My First week in Japan

Greetings from Kobe! So it is official, I've been in Japan for over a week now.

I am starting to adjust to Japan. I've gone grocery shopping by myself a few time now, which given that just about everything is in Japanese, means a bit of guess work and looking at pictures on the cartons. It has also been really cold, we even had a bit of snow this past week, which means I've layered a bit more than I expected, so I've had to figure out the Japanese washing machine too.

Thankfully, The Pastor and his wife have been tremendously helpful in my first week. While their English isn't flawless, they certainly have helped me adjust and have told me how to use the Japanese appliances, which for the most part are the same with only having to figure out where the “Start” button is.

As for the ministry in Japan, Pastor Taniguchi runs a small church and English school. It has been helpful having a native speaker for the English classes. As I said, because their English isn't flawless, I've been able to help give a more accurate pronunciation of words and use of English phrases. The classes are small, only a few students each, with classes of students from age 5 up through University students. There is even a class for some of the mothers. These classes at the church also include a short Bible lesson in Japanese. There is also a preschool/kindergarten where we taught a short 20 minute lesson to the class. One class that I have not done yet has been with a doctor's office, which includes the nurses and the doctor. On Sunday, Pastor Taniguchi holds three church services in the afternoon in Japanese, one for elementary students, the second for Adults, then the last one for Teenagers. Several of the students at the church are also studying English with the Taniguchi's during the week.

My experience so far has been positive. I am struggling and learning in some ways, mostly listening for and correcting English mistakes. The problem is that there are times that I understand but I understand in spite of their mistakes. Thus, I am missing some of the things that ought to be corrected but I am still learning to be more active listening for those mistakes. Some of the lesser difficulties include learning Japanese names, especially when I have to listen for the name, but I am working on it by writing down the names, which helps me remember. I was also a bit anxious about going to the preschool, it has been years since I worked with kids so young but it turned out a lot better than I had anticipated.

I am also taking a bit of time each day to study some Japanese, and not by just watching Japanese TV, which has been interesting watching the winter Olympics from a Japanese perspective, but I still have a lot to learn. I will still be a while before I can have a full conversation in Japanese, but I hope to be able to have some more of the basics before the end of the month.

That said, I am still looking forward to continuing on with to the summer program with the missionary in Osaka, but I still need the financial support. Osaka will provide other opportunities and a more variety in ministry as compared to my current service here in Kobe. This should also give me a good contact in Osaka for future short term trips and possibly some preference in a long term, organization supported stay. I am staying well within my food budget for this first part of the trip and hope to keep that up, or even improve, as my stay continues. As always, I will give a list of ways to provide financial support below.

Please continue to pray for me and the ministry here in Kobe. Pray for the Taniguchi's as they work to teach English and Scripture to these young people. Pray also for me, as I consider the opportunities that I could have in Japan, including returning as an English teacher or possibly finding a more traditional Missionary role in Japan. Pray again for me as I continue to adapt to living in Japan, the Japanese language, and other challenges that come with being in a foreign country.

God Bless,

Carl

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