There are so many stories I need to tell from the holidays! That will just have to wait, though, as I wish you all a Happy New Year! For our New Year’s Eve, we went to the traditional party at Kanto Christian Church, where we attended for 4 years between church plants. It was fun to see all the old friends we have there. Just before the stroke of midnight, we went around the room and let each family share their hope for the new year. The Ito family agreed – our hope is to be able to rent a building for our church! We earnestly desire to see God do this thing that is too big for us!
On the 1st day of 2009, Justin got blessed with a beautiful new guitar for his 16th birthday. Ben had just gotten a new digital camera from his winter break earnings the day before. So we took our Ben’s old camera as a gift to bless Ben Denogean. We rejoice that the timing of the Lord is perfect, because although stopping for the guitar caused us to miss Ben Denogean, in the dropping-off process, we got to spend a couple of hours with Tim and Christine Huber, the pastor and pastoress of Noborito Ekklesia Church. They are new friends in the ministry (introduced to us by the Colorado Vineyards – and they are having Ben Den as a short term missionary) It was so cool to hear their perspectives and strategies after 20 years working in Japan. It was also probably the only day of the year they didn’t have any plans! Again, we see Romans 8:28 at work. Also, since they are located in Kawasaki, it was a good chance to visit our adopted Japanese family who live in Kawasaki. Nice family day all around.
And then today, it is Kaz’s and my 21st wedding anniversary. Yay! Here’s to the next 21 years! I also received my Christmas present today – new tile linoleum in the kitchen! It looks like New Mexico saltillo tile, even though it is vinyl. I just love it – thanks to Kaz and Ben for installing it!
Happy Anniversary Month!