First Week in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan!

Hello, everyone! 

The team and I made it to Japan on Thursday, May 29, last week! Traveling was pretty easy! Our first flight was the hardest, honestly. We flew from Orlando to LA and then from LA to Tokyo. The first flight was at 7 a.m., so I got 45 minutes of sleep the night before because of nerves and because we left for the airport at 3 a.m. The second flight was supposed to be 12 hours, but it was
only 10! Praise God for that!!

As I reflect on my first week here, many thoughts arise. 

+ Wow, I can't believe I actually am in Japan

+ It's sad to see the culture here. I will elaborate in a moment

+ I am so excited to see the way God deepened my relationship and dependence on Him and, most of all, to see how He uses the team and me to further expand His kingdom and glorify Him alone

What the culture is like:

As the weeks go on, I will have more to say on this, but for now, here are some things I have been able to take away. The Japanese people are always on some sort of strict schedule. There is always a purpose in where they are walking (or running a lot of the time), and there is always the next thing to go to. They do not rest much here. Resting can be looked down upon often, and they constantly try to find fulfillment in their actions. Another thing is that they don't really speak much to one another. It is a tranquil city, yet one of the most populated in the entire world. They are very much kept to themselves and are unsure how to react when someone makes eye contact, smiles, or tries talking to them. They are skeptical people who are unwilling to open up easily to others. They think it's burdensome to share their life or thoughts with others (whether it is their best friend or a stranger). I have felt deeply saddened seeing the way of life here be so restless and hopeless. Most people have never heard the name of Jesus and are often confused when asked about Him or who God is. 

Although this spiritual reality exists among the people of Japan today, some verses that I have been assured in are Esther 4:14. This verse speaks on how God will save and deliver ALL of His people. Knowing that promise from God, as I see the dark society here, is reassuring because the pressure isn't on me to save, but only to be faithful to God and where He wants me to contribute to His mission. 

This week, we visited Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya, the Shibuya crosswalk, Harajuku, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Station. Specific prayer points for each location are attached. Would you consider partnering with me to consistently pray over these spots? 

One thing I have learned while being here is how powerful prayer is (James 5:16), and how prayer lifted up from all tongues and nations is SOOO powerful. 

Some prayer points from this past week that I would ask you to consistently be praying about, not just for this week, but for the rest of the team and Is's time here:

+ That the hearts of the university students we will be sharing the gospel with would be softened

+ For the exact words from the Holy Spirit to be shared with the Japanese people through us

+ For the language barrier to not have an effect on sharing who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross

+ The team and I rest, so that we will feel rested

+ We would be a vessel for the gospel and share with every opportunity God provides for us

+ The Japanese people would come to faith, and Jesus would be their treasure, like Matthew 13:44 says


Lastly... some fun updates!! 

  • We have kind of figured out the  train—we also have seen that the doors on the trains and elevators are RUTHLESS (Lilly and Belle got left behind at the station one day)
  • We have either lost or had a few things stolen that we have bought out and about (umbrellas, notebooks, gifts)
  • We went to the infamous Fish Market, where Natalie and I tried candied strawberries, excellent sashimi, squid, mochi, and matcha
  • Lots of shopping (I cannot keep up this habit the rest of the summer) 
  • I bought two new pairs of Onitsuka Tiger shoes (look 'em up, they are pretty awesome)
  • The boys joined a gym here
  • It has been nonstop raining with a little bit of sunshine
  • The convenience stores (conbinis) have everything you could ever need!
  • The first night, we showered with hand towels...
  • They have four-story IKEAS here (it's also a thing to eat at the restaurants in IKEA)
  • Their water pressure is elite compared to America's
  • I have rediscovered my love for cappuccinos (they also love cafés here... there is one about every 50 steps)
  • We have gotten about 11k steps a day
There is sooooo much more, but I don't want this to be longer than it already is!!!


















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