living in japan

June 2009 :: My ideas surrounding life here continue to change.  I’m so thankful that things have taken a turn toward normalcy, it looks like year two won’t be as tumultuous as year one.  I like it here.  Its far away from home, but I’m learning to enjoy the differences and hopefully will let them change me.  I’m eager to give birth here, to welcome a new little one into our home, to plant roots and be invested in Japan on a deeper level.  We don’t know quite what that means for our family yet, whether we will stay in Shizuoka or move to another city for our 8-year assignment, but we are excited at the possibilities — we feel happy to go anywhere, so we are eager to find out where that will be.

October 2008 :: Yesterday, I was driving through Shizuoka, on my way to do a little sitting, reading, pondering, and praying at Starbucks, and I thought for perhaps the first time that I loved living here.  This, my friends, is a miracle.  Whenever God blesses you with insight and a thankful heart, it is nothing short of a miracle!  Today I am praising Him for the ability to look around me at all the differences, the challenges, the new things, and say, “I love it!  Thank you for bringing me here!”

March 2008 :: This blog is sort of a companion to The Seed, which I use to update family and friends on the life and ministry of the O’Donnells in Shizuoka, Japan. The previously mentioned confusion about my loyalties between the two blogs has been officially resolved:  I’m going to post here.  I like this place, and I don’t want to give it up.  So, to avoid being elusive, our little family of three moved here in February 2008 — already, I’m amazed at how much can be communicated with hand gestures, facial expressions, and that ever-so-important “mom connection.”  Right now, Japan and I have a love/hate relationship.  My feelings are drastic and change at the drop of a hat.  Whatever the emotions, though, the country and I still maintain a friendship, and I’m certain I’ll discover part of who I am whilst living here.. perhaps for a very long time, who knows..  I’m just glad God will give me what I need to handle life here.  Sometimes I really enjoy it, but sometimes I’d give anything to go home.