Thanks for your prayers and support! Today was our third day of English camp in Nasu. Woohoo!
There's one thing about Japanese people that I admire a lot - it's their punctuality (which equals being early). I feel like one blessing of ours even though it may seem bad...is that we are not as punctual. We should be ending our camp at12 pm, however we've been running slightly over. BUT, this has allowed the parents who come early/on time to pick up their children to sit in on the last part of our Bible story and song. Hopefully this is giving them a taste of who God is and allowing them to be curious!
The first day of camp was a little discouraging with lack of excitement from the kids, but God has really been over this camp and the kids and our hearts. God has been teaching me what it means to rely on Him and how to have a greater heart to share His love with the kids even in the midst of these challenges.
Ohashi-sensei shared with us a conversation that he had with Namie's (a fifth grader - she's the one below with wrist wraps) father. Namie's father went to Sunday School 20 years ago, but after moving to Nasu, he hadn't been since. Ohashi-sensei was able to invite him to the Nasu church service. This is a huge blessing and also an affirmation of why God has brought us to Nasu to do the English camp - to help open doors. Praise God!
Playing Memory using fruit cards!
My class playing Jenga while practicing names of countries!
Bible story time! It is really awesome having church members involved and seeing their energy! The way they tell the stories is super animated, I almost understand...JK, I don't really understand but it keeps me engaged :D That's John the Baptist!
Today for dinner, the Shindo family invited us over to their home. Riko and Saho came to our Otawara English camp for only a day, but still Shindo-san willingly had us over. They had attended the camp last year as well. It's been so encouraging to be able to visit and eat with the families. Shindo-san was so nice and generous to us. We had okonomiyaki and yakisoba for dinner and ice cream for dessert.
Shindo-san making food for us! And Steph making an origami tanuki!
They also taught us how to prepare tea!
Will whisking the matcha tea furiously! That is Riko to the right.
Group picture in their beautiful home! From the left: me, Riko, Stephanie, Saho, Tink (as in Tinkerbell!), Shindo-san, and Will
Prayer Requests:
- For the team to have continued reliance on God for His love, patience, and strength. Also, for daily renewal through His word - that it would be sustenance for the team.
- For the Ohashi's to have more opportunities to talk and share with the parents. Also, for their church plant in Sakura City, that they'd be continuing to trust in God's provision.
- For the children to be able to experience Christ through this short time that we are with them whether through interactions with us, Bible stories, or singing of songs.
- For Manami-san and Shindo-san to have continued curiosity about who God is and have a desire to get to know Him more. Also, for the family we will be visiting tomorrow. Pray for God's hand to be over these families and that He'd be softening their hearts to be able to be receptive to His Word.
That's it!!! TWO MORE DAYS LEFT! Where did the time fly?!
:D
Nariko and the team
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