Birthday Gift

For my Birthday this year Tsuguto and I got a special treat! One of the Pastor's and his wife gave us two coupons to go on a mini ocean cruise around Kobe, which included tea and cake. We started at 4pm and went for 2 hours, so we were able to see the sunset and it was very beautiful :) It was really special for both of us and I'm very thankful for the people who love and care about me here in Japan!!

This year has come with new challenges. I thought I was starting to understand the Japanese way and culture, but there are always new surprises. They are very private people, so it takes a long time to get to know my students well. My Japanese friends are very helpful and have tried to explain why things are done the way they are.

On a good note, I played piano in two different churches this month and last week for the first time a student came to church to hear me play. This was big news for me because I have been teaching at this church for 2 years now and no one has ever come before!! This year it was the doctor from my advanced English class that came, and he is interested in learning more about Christianity and the Bible so please pray for Him. Also another student told me recently that he started attending church and has gone now about 5 times and he's enjoying it! PTL!!

So after hearing this news I can't complain about my struggles. Hopefully they are valuable lessons for me and ways for me to better understand my students. Thanks for all your prayers and support and Birthday presents! It made my day!

I love you all,

Melanie