Aspirations for 2016

HAPPY 2016 from Tokyo! (A little late in coming, I know) It has been a joyous holiday season here, though it feels very different from the way holidays "feel" in the US. There are so many fun things that have been happening in the past few weeks, but I'd just like to share about my hopes, dreams, and aspirations for 2016. 

The past week I was spending some time praying and God brought this prayer to my mind "Jesus, please let these be 'my people'"! When ever I am in a strong community, I often feel a sense of those friends being "my people", and I really desire that BEST club feels that same way! 

In our staff meeting this week my boss asked, "What are your personal aspirations for 2016?" 

I responded, "I want Japan to feel like home!" 

I think that is already starting. 

Here are some photos of our recent activities, and friends who are starting to feel like home. 

Me and Carrie (Right) with our friend Ryoko

Ryoko took us to the Edo-Tokyo Open-air Architectural Museum.
Here we are posing to represent our favorite phrase "Oh dear!"

My Housemates (left to right: Elsa, Kanako, Maina, Miyo, and Carrie).
This picture was taken our Christmas Day trip! 

My teammates Carrie, and Adam with the Rood family: Kayla and Josiah
We were on our way to Shizuoka, city in the south of Japan. 

Shizuoka is an extremely beautiful city

Our first picture of 2016! We had a share house party to ring in the New Year!
Here (left to right): Maina, Elsa, Ryo, Carrie, Adam, Chiba, and Yushin