Melatonin...

Yes, that's right.. this blog is written under the influence of Melatonin... my sleep aid because my body has yet to adjust to my California sleeping pattern. Last night I was up until 6am, it was horrible. As I write this I am listening to "Mighty to Save" by Hillsong.. then again when am I NOT listening to "Mighty to Save"? haha

I've been thinking a lot lately. It's mostly just the fact that I am finally allowing my mind to think now that I am back from Japan. Before I left and during, I was so Japan focused, I didn't want anything to get me off track. Well now I'm back and the thoughts come rushing in... consuming me. It's actually quite bad. I am beginning to stress and worry far too much. Why is it so hard to trust sometimes?

My mind goes from what to do about graduation, waiting for God to open or close doors, worrying about the path my brother is on, not finding a Church that quite fits me, realizing how important fellowship with believers is... etc. YEAH SERIOUSLY.

Japan was a spiritual high in a sense... and I guess as Kristen talked about, I feel green. It's weird not being surrounded by Christians who challenge, encourage and edify each other. I need to get used to this. Here comes my fear of change. Some day I won't be in this "Christian bubble".. it's hard. Jesus is so much more mighty than I allow myself to think half the time. I know He is, I just neglect to acknowledge it.

Really though, being home is AMAZING. I am a fan of California, even if I do miss Japan.

When I become involved in a project it's all I can think about. Right now I am spending most waking moments planning and organizing the music for the Theatre Camps I am doing. I love it, but man... I really get into it!

We are also moving, so that's a big task.

When I sit back and reflect.... LIFE IS GOOD!

No Doubt...

Honey, I'm home!!! The flight was long, the traffic was gnarly, but I made it and oh how good it feels...

My family is probably already sick of my non stop chatter about Japan... it was just THAT amazing.

Sweetest thing ever though.... the Gwen Stefani concert... not only is she phenomenal and loves Harajuku and Ragga... buuuuut NO DOUBT joined her at the end with 3 songs.... I almost fainted... MY MOST FAVORITE BAND IN THE WHOLE WORLD!

The whole thing was surreal.... she was singing about the place I just came home from! craaaazy

Anyway, now I am home and spending time with the fam and buying items for our new home.

Stress and worry are already trying to consume me... but I will press on.

PRAY FOR JAPAN!

Leaving a place I love....

to go to another place I love. This is bittersweet. I have fallen in love with the people of Japan, this city, all the members of the IMB Tokyo and all the friendships we have made!! This is such an amazing place and these people have such potential, they are just so lost... and that's what hurts the most. PLEASE KEEP JAPAN IN YOUR PRAYERS!

Wednesday we went to Tsuda College and had a great time playing games, singing and getting to know the girls of the Bible study.

Today we had debriefing and got to receive some sweet proof that we played a role in helping the Japanese come one step closer to knowing Christ. They made us an incredible DVD of pics and us singing. If you remember, ask me to see it and I will show it to you. I am very proud.

After that we had lunch at Momopara (my most favorite Skiaki restaurant) and then sang, attempted 5 minute English, played frisbee and had a photo shoot (seriously)....

The best part of the day was the end... The "Friendship Party".. God brought a good number of people and we all had a lot of fun together and I got to share the Gospel to Chiaki, so that is such a great feeling. The we all had ice cream at "Sweden's" and laughed some more and here we are.. packing our things.

I will write more when I get home and gather my thoughts... I also have a TON of pictures.

I LOVE JAPAN!!!

Gwen Stefani concert, here I come...

MY SONG FOR THE SUMMER:

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
A kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything i believe in
Now i surrender
Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus
- Hillsong: Mighty To Save

No wonder Gwen loves Harajuku...!

Yesterday we did it... we went to Harajuku! It was incredible. Everything Gwen Stefani sings about. So many rad shops that it seems almost like you are walking near the beach, but then there's another side of it that is so ritzy and hot!

We did some shopping, had lunch at Shakey's Pizza (interesting), did some more shopping and then came home and had dinner (sushi, sick) and sang Karaoke!!!!! Karaoke is so cool here. Different than in America.

I love days off!!!

Today was a very spiritually encouraging day. We went to Asia University and conversed with the students which was a bit challenging SOMETIMES because a few spoke very LITTLE english.. but I also had some great conversations! We sang for them, chatted and then they did a presentation of sign language to "You Raise Me Up" and then handed us art that they made that contained the lyrics, a picture of themselves and their contact info. So we gave them our business cards and some smarties in return! Then we hung out in the cafeteria, chatted some more, and prayer walked.

VERY GOOOD DAY. Got to at least explain to some people that we are Christians and that we believe in Jesus Christ.

3 more days to go. I love Japan, but I am so ready to see my family and friends!

Crazy street musicians..

The last 2 days have been spent at this huge amazing park in Shibuya. It reminds me of Santa Monica Block or something of the sort with street performers for about a mile. Everyone is set up singing, playing guitar, keyboard, doing comedy acts or in today's case... dressing like a drag queen bunny. ANYWAY.

It has been tiring because it's hot outside and we are fighting with the noise around us, not to mention the smoke.. but it has been great none the less. We've ended each day with a concert in the park, where all the missionaries and interns show up and bring friends and we do a concert and then have worship time afterwards. Amazing Grace is a big hit with the Japanese people.

Today was probably the better of the two days. I am surprised at how long we have lasted with the environments we have sung in, but God is good and keeps restoring our health and I pray we continue to stay healthy!

We had Tex-Mex food today and it was interesting.. the whole restaurant was very Texas style and the food was good but the portions were Japanese style, haha. muy pequeno.

I have to give a devotional tomorrow night and I am still unsure of what I am supposed to talk about. If you read this before then, please keep that in your prayers that God makes it evident to me and gives me His words and scripture.

DAY OFF TOMORROW!!! Yay!

Happy Father's Day!

Trains....

Well yesterday started out ok and ended fabulously! I have to admit, some mornings it takes a lot to get myself energized and in the mood to go up to random strangers and talk to them... yesterday was one of those days and on top of it I had a gnarly headache. So we were at a park and not many people were there and not many opportunities to meet people, so it wasn't the best spot we've been too.

However, towards the evening we met at a Lutheran Center and had prayer and worship time with ALL the missionaries, interns, volunteers, etc. It was a great time! Our group sang the opening and closing, and then the worship band led us in SEVERAL songs and it was just a great time of refocus and worship through music and prayer.

After the service we went to TGIFriday's in Shibuya and had a great time! I got my beloved Sesame Jack Strips and a pepsi (with free refills.. woot).

The funniest part of the day was on the ride home. Before last night we had only seen the train crunch. Last night, we EXPERIENCED it. When I say train crunch I mean everyone trying to shove into one train car and literally push themselves in with all of their might until there is barely enough room to breathe inside. Me, Nathan, Brett and Christina were in the middle of all of this, and let's just say, as Christina would put it.. "we were spooning with the Japanese people standing up".. it was quite awkward, but hilarious at the same time. Brett and I couldn't stop laughing because he knew how awkward it was.

Anyway, that's my story. 6 days till home!

Please continue to pray for our group, as I know many of you are and we appreciate it so much. We have a lot of singing gigs this weekend and many of us are suffering the repercussions of second hand smoke. It's everywhere!!!

Tokyo.. the heat vs. rain

Well we are back in Tokyo, settled into our old rooms at the Team Center in Mitaka. It feels good to be back, but I do miss Yokohama... it's calm and less crowded.

Yesterday we had to lug our bags in what felt like 100 degree weather because the humidity is so horrid out here... It was a long day of lugging up many flights of stairs.. oy but all in all it was good. We sang at a Care Facility primarily for the elderly and disabled and then went to a going away party at night with all the missionaries and sang a couple of songs and ate a lot of chocolate.

Today was another great day. We went back to International Christian University (which I forgot to write about last time) and spent the day prayer walking, eating in the cafeteria, playing frisbee on the lawn and meeting a ton of people! After that we went to Shimokitazawa and sang a few songs by the station and then went and had Italian food and Basking Robbins ice cream!

However, the most important fact about today was that it was our first day experiencing the Japan downpour! It was gnarly, but beautiful at the same time. I love rain. Just not in flip flops when I have to walk through several streets and train stations.

I had fun today with the interns we hung out with and I also met a good looking African fella who is here from Philadelphia working for Athletes in Action.

Overall great day..

Please pray for the friendships and people we are meeting. God is starting to put many people in our paths and I hope we can continue building these relationships and some time with them and share our hearts for the Lord with them.

Last day in Yokohama

Well here it is... our last night at this beautiful apartment overlooking this brightly lit city. Tomorrow morning we head back to Tokyo. Which means we have to pack up the mess and clean up the room we called home for the last 5 nights.. I am going to miss Yokohama so much! It has been an incredible blessing to us and I hope a blessing to the Lord.

John (one of the Pastors we are working with) told us that his Japanese teacher came to hear us give our testimonies yesterday and he is a hard core Buddhist. However, after hearing our stories he emailed John and told him he would like to come to Church again and that we all sounded so genuine about our faith and relationship to God that he wanted to learn more. How awesome is that!?

On to our day.... we spent it singing (got kicked out of a few locations because it wasn't allowed), shopping, eating, shopping, more singing, more eating and finally FERRIS WHEELING it up! It was rad- we went to "CosmoWorld" which I can see out the window infront of me right now and we rode the Spinning Roller Coaster and the Ferris Wheel. Good times!

And of course... Jess and I ended our day before walking back to the apartment with a nice bowl of Coldstone!!!! They sang us THE CUTEST songs in english when we tipped them... I got it on video. HILARIOUS!

Ok well... good night. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel back to Tokyo and resume our street evangelism and friendships building.

Happy Brianna Day!

That was the title of today... Brett gives us each a day on this trip where it is sort of like our Birthday. Today was my day and it was FANTASTIC!

We started off by singing and giving our testimonies to an ESL class in Yokohama and then we went to the Sankeine(sp?) Gardens. They were simply beautiful! A bunch of old old old Japanese houses, tea houses, waterfalls, bridges... amazing. Then we went to Yokohama Station and went shopping. I'm still having a hard time figuring out what to get everyone, so if you want something, tell me!

Tonight HOWEVER was another amazing piece of California. My host Deb took our whole group out to dinner and I got to pick the place since it was my day so we went to.. HARD ROCK CAFE! I had a California Club Sandwich, Sprite and of course Deb made me order dessert, so I got a chocolate peanut butter banana bread pudding. MMMMMM

I am going to be so sad when we leave Yokohama. This has been my favorite portion of our trip to Japan so far. They people are incredible... so kind and always making an extra effort to make us feel comfortable.

God has put some amazing people and opportunities in our path. I pray we continue to strive to bless His name whole heartedly.

A piece of California in JAPAN!

Wow, I can't believe I haven't updated in a few days. Our time in Yokohama has been very busy but SO much fun!

Let's see...

Saturday we sang for the "Biscuit No Kai Club" which is a group for mothers and their children and most of them aren't believers. After that we had udon noodles and tempura and then shopped. The best part however was meeting up with our host Deb who took us to CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN! Not only was it amazing because it felt like home, but also because we were treated to pizza, dessert, and soda (free refills!) Yeah, it was amazing.

Today (Sunday) we sang for 2 Church services and then had pizza with the youth. The people in Japan are so giving, we keep receiving gifts. We received some chopsticks and a Japanese doll from the Church... then tonight we went Bowling on the Navy Base! I LOVE BOWLING so that was a sweet activity! Of course, we were treated to this as well. I am continually blown away. After bowling we headed to Wendy's and had some dinner.

So 2 GREAT days! Right now I am sipping on some hot peach tea and looking out these 10 ft tall windows into the city. WOW.

God continues to bless us. Please continue to keep our group in your prayers!

I <3 High Schoolers

Today I was in my element...Interacting with High School students. They are so impressionable and I am passionate about making an impact in their lives, so today was great! We sang infront of 1,000 Japanese girls at what is called a Christian school, except only 3% of them are actually believers.

We sang and then as we roamed the halls they would scream and wave to us as if we were celebrities. It was the cutest thing in the world! Then we had lunch and were given beautiful wood carved chopsticks as a gift. At the end of the school day some of the High Schoolers did a presentation for us of their culture and history, including some samples of their treats. It was so awesome!!!

Tonight we walked around ChinaTown and had ramen. I am loving Yokohama. The people are so kind and generous.

My group has a few more gigs this weekend. Pray we are healthy and prepared for whatever situations we are presented with. Please also pray that hearts are softened and we are able to develop relationships and help bring people closer to an acceptance of Christ in their hearts.

I do miss home. I say that every day, but I do. 2 weeks! Love you all!

Yokohama and culture shocks

Well first of all, I thought I wrote a post about the College we visited yesterday. Where did it go? Does anyone see it and I am just blind and retarded and unable to read these Japanese settings?

Right now I am in an apartment overlooking Yokohama. It is pretty much the most beautiful site ever. Someday I will have a loft like this. There are 10 foot windows looking out to bright city lights, a ferris wheel and never ending sky scrapers. It is like in the movies. Oh my. I am in love with this.

However, I have had many a culture shock since being in Japan, namely tonight. The main culture shocks have been using chopsticks as my only form of utensil. Those of you who have ever experienced Japanese dining with me know I ALWAYS ask for a fork. So in order to feed myself here I have had to suck it up and learn how to use the beloved chopsticks. Another culture shock is the toilet system. Most toilets don't have a visable flush, but they do have a visible budet (spelling?).. as Jess would call it "a butt facial" and sound effects. I am not kidding. There is no embarassment in Japan. If you pee there is a flushing sound effect to disguise or perhaps relax your urination experience. Let's just say I have left many toilets unflushed.

Other culture shocks are NOT being allowed to put soy sauce on my rice, showering before entering the bathtub, and a self filling bathtub that calls you to remind you not to let it overflow. YES, I KNOW. JAPAN WHAT WILL YOU COME UP WITH NEXT???!

Enough rambling for tonight. Please pray for my group as we are in Yokohama. We have a lot of big gigs set before us, like tomorrow morning singing infront of 1,000 Japanese students at a High School.

Love you all. I covet your prayers. God is good!

Singing in the Park

Today ended amazingly but was a bit heavy. We had lunch at this Katzu restraurant and then headed to Sensijo Temple ( I think that's what it's called). I have never seen idol worship before and it was just very burdening and dark. I was feeling heavy for about 3 hours after that because the sites are like you have never imagined. Millions of people praying and bowing to false idols, rubbing Buddha and patting themselves with smoke. It's the craziest thing. All of these people are so lost. I kept thinking about the scripture Revelation 7:8-10.

After that we had Starbucks and then got back on the train and went to a huge park. We sang at the park for about an hour. I think we had a pretty good response. It's so difficult singing outside because of the wind and smoke blowing all around. We're singing in the park for a while longer tomorrow and after each set we intend on handing out tracts and talking to people. Please PRAY that God open's peoples hearts to our music and ministry and that we can begin to develop friendships with these people.

Tonight was another night that ended with a dinner at Mcdonalds. We've spent so much money thus far on food that we needed to go cheap tonight. Everything is very expensive out here! We did, however, get to walk along the street for a while and do some shopping.

I am having a great time. I go through highs and lows but I think that's just adjusting and also Satan trying to pull me down and discourage me.

Tokyo is an INCREDIBLE place, but I do miss home. Love you! Please continue to pray for our team! Thanks!!

Day 2

Ah today was a great day in Tokyo! We had orientation and then headed over with a big group to this AMAZING restaurant called Momopar. It’s basically where you have this skillet in front of you and you cook your own meat and vegetables. It was soooo good. Then we headed back to Shinjuku station where we were yesterday and did some more 5 Minute English Practice. Christina and I were paired up and met an exchange student from Germany who wasn’t a believer but seemed eager to meet up with us sometime later this week for dinner. After that we walked to Shinjuku Towers where we could look over the entire area of Tokyo. I was blown away. It looks like a never ending city of sky scrapers. It’s incredible. We prayed for all the different areas of Tokyo and then we and had dinner at The Royal Host, which had mostly American food.

Pray we continue to stay focused on our music ministry and that God will open doors for us to develop friendships with some Japanese people. We have a “Friendship Party” on June 21st where we bring all the Japanese friends we have made to have dinner and meet the other missionaries.

Hope everything is ok back at home!

Oh yeah… I had my first Starbucks experience here in Japan. It tastes basically the same, not quite as strong.

Our first adventure

Today was our first adventure on the streets of Tokyo. We started off having “Church” in Shibuya. Which basically consisted of meeting in an apartment, singing worship songs, our team singing 2 songs, and then breaking into small groups for prayer and discussion. This all ended with pizza.

Then we traveled to Shinjuku which was a pretty amazing area. Very New York. Tons of shops, but even more people. We prayer walked for a while but I must admit it was pretty difficult because there were so many people and so many interesting sites. Everything from fruit on a stick to explicit t-shirts. After prayer walking for about 30 minutes, we began our “5 Minute English Lessons”.. It was quite an experience. Basically we held up signs and yelled for people to come talk to us. This was a bit discouraging. Most people didn’t seem interested and the others didn't understand what I was talking about when I professed my belief in Jesus Christ. It was a good experience though.

I had fun laughing with some High School Japanese girls. It’s so cute, when the Japanese get nervous they giggle. One of the 17 year old girls I was talking to was telling me about her hobbies and she said she likes to “study”. And I was like “wow, ok” and she goes “study, haha I joke!”.. and I was like “you are crazy!” It was fun.

I am still shocked that most Japanese people really haven't heard of Christ. It's very unlike the states. In the states everyone knows who Jesus is, some just don't accept Him. While here in Japan, most people literally don't know what you are talking about.

Anyway, after that my team had Sushi, except me. Raw fish on a plate makes me scared. I tried to be quiet about it though and then after getting on our train and coming back home we stopped at a McDonalds where I got chicken nuggets and a flurry.


Overall it was a good day. I just think I am overly tired and emotional right now. Hopefully tonight I will get a good nights sleep. Maybe take a bath in our huge bathtub.

Good night America!

My settings are all in Japanese!

Hello friends... This will be a brief update as it is barely almost 7am here. We are having breakfast at 7:30, but Christina accidently set her clock an hour early so we are wide awake!!

WE ARE HERE!

I haven't had much experience in Tokyo yet... Just went on MANY subways and walked about 15 minutes to our Hostel... Which by the way is very nice!!! I love that everything is so clean here! We have 2 girls to a room with our own air conditioning, bathroom, 2 sinks and a lot of things are already supplied for us. I love it!

The best part about the trip so far has been the airline we went on.. Singapore Air.. dang it was PIMP! You board and they come around and give you hot towels, then a packet with socks and a toothbrush. Then we had like 2 full meals, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, a milky way bar, and about 6 different juice breaks. We also each had a TV screen on our seat with about 60 different movies, tv shows and video games to choose from. AND a bunch of different music. So I watched Music & Lyrics, The Holiday, Catch & Release, a bit of "23", Friends, Desperate Housewives, Glow and got to know a bunch of sweet new music.

Great flight!

Thanks for all of your prayers! It was so awesome seeing a bunch of close friends at the Globe yesterday. Now we must leave for church. I am so completely jet lagged it is unbelievable. Probably a total of 6 hours of sleep in 2 days. AH!

P.S. First culture scare..Who knew that Miso Soup had shells in it!??!

God's instrument,
Brianna

Leaving on a jet plane

This is it... The day I have been looking forward to since I think it was November of 06'. Give or take a few months.. I don't remember the exact date we were given our ISP assignments.

Speaking of assignments... mine are in. Hopefully Dr. Dan deems them acceptable.

The dilema of the night has been suitcase size. My poor mother went to TJ Maxx twice in attempts to find me the perfect suitcase, and in the end I settled on the one I had at home in the first place. Miss Indecisive right here. Hopefully it works. Brett said to challenge ourselves and pack lighter. Well, that never really works for me. The suitcase I bought is bigger than the original one at home, so I guess in a sense, yes I did challenge myself. Ah! I worry about the smallest things.

On to the big stuff... sometime tomorrow or maybe Saturday depending on the time change, I will be in Tokyo, Japan. A place I have always heard great things about but never imagined I'd go.

I will be there attempting to be the best witness of Christ I can be. I will be there attempting to spread as much joy as possible, and I will be there attempting to step out of my comfort zone and let the Lord use me.

Guess I should get SOME sleep.

SEE YOU AT THE GLOBE!
:-)

or see you June 22nd....


... I can do this.... I won't get emotional.