Ian had his first experience with the Japanese toilet today - the high-tech computer that it is. Think: water-jets. He used it for about two minutes and loved every second.
The Lord was faithful to us in our arrival here.Things went basically smooth. It took us almost an hour and a half to check all our 15 bags in which we were concerned would cut into our boarding time, but the plane was slightly delayed in EVV.
In our flight to Japan, the kids slept some (!!) and really enjoyed the plane ride because they had their own screen and alot of fun things to play with that friends and family had given us. Thanks especially, Nono! We were able to navigate Chicago and Tokyo airports, receiving our important identification card upon arrival in Japan (which you need to get cell phones, etc.), and giving the kids the ability to get through the subways safely - especially the escalators (I was getting very nervous with Ian rising them). We got through the massive Tokyo station and all the walking with our carry-on luggage. My fifty-pound military duffle gave me a great workout.
It seemed like a miracle that Seima, Atsushi (the joyful Grace Harbor intern) and I were able to fit all of our 15 or so boxes into the team van at the airport.
The family and I took the Narita Express from there back to our new home. When we arrived to the apt. of the Pfiels, we learned that Atsushi had single-handedly unloaded all the 50pound boxes himself and put them in our new apartment! That was a huge blessing from him. We were so exhausted and sweaty by that point from the walking, luggage carries, and helping the kids. The Lord sustained us by his grace.
I just read this Scripture this morning, a gospel- reality of who we are in Christ as we begin to become apart of life in Japan. This is bringing my heart into alignment today as Kai goes to his first day at school with Lisa while I watch Ian and Naomi, we move into our new apartment, try to get new cell phones, and then have a welcoming party at 5:30 with our teammates and some friends.
Isaiah 61:6
but you shall be called the priests of the LORD;
they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
you shall eat the wealth of the nations,
and in their glory you shall boast.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (ESV)
