So he told the people of the town. "Bring me a new bowl," he said, "and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. Then they went to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, " This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.'" And the water has remained wholesome until this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken."
I LOVE this because: This is just one story of how my God restores. He does not just leave it half done, he does not just make it look good on the surface, but he restores something and cleanses it for the long term! For life :)! He is so good!! But it does not stop there, he takes what he made, what he has restored, and cares about the impact that it has around it. Not only was the Spring water cleansed but it was put on a task to water the land and bring life. <3 My God, is a God who is alive, and creates life; He is a God who cares. <3
Friday, May 30, 2014
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Odd-November 2nd, 2013
It feels _____.
Particularly that I am writing on this blog, even after I have returned from Japan.
But, I thought since people were still there that used to read this ( I am not sure if anyone does anymore, particularly due to my horrible commitment to writing on here and posting interesting things like pictures--sorry :(. ), I thought that I might post things about adjusting.
Tonight, I became very sad. It did not hit me until after I took a walk that, looking at pictures and talking to people from APU, it makes me miss it. I am so thankful for everyone that I met there. It truly was a magical experience. Things were fun, crazy, calm, tough, free, stressful, interesting, sometimes boring, challenging, sometimes too easy, but each day a new adventure.
I did not realize how much I would like to say, how much I want to just pick up a phone and call. I miss having wake up calls(Pato) . Going to surprise people late at night. Walking up the stairs or running to class and seeing everyone passing by. Getting to see people on Friday nights, and having amazing conversations under the stars. Waking up early and everyone have sleepy eyes. Waiting for the busses as we see how long it will be late :P . Going to the OFURO (--<3 Tiffany) ! or Onsen! (Asakochan<3) Going to Beppu-wan! Playing b-ball (Hanerl, Oppa, Subaya, Andy)!! Cooking with people (Vivian, Akie, Cherry, Kayla)<3 !!!Music and singing (Pat). Seeing the kids that I love and getting to hang out with them on Saturdays (Yuya). The smell of Jokkmok (the café place were I worked occasionally), and getting to talk to the owner who was always kind and graceful.Friday, Family, Fellowship, getting to see Auntie and Uncle--- who are so welcoming and kind. Sunday mornings! Oh how each week hit home with a new challenge. Hearing sermons in multiple languages(Pastor Kim, Tim-translating) . How kind people were, how caring! Prayer nights, in weakness or passion and strength, it was amazing to feel that unity and being able to pour your heart out <3 (Risil, Chungmin, Onyoo, Aichi, Christina, Samunim, Moksamnim ). Running on the mountain, with the stars so bright at night, or the sun shining warmly in the (Yurikachan, Michan, ABU!, Nana) (can go on for pages). Such beautiful scenery, so much that I want to take my camera every where. The sweetness of the vegetables. The politeness of people. People not always saying what they think, in order to consider others.
So many things.
Reverse Culture Shock Flashes.
I want to write, I want to say thank you. But where to start? I feel like anything I send, wont be good enough. Sigh.
So many amazing moments, so many kind friends.
Moments good and bad. Close or near.
Thank you Lord for being there for me the entire time, for allowing me to experience each and every part. Things that Impact the heart <3
May the grace of the living God be with them all. <3
(I missed many names, :( sorry)
Particularly that I am writing on this blog, even after I have returned from Japan.
But, I thought since people were still there that used to read this ( I am not sure if anyone does anymore, particularly due to my horrible commitment to writing on here and posting interesting things like pictures--sorry :(. ), I thought that I might post things about adjusting.
Tonight, I became very sad. It did not hit me until after I took a walk that, looking at pictures and talking to people from APU, it makes me miss it. I am so thankful for everyone that I met there. It truly was a magical experience. Things were fun, crazy, calm, tough, free, stressful, interesting, sometimes boring, challenging, sometimes too easy, but each day a new adventure.
I did not realize how much I would like to say, how much I want to just pick up a phone and call. I miss having wake up calls(Pato) . Going to surprise people late at night. Walking up the stairs or running to class and seeing everyone passing by. Getting to see people on Friday nights, and having amazing conversations under the stars. Waking up early and everyone have sleepy eyes. Waiting for the busses as we see how long it will be late :P . Going to the OFURO (--<3 Tiffany) ! or Onsen! (Asakochan<3) Going to Beppu-wan! Playing b-ball (Hanerl, Oppa, Subaya, Andy)!! Cooking with people (Vivian, Akie, Cherry, Kayla)<3 !!!Music and singing (Pat). Seeing the kids that I love and getting to hang out with them on Saturdays (Yuya). The smell of Jokkmok (the café place were I worked occasionally), and getting to talk to the owner who was always kind and graceful.Friday, Family, Fellowship, getting to see Auntie and Uncle--- who are so welcoming and kind. Sunday mornings! Oh how each week hit home with a new challenge. Hearing sermons in multiple languages(Pastor Kim, Tim-translating) . How kind people were, how caring! Prayer nights, in weakness or passion and strength, it was amazing to feel that unity and being able to pour your heart out <3 (Risil, Chungmin, Onyoo, Aichi, Christina, Samunim, Moksamnim ). Running on the mountain, with the stars so bright at night, or the sun shining warmly in the (Yurikachan, Michan, ABU!, Nana) (can go on for pages). Such beautiful scenery, so much that I want to take my camera every where. The sweetness of the vegetables. The politeness of people. People not always saying what they think, in order to consider others.
So many things.
Reverse Culture Shock Flashes.
I want to write, I want to say thank you. But where to start? I feel like anything I send, wont be good enough. Sigh.
So many amazing moments, so many kind friends.
Moments good and bad. Close or near.
Thank you Lord for being there for me the entire time, for allowing me to experience each and every part. Things that Impact the heart <3
May the grace of the living God be with them all. <3
(I missed many names, :( sorry)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
August 8, 2013 (Japan) --but--August 7, 2013 (USA) I Should have..
written more...
But now I am back officially in the states. (now in Cali)
So ... reminiscing... and way to many things. Before leaving had to do so many things in what seems like not enough time. I am so thankful that God provided every step of the way (He is so faithful <3).
It is so sad, it is so weird to be back, I already feel it. The communication differences, greetings, help. All of the above. It carries an air of nostalgia and at the same time makes me miss Japan. I am so thankful.
My friends in Japan ( Cherry, Pat, and Yen, Natsuki too ) helped me off until the very end <3 I am so thankful for them. I am so sad to say goodbye, but I am thankful that I got to be with Yen on her Birthday, even though.... :( ... I couldn't do anything special for her :(! I really wanted to... but.. it didn't end up or work out that way. I feel so selfish. This past semester so selfish. I don't know who I am becoming if it stays like this. I am cared for so much, so I begin to forget to care for others. WHATT ..... another area of growth. How to be humble and accept others care, BUTTTTT... care in return and love to the fullest.
Food for thought?
it is funny I keep catching myself saying Japanese phrases to Americans.... thinking that they understand.. but... I forget that they don't.... sigh
So the reverse culture shock begins?
I had the pre stages in Japan when I was thinking about it... dreaming about it.. but now.. its face to face. I like America for some things.. same with Japan... but sometimes... hmm
The kids are so different here... They keep repeating themselves till they get what they want...
I am so not used to that anymore. Usually I don't see kids ask for things in Japan, usually they are asked if they want something, but not the other way around.
When I went shopping with the kids as itsukushimi, they joked a lot about "lets buy"... this or that... but when I asked if they really wanted it... they always replied with we don't need it.. no. "iranai".
Clothes are so different in the us also, even high class dress more casually then even normal students everyday in class.. :O . So surprised.
Ok, so on the plain ride back, it was really cool because I was with a kind Japanese lady Masayako Nakumura-san ! It was really cool we watched movies together and talked and ate and helped each other out with things. (Asian style of doing things together) Gonna miss it. It is so funny because the first ones to teach me to do things together was Sunyoung and Yurim <3 ! Miss them a lot too!!!
Dun Dadadan! ... To be continued
But now I am back officially in the states. (now in Cali)
So ... reminiscing... and way to many things. Before leaving had to do so many things in what seems like not enough time. I am so thankful that God provided every step of the way (He is so faithful <3).
It is so sad, it is so weird to be back, I already feel it. The communication differences, greetings, help. All of the above. It carries an air of nostalgia and at the same time makes me miss Japan. I am so thankful.
My friends in Japan ( Cherry, Pat, and Yen, Natsuki too ) helped me off until the very end <3 I am so thankful for them. I am so sad to say goodbye, but I am thankful that I got to be with Yen on her Birthday, even though.... :( ... I couldn't do anything special for her :(! I really wanted to... but.. it didn't end up or work out that way. I feel so selfish. This past semester so selfish. I don't know who I am becoming if it stays like this. I am cared for so much, so I begin to forget to care for others. WHATT ..... another area of growth. How to be humble and accept others care, BUTTTTT... care in return and love to the fullest.
Food for thought?
it is funny I keep catching myself saying Japanese phrases to Americans.... thinking that they understand.. but... I forget that they don't.... sigh
So the reverse culture shock begins?
I had the pre stages in Japan when I was thinking about it... dreaming about it.. but now.. its face to face. I like America for some things.. same with Japan... but sometimes... hmm
The kids are so different here... They keep repeating themselves till they get what they want...
I am so not used to that anymore. Usually I don't see kids ask for things in Japan, usually they are asked if they want something, but not the other way around.
When I went shopping with the kids as itsukushimi, they joked a lot about "lets buy"... this or that... but when I asked if they really wanted it... they always replied with we don't need it.. no. "iranai".
Clothes are so different in the us also, even high class dress more casually then even normal students everyday in class.. :O . So surprised.
Ok, so on the plain ride back, it was really cool because I was with a kind Japanese lady Masayako Nakumura-san ! It was really cool we watched movies together and talked and ate and helped each other out with things. (Asian style of doing things together) Gonna miss it. It is so funny because the first ones to teach me to do things together was Sunyoung and Yurim <3 ! Miss them a lot too!!!
Dun Dadadan! ... To be continued
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Final Time- July 25th, 2013
Finals Time..
Final month in Japan
Final ... ________ fill in the bank : /
SO Culture shock keeps happening. It is like a constant daydream. Which is hard to snap out of.
I am trying to wrap my mind around going back to the US of A. But.. when I begin.. I just keep reminiscing of being home. But then.. the same happens for here. It is like my memories are replaying constantly. But also reminiscing about Japan too.. it is a non-stop cycle...
I feel so out of it.
So much so that I forgot I had another final today... but praise the LORD! my friend in another class happened to be in the same class and asked me about it... so that I made it to the final.. despite my horrid score :( . Whaa...
Another things...
it is so weird.. you think of someone then they appear... i don't get this... it happens all the time.. so stranngggeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Packing, mind, things, but not sure. Unsure of what is next. Trust. Trust. Trusting that as always, my steps will be led by the Living God who loves and cares.
________________________________________________________________________________
Blogging again?
So many changes...
So many realizations...
But how many will remain what i think of them now.. most likely my ideas now will change later right?
Constantly going through change.
One thing i don't understand... How I am compared here...
So different. In every culture I am told I am SO this or SO that. I don't get it..
is it wrong to accustom to the culture you are in.. i thought it was a good thing... you change back when you get into another too right? ... hmm
_________________________________________________________________________________
From simple to complicated, to simple to complex again. Trying to prepare my mind for the SHOCK.
As I say hi and bye to people, i can not bring myself to closure. .. Just let it roll on. Roll on as if I will be back i think ... :/ Want to do so much, say so many things, but i am left with little time. But isn't that how life always is.. little time. We just think we have more time don't we? .. but in reality.. time could end tomorrow. That is why Jesus always asked us to follow him now right? leave all behind. That is why David sings about the fleetingness of beauty or the uncertainty of time. Even Solomon talks about it. With the holding on to one constant, one creator. GOD. Seriously, when ever I am trusting Him, it ends up alright, but when I begin to rely on other things.. the shocks begin to hurt, they are detrimental and the up and down cycle escalated. WHaaa...
Live with eyes wide open, arms wide open.
Final month in Japan
Final ... ________ fill in the bank : /
SO Culture shock keeps happening. It is like a constant daydream. Which is hard to snap out of.
I am trying to wrap my mind around going back to the US of A. But.. when I begin.. I just keep reminiscing of being home. But then.. the same happens for here. It is like my memories are replaying constantly. But also reminiscing about Japan too.. it is a non-stop cycle...
I feel so out of it.
So much so that I forgot I had another final today... but praise the LORD! my friend in another class happened to be in the same class and asked me about it... so that I made it to the final.. despite my horrid score :( . Whaa...
Another things...
it is so weird.. you think of someone then they appear... i don't get this... it happens all the time.. so stranngggeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Packing, mind, things, but not sure. Unsure of what is next. Trust. Trust. Trusting that as always, my steps will be led by the Living God who loves and cares.
________________________________________________________________________________
Blogging again?
So many changes...
So many realizations...
But how many will remain what i think of them now.. most likely my ideas now will change later right?
Constantly going through change.
One thing i don't understand... How I am compared here...
So different. In every culture I am told I am SO this or SO that. I don't get it..
is it wrong to accustom to the culture you are in.. i thought it was a good thing... you change back when you get into another too right? ... hmm
_________________________________________________________________________________
From simple to complicated, to simple to complex again. Trying to prepare my mind for the SHOCK.
As I say hi and bye to people, i can not bring myself to closure. .. Just let it roll on. Roll on as if I will be back i think ... :/ Want to do so much, say so many things, but i am left with little time. But isn't that how life always is.. little time. We just think we have more time don't we? .. but in reality.. time could end tomorrow. That is why Jesus always asked us to follow him now right? leave all behind. That is why David sings about the fleetingness of beauty or the uncertainty of time. Even Solomon talks about it. With the holding on to one constant, one creator. GOD. Seriously, when ever I am trusting Him, it ends up alright, but when I begin to rely on other things.. the shocks begin to hurt, they are detrimental and the up and down cycle escalated. WHaaa...
Live with eyes wide open, arms wide open.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Whirl. Stars. Dream. Work.-July10, 2013
Work diligently, in everything do it unto the LORD. When we work hard, it sets a standard. Let us not waste talents, abilities. Use them.
Whirl around, around, around. THoughts that never stop. Cycles of emotions all around. Whirl. All around. Only in God can I hold on with out flying off. Whirl, culture, time all things have been whirling recently, I wonder if it will continue? When I look at 1st I just became dizy, but is it now that beauty is beginning to form with the Whirling Whirling Whirling. Clay in the potters hand. Whirling, whirled. Whirl.
Dream that is repetition. Dreams that are new, old, similar--but different. They come and go, I have stopped jotting them down. Let them come and go. Wake up and ask my Lord, ask him why what it means. Asking no more about the reasons, but instead ask for the people. The people in them.
Stars, uncountable. So bright on a cloud separated night. It is similar where ever you go, with different views, but constant. Constant reminding me that God is with me where ever I go. Here, near, far, dangerous or safe. I can rest. I don't have to worry where my feet will be led. <3
Japan. So many things, so many things have happened. It will come to an end. Just the stage for now. Just now. Many things still learning, to be learned, learnt.
Culture--links, language--powerful, people--similar but we all expect and understand differently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlYuyJjfVHQ&noredirect=1
<3
Whirl around, around, around. THoughts that never stop. Cycles of emotions all around. Whirl. All around. Only in God can I hold on with out flying off. Whirl, culture, time all things have been whirling recently, I wonder if it will continue? When I look at 1st I just became dizy, but is it now that beauty is beginning to form with the Whirling Whirling Whirling. Clay in the potters hand. Whirling, whirled. Whirl.
Dream that is repetition. Dreams that are new, old, similar--but different. They come and go, I have stopped jotting them down. Let them come and go. Wake up and ask my Lord, ask him why what it means. Asking no more about the reasons, but instead ask for the people. The people in them.
Stars, uncountable. So bright on a cloud separated night. It is similar where ever you go, with different views, but constant. Constant reminding me that God is with me where ever I go. Here, near, far, dangerous or safe. I can rest. I don't have to worry where my feet will be led. <3
Japan. So many things, so many things have happened. It will come to an end. Just the stage for now. Just now. Many things still learning, to be learned, learnt.
Culture--links, language--powerful, people--similar but we all expect and understand differently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlYuyJjfVHQ&noredirect=1
<3
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Packing-up Process: Cultural Compentancy?
So I have come to the conclusion/realization that there is not much time left for me in Japan. (Or at least till my term is up)
It is really sad.
But mentally I am trying to prepare, reflect and see if there is anything that needs to be done before the goodbyes sneak up on me.
I feel so blessed for the people in my life and for the things that have happened both good and bad.
I don't really know how to cope right now to be honest. I just gotta keep moving. I know the only consistent thing is my Jesus. And so many things that I have been learning about relationships and cultures, the different ways people think, ways we are brought up. My kids here <3. I don't know what to say. I feel cruel. I come for a time, just to leave. How can I explain. The relationships I built, just to say goodbye and hope we meet again. :'(.
It feels too cruel.
But, I know right now that God can use this into something that is greater, lasts longer, for a reason bigger than I can plan up myself. A reason that has nothing to do with me, but about how much he loves each and every person he created. Each and every person that I have had the pleasure of sharing time with. They are his, and He loves them so much more than me being in their life, or I could.
I came with only a suitcase and a backpack. Now I have so much more. Both material and mental. Even though my Japanese has suffered a lot due to my lack of practicing this second quarter, God has answered so many prayers. I feel like I understand people a bit more. (At first I could not at all!!) But We are always changing, in many ways shapes and forms, so to love someone is to get to know them and see through the cultural norms. see though the outward influences. See the driving force of the actions, to care about the person and take the time to understand. Patience is more than a virtue, with patience one begins to understand.<3
It is really sad.
But mentally I am trying to prepare, reflect and see if there is anything that needs to be done before the goodbyes sneak up on me.
I feel so blessed for the people in my life and for the things that have happened both good and bad.
I don't really know how to cope right now to be honest. I just gotta keep moving. I know the only consistent thing is my Jesus. And so many things that I have been learning about relationships and cultures, the different ways people think, ways we are brought up. My kids here <3. I don't know what to say. I feel cruel. I come for a time, just to leave. How can I explain. The relationships I built, just to say goodbye and hope we meet again. :'(.
It feels too cruel.
But, I know right now that God can use this into something that is greater, lasts longer, for a reason bigger than I can plan up myself. A reason that has nothing to do with me, but about how much he loves each and every person he created. Each and every person that I have had the pleasure of sharing time with. They are his, and He loves them so much more than me being in their life, or I could.
I came with only a suitcase and a backpack. Now I have so much more. Both material and mental. Even though my Japanese has suffered a lot due to my lack of practicing this second quarter, God has answered so many prayers. I feel like I understand people a bit more. (At first I could not at all!!) But We are always changing, in many ways shapes and forms, so to love someone is to get to know them and see through the cultural norms. see though the outward influences. See the driving force of the actions, to care about the person and take the time to understand. Patience is more than a virtue, with patience one begins to understand.<3
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Finishing up of the CRAZY WEEK/end the 4th week in June 2013
Wed.
Field trip to north Kyushu ( Kitakyushu) ... (Oita area still) .. and We went to car factories :D! So this was a field trip that my professor conducted, and at 1st I really was not planning on going because I was so so so busy this week, it stressed me out just to think of it.. but .. due to the taihen-ness of not going and Yi having to find a replacement, I ended up going. It was good a lot of my other classmates went and other friends. WE had fun! I was just so tired, my brain was not allowing me to understand and think. (it felt like everything that went in my ear or that happened was bouncing off my brain and leaving) ... so frustrating :/ but.. It was good and I got to take a lot of pictures :D! Also... I got to discuss our presentation briefly with the professor.
PICTURES TO COME!
Thur.
Presentation day!!
SO... the presentation was waayyy to long.. and I didn't really sleep but 3 hours? (if I am not mistaken) and I finished one of my homeworks to save it.. exit it.. and try to bring it up but it DISAPEARED :(((( ... = no homework for me... because then it was time to go to class..
PRaise the LORD ( seriousllyy) my teacher gave me grace to turn it in late, and asked if I was ok due to my constant tiredness he was worried. <3!Wow ! Really kind teacher ( Dr. D. ) -->same one I went on the field trip with.
The rest of the day... classes...
We got our group assignments today in organizational behavior ( my kinda class :) with my fav. Filippino Prof. Alcantara!!! )
Seriously praise the LORD today.
I was in the library trying to retype my lost assignment and ... then my former group member that had dropped the class came and sat next to me in the library so we started talking and I asked if he was going to use the book anymore ( expecting to buy it from him) .. but he just said here , just give it back when you are done. :O!! Praise the LORD!! the book is about 6,000 yen!! (= about 60 dollars) :O! See... WOW!!
Next, I was off to see Pat perform for Philippines week :D! It was really cool to see him play! He even sung in Spanish ( it made me a bit confused.. because .. I think I was the only one in the room that spoke Spanish... but.. anyywayyss I guess it is close to Tagalog so ... ) Whaaa!!! He worked so hard practicing for the week. But time went by fast, and soon it was time for me to go to our Floor meeting ( the ones that are once a month and you can not skip... :/ )
After the meeting, YAKINIKU PARTY ( the 1st time I have had it here!!! .. it is very popular!!) yokkatta ne! ( nice huh :) ))
Yakiniku - grill with meet, sauce, and vegetables..
Actually..
now that I think of it...
I had it before...
at the B-ball circle welcome party... :P .. actually .. I never really stuck with the Dolphins :/ ( the girls b-ball team ).. wha..
Any ways... the floor party was fun! A lot of people joined this time, some times everyone is too busy, but today.. a lot of people joined :)!!
We also talked about world festival... there was some tension when some brought up the idea of buying bandanas for the uniform... but.... I didn't like it and it was so last minute that we had a bit of a clash.. (culture difference.. ) Thennnnn...... :) /... We worked on decorating our floor with smileys for WF (world festival ) ...
Actually.. I kinda kept coming back and forth because I was also trying to finish my hw assignments that I had lost... ( BRAIN DEAADDDD) ... But good thing.. I got to talk to my parents <3!! and KENDRAA!! <3!
Fri.
Finished my assignment :) turned it in, but I was late to class.
The teacher picked on me again ( the same one that seems to like westerners .. particularly Americans... [I don't get it, why why?] )
:P!
I think it is ok though.. GAMBARIMASU!! ( I will do my best / working hard!)
He is chill though... even though I was late.. he let me have an attendance sheet.
Tonight TONIGHT!!!!
So today I cooked Pollo latino style:D!!! And then ate with Pat before going to practice. (well.. came in late and missed it ... but that's not the point .. :P)
Um.. soo.. practiced with Cherry until we had to come back and perform at 6
Natsuki messeged me to watch the show together but I am such a bad friend because I was so worried about the timing that I forgot to tell here that I would be sitting with others that were in the FLASH MOB DANCE TOO.. but she seemed to be understanding (I think a bit disappointed.. :( ) whaaa... :(((
Also.. I was so distracted .. we didn't really get to hang out. She was with Michikochyan. I have not seen her in SO long either ( she had to move down town because people can only stay in AP house 2 semesters ( because they need room for new people) .. ) :(
So we all watched the show together ( it was so good)!. And it was fun to be background dancer for the credits :P( http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/34321633)
After the show, a small after party of food, people taking crazy pictures :D, and Pat playing the guitar with accompaniments of singers:). So tired. But we had Filippino food :) and then went back. Plus!!! I got a CD of some of the music! so nice!!
Now...
JUMBI O HAJIMEMASU!!!
(PREPARATION BEGINS)
for... WF!!(World Festival)
We have aloot of work to do!
No sleep tonight ( seriously, but everyone is working hard)
Sat.
6am, begin cooking
I am so thankful that everyone is helping <3!!! SO PROUD OF my R5 GIRLS!( well not mine but... you know what I mean)
we are making NACHOs!!!!!!!
From scratch = even making the tortilla chips ( there are no such things here that you can buy unless it is imported and really expensive.. sooo.. we all became PRO's at fast tortilla makinggggg:D!!!! )
It was so Awesome!!!!
Especially since I usually control things right.. but this time I didn't feel the need to. But funny thing is.. they did a much better job than I would have. They did it faster, better looking ( appearance / presentation means a lot in JAPAN .. ALOT!) .. (you know me.. I am not very strong in appearances, but I just focus on taste quality, but here... you need... both :P!! )
Mean while we made cupcakes too! (Cremebrule cupcakes ( my version anyways... because whipping cream was too expensive.. thus... SUBSTITUTE :D) Praise the LORD we got everything done!
But serving was hectic!!! SOO HECTIC!! people kept coming because they heard our food was good, but that meant.. we had to move fast. Another thing.. some how we ran out of plates before we served 230 people ( the min. req. ) and .. so .. we had to figure out other things..
Thankfully Eira (one of my RA's (resident assistants) ) got us some ( but it still wasn't enough) .. then Cherry gave us hers! so kind ( then it was JUST ENOUGH :) !!
SERIOUSLY..
It is so cool that they have us do WF because it is LIFE EXPERIENCE OF MANAGEMENT!!! of people, resources, times, and CRISIS MOMENTS!!!
We kept running out of things ( because I didn't know how to proportion so that it would go the farthest :/ ) but then... PRAISE THE LORD it worked out. WE had to make more salsa from scratch and also season onions (since we ran out of corn).. so many things...
I really think this would be a resume builder XP! WF requires so much! Prior, during and especially during! SO tired!!! But now.. I can say.. haha I have cooked for over 100 people ( :P even though I did not do it my self. WOW !! I am so thankful for all the girls that helped SERIOUSLYY!! it was so stressful and so much work, but everyone put their effort. Some girls in particularly, so much cutting and stirring and standing and everything!! <3!!
WE MADE ITT!!!! NACHOS R5 2013!!
It was really cool to see how we bonded too! :D!
I got a bit sad too at the end because some did not show and I commented which I think hurt :( .. I should have held my tongue. :( even though I did not say harsh things, sometimes the softly spoken things hurt more, since they are not forced but subtle :( like poison :(((
Whaa... Me and my tongue.! But ... later things were ok.. I think ?? I still wonder, but LORD willing it is. I wanted to apologize to my friend but when I knocked they were not there... so.. sadly .. they apologized before I did.. (my stubbornness) but I am really thankful because it helped break it so it did not turn into something bigger.
Had arm wrestling ( kind of.. didn't get to go.. but I am so thankful since the other girl was from the US too and she works out a lot more than I do... so nostalgic, I remember when I used to bench all the time ( BENJI <3!!! LOVEU !! xP way back in the days before that time when guys grow strong really fast and when testostoron is pumped just by breathing ) .. no wonder they get so strong so fast! .. but yeaaa anyways
Then .. Shower!! Then.. FOOD!!
then performances!
Then I saw a lady from church she was so kind! She told me to come back, and when I did, we talked abit and she sent me off with food. (Toppoki! ) .. it was a bit uncomfortable because she was selling it but she gave it to me and I didn't have anything to pay her with :( ... She is always so kind. <3
I wanted to go to church for prayer tonight, but I missed the bus and ended up not going... :/ But maybe it is ok because I have to wake up early in the morning and go to KAMEGAWA. (kid's exchange) + I have not slept... whaaaa
Sun.
Pat woke me up at 6 . THANKFULLYY!! .. I can not believe how little it felt like I slept... SO TIRED!!! :/
Also I am so thankful that he organized most of the event today ( my brain is still fried 86%.) it takes me a long time to think about even doing simple things. But it was ok! Thankfully!!
After Kamegawa, (fun! we did theme of COLORS!!)
we all split up and I walked with Maprang (Thailand) and Kelly (US) to Kamegawa station. Then I had an hour to kill so I went to the beach and read!! SO NICE!! Today was such a blessing! Even though many people did not come to church today, it felt relaxed. but be praying pleasssseee, a lot of battles.
I stayed all the way for prayer night, and got to hang out with the Kind lady, and the Kim family :)!
We went to ORANGE Com later! And I got to hang out with the kids <3! So funnyyyy!!
I also got some studying done ( not much... ) but also practiced guitar!
Wow a wonderful day, tired .. so very very tired, but many memories.
It really is beginning to hit me... About 1 month left in Japan ...
1 month
1 month
what to do :'( .. I love home but, I really will miss it here, I don't know how I will handle because my attitude an way of acting has changed so much. my view has changed so much.
Oh by the way I have yet another theory why Japanese tend to not gain weight as much as westerners..
so when we eat, everyone has the same portion of food. And people eat together. So... when we eat together and have the same portion of food, usually there is just enough food to go around ( they don't usually have left overs since freshness is extreeemmmllyyyy important here) .. no left overs = no excess food. no excess food = no need to STUFF your self to finish it, or eat when you get board.
They do eat snacks and icecream here a lot :P! but.. other than that.. un! That is yet another theory of mine :D!
Field trip to north Kyushu ( Kitakyushu) ... (Oita area still) .. and We went to car factories :D! So this was a field trip that my professor conducted, and at 1st I really was not planning on going because I was so so so busy this week, it stressed me out just to think of it.. but .. due to the taihen-ness of not going and Yi having to find a replacement, I ended up going. It was good a lot of my other classmates went and other friends. WE had fun! I was just so tired, my brain was not allowing me to understand and think. (it felt like everything that went in my ear or that happened was bouncing off my brain and leaving) ... so frustrating :/ but.. It was good and I got to take a lot of pictures :D! Also... I got to discuss our presentation briefly with the professor.
PICTURES TO COME!
Thur.
Presentation day!!
SO... the presentation was waayyy to long.. and I didn't really sleep but 3 hours? (if I am not mistaken) and I finished one of my homeworks to save it.. exit it.. and try to bring it up but it DISAPEARED :(((( ... = no homework for me... because then it was time to go to class..
PRaise the LORD ( seriousllyy) my teacher gave me grace to turn it in late, and asked if I was ok due to my constant tiredness he was worried. <3!Wow ! Really kind teacher ( Dr. D. ) -->same one I went on the field trip with.
The rest of the day... classes...
We got our group assignments today in organizational behavior ( my kinda class :) with my fav. Filippino Prof. Alcantara!!! )
Seriously praise the LORD today.
I was in the library trying to retype my lost assignment and ... then my former group member that had dropped the class came and sat next to me in the library so we started talking and I asked if he was going to use the book anymore ( expecting to buy it from him) .. but he just said here , just give it back when you are done. :O!! Praise the LORD!! the book is about 6,000 yen!! (= about 60 dollars) :O! See... WOW!!
Next, I was off to see Pat perform for Philippines week :D! It was really cool to see him play! He even sung in Spanish ( it made me a bit confused.. because .. I think I was the only one in the room that spoke Spanish... but.. anyywayyss I guess it is close to Tagalog so ... ) Whaaa!!! He worked so hard practicing for the week. But time went by fast, and soon it was time for me to go to our Floor meeting ( the ones that are once a month and you can not skip... :/ )
After the meeting, YAKINIKU PARTY ( the 1st time I have had it here!!! .. it is very popular!!) yokkatta ne! ( nice huh :) ))
Yakiniku - grill with meet, sauce, and vegetables..
Actually..
now that I think of it...
I had it before...
at the B-ball circle welcome party... :P .. actually .. I never really stuck with the Dolphins :/ ( the girls b-ball team ).. wha..
Any ways... the floor party was fun! A lot of people joined this time, some times everyone is too busy, but today.. a lot of people joined :)!!
We also talked about world festival... there was some tension when some brought up the idea of buying bandanas for the uniform... but.... I didn't like it and it was so last minute that we had a bit of a clash.. (culture difference.. ) Thennnnn...... :) /... We worked on decorating our floor with smileys for WF (world festival ) ...
Actually.. I kinda kept coming back and forth because I was also trying to finish my hw assignments that I had lost... ( BRAIN DEAADDDD) ... But good thing.. I got to talk to my parents <3!! and KENDRAA!! <3!
Fri.
Finished my assignment :) turned it in, but I was late to class.
The teacher picked on me again ( the same one that seems to like westerners .. particularly Americans... [I don't get it, why why?] )
:P!
I think it is ok though.. GAMBARIMASU!! ( I will do my best / working hard!)
He is chill though... even though I was late.. he let me have an attendance sheet.
Tonight TONIGHT!!!!
So today I cooked Pollo latino style:D!!! And then ate with Pat before going to practice. (well.. came in late and missed it ... but that's not the point .. :P)
Um.. soo.. practiced with Cherry until we had to come back and perform at 6
Natsuki messeged me to watch the show together but I am such a bad friend because I was so worried about the timing that I forgot to tell here that I would be sitting with others that were in the FLASH MOB DANCE TOO.. but she seemed to be understanding (I think a bit disappointed.. :( ) whaaa... :(((
Also.. I was so distracted .. we didn't really get to hang out. She was with Michikochyan. I have not seen her in SO long either ( she had to move down town because people can only stay in AP house 2 semesters ( because they need room for new people) .. ) :(
So we all watched the show together ( it was so good)!. And it was fun to be background dancer for the credits :P( http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/34321633)
After the show, a small after party of food, people taking crazy pictures :D, and Pat playing the guitar with accompaniments of singers:). So tired. But we had Filippino food :) and then went back. Plus!!! I got a CD of some of the music! so nice!!
Now...
JUMBI O HAJIMEMASU!!!
(PREPARATION BEGINS)
for... WF!!(World Festival)
We have aloot of work to do!
No sleep tonight ( seriously, but everyone is working hard)
Sat.
6am, begin cooking
I am so thankful that everyone is helping <3!!! SO PROUD OF my R5 GIRLS!( well not mine but... you know what I mean)
we are making NACHOs!!!!!!!
From scratch = even making the tortilla chips ( there are no such things here that you can buy unless it is imported and really expensive.. sooo.. we all became PRO's at fast tortilla makinggggg:D!!!! )
It was so Awesome!!!!
Especially since I usually control things right.. but this time I didn't feel the need to. But funny thing is.. they did a much better job than I would have. They did it faster, better looking ( appearance / presentation means a lot in JAPAN .. ALOT!) .. (you know me.. I am not very strong in appearances, but I just focus on taste quality, but here... you need... both :P!! )
Mean while we made cupcakes too! (Cremebrule cupcakes ( my version anyways... because whipping cream was too expensive.. thus... SUBSTITUTE :D) Praise the LORD we got everything done!
But serving was hectic!!! SOO HECTIC!! people kept coming because they heard our food was good, but that meant.. we had to move fast. Another thing.. some how we ran out of plates before we served 230 people ( the min. req. ) and .. so .. we had to figure out other things..
Thankfully Eira (one of my RA's (resident assistants) ) got us some ( but it still wasn't enough) .. then Cherry gave us hers! so kind ( then it was JUST ENOUGH :) !!
SERIOUSLY..
It is so cool that they have us do WF because it is LIFE EXPERIENCE OF MANAGEMENT!!! of people, resources, times, and CRISIS MOMENTS!!!
We kept running out of things ( because I didn't know how to proportion so that it would go the farthest :/ ) but then... PRAISE THE LORD it worked out. WE had to make more salsa from scratch and also season onions (since we ran out of corn).. so many things...
I really think this would be a resume builder XP! WF requires so much! Prior, during and especially during! SO tired!!! But now.. I can say.. haha I have cooked for over 100 people ( :P even though I did not do it my self. WOW !! I am so thankful for all the girls that helped SERIOUSLYY!! it was so stressful and so much work, but everyone put their effort. Some girls in particularly, so much cutting and stirring and standing and everything!! <3!!
WE MADE ITT!!!! NACHOS R5 2013!!
It was really cool to see how we bonded too! :D!
I got a bit sad too at the end because some did not show and I commented which I think hurt :( .. I should have held my tongue. :( even though I did not say harsh things, sometimes the softly spoken things hurt more, since they are not forced but subtle :( like poison :(((
Whaa... Me and my tongue.! But ... later things were ok.. I think ?? I still wonder, but LORD willing it is. I wanted to apologize to my friend but when I knocked they were not there... so.. sadly .. they apologized before I did.. (my stubbornness) but I am really thankful because it helped break it so it did not turn into something bigger.
Had arm wrestling ( kind of.. didn't get to go.. but I am so thankful since the other girl was from the US too and she works out a lot more than I do... so nostalgic, I remember when I used to bench all the time ( BENJI <3!!! LOVEU !! xP way back in the days before that time when guys grow strong really fast and when testostoron is pumped just by breathing ) .. no wonder they get so strong so fast! .. but yeaaa anyways
Then .. Shower!! Then.. FOOD!!
then performances!
Then I saw a lady from church she was so kind! She told me to come back, and when I did, we talked abit and she sent me off with food. (Toppoki! ) .. it was a bit uncomfortable because she was selling it but she gave it to me and I didn't have anything to pay her with :( ... She is always so kind. <3
I wanted to go to church for prayer tonight, but I missed the bus and ended up not going... :/ But maybe it is ok because I have to wake up early in the morning and go to KAMEGAWA. (kid's exchange) + I have not slept... whaaaa
Sun.
Pat woke me up at 6 . THANKFULLYY!! .. I can not believe how little it felt like I slept... SO TIRED!!! :/
Also I am so thankful that he organized most of the event today ( my brain is still fried 86%.) it takes me a long time to think about even doing simple things. But it was ok! Thankfully!!
After Kamegawa, (fun! we did theme of COLORS!!)
we all split up and I walked with Maprang (Thailand) and Kelly (US) to Kamegawa station. Then I had an hour to kill so I went to the beach and read!! SO NICE!! Today was such a blessing! Even though many people did not come to church today, it felt relaxed. but be praying pleasssseee, a lot of battles.
I stayed all the way for prayer night, and got to hang out with the Kind lady, and the Kim family :)!
We went to ORANGE Com later! And I got to hang out with the kids <3! So funnyyyy!!
I also got some studying done ( not much... ) but also practiced guitar!
Wow a wonderful day, tired .. so very very tired, but many memories.
It really is beginning to hit me... About 1 month left in Japan ...
1 month
1 month
what to do :'( .. I love home but, I really will miss it here, I don't know how I will handle because my attitude an way of acting has changed so much. my view has changed so much.
Oh by the way I have yet another theory why Japanese tend to not gain weight as much as westerners..
so when we eat, everyone has the same portion of food. And people eat together. So... when we eat together and have the same portion of food, usually there is just enough food to go around ( they don't usually have left overs since freshness is extreeemmmllyyyy important here) .. no left overs = no excess food. no excess food = no need to STUFF your self to finish it, or eat when you get board.
They do eat snacks and icecream here a lot :P! but.. other than that.. un! That is yet another theory of mine :D!
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