I drove down to the guys' place. We had planned this a week ago. We were going to celebrate having a free weekend to relax, enjoy Mexican food, and celebrate surviving 3 months in Japan. We had some epic taco-burritos. They weren't quite tacos...and they weren't quite burritos. But they tasted fantastic. Had I eaten the same burrito in South Central it'd probably be the worst Mexican food I've ever eaten. But, boy, did it taste amazing after 3 months! We ate and were dying on the floor for a while. We headed to the school next door and decided to play ultimate frisbee. It was fun and it got pretty competitive. Until we almost saw our taco-burritos for a second time. So we went back and ate more food and just talked for a while. We decided we needed another adventure. I wanted to go to the beach earlier in the day because it was beautiful outside, but we ended up going to the beach at night. We built a bonfire. No idea if that's legal or not, but we did it and it was pretty cool. We just walked along the beach looking for wood and then just sat in silence and watched it. The almost-full moon was out and shining on the ocean and I could just imagine LA on the other side of the horizon. We went to eat ramen and then got invited to someone's house...so we went. Shady but there were 4 of us and we all made it back alive. It was an adventurous day, and a lovely way to celebrate my 3 months. Otherwise, I probably would've sulked at home that I wasn't at Pismo with my sorority sisters and just did nothing all day.
I was trying to think of something I've learned in the last 3 months. I've learned plenty, but it's hard to put it into words. When I first got here, I began to understand God as my Comforter. Slowly, He became my Best Friend. In recent days, He has become my Provider. Being alone with God has allowed me to see and seek parts of His character I don't think I've ever earnestly desired. I've always wanted to know God the giver of good gifts and blessings. I've always wanted to know God the magic eight ball. But I'm getting to know Him as my Redeemer--from my past, my present and my future. I'm getting to know Him as my Lover--from sunsets to autumn season to pretty clouds. I'm getting to know Him as my Jesus--a personal Jesus.
3 months before I came to Japan, I was anxious about my placement, what schools I'd be teaching at, how big my town would be, what work would be like, etc. 3 months after getting here, I realize that God took care of everything. He provided me with super caring coworkers who take care of me. He provided a church so I could still be physically connected to the body of Christ. He provided a Skype Bible study so I could continue to fellowship with other believers. He provided internet connection so I could still be back at home. But most of all, He provided me with Himself. The longer I've been here the more I realize how much I need Jesus every single day. And I am thankful that I can need Him. I am thankful that He meets me everyday where I'm at. And sometimes that's not a very good place, but still He meets me there. I can trust my Jesus to never leave, to always provide, and to constantly love.
I need You, Jesus
Come to my rescue
Where else can I go?
There's no other name by which I am saved
Capture me with grace
I will follow you
"Rescue" - Newsong
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