Glories

I've always considered God's greatest earthly glory to lie in His Creation--His people. We are made in His likeness, His Spirit resides within us. We are His glory.

And today, here, this truth is repeatedly making itself evident.

People here have been so welcoming, so willing and excited to bless me with their hospitality. I feel almost undeserving! From the Mokskis to Anne Marie and her family to the people in the churches I've been to thus far.

This morning I attended the church here in the SEND Center Tokorozawa Megumi (Grace) Church. Of course, it was all in Japanese, but they provided an English summation so that I could follow along. We sung a few familiar hymns and the blend of languages when we sang it was beautiful. I was able to enjoy a Bento lunch with the congregation where several ladies showed off their 100 and 200 yen purchases from the CAJ school's Thrift Store fundraiser on Saturday.

And I got to be around kids. I love kids. I love that kids, no matter what language or nationality are still kids. They learn in similar ways, they act out in similar ways, they all like to play peek-a-boo, they all respond to smiles and kind words. They're kids. American. Japanese. Taiwanese. Whatever. They're kids. And its such a beautiful testament to how Christ has designed the Church. We are all created in glorious diversity, but captured by the same Spirit. Different, yet the same. How beautiful.

I spent my afternoon playing cards with some of the middle school girls, and then I got to enjoy the beautiful weather out on the roof, starting a new book--Frank Peretti's The Oath. Japan is really bringing out the adventurous in me! (Many of you know my reluctance to read Christian fiction!) I was able to talk a bit with Michelle Mikoski and play a little with Conner (who likes to play the same games as Mona! which brought me so much joy!). And I was able to Skype with Christie McNabb!

As thankful as I am for the easily accessible internet, I was struck today with the realization that it has such potential to be a hindrance to my ministry here. It pulls me back across the Pacific, when I want to be wholly here. I don't want to strattle the line between that life and this. They are the same, but when I spend so much time on Facebook or AIM or Skype, it seems to create that division. To split my attention, my focus, my heart. I need to find the appropriate balance.

Tonight I met the Barkmans--Phil and Miko. We talked for a bit, and then they took me to the market to find butter (the one item I couldn't find when I went on my own!) and to the electronics store (fantastic! I can't wait to explore it!) to get a 9V battery for my alarm clock. And they took me out to dinner. It was a very different dinner from the more traditional Japanese meals I've had. While still traditional, the restaurant they took me to emerged at a time when the Japanese were trying in introduce more European dishes and habits. So I used a fork! Pizza and pasta. And their pizza is so delicious! The crust is very very thin, so it is less filling, and their toppings seem odd, but tast magnificent together. Tuna and corn was my favorite of the night, I think. They also had some with roe and mushrooms and bacon that I didn't try.

But the people. It's all about the people. Where would we be without people? They are one of the most tangible representations of God that we have available to us. I am so thankful for all of them. :)