"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary."
- Cecil Beaton, English photographer and designer.
A few weeks ago the English department went bowling together. My coworker Mr. Ikeda brought his 8 year old son Kai to hang out with us and he stole all of our hearts (such an adorable kid). After that, Mr. Ikeda invited Steph and I over to his house for dinner and to hang out with Kai. So this past Saturday, his wife and mother-in-law cooked the most amazing Kimchi Nabe for us and we spent the night playing games, watching baby videos of Kai, eating cookies, and enjoying a nice cozy night inside. I loved it. I can't tell you how nice it was to sit around a table with a family and enjoy a meal together. Food for the soul. Not to mention Mr. Ikeda has the most incredible house! Him and his wife designed it themselves (a popular thing in Japan) and I was just in awe of the exposed wood everywhere and Kai's awesome (and clean) play room!
I think I've shared this before, but I met Caroline in the church elevator during my first week of life in Japan. The crazy part of this story is that, if I didn't say hi to Caroline, or if she didn't help me as kindly as she did that first day...I might not have assimilated so quickly to the church body...therefore I might not have enjoyed my first few months in Japan as much...and who knows how I would be holding up now. This week we hung out one last time before she left and I was just reminded of God's faithfulness is blessing us with people in our lives at the exact time we need them.
Other random updates:
-I picked up a new hobby thanks to Kai...Kendama! (Japanese toy, similar to a yoyo) Watch THIS VIDEO...it will make you want to go out and buy one.
-Dad comes in 1 month!!
-Mornings here are still bitter cold (in the 30s) and although winter hasn't been as bad as I imagined I am still counting down the days till summer comes back into my life!!