During a high school exchange program in Hiroshima, I got very close to some people in Japan, but for the most part, I felt very distant from the culture. I felt alienated and I felt excluded and even looked down upon by some of my classmates and teachers for being different. I had my ears pierced and they saw that as rebellious. I liked to be unique but they commonly believed that different was wrong. I had a great experience there, but went away from Japan thinking that I didn't want to go back and especially not for missions.
About two months ago, I was set on going to East Asia. Then, the earthquake hit Japan and God rocked my world too. He convicted me of my selfishness and transformed my heart into one that longed to see the Japanese people come to know Him during this hard time. I am now very excited to join the great things I know that God is doing over there. I am still a little cautious because I know that I may not be accepted or respected in Japan, but I know that that isn't my goal. My life is but a vapor and my goal in going is to partner with God, the one who is strong and whose influence is the substance of all eternity. Now, I am excited and happy to say that, "Kathleen Loves Japan".
=) I'm excited that you're going too! And post often (short, but frequent posts are the best... lotsa pictures are too hahaha, although I should probably do that for my posts too hahaha) <3 you!!!
ReplyDeleteaw kat! didn't know all this, but now im even more encouraged by why you're there :) praying that you'll be able to just be there and love the people of japan, regardless of how they look at you. and that they are able to look past your pierced ears and see Jesus in your life :)
ReplyDeletehaha who is chocoflanchild? cathy?
ReplyDeleteand thanks for following, jamie! i really appreciate your support :)