Toreba's Burogu

Preparing for Battle

2012-01-29T15:51:00.012+09:00

This is a busy time for me. I am getting married in less than 8 weeks. I am finishing up grad school. I am house shopping. Which means packing, too. I am working full-time. I am also just trying to live, you know? Anyways... since I finished most of my grad school requirements last May, I took a break from studying, but picked up on a different type of studying: marriage preparation.

Here is a look at some of the books I have read (or am reading) and my thoughts on each:

The Five Love Languages -- by Dr. Gary Chapman

I read this book last spring. I first was interested in this book when I was dealing with family relationships 4-5 years ago. I then read this book in Japanese (愛を伝える五つの方法）, sort of at the same time as my fiancee did. I cannot say enough about this book, really... I love it! Very eye-opening about the importance of recognizing how we ought to express love, and how we best receive it from others. Good not just for marriage, but for almost any relationship that you want to see increase in its love.

101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged -- by H. Norman Wright

I actually bought two copies of this one, because it is more of a "workbook" where there is space to write answers to the questions. There are a good number of important questions in here that will help you see if you are compatible with your partner. It is more about knowing who YOU are, and being able to open yourself up more completely to your partner, before agreeing to spend the rest of your lives together. There are a few repeat questions (seem almost the same) and some that you will find irrelevant to your own situation, and there are also some that are hard to answer (either because it's hard to put into words, or because you don't want to admit to your weaknesses). But it's really good to help prepare you for the next stage. (Note: My fiancee and I never got through the book in time... I proposed before we reached question 10... and we're still working through it slowly... we're on question 70 or so, and hope to finish before saying "I do!" But no worries... we have been very open with each other, and there are no big surprises left to be revealed, if that makes sense.)

Sacred Marriage -- by Gary Thomas

This one is probably the best that I have read so far. It asks a lot of hard question, shares a lot of wise insights, and turns marriage on its head. Look no further than its sub-title: "What if God designed marriage to make us holy, more than to make us happy?" This book was probably the least "scary" and the most "encouraging" of the ones I have read so far. Oh, it challenged me to change my thinking and my actions, but it has not made me feel like marriage is impossible or prone to failure upon failure. Thomas does a great job of setting us straight, highlighting the different ways that marriage will change our character and make us more into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

His Needs, Her Needs -- by Willard F. Harley Jr.

This one talks about the five most prominent needs that men have in marriage, and the five that tend to be more important to women. For him, sexual fulfillment, recreational companionship, attractive spouse, domestic support, and admiration. For her, affection, conversation, honestly and openness, financial support, and family commitment. Some of those needs overlap, and they are not 100% gospel, but from a man's perspective, I can see some truth in this. Anyhow, one thing that bugged me about this book is that it tended to have too many stories of broken marriages in which infidelity was an issue. Now, he is being realistic, but as a soon-to-be-married man, it was kind of discouraging to hear an author talk about how affairs are quite commonplace. He was not condoning them, mind you. I guess I didn't need to hear what he had to say when he said it (that is, when I read it). But one concept I liked from this book: he talked about how every person that you know has a "love bank account" in your heart. Based on your encounters with them, they can either make deposits or withdrawals. And that will sort of determine where you are at with each other. A kind word, a gift, a good joke will make a deposit. A harsh word, a toilet lid left up, ignoring the kids will make a withdrawal. Too many withdrawals, and you will no longer have the largest account in your spouse's heart. Interesting.

The Christ-Centered Marriage, by Neil T. Anderson

I am in the middle of this one still. It is decent... it talks a lot about how you need to free yourself from any spiritual bondage in your life before dealing with marital issues. Often the "marital problems" are just extensions of individual issues that have not been dealt with. The jury's still out on this one, as I have only finished reading five of fourteen chapters. And when that one's done...

Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, & Life Together, by Mark & Grace Driscoll

This is one I have on order. It just came out earlier this month. I got the DVD in the mail today. (You can see that from the pic -- figured I would post a pic of myself for the first time since fall.) Anyhow, Mark Driscoll is one of the pastors I respect the most. He speaks truth, harsh truth even, relevant truth, but with love. When I heard he was writing a marriage book with his wife, I knew I wanted it. Should be a good one. Apparently it was the top "Self-Help" book on the NY Times Bestseller list. Not bad for a Christian author in a country where Christianity is so out of vogue!

So there you have it, folks! If you have any books that you think I should read, or if you have any thoughts on any of these books, feel free to share them with me! I'm thinking of reading Boundaries in Marriage by Henry Cloud. Is it any good???

Fear Factor

2012-01-29T15:19:00.004+09:00

I'll admit it. I'm scared. Who wouldn't be? Getting married is not something that can be taken lightly. I firmly believe that marriage is a battlefield. Not that I am going to war against my wife... but against anyone who might try to interfere with our relationship. There are a number of things that can cause relationship stress, and marital breakdowns.

First and foremost, as a Christian, I believe in the existence of the devil. And he is against my marriage, because my marriage is a gift from God Almighty. And as with all good things that God gives us, the devil intends to pervert and destroy my marriage. So I have to have my eyes opened and my battle plan in place.

Second, there is ourselves. Each partner in a marriage has expectations, hopes, needs and desires. And we tend to look to each other for fulfillment of at least some of those desires. And that is fair. God can meet all our needs, but He uses humans to do so in many cases. And He will use our spouse in many ways to meet those needs/desires. When people use the platitude "God will supply all my needs, I don't need anyone" they are simplifying and denying our human nature. (If I need a kiss, can I really pucker my lips and expect the air around me to comfort me with the warmth and tenderness that a human could provide?)

Third, there is our pasts. We have all been traumatized, mistreated, and shaped negatively by our own childhood experiences. Even our experiences in adulthood go a long way to shaping who we are. If we have not received healing from those experiences, they may come out in weird unexpected and hurtful ways towards our spouse.

Fourth, there is our families. Pressure from parents, overbearing mothers, unaccepting fathers, and so on. And will our broken relationships with our siblings affect our relationship with our spouse? You'd better believe it!

I could continue on to list more factors, but they all come down to one thing. Have you been guarding your heart? Is your heart ready to be broken, ripped from your chest, and put back in a different shape than it used to be in?

"The two shall become one flesh." If you imagine this literally, it is pretty gross. But I imagine it like we are two "rocks" that are moving closer together, to fuse into one bigger, stronger, healthier rock. (What's a healthy rock, anyways? That's not the point... ignore that part of the analogy and stick with me.) The rocks are jagged and pointy, and even a little brittle. And as they get closer together, in order to make the fit "tighter" there are a lot of pieces that need to be broken off. The shape of the original rock has to be modified in order for it to better "fit" its partner rock. In the end, that rock will be mightier than the sum of its parts, but there is a breaking process that has to take place.

And that is a little scary. I'm scared. I look at the divorce rate in the world, and it terrifies me to think that the odds of any couple divorcing are greater than those of that couple staying married for life. The world has become a more self-centered place. A less gritty place. When things get tough, and when things don't go "my way" then it's time to move on. When things get less exciting, a little more mundane, then our hearts get restless and consider moving on.

Scary. But God has not given me a spirit of fear. He has given me a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. Love it. Love Him!

This blog entry did not go in the direction I had hoped it would... so I will end my "thoughts" here and start a new post about my original intention.

Pray for me, please. Thanks everyone. (When I say I'm scared, don't worry -- I'm not in panic mode, and I don't have cold feet! I'm just being thoughtful and careful and trying to stay realistic. I'm really looking forward to marriage!)

Why, Japan, Why? (Part 1)

2012-01-29T15:13:00.004+09:00

This is my first winter in Japan. "WHAT? You've been in Japan for 13 years, have you not?" Yes, yes I have. But you have to understand that the first 11 were spent in Okinawa, where "winter" consists of wearing a sweater and having to put your hands in your pockets to keep them warm. For a week. At the most. And Hokkaido, well, that is REAL winter, but not REAL Japan.

What I mean is, Japan has a different approach to winter than Okinawa, than Hokkaido, than perhaps the rest of the world. When it gets cold, they do not believe in heating the whole house. They believe in heating the whole body.

So they have all these special "indoor use" sweaters, pants, jackets, slippers, lap blankets, and so on. It has been quite hard for me to adjust to. For thirty-six winters, I have been able to find refuge from the cold in my apartment or home. This is the first time I have walked into a cold home and simply left my jacket on, or kept a pair of mittens nearby.

Yes, they have heaters in their homes, but they tend not to use them as often as we would in the west. And especially in the wake of the earthquake/tsunami disaster up north, people are more conscious of energy consumption. There is something called "setsuden" going on in Japan, both in the summer and winter, which is a conscious effort to cut down on electricity consumption.

A wonderful idea, and very "green" and noble of the Japanese. But does that mean I have to like it? Should I feel guilty for wanting to walk around my apartment without five layers of clothing on? What do you all do to beat the winter colds and blues?

Random Thoughts and News

2012-01-16T08:35:00.002+09:00

-- I think I am getting old. But I am still in denial of this reality. My body is breaking down in weird places and for strange reasons. I do not think either of my two current ailments can be attributed to the aging process, but I could be wrong. I'm too young to know any better!

A couple of weeks ago, my left heel started hurting. Not like sharp pain, but kind of like the muscle (or whatever it is down there) is bruised and it hurts to step. I thought maybe it was plantar fasciitis... but I'm sure that is much more painful than what I have. Nonetheless, I cannot run until this injury heals. I do not know how it came about, which I think hurts me just as much as the fact that I cannot run.

Then two nights ago, I woke up from a coughing fit. I kept coughing for almost an hour, and my body was heaving so much that I felt a discomfort in my ribs. Sunday morning and afternoon I felt tired and had a headache, and I did not really notice the pain in my ribs so much. But as the day went on, it was harder and harder to breathe deeply without feeling a sharp pain. At first I thought maybe it was just a bruise, but then I started wondering if it wasn't fractured ribs. I'm still not sure. I'm still in pain, but it doesn't feel as bad as it did yesterday, so perhaps it's not such a serious injury. Still, I wonder why my body is breaking down in such weird and unpredictable ways?

-- Funny how some people show up in your lives once, and then disappear seemingly forever, and then randomly reappear in a place you least expect them to.

This has sort of happened to me twice, both times in Kobe. The first one was over a year ago now. While living in Winnipeg in 2002-03, I really missed contact with Japanese people, and found a listing for Japanese Alliance Church in the Yellow Pages. So I started attending and really enjoyed the fellowship. Particularly interesting was the story of the pastor and his wife, who were missionaries from Japan who originally served the aboriginal people in Northern Canada and Alaska. Anyhow, long story short, I moved back to Japan in 2003, and only saw them a few times after that. One such time was when their son, who was raised in Canada, wanted to finish high school in Japan, and enrolled at Okinawa Christian School. The family stayed in Winnipeg at the time, but they eventually moved back to Japan a few years ago, but to the (at that time) unknown-to-me city of Kobe. I was in Okinawa. Then I moved to Sapporo. Never thought I would see them again. Then I met a beautiful Kobe woman, and had to come see her to confirm that she was "the one" for me. During that time in Kobe, I stayed at that pastor's home, and it was a sweet time of reunion.

The other incident happened just yesterday. I went to Kobe Union Church after their service was over, in order to talk to the administration about having our wedding there. As we made our way in, we ran into some familiar faces. So we stopped and talked. Yumi started talking to a blonde lady, whom she had gone to Tokoku to do volunteer disaster relief work. That blonde lady looked way too familiar to have been someone I was meeting for the first time. "Oh, this is my fiance, Trevor. He's from Canada, too." And so a conversation ensued, and I started to hypothesize about where I had met this woman before. Her husband asked me, "How long have you been here?" So I gave my typical answer: 6 months in Kobe, but before that I lived in Sapporo for a year and Okinawa for ten or so. The blonde woman said, "I lived in Okinawa, too. In Naha City." My answer: "Yeah I know, we used to go to the same church!" I was amused at myself for the way I so non-chalantly divulged that we had known each other nearly a decade earlier. Funny stuff.

(Incidentally, this happened to Yumi a few months ago, too. My good friend Aaron, whom I met in Okinawa, invited us over for dinner. When we got there, Aaron's wife introduced herself to Yumi, and then said, "You know something, you look an awful lot like someone I know." And so it turns out, Yumi and Aaron's wife have known each other for longer than Aaron and I! Of course, they had lost touch for like a decade or so, but still... weird how our spouses unknowingly knew each other before we all met each other.)

-----

Well, this has gotten way longer than I expected, and I am out of time for now. I will write more again later, perhaps in a few days.

Days of victory

2012-01-08T13:09:00.001+09:00

Some of you may know that I really like The Lord of the Rings series. Recently I have found the time to watch the entire trilogy (extended version, no less).

I got to thinking, "There's an awful lot of fighting in these movies. Feels almost nonstop! No wonder some people don't like it, or feel like it's rather repetitive!"

Well, isn't that life, though? One battle after the next. Sometimes it feels like there's no end to our struggles, to our quest for victory or freedom from pain, anguish, struggles.

And then I got to thinking, "There are so many weird creatures in these movies! No wonder some people get turned off by fantasy!"

But then, don't we encounter some weird, formidable beasts in our lives? Weird people, strange situations we couldn't have possibly imagined ahead of time. But we gotta deal with them, often clumsily or uncertainly, as we face new challenges almost daily.

Then I got to thinking, "Aren't their battles unrealistic? Small, ill-prepared, inexperienced warriors against armies that are way too large for them to defeat. And yet they win. How unrealistic! No wonder people don't like these movies!"

But then, aren't our lives like that at times? Odds stacked against us, victory seeming impossible or improbable. But then some army of trees, or legion of dead pirates (Lord of the Rings references) comes out of the blue to aid us to victory. I prefer to think of our aid as ANGELS or even the "cloud of witnesses" (fellow believers, past and present) found in Hebrews 12.

This time through the trilogy, I was captivated by different scenes than ever before. Between the battle scenes, there are a lot of victory parties. Lots of drinking, smoking, dancing, and laughing.

And I asked myself, "Now, why doesn't my life reflect this aspect of the movies?" Not the drinking and smoking per se (I'll spare you my views on these "Christian controversies" for now), but the idea that it's OK to celebrate the small victories on the road of life!

These days, for me, are days of victory. Life is going well. Really well. No, my life is not without battles. But it seems like I've been winning them left, right and center!

So, I need to celebrate in my own way and be thankful to the One who has granted me victory.

But like the fellowship in Lord of the Rings, I also have be of the mindset that more battles, of larger magnitude and steeper odds, lie ahead.

My enemy is a prowling lion, waiting for just the right moment to pounce! So I celebrate with an eye on the challenges that await me.

The war is over! Jesus was victorious over the grave! But the battle rages on...

2011 - The year that was

2012-01-03T11:52:00.001+09:00

What an unbelievable year that was. I have never had my emotions stretched both high and low like that ever before. Lots of amazing things, lots of trials.

I'll post more later. I just remember the words of Chuck Smith: blessed are the flexible, for they shall not break.

Pray for Pastor Chuck, by the way. Apparently he has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

American Idol

2011-12-17T12:51:00.003+09:00

This post's title does not refer to the television show in particular, but to the general idea that we (North) Americans are idol worshipers. We may not want to admit it, but we are.

Let me ask you a question: What is your passion? What do you get really excited about? Whom do you talk to the most? Whose advice are you quick to take? What words do you have memorized, flowing from your mouth more often than not?

I have a passion for sports. I get really excited about the Jets, my fantasy baseball team, and new Switchfoot albums. I talk to my fiancee the most (in my estimation -- I have never measured my talking time). I am quick to take the advice of people that I respect. And I would say I have the lyrics to my favorite songs memorized, and I can quote them or sing them to anyone at almost any given time.

I have a passion for God, but sometimes I think sports get more of my love.
I get excited when I hear about people receiving eternal life, but I probably shout out for joy more when I beat my rivals at fantasy sports.
I talk to the Lord, whenever I think of it, but I probably still speak more to my lifelong partner.
I know the Bible fairly well, in my own estimation, but I probably still have more music data stored in my head than I do Bible data.

So what?

Exodus 20:3 - You shall have no other gods before Me.

Back in the day, those "gods" were wooden or metal statues that people bowed down to. People would get all worked up, sent into a frenzy. They would belt out words in loud voices, they would dance, they would cry, they would release all sorts of passion towards these statues.

CRAZY, isn't it? Who could even THINK of doing such a thing? It's absurd!

I do not have statues of the Winnipeg Jets. But I do have a t-shirt, and I used to have posters and jerseys, among other memorabilia.

I do have a sort of statue for my fantasy baseball team... well, it's a trophy that I need to send away to this year's champion.

I do not have a shrine to Switchfoot or any other band, but I do have all their music, and it's in pretty heavy rotation.

I have never bowed down before my fiancee in worship, but I do think about her a whole lot.

Do any of these things make me an idolater? Good question, in my estimation.

Every Winnipeg Jets game at the MTS Centre features 15,001 fans screaming at the top of their lungs, getting into a frenzy. Especially when their beloved team scores a goal or wins a game. The passion in those arenas is unparalleled in the world of NHL hockey, according to many. There is such adoration for the players, it borders on idolatry.

I have only seen Switchfoot in concert once (at a festival, and I was a good hundred yards from the stage), but I know from seeing live footage that fans get pretty intense. Lots of sweat is poured out, lots of people scream and cry, and many even fantasize about spending time with the band members. Just shaking hands with them is a big deal, one that has a lot of people losing track of who they are.

(Just as an aside, I can recall experiencing this twice. Once, when I was 16, I met members of the band Slaughter, and shook their hands, and did not know what to say to them. I was completely star-struck. Also, around 5 years ago, I saw legendary pastor Chuck Smith in person, and I was so flabbergasted that I could not say a word.)

So at music concerts, too, people are practically idolizing the bands they are watching. It's crazy.

I am not saying any of this to condemn others. If anything, I have to point the finger at myself first. I am an idolater. I put others before God. It is something I hope to change about myself, though. I believe God can, and will, change me.

It all begins with an admission that I am an idolater. If I make any kind of excuse, or belittle my behavior, saying "everyone does it" or "but they're a Christian band" or "but I still read my Bible a few minutes each day and I pray every night, too" then I am not in a repentant state of mind anymore.

So I some out clean, and admit it to you all. I am an idolater. I have broken God's first commandment. Lord, have mercy on me.

The Problem With Posting

2011-12-15T17:04:00.004+09:00

Many of you know that I am a bit of a sports fanatic. Have been for as long as I can remember. I used to lay on the kitchen floor with the newspaper spread open to the sports section when I was like 5-6 years old. I would read the latest statistics about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Winnipeg Jets, and even a little bit about other sports stars like Magic Johnson and some new guy named Jordan or something. I could even count by sevens before I got too deep into elementary school, because as you all know, that's how many points a touchdown is in football.

Anyhow, lately in the news of MLB (Major League Baseball, for those of you who are not into sports), Japanese phenom pitcher Yu Darvish has agreed to let his Japanese team (the Nippon Ham Fighters, who play in Sapporo) accept bids from major league teams for his services. See, he is still under contract with the Fighters, but wants to play in the best league in the world. So any MLB team that wants to sign him to a contract, must first pay the Fighters organization in order to gain the right to negotiate a contract with the pitcher. This money is referred to as "posting."

The problem is this: if he were a free agent, he could leave Japan and the Nippon Professional Baseball league without the Fighters receiving a yen of compensation from the major leagues. Not a problem yet, but... if a major league team wants to sign him, they are looking at paying upwards of $30 million just to get exclusive rights to sign him to a contract. So what happens? The major league team then has $30 million less to pay Darvish himself. The result is that his contract is significantly less than it would be if he were a free agent. Make sense? Let's say the Toronto Blue Jays win the bidding war. (They are one of a few teams that are said to have a serious shot at him.) And let's say they have $80 million to play with, over a period of, say, 5 years. Well, average that out, and it's $16 million per year. But wait... $30 million goes to the Fighters, leaving $50 million for Darvish. Now, $10 million per year is a pretty hefty salary, but when you consider it's 37.5% less than he would get were he a free agent, well, that's a pretty significant cut.

Why am I wasting so many words to explain what's happening to a baseball player that has nothing to do with my life? (Well actually, my friend's daughter used to see him jogging around their neighborhood up in Sapporo, so he is *sort of* connected to me!)

Because I experienced something similar in my own life lately. Let me explain. It's Christmas time, and I have family back in Canada. To be honest, none of my family, other than my nephews, is getting presents from me. It's just the way our family does things. We have all the material possessions we could possibly want, so instead of spending time and energy and money on getting each other gifts we really don't need, we just skip the commercialism of the season.

Back to my point. My nephews are getting gifts from me. And I have X-amount of money to spend on their gifts. But because of the distance between us, I cannot just spend 100% of my allotted capital on their presents. I also have to consider "posting" costs. So even though they deserve expensive presents, roughly 37.5% (haha, just using the same number as above) of my money goes to the post office, for the service of delivering my gift to Canada safely. Perhaps one of these years, I will find a way around this, and my nephews will get a closer approximation to what they deserve, instead of gifts that have a "posting" cost factored in.

Either way, Merry Christmas to my wonderful nephews, my brothers, my "in-laws" and my parents in Canada. And my friends and family all around the world. It's still a little early for those words, but I figured I'd better send you season's greetings while I think of it!

Technology - Blessing or Society's Downfall?

2011-12-12T22:15:00.002+09:00

These days, I have been seeing a lot of people walking to and from work with headphones in their ears. And I am one of those people.

Then I get on the train and see tons of people sending texts, playing games, among other things, all on their smart phones. And I am one of those people.

Then I get on the bus and see more of the same. And I am one of those people.

It surprises me when I see people in their sixties with headphones in their ears. Why? At least my excuse is, "I grew up with this kind of thing -- granted, my first one was a cassette player, but I have been listening to music on my hand-held player since I was like 10 years old!" It seems like mp3 players, iPods, etc. are not just common among the younger generation. (Dare I still group myself in with the younger generation?)

I wonder... are we ever going to miss the sounds of nature? The sound of a stiff breeze blowing through a wind tunnel or a city street? The sound of leaves gently flapping against each other? The sound of the cicadas' shrill in the summer? (We won't EVER miss that one!) Even the sound of a child crying out excitedly when he sees a bug or finds 100 yen on the sidewalk?

We get so absorbed in our own worlds sometimes, that we fail to see beauty around us. I think it bugs me most when I see people texting while walking. I am going to make an effort to not do this anymore. I want to look around, let my eyes take in nature, take in people, take in the world around me, instead of the 2.4-inch screen that seems to get too much of my attention.

The song "Headphones" by Jars of Clay comes to mind as I ponder this subject. These words so often make me feel a little melancholy, and I really hope this kind of thing does not become too common in the world, although I am afraid it has already become so. At least in Japan.

I don't have to hear it, if I don't want to
I can drown this out, pull the curtains down on you
it's a heavy world, it's too much for me to care
If I close my eyes, it's not there

With my headphones on, with my headphones on
With my headphones on, with my headphones on

We watch television...but the sound is something else
Just a song played against the drama,
so the hurt is never felt
I take in the war-fires, and I'm
chilled by the current events
it's so hopeless, but there's a pop song in my

Headphones on, in my headphones on
With my headphones on, with my headphones on

At the Tube Stop, you sit down across from me
(I can see you looking back at me)
I think I know you
By the sad eyes that I see
I want to tell you (It's a heavy world)
Everything will be okay
You wouldn't hear it (I don't want to have to hear it)
So we go our separate ways...

With our headphones on, with our headphones on
With our headphones on, with our headphones on
I don't wanna be the one who tries to figure it out
I don't need another reason I should care about you
You don't want to know my story
You don't want to own my pain
Living in a heavy, heavy world
And there's a pop song in my head
I don't want to have to hear it

The Power of Words

2011-12-07T22:28:00.005+09:00

I have to say, recently I have really been enjoying reading again. One particular book has gotten a lot of love from me. (No, not the Bible, though I do love it and have been giving it love, too.) The book Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears is so real... so theologically sound, but so presently relevant, and funny, and thought provoking, and everything I like about non-fiction theological books. A few snippets:

"I have never had a suicidal thought, but in the darkest seasons of life I do find myself daydreaming about Jesus' return, some people getting loaded into a wood chipper, the curse being lifted, and the never-ending sunshine promised in Revelation so I won't have to put the top back on my Jeep. In the meantime, the feces and the fan are certain to continue interfacing until the day Jesus gets back and cleans up the mess we've made."

"In the depths of my soul is a deep and profound love for righteous judgment and justice. I do not labor under the silly myth that deep down we are all good people and that our sins are simply occasional aberrations. No, we are rebels, lawbreakers, Satan's minions, fools, and evildoers without exception, beginning with the guy I see brushing his teeth in my mirror every morning. That fact is blinded by our own hypocrisy. We are prone to clearly see the sin that others commit against us and the corresponding pain that it causes. Subsequently, when we are sinned against, we tend to complain, yell, or honk our horn because we refuse to sit idly by without demanding justice. Conversely, when we sin, we cry with equal volume, not for justice, but rather for mercy, which is only a further indication of how corrupt and hypocritical we are."

These are just two paragraphs of a book that is packed with powerful words... some encouraging, some convicting, some eye-opening, some laughter-inducing, some painfully hard to read because they're sad truths about humanity's depravity. But through it all, Driscoll points our eyes to Jesus, and how His existence, death and resurrection (all facts, by the way) cover the multitudes of our sins, and gives us hope and reason to keep living. My favourite chapter was probably the second-to-last, entitled What Difference Has Jesus Made in History? Amazing to read in plain English just what an impact Jesus has had on the world as a whole, let alone the lives of millions upon millions of individuals. Read this book if you get the chance!

God Still Does Miracles

2011-12-05T11:23:00.003+09:00

This morning, I woke up feeling warmer than I should have. The temperature outside was quite cool, after all, and I set the timer on my heater to turn on at 5:30am -- about 40 minutes before my wakeup time. But this morning, I felt a lot warmer than usual. I checked my cell phone to see if my alarm was about to go off. Uh-oh... the battery's dead!

I jumped out of bed and checked my clock. The time: 7:22am. I have to catch the 7:46am train to Ashiya if I want to get to work on time. I also stink and need to shave. And the train station is nearly a kilometer from my house. A 10-minute walk, if I take my usual long strides.

Somehow, despite having only 24 minutes to get from bed to presentable for work and to the station, I made it... with a few more seconds to spare than I do on some days! So ironically, I get to work on time, but sit at my desk, browsing e-mails or something, and end up late for class anyways. But fortunately, the students were also all late for class because of scheduling changes.

So the morning has been interesting and kind of weird, but I have come to the conclusion that this morning was nothing short of a miracle of God. Oops -- gotta go -- class is about to start!

今は昼休み中なので、職場からブログ更新してもいいかと思っています。今朝は、いつもと比べて部屋が暖かかった。このころの神戸は少し寒くなってきて、朝は暖房のタイマーを使って、５時半から部屋を暖かくしています。要するに、起きる前に４０分くらい使って、お風呂入った後は切って、仕事に出る準備をします。でも今日は、暖かかった。携帯をとって、時間を確認したら、電池が切れていることに気づいた。アラームがな鳴らなかったのではと。たちまちベッドから起き上がり、リビングの時計で時間の確認をすると、

午前７時２２分でした。芦屋駅への電車は、７時４６分に最寄の駅から出る。家から早歩きしても１０分くらいかかります。体がくさい。ひげが濃い。腹が減った。どうしよう！？！

急いで準備したら、７時４０分くらいに家を出ることができました。少し走れば、間に合えるかも！と思ったら、走り出した。なんとか電車に間に合いました！時間通りにバスにも乗れていつもと同じ時間に出勤することができました。ハレルヤ！神様が奇跡を起こしました！

と言いながら、ホッとして教員室でメールチェックしながらコーヒーを飲んでいた。一息して、気が付けば１時間目だ！ヤバイ、遅れる！また教員室から走り出して、教室へ。奇跡的に、時間割の変更で、生徒は全員遅れていたので、私が一番早めに教室に着きました。またまたの奇跡！神様はすばらしい！

The Power of Hyperbole

2011-11-14T14:22:00.005+09:00

I have always liked music, and I have usually had an appreciation for poetry. Combine those and you get someone who loves song lyrics. When I listen to music, the words always make a difference to me. If the lyrics are good, I tend to like a song better even if it is not musically strong. If the lyrics are weak, I tend to like the song less despite its musicality.

Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration of something in order to make a point clearer. A good example of hyperbole in the Bible is when John said, "And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25). While this statement may be "true"... if you really think about it, Jesus lived 33 years and spent 3 of those in ministry... so I do not think it would be impossible for "the world itself" to contain the books. BUT, the point John is trying to make is that Jesus' works were innumerable and incalculable. So great were they in number, that it astounds our minds to think about it.

Anyways, I have really been struck by a song lyric recently. It is in the song "I Can See Your Love" by Leeland. The song is pretty cool, with a great guitar lick and a vocal track to match it. But suddenly towards the end of the song, the tempo slows down and the following words are calmly delivered:

"Could we with ink the ocean fill

And were the skies of paper made
Every tree on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky
Oh love of God, how rich and pure
How measureless and strong
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song..."

The powerful images that this creates in my mind are absolutely astounding, and it has reduced me to tears just thinking about how great His love is. The truth is, His love IS written across the skies, and every man SHOULD be a scribe (not necessarily writing, but transmitting/imparting His love in some way), and yet there is no way to contain or fully express the vastness of His love. I can't wait for the day when I meet Him and experience that love in its purest form, uninhibited by my pride and weak flesh.

Beautiful song lyrics, to say the least. What do you all think about them?

Editor's Post-Publishing Note: I just did a little "research" and discovered that this was originally a hymn (?) written by Frederick Martin Lehman. Alas, the English did sound a little old-fashioned. Incredible poetry, nonetheless!

To Blog or Not To Blog...

2011-10-21T14:36:00.004+09:00

For those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile, you have noticed that there has been relatively little written in the past three months. In fact, it took me an entire month to report on my 10-day trip to Canada recently.

Well, since moving to Kobe, I have started to value "privacy" a little more, and I have definitely had less desire (or need?) to "publicize" my life. The result is that I have not really put anything up on my blog. I feel like those who know me well, know my news. And those who don't know me well, well, you can try to get to know me better in a way that is less "public" or even "impersonal" as a blog. And for those of you who don't know me at all, well, your lone option will be to read through my blog archives a little. But really, I hope you have better things to do with your time!

So is this the end of "Toreba's Burogu"? Maybe. At least for now. And certainly its current format (pictures, videos, etc.) will be put on the shelf for a while. I hope you understand. I am so blessed that many of you took the time to read my blog over the years. I pray that somehow, you were blessed by it as well.

このブログは最近、更新されていないことに気づいたでしょう。実は、前に更新したこと（お父さんの紹介）は、一ヶ月遅れて投稿しました。この頃、ブログを書く気があまりありません。というのは、神戸市に引っ越ししてから、写真はあんまり撮っていません。このたび、新しい冒険が始まったが、少し私的なことが多くて、公に見せるのを控えたいと思っています。

私のことを良く知っている皆さんは、私の近況を知っていると思います。私のことをあんまり知らない方々は、直接聞いても良いと思っています。私に一度も会ったことがない皆さんは、私のブログのアーカイブを見るしかありません。でも、そのヒマがないでしょう（笑）

これで「Toreba's Burogu」の最後の投稿になりますか？それは、まだわかりません。が、現時点では、このブログをアップデートしようと思っていません。アップデートをするなら、前の形と違って、自分の考え、思っていることなどをメインにして、できごとやイベント、写真を少なくすると思っています。

これまでのブログをいつも読んでくださり、ありがとうございます！どうかこの文章や写真が、多くの人に祝福を与えたことを願います。（また、色んな変な日本語を我慢してくれてありがとう！）

My Dad

2011-09-21T13:21:00.004+09:00

For a few days, we got to travel out to the countryside and visit with my pops. He has retired from his old profession and is now a golf course marshall, part-time. He LOVES his job -- what avid golfer wouldn't want to hang out at the course on his days off? So Dad took us out to his golf course one day, and we checked out the greenery. It was fun cruising around in golf carts, talking to golfers and Dad's co-workers. And of course, just hanging out with Dad is cool, too! Thanks, Dad! Perhaps you can bring your clubs over to Japan and get in a few rounds one of these years, eh? (That's my way of saying, "Come visit!")

この旅は比較的に短かったから、お父さんの田舎の家に長い滞在はできなかったけど、会いに行きました。お父さんは定年してから、本職を辞めて、あるゴルフ場の保安官になりました。けっこう偉く聞こえるけど、実は、ゴルフカートに乗って、コースを回って人を助ける（案内など）をする仕事ですよ。でも、ゴルフ好きなお父さんに最適な仕事ですね！休日でもゴルフ場で過ごせるって最高！ある日、お父さんは私たちをそのゴルフ場に連れて行ってくれました。緑を楽しみながらゴルフカートを運転して楽しかったです！お父さん、ありがとうね！いつか、日本にゴルフしに来てね！

My Mom

2011-09-21T13:10:00.004+09:00

Most of you have either met my mom or seen pics of her before, I'm sure. Many of you are even Facebook friends with her, perhaps? Anyhow, the lady on the right is my Mom. The other lady is my lovely Auntie Marie -- my mom's baby sister. Well anyways, I was so delighted to be able to spend time with my mom on this trip back. She is a lovely lady that I look up to greatly and wow, I cannot express my thanks to her! Many of you sons out there can relate, I am sure. Moms are the BEST! Love you Mom! (Love you too, Auntie Marie!)

僕のお母さんに会ったことある人も多くて、フェイスブックで友だちになっている人も何人かいます。この写真は、お母さん（右）とおばさん（左）のツーショットです。おばさんは、遠い所からおばあちゃんの誕生日のお祝いのために来てくれました。９人中の末っ子ですね。とても人柄が良くて、おもしろいおばさんです。お母さんとまたキャラが違っておもしろいです。今回は、お母さんと時間が過ごせたことを嬉しく思っていました。お母さんは本当に素晴らしい、尊敬すべき存在ですね。言葉で表せないくらい、感謝でいっぱいです。これを読んでいる息子達は、同感できると思います。お母さんは、最高！大好きだよ、お母さん！（おばさんも大好きだよ！）

My Grandma

2011-09-21T12:56:00.003+09:00

I was so blessed to be back in Canada for my grandma's 93rd birthday. Well, technically that was the day we left, but we celebrated a few days early. The whole family gathered, and we ate some good Mennonite staples -- watermelon and roll kuchen, along with some other delights. Anyways, with so many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, my grandma was so delighted to be in the presence of the family on this day. It may not show on her face here, but she really was happy! She is getting old, but still hanging in there. Happy Birthday, Grandma! Love you!

私のおばあちゃんは先月、９３歳になりました。誕生日の３日前に、家族が集まりました。９人の子ども中７人が出席しました。他の２人は遠く住んでいるため、欠席しました。孫は２６人くらいいますが、今日は、１２人が来ました。そして、ひ孫は数えきれないので、統計をやめます（笑）　とにかく、おばあちゃんは、みんなの顔が見れてすごく幸せだったそうです。この写真ではあんまりわからないかもしれませんけど、帰りに、「ステキなパーティーだったねぇ」と言ったそうです。おばあちゃんは少しずつ老いててしまっているけど、まだ強いですよ！おばあちゃん、大好き！お誕生日、おめでとうございます！続けておばあちゃんの健康と幸せを祈っています。

Where is it?

2011-09-20T13:55:00.004+09:00

When I was a kid, we had the best house ever. It wasn't huge, and it wasn't even really pretty... but it had a lot of fun things for kids to do! Pool, trampoline, sauna, basketball hoop, big yard, slopes (for sledding in the winter), hockey rink (winter only, of course), chickens (first year only), lots of trees for climbing, a patio for chilling in, and more! Unfortunately, the "flood of the century" resulted in that house becoming a danger zone, and my parents were forced to move out of the area permanently. The government bought the property and sold the house. It is now somewhere in Manitoba, but not where it once was. so now when I go back to visit, all I see is this:

Sad, but I will always have great and fond memories of that home and my childhood. Thank You, Lord, for giving us humans the ability to remember things for years!

上の写真は何かというと、僕の子どもの頃の実家の土地です。説明させてください。この家は、レッド川の近くに存在していました。１９９７年に、大洪水が起きて、家は無事だったけど、家を囲んでいた土手が崩壊されて、再建するのが高すぎると、政府が判断しました。ので、親がその家を出なければなりませんでした。政府がその土地を買って、家を売って移動させました。残っているのは、土地と樹木だけです。ちょっと悲しいです。あの家は、最高だった！プールにトランポリン、バスケットのゴールにホッケーのリンク、サウナなど、色んな楽しい設備がありました。神様が僕に「記憶」というものを与えたことに感謝しています。

Go-Karting with the Nephews

2011-09-20T13:47:00.003+09:00

One day in Winnipeg, my bro and his wife invited us to join them as they took their sons go-karting. It had been years since I did any go-karting myself -- I remember getting kicked out for reckless driving back in the day -- so I thought it would be fun. And it was! Myles took turns riding by himself on the kids track, and with us on the grown-up track. Damon rode with his mom. Pizza dinner after the intense riding -- who could ask for a better day?

お兄さんの家族と一緒にゴーカートしました。６歳の甥っ子は、一人でキッズコースで走ったりしましたが、少しつまらなかったので、大人と一緒にも乗っていました。２歳の甥はもちろん、お母さんのカートに乗って楽しんでいました。終わったら、一緒にピザを食べました。楽しい一日をありがとう！

Best Friends -- Canadian Version

2011-09-20T13:33:00.003+09:00

Hard to believe I have known this guy since I was 8 years old. That's a lot of years already! Rick and I played on the same hockey team for a year, but never really talked a lot through elementary and junior high (we are a year apart in age). Then in high school we started hanging out, and before we knew it, we were best friends. Well, it was a foursome that eventually got pared down to us two. But anyways, Rick has been an outstanding friend that I could talk about anything with. And talk we did! Countless nights at Perkins, in his basement, in mine, we were roommates for a few months, I was the best man at his wedding, and now all that awaits is his long-promised trip to Japan! One thing might prevent that from becoming a reality: his newborn son! Congratulations to Rick and Danny on the birth of Remi... cute little guy! We had a great visit during my trip back to Canada. Though distance separates us and communication is becoming less frequent, true friendships survive the test of time! Love you, buddy! I'm excited about how life has turned out for you: great wife, healthy son, promising career!

僕は、リックに出会ったのが８歳の頃だった。僕が田舎に引っ越した１年目に、僕らは同じホッケーチームに入っていた。それから小学時代や中学時代はそんなに話さなかった。なぜなら、リックは僕より年下だからです。でも、高校時代はまた友だちになって、いつも４人で遊んだりしてた。もう２人は離れてしまったが、僕とリックはずっとメールのやり取りで関係を続けています。色んなことを一緒にした。バスケ、バンド（僕は１日ぐらいでやめたけど）、食事したり、ライブに行ったり、食事したり、テレビゲームしたり、食事したり、スポーツ観戦したり、食事などで、常に一緒だった。それに、数ヶ月間、ルームメートだった。それに、リックの結婚式に、僕がベストマン（介添人）だった。まだ一緒にしたことないのは、日本で時間を過ごすことぐらいです。ずっと前から「遊びに来るから」と約束されたけど、最近、リックにカワイイ息子が生まれたため、しばらくは実現されないだろう。でも、リックの生活を見てすごく幸せそうだから、彼のサポーターとしてがんばります！

The Other Brother

2011-09-11T08:24:00.004+09:00

Most of you know that I have two brothers. My last post was about the younger one, so this one will be about the elder. I have only recently understood how I feel about my older brother. I know he is not perfect, but he is one of my heroes. I admire so many things about him -- the way he is raising his sons, the way he thinks about the earth, his adventurous side, his intelligence, his ability to remain quiet (something I have difficulties with), and his awesome skills. One of those skills is photography, and he blessed us by taking engagement photos while we were back visiting. One of the results is below, and I think you'll agree with me that he's got a gift (and that my fiancee is pretty darn good looking!). Thanks, Ash! It was awesome spending time with you and the family, and I hope we can do so more in the future! (By the way, I look a LOT taller than my bro in this pic, but in fact I'm only 2 inches taller. I think I was standing on higher ground than he was.)

この前の投稿は、弟についてでした。僕には、お兄さんもいます。つい最近、お兄さんに対しての気持ちがわかるようになった。彼はもちろん完璧な人間ではないけど、僕のヒーローのような存在です。彼は色んな面において才能を持っています。子育てが上手で、環境の扱いが慎重で、色んなことに挑戦していて、頭が良くて、良く口に注意していて、写真がとっても上手です。私たちがカナダにいた時に、エンゲージメントフォトを撮ってくれました。公園や田舎で、色んな角度から、色んなポーズをきれいに撮ってくれた。その写真の一つは、上の写真です。上手でしょ？そして、僕のフィアンセはキレイでしょ（笑）？お兄さん、ありがとう！家族と時間が過ごせて嬉しかった！またやろうな！

The Brother

2011-09-06T21:21:00.004+09:00

Perhaps some of you can relate to this. I got to visit with my younger brother Jay on the west coast, before making the trip in to Winnipeg to visit the rest of the family. I seldom get to see my bro, and we certainly do not keep in great touch... but there is something about a younger brother that is special. I was so blessed to spend time with him, even if we didn't "do" anything but shop for kites and other things. I am so blessed to have two awesome brothers, but I really do wish we lived closer together, or saw each other for more than a few hours per year. Love you, Jay!

同情できる人は何人かいると思います。私は、この旅に久しぶりに弟に会う事ができました。１年に数時間しか一緒に過ごせないし、別にいっぱい連絡取っているわけではないけど、弟は特別な存在です。主にそのすばらしい贈り物／関係が与えられて感謝でいっぱいです。もっと近く住んだら良いのにとすごく思う。短い間だったけど、会えて嬉しかったよ、ジェイ！

Best Friends

2011-09-06T21:10:00.003+09:00

去年の４月から、ずっと心に穴が空いていた。沖縄を出て、僕のベストフレンドのジョシュさんと会えなくなりました。離れて２週間後くらいに、ジョシュさんの結婚式に出席することができたけど、その後は、ほとんど話さないで離ればなれになってしまった。寂しかった！でも、このカナダの旅に、少しだけアメリカにジョシュさんに会いに行きました。奥さんのクリスティーにも会って嬉しかったです。二人はとても元気で、相変わらず周りを祝福しています。続けてペリー一家のために祈りましょう。

I can honestly say that from April of last year, there has been something of a hole in my heart. I left Okinawa, and with that, I left behind my best friend, Josh. A few weeks later I was at his wedding, but since then we hardly ever spoke, and it was a really lonely time for me. But on this trip back to Canada, I was able to visit with him and his wife, Kristi! They are still doing what they always do -- blessing people around them. Yumi and I were blessed to be able to spend time with them. Let's keep praying for the Perry family!

Welcome to Canada!

2011-09-06T21:04:00.003+09:00

Last month, Yumi and I flew into Canada and were greeted at the airport by one of my favourite uncles and aunties: Pete and Alice. It was so great to see familiar faces right upon landing in Canada, and we had a sweet time of food and fellowship together. Thanks for the hospitality and help, Uncle Pete & Aunt Alice!

先月、友美と二人でカナダに行きました。バンクーバーに着いたら、すぐに大好きなおじさんとおばさんに会いました。一緒に食事して、交わったり励まし合ったりして本当に良かったです。ピートおじさん、アリスおばさん、お世話になりました。ありがとう！

Adullam in Kobe

2011-08-31T09:00:00.003+09:00

This is the church group I have been worshiping with here in Kobe. A very tight-knit group, filled with love and a desire to worship the Lord with all their hearts.

神戸でこのグループと主を賛美しています。みんなが親切で、心を尽くして神様を拝んでいます。

Sweet Reunion

2011-08-31T08:48:00.004+09:00

神戸市へ移住して１週間も経っていない内に、沖縄からの親友に会う事ができました。今年の春に結婚したロバートさんと愛妻の梨香さんが、愛媛県の帰りに、神戸に来ました。一緒に食事ができて、本当に良かったです。ロバートともっと会いたくなりましたが、神様の恵みによって、ゆっくり話せて嬉しかったです。これからもワンダーリッチご夫妻の幸せを祈っています。

Within a week of moving to Kobe, I was able to meet up with one of my close friends from Okinawa. Robby and his lovely wife Rika were on their way back to Okinawa from Ehime. They flew out of Kobe Airport, so Yumi and I decided to meet them at Sannomiya and have lunch together. It was a short visit, and made me want to have Rob nearer to me here, but I was so blessed by God's grace. I will continue to pray for happiness and blessings upon the Wunderliches.

New Apartment

2011-08-31T08:34:00.004+09:00

Well, it's been a long time since I have put anything up here. Finally, I have regular Internet access and a bit of time (for the next day, then I start work), so I suppose I can share a bit of what is happening. It has been 6 weeks since I moved to Kobe now. Wow! It is HOT here... hotter than Okinawa, in the summer, even! But I think things will start to cool down a little in September, and will be comfortably warm come October. Can't wait! Anyways, here's a shot of my new apartment building. It's really small -- 6 suites in all -- and is situated next to the highest-ranked (academically) high school in all of Japan. No, I will not be working there come September -- my school's a few kilometers down the road and a steep bus ride up the mountain from where I live. Anyways, this apartment is temporary housing for me -- I am hoping to move into something a little more comfortable (fit for two, for sure) in the spring.

久しぶりです。神戸へ引っ越しして６週間くらいになっていますが、昨日はやっとインターネットがつながりました。神戸は、一言でいうと、暑い！沖縄よりも暑い！でも、あと１ヶ月くらいで少し涼しくなりそうです。もう、夏はいい！早く秋になってほしい！（実は、早く春になってほしいけどねぇ。。。）この写真は、僕のアパートです。比較的に小さい建物ですが、すぐ側には、日本一の高校です。今度、僕が勤める高校ではありません。それは、ここから数キロ離れています。今のアパートはとにかく一時的です。春になったら、もっと快適な（２人用の）アパートに引っ越しする予定です。

Cleaning Crew

2011-07-14T15:58:00.003+09:00

昨日は、アパートの大掃除をしました。以前に不動産屋さんで働いていたマスマスさんのアドバイスと力を借りて、５人で完璧にしました。みんなの助けなしにはできなかった。みんな、ありがとう！終わったら、僕にとって、最後の札幌ラーメンを食べに行きました。これよりおいしいラーメンはあるかもしれませんけど、虎鉄はナマラおいしいと思います。特に、味噌ラーメンが絶品です。食べながら、楽しい話をし、最後に土砂降りの雨だったので、みんなを送りました。ヤスオ君以外ね。彼は、自転車で走るのが好きで、とても元気がある青年ですので、彼は夜遅く、雨の中で１時間の帰り道を自転車で走りました。すごいですね！みんな、ありがとう！札幌の仲間を一生、忘れません！

Yesterday after the movers took all my stuff away, I had to clean my apartment real good. Thanks to my neighbour, who used to work for a housing agency, I had the help (and the tips) to make my apartment spotless! Five of us worked hard for a few hours and the place was spic-and-span come evening. So what better way to celebrate than to go out for ramen? One last ramen meal in Sapporo... a man can't really ask for much more than that. As always, Kotetsu was awesome. I will be back for Sapporo ramen one day, for sure. In the meantime, I want to thank my friends for their time and kind hearts. I will not forget you!

Empty Nest

2011-07-13T16:33:00.003+09:00

The movers came and took all my stuff away. Now it's just me, a suitcase, this computer, and a few other small belongings, until Monday. I hop on the ferry in just over 24 hours, arrive in Kyoto in just over 48 hours, and then drive down to my final destination the next morning. So Saturday, I will have a new address and a new apartment! The excitement never ends, does it?

引っ越し屋さんが私の所有物を全部、トラックに運んでくれました。僕のアパートに残っているのは、スーツケースとパソコンと数少ないの物。そして私。２４時間後には、フェリーに乗ります。約４８時間後には、京都府に到着します。その翌日は、最終目的地に（車で）行きます。土曜日からは、新しい住所とアパートがあります。ワクワクしてますねぇ！

Last Calvary Chapel Sapporo Service

2011-07-12T16:40:00.004+09:00

Another "final" for me -- at least as a citizen of Sapporo City. Sunday evening we gathered as usual (well, we started 2 hours early) to worship the Lord. After worship, communion and the Word, we had a HUGE meal, lots of dessert, played games, chatted, and finished around 9pm (our usual finishing time). So it was a full day of fellowship. I love the little Calvary Chapel Sapporo family that has developed - from those who are there week in and week out, to the semi-regulars, to the first-timers! Great atmosphere, and always great food! Calorie Chapel lives!

先日はまた"ラスト"の何かでした。今回は、札幌市民としての最後の日曜礼拝でした。いつも通りに神様の御名を賛美するために集いましたが、今回は２時間早くしました。そして、賛美、聖餐式、メッセージの後は、ごちそうがありました。みんなが美味しいものを持って来てくれて、お腹いっぱいになりました。それにゲーム、ゆんたくタイム（うちなんちゅもいたから、そう言える）、いっぱい共に喜びました。私に色んなプレゼントが与えられて嬉しかったです。カロリーチャペル札幌の皆さんが大好きです！これからも主の御心に従って歩んでほしいです。そして皆さんの信仰がますます強くなり、札幌にイエスキリストの素晴らしい救いが広まりますように！

My Final Yuni Day

2011-07-09T11:25:00.002+09:00

Thursday night was my last time out to Yuni for the weekly Bible study. It was great to spend time in fellowship with Hayashi-san, Yumiko-san, and Harumi-san. I am sad to not be able to partake anymore, but I know God has left them in good hands -- His. Steve and Michiyo plan on continuing to go out every week, preaching the Word of God boldly! Last week, Yumiko accepted Christ into her heart, and it's just a matter of time before the floodgates open! We want to see Yuni saved!

先週は、由美子さんがイエスキリストを受け入れました。ハレルヤ！これからは、何人が救われるでしょう？楽しみですね！残念ながら、この前の木曜日、私は宣教師として最後の由仁町の訪問をしました。林さん、由美子さん、春美さんとの交わりは本当に感謝しています。主イエスの御手に３人のたましいを委ねます。どうぞ主よ、３人に続けて語りかけてください。アーメン！

So Long, ULA!

2011-07-08T15:36:00.003+09:00

I spent 12 of my 14 months in Sapporo working at ULA, a little English language school a few blocks from downtown. I had many great memories there, and really enjoyed the atmosphere. The boss was very kind to me, and the students were especially fun to teach. Thanks for the great memories, and I hope to stop by and visit someday! At the very least, I'll send postcards or pictures from Kobe when I get there!

札幌市に引っ越しして２ヶ月後には、ULAに勤めるようになりました。とても雰囲気の良い英会話スクールです。生徒さんもボスもとても優しくて、行くのがいつも楽しかったです。たくさんの良い思い出をありがとうございました。機会がありましたら、また遊びに行きます！せめて神戸からハガキか写真を送ります。

Free Advertising for Jacksonville

2011-07-08T15:28:00.005+09:00

One of my friends down in Tokyo told me about a good burger shop in Sapporo. How did he hear about it? He met the owner before the restaurant had even opened - my friend is from Oregon and this guy had been living there for several years already. Now, he is back in Japan, and makes the best burgers in Sapporo! If you get the chance, head over to Jacksonville!

東京にいる友達に札幌の美味しいハンバーガーの店を紹介してくれました。彼は、オレゴン州出身で、この店の店長はオレゴン州に１５年（？）住んでいて、現在は日本に帰国して札幌市内のナンバーワンバーガーショップを経営しています。皆さん、機会がありましたら、ジャクソンビルに足を運んでください。ナマラ美味しい！上に写真は、友人のヤスオ君とユウタ君です。

Farewell, River Language School!

2011-07-05T12:21:00.003+09:00

In the days ahead, I am sure to be saying "goodbye" to many people. The second group of people (after this one) include my students and boss at River Language School, located in Ebetsu. I was fortunate to be given the chance to teach here after having lost a few hours of precious work at a different workplace. So it is with great thanksgiving towards Mr. Hashimoto (above), and with a tinge of sadness, that River is flowing like water under the bridge and I move on.

The Kuno Family - always cheerful and a great way to start the night

Mr. Iwata - one of the funniest doctors I have ever met

Mr. Tsuchiya - a software designer and ramen aficionado

ちょうど勤務時間が減った時に、リバー語学学校の橋本さんから電話がありました。あれから８ヶ月後、皆さんとの別れになりました。生徒さんもボスもすごく優しくて、月曜日がいつも楽しみにしていました。皆さんの顔が見れなくなるのは寂しいけれど、これからも英語を楽しく学んでほしいです。そしていつか将来にまた会う機会がありましたら英語で話しましょう！

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-02T11:11:00.004+09:00

It's already July 2 here in Japan, and it's getting there in Canada as well, but technically we are still celebrating the founding of my home and native land... Canada is a great country, and I am proud to be part of it, even if I do not live there anymore! I am looking forward to my upcoming visit next month. In the meantime, look what I found as I was looking through my stuff in preparation for my move! Old Canadian money! Love it! I wonder if it's worth anything more than its face value?

７月１日はカナダ・デーです。（投稿している時はまだカナダ時刻では、１日ですよ！）私の母国の誕生日です。１４４歳になりました。おめでとうございます！私はカナダ生まれ育ちのことを誇らしく思っています。そして、来月の滞在を本当に楽しみにしています。話は少し変わりますが、先日に、引っ越しの準備をしている時に、これを発見しました。カナダの古い通貨ですね！懐かしい！キレイ！額面以上の価額があるかな？

Me and Shion-baba, Part 2

2011-07-02T11:04:00.003+09:00

Roughly a year ago, I posted about Steve and Michiyo's daughter, Shion Viktoria. Well, this year she doubled in age and will be 2 very soon. She is growing bigger, faster, smarter, and cuter. I still enjoy holding her and being her uncle. I will miss Shion dearly, but am blessed to have had the chance to see her grow up for over a year, and I look forward to seeing her again in the future.

ほぼ１年前に、友人の娘の史恩（しおん）について投稿しました。あの時から、年齢が倍になってて、もうすぐ２歳になります。大きくなってると同時に動きが速く、頭が鋭く、見た目が可愛くなって来ています。今もおじさんとして史恩を抱っこしたり遊んだり笑わしたりするのが大好きで、史恩に会えなくなるのは寂しく思っています。でもまた将来に会えることを信じているので、その日を楽しみにしています。

Puzzling...

2011-07-02T10:56:00.003+09:00

It has probably been 5 years since I have sat and done a puzzle. I don't know if they are time well spent, or if I should be putting that time towards other things. But once the whole thing is done, it always seems like it was worthwhile. Puzzles are also great analogies for a lot of life's mysteries. What do you all think about puzzles -- fun? waste of time? puzzling?

先日は久しぶりにパズルを組み立てました。あんなものに時間を費やして良いのかと時々思っていますが、パズルを完成したらなんか、達成感が味わえると思います。皆さんはパズルにとって、どう思いますか？何か意見がありましたらぜひ、聞かせてください。

New Job - NOT in Sapporo!

2011-06-29T23:29:00.004+09:00

Well, I have kind of been delaying this news for awhile. At least I didn't change the post-date and hide it lower in my blog, as I did with this bit of news! Anyways, in my last post, I said it was "too bad" I was only working at DLS for another 2 weeks. The reason? Well, watch the video below, but I think the picture above gives you a hint about it. Can I just say I am beyond excited about the changes going on in my life? And can I also just say that God is GOOD? I will say both. I did say both. Rejoice in the Lord!

この投稿をちょっと後回しにしてしまいました。でもまぁ、この投稿みたいに日付を変更してブログの奥に隠したわけではありません！前の更新に、DLSはあと２週間しかないことを残念に思っていると書いたと思いますが、その理由は書きませんでした。以下のビデオを見てくれたらおわかりになると思いますが、上の写真がヒントになります。神様が最近、私にたくさんの祝福を与えています。本当に喜びでいっぱいです。幸せです！そして、これからの生活は、本当に楽しみにしています。主にハレルヤ！

New Job in Sapporo?

2011-06-25T21:53:00.004+09:00

Actually, one of the reasons that I stopped working at Kumon was because of the position I got at an English conversation school downtown, near Sapporo Station. The name of the school is DLS - Downtown Language School. There are actually lessons in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Chinese, and maybe some other obscure languages I have forgotten about! As you may have guessed, I teach English. I also have one French student, and occasionally am asked to teach other lessons in French, too. But 90% of my workload is English. The students are all very motivated and energetic and fun. It's a great place to work, and it's too bad I only have 2 more weeks there. Why, you may ask? My next post, whenever that might be, will reveal that to you...

公文のアルバイトをやめた理由の一つは、新しいアルバイトが与えられたからです。そのバイトは、札幌駅に近くある語学スクールで英語を教えるバイトです。まぁ、一人のフランス語の生徒もいますが。DLS（ダウンタウンランゲージスクール）は、英語を中心に、色んな言語のレッスンを提供しているカラフルなスクールです。英語以外には、フランス語、ドイツ語、スペイン語、イタリア語、韓国語、中国語などが楽しく教えられています。色んな楽しい先生方もいるし、月に一回くらいは、特別なイベントなどがあります。すごく心地の良い職場ですから、あそこで残り２週間しかないのは残念に思っています。「なぜやめるのですか」と聞きたい方々は、次の投稿を読んでください。いつ更新するかはわからないけど、そのうちには、大きなニュースを公表します。

Farewell Party

2011-06-25T21:41:00.005+09:00

I started working at Kumon about 2 weeks after my arrival in Sapporo, last May. It was such a blessing to have employment, no matter what the form, as soon as I arrived here! God is good! Well, at the end of April, I resigned from my position, in anticipation of other things God was going to do in my life. As it turned out, my May and June have been fairly lax, and the busy rush of April was a one-month deal. But anyways, yesterday, Mrs. Yahashi (my boss, sitting on my right in the picture) decided to throw me a farewell party, 2 months after my final work day there! It was a blessed time of food, fellowship, and sending me off.

札幌に来て２週間後から、公文教室で勤めることになりました。神様は本当に忠実なお方だから、すぐに仕事が与えられました。春になって、いろいろと忙しくなるだろうと思って公文のアルバイトをやめました。結局は、４月だけが忙しくて、その後はわりとのんびりしています。昨日は、矢橋先生が私のために送別会を計画してくれました。おいしい食事の後、甘いケーキをごちそうしてもらいました。皆さんと楽しい時間が持たれて、感謝しています。公文教室の仕事も、矢橋先生との出会いも、子どもたちに触れる機会も、すべて感謝しています。

A Special Place

2011-06-19T14:56:00.003+09:00

Joe and I went out for a drive on Thursday. As we were heading towards Furano, we came across someplace unexpected, so we pulled off the main road and checked it out. I hope you enjoy this little video! (Subtitles take longer than you might think!) Hokkaido really, truly is beautiful in the summer time! Come on out and visit, if you get the chance!

木曜日に、ジョーとドライブしに行きました。富良野市に向かった途中、予想外な場所を見つけましたので、少しだけ見に行った。このビデオを楽しんでください。字幕を入れるのに時間がけっこうかかりました！

北海道の夏は本当に美しいです。機会があったら、遊びにいらっしゃい！

Joe's Visit

2011-06-18T21:15:00.003+09:00

Just a few hours after Simon flew back down to Tohoku to continue his volunteer work, I was at the airport to pick up another friend who had come from Okinawa to visit. This was an expected visit, so I was ready to show Joe around, take him out for good food, and just catch up on old times. Unfortunately I had to work a couple of hours every day that he was here, except for Thursday, but we still got out a bit, and checked out some sights.

Joe is a good friend and I was blessed to be able to spend time with him again after 3 months of not seeing each other. I hope I get the chance to hang out with him again in the near future -- perhaps not in Hokkaido, though. Where will you bring us together again, Lord?

才門が北海道を出た３時間後ぐらいにもう一人の友人が北海道に来てくれました。ジョーさんはずっと前から来ようとしていたが、都合がつかずに延長になってしまった。今回は、４泊５日の滞在でした。残念ながら、僕はほぼ毎日アルバイトがあって、遠くまでドライブができなかったけど、木曜日には芦別市まで行って、富良野市には入ってすぐに由仁町のほうに戻ってしまった。ジョーと色んな話をして、たくさんの美味しい物を食べて最高のひと時でした。

３ヶ月ぶりの再会ができて主に感謝しています。前回は沖縄、今回は北海道、次はどこで再会するでしょう？神様に任せます！

Simon's Visit

2011-06-13T21:00:00.001+09:00

沖縄で知り合った、現在、東北被災地でボランティアしている静岡県出身のティーンチャレンジスタッフの才門（さいもん）が、先週末に急に北海道に来ました。３泊、私のアパートに泊まりました。彼は、いろんな用事がありましたけど、空いている時間には、僕と札幌を満喫しました。主な行事は、食事だったけど、羊ヶ丘にも行って、祈りの時間をも持って、そしてビデオをも鑑賞しました。楽しい週末でした。神様は私たちをいつ、どこに行かすのがわからない時もありますが、必ず祝福があります。今回は才門との時間、心から感謝しています。

I met Simon the Shizuoka-native Teen Challenge staffer / Samaritan's Purse Tokoku volunteer back in Okinawa around 4 years ago. Last weekend, he made a sudden trip up to Hokkaido. While his schedule was quite busy, he did stay at my place for 3 nights, and we hung out whenever he was free. We mostly went out eating, but we also went to Sheep Hill and also spent time praying for each other and also watching movies. We never know when God is going to move us, to send us out somewhere... but I am so glad, and I was so blessed, to have been able to spend these 3 days with my bro.

Yuni - A New Beginning

2011-06-10T20:49:00.001+09:00

Well, we are no longer able to minister at the Yuni Ministry Center -- but God has opened the door for us to rent a room at the community center every Thursday for a very reasonable price. It is spacious and allows us to set up our sound equipment, play a worship set, and go through the Word little by little with the people who want to hear more about Jesus. Praise God!

And of course, it is also nice to be able to eat a good meal afterwards at Harumi's husband's shop -- Ajitori. Steve has taken to the sashimi lately, but I'll stick to the chicken on rice or the ramen!

私たちはもはや由仁伝道所で礼拝を持つことができません。だが、神様は、新しい場所を備えてくださいました。由仁町の公民館（？）で、一つの部屋を借りて、賛美してから御言葉の勉強を、前と変わらずにやっています。現在は、３人がよく来ています：春美さん、由美子さん、林さんの３人です。

礼拝の後は必ず春美さんのご主人のお店（味とり）に行って、美味しい食事を共にしています。最近、スティーブさんは刺身にハマっていますが、私は毎週、鳥丼かラーメンにします。

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

2011-06-06T12:11:00.002+09:00

So I guess this post is worthy of 3,000 words. But you will get just these. Enjoy the pics, and ask me in person (e-mail or phone will do fine, too) if you want to know more. You'll get your 3,000 words of stories from me! Praise the Lord!

百聞は一見にしかず。それなら、この投稿は３００聞分でしょう？とりあえずは、これっきりです。写真をゆっくり見てください。詳しく知りたい方は、メールでも電話でもかまいませんので、聞いてください。３００聞分、話してあげます！主にハレルヤ！

Keep on Running

2011-05-27T13:03:00.002+09:00

I feel like the blog has gotten a little stagnant. I have not updated in awhile. Some things that are going on are not worth reporting at all, and others are so big that I don't feel the blog is the right forum for them. So for those of you who are "in" -- you know who you are because you know what's really going on -- and for those of you who are just casual observers -- here's a little insignificant update.

I am running again in 2011... trying to be consistent but not always having huge success. However, today I ran my usual route (which is about 3 miles / 4.8km) and did it in record time! I'm not sure the exact time, but it was around the 23-minute mark. That puts me about a full minute faster than my previous best! I attribute it to my recent weight loss. I am proud to say that somehow I have lost approximately 1/7 of my body weight since last November. Now the goal is to keep that weight off for good! So as my blog title says, I will "keep on running."

私の近況は２つに分ける事ができます。１つは、平凡すぎてブログに載せる価値がないこと。もう１つは、大きすぎてブログじゃなくて、直接伝えたいこと。身内の人たち（私の本当の近況を知っている人たちですね）とその他、ブログをご覧になっている皆さんにこれが伝えられます。

今年もジョギングに挑戦しています。なるべく週３回に行きたいんですが、なかなかできない自分がいます。でも、今日はいつものルートを走って（4.8キロ）、新記録を果たしました。前の自己ベストより１分早かった！なぜそれができるかというと、去年の１１月以来、私は体重の７分の１を落としてしまったからです。これから、体重が上がらないように努力して行きたいです。だから、ブログのタイトルは「Keep on Running」（走り続ける）です。

Spring has Sprung!

2011-05-16T13:38:00.004+09:00

Well, finally Sapporo is starting to look a little warmer. (It still doesn't feel too warm, mind you!) Yesterday I got out and attended a cherry blossom viewing party. Unfortunately, the day before was rather rainy and windy, so many of the blossoms had fallen off the trees. It was still chilly and not too comfortable standing outside for 3+ hours. But God is good, and I had a great time mingling with co-workers and students from my newest part-time workplace. The food was great, too! Two of my bosses are professional cooks, and they made the largest paella in Japan! SO good! I am looking forward to some nicer weather here, at last!

花見パーティ＝春がやって来ました。札幌はまだ寒くて、沖縄の真冬より涼しいです！でも、少しずつ，温度が上がって行っています。昨日は新しいバイト先の人たちとパーティしました。円山公園は本当に人でいっぱいでした！駐車場もなくて、３０分くらい停める場所を探しました。残念ながら、パーティの前日は雨と風で桜は散ってしまいましたので花を見るより美味しい食べ物を楽しむ時間でした。職場の上司の二人は元料理人なので、日本一のパエリアを作ってくれました。とっても美味しかったです！これからの夏は楽しみにしています。

Tohoku - Day 3

2011-05-08T21:17:00.002+09:00

最後の日は少し短くて楽でした。朝の予定はもっとも酷い被災地の石巻市にいく予定があったけどキャンセルになりました。だから、少し遅く起きて（６時くらい）デボーションを聞いてからまた牛網区避難所へ出かけました。今日は、何人かがまた千葉さんの家に行って掃除をしましたが、他の人が畑へ行って種まきをしました。私は避難所に残って子どもたちと遊びました。瀬谷さんも残って、子ども達に習字を教えたり、T−シャツのプリントなどを書かせたりをしました。しばらくしたら、私はどうしても労働がしたくて千葉さんの家へ出かけました。あそこでゆっくり千葉さんと話をして、一生懸命聞き取ろうとしましたけどやっぱり東北弁は難しいですね。

また避難所に戻ってみんなとバーベキューランチを食べてから片付けをして、別れの挨拶をして帰りました。帰りの運転も火曜日と同様に大変でした。道が非常に混雑してて１０時間以上かかりました。身体的にも精神的にも疲れ果てて神様の力なしには絶対に無事に帰れなかったけど深夜１２時くらいに東京に到着しました。帰り道に、周りのメンバーにたくさん声をかけてもらったり、アイスクリームの話で盛り上がったり（もちろん、食べましたよ、２回）して本当に３日間だけ知り合った人たちと仲良くしました。神様に感謝します！ハレルヤ！また東北へ行く機会が与えられたら行きます！

The third day was a little more lax than the others. We had intended to go check out Ishinomaki in the morning, where the worst of the tsunami damage was, but because we feared getting caught up in traffic, we abandoned those plans. Instead we woke up late (6:00?) and had breakfast, devotions, and headed back to the Ushiami Evacuation Shelter. Once there, we divided into groups. Some went back to Mr. Chiba's to do more cleaning, others headed out to the fields to plant seeds. I decided to stay at the shelter and play with the kids. Ms. Seya did the same, as she taught kids calligraphy and helped them to make original T-shirts. It was a lot of fun!

But after awhile, I felt like I needed to do some physical labor, so I headed to Mr. Chiba's. I helped out a bit and then sat and talked with him and his friends. Wow, Tohoku Japanese really IS hard to understand! Anyways, then we headed back to the center for barbecue lunch, cleaned up, and said good-bye to everyone there. The drive back, as predicted, was hard. We left the center at 1:30pm and didn't get back to Tokyo until around midnight. I was so beat. Physically and mentally drained, I still managed (by God's grace) to get us back safely. I also received help from the people in the car, who kept my mind engaged by talking about ice cream among other things (yes, we ate ice cream twice on the ride back). Amazing - I only spent 3 days with the people, but I felt like I got to know them really well, and hope we can meet up again sometime. If God gives me the chance to head out to Tohoku again, I will gladly go! Give me another chance, Lord!

Tohoku - Day 2

2011-05-07T20:54:00.000+09:00

宮城県東松島市に着いたのは、火曜日の夜９時過ぎでした。牛網区避難所に行って、管理人の千葉さんに暖かく歓迎してもらいました。２時間くらい話した後、宿に行ってお風呂入って就寝しました。翌朝、早起きしてみんなと一緒に食事してデボーションを聞いて祈って出ました。目的地は、奥松島にある木村さんの自宅でした。木村さんは日本刀を集めていて、高価な刀をたくさんもっていました。今回はその多くを家から取り出す事ができました。

その後、松島（日本三景の名所）に行って焼き餅を食べてから次の場所へ移りました。そこは、牛網にある千葉さん（管理人ではなく、もう一人の千葉さん）の家で、庭のヘドロを取り除く作業でした。けっこうハードな仕事だったけど主の喜びに溢れてみんなと楽しくできました。夜は、牛網区避難所でバーベキューや余興がありました。美味しい醤油チキンとサラダとご飯とキムチと漬け物とプルーンが食べれて良かったです。カルバリーチャペル府中の牧師の奥さんのキャンディスさんがフラダンスを披露した後、三輪ご一家が６人で賛美をし、長女の愛（めぐみ）ちゃんがマジックショーをしてくれました。とても楽しい一日でした。主の恵みを感じました。

We arrived kind of late on the first night, and spent much of the evening speaking with Mr. Chiba. We were so tired when we got back to our inn past 11pm, that we did a quick bath time and then headed to bed. The next morning we got up early, had breakfast together, did a quick devotion, and then headed off to our first destination: Mr. Kimura's house on Okumatsu Island. He is an avid samurai sword collector, and many of his valuable swords were still in his house, so we were able to retrieve many of them. He also had armor dating back to the Edo period. Amazing stuff. It was hard to see a house so badly damaged on the inside, but Mr. Kimura appeared relieved to be able to get some of his stuff out before the home was scheduled to be demolished.

After a light lunch at Matsushima (one of the top 3 sites in Japan), we headed to Mr. Chiba's (a different one from the man who met us at the evacuation center) to clean out his garden. It was filled with sludge and all sorts of other junk... it was hard work, but we were able to do a joyful work until the Lord. Afterwards, we headed back to the center for a barbecue dinner (soy chicken among other things) and a little entertainment to end the night. First, Candice (wife of Pastor Rich of Calvary Chapel Fuchu) did hula and taught some of the ladies some simple moves, then the Miwa family (all 6 of them) performed some worship songs, and finally their eldest daughter Megumi did a little magic show. The people really received everything well, and it was a great night during which we were able to experience God's grace.

Headed to Tohoku

2011-05-06T21:47:00.000+09:00

So here we go! We're heading out to Tohoku (Northeastern Japan) to assist with disaster relief. The team consists of 8: Kiyo and Taeko, three of their church members (Kyuki-san, Arai-san, and Seya-san), two evacuees (Kimura-san and Ueda-san), and myself. We took two vans. Three of us drove. The cargo consisted of our gear, plus tons of kimchee and pickled vegetables, and boxes of tracts and Bibles. Normally the drive takes 4 hours, but because it was Golden Week, it took us about 10 hours just to get to Soma City (Fukushima Prefecture). From there, we still had about 90 minutes or so to get to our destination, Higashi Matsushima City.

When we arrived at the Ushiami Evacuation Center, we were greeted warmly by Mr. Chiba, the man who is running the place. He is so well-organized and takes good care of the people there, and also makes sure all helpers/guests receive thanks and respect. So he offered us coffee, and we sat and talked with him for an hour or two. Not only was I tired from the long drive, but listening to his Japanese was SO hard! It is said that Tohoku Japanese is among the hardest to understand in the entire nation. Imagine listening to someone from rural Alabama, or West Liverpool (no offense if any of you are from those areas!)... so I got to the inn completely exhausted. Still, the first day was a good one. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness!

火曜日の午前７時半に東北の被災地へ出発しました。私たちのチームは８名で成りました。清正さん、多栄子さん、瀬谷さん、久喜さん、新井さん、木村さん（目的地の東松島から東京へ避難した方）、植田さん（福島県から東京へ避難した方）、そして私でした。３人の運転手がヴァン２台をロテーションをして走らせた。貨物は韓国の教会が作ってくれたキムチ、漬け物、トラクト、聖書、そして私たちの道具や荷物でした。普段４時間がかかりますが、ゴールデンウィークのため、１０時間ぐらいかかりました！すごい混雑していました。

最初は、福島県相馬市にいるキヨマサの母親の知り合いのところに行って、キムチを届きました。本当は掃除の手伝いをもしたかったんですけど５時半に着いたら作業が終わってしまった。その後、ラーメンを食べに行って、夕方７時過ぎに目的地の牛網避難所に着きました。あそこで、管理人の千葉さんに歓迎してもらって、一緒にコーヒーを飲みました。たぶん２時間ぐらい話しました。私は日本語がしゃべれるけど、東北弁は本当にわかりにくいなぁと思いました。幸いにもキヨマサさんは仙台出身で、千葉さんが話したことを標準語に直してくれました。でもその長い旅の後、すんごい疲れていました。宿に着いたのは１１時過ぎで、お風呂入って寝ました。一日目は思ったとおりに行かなかったけど神様が忠実で、いろんな良いことがありました。感謝します。

Monday Night in Tokyo

2011-05-04T20:53:00.001+09:00

I arrived in Tokyo and after hanging out with Mike and the guys at the airport, I headed off to Adachi Ward, to meet the famous Kiyomasa. He was not who I expected him to be, but he was a lot more! Dare I say he looks like a Japanese version of Gilbert Gottfried? You be the judge!

Anyways, it was great to spend an evening getting to know him and his wife, Taeko, before we started our trip up to Miyagi Prefecture.

東京に着いてから足立区のほうに行きました。迎えに来てくれたのは有名な聖書注解者のキヨマサさんでした。一緒におしゃべりしながら夕飯を食べて、そしてアイスクリームを食べに行きました。東北に行く前からアイスを含めて、３日間で４回ぐらいアイスを食べちゃった！やっぱりアイス好き！アイス愛好家の部長です！

Surprise Airport Meeting!

2011-05-04T14:49:00.000+09:00

On Monday, I got to Haneda Airport around 12:30pm, and had planned on meeting up with a good friend of mine from the past, Mike Snider, who is a missionary at Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa. It was great chatting with him, as I find that we have a lot in common with one another. We enjoyed a light lunch at Starbucks, but then headed down to the departure area (he was about to board a flight to Okinawa). I was able to meet up with a few "old friends" there and even met a few new people as well! Travis was there, along with Tokito, and Pastor Tommy. Strangely enough, I have now met Pastor Tommy 4 times in the year since I left Okinawa: in Korea, Okutama, Okinawa, and this time at the airport! Always great to see him, as well as any familiar faces from my past!

月曜日に東京に行きました。僕の目的地は東北だったけど、直便はないだろうと思ってまずは東京に行った。（結局は、札幌から仙台の直便は最近、再び運行されたようです。）羽田空港で、４年半前に出会ったマイケルさんに会う事ができました。彼はカルバリーチャペル所沢の宣教師で、私と多くの共通点があって、話す度に励まされています。スターバックスで軽食をしてから出発ターミナルに行って、たくさんの知り合いに会う事ができました。その中は、トラビス牧師、常斗君、そしてトミー牧師がいました。みんなに会えて良かった！神様、ありがとう！

CC Sapporo in Kotoni

2011-05-01T22:24:00.006+09:00

Steve and John, the other two foreigners!

Tonight we had a full house. Literally. The home church had 14 in attendance, in my little 1 LDK apartment. It was cozy and the worship was flawed (gotta keep practicing guitar) but it was all blessed. The Lord is doing a work, and people are coming to hear His Word and fellowship with His people. All glory to Him! May His name continue to shine brightly in this place, in this city, in this country!

Miwa and Masumasu

今晩は、１４人がカルバリーチャペル札幌に出席しました。私の１LDKのアパートで礼拝を行うのはそろそろ限界かな？まぁ、そんなに狭くは感じませんでしたが、椅子が足りません！神様、私たちに快適な会場を与えてください！待ち望んでいます！そして、私にもっとギターの才能を与えてください！皆さんがあなたの御名を歌いやすくほめたたえるように！すべての感謝、すべての栄光を神様に返します！これからもその素晴らしい名前がこの場所で、また札幌市内、日本全国に大きく響きますように！

Mami-sister, Naoko and Miwa

Michiyo and Tetsuo

Eriko and Naomi

Motoko "Moko" and John

Not pictured: Tetsuharu, Koizumi Mama and Trevor

Farewell, Team!

2011-04-27T12:18:00.000+09:00

Wow, 6 days passed by too quickly. The missionary team from Okinawa was a huge blessing to everyone here. Thank you all SO much for coming! I was probably blessed more than anyone else by your coming - what an encouragement! I pray that the Lord bless you all many times over! Chuck, Yumi, Yoshua, Kazuki, Naoko, Chala, Aya, Anna... you did a great work for the Lord here! Thank you! Miss you!

宣教チームの６日間の宣教旅行は本当にあっという間に過ぎてしまいました。楽しくて大きな祝福でした。来てくれてありがとう！神様に忠実に従って、色んな人に福音を伝えたことを心から感謝しています。主の豊かな祝福が与えられるように！チャック兄、由美姉、ヨシュア兄、一輝兄、直子姉、チャラ姉、あや姉、アンナ姉、ありがとう！神様ありがとう！みんな愛してるよ！

Bible Man

2011-04-26T12:06:00.001+09:00

I could not resist taking a picture of this. Two nights in a row, Kazuki fell asleep with his Bible in hand. Understandable tonight, especially, as the team ate SO much food in their final Hokkaido meal - Genghis Khan (the food, of course) followed by Fruitscake Factory for dessert. Kazuki must have been full... of the Holy Spirit? It was so awesome having the team here, and especially the guys at my house. What a huge blessing.

大変失礼ですが、一輝兄が２晩連続、聖書を抱えながら眠りついたから写真を撮らずには居られなかった。イエス様を本当に愛してるね！特に、この夜はジンギスカンの食べ放題とフルーツケーキファクトリーに行った後だったし、最後の夜だったからきっと疲れてたでしょう。沖縄のチームがここに来たのは本当に大きな祝福だった。特に、男性陣が僕のアパートに泊まったのは大きな喜びでした。

Outreach in Sapporo

2011-04-26T11:49:00.003+09:00

月曜日に沖縄の宣教チームが北海道大学（略して北大）と大通公園でアウトリーチをしました。１２時くらいに北大について、体育館前で賛美をしてトラクトを配りました。また、色んな人と話して、何人かとコンタクトを取れました。そして、チャック兄たちがKGK（キリスト教学生会？）のリーダーの千葉先生とも会いました。

その後は、みんなが作ったおにぎりとサンドイッチを食べてから大通公園へ向かいました。天気予報によって、一日中雨だったはずなんだけど、神様は良くしてくださいました。北大のときはほとんど雨が降らなかった。大通公園でステージを借りて賛美をしてスキットを発表することになってたから、雨が降っていたら誰も通らない！と心配していた。けど、雨が降ったのは、私たちが北大から大通公園へ移動した時だけだった。３０分くらい、晴れていた！ハレルヤ！そして、賛美の間、ヨシュア兄が一人の旅人と福音を伝えて、彼がイエスキリストを受け入れました。スバラシイ！神様、本当にありがとう！

Monday was another outreach day for the Oki team. We first went to Hokkaido University (also known as Hokudai) and played worship in front of the gym. There were lots of students out and about, but they seemed somewhat hardened to the gospel and to our approaches. Still, tracts got into hands, and we were able to make contact with a few people. Also, Chuck and friends were able to meet up with the leader of the Christian circle on campus, Mr. Chiba. Praise the Lord! Then we had lunch at Hokudai (the team made sandwiches and rice balls) and headed out to Odori Park.

The weather forecast was for rain all day, but to our amazement, God did a miracle. It did not rain at all, save for the time while we were driving from Hokudai to Odori Park. We were able to do worship at Hokudai, and again at Odori Park, where we had rented a stage on which we could do worship and the skit. If it had been raining, I doubt anyone would have stopped to listen/watch. But some people did. The team was so enthusiastic about handing out tracts, and so were Steve and Michiyo's kids. In the end, Yoshua led a tourist (from mainland Japan) to Christ. It was awesome!!! Praise the Lord!!!

Easter Service 2011

2011-04-25T11:11:00.002+09:00

Wow, God blessed us with a huge group on Sunday! The mission team from Oki led the entire service. Kazuki led worship with Aya and Naoko, and I was able to play cajon. Then the team participated in the skit (5 of them -- Chuck as God/Jesus, Yoshua as Adam, Naoko, Aya and Anna as temptation/sin), and then Chuck taught the Word with Yumi translating.

After service, we headed next door to a fancy restaurant where we ate crab and other delicacies. It was truly a blessed time of fellowship, as we had at least 26 people in attendance including kids. Thank You, Jesus, for not only dying on the cross but resurrecting from the dead, giving us hope and the promise of eternal life! HE IS RISEN!

イエス様はよみがえられた！ハレルヤ！これが私にとって、札幌での最初のイースター（復活祭）礼拝でした。そしてなんと、２６人くらいが出席してくれました！沖縄の宣教チームが礼拝を最初から最後まで行ってくれました。一輝兄が賛美のリードをし（あや姉も直子姉もボーカルをして、僕がカホーンを叩いた）、チームの５人（チャック兄は神様／イエス様役、ヨシュア兄はアダム役、アンナ姉、あや姉、直子姉は罪／誘惑役）が福音の劇を発表し、そしてチャック兄がメッセージをして、奥さんの由美姉が通訳をしてくれました。とても素晴らしい礼拝でした。

また、礼拝後には隣のレストランで豪華な料理をみんなと一緒に食べました。残念ながら写真は撮っていない。でも、ステキな交わりの時間を持つことができて感謝しています。神様、イエス様、ありがとう。復活の希望を私たちに与えてありがとう！

Yuni Outreach!

2011-04-24T09:51:00.004+09:00

All the months of praying and preparing came down (in part) to this:
数ヶ月の祈りや準備はこのためでした。

So the Bible College students did face painting, egg hunting, egg designing, worship songs, story time, and Okinawa snack time. It was really cool to see how the kids responded. Some got really into it, while others were quietly pondering what was going on. One girl (who lives in Sapporo near the Lorinczes) actually sat quietly and prayed with us and said "amen" at the end of each prayer -- I am sure she was listening carefully.

アウトリーチの内容は、フェイスペイント、玉子探し（エッグハント）、エッグデザイン、賛美、物語（ストーリー）、そしてゆんたくタイム（沖縄のお菓子を食べながらおしゃべりする）、など。子どもたちが真剣に聞いてくれて祈りの時に、一人はそれぞれの祈りの後、はっきりと「アーメン」とみんなと唱えました。彼女は慎重に聞いていたことを信じます。

We had hoped to show The Passion of the Christ to the adults, but because there was an election going on in Yuni, we did not have anyone show up. I am sure we will be given more chances to minister to the adults in the future, though. Keep praying for the people of Yuni, please!

大人には、パッションを上映しようとしていましたが、由仁町で選挙が行われたため、一人も来ませんでした。でも、今度はまた機会が与えられることを信じます。由仁町民のために祈り続けましょう！

Thursday Night in Yuni

2011-04-22T09:02:00.006+09:00

After settling into their new "home" of a few days, the team got ready for evening service. We had three locals in attendance (Yumiko-san, Hayashi-san and Nemori-san) and the 8 team members, plus the Lorinczes and myself. A new record for Yuni Ministry Center, no doubt! Fourteen people, praise the Lord! We had a time of worship, Steve taught out of Psalm 1, and then we headed to Ajitori as we always do, for some delicious food! It was an awesome night, and I could see that the team was getting more and more excited for Saturday's big outreach.

木曜日は、チームと一緒に由仁の伝道所で礼拝を行いました。地元の方３人を含んで、史上最高の１４人が出席しました。ハレルヤ！私たちは賛美のときを持った後、イシュトヴァーンさんが詩篇１篇から教えてくれました。そして大勢でいつも行っている味とりに美味しい鳥丼を食べに行きました。チームの皆さんはまだまだ輝いていてワクワクしていました。土曜日のアウトリーチ、本当に楽しみにしています！

Skit Practice, etc.

2011-04-22T08:49:00.001+09:00

The team has prepared a skit that portrays the gospel story (creation of the world, man's fall, man's redemption) in about 10 minutes. It is very powerful. When they arrived in Yuni on Thursday, immediately they set out practicing some of the small details. I am excited for its debut at Yuni Ministry Center on Saturday. The team is so filled with joy and excitement. It's contagious!

沖縄の宣教チームは、福音（世の創造、人間の墜落、人間の購い）を表しているスキットを準備しています。わずかな１０分間のスキットなんですが、すごい迫力のある劇です。由仁町に到着したら、すぐにスキットの練習に入りました。土曜日の由仁伝道所での「開幕」を楽しみにしています！チームのみんなは本当に喜びでいっぱいです。感染しちゃいそう！

They're Here!

2011-04-21T20:14:00.002+09:00

At long last, the missionary team from Okinawa (Calvary Chapel Ginowan) has arrived! They look great and full of energy and the Holy Spirit. I personally can't wait to spend time with them and to worship alongside them and witness with them! Yuni and Sapporo, here we come!

ようやく着きました！カルバリーチャペル宜野湾から８人の宣教チームが寒い北海道に来てくれています。みんな元気そうで聖霊に満たされている感じがします。沖縄の仲間達と時間を過ごし、共に賛美をし、そして伝道活動をするのを楽しみにしています！由仁町も札幌市も、心の準備しといて！

Hockey Night in Sapporo

2011-04-03T12:40:00.003+09:00

After a hot start to the season, the Sapporo Godzillas have now lost two straight games. And badly. Still, hockey is a lot of fun! I want to get some practice time in, or just work on my positioning or something. Keep on cheering for us, people... and pray for the souls of my teammates who do not know Jesus yet.

札幌ゴジラーズは２連勝の後、２連敗をしてしまいました。それでも、アイスホッケーは楽しいです！私は個人的にもっと上手になるために練習がしたいです。どうぞ、私たちの応援をよろしくお願いします。そしてまだイエス様を知らないチームメートのたましいのために祈ってください。

Sunday Night Services - Home Edition

2011-04-03T12:23:00.003+09:00

Calvary Chapel Sapporo has now moved from ICF Lirabell Church to a home setting. At times, we meet in the Lorincz apartment in Miyanomori. At other times we meet in my apartment in Nijuyonken. It is wonderful to gather in a small, intimate setting and fellowship and worship with fellow believers. Last weekend we gathered in Miyanomori (let's call it MnM for short), and had a sweet time in the Word and in fellowship afterward. This week (tonight) we are meeting in Nijuyonken ("The Vineyard") and hearing out of the book of Genesis. Feel free to join, and feel free to check our blog - I'll try to update it more often as God leads me.

以前にICFリラベル教会で集合しましたが、カルバリーチャペル札幌は現在、家庭集会となっています。ルーリンツさんのアパート（宮の森）で集う時もあれば、僕のアパート（二十四軒）で集う時もあります。こうやって温かい場所で主の御名をほめたたえることができて嬉しいです。先週は宮の森のほうで集まりました。今晩は６時にヴィンヤード琴似（二十四軒）で集まる予定です。創世記から学ぶ予定です。どうぞ、お越し下さい。また、私たちのブログをご覧になってください。主の導きによって、これからはもっと頻繁に更新するつもりです。

The Newells - Lovely Family

2011-03-31T15:36:00.004+09:00

I have known Tim for almost a decade now. Hard to believe! It really was not until he moved to Nago, away from Ginowan, that I started to really appreciate him. And since I moved to Hokkaido, I have missed him even more, and really appreciate our friendship, as well as the man of God that he has become over the years. It was great to stop in at the Newell home (and catch up with Ayu, play sumo with Masaki, and hold Tomoki) while I was in Okinawa. You guys are such a huge blessing and I love you! Praying for you guys!

ティムタクという友達がいます。彼を知り合ってほぼ１０年になっています。信じられない！ティムといろんな思い出があります。日本語の勉強に聖書の学びに伝道にバレーボールの観戦にアカウンタビリティに賛美に通訳に漫才にテニスなど、数えきれないほどあります。沖縄を離れてからにしかティムというすばらしい友達に気づかなかった。神様が私にあんな最高の友達を与えて感謝しています。今回の沖縄の滞在に、ニューエル家に行くことが許されて、ティムとあゆとマサキとトモキとステキなひと時を過ごすことができました。神様、感謝しています。ニューエルファミリー、みんなのために祈って行きます！アイラブユー！

Okisho Reunion!

2011-03-31T15:20:00.003+09:00

沖縄尚学高等学校の国公立文系の英語科。３年間は、ケニー、ユッキー、トレバーというチームが組まれて一緒に生徒達のために一生懸命授業などに取り組んでいました。でも、仕事だけじゃなくて、プライベートでも時々会ったりしている３人でした。（こことこことここを参考にしてください。）先週はほぼ１年ぶりの再会でした。恒例のだいこんの花で会って、おいしい食べ物を食いながら色んな懐かしい話、そして最近の出来事をお互いに分かち合えて最高の２時間でした。ケニー、ユッキー、また近いうち会いましょう！

For a period of three years, a bond was formed between three very different people: Kenney (a native of Nagano Prefecture), Yukky (an Okinawan local) and Trevor (a strange Canadian boy) worked their hardest to make English classes and tests both fun and challenging for the students of the Humanities Department of Okinawa Shogaku High School. But not only did these three work together, they also gathered for fun times together outside of work. (See here and here and here for references.) Last week, I was given the privilege of meeting up with my two closest co-workers for a delicious meal at Daikon no Hana, which was one of our favourite places to wind down. We ate great food, caught up on each other's lives, and reminisced about the past. Great times. Hope to see you both again soon, Kenney and Yukky!

Okinawa Friends - Part 2

2011-03-31T15:09:00.006+09:00

And I'm gonna squeeeeeeeze! Love you, Asa!

I could have taken pictures all night. There were so many familiar, friendly, fabulous faces that I was so happy to see again! Here are a few of the pics of me and my dear friends in Okinawa. Thanks to everyone for making my trip unforgettable! Love you all!

Eder, worship leader extraordinaire

一晩中ずっと写真が撮られても時間が足りなかったかもしれません。沖縄の旅の間、たくさんの愛する兄弟姉妹と久しぶりに会えて本当に嬉しかったです。言葉で表せないくらい最高な旅行でした。また行きたいです。本当に行きたいです。みんな大好き！

Taliya - fellow mixed-blood friend!

Simon, best food friend!

Hiromi, my Okinawan mother

Choichiro, Cotton, and Kazuki, chowing on karaage!

My bowling buddy, Yoshua

The Hokkaido Team

2011-03-31T14:44:00.003+09:00

A few weeks ago, I posted about meeting "the Hokkaido team" on skype to help in the planning of the mission trip. Last weekend, since I was right there in Okinawa, I was able to partake in the meeting with everyone. It was so exciting, and I can see that the Holy Spirit is paving the way for this trip. The team has a burden for the people of Sapporo and Yuni. I hope you can all join me in praying for this trip, and for all the individuals who are coming. Right now the team consists of: Chuck and Yumi, Kazuki, Yoshua, Naoko, Chala, Aya, and Anna. We have several things planned, and it should be an incredibly blessed 6 days. Do a great work in this land, Lord!

数週間前に、スカイプを通して北海道の伝道チームとミーティングしていることを投稿したと思います。先々週の日曜日に沖縄にいたので、生でミーティングに出席することができました。とても祝福されたミーティングでした。チームメンバーの熱心さが伝わり、聖霊様の導きによって色んな計画を立てることができました。続けて祈ってください。現在のミッションチームは、チャックと由美、一輝、ヨシュア、直子、チャラ、あや、アンナの８人です。どうぞ主よ、不完全な私たちを用いて、あなたの奇跡を見せてください！札幌や由仁の多くの人を救ってください！

Calvary Chapel Ginowan

2011-03-31T11:30:00.002+09:00

For one Sunday, I felt like I was transported back in time, as I sat in at Calvary Chapel Ginowan on a Sunday morning, hearing Eder lead worship, Pastor Tommy preach out of Matthew, and Natsuki translate like a pro. It was awesome. I love and miss my home church family/fellowship so much. Thanks Lord for giving me the chance to go back and visit and soak in Your love.

１年前に沖縄を出ました。長年、同じ教会に行って奉仕して御言葉を聞いてキリスト教徒と交わりの時間を持って最高でした。先々週は久しぶりに沖縄に戻って、カルバリーチャペル宜野湾の日曜日の礼拝に出席しました。エダー君の賛美のリードにトミー牧師の御言葉の教えになつきさんのプロ級の通訳に改めて感動しました。やっぱり母教会は最高に祝福されています！神様、この機会を与えて感謝します！また行かせてください！

Robby and Rika

2011-03-20T15:31:00.004+09:00

Yesterday, one of my best friends in the whole world got married. I got to live with Rob for almost a whole year, and have known him for almost 9 years - 5 of which we were in ministry together for. We have always been able to have great conversations with one another, and I have always known that he would make a wonderful husband and household leader. Finally, last summer God brought the woman of his dreams into his life, and yesterday, Rika joined the Wunderlich family. I got to meet Rika just the day before the wedding, but my first impression was very favorable and I am so excited for the both of them, as they start their new life together. The wedding was held at Alivila Wedding Chapel in Yomitan, and was conducted by Pastors Tom and Santo. Picture-taking was not allowed in the chapel (though many broke out their cameras in spite of being told not to) so all I got were pictures before and after. What a beautiful day, and what a beautiful marriage God is starting! Congratulations, Robby and Rika!

私はロバートを知り合ってほぼ９年になっています。そのうち、５年間ぐらいは一緒に教会で活動をしていました。そして、そのうち、ほぼ一年間は同居していました。ロバートといつも仲が良くて一緒に話すのが大好きだった。去年の夏に、神様がロバートに最適な女性を紹介してくださいました。そして昨日は、梨香さんがワンダーリッチになりました。私は結婚式の前日に初めて梨香さんに会ったけど、彼女の優しさと礼儀正しさに感銘を受けた。これから二人が一体となり、共に生涯を歩むことを楽しみにしています。神様はお二人を大いに用いてくださり、お二人を通して多くの人々に祝福を与えることを確信しています。式場は読谷村のアリビラウェディングチャペルでした。カメラの撮影は禁止と言われたのに関わらず多くの人が写真などを撮っていました。私はそのうちの一人ではなかった。ので、私が撮った写真は、式の前後の様子だけです。本当に素晴らしい一日に神様が素晴らしい二人を合わせたことを感謝しています。ロバート、梨香、おめでとう！

The Ol' Schoolhouse

2011-03-20T15:23:00.003+09:00

On Saturday before the big wedding, I was able to head up to my old workplace in Yomitan, Okinawa Christian School International. The school looks GREAT! The entire outside of the building has been painted a cream color, and it has red highlights in various places as well. It was really great to see some familiar faces, to walk about the familiar grounds, and just relive some old memories. OCSI really was (and no doubt IS) a great school! I miss it a lot... do any of the rest of you?

土曜日の結婚式の前に、元職場の沖縄クリスチャンスクールインターナショナルに行きました。その日はバザーだったため、けっこうにぎやかだった。色んな懐かしい人に会ったり話したりして楽しかった！校舎自体はきれいになりました！建物全体がクリーム色に塗られ、赤色のハイライトもあってステキです。本当にOCSIを懐かしく思っていて最高な学校だなぁと思います。みんなもそう思わない？

Okinawa Friends - Part 1

2011-03-19T23:04:00.005+09:00

I'm in Okinawa! Unbelievable! It is hard to describe just how overjoyed I am to be here, talking with old friends and seeing familiar sights. Not to mention the incredible weather! God is GREAT! I will post more tomorrow or Monday, but for now I wanted to drop a note to say all is well, and I am so happy to see everyone in Okinawa. Here's a shot of me with Joe, Simon, Andrew and Chuck eating yakiniku (grilled meat) -- well, I'm eating ice cream in the picture, AFTER having all-you-can-eat yakiniku! Awesome meal and awesome company! Love you all! (Editor's note: This photo was graciously taken by Chuck's lovely wife, Yumi Takahashi Robb.)

沖縄に戻りました！今回の滞在は６日間だけですが、昨日の午後に着いて、夕飯は焼肉の食べ放題とアイスクリームでした。ひさしぶりにお腹いっっっっっっぱいになった！そして、久しぶりに親友と交わり、懐かしい場所に行ったりして本当に素晴らしい１日半でした。また明日かあさって更新するけどとりあえずはジョー、才門、アンドリューとチャックとの写真を載せようと思って今は夜遅くブログ投稿しています。神様にこの素晴らしい機会が与えられて心から感謝しています。

Small-Scale Disaster

2011-03-14T16:03:00.003+09:00

Last night after dropping off a friend, I headed home to work on my grad school assignment. Because of my procrastination and a very busy week, I was behind the eight ball. Due in less than 24 hours, I had yet to complete the rough draft. Time to pull an all-nighter! So I made myself a cup of coffee around 10pm (very rare thing for me, if you know me), but it wasn't enough. I need something strong. Starbucks! OK, they're open til 1am, I can go get me a cup of good caffeine! Get the car keys, iPod, cell phone, wallet. Wallet? Where are you? Nowhere to be found! Long story short, when I dropped my friend off, I got out of the car to help with groceries. My wallet had fallen out of my pocket without my noticing, and I hopped back into the car... and drove OVER my wallet, thereby crushing its contents. As you can see from the picture, it's time to get a new Mastercard made! Fortunately one of my cards is 100% safe - my Japanese credit card. Whew! When I think about all that is happening in the world today, especially Japan, my small accident is nothing. I am so thankful that Sapporo was saved from any damage in the earthquake and tsunami. Pray for us, though, as there was talk of nuclear fumes coming our way.

昨日は友達を家まで送って、家に早く帰ろうとしました。なぜなら、大学院のレポートがまだ終わってなかったからだ。締め切りが１８時間後なのに、まだ半分終わってないところだった！しかも、朝にも昼にも（合計３時間だけだけど）仕事が入ってて間に合いそうにないと思った。したら家に戻って、コーヒーを作りました。あんまり効かなかったのでスターバックスへ行こうと思った。１２時だったけどまだ開いてるのを知って、行く準備をしました。カギ、iPod、携帯電話、財布。。。あれ？財布が。。。ない！話を短くすると、友達を降ろした時に荷物の手伝いしようとした時に一回車から降りた。したらその時に気づかずに財布を落としちゃった。また車に乗って帰った時になんと、自分の財布を踏んじゃった！車で！んで、財布の内容がヤバい。マスタカードはダメで、唯一害を受けなかったのはJCBカードだった。良かった！！！まぁ、大事なのは財布の状態じゃなくて神様が札幌市を守ってくださったことなので、感謝しています。続けて東北地方の皆さんのために祈りましょう。

Japan suffers major damage in 8.9 quake - World - CBC News

2011-03-11T21:48:00.000+09:00

Japan suffers major damage in 8.9 quake - World - CBC News

Crazy things happening in the world out there. HUGE earthquakes these days, more than in any other period of recorded history!

Just so you all know, I am OK. Sapporo had tremors but as far as I know, no damage was really done anywhere in the city. But let's pray for our fellow humans in Sendai and Tokyo and the rest of Japan that was rocked by this earthquake.

Just like Tom Cruise...

2011-03-09T17:03:00.004+09:00

今日は、ウェディングチャペルで撮影があるため、朝に来てくださいと言われました。普通は、結婚式の仕事（牧師役→色んな意見があると思いますが、イエスキリストの代表としてやっています）は昼か夕方で、週末が多いので、今日は何か特別なのかなーと思って行きました。CMとか作るために牧師が必要なのかなーって思いました。違います！なななんと、映画の撮影だった！しかも、小雪さんが出演する映画だそうです！そう、ラストサムライでトム・クルーズと共演した、あの小雪さんですよ！撮影の時間が短かったし小雪さんはその時いなかったけど、９月にその映画が公開される時に、私は小雪さんと共演するように見えるかもしれません！映画のタイトルはちょっと忘れましたけど日本にいる皆さん、今年の秋、新しいムービースターが現れます！トム・クルーズに負けないぞー！（たぶん金銭的に負けたと思うけどね。。。）

Today I was asked to go to the wedding chapel in the morning for some filming. Usually weddings are done on weekends, and in the afternoons and evenings at that, so today must be a special day, I thought to myself. (By the way, there are various opinions about the whole "foreigner posing as a pastor for weddings" job, but I do it to represent Christ.) So anyways, I thought maybe this would be a commercial or something. Nope! In fact, I'm going to... (are you ready for this?) be on the silver screen in Japan this fall! I'll be co-starring (well, not really starring, but still) with Koyuki -- yes, the same Koyuki who starred alongside Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai! Well, filming time was quite short today, and I didn't get to meet my co-star, but in the fall when the movie is released, it may look like I was in the same scene as a big star here in Japan! Amazing experience! World, make way for a new movie star! Tom Cruise, you got nothing on me! (Well, maybe you have more money than I do...)

Skype Sessions

2011-03-06T18:42:00.005+09:00

My life has been overtaken by skype lately. I mean that in a good way, of course! It is so awesome that we are able to communicate with loved ones around the world with the click of a mouse, and for free! Next month, a team of missionaries will be coming up to Hokkaido for a mission trip from my home church. It is SO exciting for me, to see these young men and women with hearts for Jesus and for the Japanese people, and that they desire to come up here and spread the Word! So on Sundays lately, I have been skyping with them as we plan the agenda for their 6 days up here. The pic is not too clear, as I made it fullscreen, but as you can see in the bottom left corner, I was using my headset on one ear, and my cell phone on the other - we were having audio issues. Anyways, pray for these guys and gals... and for the people of Sapporo and Yuni especially!

最近はスカイプを使って色んな人達と話しています。一日５−６時間スカイプを使う時もある。でも、神様に感謝しています。こうやって好きな人たちと好きな時間に無料で話せるとは大きな祝福です！来月は、沖縄の私の母教会から７人の宣教師が北海道に伝道しに来ます。その計画を作るために毎週日曜日にスカイプで話し合い、聖書の分かち合い、そして祈り合いの時間を設けています。上の写真はチャックと由美さんの家で集まっている宣教師達の画像です。左下に私がヘッドセットと携帯電話を同時に使っている。向こうの話が聞こえなかったから、携帯電話を使わなければならなかった。とにかく、宣教師チームと、札幌市、由仁町の人たちの救いのために祈りましょう！

Ayu's Friend

2011-02-28T08:30:00.005+09:00

Last month, I got an e-mail from my friend Timtaku's wife, Ayu. "My only Christian friend in Nago is moving to Sapporo. She wants to come to your church sometime, so can you give me an address and service times?" Well, last week I finally got to meet her. Last Sunday and yesterday, as well as Thursday, we (Steve, Michiyo and I) have been hanging out with Mami. It has been really encouraging for us, especially me. I missed hearing the Okinawan accent, talking to someone who has lived where I lived... it's been cool! Last night after service, we went out for Indian food, and it was really GOOD! The owner was also a Christian, and gave us free ice cream after the meal. Praise the Lord! Fellowship and food after service is always sweet! Keep Mami in your prayers, please.

先月、親友のティムタクの奥さんのあゆからメールが来ました。「私の名護にいる唯一の友達が札幌に引っ越しします。そちらの礼拝に参加したいと思ってるので場所と時を教えてください。」先週の日曜日は初めて会って、木曜日は一緒に由仁町に行って昨日も一緒に主を賛美しました。麻美ちゃんに会って祝福されています。沖縄のなまりを久しぶりに聞いて嬉しかった！沖縄の文化、言葉、場所などを知ってる人と話すとやっぱり盛り上がるね！昨日は礼拝後、インド料理を食べに行きました。オーナーさんはクリスチャンで、食後のアイスはサービスだった！主にハレルヤ！フードとフェロシップはやっぱりスイートですね！火曜日から仕事を始める麻美ちゃんのために祈ってください。

Raw men eat ra-men!

2011-02-23T10:38:00.004+09:00

毎週月曜日に江別市野幌のほうに行って英会話を教えています。ほとんどマンツーマンのレッスンですので、生徒達ととても仲良く授業を行っています。３番目の授業はTさんとのレッスンです。Tさんは僕と同年齢ですが、彼は携帯電話のソフトを作る仕事でとても忙しい日々を送っています。でも、日本人の男性らしく、ラーメン屋にとても詳しい人です。いつか食べに行きましょう！と私が言ったら、ようやくその日がやってきた。英会話スクールを経営してるHさんと一緒に「虎鉄」に食べに行きました。とっても美味しかったです！やっぱり北海道と言えばラーメンですね！（味噌ラーメンがおすすめです。）

Every Monday evening, I head out to Nopporo which is in Ebetsu City, and teach English conversation there. The classes are pretty much one-on-one lessons, so I've been able to get to know my students fairly well. First, a married couple who both teach at universities (different ones, some 3 hours apart), and their 6-year old (soon 7?) daughter. Then, a cardiologist who seems to know everyone in town. Lastly, "Mr. T" - a software engineer for a cell phone company. He's the same age as me but he works LONG hours. Perhaps as a result of that, he knows all the good ramen shops in the area. So during class one day, I said, "Let's go eat ramen together someday!" Well, finally that day came this past Monday. He took us to a place called Kotetsu. It was really good! I recommend the Miso Ramen (it's the only one I tried, but it was tasty). We brought along the man who runs the English school, Mr. K. He's a trivia master, so we got to hear all about the mafia and crazy stuff like that. Good times with a few real Hokkaido men!

Online Class

2011-02-22T11:55:00.003+09:00

Many, if not most of you, know that I am now working on my Master of Arts in TESOL. The entire program (save for two residential sessions - #1 #2) is done online, and so my "classes" are all on Saturday mornings, right in the comfort of my apartment. When I joined the program in May 2009, "classes" were all "chat" - all typed... the professors typed and we responded. Since then we have grown in number and technology, to the point where we can actually see/hear our professors, and even students are "on camera" at times as well! Last weekend I was on camera, as you can see from the picture below. It was kinda tricky to take a picture of myself while my whole class was watching - hence the poor angle. Still, you can see: the name of the university, my pic in the corner, the fact that I was "chatting" privately with one of my classmates while listening to the lecture, and also you can see a little of my computer desk area: pic of my nephew, my bro's family, an inspirational Bible verse (Isaiah 55:1-3) and fragrant oil (woody herb). Good times on Saturday mornings! Just 9 more of these sessions and I'm done with the classroom component of the degree! Pray for my thesis though, as I have no clue as to what I will be researching yet. Too many options to choose from!

このブログを読んでくださっている多くの人はご存じだと思いますが、私は現在、大学院に通っています。英語を母語としない人に英語を教える資格（英語で言うと頭文字を使ってTESOLですね）の修士号をとっています。ほぼ２年前に勉強し始めたんですが、その頃のオンラインの授業はただのチャットでした。教授も生徒もみんな、自分が言いたいことを一生懸命打ってからクラスメートの返事を待っていました。この頃、テクノロジー（技術）が発展してるから実際に教授の映像を見ながら講話を聞くことができます。時々、生徒の顔を映したり声を聞かしたりもしています。この前の土曜日に、急に私はみんなが見えるようになりました。ちょっと寝坊しちゃったから髪の毛が乱れていたけど楽しかったです。ただ、映りながら自分の写真を撮るのが難しかった。んで、上の写真はそんなに良い物じゃないかもしれないけど色んなことが見れると思います。１）私は画面の左下に映っていること。２）学校の名前はアナハイム大学であること。３）私は授業を受けながらクラスメートとチャットをしてること。４）壁に貼付けている物：甥っ子の写真、お兄さんファミリーの写真、聖書の御言葉（イザヤ５３：１−３）。５）アロマオイルが置いてあること（ハーブの香り）　あと９回この授業を受けてから単位全部とってることになります！その後、卒論を書いて終わり！でも皆さんの祈りが必要です。あと９ヶ月くらいかかりますので、緩むことなく卒業することができるように祈っていただければありがたいです。よろしくお願いします。

Canadian Food! カナダ料理？

2011-02-18T20:15:00.004+09:00

Today I went out for lunch with a friend. The destination? A place not too far from my apartment, called Gagnon. Now, for those of you in southern Manitoba checking this out, you know this is a last name... a French last name. Apparently the owner is from Quebec... anyways, the food was pretty tasty, although there was maple in EVERYTHING! I was so surprised! The sandwich (a BLT) included bacon fried in maple syrup, as well as a sauce that had maple syrup in it. And the soup was a cream-based soup, but it also apparently had maple syrup in it. The dessert, it goes without saying, also had syrup in it, and the drink? Hot maple - basically like maple syrup that has been heated and watered down. Surprisingly it was a great meal. I don't feel more Canadian today, but I enjoyed the "taste of home" (though I have never used maple syrup in my cooking)! Go to Gagnon for some good "home cooking" (whatever that means) in Sapporo, my fellow Canadians!

いつも「カナダ料理は何がありますか」と聞かれるけどどう答えたら良いかわからない！けど今日は、近所にあるメープルシロップのお店に行って来ました。ギャニオンのオーナーさんはカナダのケベック州出身だそうです。で、たくさんの美味しい飲み物を提供しています。ホットメープルとか、メープルチャイティー（今度は飲みたいですね！）とか、いろいろありますが、毎週金曜日がランチデーです。メニューから好きな食事を選んで、スープ、デザート、ドリンク（紅茶かホットメープル）が付いています。その値段はなんと、８００円です！安い！しかも美味しかった！今回はBLT（ベーコン、レタス、トマト）サンドにしました。ベーコンはメープルシロップで焼いて、サンドイッチのソースもメープルシロップを使用しているそうです。それに、今日のクリームスープにメープルシロップが入ってたらしい。デザートはもちろん、メープルシロップ入りの物だった。でも皆さん、知っていましたか？メープルシロップは普通の砂糖や蜂蜜より全然健康的です！札幌に来たら、一緒にギャニオンに行きましょう！

Prayer, please お祈りください

2011-02-15T22:04:00.003+09:00

春と言えば、就職活動。まぁ、大学生はもっと早くやっていると思いますが、新学年に備えて英語の教師の募集がけっこうあります。私は明日（水曜日）と金曜日に、面接があります。神様の御心がはっきりとわかりますように祈ってください。どちらも子どもに英会話を教える仕事だと思いますので、自分に向いてるかちょっと不安でもあるが、神様に不可能なことは一つもありません！アーメン？アーメン！

Spring is here, and job-hunting season is open! Well, it actually opened awhile ago. But I actually have two job interviews to teach English conversation to kids - the first interview is tomorrow (Wednesday) and the other is on Friday. Please pray that I would clearly know what God's will is, and that I would follow His calling! I'm a little worried about teaching young kids - never really done that before - but with God, nothing is impossible! Amen? Amen!

Snow Festival - Day 5

2011-02-11T19:42:00.004+09:00

My goal was to go to the snow festival every day, but alas, life has ways of keeping us busy. Still, I got to hang out with a friend and his younger sister, and saw more of the festival. Beautiful stuff! Here are some pictures.

今年は僕の初めての雪まつりなので、毎日行きたかったけどやっぱり忙しくて目標を果たせなかった。でも今日は友達とその妹と一緒に行けて良かった。すごいきれいです！写真やビデオをどうぞ。

Hot Lunch on a Cold Day

2011-02-09T17:04:00.003+09:00

Right in the middle of the first day of the Snow Festival, it started pouring snow. I mean, it was snowing like never before here, and it was windy, and... well, if I hadn't have been at the festival, I would have been inside for sure! But we trudged away from the festival to get some food - and came upon a Chinese restaurant. Seemed a little like the Dragon (in Okinawa) at first, but a little cleaner. Well, Jesse and Staci ordered mabodofu and sweet & sour pork, and I ordered zangi. It was pretty good but I can't say it matches Dragon or Yuraku (karaage)... but (1) I had good company, and (2) it was a warm, dry building on a cold, wet day.

雪まつりの初日の途中、雪が激しく降り始めた。風も強く吹き、寒かった！本当に外にいるべきじゃない天気だったけどまつりのために我慢した。でも、食事するためにちょっと街を歩いたら中華料理の店を見つけた。店内の雰囲気は少し沖縄のドラゴンに似ていたけどもう少しきれいなところだった。ジェッシーさんとステイシーさんが麻婆豆腐と酢豚を頼んで、僕はざんぎ（からあげ）にしました。まぁまぁ美味しかったですね。ドラゴンや悠楽（から揚げ屋）ほど美味しくなかったね。でもその寒い日に、良い交わりに暖かい場所が与えられて感謝しました。

Snow Festival - Day 1

2011-02-09T13:33:00.005+09:00

Japanese anime Sazae-san celebrates 65 years this year
大人気のアニメ、サザエさんは、今年６５周年です

In case you missed it on the news (for those of you in Japan), the 62nd annual Sapporo Snow Festival started on Monday. Let me just say... people EVERYWHERE! I got there around 10:30am and walked around looking for Jesse and Staci - no chance of finding them! Tons of people of all countries, everywhere. But we met up eventually... just in time for the big snow storm that got us all cold and soaked just before lunch. The snow sculptures were quite beautiful, and there were a few other bonus things happening, too. Here are some pics.

Okinawa represent! / 沖縄のシーサーです！

日本人の皆さんはご存知だと思いますが、月曜日から第６２回さっぽろ雪まつりが開会されました。その前夜もちょっと覗きに行きましたが、月曜日の方は人込みだった！ジェッシーさんとステイシーさんに会いに行ったら、全く見当たらなかった！けどこれはケイタイ電話の時代なので、３０分くらいしたら会えました。吹雪に遭って寒かったけど、その前後は雪像が見れて感動しました。また金曜日に行きますが、とりあえずはこの写真をどうぞ！

Mr. Potato Head / みすたーぽてとへっど

Look closely - where's this guy from? It's Daejeon!
よく見たら、この人は私たちの姉妹市のテジョン（大田）からです！

Special Visitors 2

2011-02-08T10:46:00.004+09:00

It is always a blessing to have familiar faces come up to Sapporo for a visit. Amazingly, since I moved here 9 months ago, I have had visits with 4 groups/individuals from Okinawa! On Sunday night, I met Jesse and Staci at Sapporo station and took them to their hotel. To my surprise, my car barely had enough room to fit all their luggage! They have come up to see the snow festival and get in some good skiing. This is a picture of them in front of an ice sculpture in downtown Sapporo.

沖縄から北海道に引っ越ししてから９ヶ月しか経ってないのに、４回も沖縄から札幌の来る人たちを歓迎する機会が与えられています。同じ教会（カルバリーチャペル宜野湾）に通っていたジェッシーとステイシーは、さっぽろ雪まつりを満喫しに来ました。それに、ニセコに行って３日間スキーもします。日曜日の夕方は、札幌駅に迎えに行ってホテルまで送りました。その後はすすきの横丁ラーメンというところに行って、バターコーン味噌ラーメンを食べてから雪まつりの光景を見に行きました。その翌日（昨日）からオープンしたけど半分くらいを歩いて楽しんだ。すっごいきれいです！皆さん、今年は手遅れかもしれませんけど、来年はぜひ、さっぽろ雪まつりへカモーン！

The Blog's Purpose - このブログの目的

2011-01-31T14:44:00.002+09:00

左側にいつも載せてあるサブタイトルですが、この頃は、このブログの目的はいったいなんなんだ？と考えています。私はこのブログでイエス様の愛を本当に伝えているのかな？ただ自分が北海道で楽しんでる様子を皆さんに見せているだけのかな？しばらくはこれについて考えさせてください。必ずしもかたちが変わるというわけではないけど、たぶん載せる写真の数（特に自分が入っている写真）を減らして、言葉を中心にしようかな。最近は写真を撮る気もしないで、神様に与えられている時間を心から感謝し、ブログのことを忘れて、主に語られることが聞きたいからこそ、カメラを放っておくことが多い。このブログを読んでいる皆さんの祈り、支援を本当に感謝しています。これからも時間がありましたら読んでください。主が最大限にこのブログを用いてくださいますように！

Lately I have been thinking about the left panel of my blog: what IS the blog's purpose? Is my blog truly sharing the love of Christ with the world? Or is it just showing some of the fun things I've been up to in Hokkaido? (It can be both, I suppose...) I've been giving this some thought, and will continue to re-examine what I am doing with this piece of cyberspace real estate. I don't know if I will change the format of the blog or not, but I may not put as many pictures up (especially ones featuring yours truly). It may become a bit "wordier" than before. Lately I haven't really felt like taking pictures - I would much rather just be thankful for the times God has given me, and take them in and forget about how I can update my blog because I went out and had fun. So I've been giving my camera a rest quite a bit lately. Thank you all who read this blog and pray for me and encourage me - hope you can put up with the silence and/or changes, and may the Lord use this blog for His glory even more than ever!

Two-in-One

2011-01-17T09:34:00.003+09:00

Yesterday was a rather interesting day for me. As we have done the past few weeks, we had a Sunday evening service at ICF Lirabell Church. For the first time ever, I stood up in front of people (the Lorincz family were the only attendees, mind you) and led worship! I am far from a good guitar player, but God knows my heart and my desire is to worship Him. So anyways, I was supposed to miss our hockey game last night (7:30pm start) but since our evening service started and ended earlier than anticipated, I drove out to Hoshioki Arena as quickly as I could, and got there for the end of the first period.

I walked to our bench and Kenmochi (the guy I thought would be hard to play alongside but is in fact cool) yelled out, "Hurry UP, Trevor!" So I grabbed the locker room key, got dressed and ran back to the bench, this time on skates. After about 30 seconds, the captain told me I was to be on the top line with Isoda and Michizoe. I got out on the ice, and then they said, "Oh wait, not quite your turn yet, Trevor." But the ref said that since I had stepped onto the ice, I had to play the shift. Well, within a minute...

We had the puck down in their end, and I positioned myself in front of the net, waiting for a rebound, a pass, or a tip-in chance. All the while, screening their goalie. Kenmochi was on the point and he let a low shot go. I got my stick on it, and... RED LIGHT! The first goal of the Godzillas' regular season, scored by #7, TREVOR! After that, we scored two more (I don't think I was on the ice for either), to take a 3-0 lead. But the Warriors stormed back and tied it up, 3-3. I was on the ice for two of their goals. But with 2 minutes left, Isoda (our star) rifled one past their goalie, and we went home victorious!

The most interesting part of the game was when, during the 2nd intermission, one guy said, "Trevor prayed before coming, that's why we're doing so well!" And another guy said, "Yeah, he went to church - God bless you!" Weird - I have not said a thing about Jesus, at least not specifically, but they know what I'm about, and who knows? Maybe this will lead to some serious discussions of some sort! God knows. And we can all keep praying!

昨日はとても祝福された日でした。カルバリーチャペル札幌はICFリラベル教会で夕拝を行いました。私は人生初めて人前でギターを弾きました。練習不足で上手に弾けなかったけどスティーブさんがキーボードを伴奏してくれましたのでなんとか最後までできました。２曲「God of Wonders」と「Be the Center」をリードしました。これからも練習して行きます！神様が私の心を整えてくださり、そして指や声を適切に動かしてくださることを信じます。

礼拝が終わったらすぐに星置スケート場へ向かいました。リーグ戦の初日だったから、途中からでも参加したかったからです。着いたら、ベンチへ控え室のカギを取りに行きました。したら剣持が『トレバー早く！』って言ってました。最初に剣持はちょっと気難しい人だなぁと思ってたけど最近は少ししゃべってたらけっこう楽しい人だとわかりました。すぐに着替えてもう一度ベンチへ行きました。そしてすぐに氷上に出て２分以内にゴジラーズの今シーズン初ゴールを決めました！アシストしたのは剣持だった。ゴールの後の喜びは気持ち良かった！

数分以内にリードを３点に伸ばし、楽勝かと思い込んでいたら残り１０分のところ、同点になってしまった。けど、私たちのスターの磯田が決勝ゴールを決めました。４対３、ゴジラーズの勝利！神様に感謝します！面白いことに、第２ピリオドが終わったら少し休憩がありました。その間、剣持が『トレバーが祈って来たから上手くいってる』と言い、キャプテンの荒木さんが「God bless you!」とコメントしました。私はイエスキリストのことまだ伝えてないのに聖霊様が語ってるように見える！ハレルヤ！昨日の成功がまた永遠の命の収穫につながるように祈ろう！

Now lining up at forward...

2011-01-15T14:20:00.005+09:00

For the Godzillas... #7, TREVOR! A couple of months ago, I joined a local hockey club as a way to get some exercise and also to make contacts with other men (and women) and to reach out to a different demographic... I am sure few if any of my teammates have ever heard of Jesus. Anyways, last night we played a scrimmage for the first time in over a month. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a talented athlete or hockey player. So when I was told I would be lining up with the two best players on the team (Isoda and Kenmochi) on the top line, I was as surprised as anyone. I skated with Isoda in the previous game as well, but figured I was just replacing Kenmochi, who was absent.

Another interesting thing I should mention - I thought Isoda and Kenmochi were a lot like the guys who made me want to quit hockey in the first place, some 25 years ago. They seemed like they had big egos and looked down on those who couldn't play up to their level. So playing on their line brought out a little fear in me. Would they stop passing me the puck when I missed one or two chances? As it turned out, Isoda set me up for two goals, and me and Kenmochi had a lot of chances that we both barely missed. After the scrimmage, they talked about how easy it was to play with someone like me - I am always in the right position for a scoring chance, they said! My reasoning: I am not a gifted skater, so I find open ice in the slot and wait for them to find me! I had an awesome time out there, and wish I could make it to Sunday night's league game. Alas, God has called me to something else: helping lead worship? (More on that in a bit.)

昨日は１ヶ月ぶりにアイスホッケーをやりました。２ヶ月前にゴジラーズというチームに入って、メンバーの中で私は中の中ぐらいだと思った。先月の最後の練習試合にトップライン（いわゆる１軍）に入らせたけど、それは人数足りなかったからだろうと思ってた。ゴジラーズのトップ２人のフォワードは磯田と剣持です。二人とも足が速くてパックコントロールが上手でシュートも的確です。カナダ人として恥ずかしいけど、本当にホッケーはヘタッピーです。しかし、今日のゲームには、１軍に入らせました。前回欠席した剣持は今回いたので僕は２軍かなぁと思ったらキャプテンの荒木さんが私を磯田と剣持と組んだ。

したらなんと、２点決めました！磯田のパスが上手くて決めるのが簡単だった。磯田も３点ぐらい決めて、剣持は１点か２点決めた。２人ともあんまりおしゃべりしないからチームメートを見下してるかと思ったけど試合が終わったら二人とも『トレバーとプレーするのはすごいやりやすい！』とほめてくれました。これからもゴジラーズの成功のために、そしてチームメートがイエスキリストを受け入れるように頑張りたいと思います！

Fun at Kumon? 公文のお楽しみ会

2011-01-08T21:03:00.003+09:00

昨日は初めて公文に行って採点をしなかった日だった。と言いたいけどお楽しみ会の後、採点の作業がありました。けどその前に子どもたちと４時間ぐらい遊べました。色んなゲームやパズルを出して一緒に楽しみました。ほとんどの時間は豆運び競争のコーナーを担当しましたけど、空いている時に練習していました。生徒には負けましたが、２０粒の小豆を４８秒以内に運ぶ事ができました。いつも一生懸命勉強してる子どもたちがゲームなどで盛り上がるのを見て、やっぱり子どもたちに触れる仕事が与えられて感謝だなぁと思いました。これからも公文宮の森教室で頑張ります！

Yesterday I went to Kumon as usual, but instead of grading homework the entire shift, I only had to do so for the final hour! The reason: we had a fun day for the kids! It was the first Kumon day of the year, so the kids got to play games and do puzzles and stuff. Most of that time, I spent watching the kids play a game in which they have to move 20 little beans from one bowl to another using chopsticks. My boss asked me if there is any kind of game like this in the west. All I could think of was the egg-on-a-spoon relay. I was thinking about the use of utensils and how these "games" kind of train kids to use utensils skillfully. Anyways, it was fun - I didn't beat the kids too badly when I played... but I certainly learned how to use my chopsticks better! Having a day like this, where the kids I usually see studying hard, actually playing and having fun, made me realize that I am blessed to have a job at which I can be around kids. They're the best! Here's to another year at the Miyanomori Kumon!

She's Gone - 帰国

2011-01-06T09:21:00.003+09:00

The alarm went off at 4:45am this morning. Had to get mother off to the airport. We left while it was still dark, around 5:20am. It took about 75 minutes to get to the airport - the roads were clear (both of traffic and snow). I had an incredible 3 weeks with my mom - that is the most time I have ever spent with her by myself - EVER! But I am so blessed to have a wonderful mother, and to have had that time with her. Thank You, Lord! Thank you, Mom! Pray for safe travels for her, as she is returning to Winnipeg (she's probably landing in Tokyo as I type this) and then down to Texas. Busy lady!

今朝は４時４５分に起きて５時２０分ぐらいに空港へ向かいました。３週間前は喜びながら空港へ行ってましたけど今回は少し悲しみながら運転していました。けど、こうやって人生初めてこんな長い時間をお母さんと二人きり過ごせた事を感謝しています。非常に楽しい３週間でした。お母さんの素晴らしいところをもう改めてわかり、もう一度神様に感謝しなきゃ！と思った。そしてお母さんが遠い北海道まで来てくれた事をも感謝しています！お母さんの旅路が守られるように祈りましょう！

Sheep on a Hill - 羊ヶ丘

2011-01-04T23:34:00.004+09:00

今日で２回目この羊ヶ丘に行きました。けど、今回、初めてわかったのは実際にこの丘の上に羊が飼われていることだ！良いなぁ、この羊たちが毎日この素敵な全景が見えるなんて！羊ヶ丘にクラーク博士の銅像があって、雪祭りの博物館もあります。すごく興味深いところで、展望台も素晴らしいです。札幌に来る際はぜひ、羊ヶ丘に行ってください！

Today I went to Hitsuji Ga Oka (Sheep Hill) with my mom. Last time I came with my friends, it was really rainy out and we didn't spend much time outdoors. This time, though, despite it being a little cool, me and mom got to see a splendid view of Sapporo, and we also checked out the sheep (yes, Sheep Hill has sheep grazing it) and looked through the Snow Festival Museum. Overall it was a great day, capped off with some famous Hokkaido soft serve ice cream! If you ever come to Sapporo, you must check out Hitsuji Ga Oka!

Pounding the Rice!

2011-01-04T23:16:00.003+09:00

On Sunday after church at ICF (International Christian Fellowship) some of the members made rice cakes, traditional Japanese style. It was so much fun to watch them... first an older guy had a go at it, then one of the youth leaders, Ray, got in on the action, and finally the big bopper, Charles "Chip" Brown pounded that rice into submission. We all enjoyed the rice cakes covered in toasted soybean flower and black sesame. GREAT stuff!

ICF (インターナショナルクリスチャンフェローシップ）の礼拝後に何人かが餅つきをしました。最初はあるおじさんがやってから、ユースのリーダーの励（れい）君が挑戦して、最後にチップさんがアメリカンパワーを見せてくれました。そしてみんながきな粉＆黒ごまの餅をエンジョイしました。最高だった！

New Year, New Face

2011-01-01T15:03:00.002+09:00

２０１０年はずっとヒゲがあった一年だったので、２０１１年の初日に久しぶりにヒゲを全部剃ってみました。あんまり気に入ってないけどインドの遺伝子が強いもんだから、今夜までにヒゲが生えるね（笑）冗談だけどね。しばらくはノーヒゲでいるけど、皆さんに次に会う時、どんなトレバーが現れるか楽しみにして！

For the entire year last year, I had facial hair of some sort - mostly the same style all year. So for the first day of 2011, I decided to go clean-shaven for the first time in ages. The result: not so great... it might take some getting used to. But the beauty of having Indian DNA is that by evening I will have a full beard again anyways. Kidding of course - I will remain unbearded (this is not a real word, I know!) for awhile, but by the time you all see me again, you could be looking at an entirely different Trevor!

Countdown to 2011

2011-01-01T14:50:00.003+09:00

Well folks, it's a new year! What a better way to ring in the new year than to blog about it? Last night, I had the Lorincz family over and we chatted and watched a movie. I think games were an option too, but we never got around to it. Anyways, it was nice to have a "full house" here - I think it was the first time that more than 2 others were in my apartment with me, ever! Anyways, I pray that everyone would have a wonderful 2011 - even more exciting and blessed than 2010 was!!!

皆さん、２０１１年ですよ！時間が過ぎるのは早いですね！あけましておめでとうございます！沢山の人々がこのブログを読んでいることを感謝しています。どうか神様がこのブログを用いて日本人に喜び、希望、励ましを与えたら幸いです。今年もどうぞ、よろしくお願いいたします。昨夜は、ルーリンツ御一家をアパートに誘い、一緒にビデオを見たりおしゃべりしたりおつまみを食べたりして楽しい夜を過ごしました。皆さんの大晦日はいかがすごしたでしょうか？２０１１年がさらに神様に多くの祝福が与えられるように祈っています。

Last & Best Meal of 2010

2010-12-31T21:16:00.003+09:00

Today, I got to experience something I probably haven't since I was a kid. Mom and I made homemade perogies and enjoyed them for dinner. WOW, I have to say they were incredible! You have to try them - words don't explain the deliciousness. You can as much enjoy the taste of something by reading a description of it, as you could enjoy music by smelling fresh-baked bread. Speaking of which, we also made fresh-baked bread today, too! Great way to end the year!

今日は久しぶりに（子どもの頃以来かな？）お母さんと手料理をして今年の一番美味しい食事を最後の日、最後の夕飯に食べました。その料理はなんと、ピエロギです。ピエロと関係ないよ！でも食べたら必ず微笑むから一応ピエロギとかけましてピエロと解きます。その心は、どちらも人に喜びをもたらすって言えるけどねづっちほど面白くないでしょ？とにかく、お母さんとおいしい料理を作っておいしい料理を食べて２０１０年の最高の締めくくりとなりました。それに、今日は美味しい手作りパンも焼いた。お腹が空いた人たちは、２０１１年にいつでもヴィンヤード琴似にいらっしゃい！

Last Yuni of 2010

2010-12-31T17:07:00.003+09:00

On the way home from Marukoma Inn, we drove out to Yuni. More icy road conditions but the Lord is faithful and protected us and kept us safe. Anyways, we got to church a little late but I wanted to take a picture with Yumiko-san and Harumi-san and my mom... and Steve! The Yuni ladies bought me this cute sweatshirt for Christmas and I promised I would wear it the next time I came to town - so here it is! It was another great ministry day, and we know that God is going to continue to do a work out in Yuni!

旅館丸駒からの帰りに、由仁町に行きました。また雪道だったけど、神様は忠実に私たちを守ってくださり、無事に由仁町に着く事ができました。少し遅れましたが、どうしても由美子さんと春美さんとお母さん（そしてスティーブさん）と写真が撮りたかった。なぜなら、由美子さんと春美さんが私にこのステキなトレーナーを買ってくれたからです。『次に由仁に来たら着るよ』と約束したから、今日は記念の写真を撮りました。由仁町に毎週伝道しに行ける事を心から感謝してます。そして、神様は続けて由仁町で良い業を成す事を信じます。

Marukoma Inn @ Lake Shikotsu

2010-12-31T16:46:00.006+09:00

What an awesome blessing! One of my students hooked me and my mom up with a night's accommodation at an inn a few hours outside of Sapporo. Normally it would have been a beautiful, scenic drive... but unexpectedly, it snowed all the way there, and the road conditions were treacherous! God protected us and we got there safely.

What a beautiful inn! What a beautiful room! What a beautiful view! What a beautiful God! So we chilled in the afternoon, playing games, and then went downstairs for dinner. WHAT? An 11-course meal? Are you KIDDING me? It was all Japanese food, and while I can't say I liked it all, I ate it all! I'm so proud of myself! Mom ate as much as she could as well... but she has never been a picky eater like me.

Then in the evening, we enjoyed the beautiful and refreshing hot springs. Wow, amazing! The whole day was just a lot of fun... thank You, Lord, for providing such a great little getaway for us! I am hoping that if the weather cooperates, Mom and I can head out somewhere else and see more of Hokkaido before she leaves on January 6th. Wow, time is flying!

月曜日にいつも江別市に行って、英会話を教えています。この前はお母さんを連れて行って、生徒たちに紹介しました。あそこの一人の生徒は「お母さんがいる間、どっか連れて行く予定あるの？」と尋ねました。「うーん、天候次第だけど、支笏湖に行く事を考えてるよ」と答えました。すると彼はたちまちに携帯電話を出して、"Just a moment, please (ちょっと待ってください)"と言い、友人に電話しました。５分後に支笏湖の旅館丸駒に予約を入れてくれました。しかも、ただ！

行ってみたら最高の（五つ星）旅館に泊める事ができた！食事も豪華で温泉はすごく良くて部屋も広くて心地良かった！これはまさに神様からの祝福だ！って思いました。感謝します！

行きはずっと雪が降ってて道が危なかったけど神様はすべてを守ってくださり、楽しい２日間を過ごす事ができました。そして帰りは千歳市に行ってお昼を食べた後、リサイクルショップに行ってショッピングをしました。お母さんはけっこうテンション高かったよー！神様がこういうワンダーフルな時を与えて、感謝します！

Sunday Night at ICF Lirabell

2010-12-28T23:38:00.003+09:00

On Sunday night, Calvary Chapel Sapporo had its first ever evening service. The location: ICF Lirabell wedding chapel. It is an absolutely gorgeous building and we were blessed to gather in such a place. Around 14 people attended and Steve spoke out of Luke 2. Worship was great and the fellowship afterward was also blessed. Praise the Lord! Please pray that we might find favor with the management there, and that somehow we would be permitted to use it every Sunday evening.

日曜日の夜に史上初のカルバリーチャペル札幌の夕方礼拝が行われました。円山公園の近くあるICFリラベル教会にてありました。とてもきれいな建物です。あそこで礼拝を開く事ができて主に感謝しています。１４人くらいが集まり、ルーリンツ宣教師がルカの福音書２書から語りました。賛美も交わりも祝福されました。主にハレルヤ！これから毎週の日曜日の夜に使う事が許されるように祈ってください。

Long Time, No See!

2010-12-28T23:02:00.004+09:00

日曜日に礼拝に来てくれたのは、道外に住んでいる友人たちに海外に住んでいるお母さんでした。紹介します。The special guests who came to our service this past Sunday were friends of mine who live outside of Hokkaido, and my mom, who lives in Canada. Let me introduce them to you:

This is Ryota. He lives in Osaka, and I met him for the first time last month when I was in mainland. And sometime in between our two meetings, he has become one of my skype English students! It was great to talk to him in person, though! 上の写真は良太と私です。先月に内地に行った時に出会いましたが、いつの間にかスカイプを通して良太に英語を教えることになりました。今回は生で話せて本当に良かったです！

次は、道産子の美保子です。札幌生まれで今はなんと、沖縄県伊江島に住んでいます。私と逆パターンですね！僕は日本に来て伊江島に最初に住んでいたけど今は札幌！美保子さんに出会ったのは４年前でした。カルバリーチャペル宜野湾の礼拝に来てて北海道出身と聞いたら興奮しました。「いつか北海道に引っ越しするのは夢です！｣とちょっとウソついてしまった（笑）The next picture is of Mihoko. She is originally from Hokkaido but now she lives on Iejima in Okinawa! Just the opposite of my life in Japan! Anyways, we met about 4 years ago at Calvary Chapel Ginowan, and when I heard that she was from Hokkaido I got all excited and told a little white lie about how it was my dream to one day move there! And now it's happened!

Last but not least, my mother. Of course you all know her by now if you've been reading my blog. She is from Canada and she is my mom and I love her. Great to have her here. By the way, this pic was taken at Sama, a soup curry place here in Sapporo. I thought my mom would like it, but I never thought she would say their curry tasted better than hers! (She makes amazing curry so that is a huge compliment to Sama!) 最後に、僕のブログを読んでくれている皆さんが良く知っている人です：マイ・マザーです。カナダから札幌に来た大好きなお母さんです。本当に一緒にいられるのは幸せです。ちなみに、この写真は札幌にあるスープカレーのお店の「SAMA」で撮られました。きっとお母さんがこういう食事なら気に入るだろうと思ったら、お母さんがなんと、このカレーは自分のカレーより遥かに良いものだと言い出した！（お母さんのカレーはめっちゃ美味しいなので、大した褒め言葉です。

Sunday Morning Church

2010-12-28T22:37:00.003+09:00

Trevor the long-winded one / 長いメッセージを語った私

This past Sunday, Calvary Chapel Sapporo gathered in my apartment building. Not my suite, but downstairs in the landlord's office room. He's a Christian and has his own architectural firm, so he has an office in my apartment building. But he almost never uses it. Since it is more spacious than our usual gathering place, and since we were expecting guests, we figured it would be nice to have a larger room. Well, we met at 10am and the service was a blessing! The messenger (some weird Canadian guy) spoke on Luke 2, and even though his message was long, I think it was Spirit-led! Praise the Lord for new opportunities and new people and new life!

Michiyo-san the translator / 通訳してくれた美智代さん

この前の日曜日に、カルバリーチャペル札幌はクリスマス礼拝を行いました。いつもはルーリンツご夫妻のアパートに集まっているけれども、今回は私のアパートの一階にある事務室に集まりました。ここの大家さんは建築会社を経営していてアパートに事務室を設置しているけどほとんど使ってないらしいです。ので使わしていただきました。合計１２人が来ててけっこう良い感じでした。メッセンジャーはちょっと長めのメッセージを語ってしまったけど聖霊に導かれた事を信じます！主に新しい機会、新しい出会い、そして新しい命が与えられて感謝でいっぱいです！

Christmas Presents - Thank You!

2010-12-25T22:51:00.004+09:00

The best Christmas present I received this year? Geez, I could answer this question in a lot of different ways, and none of them would fully express how I feel. But really, can you ever receive a present better than the one that Jesus Christ came to give us 2000+ years ago? HE is the reason for the season. What is this gift? Let me explain...

You and I were created by the God of love. The God who created the entire universe. He created us so that we could have a pure and perfect relationship with Him. But guess what... we are sinners. We have rebellious hearts and have consciously chosen to take steps away from God. Well, God cannot accept our sin, but He still wants US. But the punishment for sin is death. We are all carrying a death sentence. When we choose to rebel against God, we are choosing not life, but death. But God has given each of us the choice: Plan A is that His Son would pay the penalty that we deserved - death - and He paid it on a cross almost 2000 years ago. OR, we can choose Plan B, that is, we can say, "I don't need a Savior... I will take care of myself." Well, when you put it that way, you are putting yourself to death. Choose the cross, my friends.

今年の一番気に入ったクリスマスプレゼントは？と聞かれたらどんな答えを出しても自分の気持ちを１００％表せないと思います。やっぱり掛け替えのない、イエスキリストの愛は１番だね。イエスキリストが生まれたからこそクリスマスを祝っています。このシーズン（季節）のリーズン（理由）です。

私たちは愛の神によって造られました。万物を造られた神様が私たちと完全な純粋な関係を持つために我々を造ってくださいました。しかし、人間は神様に対して罪を犯し、完全である神様から離れなければなりませんでした。なぜなら、神様は私たちを愛していても罪とともにおられる事ができないからです。私たちが罪を犯したから、受けるべき罰は死です。それほど罪は深刻なものです。だけど、神様は私たちのために素晴らしいご計画を用意してくださいました。それは、ご自分の御子イエスキリストをこの地上に送り、私たちの罰を受けさせる事だった。要するに、イエスキリストが私たちの罪の罰を背負って、十字架の上に苦しまれて死にました。それゆえに私たちは神様の前に正しい人だとみなされています。ですから、私たちに２つの選択があります。イエスキリストを救い主として受け入れて永遠に神様と関係を持つ事か、自分で自分の罪の罰を受けて死んで永遠に苦しむ事か。みなさん、十字架を選びましょう。

On that note, I got a few sweet gifts from people I really care about... thank you all! You know who you are! And another swell gift was spending the holidays with my lovely mother... haven't been able to do this more than twice in the past 12 years! Sweeet! We watched It's a Wonderful Life in the afternoon, and we both dozed off during A Christmas Story (great movie, but after a satisfying meal, I guess we both felt groggy) in the evening. Overall Christmas score: 100. Thank You, Jesus!

（元々投稿しようと思った事は、大切な人たちからステキなプレゼントをいただいたことだったけど、神様の聖霊に導かれて上の『福音』を皆さんにどうしても伝えなければならなかったので、個人のことを小さく書きます。素敵なプレゼントをありがとう！そして、もう一つのステキなプレゼントは、久しぶりにお母さんと一緒にクリスマスを祝う事ができた事です。一緒にクリスマスの映画を見たり、美味しい食事したりをして最高のクリスマスデーだった！）

Yuni Christmas!

2010-12-25T18:48:00.003+09:00

On Thursday night we headed out to Yuni as we always do. But this time, we had more people and a bigger party! Not only was it our Christmas service, but it was Krisztina's 13th birthday, too! She invited a couple of her friends, and all the kids came out as well. And of course, my lovely mother was there as well. The ladies (Harumi & Yumiko) came as always, and Mr. Hayashi also came. We had a time of worship followed by the Word (Luke 2:1-21). Then Steve had the lights dimmed and we all got candles and lit them and sang Silent Night.

After that we had a delicious dinner (rotisserie chicken, risotto, yakitori, meatballs, salad, and lots of sweets for dessert, including birthday cake for Krisztina), followed by a gift exchange. It was such a joy-filled night, and we were all blessed to be a part of celebrating Christ's birth! Let's keep praying for the people of Yuni!

木曜日の夜はいつも通り、由仁町に伝導しに行きました。今回はいつもより規模が大きくてちょっとパーティーの雰囲気がありました。なぜなら、キリストの誕生日もクリスティナの誕生日も祝ったから！クリスティナは２人の友達を連れててルーリンツご夫妻の子どもたちみんな一緒に来て、それに林さん、春美さん、由美子さん、私のお母さん、合計１３人の集まりだった！主にハレルヤ！

賛美の時間の後、ルカによる福音書２章１−２１節のメッセージがあって、それに一人一人一本のロウソクを持ちながら「きよしこの夜」を歌いました。その後、美味しい食事をし（チキン、リゾット、焼き鳥、ミートボール、サラダ、ケーキ、駄菓子など）、プレゼント交換をしました。本当に由仁伝道所は主の喜びで溢れていました！これから由仁町の人たちが救われるように祈り続きましょう！イエスキリストの誕生日、おめでとうございます！