We are back in Sapporo as of yesterday afternoon. We had a wonderful trip and are kind of sad that it is already over! But I will tell you a little bit about our honeymoon and then post a link for pictures from facebook so you can see the pictures too.
We left Saturday morning around 9 from our house and hopped on the trolley car, changed to the subway, and then changed to the train that took us to the airport. On our 4 day trip we road trolley, subways, trains, airplanes, a boat, a taxi, and cars! Pretty good for a four day trip. But we are pretty tired now! :)
We flew to Nagoya and ate lunch in the airport before heading to the passenger ferry that would take us across to Mie prefecture (Matsuzaka city) where Keisuke's grandma and uncle live.
The ferry ride was fun and the pacific looked beautiful! Our window was stained with salt spray so we couldn't get great pictures, but it was pretty. The boat ride was about 1 hr with one other stop in another port. Then we landed in Matsuzaka and Keisuke's uncle Yoshiharu san, and his aunt and uncle Hasegawa and their daughter (Keisuke's cousin) Aki were waiting for us. It was fun to meet new relatives. The Hasegawa family actually live in Nagoya but came down for the day to meet us. So that was nice.
They took us too a Sukiyaki restaurant where we ate famous Matsuzaka Gyu (Beef) They feed beer to the cows to make their meet tender!?? I can't imagine what I drunk cow would be like, but the beef sure tasted delicious!! haha. We drove about 20 minutes to Grandma's house which was in the mountain/country side of Matsuzaka. It was really beautiful! Keisuke and I would have loved to have more time with them. It had been 23 years since Keisuke had last been there so it was special for him I think. His Grandma (mom's side) is 82. She is soooo short but VERY sweet and I loved her from the start. Their Japanese sounded a little funny to me because it is different than here in Hokkaido, but I understand most of it... (Keisuke translated a few times for me) haha.
The house was an old style Japanese home with the sliding doors and tatami floors. I don't know if I took a picture, but Keisuke might have. (in all we had 3 cameras we were taking pictures with, so I still haven't downloaded one of the cameras and then Keisuke was also taking pictures with a film camera..)
We visited with the family and showed them some of our wedding dvd (Thanks to Christine's master filming!) :)
We went to bed around 10:30 and then had to wake up around 5:00 so that we could eat breakfast and get to the train station in time to go to Kyoto. We took pictures and Grandma made us some lunch boxes that we ate on Monday. She is so cute. :) Uncle Yoshiharu and uncle Hasegawa drove us to the station. And we boarded the train for Kyoto.
The country side and scenery from the trains was beautiful. The scenery looks a lot different than that of Hokkaido. In Honshu most of the roofs on houses is made out of the baked clay squares (called Kawara) and it is very traditional Japanese looking. The mountains and fields were so pretty! God sure is an amazing artist! We were on the move every day but we got to see a lot of Japan from the train in a short time, so that was neat. We also saw a huge lake called Lake Biwa. (probably close in size to some of the great lakes in the states...) It is the biggest lake in Japan and on the way from Kyoto to Yamanaka onsen we rode along it in the train for quite a while. It was very beautiful too.
We arrived in Kyoto on Sunday morning around 9:00 am. just in time to find our way to the church where we went to Sunday morning worship service. The pastor of this church went to seminary with Pastor Kamidate, so he introduced us to this church since we had to be gone over a Sunday but we wanted to go to church, so it was nice to meet some new brothers and sisters in Christ and they welcomed us very warmly. We ate lunch with Pastor Mashiyama and his wife and then we were on our way to touring around Kyoto.
We went to a castle called Nijojo. It is a famous castle in Kyoto that was originally built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence for the first Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyesu. It is actually a world heritage site.
The total grounds and site cover 275,000 meters squared so it was very big and we took about 3 hours to see inside one of the castles and all the grounds. They were also having a Hawk demonstration where hawk trainers (use hawks for hunting and such) did a little demonstration. That was pretty cool. I took a video of that, maybe I can put some on facebook. The gardens were beautiful and one of them is only open during this time of year, so we were glad to see that. We had fun exploring around there.
Inside the castle you were not allowed to take pictures, but it was pretty cool. the floor boards were made to squeak so that they could know if any intruders were trying to sneak in. It is well-known for that feature.
After the castle we made our way to our hotel and got checked in, went to the baths, and then ate dinner (served in our room). We had a nice relaxing time on Sunday evening and then took it a little slow Monday morning. We checked out and then pulled our suitcases around town a bit doing a little shopping and sight seeing. We tried to go into a big famous park at one point, but it was a gravel road, so with our roller bags, that was pretty crazy. haha Then it started to rain! so we didn't stay there long. But it looked like a great place to spend a couple of hours.
We made our way to the subway and then train to Yamanaka onsen.
We arrived around 4:30 and were shown to our room which was huge! It was like a honeymoon suite, Japanese style. :) We had two rooms, a hall, a bathroom, a little sitting room, and then out the back patio we had a private bath! It was beautiful and lots of fun. They served free soft cream (icecream) outside of the big baths (which we went to before dinner) and then we had dinner in our room again. It was a huge meal! I was surprised though when the server lady opened the lid for one of Keisuke's dishes, and it MOVED!!! IT was some kind of sea clam and it was still alive!!! You light the fire underneith it and let it cook with the lid on for atleast 2 minutes before you eat it.. Ugg there was noo way I was eating that! haha but Keisuke said it was alright. Keisuke was nice to ask ahead of time for more meat on my meal at the hotels since I don't like the crazy seafood items. so I had normal beef. yeah! :)
We also discovered a ping pong table so we enjoyed that for a bit in the evening. We had a really nice time there too. Then on Tuesday morning we had an early breakfast prepared in our room again and then road a taxi to the station (about a 20 minute ride) and we got on an early train headed to Toyama. That is the city where we were flying out of. Our friend Tasuku (who used to live in the dorm here in the church here in Sapporo when he first became a christian) he lives in Toyama now with his family and we got to meet up with him and have lunch at a nice hotel restaurant. Then he drove us to the airport and we flew back to Sapporo. We were kind of sad to come home, but it was a nice time and we were so thankful for the 4 days we did have!
Last night there was a gospel live concert at our church here. We went to that and many new people came! I think there were around 20 visitors! I met a new girl who was a friend of a friend of mine and she invited this friend to come. She was the same age as me, and we talked for a while. She is not a believer so I am praying for more opportunities to talk with her.
Thank you for praying for our trip! We were blessed by the time we had.
Keisuke was a good navigator and we didn't get lost once! I was impressed as I had no clue as to which train to get on next etc etc. I will let you know once I post pictures from the other camera, but for now there are pictures on facebook from my iPhone...
Keisuke is back at work today and I am at home doing laundry and trying to catch up on strength.
Tomorrow night we are having a Thanksgiving Let's Enjoy English hour (outreach event) at our church. Please pray for new people to come and gain an interest in the Gospel!
It will be Thanksgiving on that day so next Monday Keisuke and I are going to have a thanksgiving meal. I bought a turkey at Costco last week!
We have so much to be thankful for! Most of all for salvation from our sins and sin's punishment, eternal separation from God in hell. This salvation is through our Lord Jesus Christ. I thank Jesus for dying on the cross in place of my sin's penalty. He paid the price for me so that I might be forgiven before God. And Christ rose from the dead as proof that He is God and to give us hope for eternal life in Heaven after we die. I can't imagine living this life without this hope.
This year has been a whirlwind of events, but God's sovereign and faithful hand has been evident through it all. My mother died and went to be with her Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven, Keisuke and I got engaged and married and I am now here in Japan full time... God has given us new family members (3 new precious nieces and nephews!) and provided for us in so many ways.
I have so much to be thankful for!
Well, that about sums up my thoughts for now.
Hope I didn't bore you with all the details. :)
Love to all! We miss you! Love, Laura
To see pictures from our trip, please click on this link...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2082287&id=161501693&l=fdf55510bb
pictures from camera 2 can be seen by using this link...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2082324&id=161501693&l=f980a04d7a
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Leaving for our honeymoon tomorrow!
We are finally off to our honeymoon tomorrow.
We will be gone for 4 days and 3 nights. (getting back on Tuesday)
We will be traveling around a lot, so would appreciate prayers for safety.
We are excited!!! Tell you all about it when we get back!
Much love to all.
We will be gone for 4 days and 3 nights. (getting back on Tuesday)
We will be traveling around a lot, so would appreciate prayers for safety.
We are excited!!! Tell you all about it when we get back!
Much love to all.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wedding pictures taken by Erica Dick
If you follow this link, you can see our wedding pictures taken by Erica Dick. She did a
wonderful job and we love it!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2081260&id=161501693&l=df80dd99dd
There are two different albums.. this is the link to the second one...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2081261&id=161501693&l=8c9cd2e1e3
wonderful job and we love it!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2081260&id=161501693&l=df80dd99dd
There are two different albums.. this is the link to the second one...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2081261&id=161501693&l=8c9cd2e1e3
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Fall, the best time of year! ;)
Hey folks! brrr it is chilly in this room right now. Even though we are
still waiting for the leaves to change completely, and our fall is still going on,
we had our first snow here in Sapporo today! It was a very wet snow with
big fat flakes that melt as soon as they touch the ground, but one of the ladies
in our church said that by her house (on the mountain side) they already had
snow accumulation!
I can't believe October is almost over! Keisuke and I have been married for
a little over 2 months now! I can't believe how fast time goes.
Last Sunday night we had a few friends from church over for dinner. It was
our friend Shibuya san's birthday, so we had a little party. It was lots of fun!
We really enjoy having people to our home! So please come visit at any time! haha
Last week Keisuke went on a business trip around Hokkaido. He drove
to 5 different cities looking for cameras to buy to sell in their store here in Sapporo.
He said that there weren't too many good cameras but he was able to get some.
He went to Takikawa, Asahikawa, Kitami, (stayed overnight in Kitami) then went
to Kushiro and Obihiro. Look on the map if you like, it is a good way to learn the
geography of Hokkaido. :) I looked on the map while he was gone trying to
figure out where he was, so it was a good learning experience for me of Hokkaido's geography.
I wish I could go with him too! :) I need to be his navigator and waker upper (is that a word?)
when he gets sleepy driving. ;) maybe some day~~~
He was gone from Tuesday till Thursday evening. It was not fun having to be separated!
But I am glad he is home now.
I have been joining in on a Japanese class with Alicia and Chris at the church.
Our teacher's name is Mr. Miura. He is also an English student at our church, but he
is a nice man. He teaches us lots of interesting Japanese culture things and the Japanese
mind. He says he wants us to learn Japanese well so we can teach the Japanese
people (especially young people) the truth that we believe about Christ and God...
He said Japanese people (especially young people) are lost and need truth. I
wish he would believe for himself!!! He has the right idea, but needs to make his own
decision about believing in Christ and accepting the gift of salvation!
But that was interesting when he was saying that.
My English classes are going well on the weekends. This week is a break week however.
I have a new application on my iPhone that takes really neat pictures, I have loaded
them on Facebook, but to those of you who can't see those, I will load a few on
our blog...
Keisuke and I are going on our honeymoon in November! The dates finally were decided.
We only have 4 days :( but we are excited to even have that!
We will go from November 20th till the 23rd.
The first day and night we will go to Mie prefecture. Keisuke's mom is from there, and
Keisuke was born there. It is on Honshu. (the main island of Japan) We will visit
his grandma and family there and spend the night. Then Sunday morning we will leave
early and go to Kyoto. There is a church there that the pastor is a friend of Pastor Kamidate.
We will attend Sunday worship there and then tour around Kyoto.
It is the peak season for fall leaves and touring in Kyoto during that time, so we thought
we wouldn't be able to get a hotel, but Keisuke just reserved a room today!
We will spend one night in Kyoto, and then go to an onsen called Yamanaka onsen.
We will stay one night there, and then on Tuesday the 23rd fly out of Toyama
and return to Sapporo. It should be pretty fun! But busy! haha since we don't have much
time.
Well, I better start thinking about dinner.... I will post a few pictures...
by the way, I am sure you all know by now, but we have a new nephew!!
Aaron and Debbye Biermann (my sister) had their 2nd son on Thursday the 21st!
His name is Jarrett Robert Biermann and he is such a cutey!! I wish I could
hold him!!!! That makes 24 nieces and nephews for us! What a blessing from God!!
Ok, I am going to say goodbye for now!
still waiting for the leaves to change completely, and our fall is still going on,
we had our first snow here in Sapporo today! It was a very wet snow with
big fat flakes that melt as soon as they touch the ground, but one of the ladies
in our church said that by her house (on the mountain side) they already had
snow accumulation!
I can't believe October is almost over! Keisuke and I have been married for
a little over 2 months now! I can't believe how fast time goes.
Last Sunday night we had a few friends from church over for dinner. It was
our friend Shibuya san's birthday, so we had a little party. It was lots of fun!
We really enjoy having people to our home! So please come visit at any time! haha
Last week Keisuke went on a business trip around Hokkaido. He drove
to 5 different cities looking for cameras to buy to sell in their store here in Sapporo.
He said that there weren't too many good cameras but he was able to get some.
He went to Takikawa, Asahikawa, Kitami, (stayed overnight in Kitami) then went
to Kushiro and Obihiro. Look on the map if you like, it is a good way to learn the
geography of Hokkaido. :) I looked on the map while he was gone trying to
figure out where he was, so it was a good learning experience for me of Hokkaido's geography.
I wish I could go with him too! :) I need to be his navigator and waker upper (is that a word?)
when he gets sleepy driving. ;) maybe some day~~~
He was gone from Tuesday till Thursday evening. It was not fun having to be separated!
But I am glad he is home now.
I have been joining in on a Japanese class with Alicia and Chris at the church.
Our teacher's name is Mr. Miura. He is also an English student at our church, but he
is a nice man. He teaches us lots of interesting Japanese culture things and the Japanese
mind. He says he wants us to learn Japanese well so we can teach the Japanese
people (especially young people) the truth that we believe about Christ and God...
He said Japanese people (especially young people) are lost and need truth. I
wish he would believe for himself!!! He has the right idea, but needs to make his own
decision about believing in Christ and accepting the gift of salvation!
But that was interesting when he was saying that.
My English classes are going well on the weekends. This week is a break week however.
I have a new application on my iPhone that takes really neat pictures, I have loaded
them on Facebook, but to those of you who can't see those, I will load a few on
our blog...
Keisuke and I are going on our honeymoon in November! The dates finally were decided.
We only have 4 days :( but we are excited to even have that!
We will go from November 20th till the 23rd.
The first day and night we will go to Mie prefecture. Keisuke's mom is from there, and
Keisuke was born there. It is on Honshu. (the main island of Japan) We will visit
his grandma and family there and spend the night. Then Sunday morning we will leave
early and go to Kyoto. There is a church there that the pastor is a friend of Pastor Kamidate.
We will attend Sunday worship there and then tour around Kyoto.
It is the peak season for fall leaves and touring in Kyoto during that time, so we thought
we wouldn't be able to get a hotel, but Keisuke just reserved a room today!
We will spend one night in Kyoto, and then go to an onsen called Yamanaka onsen.
We will stay one night there, and then on Tuesday the 23rd fly out of Toyama
and return to Sapporo. It should be pretty fun! But busy! haha since we don't have much
time.
Well, I better start thinking about dinner.... I will post a few pictures...
by the way, I am sure you all know by now, but we have a new nephew!!
Aaron and Debbye Biermann (my sister) had their 2nd son on Thursday the 21st!
His name is Jarrett Robert Biermann and he is such a cutey!! I wish I could
hold him!!!! That makes 24 nieces and nephews for us! What a blessing from God!!
Ok, I am going to say goodbye for now!
Keisuke's band
Mine and Alicia's English class combined for a short birthday party last week.
Shibuya san's birthday party
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October!!!
I can't believe it is already October 12th! Time goes by so quickly. (when you are having fun, and when you are busy!)
I am trying to remember what all has happened since the last update. The weather is turning cooler and cooler, and the leaves are starting to change colors here in Sapporo. It is kind of hard to know how to dress everyday with the weather going from mildly warm to cool. :) But I love the fall.
Last week I started English classes. I have 3 classes. One on Friday, and two on Saturdays. I have had all of my students before, so it is fun to be reunited with them. Hopefully I can remember all my English! haha it is good practice for me. :)
Keisuke is busy with work. He works every day but Sunday. Sunday we have Sunday morning Worship service (at church) and then in the afternoon we have Gospel Reihai. It is a service that is kind of like a mini concert with a short Gospel message from the Bible. It is good for people who are interested in the Bible, but don't have much previous knowledge. Keisuke is on a band for it, and I am in a new team (3 girls!) so we are kind of doing a simple, Selah style. (Is our goal!) It is a lot of fun. Keisuke's team is 6 guys! They are really fun too. Keisuke plays the electric guitar and sometimes sings harmony... (he also uses his classical guitar sometimes). Hatakeyama san is the lead singer for their team, and he has a really good voice. Then there is Chris' team. It is composed of 4 young men. They are really good too! More of a contemporary rock band style (not really hard though) :)
Last Sunday we took our friend Alicia on a drive to see fall leaves (for her birthday present).
We drove to Jozankei. It was mine and Alicia's first time there. Keisuke used to go fishing there with his dad... He said they never caught much, but sometimes saw these huge salamanders that are rare and only found in Hokkaido. (I think my brother Tom saw a National Geographic documentary on these a long time ago, and he had told me about them. )
It was raining on our drive, but the leaves still looked pretty.
We had a picnic in the car and then we went to an onsen. (a.k.a, naked baths). It was a hotel in Jozankei. I had seen the pictures of it on the internet, and it looked really nice, and big! It was big, and spacious, but it didn't have a fun onsen atmosphere really, so we said we want to try a different place sometime. :)
On Monday it was another holiday here in Japan. (I am not sure which one) haha, but Keisuke still worked at the store. On holidays he gets off at 5 instead of 7. (wahoo!)
We had other couples over that just got married this year too... The Washimi's got married on July 31st, the Yoshio's on August 7th, and then we got married of course on August 21st. So we all got married around the same time. We had a pitch-in type dinner party. :) It was really fun. They stayed till around 10:30, and we had fun conversation and fellowship. I will put a picture on from our dinner party. :)
Well, I think that is about all the new news.
Hope you are having a wonderful fall! Leave a comment and tell me how you are doing! We miss everybody! If anyone wants to Skype, just give us a time that you are available!! Love, Laura and Keisuke
Keisuke, Yoshi, Washimi
(from far), Rutsu, Midori
I am trying to remember what all has happened since the last update. The weather is turning cooler and cooler, and the leaves are starting to change colors here in Sapporo. It is kind of hard to know how to dress everyday with the weather going from mildly warm to cool. :) But I love the fall.
Last week I started English classes. I have 3 classes. One on Friday, and two on Saturdays. I have had all of my students before, so it is fun to be reunited with them. Hopefully I can remember all my English! haha it is good practice for me. :)
Keisuke is busy with work. He works every day but Sunday. Sunday we have Sunday morning Worship service (at church) and then in the afternoon we have Gospel Reihai. It is a service that is kind of like a mini concert with a short Gospel message from the Bible. It is good for people who are interested in the Bible, but don't have much previous knowledge. Keisuke is on a band for it, and I am in a new team (3 girls!) so we are kind of doing a simple, Selah style. (Is our goal!) It is a lot of fun. Keisuke's team is 6 guys! They are really fun too. Keisuke plays the electric guitar and sometimes sings harmony... (he also uses his classical guitar sometimes). Hatakeyama san is the lead singer for their team, and he has a really good voice. Then there is Chris' team. It is composed of 4 young men. They are really good too! More of a contemporary rock band style (not really hard though) :)
Last Sunday we took our friend Alicia on a drive to see fall leaves (for her birthday present).
We drove to Jozankei. It was mine and Alicia's first time there. Keisuke used to go fishing there with his dad... He said they never caught much, but sometimes saw these huge salamanders that are rare and only found in Hokkaido. (I think my brother Tom saw a National Geographic documentary on these a long time ago, and he had told me about them. )
It was raining on our drive, but the leaves still looked pretty.
We had a picnic in the car and then we went to an onsen. (a.k.a, naked baths). It was a hotel in Jozankei. I had seen the pictures of it on the internet, and it looked really nice, and big! It was big, and spacious, but it didn't have a fun onsen atmosphere really, so we said we want to try a different place sometime. :)
On Monday it was another holiday here in Japan. (I am not sure which one) haha, but Keisuke still worked at the store. On holidays he gets off at 5 instead of 7. (wahoo!)
We had other couples over that just got married this year too... The Washimi's got married on July 31st, the Yoshio's on August 7th, and then we got married of course on August 21st. So we all got married around the same time. We had a pitch-in type dinner party. :) It was really fun. They stayed till around 10:30, and we had fun conversation and fellowship. I will put a picture on from our dinner party. :)
Well, I think that is about all the new news.
Hope you are having a wonderful fall! Leave a comment and tell me how you are doing! We miss everybody! If anyone wants to Skype, just give us a time that you are available!! Love, Laura and Keisuke
Friday, September 24, 2010
September 24th, 2010
Hello from Sapporo.
It has really cooled down here and feels like fall! We have been busy this past week but are doing well.
A missionary couple and their daughter came to visit our church last Friday. There names are the Bloughs.
Pastor Blough now pastors a church in Hoonah, Alaska. He is 77 yrs. old and did evangelistic missions here in Hokkaido more than 30 years ago. He is the person who led our pastor, (Kamidate Sensei) to the Lord.
He and his wife Marlene have 9 children and 33 grandchildren. They are a really neat family who loves the Lord Jesus and have served Him faithfully for many years. We were so encouraged by their testimonies of God's provision and guidance in their lives. We were also challenged by the things they taught us. They had so many fun stories and since they were in a place where there were no other foreigners living at the time, (Rumoi, Hokkaido) they were often in newspaper articles, t.v. shows, etc... We got to see a recording of a t.v. clip from 40 or so years ago. It was so neat! :) They left to go to another part of Japan today, so we were sad to see them go.
It made Keisuke and I want to visit Alaska some day!!! :)
Since the Bloughs were here this past week, we did lots of fellowship events at the church and also a few evangelistic outreaches. Keisuke and I got to sing a song together at the Outreach service on Monday.
It is a song called, "Kimi no inochi no tameni" (For your life)
(talking about if you gain the whole world, but lose your soul or your life, what value is there in that? If you don't know Jesus, there is nothing lasting forever in your life...) It is a song that Pastor Kamidate's friend wrote after his friend died at a young age without believing in Jesus.
On Tuesday I went to a Sapporo Ham Fighters game with the Pastor Blough, Vickie, and a few other church members. I was asked to join for helping with translating. (the Blough's (especially Vickie and Marlene) spoke Japanese very well, but they hadn't been here for 33 years, so sometimes they needed help)
It was fun to go with them. The game was pretty long, but had an exciting ending. :)
On Thursday Keisuke had the day off. It was a holiday, and even though Keisuke usually works on a holiday, his dad took the day off on Monday while Keisuke worked alone, so his dad gave him Thursday off. Woohoo! :) There was a pitch-in lunch at church for the Bloughs which we joined. We also played basketball. :) It was fun! :) (I was doing pretty good yesterday, but now I am feeling it! I am so sore and tired!) Pastor Blough even joined us! He is good!
After basket ball Keisuke and I went shopping at Costco. Then we came back to the church for Let's Enjoy English. We had many people come to talk for the free English conversation hour. Some people said they wanted to come back to the church for the Gospel service on Sunday! Praise God! :)
Yesterday (the 23rd) would have been my sweet mother's 64th birthday. It was a little sad thinking of her and remember she is not here on earth with us any more. But I am so thankful that she is in Heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ. I bet she had the best birthday celebration ever this year!! (I don't know if we celebrate birthdays in Heaven (since it is eternal, I don't think there is time, or days, but I know she is still having a blast!!) :)
If I think back to last year at this time, it was such a hard time in my life. Around September last year, we were just starting to realize that the reason I was getting so sick was from living in the church building that has mold in the upper floors. Last September we had finally decided that I needed to come home to figure out treatment and didn't even know if I would be able to come back to Sapporo! (and not to mention didn't even know what would happen with Keisuke and my relationship!! (and was scheduled to go home in October) Then my mom was hospitalized on September 22nd in critical condition. I ended up rushing home to see my mom, and Keisuke came with me for a month. God gave us 4 more months with our dear mother, and it was such a special time. It has been such a hard, blessed, special, crazy, and happy year. All throughout God has been in complete control and had a wonderful plan in mind, even though we didn't know it at the time.
It has really cooled down here and feels like fall! We have been busy this past week but are doing well.
A missionary couple and their daughter came to visit our church last Friday. There names are the Bloughs.
Pastor Blough now pastors a church in Hoonah, Alaska. He is 77 yrs. old and did evangelistic missions here in Hokkaido more than 30 years ago. He is the person who led our pastor, (Kamidate Sensei) to the Lord.
He and his wife Marlene have 9 children and 33 grandchildren. They are a really neat family who loves the Lord Jesus and have served Him faithfully for many years. We were so encouraged by their testimonies of God's provision and guidance in their lives. We were also challenged by the things they taught us. They had so many fun stories and since they were in a place where there were no other foreigners living at the time, (Rumoi, Hokkaido) they were often in newspaper articles, t.v. shows, etc... We got to see a recording of a t.v. clip from 40 or so years ago. It was so neat! :) They left to go to another part of Japan today, so we were sad to see them go.
It made Keisuke and I want to visit Alaska some day!!! :)
Since the Bloughs were here this past week, we did lots of fellowship events at the church and also a few evangelistic outreaches. Keisuke and I got to sing a song together at the Outreach service on Monday.
It is a song called, "Kimi no inochi no tameni" (For your life)
(talking about if you gain the whole world, but lose your soul or your life, what value is there in that? If you don't know Jesus, there is nothing lasting forever in your life...) It is a song that Pastor Kamidate's friend wrote after his friend died at a young age without believing in Jesus.
On Tuesday I went to a Sapporo Ham Fighters game with the Pastor Blough, Vickie, and a few other church members. I was asked to join for helping with translating. (the Blough's (especially Vickie and Marlene) spoke Japanese very well, but they hadn't been here for 33 years, so sometimes they needed help)
It was fun to go with them. The game was pretty long, but had an exciting ending. :)
On Thursday Keisuke had the day off. It was a holiday, and even though Keisuke usually works on a holiday, his dad took the day off on Monday while Keisuke worked alone, so his dad gave him Thursday off. Woohoo! :) There was a pitch-in lunch at church for the Bloughs which we joined. We also played basketball. :) It was fun! :) (I was doing pretty good yesterday, but now I am feeling it! I am so sore and tired!) Pastor Blough even joined us! He is good!
After basket ball Keisuke and I went shopping at Costco. Then we came back to the church for Let's Enjoy English. We had many people come to talk for the free English conversation hour. Some people said they wanted to come back to the church for the Gospel service on Sunday! Praise God! :)
Yesterday (the 23rd) would have been my sweet mother's 64th birthday. It was a little sad thinking of her and remember she is not here on earth with us any more. But I am so thankful that she is in Heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ. I bet she had the best birthday celebration ever this year!! (I don't know if we celebrate birthdays in Heaven (since it is eternal, I don't think there is time, or days, but I know she is still having a blast!!) :)
If I think back to last year at this time, it was such a hard time in my life. Around September last year, we were just starting to realize that the reason I was getting so sick was from living in the church building that has mold in the upper floors. Last September we had finally decided that I needed to come home to figure out treatment and didn't even know if I would be able to come back to Sapporo! (and not to mention didn't even know what would happen with Keisuke and my relationship!! (and was scheduled to go home in October) Then my mom was hospitalized on September 22nd in critical condition. I ended up rushing home to see my mom, and Keisuke came with me for a month. God gave us 4 more months with our dear mother, and it was such a special time. It has been such a hard, blessed, special, crazy, and happy year. All throughout God has been in complete control and had a wonderful plan in mind, even though we didn't know it at the time.
Last year at this time, I would have never thought that Keisuke and I would be married a year later, and would be living in Japan. God was at work even though I couldn't see it at the time!
I am so thankful to the Lord for His wonderful loving hand at work in my life.
Well, I am going to work on some more dinner preparations.
God bless you and write if you have time! We miss you all!!
Friday, September 17, 2010
September :)
Keisuke and I are doing well here.
We are almost done with all the needed paper work. I just have to get my name and address change on my Japanese driver's license. But I can do that pretty easily (or so they say)
Keisuke and I had some guests in our home (on Sunday evening and Monday afternoon).
It is fun working together to entertain people! We love doing it. We hope and pray that our home will be an open place that people can find encouragement and rest in. (so you are welcome any time!) :)
The weather is turning a bit "fall-ish" here but still has some room to improve. :) I am excited for the cooler weather.
We have been busy at Church with haifu (passing out Gospel flyers) because there is a special evangelical outreach event on Sunday and Monday. Keisuke and I are singing a song together for the Monday service.
There is a missionary visiting right now who ministers in Alaska. He did mission work here in Japan (many years ago!) and was actually the person that God used to lead our Pastor (Kamidate Sensei) to the Lord.
He seems like a really neat man. He is 77 now!
That is about all I can think of for now. Hope all is going well with you all! Write a note and tell us how you are doing and what is going on with you... Much love to all!
We are almost done with all the needed paper work. I just have to get my name and address change on my Japanese driver's license. But I can do that pretty easily (or so they say)
Keisuke and I had some guests in our home (on Sunday evening and Monday afternoon).
It is fun working together to entertain people! We love doing it. We hope and pray that our home will be an open place that people can find encouragement and rest in. (so you are welcome any time!) :)
The weather is turning a bit "fall-ish" here but still has some room to improve. :) I am excited for the cooler weather.
We have been busy at Church with haifu (passing out Gospel flyers) because there is a special evangelical outreach event on Sunday and Monday. Keisuke and I are singing a song together for the Monday service.
There is a missionary visiting right now who ministers in Alaska. He did mission work here in Japan (many years ago!) and was actually the person that God used to lead our Pastor (Kamidate Sensei) to the Lord.
He seems like a really neat man. He is 77 now!
That is about all I can think of for now. Hope all is going well with you all! Write a note and tell us how you are doing and what is going on with you... Much love to all!
pictures of our new home :) x 2
Also a picture of Keisuke's music team practice, and just one of Keisuke and I that I took with my phone. :)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
more pictures from the reception in Japan
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075793&id=161501693&l=993faa4027
I had trouble uploading more than one picture on the blog. Please go to this link to see the rest of the pictures! Enjoy! :)
I had trouble uploading more than one picture on the blog. Please go to this link to see the rest of the pictures! Enjoy! :)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I Can't Believe It's September
Hello! It has been a little more than a week since I last wrote.
We are doing well here in Sapporo. It has been really hot this past week, but seems to finally be cooling down a little. The air is still very heavy feeling though.
Let's see, what have we been up to.....
Keisuke is busy with work every day Monday through Saturday. They have been fairly busy with selling and buying cameras. Actually my Dad had given me a old camera. It was a Yashica and a very old style. It could use two types of film, and is very rare here in Japan. We gave that camera to Keisuke's family store (Seven Shokai) and they were able to sell it really quickly! :) Dad was surprised at how much it went for.
I got my visa back today. They gave me a 1 year visa, so I will have to renew it again next year. I think they just like getting money every year. hmph. :)
I am thankful to have any visa though. :)
Our church had a reception for us here in Japan on Saturday. It was fun to get to celebrate our marriage twice! I wore my dress again, and Keisuke wore a new suit he had bought.
Keisuke's parents came and also several of his aunts and uncles, so it was nice to meet them.
The church did most of the planning and preparation for us which was a big change from doing a lot of the planning by yourself in America... In fact we didn't really know any of the program until it happened. It was fun to be surprised. :)
There was an MC type person, the Pastor gave our introduction (a little bit about us, and how we met) and then turned it over to the youth who put on a skit to show how we "met and fell in love"... haha it was pretty hilarious. The guys were all playing me and Alicia... and they had wigs on, and skirts. It was so funny. They exaggerated a little, but we were just laughing a lot!
There was really delicious hour-derv's that the church ladies had made, and cake that we had ordered. There was special music (Above All) in Japanese of course. And a few speeches that were nice. At the end of the reception we walked out to a flower shower :) and went to the park to take some pictures. Then walked back to the church where there was a "velo taxi" (a covered tricycle that has a driver seat, and a back seat) Everyone sent us away in that. The velo taxi driver took us all the way to our home. It was fun. :) Lots of people would wave and call out congratulations and some kids chased after us. :) fun fun :) We even had a few Jr High girls squealing "aaah it so pretty" ("aaa suteki!") and asking to take pictures. ;-) haha
The photographer followed us so when I get pictures, I will send them!
Well, that is about all the news from here that I can think of.
This week we have lots of haifu (passing out flyers) because there are some special services coming up with guest speakers that are coming in a couple weeks.
Thats about it! We are still getting a long well being married. :)
This Friday we will go to the embassy and get my passport name change process started. Please pray for a smooth process with that...
Please write us and tell us what's going on with you!
Love to all! We miss you! Love, Laura and Keisuke
We are doing well here in Sapporo. It has been really hot this past week, but seems to finally be cooling down a little. The air is still very heavy feeling though.
Let's see, what have we been up to.....
Keisuke is busy with work every day Monday through Saturday. They have been fairly busy with selling and buying cameras. Actually my Dad had given me a old camera. It was a Yashica and a very old style. It could use two types of film, and is very rare here in Japan. We gave that camera to Keisuke's family store (Seven Shokai) and they were able to sell it really quickly! :) Dad was surprised at how much it went for.
I got my visa back today. They gave me a 1 year visa, so I will have to renew it again next year. I think they just like getting money every year. hmph. :)
I am thankful to have any visa though. :)
Our church had a reception for us here in Japan on Saturday. It was fun to get to celebrate our marriage twice! I wore my dress again, and Keisuke wore a new suit he had bought.
Keisuke's parents came and also several of his aunts and uncles, so it was nice to meet them.
The church did most of the planning and preparation for us which was a big change from doing a lot of the planning by yourself in America... In fact we didn't really know any of the program until it happened. It was fun to be surprised. :)
There was an MC type person, the Pastor gave our introduction (a little bit about us, and how we met) and then turned it over to the youth who put on a skit to show how we "met and fell in love"... haha it was pretty hilarious. The guys were all playing me and Alicia... and they had wigs on, and skirts. It was so funny. They exaggerated a little, but we were just laughing a lot!
There was really delicious hour-derv's that the church ladies had made, and cake that we had ordered. There was special music (Above All) in Japanese of course. And a few speeches that were nice. At the end of the reception we walked out to a flower shower :) and went to the park to take some pictures. Then walked back to the church where there was a "velo taxi" (a covered tricycle that has a driver seat, and a back seat) Everyone sent us away in that. The velo taxi driver took us all the way to our home. It was fun. :) Lots of people would wave and call out congratulations and some kids chased after us. :) fun fun :) We even had a few Jr High girls squealing "aaah it so pretty" ("aaa suteki!") and asking to take pictures. ;-) haha
The photographer followed us so when I get pictures, I will send them!
Well, that is about all the news from here that I can think of.
This week we have lots of haifu (passing out flyers) because there are some special services coming up with guest speakers that are coming in a couple weeks.
Thats about it! We are still getting a long well being married. :)
This Friday we will go to the embassy and get my passport name change process started. Please pray for a smooth process with that...
Please write us and tell us what's going on with you!
Love to all! We miss you! Love, Laura and Keisuke
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
pictures of our new home :)
Friday, August 27, 2010
New start in Sapporo!
Keisuke and I are now in our new home in Sapporo. Wooo! What a whirlwind it has been this last month! Today (Saturday) we have been married for one week! I can't believe it has already been this long. We have been so busy with doing all the legal paper work and leaving Indiana, and trying to get settled here, it has gone by in a blur it seems.
We wanted to thank you all so much for helping make our wedding day such a wonderful day. We were so blessed to have all of you celebrating with us and thank everyone for your tremendous help! We were truly overwhelmed (in a good way) by everyone's help and generosity.
It was so fun to have Keisuke's family in town also. It seemed surreal to have his family in the States with my family! Even though there was a language barrier, I still think it was a wonderful time of getting to know each other and we thank God for that special time! We were talking to Keisuke's mom last night. She seemed to have really enjoyed their time in the states, and the wedding, she said it was so much better and fun then she had thought it would be. She had been really nervous before coming, but it turned out to be great she said. :)
It has been so sweet to be married and have that fellowship with Keisuke. In the mornings it is so nice to be able to pray together for the day's events, and then see how God works through the day in our behalf. I want to recount a couple of the things so that you may share with us in praising God for His faithfulness.
This week we have had to do so much legal paperwork! On Monday we got our marriage certificate which was an easy process. Then drive to Crawfordsville and change my name for social security.
Every night the social security office shuts down their computers, and all the new data updates itself and sends it to the needed offices, (ie, the license branch) We were told to wait till Tuesday (the next day) to change my name on my driver's license as it would take overnight to send the information.
On Tuesday we went to the license branch, and were almost through the process, but when she came to the point of verifying the SS, it locked up her computer because the information was not updated from the SS office. This did not really make sense since we had gone the morning before, and it should have updated, but there is nothing the license branch can do about it. (I guess for security purposes) Well I was a little distressed as they told me I would have to come in the next day again, or wait for my new card to come (which takes 14 days!) We were leaving the next day, so that was impossible! Yet you are supposed to update your name change within 30 days. Needless to say, I was a bit distressed. But the people at the license branch were very nice and helpful. They could see I had all the correct paperwork in hand, just the computer would not let them move forward. The manager told the clerk to try it one more time from the start, just in case.... I turned back to Keisuke and said start praying please!!! I was praying too. She started the process all over again, and then.... It went through!! and the information was all there!! The lady was so surprised, she said there was no reason that it should work this time because we had done everything the same! (except this time we had remembered to pray for God's help!)
We told her that the reason it worked was because God was working it out after we prayed!
It is amazing how you can see God work in things even like this when we remember to stop and ask for His help! Praise God!!!
As we came back to Japan, and we had to go through immigration. Keisuke prayed with me before sending me through (he has to go through a separate line). The immigration officer told me that normally you shouldn't come in on a tourist visa (3 month) to change to the spouse visa once you are in Japan... (which is what the embassy had told us to do) I tried not to panic and just told him the truth of what our intentions were (Keisuke told me to do that!) and that we had checked with the embassy, and this is what they told us to do... He was very kind but just trying to do his job. But I could see him fighting himself in his thoughts! And finally he was like, "ok, I will let you in on a tourist visa, but tell your husband to try and get your spouse visa paperwork done as soon as possible. And if they give you trouble, tell them the embassy told you to do it this way!" Keisuke was waiting for me on the other side, and I just said SHWOO! and told him all about it. We were so thankful for God's protection and help in this too.
We arrived in Sapporo Thursday evening and waited at the airport for 1 hour until our friends came in on a flight from their honeymoon trip in southern Japan (Yoshio and Midori who came to our wedding)
We all rode together with their family to dinner(sea urchin and salmon roe (eggs) (these are the two dishes that I don't really enjoy! haha but Keisuke's favorites! I just had a pork meal) , and then Yoshio and Midori dropped us off at our house, and went on to their home. All that worked out nicely and we were thankful for the ride! :)
Keisuke's Dad gave him the day off on Friday, so we were able to go and do the paperwork for our marriage (making it official in Japan) and also the paperwork for my visa. I have never seen so much needed paper work and certificates and such...
After going to the county office for our marriage things, Keisuke had to get proof for his living in Sapporo, family line, taxes, income, and then we were to take that to the immigration office. Once there we were told we hadn't gotten 2 of the needed things, so we walked back there (a couple blocks) and also grabbed some lunch while we filled out the paperwork for the visa... We had to have pictures to give them that show we are a couple, (actual snap shots!) Plus fill out a 6 page form on how we met, our families,, our communication abilities with eachother, (some questions asked if you needed a translator to communicate??? we were thinking you should not be getting married if you need a translator!) haha.
we also had to have proof of marriage of course, and Keisuke's ability to support me...
We filled out all the forms, and then literally ran back to the immigration place (it closes at 4!!) We got there at about 3:35 and waited for a few minutes in line, and then we were able to get all that turned in! SHWOO!!
haha (again) We are requesting a 3 year visa (at the end of which I can apply for a permanent visa). We are praying that I will get this! (the other option is a 1 year which would be nice to not have just the 1 year when you have to keep renewing it...)
God has been so good to get us through these ANNOYING yet necessary legal processes. We were talking about the trouble and annoyance of all this paperwork, and how everyone seems to have different information.. They tell you one thing, and then at the next window they tell you something different! Then they tell you you don't have all the things you need, and to go back and get it... It can be pretty unsettling and worrisome! But our citizenship in Heaven is SEALED for SURE in Christ, and we just have to believe. There aren't tons of things you have to do first, or exceptions and different changing rules with each person. God's Word is so clear! Keisuke and I decided that God allows this annoying paperwork so that we can be thankful for our assurance of salvation and belonging to God's kingdom through Christ. So much more reliable!! that is for sure! haha.
Keisuke started work again today. Last night we went to Costco and became members there. Our home is in a really good location except it is a little inconvenient for grocery shopping. We have a good size fridge/freezer, so Keisuke said we could get a Costco membership, and we would go together maybe once every other week or so and stock up on things that are hard to get near the apartment..
Today I will work on unpacking all our things into the house. It is so exciting to start up a home together.
We are excited for what God has in store, and pray that He will use our home for His glory.
I have teared up a few times missing family, but we are praying for you all, and love you very much!
I am glad Elissa made us this blog so I will try to be a little more consistent in sending updates and will try to send pictures when I have some to send!
Please stay in touch with us with emails, skype, etc..!
Much love to all!!!!
We wanted to thank you all so much for helping make our wedding day such a wonderful day. We were so blessed to have all of you celebrating with us and thank everyone for your tremendous help! We were truly overwhelmed (in a good way) by everyone's help and generosity.
It was so fun to have Keisuke's family in town also. It seemed surreal to have his family in the States with my family! Even though there was a language barrier, I still think it was a wonderful time of getting to know each other and we thank God for that special time! We were talking to Keisuke's mom last night. She seemed to have really enjoyed their time in the states, and the wedding, she said it was so much better and fun then she had thought it would be. She had been really nervous before coming, but it turned out to be great she said. :)
It has been so sweet to be married and have that fellowship with Keisuke. In the mornings it is so nice to be able to pray together for the day's events, and then see how God works through the day in our behalf. I want to recount a couple of the things so that you may share with us in praising God for His faithfulness.
This week we have had to do so much legal paperwork! On Monday we got our marriage certificate which was an easy process. Then drive to Crawfordsville and change my name for social security.
Every night the social security office shuts down their computers, and all the new data updates itself and sends it to the needed offices, (ie, the license branch) We were told to wait till Tuesday (the next day) to change my name on my driver's license as it would take overnight to send the information.
On Tuesday we went to the license branch, and were almost through the process, but when she came to the point of verifying the SS, it locked up her computer because the information was not updated from the SS office. This did not really make sense since we had gone the morning before, and it should have updated, but there is nothing the license branch can do about it. (I guess for security purposes) Well I was a little distressed as they told me I would have to come in the next day again, or wait for my new card to come (which takes 14 days!) We were leaving the next day, so that was impossible! Yet you are supposed to update your name change within 30 days. Needless to say, I was a bit distressed. But the people at the license branch were very nice and helpful. They could see I had all the correct paperwork in hand, just the computer would not let them move forward. The manager told the clerk to try it one more time from the start, just in case.... I turned back to Keisuke and said start praying please!!! I was praying too. She started the process all over again, and then.... It went through!! and the information was all there!! The lady was so surprised, she said there was no reason that it should work this time because we had done everything the same! (except this time we had remembered to pray for God's help!)
We told her that the reason it worked was because God was working it out after we prayed!
It is amazing how you can see God work in things even like this when we remember to stop and ask for His help! Praise God!!!
As we came back to Japan, and we had to go through immigration. Keisuke prayed with me before sending me through (he has to go through a separate line). The immigration officer told me that normally you shouldn't come in on a tourist visa (3 month) to change to the spouse visa once you are in Japan... (which is what the embassy had told us to do) I tried not to panic and just told him the truth of what our intentions were (Keisuke told me to do that!) and that we had checked with the embassy, and this is what they told us to do... He was very kind but just trying to do his job. But I could see him fighting himself in his thoughts! And finally he was like, "ok, I will let you in on a tourist visa, but tell your husband to try and get your spouse visa paperwork done as soon as possible. And if they give you trouble, tell them the embassy told you to do it this way!" Keisuke was waiting for me on the other side, and I just said SHWOO! and told him all about it. We were so thankful for God's protection and help in this too.
We arrived in Sapporo Thursday evening and waited at the airport for 1 hour until our friends came in on a flight from their honeymoon trip in southern Japan (Yoshio and Midori who came to our wedding)
We all rode together with their family to dinner(sea urchin and salmon roe (eggs) (these are the two dishes that I don't really enjoy! haha but Keisuke's favorites! I just had a pork meal) , and then Yoshio and Midori dropped us off at our house, and went on to their home. All that worked out nicely and we were thankful for the ride! :)
Keisuke's Dad gave him the day off on Friday, so we were able to go and do the paperwork for our marriage (making it official in Japan) and also the paperwork for my visa. I have never seen so much needed paper work and certificates and such...
After going to the county office for our marriage things, Keisuke had to get proof for his living in Sapporo, family line, taxes, income, and then we were to take that to the immigration office. Once there we were told we hadn't gotten 2 of the needed things, so we walked back there (a couple blocks) and also grabbed some lunch while we filled out the paperwork for the visa... We had to have pictures to give them that show we are a couple, (actual snap shots!) Plus fill out a 6 page form on how we met, our families,, our communication abilities with eachother, (some questions asked if you needed a translator to communicate??? we were thinking you should not be getting married if you need a translator!) haha.
we also had to have proof of marriage of course, and Keisuke's ability to support me...
We filled out all the forms, and then literally ran back to the immigration place (it closes at 4!!) We got there at about 3:35 and waited for a few minutes in line, and then we were able to get all that turned in! SHWOO!!
haha (again) We are requesting a 3 year visa (at the end of which I can apply for a permanent visa). We are praying that I will get this! (the other option is a 1 year which would be nice to not have just the 1 year when you have to keep renewing it...)
God has been so good to get us through these ANNOYING yet necessary legal processes. We were talking about the trouble and annoyance of all this paperwork, and how everyone seems to have different information.. They tell you one thing, and then at the next window they tell you something different! Then they tell you you don't have all the things you need, and to go back and get it... It can be pretty unsettling and worrisome! But our citizenship in Heaven is SEALED for SURE in Christ, and we just have to believe. There aren't tons of things you have to do first, or exceptions and different changing rules with each person. God's Word is so clear! Keisuke and I decided that God allows this annoying paperwork so that we can be thankful for our assurance of salvation and belonging to God's kingdom through Christ. So much more reliable!! that is for sure! haha.
Keisuke started work again today. Last night we went to Costco and became members there. Our home is in a really good location except it is a little inconvenient for grocery shopping. We have a good size fridge/freezer, so Keisuke said we could get a Costco membership, and we would go together maybe once every other week or so and stock up on things that are hard to get near the apartment..
Today I will work on unpacking all our things into the house. It is so exciting to start up a home together.
We are excited for what God has in store, and pray that He will use our home for His glory.
I have teared up a few times missing family, but we are praying for you all, and love you very much!
I am glad Elissa made us this blog so I will try to be a little more consistent in sending updates and will try to send pictures when I have some to send!
Please stay in touch with us with emails, skype, etc..!
Much love to all!!!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Konichiwa!
We have started this blog to keep you updated on our life in Japan.
Feel free to leave comments - we enjoy hearing from you!
- - -
Ephesians 3:14-19 - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you ay be filled to the measure with all the fullness of God."
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