Countdown: 1 day - W

I am looking forward to WARMER WEATHER, being WEIRD, and WET burritos.

I am thankful for free car WASHES from the rain, WAKING up in His arms every morning, WORKING with amazing people, WORKING with (usually) fantastic kids, WORKING in Japan, and WONDERFUL God and Creator.

I will hopefully be on a plane in about 11 hours from Hokkaido down to Haneda and then from there to 'Merica. But this storm is looking pretty nasty right now. It's warm enough that the snow/slush/rain won't freeze, but it's raining pretty hard and is only supposed to rain harder as the day goes on. Pray for a break in the storm so I can at least get to Haneda.

UPDATE (11:45am):

It has been snowing nonstop for the last 6 hours. We have a good deal of snow and heavy winds (aka blizzard). I'm hoping we'll be able to get out of the village. Right now, I can barely see my neighbors' homes on either side of me. Not so good. But at least I still have power and heat!

Countdown: 2 - V

I am looking forward to VERY long hugs.

I am thankful for VICTORY in Christ everyday.

V words are hard. And I'm tired. I woke up at 5:30 this morning excited that it was my last day of teaching before coming back. Needless to say, I've been a little restless. My bag is packed with...gifts. No clothes in there yet. Hopefully I'll do that tonight/tomorrow.

Unfortunately, a storm is hitting the village tonight. I just went out to get dinner and it's snowing pretty good right now. Hopefully, this blizzard will stop so I can get to the airport and down to Tokyo. But even if it doesn't, I'll still praise God for giving me a chance to rest after 5 months of working.

I'm usually pretty good at getting myself adjusted time-wise for international traveling since I do it so often. However, my flight is at 4pm tomorrow to Tokyo, so that's 11pm. And then I fly out from Tokyo at midnight, so that's 7am. I can't really figure out when I'm supposed to sleep. My flight from here to Tokyo is only about an hour and a half. I would sleep during my layover, but I'm meeting up with my friend from kindergarten during that time. So I think I'm going to go to sleep now, and wake up in the middle of the night, and pack. Hopefully that'll help me get a little readjusted for tomorrow.

Pray for me as I attempt to head back tomorrow and for all my other friends who are trying to get back home for Christmas. Especially those in Europe!

Countdown: 3 days - U

I'm looking forward to UNDERSTANDING what I watch on TV, UNDERSTANDING what I'm buying at the store, and Tacos El UNICO.

I'm thankful for UNDERSTANDING coworkers and students, UNDERSTANDING friends in Japan and the States, and an UNCHANGING God.

1 more day of teaching, 2 more days in Japan, and 3 days until I'm HOME! WOOHOO!

LA, you might not be sunny, but please, just don't freeze over and start snowing.

Hokkaido, please don't rain/snow/slushee when I try to leave. I'll be back, I promise.

Countdown: 4 days - T

I'm looking forward to TIFF (my faithful roommate and Bible study partner and closest sisters), TUNA melts at Homeboy's house, TITO'S TACOS, and my THETA THUGLETS.

I'm thankful for TIFF and the chances we do get to do Bible study via Skype and pray via GChat, TIME to heal and rest and find redemption, TRUE friendships that even oceans and time differences can't break, parents who TRUST God enough to let me come here, and TRIALS that force me to the feet of Jesus.

I've had my fair share of trials. Having the chance to look back and reflect, things have definitely changed in 3 years. It's no longer the end of the world when trial come my way; it's just another chance for God to show up big. I trust God to keep bringing trials into my life to refine me more and more each and every day. And I'm thankful that He sees me fit to go through the fire with Him.

Today when I was driving to my school to teach, the song "Still" by Hillsong kept coming to mind. The chorus says:

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are King over the flood

I will be still and know You are God

It was a nice reminder while my car was getting beat down with rain. That God is so much bigger than my trials. That I can hide in the shadow of His wings. That when I'm tired, He'll renew my strength and I'll rise on the wings of eagles.

Will you choose to praise God in the middle of the storm? Is your God big enough to handle your trial?

My circumstances don't change the character of my God--He is still God and He is still worthy to be worshiped.

Countdown: 5 days - S

I'm looking forward to hugs from SARAH, SLEEPING in a bed without 5 blankets, SHARING quality time with my family and friends, goofing off with my SISTERS, being SILLY and not being judged, SITTING around the dining room table with my family drinking tea and talking for hours, STARBUCKS not being 4.5 hours away, and SINGING worship with other believers.

I'm thankful for STARRY nights when it's cold, a chance to experience SEASONS, SNOW falls that make everything pretty (and treacherous), SUNSETS and SUNRISES, and a year to SIT with my SAVIOR.

Major snow yesterday meant driving to church took longer than usual. My usual 45 km drive takes about 45 minutes. However, this morning it took me an hour and 15 minutes. Luckily I left really early knowing I was going to drive really slow. For my first time driving on snow covered roads, it wasn't too bad. I only slipped once, but luckily I was already in town and turning at a stop light. I did almost hit a deer on the way back home, but, again, luckily I was going slow enough that I could stop in time.

I also had to wipe the snow off my car before I drove to church. Not thinking that all the snow sitting on top of the car would fall off when I opened the door to get my snow scraper-brush-thingy, I naively opened the driver door. Yup, I had a good 6 inches of snow fall onto my drivers seat. Luckily, it was powder, so I just brushed it off before it had a chance to melt. But I brushed it all onto my pants, and then had wet pants because I didn't think to put my snowpants on over my church pants. Needless to say, it was an interesting morning prepping to go to church. However, I was blessed with a winter wonderland as I drove with my shades on and worship music blasting.

Countdown: 6 days - R

I am looking forward to RYAN, REAL face fives and fam fives and hand holds, RAVIOLI, REGULAR pizza, and RELAXATION.

I am thankful for time of RENEWAL, God's continuing REIGN over my life, REAL seasons, and my REDEEMER.

There was a snow storm today and I never got out of my PJs. I spent almost the entire day sitting at my computer. But around 7 pm, I started cleaning my kitchen. 3 hours later, I was relatively satisfied. I'm concerned that when I come back home after 3 weeks, I'll be disappointed to be living in a "dirty" house (especially considering how clean Dad keeps things). So I decided I needed to clean and decorate and make my house feel like home. Wall decorations went up in my room and tomorrow after church, I'll go get some things for the kitchen and maybe a few more things to decorate.

I can't believe I live here

Sunset over 391
Sunset over Lake Shiratoro
Storm coming on 1040
Sunset over 113 at Crane Bridge

It's SNOWY!

I woke up to this...

Guess I won't be going outside today. Although it's a lot warmer than it has been. I don't understand this strange white soft stuff that falls from the sky.

Countdown: 7 days - Q

I am looking forward to not singing QUEEN and...QUESO? It was really the only Q word I could think of that I was looking forward to. Cheese isn't quite the same out here. It's good, just not what I'm used to.

I am thankful for the chance to QUESTION the things in my life and have the time and seclusion to wait for an answer, QUEST after God's heart, and QUERY His desires for my heart.

Man, Q is a hard letter.

On a side note, I sing songs at most of my schools. Not my choice. Most teachers request that I teach the students songs, and some already have songs for me to teach them. If you know me at all, you know that I don't sing. So teaching small children English songs is not my cup of tea. But it's part of my job, right? Well, these aren't your "normal" children songs like "Old McDonald" and "BINGO".

I never knew the words to "We Will Rock You" by Queen, but I taught that to an elementary school per the request of a teacher. I've sung almost every Carpenters song...with ONE junior high boy. The teacher was like "Aren't they popular in America? Don't you know all of their songs?" And to be honest, I didn't know any Carpenters song...and there was a good reason why. But we have successfully finished the Carpenters CD and have moved on to...CELINE DIONE! One junior high boy, one male teacher, and I sing "My Heart Will Go On." Trust me, it doesn't sound pretty. I've also sang "Country Road" more times than I can count. Today we had a Christmas party and the junior high students sang "Last Christmas" which has nothing to do with Christmas aside from the title. At least I know the Beatles songs. Students often ask me if the Beatles and Carpenters are still popular in America; I have absolutely no idea. Classic, yes. Popular, I don't know.

Only 7 days until I'm home, 6 days until I'm on a plane, 3 days of teaching, and 2 days of weekend!

Countdown: 8 days - P

I'm looking forward to PEOPLE who speak English, PRAYING with PLEDGESISTERS on the PORCH of the house, PRAYING with other believers, PRAISING God surrounded by other believers, and POPCORN chicken.

I'm thankful for PEOPLE who speak English, PRAISING God in Japanese, PRAISING God on long car drives through His beauty, PEOPLE who share their dinner leftovers with me, a PURPOSE for being here even and especially when it's cold, PRETTY scenery everywhere everyday, and a POWERFUL God who loves me even though I'm in the middle of nowhere.

I'll be hopping on a plane in a week...and I'll be home in 8 days! WOOHOO! BRING ON THE SUNSHINE AND BURRITOS!

Countdown: 9 days - O

IT SNOWED! Like, it really snowed. And I almost ate it while walking to work this morning. Now I understand the ice grippers and why Mom always told me not to walk with my hands in my pockets.

It was my first time driving on snow covered roads, so needless to say, EVERYONE in the office was concerned. But I made it safely to my school...driving a lovely 50kmh (30mph)the entire way.

I'm looking forward to ORANGE bang, not finding random pieces of OCTOPUS in almost everything I eat, OCEAN breeze, and sunset OVER the OCEAN.

I'm thankful for sunrises OVER the OCEAN, the OPPORTUNITY to live out my dream of living and working in Japan, OPPORTUNITIES to share God's love with people, and God's OMNIPOTENCE, OMNIPRESENCE, and OMNISCIENCE.

Countdown: 10 days - ?

Okay, I have no idea how I calculated the letters for this countdown. Or where it got messed up. Because if I was following the days in December, I'd be on the 14th letter...N. But I did N two days ago. So, I'm just going to wait for the Alphabet to catch up to my countdown.

I'm a little exhausted. Snickerdoodles were FANTASTIC! I baked with the heater on and country music blaring, and it was probably the closest I could make it feel like home. I went to my boss's house last night for dinner at 7. I didn't get home until after 1 a.m. Needless to say, I was a little groggy this morning at work. But while I was walking in torrential rain, one of my coworkers gave me a ride halfway to the office. And my boss gave me a ride home during lunch. Did I mention, his wife gave me leftovers? It's a little lonely sometimes, but I'm blessed to be surrounded by really kind people.

I got to the office Monday and saw a lovely package sitting on my desk. I hadn't really been at my desk since last Wednesday. I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this package. My pledgesisters and I have a journal that started with me when I first got to Japan. I sent it from here to Austin, Texas. From Austin, it went to San Antonio and then on to LA. After passing through multiple hands in LA, it was sent from Colorado back to Japan 3 months later. I was like a little kid opening Christmas presents on Christmas morning. I dropped my bag and just sat on the floor and read through the whole journal, just reading what my sisters wrote over the past 3 months. It was such a blessing to read. I am blessed to have sisters who strive to love Jesus more and more every single day and encourage me to do the same.

I also had a lovely yellow envelope with the oh-so-familiar return address label from my aunt. Only to find a card...just because. And some goofy pictures. Just a nice reminder of the family back home. That they remember I'm here. And they care enough to send a card just tell me they miss me and can't wait to see me. I'm blessed to have family who love me and remind me constantly.

Countdown: 12 days - N (and M)

I'm looking forward to NACHO Doritos, NOT sleeping in a sleeping bag in my own house, NONSENSE, staying up late at NIGHT talking, and NOT freezing every time I walk outside.

I'm thankful for NEW friends, NEW family, NEW experiences, NICE NEIGHBORS, NICE coworkers, NICE house and car, and the NEVER-ending love of God.

I'm looking forward to MOM time, MAGICAL potatotes (and everything else amazing MOM cooks), MADNESS, MY kids (yeah, you Thetas made it on the list again), MY epsilons, and the MAG crew.

I'm thankful for no MALL MADNESS during the holidays, MEETING new friends, MY own house, MY own car, and MEETING God every day.

I came back from Sapporo on Friday night. And Saturday I had to drive to town for our office year-end party. Wasn't quite what I thought the "office Christmas party" would be like. First, we started with bowling. Quite comical. I only beat all the women because I'm stronger than all of them. Then we went to some really fancy Japanese restaurant. I love Japanese food, but, boy, fancy Japanese food is a whole different story. I ate chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), which I generally love to eat, but it was shark fin collagen chawanmushi. I ate it, but I was a little hesitant at first. They told me it would be good for my skin. Then we went to some bar/club/lounge place. But after that, I went to the onsen (public bath) at the hotel. It was gorgeous. It was on the 13th floor so you could see the whole town. I went to the bath outside, which was probably a bad idea considering it was barely above freezing last night. But it was an experience. I slept in and went to McDonald's on my way to church this morning. Egg McMuffins and hash browns and coffee are so good.

While I was shopping around this afternoon, my boss emailed me asking if I wanted to come have dinner at his house this week. His wife is a really good cook, so I was totally down. I frantically tried to figure out what I could take to their house. Which is why I've spent the last 2 hours trying to bake 6 cookies at a time in my microwave oven. They don't taste too bad coming from a box mix. Trying to introduce snickerdoodles to the village. We'll see how it goes!

Countdown: 14 days - L (I, J, and K)

I'm looking forward to LOVE, homemade LUNCH, LEFTOVERS after Christmas, LONG hangout sessions that aren't constrained by limited train schedules, LISTENING to Christmas music in stores, LAUGHING with my family and friends, seeing my LITTLES--gunns and ica, and LEAVING the snow and cold for a few weeks.

I'm thankful for LOVE in the form of care packages from the States and LUNCH boxes from my boss's wife, LOVE in the form of dinner LEFTOVERS from the neighbors, LOVE in the form of LATE night chats and sleepovers, LOVE in the form of ridiculously expensive LATTES and LAUGHTER while drinking them, and LOVE in the form of our LORD Jesus Christ who came to LOVE a LOST and LONELY world.

To make up for I, J, and K...

I'm looking forward to eating ICE CREAM in December, celebrating JESUS' birth with my family, my KIDS (yeah, that's you, Thetas), INTENTIONAL conversations and relationships and hangout sessions, INTENSE worship, JUST relaxing, and KICKING it at home with my family and friends.

I'm thankful for ICE CREAM I can eat here without getting sick, celebrating JESUS with my church family here, my KIDS who Skype me to make weird faces, INTENTIONAL conversations and relationships with my Skype Bible study, INTENTIONAL friends who set up Skype dates days in advance, INTENSE worship when it's just me and God, JUST relaxing when I come home from work, and KICKING it at home with my Best Friend, my KING, my JESUS.

Snow, Sapporo, and PICTURES

It snowed on Wednesday morning before I woke up...and it was finally cold enough for it to stick. My first day of snow...but definitely won't be my last!

So I spent far too much time in civilization but it was a nice change from the countryside. It's beautiful in a different way, I suppose.

Walking through the streets of Sapporo at night

Phew...I made it back from Sapporo...again! I jumped on the train at lunch time on Wednesday after teaching two classes. Had a lovely 5.5 hour train ride and then a subway ride from the station to my hotel. A beautiful hotel to say the least. I headed back to the station to do some shopping. Finally, our Skype Bible study got together for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. This wasn't like "good for Japan" Mexican food; it was GOOD Mexican food. Such a huge blessing to finally meet face-to-face after almost three months of talking to each other. Thursday's lunch was with other believers (not in our Skype Bible study). There were about 10 of us which, to be honest, was a lot more than I expected. It was nice though to have people to go out with at night that weren't going to be drinking themselves silly and rather enjoying their time in the city/in civilization and with other brothers and sisters.

Odori Park lit up at night (note that the Sapporo Tower clock says 4:50)

To prove I'm still alive...I even got pictures of me!

I also experienced my first snow fall while we were in Sapporo. Thursday it was like being pelted with rock salt...and it turned out to be tiny hail rather than snow. But today, we had snow fall...real snow fall. I was sitting in the hotel restaurant eating breakfast and it felt like I was looking out into a giant snow globe. It was magical!

Countdown: 16 days - H

I'm looking forward to HOME, watching Lilo & Stitch with HOMEBOY, HOLDING HANDS with my sisters, HANGING out with my family, HAMBURGERS...real hamburgers, HAND HUGS, and real HUGS.

I'm thankful for HAMBURGER recipes found online, the occasional HUG, the chance for HEALING, my HEATER, my HOUSE, and time to spend with my HEALER.

I'm going back to the city today for some all day meetings on Thursday and Friday. I'm bummed I don't get to stay the weekend, but I am looking forward to meeting with my Skype Bible study in person tonight since we'll all be there for the meetings. Things aren't slowing down, but I can't really complain. I have a job, I'm keeping busy, and at least staying inside keeps me warm. Plus, I'll be home in 16 days.

Countdown: 17 days - G (and D & E)

I'm looking forward to GARDENA Valley Baptist Church, GARDENA bowl, GIGGLING with my sisters, GRUBBING with my family, GROUP hugs, GRANDMA'S p-i-e, GOOD times, and GREAT memories.

I'm thankful for GOOD food, GOOD memories doing crazy things, GOOD friends in Japan and back home, GOOD technology even though my netbook died, GOD never going back on His promises, GOD never leaving me, GOD never ceasing to amaze me, GOD always reaching down to me, GOD who is big enough to worship, GOD who is intimate enough to hold my hand in class, GOD who can't love me anymore than He does right now.

I also realized I missed D and E...so to make up for those...

I'm looking forward to DEVIN coming home from EUROPE, being called DEALS again, DEATH DOGS, praying with my EPSILONS, DRINKING sparkling cider with my EPSILONS, DRIVING on the right side of the road (literally), DRINKING coffee at Starbucks, and, did I mention my EPSILONS?

I'm thankful for long DRIVES through gorgeous nature, DARK nights because the stars shine brighter, DELICIOUS food, EVERY sunset, EVERY day I get to live out my dream, EVERY chance I have to share God's love, EXCEPTIONAL friends on both sides of the Pacific, EMAILS and snail mail, and the EVERLASTING love of Christ.

Countdown: 18 days - F

I just got back from Sapporo. I'ts 7:40 on Monday morning. Needless to say, I'm a little tired. Our train came back at 11:37 last night, and I crashed at the boys' place and got up at 5:30 to drive back for work. It was pitch black when I started driving, but since I'm driving east over a bridge over the ocean, I got to see my first sunrise on the ocean. I'm used to seeing sunsets over the ocean since I grew up on the west coast. But to see a sunrise over the ocean, and then over the lakes was quite the treat. Almost made driving back so early this morning worth it.

The JLPT wasn't as bad as I thought. Granted, my brain was kind of dead. I'm lucky it wasn't like the SATs ; this test started at 12:30. We had plenty of time Sunday morning, to hit up coffee shops and get some cramming in. While the trip was pretty brutal (just considering the travel time), it was a good trip. It was a nice hotel that was super cheap, fantastic Indian food, coffee shops, shopping, and my first cup of Starbucks since August. Couldn't help but get a Venti Gingerbread Soy Latte. I never would've got that in the States, but I figured I just exploded my brain on a 4 hour test, so I might as well splurge a little bit. It made me miss sitting at the Starbucks by campus hanging out with people, my friends, my family. But as I sat on the train for the next 4 hours, I realized it wouldn't be long before that would be a reality again.

I'm looking forward to FRIENDS, FAST FOOD, FUN, and FAMILY.

I'm thankful for FRIENDS, FAST FOOD, FUN, and FAMILY. What I have here is a little different than what I have back in the States, but I still have amazing friends who let me crash on their floors. I have Mos Burger and Mister Donuts. I have Joy Cafe, questionable beach bonfires, and adventures wandering around new cities. I have a church family here who might not always understand what I'm trying to say, but they're still down to pray and worship with me.

Countdown: 21 days - C

I'm looking forward to COOKIES, COUCHES, CORN CASSEROLE, COUSINS, CATCHING up, COUNTRY music, and the smell of CHRISTMAS.

I'm thankful for CHRIST my King, CHRIST my Best Friend, CHRIST my Redeemer, CHRIST my Savior, CHRIST my Lover, CHRIST my Healer, but most of all, CHRIST'S sacrifice on the CROSS.

I'm heading out to Sapporo to take the JLPT on Sunday. My brain feels like it's about to explode. I think everyone in the village knows I'm taking this test, so it'll be bad if I don't pass it. However, everyone has been really nice about helping me study. I'll probably have to skip a few days until I get back to the tiny village Monday morning. That's assuming my brain doesn't explode conjugating verbs in the next 24 hours.

Countdown: 22 days - B

I'm looking forward to BOB/BUTCH (aka Dad), BURRITOS, BARBEQUE, BEAR hugs, BAKING, BITING, BROWNIES, BACON-wrapped hotdogs, BEEF, BASKETBALL, BOY...as in my brother, BROTHERS, and my lil BRO.

I'm thankful for BOUILLON cubes being just as easy to use in Japanese as they are in English, BREAKFAST BARS when I'm starving at 3:00, BEARS not attacking me, BASKETBALL team who tries really hard to understand my English...and my Japanese, BEAUTIFUL sunsets and scenery, BRAVE coworkers who throw dragonflies out the window, BIBLE time via Skype with a wonderful roommate who is willing to wake up early so we can fellowship in the Word, BIBLE study via Skype with brothers and sisters across the island, and most of all a chance to get reacquainted with my BEST FRIEND.

Countdown: 23 days - A

I shouldn't be starting a countdown, but really, I'd just be lying to say I'm not excited to come home. But, this will be a rather different countdown than just 23 days of what I'm looking forward to coming home to. We're doing this ABC-style. So...

I'm looking forward to ALICE, APPLES-TO-APPLES, APPLE pie, ABC on TV, APPLE cider with my Epsilons, and ABSOLUTELY AWESOME weather.

I'm thankful for ALL my friends and family back home, ALL my new friends here, ALWAYS having reasons to praise God, ALWAYS having reasons to worship God, AMAZING scenery, ADVENTURES during school hours, and ACCESS to a basketball team and gym.

Today during 5th period, I went on an adventure with the two office helpers and the vice principal. But on our high rubber boots and went for a tromp through the "school forest" to the "school bog." There was definitely snow on the ground and covering the three logs laid out across the bog as a makeshift bridge. Yet another adventurous day of teaching English!