I know where I am at!
So I have this bad habbit of not knowing where I am at. One time when I was in high school I visited a friend that had moved away from Des Moines. I drove there and still was not able to tell you what direction her town was from mine.
This has transfered to Japan. I live in Tokyo. Actually, I live in a western suburb of Tokyo. Only starting today could I tell you where that is. Hachioji. That is where I live. Please click on the name to see a map. You would be further a long than me only a few short hours ago.
The reason I now know where I live is that Joanna and I found our way home today. We were dropped off with very specific instructions on how to get home from the Omiya train station. Actually, we were not even quite at the station, but we were told that it was up on the left and we couldn't miss it. But by the Lord's grace, we made it home quickly and safely.
We only had one embarassing moment. The first train we got on was really nice. Joanna and I were thinking, this seems too nice. It was. We were in the first class car. To ride in the first class car, you need a special pass. This pass turns the small indicator light above you from red to green. I saw a man do this. I though, my light is red. This cannot be good. Shortly after a very nice attendant directed us to our proper car. No problem.
We got home. I know where I live. No sweat.
P.S. Picked up my passport from the police station on Monday. No problems. PRAISE THE LORD!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Karuizawa, Missionaries to Japan, American Food
Joanna and I just got back from a trip to Karuizawa. Karuizawa is a small town in the mountians west of Tokyo. The trip was great.
The group that went consisted mostly of midtermers. A midtermer is someone like Joanna, here for 1-3 years. Stephen and I were both exceptions. He is a missionary kid, born in Japan, but technically from South Africa.
The trip was a blessing beyond what I could imagine. Most of the people were ending their term and were happy to have the time away from the busy student ministry life. They planned American snacks and a traditional Christmas meal. I am sure they appriciated the American good more than I did!
It was good to be surrounded by people that have given their hearts and years of their lives to Japan. I tried to take in everything they said, and I pray that the Lord would continue to use that time.
Plus the trip was fun. Way fun. Joanna and I are both such extroverted people. We ate, we danced, we laughed, we played games. I feel kinda like a slacker because I have only technically "worked" one day in Japan. It was Mamma H's idea for me to go on this retreat. At first I was concerned about how much money it was going to cost. It was not an expense I had planned on. Totally worth it though.
I will post some pictures later. :)
Joanna and I just got back from a trip to Karuizawa. Karuizawa is a small town in the mountians west of Tokyo. The trip was great.
The group that went consisted mostly of midtermers. A midtermer is someone like Joanna, here for 1-3 years. Stephen and I were both exceptions. He is a missionary kid, born in Japan, but technically from South Africa.
The trip was a blessing beyond what I could imagine. Most of the people were ending their term and were happy to have the time away from the busy student ministry life. They planned American snacks and a traditional Christmas meal. I am sure they appriciated the American good more than I did!
It was good to be surrounded by people that have given their hearts and years of their lives to Japan. I tried to take in everything they said, and I pray that the Lord would continue to use that time.
Plus the trip was fun. Way fun. Joanna and I are both such extroverted people. We ate, we danced, we laughed, we played games. I feel kinda like a slacker because I have only technically "worked" one day in Japan. It was Mamma H's idea for me to go on this retreat. At first I was concerned about how much money it was going to cost. It was not an expense I had planned on. Totally worth it though.
I will post some pictures later. :)
Saturday, December 24, 2005
To my Grandpa, and other people that would like to know the answers to his Questions!
How do I post comments?
Click on comments. If you are not a member, click on "Other" under choose an identity. Please type your name. Type away your comment. :)
What is the deal with Japanese houses not having central heat?
I think it has something to do with high cost of living. It must be cheaper in the long run to only heat a room at a time. Most people only heat the room that they are in and don't even run the heater at night. I'm learning to deal with it.
What does the title or your blog mean?
Philemon 6 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It says, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of everything good thing we have in Christ Jesus." It is kind of a life verse for me. I have found it to be quite true. The more I share my faith, the more I get excited about it and the more real it seems. The title serves as a reminder and an encouragement to me and hopefully others.
Also, I'm interested in your flight -- Did you just stare out the window, daydream, watch movies, read... Anybody interesting on the plane? Strange persons on the plane?
My flight was rather uneventful. I was in an isle seat. That is a good thing for me. I get rather fidgity and want to get up and move around. Plus, I have a small bladder. On the short flight I spent most of the time talking to Michael, the guy I was sitting next too. He is from Austria. He owns a bakery in Des Moines, which he closes every winter for about 4 months to go home and work at a ski resort where he serves wine and such.
The transition in the airport was quick. By the time I arrived to my gate, they were already boarding, so I hopped right on. I didn't even have time to stop at the bathroom.
On the next flight I sat next to a man from the Czech Republic. He is going to Japan for a year to write his thesis, something about economics in Japan in the 1940's to 1950's. Interesting, but not interesting enough for me to inquire of all the details. I spent most of the time reading. I finished the book I was reading, What a Girl Wants by Kristin Billerbeck. It was quite enjoyable.
I then took a bus for 2 hours to the Tama Center. I slept most of that ride.
What are your initial impressions of Japan? Being a nanny?
I like Japan so far. What I have seen is very interesting, aesthetically at least. The architecture is unique. The time I have spent with Japanese people is limited, but from my experiences so far they are very nice and helpful. Joanna and I had several people talk with us while we were in Starbucks. They were trying to help her learn Japanese and curious about our stay. The family that we ate diner with last night was very nice and hospital's. The culture is very giving, but there is also a sense of indebtedness. It is a gift oriented culture.
I have only been a nanny one day. The family was gracious enough to give me time to adjust. It is great so far. I feel like I am learning to be a mom. They are very thankful for what I am doing. It is great to be able to help them out and me being here allows them to be better parents. If I take care of the things that need to get done, they have more energy and time to do the things they want to do with their children. The mom is very organized and I hope the rubs off on me some.
I'm particularly curious about Japanese culture... television... etc. As time allows, I hope you can share your impressions, commentary, views, etc...
I have shared some about the culture. It seems to be very family oriented. They work a lot though. I have not watched an television yet. If I did, I am sure I would not be able to understand it. ;) I will comment more on this later as ideas and thoughts develop.
How do I post comments?
Click on comments. If you are not a member, click on "Other" under choose an identity. Please type your name. Type away your comment. :)
What is the deal with Japanese houses not having central heat?
I think it has something to do with high cost of living. It must be cheaper in the long run to only heat a room at a time. Most people only heat the room that they are in and don't even run the heater at night. I'm learning to deal with it.
What does the title or your blog mean?
Philemon 6 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It says, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of everything good thing we have in Christ Jesus." It is kind of a life verse for me. I have found it to be quite true. The more I share my faith, the more I get excited about it and the more real it seems. The title serves as a reminder and an encouragement to me and hopefully others.
Also, I'm interested in your flight -- Did you just stare out the window, daydream, watch movies, read... Anybody interesting on the plane? Strange persons on the plane?
My flight was rather uneventful. I was in an isle seat. That is a good thing for me. I get rather fidgity and want to get up and move around. Plus, I have a small bladder. On the short flight I spent most of the time talking to Michael, the guy I was sitting next too. He is from Austria. He owns a bakery in Des Moines, which he closes every winter for about 4 months to go home and work at a ski resort where he serves wine and such.
The transition in the airport was quick. By the time I arrived to my gate, they were already boarding, so I hopped right on. I didn't even have time to stop at the bathroom.
On the next flight I sat next to a man from the Czech Republic. He is going to Japan for a year to write his thesis, something about economics in Japan in the 1940's to 1950's. Interesting, but not interesting enough for me to inquire of all the details. I spent most of the time reading. I finished the book I was reading, What a Girl Wants by Kristin Billerbeck. It was quite enjoyable.
I then took a bus for 2 hours to the Tama Center. I slept most of that ride.
What are your initial impressions of Japan? Being a nanny?
I like Japan so far. What I have seen is very interesting, aesthetically at least. The architecture is unique. The time I have spent with Japanese people is limited, but from my experiences so far they are very nice and helpful. Joanna and I had several people talk with us while we were in Starbucks. They were trying to help her learn Japanese and curious about our stay. The family that we ate diner with last night was very nice and hospital's. The culture is very giving, but there is also a sense of indebtedness. It is a gift oriented culture.
I have only been a nanny one day. The family was gracious enough to give me time to adjust. It is great so far. I feel like I am learning to be a mom. They are very thankful for what I am doing. It is great to be able to help them out and me being here allows them to be better parents. If I take care of the things that need to get done, they have more energy and time to do the things they want to do with their children. The mom is very organized and I hope the rubs off on me some.
I'm particularly curious about Japanese culture... television... etc. As time allows, I hope you can share your impressions, commentary, views, etc...
I have shared some about the culture. It seems to be very family oriented. They work a lot though. I have not watched an television yet. If I did, I am sure I would not be able to understand it. ;) I will comment more on this later as ideas and thoughts develop.
Merry Christmas!-My gift to you, pictures!The top picture is the home where I am staying. The windows that you see are actually the room that we (Jo and I) live in. When I say "live," I mean that literally. It is the warmest room in the house.
The next is the path between where I live and the H's. The neighborhood is really beautiful.
Here we are at Starbucks! Woo hoo. I was soooooo tired.
If you want to see some more pictures you should look at Joanna's blog. Click on "My 'Japanese' Roommate" to the right.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Not cool, really not cool, we are cool again.
So last night consisted of me realizing I didn't have my passport and ending up in jail.
Here is the story: I was in this cold room, that I am in now. It is cold. I mean really cold. So, I had my winter coat, hat, and gloves on. Then later on during the day I realized that I didn't know where my gloves were. NOT COOL. I started searching for them.
After going through all of my stuff I realized that I did not have the envelope that had my passport, ticket information on and all that jazz in it. REALLY NOT COOL.
My next thought is, maybe it is in the van. I was really tired and it could have fallen out without me knowing it. We call the H's, it is not in the van. REALLY NOT COOL. I am pretty much in panic state at this point. But I just said to the Lord, Lord you have this in control. I probably lost my gloves so that I could realize that I did not have my passport.
Mr. H and Mrs. H told me that since I had an e-ticket that losing that was not a big deal and the worst thing that would happen would be that I needed to replace my passport. We could do that at the embassy and that would not be as big of problem, because being the looser, yet thinker I am, I brought a color copy of my passport. We would go look for it at the Tama Center, where I got of the bus, after diner.
When we arrived we looked around, not there. REALLY NOT COOL. So we went to the police station to find out if they had it or not. Praise the Lord the police in Japan don't hate Americans and were doing their job. We filled out some paperwork, when I say we, I mean Mr. H because I don't speak or write Japanese, and Mr. H just asked me how to spell my name.
What seemed like the main officer called up the main police station. After "we" had finished filling out the paper work, the other police station called. They talked to Mr. H and PRAISE THE LORD, they had it. WE ARE COOL AGAIN.
So, I lost my passport, but it was found. Mercy.
So last night consisted of me realizing I didn't have my passport and ending up in jail.
Here is the story: I was in this cold room, that I am in now. It is cold. I mean really cold. So, I had my winter coat, hat, and gloves on. Then later on during the day I realized that I didn't know where my gloves were. NOT COOL. I started searching for them.
After going through all of my stuff I realized that I did not have the envelope that had my passport, ticket information on and all that jazz in it. REALLY NOT COOL.
My next thought is, maybe it is in the van. I was really tired and it could have fallen out without me knowing it. We call the H's, it is not in the van. REALLY NOT COOL. I am pretty much in panic state at this point. But I just said to the Lord, Lord you have this in control. I probably lost my gloves so that I could realize that I did not have my passport.
Mr. H and Mrs. H told me that since I had an e-ticket that losing that was not a big deal and the worst thing that would happen would be that I needed to replace my passport. We could do that at the embassy and that would not be as big of problem, because being the looser, yet thinker I am, I brought a color copy of my passport. We would go look for it at the Tama Center, where I got of the bus, after diner.
When we arrived we looked around, not there. REALLY NOT COOL. So we went to the police station to find out if they had it or not. Praise the Lord the police in Japan don't hate Americans and were doing their job. We filled out some paperwork, when I say we, I mean Mr. H because I don't speak or write Japanese, and Mr. H just asked me how to spell my name.
What seemed like the main officer called up the main police station. After "we" had finished filling out the paper work, the other police station called. They talked to Mr. H and PRAISE THE LORD, they had it. WE ARE COOL AGAIN.
So, I lost my passport, but it was found. Mercy.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Hello from Japan!
I have made it safely and so far I am having a great time. My flight was uneventful. I was able to meet some European guys. I didn't sleep much. I did finish reading the book What a Girl Wants by Kristen Billerbeck. If you want to understand how I felt this last semester, ready this book. There are differences, but our general attitudes are the same. :)
When I got off the plan I purchases my bus ticket to Tama Center, where Joanna and the entire H family picked me up. I actually am staying with Joanna at the house of another American missionary family here. She was going to live with them until her partner Mary came, but due to family circumstances, they have not yet returned from furlow. It is a comfort to live with Joanna. She cooked me my first Japanese meal last night.
The H's are great. Big J, Lil J and I are just as cute in person as they are in pictures. I am going to make Big J teach me Japanese, he is four and speaks it well. Joanna and I took J and J to the park yesterday to let mamma H rest.
Joanna took me to the Tama Center last night. There are many shops there. It is all decorated with Christmas lights and is beautiful. We spent some time reading and studying at the Starbucks (sounds like America right?!). She worked on her Japanese and I spent some time in Luke. It is refreshing to read about the birth of Christ at Christmas time. I was encouraged by Mary's song:
Mary's Song (Luke 1)
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Oh how I wish I could honestly call myself a humble servant before our Lord!
I am posting very early this morning. I went to bed at about 10:00pm last night, and woke up at 5:00am. I have not quite adjusted to Japan time, yet. 5:00am is not that bad though. The only problem is it is so cold! Japan does not have central heat. There are small heaters in each room and you only turn on the one you need at a time. It takes a long time for a room to heat up. It is a good thing that I am from Iowa! If you have heard that the toilet seats are heated, it is true. But, with the toilet rooms not being heated, it is more of a neccessity than a luxury.
I'm not sure what they day ahead holds for me. Please pray that I would adjust to the time and that I would be a humble servant of the Lord for the H's.
Email me with any questions! (hollybartlett@gmail.com) I will try to post some pictures later.
I have made it safely and so far I am having a great time. My flight was uneventful. I was able to meet some European guys. I didn't sleep much. I did finish reading the book What a Girl Wants by Kristen Billerbeck. If you want to understand how I felt this last semester, ready this book. There are differences, but our general attitudes are the same. :)
When I got off the plan I purchases my bus ticket to Tama Center, where Joanna and the entire H family picked me up. I actually am staying with Joanna at the house of another American missionary family here. She was going to live with them until her partner Mary came, but due to family circumstances, they have not yet returned from furlow. It is a comfort to live with Joanna. She cooked me my first Japanese meal last night.
The H's are great. Big J, Lil J and I are just as cute in person as they are in pictures. I am going to make Big J teach me Japanese, he is four and speaks it well. Joanna and I took J and J to the park yesterday to let mamma H rest.
Joanna took me to the Tama Center last night. There are many shops there. It is all decorated with Christmas lights and is beautiful. We spent some time reading and studying at the Starbucks (sounds like America right?!). She worked on her Japanese and I spent some time in Luke. It is refreshing to read about the birth of Christ at Christmas time. I was encouraged by Mary's song:
Mary's Song (Luke 1)
46And Mary said:"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Oh how I wish I could honestly call myself a humble servant before our Lord!
I am posting very early this morning. I went to bed at about 10:00pm last night, and woke up at 5:00am. I have not quite adjusted to Japan time, yet. 5:00am is not that bad though. The only problem is it is so cold! Japan does not have central heat. There are small heaters in each room and you only turn on the one you need at a time. It takes a long time for a room to heat up. It is a good thing that I am from Iowa! If you have heard that the toilet seats are heated, it is true. But, with the toilet rooms not being heated, it is more of a neccessity than a luxury.
I'm not sure what they day ahead holds for me. Please pray that I would adjust to the time and that I would be a humble servant of the Lord for the H's.
Email me with any questions! (hollybartlett@gmail.com) I will try to post some pictures later.
Friday, December 09, 2005
So I have decided that this is where I am going to keep people informed about Japan.
1. I leave for Japan on Tuesday, December 20th.
2. Yes, I am excited.
3. I am nannying for a Navigator couple there for a couple of months.
***Sorry I took off the photos. Jo asked the fam if it was ok to put pictures up on her blog, but mamma H was not so sure, so I have taken them off for now. If I get the ok, I will put them back and more super cute photos, or you can ask me and I will email them to you. :)
1. I leave for Japan on Tuesday, December 20th.
2. Yes, I am excited.
3. I am nannying for a Navigator couple there for a couple of months.
***Sorry I took off the photos. Jo asked the fam if it was ok to put pictures up on her blog, but mamma H was not so sure, so I have taken them off for now. If I get the ok, I will put them back and more super cute photos, or you can ask me and I will email them to you. :)
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