God is Faithful

It's times like these where any talents that I have been given as a writer seem petty and worthless; for I wish I could adequately describe the joy and excitement that's burning inside me at the moment. Today was a day of many smiles. We finally made it to birthday week in my classes (that it was scheduled on this particular week was, of course, no coincidence) and I had so much fun learning with them about the history of birthday cards, candles, cakes, songs, and traditions. We sang together, enjoyed yummy Betty Crocker Funfetti cupcakes (thanks, Mom!) from "Happy Birthday!" plates (thanks, Dad & Elizabeth!), blew out candles and made wishes, and played Pin the Tail on the Donkey in true 8-year-old's-birthday-party-style. It was fun! And my classes had fun, too!

My Saginuma class had three new members for the evening and one lady in particular, named Yuri, seemed to enjoy class. She's staying in Tokyo for a bit, but lives in Vienna and grew up in Spain. She's eager to learn more English than she already knows (which is impressive because her English is very, very good) and what's more--she's eager to hear about God! After class she quite literally pulled me aside and asked to get together two or three times each week from here on out so that we could talk about the ways that God is faithful. "I'm a Christian, but I don't know all the time! And I want to be with God so I want to talk to you about how you know! We need to talk!" Her excitement excited(s) me. We made plans for Monday, but after talking more on the walk to the eki (train station), she begged me to find time to meet before then because she needed to keep talking.

This passion, this ferocity, this hunger for God...

Is it in us? Yuri amazes me because in her uncertainty, she exemplifies the Truth of the Lord. We are created to hunger and we are created to thirst, but do we always hunger and thirst after the Only One who will truly satisfy us? Yuri is so unsure of herself-- yet in all her questioning, she didn't question God tonight, she questioned only her own inability to be faithful to Him.

Please pray for Yuri. Pray that she finds rest in the knowledge of God. That she finds peace in His unchanging nature, faith in His promises, and Love in His embrace.

Another bright spot in my night was the card that my class gave me--this one all in English. Another priceless "souvenir" that I will treasure. I have been truly blessed. Thankfulness..... there just isn't a word strong enough....