to play Mafia

Saturday @ Koyasan HS
The 2 hour long trip through the mountains was very green, but very very windy.  One of our team members even threw up from the stress of being tossed and turned left and right over and over again.

Prayer requests: 

For Lucy, one of my team members, she just caught a cold and has much to do in the next few days.  So please pray for health, strength and energy for her.

For Shin, he seems to be very open and interested in Christianity.  We were able to share the gospel with him and he plans on reading the Bible to see whether or not to fully believe in it.

For the other students that they will be open and interested as well. 

For “Taco” the OU ESS leader and Lisa.  The team was able to share the gospel with them.

For all the students we’ve been able to share the gospel with that the seeds will take root in good soil.

Praise:

For the students that we’ve been able to share the gospel with.

For good weather

For the generous, kind and loving hospitality of Takenaka-san

For mosquito bites – they’ve caused me to depend more on God and be thankful for general good health.  They’ve also given me a new perspective on the book of Job and they haven’t swollen up as much as they usually do.

For the grace and blessing of being here.

For leadership from the team and from the students guiding us around campus and Osaka. 


Well, I must be off.
Goodnight!