LouzBlog

Quote, Unquote

2006-08-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

There's nothing wrong with being straight,
There's everything wrong with being straight and narrow.

One is a sexuality,
The other is a problem.

Thoughts?

Reasons Why NOT to Send Your Child to a State School!!!!

2006-07-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have risen from the dead...well at least my blog has. Sorry to all my faithful blog readers but I have much to share today so I hope that will make up for lack of blogging.

I am totally incensed with what I have been being taught today at Uni so I just thought I would share my rage with you all.

To all those out there who think that state education is neutral and it doesn't matter if you put your child through the state-curriculum...........THINK AGAIN!

Were you aware that it is now legal to teach sex education from the age of five.....yes that's right - you read correctly - F....I.....V.....E. How ridiculous is that? They hardly have discovered the differences in their bodies let alone know what the word sex means. You can teach them about using contraceptives and safe sex.....I mean if they weren't deadly serious when they were telling me this - I would have laughed out loud at the absolute nonsense of such a suggestion.

During my health class, I boldly decided to voice my opinion, politely in the form of a question. I said "Excuse me, but what if you don't agree it is the teacher's responsibility to teach sex education?"
Her reply? - "Then don't be a teacher!"
I'm sorry - so are you saying that if I happen to have a different opinion to you - that I am not fit to be a teacher? I didn't ask that question out loud - but was sorely tempted.

Did you know that if a student - regardless of age - came to you and told you they were pregnant and wanted an abortion, you are well within your rights to take them off to the clinic to have an abortion without mentioning it to their parents? That is absolutely DISGUSTING! Also, if a child told you they did not want their parents knowing about this pregnancy/abortion they were having then you are legally not allowed to tell the parents. What I say to that? BOLLOCKS - I would lose my job over it, that's how strongly I feel. If a student told me that, I would be straight on the phone to their parents.

Moving along to my Science lesson today. Our lecturer confidently said that Science is not about facts. It is about being creative and it is about making inferences. EXCUSE ME? So if they truly believe it isn't about facts, why do they ram the whole evolution/Big Bang theory down our throats as if to say to believe otherwise would be lunacy?

As you can see, I am mildly riled up. I am sick of having to swallow the rubbish they teach me. I am sick of parents not knowing what exactly goes on in primary state schools. Christian parents need to wake up and realise that it is a dangerous option to send your child to a state school. It is a total battlefield out there and the devil is having a ball. If Christian parents only knew the calibre of some of the teachers training right now,they would be horrified!

Of course, I understand that it is not always possible to send your child to a Christian school - but if it is at all possible don't think twice about it!

I know this has been quite a rant and I don't wish to offend anyone with what I have said, but I just want the truth out there so people can make their own informed decisions.

I'm a Nana!

2006-05-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone...well one post a month isn't too bad huh? I have decided that I am truly a nana. After completing 8 assignments over the last two weeks, I now find myself at a loss. What do I do with all this free time? (2 days) No, but seriously, it has been great to have a bit of a break and I even got a chance to go round and visit Anita and see all her cute baby stuff.....was lovely to catch up!

School has been hectic, but fun. I've been having class debates, making clay fish, looking at picture books and of course attending to my assignments. As of next week I am back at BBI (Buckland's Beach Intermediate). I can't wait! I love the class of kids I am working with...they are KOOL! I will be there for 6 whole weeks and am working towards one week full control which is a wee bit scarey seen I don't really know what I'm doing! haha

Well just thought I'd catch you all up with where I'm at. If you want to hang out and be a nana with me.....you'll probably find me in bed before 9pm so don't be too disappointed.

Trip to Towel Pole

2006-04-21T01:41:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I just thought I'd do something different for a change and post! Nobody probably even checks my blog anymore seen it has been so long, but I'll go ahead anyway.

I have just returned from a jolly fantastic time in Towel Pole ( Taupo) I'm trying to tick off my Maori lecturer who told us it is pronounced TOEPO.....not TOWEL POLE....(which me and my mate Amelia found absolutely hilarious and thereafter started calling it). Anyway...I went down with Dad and Mum and Jim to stay in our timeshare. It was soooo relaxing...just reading, playing a bit of mini golf and tennis and pool and relaxing in the spa on a coolish evening. aaaaaaaaaah

But now it is back to the REAL WORLD. A world with 8 assignments due in 2 weeks haha...so I guess you won't be hearing from me anytime soon. Please excuse my slackness in advance.

I recommend you all go hang in Towel Pole though, it's a decent place!

Who Needs Teachers??

2006-01-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I have commenced a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at Auckland University's Epsom Campus this week. Before I started, I had prepared myself somewhat for being taught some things that I might not agree with, but I can't say I was prepared in the least for the absolutely ludicrous teaching philosophies which have been presented to me in all genuineness so far this week.

If this is the stuff our student teachers are being taught, then our school systems are in a dangerous state. Just so you have some idea of what I am talking about, let me quote from a handout I got given today.

"....teachers work with students rather than doing things to them, and the learners' interests and questions drive much of the curriculum. The environment supports children's desire to find out about things, facilitates the process of discovery, and, in general, meets children's needs. A school with this mission has a climate very different from one in which educators are mostly thinking about how they can make students work harder or follow directions."

SORRY??? Did I miss something? We, as teachers, are not meant to expect our students to follow directions? We are, in fact, not meant to teach, just facilitate learning. RIIIIGHT!

My lecturer today gave us an example of a classroom she had recently visited where there were various work stations situated around the room. The work for the week was written up on the board and the children basically "self-managed" their weekly workload. When asked what age these children were, she replied, "7 years old." If this is the case....( and I believe more and more schools are working towards this kind of programme) who needs teachers?

A further reading from this same worksheet has two columns, the first being "Good Signs" in a classroom and the second, "Possible Reasons for Concern". To my surprise, a lot of my beliefs, in terms of teaching practice, were found in the second column. I quote:

"Desks in rows or chairs all facing forward."
"List of rules created by an adult." ( Heaven forbid!)
"Sticker chart or other evidence that students are rewarded or ranked."
"Frequent periods of silence and/or teacher's voice the loudest of most often heard."
"Awards, trophies, and prizes displayed, suggesting emphasis on triumph rather than community."

To be blunt with you all.....these statements are absolute rubbish. Why on earth as a teacher can you not make a list of rules you expect your students to abide by? Why should the teacher's voice not be the loudest or most often heard? Why can we not award success or recognize achievement? We have student teachers being absolutely brainwashed in this rubbish without so much as a question. They are swallowing these ideas hookline and sinker. Students are most important and self esteem is to be achieved by praising all students and encouraging equality. In other words, don't emphasize success, just encourage community. What kind of nonsense is this? No matter how you try to work your way around it, some kids are going to be academic and some kids aren't....those kids know who they are, and no amount of self-esteem building empty praise is going to make them believe otherwise.

As Scott would say raaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh. I could rave on, but I am keen to hear your ideas on this matter.

To Blog or Not to Blog.....

2006-01-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

I must apologise profusely for my slackness in blogging of late. To be honest I have been trying to decide if I will bother continuing with my blog now that I am back in little ol NZ. My life is probably not quite as exciting as it was last year, so I am not sure I will be able to blog regularly and even if I do, I am not sure many people will be that excited about reading it.

After much deliberation, I have decided to put off the decision for a while and just blog about my cool holidays.

I had a lovely Christmas with my family and friends. It is amazing how the older you get the more you realise the superficiality of presents etc. and the more you appreciate the real meaning of Christmas and the chance to spend time with friends and family.

Two days after Christmas I left for Christchurch to attend a Youth Bible Conference down there. It was an awesome experience just fellowshipping with like-minded Christians and sitting under good Biblical teaching. After conference a lot of us stayed for another week and just hung out with everyone and did lots of fun stuff. We got to see the beautifully scenic Port Hills, find our way out of the Maize Maze....and also enjoy the wedding of Mark and Gina Young. It was sad to come home!

Have spent the last couple of weeks just chilling out, lazing around and generally not doing too much at all. Has been good to use the time to read some good books and such. Monday is the start date for my course in Primary teaching. Am quite looking forward to the challenge.

Well will continue to ponder the future of my blog....till then you all have a beautiful day!

Sweet Home Manurewa!

2005-12-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks Jono for the inspiration for this title! haha
Well I am back in good ol New Zealand and it feels really great to be back amongst familiar faces and NZ food. My time in Japan was totally awesome and I learnt so many things. I feel I have come back changed so I hope that I can live the changes out that God made in me.
I have to say I have had a wee bit of reverse culture shock....especially from the slack service in shops over here. It is a far cry from the bowing and polite thank yous I received in Japanese retail places. I really think owners of retail businesses should put in some extra work to train their staff with the basics of how to smile and act like it's not too much of a bother to actually serve the customer, rather than treating them like they are an interruption to their day.

Enough whinging though. It is great to be back. I love my family and friends and my church. Looking forward to catching up with you all.

To my friends I left back in Japan/Canada/America/England/Switzerland.....yea the list goes on....I miss you guys lots and will definitely keep in touch. Stay tuned on my blog.

Blessings over this Christmas period. Don't get caught up in the hype. Show God's love this Christmas!

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful.....

2005-11-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure frightful is the word I was looking for, but we have had a weekend of SNOW.

Sarah, Lois, Naomi and I went into Aomori city on Saturday and did a bit of shopping and went to see Elizabethtown. It was classic man, we bought little lunchboxes of rice, salad etc....a full on meal and took it into the movies with us. My first time eating rice with chopsticks whilst watching a movie. Eating with chopsticks in the dark is somewhat challenging, but a lot of fun!
If you haven`t seen the movie yet, I wouldn`t recommend it. I was quite disappointed with it.....for all the famous actors/actresses, I thought it was a bit of a let down. But nonetheless, the evening was a pleasant one. Good company makes for a good time.

The drive home was awesome. The snowflakes were massive and it just seemed like we were in some fairytale land.....OK I`m sure the Japanese people are used to it, but for me it was just totally beautiful. It made me just want to praise God for the fact that he not only made the weather, but he made it beautiful, for our enjoyment.

So yea, that was my weekend. Hope you guys had a good one too. Love you all!

My Days are Numbered!

2005-11-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hello again! I felt the need to blog, seen it has been a while.

Winter has finally hit, my fingers are cold as I type and the weather is somewhat dreary. We had our first snowfall on Wednesday and I had the privelege of driving in it. It melted straight away but it was exciting none-the-less.

I have just two more weeks of teaching here in Aomori and then a week of farewell parties and a week in Tokyo and then I'm on the plane headed to NZ. Looking back over my time here in Japan, I have seen the Lord working in so many ways. It is difficult to articulate all the things I have learnt, but I am hoping that when I get home I can have time to reflect and gather my thoughts so I can share this with people back home.

It is a little difficult keeping focused over here when there is stuff at home I want to be getting sorted. I still haven't heard if I have been accepted for my diploma course for next year, so please pray that I will be able to sort that out in time when I get home. Also, this week is going to be a busy one as Ruth is away in America. Please pray that I will be able to handle the extra responsibilities.

Wanted too to thank you guys for all your prayers and encouragement to me. It is true that it's not just the missionary who does the work, but all the people who support in prayer and other ways.

God bless!

Blogger`s Block

2005-10-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

OK, so I can`t think of anything to blog about just now, but my good friend Allie had this posted on her journal so I thought I would follow suit. Enjoy and feel free to comment :)

1. Best memory of you and me.
2. Favorite thing about me.
3. What's the best thing you've ever done with me.
4. What's my best quality.
5. What's my worst quality.
6. Describe me in as many adjectives as you want.
7. If you could set me up with someone who would it be.
8. Name one band i like.
9. Name one thing i wear.
10. Name one thing i love.
11. Name one thing you think i should have.
12. Say one fact about me.
13. Write your honest opinion of me.
14. Post this on your journal.

Totally Turkey!

2005-10-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a Thanksgiving Dinner here at Itayanagi church. All day yesterday we were busy cooking pies and turkeys and all the good food people like to eat at Thanksgiving. A lot of people turned up...which was really encouraging. Several of my English students came and for some of them it was their first time in the church or at a church related meeting. We ate, and then Martin did a short talk about being thankful to God for his many blessings. We played a few games and sung a couple of songs. Basically it was just a real encouragement to be able to see the fruit of the relationships we have been building this year. OK, so no one came to faith last night, but the next stepping stone was laid...and it is truly a blessing that God can use me to be part of the stone laying process. I hope and pray that these people who came last night would see the difference in the Christians they have come into contact with and that they would want that for themselves.

So yea, the night was awesome. The turkey was...hmmm well if you know me, you know my experience with turkey.....

I`m down with the whole idea of Thanksgiving....we should adopt it in NZ....a time to remember all God`s blessings and to say THANK YOU!

Strength in Our Weakness

2005-10-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hey...I just wanted to share with you something I have been learning over the last little while. We don`t have to be great, we don`t have to be amazingly talented...we don`t even have to be good....God is able to use us in ALL our weaknesses to do stuff for His Kingdom. Isn`t that such a humbling thought?

Well I have been truly humbled and also truly thankful for this truth just recently. One of my favourite Casting Crowns` songs deals with this topic...."Voice of Truth". In that song, the writer basically talks about how the devil tries to make us believe that because we are weak and untalented that God can`t use us and, more to the point, doesn`t want to use us. BUT....it is really a matter of what voice we want to listen to. Do we want to listen to the devil and take on a defeatist attitude...that we are really untalented, and unable to do things for God...or do we choose to listen to the Voice of Truth?

But the voice of truth tells me a different story,
the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid."
The voice of truth says "This is for MY glory."
Out of all the voices calling out my name,
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.

Just recently, I have been hearing the devil`s voice. He tells me...."Louise, seriously what do you think you can do for God over here in Japan? Look at you...you can`t even speak the language! How can you hope to make friendships with these people who you can`t even communicate with?" He goes on to tell me how I suck at teaching English. He says...."yea you thought you were good at English, you had it all too easy back in NZ...coz you had a common language, but now you`re thrown into this foreign culture, foreign language...and you finally discover the truth, you`re not talented...in fact you`re pretty useless."

The devil`s pretty convincing at times. But even though it is easy to listen to his voice and believe the lies he tells me...recently I have been choosing to listen to the voice of truth. God`s voice tells me that....Ok, so my English teaching is challenging because of the language barrier, so my lessons don`t always go to plan...so I`m not an amazing English teacher who is amazingly talented....but God can take all that weakness and make it count for His Kingdom.

Last night, I was pondering these things on the way home from a tough day teaching. God really blessed me yesterday despite my weaknesses. He gave opportunities to strengthen already growing friendships with my adult class members. He is truly good...and his voice is reassuring me that I am not wasting my time. He can use me....even me....for His perfect purposes. I am truly humbled!

Speedy September

2005-09-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

September is rapidly disappearing and I feel an update is pretty much overdue!

Firstly, praise the Lord that Carl...(see post below) is recovering well and can testify to God`s goodness in his life! Awesome.

We are officially in Autumn now here in Japan. The cooler weather is testifying to that fact. Rice is being harvested at the moment....the fields look beautiful....each season has its own beauty. In spring the fields are flooded, so the water reflections are really pretty. In summer the rice is planted so the small shoots of green look really cool and it was cool watching their progress. Autumn the rice gets heavy on the stalks and bends the heads over. The fields are a beautiful golden colour. God is definitely a Master Artist!

Teaching is going well. Have had a few new faces in my classes which adds variety. Keep praying that our contacts with these people might be the start of a friendship leading to opportunities to share the gospel.

Had a recent surprise visit from Mami....my friend from Tokyo! It was lovely to be able to spend a week with her!

Not much else to blog about at present. Big hi to everyone who reads this. Thanks for the comments throughout this year, it is encouraging to know you guys are reading it :)

Blessings on you all.

My Friend Carl

2005-09-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I`d follow the bloggers who have been before me and post on my friend Carl. As you all probably know by now...Carl survived a rather serious car accident. I want to testify to God`s goodness! God is awesome and was watching over him...I think he has more left for Carl to do. I am so grateful that God spared his life.

It just got me thinking about how important it is to make sure you keep short accounts with people. Like never hold grudges because you never know when your time or someone else`s time is up. Like Scott said in his blog, it`s times like this you realise how much someone means to you.

Carl..this is for you. You are an awesome mate and have been there for me in good times and bad. I wish I could be there to visit you...but I am there in spirit. Thanks for being such a great friend. I am truly thankful that you are OK. You mean a lot to me buddy! Get better real soon, so you can read this haha.

Make sure you tell your friends how special they are to you. It`s a good thing to be in the habit of doing. So all my friends...yes that`s you....I love you and you are important to me.

The Long Days Of Summer ....are over!

2005-09-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

Yep that`s right...Japan is actually starting to get cooler. I thought it would be hot forever, but apparently not. We all survived the typhoon... in fact, it pretty much missed us completely, so much for the predictions that our town would disappear!

Had an awesome weekend I thought I should tell you about. On Sunday, we had an outdoor service up in Kanagi Park. Afterwards we had a picnic and me, Naomi and Hoshi made some COOL videos ( you can replace COOL with CRAZY if you feel the need). In the evening we had a BBQ and invited all the new JET teachers along to it and to church service afterwards. They are a great bunch of people....I totally loved the variety of accents. Met a chick Lois from England...and she is hillarious! We were cracking hernias all night. Picked up one of her phrases..`Absolute Rubbish!` (said in a true English accent.)

Allie, you won`t believe it but I was talking to this Canadian guy called Ivan and he actually used the word `careened` in the conversation. It was all I could do to suppress my laughter.

So just when I had decided I would try not to make any new friends, coz I had had enough of saying goodbye, a whole bunch of cool people came along. Ah well, guess it`s just inevitable that there will be goodbyes to say.

NZ is calling me...I hear it getting louder each day. My family, my friends, my bed, the beaches, the accent....aaaaaaaaaaah HOME SWEET HOME.

Wild Weather!

2005-09-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hey guys....just thought I`d let you know a typhoon is heading our way here in Japan. Man it has been exciting lately...first an earthquake and now a typhoon. But on a more serious note....it has caused a lot of damage down south, claimed lives and generally caused chaos. It is expected to hit up here tomorrow. Please pray. Apparently it is gaining speed as it travels north. Pray especially for the apple farmers, that the apples would not be too damaged. It could be really bad for them....so yea, please spare them a thought. Will let you know more details as they unfold.

Other than that....everything here is G double O D GOOD! Teaching has been going well, I am now into the second week after holidays...so feeling more in a routine. God never ceases to amaze me. Every now and then (well actually more often that that) he does something as if to say..."Yes, trust me....I am totally in control." That rocks!

Inspired by Anita`s blog I have been thinking a lot lately about how we can be encouraging to others. Encouragement is such a key thing to have as Christians. We should always be looking for ways to build each other up. I, too, want to put this into practice so much more.

Wanted to make a shout out to a few people...just coz I always feel cool if people mention me on their blog haha. Scott....and Sarah...enjoy your engagement party, wish I could be there. Rosa..if you read this (hehe) 13 more weeks girl and I`m gonna be back chilling with you!!! Allie...all the best at school...with your NZ phrases. Careen for me gurl! Al...put some curtains up PLEASE! and stay cool!

K I`m out.....luv u guys. またね　(see you)

Kicking...

2005-09-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Well I have had my first week back here in Itayanagi teaching English and such. It has been a good start back. God has been faithful and given me strength for each task and each day and I have seen his blessing and hand in the things I have done, which is truly a great privelege.

I have now started doing the Bible talks for my Thursday night classes. In the past Ruth was doing them, because my Japanese is not that flash. But I did a few before I went away on holiday and then again last night. Of course I do not do them in Japanese, but my students` English is at a level where I can basically get across a simple message. Last night I spoke about the parable of the lost son. I just pray that God would use me in my weakness to start them wondering about Him.

In other things....I want to jump on the bandwagon about praying for NZ. It is in a SHOCKING state from all the things I am hearing. It really saddens me that our nation can be so far from God. I just pray that God would pour out mercy on us, even though we, as a country, are so undeserving.

Anyway, sorry this entry has not been particularly exciting...I mean no earthquakes, fires etc. but hey.....that`s life!

Blessings to you all!

Sendai ROCKED - literally!

2005-08-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hey long time no blog! I have been summer holidaying down south in Sendai (halfway between Aomori and Tokyo for those interested) and yea it ROCKED. Now when I say rocked I mean it....I was able to experience first hand what an earthquake feels like - an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale. The experience went something like this:
I, having just enjoyed a nice cold shower, am busy in the bathroom doing my hair when I hear this HUGE noise....so I call out to Naomi in the kitchen...."Naomi, what`s that?" who matter of factly answers, "An earthquake." Being somewhat unconvinced I reply, "No seriously, what is that?". To which Naomi once again calmly replies..."It`s an earthquake."
Immediately following this short dialogue the ground beneath me begins shaking. Being unfazed however by this...I slowly make my way out to the kitchen, still trying to finish my hair. Arriving in the kitchen, I just stand in the middle of the room totally oblivious to any danger, wondering exactly what I should do next, when Naomi (who had rushed outside) pokes her head in the door and shouts, "Louise, get outside!". Slowly grasping the reality of the fact that I am actually in the middle of a natural hazard...I make my way out of doors....only to be further amazed by the feel of the grass and dirt moving beneath my feet...it felt kinda cool actually, like I was surfing. It lasted for a very short time, after which we both made our way to the deck (me with my camera) to get some pics of the Tsunami that was being predicted. After waiting for a rather long period of time, we gave up and went and had lunch. It was reported later that it was only 10cm, so I`m glad we didn`t wait any longer. So...was I scared? NO....funnily enough I wasn`t....I was intrigued, but not scared. Afterwards, when I had time to process what had taken place, I felt thankful to God that although this earthquake had the ability to kill many and cause a lot of damage, God protected us from that. God is GOOD.
So aside from that, I spent a lot of time sunbathing, reading and generally enjoying the beach. Beaches in Japan have got nothing on NZ beaches tho.....I mean you have to put up with swimming beside plastic bags and other unrecognisable objects which at times can be somewhat disturbing.
I am now back in Itayanagi ready to face my first week back in the English teaching realm. Would appreciate prayers for God`s strength during my last few months here in Japan, that I would remain focused and be diligent in His work.
Much love to you all xxx

Tokyo Travels

2005-08-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yep...just got back from an awesome 3 days in Tokyo. We travelled down by night bus on Sunday night and stayed at a missionary family`s home. The Canadians arrived around lunchtime on Monday and we watched many DVD`s and generally enjoyed each others company. The point of the trip was to attend the Hillsong United Concert...which was definitely worth the money to get to Tokyo. We also went to two seminars before the concert, one on reaching individuals for Christ and the other on doing stuff for God when you`re young. The concert was AWESOME!!!!!! A real time of spiritual refreshment and also cool to see 128 people go forward to make commitments for Christ. Need to pray that these will be genuine and there will be good follow up.
I think the trip was so cool coz of the cool people I got to hang out with. Isn`t it true that you can have a blast just by being with special people...you don`t have to do anything amazing, but just being with them makes it FUN. That`s how I felt about this last few days. It was HOT in Tokyo and we didn`t have a lot of energy to do really cool stuff...but just hanging out and watching DVD`s and then praising God together at the concert was the BEST.
I`m beginning to feel quite sad....have already said the first of a few sad goodbyes...and there is more to come. The Canadian team leave on Monday....so I`m trying not to think about it at the moment...coz it`s gonna be really really sad. Still have 4 more days of excitement though. YAY!

Well that`s a brief catch up on the happenings. Trust you all are well.

Happenings!

2005-07-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Man this weekend has been a full one! Many things to tell. This weekend we were meant to do an overnight retreat at Aomori Christian Centre to help clean up the place etc. We arrived around 5.30pm and mucked around til dinnertime. Then we had a song night...and when I say song night I mean song NIGHT....like 30 or so songs....with not much break in between. Well I dropped out after the first set and spent the rest of the night being sick. Ended up in Hirosaki Hospital until around 3.30am. But thankfully I had some very cool people taking good care of me. Thanks to Alex and Melissa who were really kind to me, bringing me water etc. and just genuinely caring. Thanks Melissa for helping me get thru the ride home..and thanks Alex for the awesome CD and the use of your jacket and sheets haha. You guys rock! Thanks to Ruth who gave up a night`s sleep to sit with me in hospital. I am much better now :)

In other news....my bro Scotty has become engaged. Totally stoked for him and Sarah. God is good and provides everything in his perfect time. My prayers are with you guys....and excitement. Sad I can`t share with you guys in person right now...but there will be much rejoicing and partying when I get back! haha CONGRATULATIONS to you both.

Yea so, that`s my news. Happenings on many fronts. This week will be a busy and eventful one...with many concerts etc. Pray that lives would be touched and changed for Christ.

New Cool People in My Life

2005-07-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well sorry that it has been quite a while since I last posted. Life over here in Japan has been really busy but also really fun. At the moment we have two teams of short term missionaries staying at the church here in Itayanagi. Can I just say that they are a cool bunch of people! There is a team from America and one from Canada. Unfortunately most of the American team are heading back home on Wednesday...it will be a sad day. I just want to make a personal mention of Allison. Allison is one cool chick....and me and her have been CRACKING A HERNIA seriously all day. I mean, for instance, do any of you ever use the word careening? We discovered tonight what a great word it is...and how fun it can be to use it repeatedly. I guess you kinda had to be there to grasp the full weight of hillarity...but laugh with me!
Also want to make a personal mention of Alex. He is representing from Canada.....and he is one awesome dude. He truly has been blessed with talent on the drums....and it rocks jamming to beats! Yea so you two rock....Go hard for God in the remaining time left in Japan.

In other news, my boss is in a very bad way. My Dad was able to visit him and give him and talk to him a bit. He seems frustrated at his limitations and still can't really talk. Please continue to offer up prayers for him....I wonder if God is really using this time when he can't talk to make him listen to His voice. Pray hard please.

Miss you guys lots...but in about a week I am HALFWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Big love and hugs xxxx

I Love My Boss!

2005-07-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone....just wanted to share a prayer request with you all. Some of you will know or will have met my awesome boss Ian. I have worked for him ever since I left high school. He is a wonderful man and has been so kind to me over so many years. If you have ever talked to me about my work at Photobank then you will probably have heard me say a lot about him. I love him very much. Well I have just heard the news that he has had quite a serious stroke and the business (my old work) has had to close down. This came as quite a shock to me. I really would love you all to pray for him - that he would come to know Christ most of all, and that God would heal him from this. At the moment he can`t say much and it looks like it will be a long road to recovery.
I just wanted to share this with you. It`s hard hearing bad news when you are far from home, but it will make it much easier knowing that I have others sharing the burden of prayer with me. I love you guys, thanks for praying.

Family Fun

2005-06-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Yes! My family or at least two members of my family are here in Japan. It is great! Although the surprise was somewhat killed quite some time ago...I did still get a little surprise the day they arrived. I had figured they would be arriving about Wednesday or Thursday and I was quietly hoping it would be Wednesday. Well dinner time arrived on Wednesday so I resigned myself to the fact that I would probably have to wait another whole day. I was over at Itoku ( the supermarket) getting dinner stuff together. I came running back ( I was in a little rush) and who should be `hiding` at the door but my Mum and James. The Taskers had gone upstairs to find me and Mum and James were going to hide at the door. So I got quite a surprise, after just deciding they weren`t going to come and I`d have to wait another whole day.
We have had a great time together...it has been fun showing them around and having them sit in on some of my English lessons and meet some of my students.
I will definitely miss them when they go next week!
I am nearly at the four month mark! Which is not quite half way...but still seriously close.
Am keeping up to date with the political debates that have been being bandied about on the other blogs. I think we should all spend more time praying for NZ...that God would show mercy where it is not deserved.
Keep smiling, you guys are on my mind constantly. Big love to you all!

Ahoy me Hearties!

2005-06-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hello all, sorry about the long time between posts. No real good excuses so I won`t bother trying to make them. Had an awesome time in Tokyo for conference. To be more exact, we were in Chiba. During the 3 and a half days we ( meaning me and some other short term workers/helpers) helped run the kids programme. It was a lot of fun, but the highlight would have to be the skit we did. I didn`t lay eyes on this skit until I was travelling in the car to Chiba...so we sorted out parts on arrival and practiced each day before the kids session. What larks Pip! haha It was a lot of fun....good workout for the abs too with all the laughing we did during practice time! The skit was about a pirate ship and another ship and the characters choosing which ship they would sail with - alluding to the choice between following Christ or not. There was some great lines, along with some cheesy lines, but all in all it was a great skit ( not to mention a great cast). I loved meeting new people and also catching up with missionaries I have heard a lot about and prayed for before. Yea so overall a great time was had by all. Oh yea, I forgot to mention, the food was awesome!
Now I am back in Aomori settling back into the daily teaching routine. Have picked up a few more students on the way. Life at times is challenging, but God is awesome!

By the way the title is a vague reference to the skit..just in case you hadn`t picked it up.

Well friends I will leave it there for now....stay tuned for more! Blessings on you :)

A Brush With the Law

2005-06-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

Ok Ok! That should have got you going! Yes, I know I`m a missionary and this is not sounding good...but hear me out, hopefully you`ll see the funny side of it.
Last night I stayed the night in Aomori City with my friend Erika, at her apartment. This morning we got up and chilled and stuff then in the afternoon we decided to go for a bike ride. You can hire bikes for 100 yen...but we decided it would be way more fun to share her bike. So I hopped on the back and she rode...it was sooo much fun! We rode for about 40 minutes and then she let me have a go riding. I was absolutely hopeless. We ended up in a bush, nearly crashing in to a fence and other things..yea you get the picture. Anyways, I finally had got the hang of it...and I`m riding along, as confident as, and then we sail by these two policemen....and all of a sudden they are gesturing and shouting out something in Japanese to us. Apparently...riding two to a bike is illegal in Japan. Man it was such a crack up...but maybe you had to be there! SO I had a little brush with the heavy handed law of Japan. Very shameful behaviour for a Missionary. There will be much repentance...and unfortunately we won`t be able to ride around again and have so much fun! Such are the sacrifices we missionaries must make haha!
Hope you got a laugh out of it....I definitely did.

Jolly June

2005-06-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

Can anyone else believe that it is June already? That means we are halfway through this year. Incredible! It has just flown by so far.

June in Japan is meant to be the wet season, but so far I haven`t seen much rain. Yesterday I went and sat in the park and did my devotions and some teaching preparation...I fell asleep for a bit too on the park bench and all of a sudden I opened my eyes and there was this Japanese man looking at me....scarey! haha I got a bit of a fright! (I also got a bit of a sunburn on my forehead - nice look!)

Not a lot of news to mention but thought you might be all getting a bit sick of the Farewell Baby Milly post.

Have a missions conference here in Itayanagi in a couple of weeks and then straight after that we head down to Tokyo for the OMF Missionary Conference. Should be a good time! I think I will be doing a bit of child minding with some of the other short termers.

Hmm anyways, that`s about all I have to say. A bit boring I know, but hey, I posted!

Farewell Baby Milly!

2005-05-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Some of you have become quite fond of Baby Milly. I am sad to say that she is gone! During my sickness over the last week, I decided to finally visit a doctor. He was a very thorough doctor and promptly gave me blood tests and an ultrasound. Just for those who don`t know...you usually have an ultrasound when you are pregnant..and they rub this jelly stuff on your stomach and a scanner over it and you can see what`s inside your tummy on the computer screen...it`s actually pretty choice. Well it was here that I realised my growing stomach can no longer be attributed to little Baby Milly seen in fact there was no trace of a baby in the photos. I know Andrew and Alex will be quite disappointed...but for now it is time to farewell Baby Milly and say hello to a novel thing called EXERCISE haha

For those of you who have absolutely no idea what I am talking about.....then take this post with a grain of salt. I deeply regret that you did not have the pleasure of meeting Baby Milly..but I am happy to inform Andrew C that his suspicions were all wrong!

Farewell Baby Milly!

Reality

2005-05-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yup inspiring title, but I am feeling anything but inspired. Have been a bit sick the last week which is probably why I am not feeling that inspired. It`s hard being sick when you are far from home and familiar doctors and medicine. But that is the reality of being in Japan....everything can`t always be rosey.

Anyway, enough gloom. Good news! We have a new convert fellow bloggers.....none other than CARL! Proud of ya mate. I hope to see many a good post on that blog....so I urge you all to view it!

Some more exciting news, there is the possiblity of two new classes for me. While this means ulitmately more work, I am excited because one is a private student who is highschool age and we get on really well. She has been coming to church all her life, but needs to reach the point where she can make the faith her own. Please pray that I would have an impact on her life. Also the other class is to a whole family. None of them are Christians, but they are apparently very open and there would be opportunities for me to share my testimony etc. I would appreciate your prayers.

That`s about all the news I have for now. Check out the new blog! Bless ya!

Laughing Tones Your Abs!

2005-05-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

I just feel like giving you all a good laugh...I, for one, needed to laugh today. Have been sick in bed all day and so took to reading Reader`s Digests...haha they make for some funny reading:

St. Peter greets a man at the Pearly Gates. "What have you done to deserve entry into heaven?" he asks. *This person who is writing this joke has obviously not passed the course in Evangelism Explosion*
"Well, on my trip to the Black Hills, I came upon a gang of tough bikers threatening a young woman," says the man. "So I went up to the biggest, meanest biker and punched him in the nose. Then I kicked over his bike, yanked his ponytail and ripped out his nose ring. When I finished with him, I turned to the rest of the gang and said, `Leave this woman alone or you`ll have me to answer to!`"
St. Peter was impressed. "When did this happen?"
"Just a couple of minutes ago."

Proudly showing off his new apartment to a friend late one night, the drunk led the way to his bedroom, where there was a big brass gong. "What`s that big brass gong for?" asked the friend.
"It`s not a gong. It`s a talking clock," the drunk replied.
"A talking clock? How`s it work?"
"Watch," said the drunk. He picked up a hammer, gave the gong an ear-shattering pound and stepped back. Someone on the other side of the wall screamed: "Hey, you jerk. It`s three in the morning!"

OK now for some one-liners:

Women don`t want to hear what you think. Women want to hear what they think in a deeper voice.

I always wanted to be the last guy on earth , just to see if all those women were lying to me.

I don`t consider myself bald. I`m simply taller than my hair.

K well that`s me for now. You guys all have me to thank for those perfect 6 pack abs you`ve developed from reading my blog.

"Buddy"

2005-05-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Have just been on a 30 minute walk with Sarah...(American girl who lives at the church). It was quite nice, we started by taking Buddy(the Ghents crazy-go-nuts) dog but he went ballistic and so out of control that 5 minutes into the walk/run (it was an embarrassing case of who`s walking who), I decided to take him back and go without him.It was actually quite hillarious. Like he tried to crap and if a dog craps here you have to clean it up....and so I just started dragging him coz I had nothing to clean it up with....and so he was squatting and I was dragging him....really really funny scene, but guess you had to be there. And then on our way back...coz he was so going crazy....we were waiting at a pedestrian crossing for the light to change...and this little ( I emphasize little) Japanese man with a big( I emphasize big) dog started coming towards us. So me and Sarah tried to stay calm and stood in front of Buddy so he couldn`t see this other dog....but the other dog saw Buddy and started going crazee and hence Buddy followed suit. So me and Sarah are trying with all our might to keep Buddy by our side whilst the little Japanese man is barely holding on to the big dog! It was classic....finally the light changed and we could DRAG Buddy back to the safety of his chain and kennel. I feel that Buddy has ruined his chances of ever being taken on a walk again by me!

Holi Holiday

2005-05-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yes it`s a national holi holiday over here in Japan to celebrate Golden Week which is the beginning of spring and all the cherry blossoms. SO I am on holiday! Yes it is a wonderful feeling.
So with a holiday I thought it would be a good reason to update my blog which hasn`t been updated for quite sometime!
Everything over here is going really well. Church is cool and even though I can`t understand the message in the morning I am starting to pick out a few key words here and there and even though it`s not enough...it is just such an awesome experience to be able to worship alongside Japanese brothers and sisters in Christ.
Have attended a couple of cherry blossom festivals which are definitely a must see. They have food stalls with weird and wonderful foods to try....for example...chocolate coated bananas!...not necessarily the most appetising to look at...and I actually have to confess that I didn`t try them. But I did try baby octopus in a kind of dough ....it was intersting!
On the news front, I have glasses! Yes we all knew I was going blind, but I finally realised that they couldn`t wait any longer because I was starting to get bad headaches etc.
So I went into this eye place called DR EYES....and they gave me an eye test and sorted out some glasses for me. Now that sounds straight forward, but it was anything but straight forward. Ruth wasn`t able to come with me so I went with Erika....but neither of us can speak much Japanese so it was a comical situation and if you had been observing from the outside I`m sure you would have been cracking a hernia! But we managed to understand what I was meant to do and a few cellphone calls later ( we passed the cellphone back and forth to answer questions like: Do you get tired eyes at night? etc) we were done.
I am yet to pick them up so I am praying that they will be what I`m needing haha.
Other than that, life here goes on as normal. God is awesome and I see that and experience that in a new way every day.
Hope you guys are well, luv you all!

Friends

2005-04-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

Yes! I have friends....isn`t friendship a wonderful thing???? haha
OK you`re probably like, what?
I have a friend in Japan. Now this is not suggesting for a minute that I didn`t have friends before now....but I felt like I really needed someone I could talk to bout anything and get spiritual encouragement from whilst at the same time being able to be a friend and provide spiritual encouragement. God provided amazingly! Her name is Erika and she is COOL! We just clicked straight away and we are now learning Japanese together every Monday. We spent the whole of Monday in Hirosaki....first learning Japanese and then looking around the different touristy spots. It was a whole load of fun, and by the end of the day we felt like we knew each other sooo much better. I am sooo sooo thankful for God`s provision.
We went to a museum place where you can look at these floats which they use in this summer festival. When I arrived home at the Ghents...I was telling them bout this cool museum we went to and Ruth was like..."oh yea, the one where you have to pay an entrance fee?"
And I`m thinking, "entrance fee, entrance fee? Ummm nope! " So yea...we just wandered in right..but um apparently there`s this place you`re meant to pay 500 yen. WOOPSIES! Well now we will know for next time!
Neways, Japan is totally rocking my socks. I have had some good turnouts to English classes just started this week. God is good in so many ways.

Time Flies When You`re Having Fun!!!

2005-04-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well yes looking at my blog it is evident to me that time has just been flying by at a rate of knots!!!! I am heading full speed into my second month in Japan. I have started English teaching which has been really really cool so far. I have a private student and a nursery school class (ages 3-5) and 6 other classes that are commencing as of this week and next. Japan is a totally cool place by the way. You guys should all come over here and visit. The snow is nearly all gone and spring weather is in full swing. The blossoms are threatening to bloom...I can`t wait!
I have been reading this really cool book - well actually I just finished it...it was on prayer and how often we come to God with our big shopping list of things to pray for but we don`t often find ourselves wrestling with God over prayer....really crying out to him, believing he can answer in miraculous ways. It was really challenging and helped me to view prayer in a new light.

Well I actually don`t have a lot to say in this blog, but I thought I had better update it, because there`s nothing worse than looking at a blog regularly only to find it hasn`t been updated since last time.

I miss you all heaps! Please keep praying for my language learning and for those who don`t know Christ in Japan. God bless you all!!

Settling In

2005-03-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hello again! Sorry I haven`t blogged for a while. It has been pretty crazy busy here for the last little while, but I have a few spare moments so I thought I would write about what I`ve been up to. I am finally in Aomori and the last two days it has actually been snowing! So much for spring, it is freezing cold and beautiful and white everywhere! I`m pretty much holding out for spring tho because it`ll be good to see a different aspect of Japan. The last two days or so Ruth and I have been sooo busy cooking. Last night we had the Passover Meal for Easter and so all day yesterday we were baking unleavened bread, martzah balls which is like a Jewish kind of dumpling, pumpkin pie, apple pie, apple dish (can`t remember the proper name for it) ...yea and more. I am learning heaps about cooking which is good. Apart from that I have become an official alien...which is weird, but cool at the same time. I have talked to a few people from home which is alway really nice. And it is sooo weird, coz you feel like they are just down the road or something and you can just pop outside and see them. Last night apparently I was talking in my sleep - which for me is nothing unusual - but what stunned me was that I was talking in my sleep in Japanese...and using phrases that I haven`t even tried out! So that says to me that I`m picking it up subconsciously....COOL!
Not much more to tell you at the moment. I am having an awesome time, but still miss you all so much.

Adventures in Japan

2005-03-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

Well I`ve got the chance to blog a little today so I thought I`d fill you in on what I`ve been up to. My testimony and singing went well on Sunday. Heaps of the ladies at the church were crying which was quite moving. After the service this old lady came up to me and kept hugging me and gave me quite a bit of money....it was kinda overwhelming, but really sweet of her. I left my host family on Monday morning, it was really sad..coz they have been so kind to me.
Travelled from there to Ichikawa where I met with Bryan Thompson for orientation. We had a really good time and he showed me around a bit to where I need to catch the bus to Aomori and where I needed to get the bus to Kyoto to see Derek and Hiromi.
Last night we went out for a meal at a Japanese restaurant....Bryan, me and Ruth Page. It was really yummy food - I got chicken on a stick mmmm
Then we returned to OMF for a games night. It was quite a bit of fun, we played Scotland Yard, which is not particularly exciting in and of itself, but we were just being quite silly which was cool...seen I was like the youngest by quite a bit. I left at 10pm for the train to catch to the bus stop. It`s weird walking around at night by yourself with all your luggage. I guess I`m still thinking in terms of NZ where it would be pretty unsafe...but here its safe as!
Caught the overnight bus to Kyoto which left at 10.35pm and arrived at 6.40am this morning. Didn`t get a whole lot of sleep coz it was pretty cold inside the bus. Today Hiromi is taking me on a bus tour of Kyoto which will be pretty awesome.
Well that`s me up to date. I must say I don`t really enjoy this blogging thing....I`m more a fan of emails. Oh well....I`ll try to keep going for a bit and see if it improves.
God bless you all!

Hello from Japan

2005-03-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

This is going to be short but just wanted to let you all know I arrived safely in Japan. It was a long flight but I finally got here! I have been busy today organising travel down to Kyoto to visit Derek and Hiromi. It will be awesome to spend time with them. Thank you for all those who came to see me off at the airport and at Denny`s....it is lovely to have those memories to think on when I get homesick. I had a bit of homesickness this afternoon but I think that it was made worse because I was very tired. Please pray that I will be kept from feeling too homesick. Tomorrow is Sunday and I will be sharing my testimony in Manami`s church. I also have to sing, so perhaps you should pray for the people at the church - that they will cope haha.
Well I will attempt to update you regularly. Thank you for your prayers and interest. God bless!

Mixed Emotions

2005-03-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

I had my last Sunday at Covenant yesterday and I am left with mixed emotions. We had a lovely picnic at the Gardens and a lot of people came to hang out in the sunshine. It was so lovely to see so many people and to spend quality time with them. As the time draws near for me to leave, I can't help feeling sad. But don't get me wrong, there is plenty of excitement there too and I know for sure that this is God's will for me. Even so, it is times like these where you realise all the blessings you have and all the friends and family you are going to miss.

I wanted to also use this post just to testify to God's goodness to me through my life but in particular over these last few months. At times I doubted Him and wondered where the finances were going to come from, but He kept supplying all my needs faithfully, little by little strengthening my faith. Our God is AWESOME!

Well this week will probably be rather hectic like the last. I am off to start the packing mission. I hope I get to catch up with most of you guys this week before I go. If you are free, I will be at the airport from 1pm onwards on Friday. Thanks for all your prayers and love. God bless you all!

Weekend of Surprises

2005-02-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

If you've never been to the Parnell Rose Gardens, then I suggest you go. They're a lovely setting for a picnic, which is what we had on Friday night. A group of us had a lovely picnic at the Rose Gardens and then went on to the Chinese Lantern Festival, where the girls got lanterns and the guys got these ridiculous hats! It was a good night, good food, good times and most of all good company. I think the closer I get to going away, the more I realise the blessings I have here in NZ....especially the blessings of good friends who I'm going to miss.
On Saturday, we went to Wenderholm beach, which is just another great place to chill. The weather was beautiful and once again there was good food, good times, and great peeps.
But the fun didn't end there! After an engagement party, I was picked up and whisked away to some great Auckland sights, namely the Mangere Water Plant ( or some such place) Mt Eden, Museum and Ollies. We were meant to play Twister at each of these locations, but because of the darkness, we only got one round in. I was useless to say the least, but it was a whole heap of fun. Another highlight would have to be playing (or watching in my case) frisbee in the dark with a black frisbee......DANGEROUS! haha
Anyway, I'm sure you don't want a blow by blow description of my weekend, even though I've pretty much already done that.
This week is going to be full on catching up with everyone again and making the most of the time I have left. Man I'm going to miss all you guys!!!!!!!!!!

Visa Approved!

2005-02-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

Yes! My Visa has finally been approved. This is a big answer to prayer because for those who know, it's been a bit of a mish getting this visa. I have just been on the phone to the Japanese Consulate who told me it has been approved and my passport is ready to be picked up. Praise the Lord! God has been teaching me over the past few weeks to trust in Him more and for this I am thankful. Now Japan seems all that more real and not so far away! Only a few minor details I need to organise before I go. I probably won't post an awful lot over the next couple of weeks because I'm guessing I'm gonna be quite busy. But keep checking just the same ;)

Train On Fire

2005-02-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I've finally got a blog! Yes some of you have been waiting weeks for this (Alex!)
And I did it all by myself. I actually have no idea what I'm doing, but I hope this turns out OK.
Today I had something exciting to blog about, so thought I'd share it with you all. The train I was on this morning caught on fire! It is on the herald website if you want to check it out. It was quite frightening and especially the fact that we had to find our own way off the train and no train conductors came to help us or anything. Talk about useless!
We survived the experience none the less, but suffered from a lot of smoke inahalation!

In other news, I have just over 2 weeks to go til I leave for Japan!!!!!! Excited and nervous!
Well this is my first post. I'm proud! More to follow hopefully.