Looking Forward in Kobe

Greetings from Kobe,

In my last post, I wrote briefly about my summer in Osaka. But now that I am back in Kobe, I thought I'd write a bit about my plans moving forward, at least what I have right now.

Since I am back in Kobe and not on a flight back to LA, it is pretty obvious that my stay has been extended. I was able to get a religious work visa, which lets me stay in Japan for up to three years before I need to get that renewed and I have made an agreement with the Pastor here in Kobe to stay for at least the next year. Since I will be staying a longer time and receiving some compensation, I will be working full time with the school, which means more responsibilities and opportunities. We have not made any arrangements or discussed anything beyond a year yet but I will wait a while and see what my options are and how the next few months go.

Since I made several connections in Osaka, and it is around an hour and a half away, it is easy enough to go back there every once and a while. So I am going to be keeping in touch with them. I have also discussed a few ideas I'd like to work with them but nothing concrete just yet. I still have to see how my new schedule will look after doing full-time work, but I have a few ideas that will utilize some of my free time in things other than watching Japanese daytime TV. I also have regular days off, which means that I can visit the missionaries on those days. I also still have contact with some of the students on Line (a messaging app), so I can keep up with them by text at least.

I was also encouraged by Charlie, the missionary team leader, to take some of the things that I learned in Osaka and use them in Kobe. As I get back into the flow of my schedule, I'll see what I can do. Likely I will find some way to do outreach, maybe something similar to what I did at the universities in Osaka which was meeting students for lunch and trying to meet new people looking to study/practice English. I could also try a few of the outreach methods we used on the streets in Osaka, like “What's Your Dream?” or one of the others.

I am also planning to set aside more time for study. I am going to be studying the text books for the school so that I can help teach them more effectively. I am also going to be a little more consistent with my Japanese study. I was able to get a lot of practice learning Hiragana (Japanese phonetic writing) and some more Kanji (Chinese Character writing), but I still have much to learn. That said, a couple I worked with in Osaka had been in Japan for just over a year and only recently signed up for language courses, so I do not feel like I have been left too far behind, especially since we both focused on English heavy ministries.

As for future plans, Right now I am not certain. While I have been enjoying the work here in Kobe, it feels more appropriate as an Internship or entry level job, which at my current experience as a missionary is actually quite appropriate. But it is also a stepping stone to other things. I did enjoy my time in Osaka and I would like to continue my work with that team, but there are somethings that need to be worked out first, like what my exact role will be (although I could tell that there was some flexibility there) and ministries I would be involved in. There are also some logistical questions, like continuing on as an independent missionary associated with the team in Osaka, which means I need to raise support to stay in the field, or possibly joining the missions organization, which risks me being sent elsewhere including outside of Japan (but maybe not). There are many questions, most of which I do not have the answers for yet, but it will be a part of what I am going to be doing for the next year.

I am also going to be finding ways to be more social. I got the Line app, as mentioned earlier, on my phone right now, so I just need to start getting more people on that. I got a lot more used to traveling around Japan while in Osaka and I am figuring out things to do, like where to go for good karaoke. As I improve in Japanese, this should be easier. But given my personality, I still need to be mindful that I am being proactive in seeking friendship and socialization. I do have a tendency to enjoy my alone time, which is fine in moderation, but even stateside I found myself preferring to stay home rather than spend some time with my friends.

Since it is along the same lines and my circumstances have shifted, I have changed my mind about my no dating rule while in Japan. That rule was in place because I was only expected to stay for three months, but since I will be staying for a year and I working towards staying long-term, I am now willing to entertain the idea of a serious relationship. That said, just because I've decided to take up fishing doesn't mean I am going to catch something anytime soon. I have met several single Japanese Christian ladies and a few single missionary ladies, but none of them have seemed open to a relationship at the time, especially a few of the Japanese ladies who were introduced with “she can speak some English.” then denied it before the introduction was completed. Of course, I am going to be mindful of potential warning signs and will be talking with people who have had more experience on the field. I guess what I am saying is that I'm open but don't hold your breath.

One last thing before prayer requests. I am looking at my finances and I am trying to figure out if I will be needing some additional financial support over the next year. I found out how much I will be paid while I am here and it is tighter than I had hoped. My first idea was to raise enough to cover my student loans for each month. In fact, that is probably where the majority of my support that I raise for the next year will be going. Ultimately, if I were to join the organization, one of the things I need to get taken care of is getting my student loan principle down. But I still need to look into a few things, so I'll be praying about it and will be getting back to you all sometime soon.

Prayer requests:

First, remember the prayer requests from my last post. it was only a few days ago, so they are still prayer needs.

Please pray for my future in Kobe, Osaka, and Japan in general. I do not know how things will be worked out at this time but I am going to be talking around and seeing what my next steps need to be. Pray that I find a ministry to fit into and the wisdom to do that ministry well. Pray also that I have wisdom to know when I should move on from Kobe and if I should pursue a ministry in Osaka or elsewhere in Japan.

Please pray for my work in Kobe for the next year, that I will get back into the rhythm of things and will be an effective English teacher and Christian example. Also pray for the students, that their hearts are open to the Gospel as it is shared with each lesson and can grow to be excited to share that message themselves.

Please pray as I reach out in Kobe, that I will be wise in where I seek to do outreach and that I will be bold in sharing the Gospel. I do not know what it will look like at this time, but pray that I stay committed to this pursuit.

Also pray for the people whom I befriend in Kobe and Osaka, that we can encourage each other to be growing in our faith in Christ. And especially for a prospective wife, that in addition she will be ready to accompany me as I serve in Japan and where ever God has planned for me ahead.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

God bless,

Carl