Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Trudge Mode

I've been in 'trudge mode' for about the last month.  I get up in the morning and start the things that must be done.  When I finish one thing I move on to the next and trudge through the day till it's time to go to bed.  There are two consequences of this lifestyle: things on your to do list tend to get done, and if you're not careful, all the joy and spontaneity in life can be stifled.

Today marks a major change. Late this morning I will get on a train to go back to Olive No Sato Retreat Center in Nikko for the 2012 OMF East Japan Conference. I'll be gone till Friday. so I'll put in some pictures to entertain you till I get back.

Chapel
Building with guest rooms and dining room

The road beyond the camp
Nearby river


Evening Campfire


Sunday, March 11, 2012

Only One Year

If you're connected to any kind of news source anywhere in the world you have no doubt heard something today about the year since Japan's Triple Trauma. Here we have had reminders in each of these 365 days.  My life no doubt looks much the same as it did a year ago, I live in a slightly different neighborhood and do a somewhat different job from a year ago. However, my life and the lives of countless others here were irrevocably changed March 11, 2011. When you can no longer even trust that the ground under your feet is a stable place to stand, it changes a lot of other things.

I would encourage you to continue to pray for the people of Japan. There are many who are still hurting due to personal loss and the others hurt for them in a way I have not experienced living in America. Pray also for those who are assisting in the rebuilding of lives. They have come so far in a year, but have so far yet to go.

If you know someone who is volunteering here or working with a Christian mission or relief agency, do what you can to support them.  Let them know you care about them.  Send them some tangible support if you can afford it. The cost of living here remains high. A word of encouragement is like gold. Please don't forget Japan.