Driverrr

I've officially driven in Japan.

It's a fun feeling, being able to drive. Especially since this is a culture where driving is not the norm and public transportation is. I like driving because it gives me a better feel of where I am. I've been wandering around the last few weeks without being able to place on a map the different suburbs I'm going to. I have no idea which direction is north and which is south--I know only that I take train A to train B and somehow end up downtown in Shibuya! But even driving to Chuo three times has given me a better understanding of where I am and it makes me feel more secure.

Monday afternoon Steve Kunnecke drove with me to Chuo so that I'd know the way for Tuesday night's classes. He drew a fantastic little map and you can bet that I had that sucker clenched between white knuckles on the steering wheel as I drove for the first time on Tuesday night. Driving home was much easier and I decided to drive again this morning and wouldn't you know that by this morning I didn't even need the map! Granted, getting to Chuo Church is simple, but driving in Japan is slightly confusing period, so I'll take my victories where I can get them.

Being able to drive will also save a lot of money. As much as I enjoy the trains and enjoy having time to read as I'm shuffled from place to place, one round trip to Chuo costs me the equivalent of $9. We put just over $10 into my tank Monday that I will probably be able to get about 5 round trips. Driving will be a big money-saver for me.

This morning I was also able to head into church early, where I met with Noriko-san. Her and I have been meeting the last few weeks to practice Japanese and this week we met to sing hymns together! Noriko-san plays piano for our church and she plays beautifully. We started work on a musical version of The Lord's Prayer that will hopefully help me to memorize the verses more quickly. I'm excited to be able to pray in Japanese!

This evening I'll head down to Saginuma where I'll meet with Atsuko-san to learn more Japanese vocabulary and idoms. Last week we went over kore, sore, and ane--this, that, and that over there. She tutors me during the hour before class. This week in English class, we're focusing on American music. And what's more American than Country?! I have some samples to play (courtesy of Lauren McNabb, the lifesaver) and an article from Bilboard on a few artists. Tonight should be another good one--especially since the sun is shining once again!

I'm working through the book of Proverbs in my devotions, so I'll leave you with one (of the many) that stood out to me this morning:

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts human beings plan their course,

but the LORD establishes their steps.