a thousand blue fish

We have been in Japan for a month now.  It has been exciting and awe inspiring, but today more than anything I have wanted to be home.  I am typing this at our croc computer with tears streaming and my nose running.  I have felt more fragile today than all the fragile days combined.  Just before I left for work this morning I checked Facebook and found a message from my sister to please pray for her boyfriend.  He is really sick.  As I read her message I felt all my resolve come shattering down.  I am the eldest child.  I am the big sister and for so long it has been my ...I have no words.  I managed to smile through the day. But the minute I could I felt my eyes stinging.  I want to be with my sister and her daughter.  I want to go and visit her boyfriend and tell him we love him and are praying for him. I know God has led us here and I know that He will comfort better than I could. Please pray for my sister, her boy...

On Saturday we walked to Diamond City (its a mall) which is about 40mins walk away. It was raining but we had a goal.  We were off to buy a kitchen... for our children.  For the first time in their lives we can buy them toys. God has turned things upside down for us and we are feeling that refreshing feeling of rain on dry land.  In other ways we're still a bit confused. The kitchen was an incredible privilege.  We are able to buy our children presents, buy food, eat out, save and pay our bills all in the same month.  I so believe this is a reflection of "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28. We've allowed and said yes, to God cutting, pruning, chopping, we've fallen at His feet and now He is just loving on us in a most amazing way. Thank you Lord. Much love Philippa

Shoes have to be left at the door.  In this pic Alexander is trying on his new shoes. we left them with all the other shoes and told him to tidy the shoes.  Way cool! And a bit big! I am the man! My attempt at obento the Japanese way of packing school lunches.  Heck, mum's who want to complain about lack  of ideas should try walk in my shoes. Bebe stuffing her face with a segment! of a mikon (I think that's what its called-Japanese orange) I am utterly exhausted.  My body is aching just a wee bit and my eyes are just that bit sore.  It was a surprisingly long day with my class behaving something like little hooligans.  Alexander was really, really awful. He was up at 5:30 which affected the way he responded to me which is a tad awkward as I am his teacher..  I don't think his little system understands the long days.  Have I mentioned I am teaching a kindergarten class?  I probably have but I can't reme...

We had been planning to take a trip to Umeda, Osaka all week.  It was to be this great adventure as 1. it would be all aboard a train and 2. it was seeing something new.  Alexander was so excited to take his first train ride, but was also exhausted from his first week at school.  I am so impressed by how my little man has grown and is constantly improving.   We arrived at our local station around 10, but ended up spending 25mins trying to figure out how to buy tickets. We managed to get on the train, all a bit weary.  The trip was around twenty minutes, it could have been longer, or shorter for that matter.  There were loads of stops and people getting on and off and it was really quiet.  Alexander and BeBe always get some attention from strangers, but this was even done in hushed tones. It freaks me out, the quieter the surroundings the more I shush my children who probably don't need quite so much shushing.  ...