Unexpected miracles...

It seems like no matter what I do I cannot stay down in Japan.  Now, yes, i realize this will change and have no illusions to the contrary but for now...God is so good.  So, last week in my blog i kind of went on a ti-raid about praying for Japan, now a disclaimer for this statement is that my feelings for the need for prayer in Japan HAVE NOT CHANGED!!!!!, but let me clarify what happened to cause my urgent desire for prayer.

On Saturday we had discover Tokyo day and it went really well.  We went to Odiba and ate lunch and visited kool places.  On the way home i was with my fellow VYMer and friend Jenae.  Now usually this was a totally boring ride home cause it lasts an hour and I'm usually by myself, however, this was not the case this night.  First of all i was traveling home with an open container of green curry.  Long story, but it was entertaining.  Second of all Jenae and i were joking and having good conversation.  As we were passing one of the stations a man jumped in front of our train.  We were in the first car so we could hear and feel everything that came next.  One of the saddest parts for us was that Jenae saw him jump.  

As I'm sure you can imagine after being here a total of three weeks this is not something you want to ever experience, but afterwards you realize how often it does happen.  very seldom is there a day that the word "accident" is not displayed across the train monitors.  It's so hard to be in a place where people have no hope.  It is for that reason that i still demand prayers for japan!!!

So, i consider myself a hopeless romantic, but in Japan there is real hopelessness.  None of this, "oh what if i never find love nonsense?", but honest to goodness, "What have i got to live for?" feelings.  I can't describe to you the fear and desperation it places in my heart.  I don't want to experience this ever again and what's more i don't want another family to have to suffer through the pointless death of a relative.  That's why God brought me here.  He knows how much i care about people and i think with as awful a purpose as satan had in mind for this event God has found the way in which to use it for his glory.  He's lit a fire under my butt to get over all my remaining hang-ups and get out there with his message!  I can think of no better calling than to be a servant of the most high.

He has brought me so much good out of the bad i can only imagine what he has in store for this nation.  He brought Jenae and i closer as friends, he revealed to me people  can turn to in times of distress and crisis, he told me that it's ok to be angry and upset about the goings-on in the world.  It's hard to tell you everything that i have learned in my very short time here.  But with all this i cannot wait to hear what the next 2+ years hold.

GOD is good.  This week has been such a blessing.  Even with my first Japanese test and the events of Saturday i have had one of the best weeks ever.   God put the awesome members of VYM into my life to give me hope and comfort in times of distress.  And this week has had it's fill of both, yet, never was i able to despair.  God always had the right person in mind to reveal to me his greatness.  So, this last bit of the post goes out to my fellow VYMers with much thanks.  Specifically to Kat, Jenae, Matt, Carol, and Haidee and Cindy (they're really like one person anyways).  :P    Each of you with your prayers, conversations, hugs, and friendships have shown me that God intends for me to survive my time in Japan.  And for everyone not mentioned here i am looking forward to the day when i have these moments with you.  Our growing friendships are my anchor in the storms of satan's world.  God Bless Japan.  Sorry, i should say Thank God for blessing Japan!!