9 七月 2012

SORRY!!  on like Friday i made a 20 minute video blog at the bakery.   BUT  you couldn't' hear a word i was saying haha.  So i had to write it all out. sorry you have to read so much today ><;;


WHAT DID I DO THIS WEEK??
Note:  you guys may notice that we hang out and have fun with the japanese students...we aren't just having fun but its how evangelism is done in Japan.    Ive come to realize more and more the importance of developing relationships with Japanese people.  the more they know you, the more they trust you and will listen to you.  So our key objective is to develop relationships with them and then transition to the Gospel.   Its different from the states and other asian countries...there you could just bring up deep topics on the first meeting.   In Japan,  if you bring up deep topics on the first day of meeting, they will be immediately turned off and shut you out.  


Sunday:   Went to the same church as last week.  One Japanese student we met at Wasade University came to church with us.  His name is Kohei.    He is very interested in learning about Christianity, but for knowledge purposes.  He is Shinto.   
Later on, we decided to watch the Spiderman movie with him.   he really enjoyed hanging out with the team.   He was excited to hang out with us again.  


Monday:  went on campus.  Me and my group got rejected several times.   Finally, we gave up hope and decided to pray for God's help.   Afterwards, this guy sat next to us and i started a conversation with him.  I was ready for him to reject me, but surprisingly he wanted to talk with us.  We got to do solarium with him (answer questions by using pictures).  He was really into it and we talked about religion.   We almost were able to share the Gospel with him but he declined.  he said "I'm not interested in learning about religion."     After that, we continued to hang out with him anyway.    Im just happy that we at least opened up something.    He told us that he liked Christians because they were nice.   I pray that we continued that  good impression and made him think about religion.   


Tuesday:   Campus time again!  Me and two of my teammates met these 2 girls and they brought along 18 friends.  It was so overwhelming when they came because we only expected to talk to 2 people.   Either way, i had fun talking to them.   They told us good hanging out spots and everything.  One of the guys really liked me and gave me a present. 

 It like pushes up your skin to define your jawline...lol..... its one of those wishful thinking gadgets haha.  But apparently he does it 5 minutes a day....and he told me to do that too haha.  He was hilarious. 
We are suppose to meet up with them to have lunch again this week.  They were willing to bring us karaoke and stuff.  Hopefully we will be able to continue to develop this friendship and be able to  share the Gospel ^^
That night, the team decided to go walk around Shinjuku.   We ate dinner and had ice cream and had pillow time ^^  haha,  all of us went into one room and just asked each other questions.  it was a nice night of relaxing and getting to know each other


WEdnesday:
We had our first outreach event.  We played card games between  12-1PM, before the students had class.    We spilt up into 2 groups and went to the 2 different cafeterias on campus.   Me and my group were unable to gather people to play.  We invited the people we met through these 2 weeks, but noone came or rejected our invitation.    The other group was very successful, they were able to share their testimonies and got to talk to quite a few people.  Either way, we were successful ^^
We were free to go home after the outreach event. But me and a few people decided to stay behind and evangelize more.   We met a group of 4 students, they were very friendly. Their names were Moemi, Keita, Aya and Shuntaro.  They taught us japanese words and we had good conversations.  One of the students asked us what were our dreams.    That seems like a normal question, but in Japan, thats a personal question.    Its the first time someone has asked us a deep question, so I'm praying that this group can have even deeper conversation and hopefully lead to spiritual conversations.     They were excited to meet with us again...so we scheduled meeting them again this coming Wednesday.   


That night was 4th of July!!   I really missed fireworks this year, but it was nice seeing photos online.     The girls and I decided to celebrate by going to Burger King or Japanese style: "Ba-ga  king-gu"
I got a whopper jr value meal...and then got another whopper jr...haha   i was so hungry and was so happy to eat a burger.      

No joke, I could hear The Star Spangled Banner as we ate those delicious hamburgers.  Man, it was great to be an American that moment! It was like 3 weeks since my last hamburger and that burger was an explosion of deliciousness

Happy belated 4th of July!  yay for freedom

Thursday:
Thursdays, i normally have staff meetings.   So i meet up with vinnie and kimberly and we talk about logistics, our spiritual walks and just relax together.   Afterwards, i normally have discipleship with Kimberly. 
I learn a lot from Vinnie and Kimberly because they are so outspoken.    If something is bothering them, they will speak up and I'm able to process my emotions with them.    As an Asian American, sharing my emotions is very hard to do.   Or even helping me to voice my opinions with them.  Usually, ill do whatever floats people's boats.  Im learning to voice my opinions....ahh...they are sharpening me  ^^
At night, the rest of the team ate at a delicious ramen place.   I decided to stay home that day because i was so exhausted


Friday:
Fridays are our day off.  So i spent that whole day alone.   I went to the bakery and had some QT there.    Took a long walk Tokyo.  I was mentally drained that whole week, so it was nice to be alone.   I was at the brink of a mental break down...you know that kind where ANYTHING could just set me off
Anyway, it felt so good ^^
THat night, one of my teammates  treated me out to Korean food.  I was having a hard week, so his encouragements really helped me that night.   yay for brothers ^^


Saturday:
We had family time meeting.    Me, Vinnie and Kimberly decided to make the team Tacos for lunch.   It   was a nice change from the regular japanese food menu.    
I usually lead family times, so this week i talked about Honoring Parents.    So i compared and contrasted how Asian Americans view with the Biblical perspective.   I thought that the discussions went well and we shared a lot about our family life growing up.   
At night, we had our outreach event with some of the japanese friends we made.  Shuree, Yuta, Kochan and Kohei came out..they are so much fun!!    Actually,  Kochan is a Christian. He is having such a hard time because he doesn't have Christian friends and noone to encourage him in his faith.  Please keep him in your prayers!     We had ice cream and watched The Chronicles of Narnia (great movie to transition to the Gospel ^^).     we played dancing and asian games...haha...it was so much fun.     The Japanese students seemed to have a lot of fun with us, I'm really glad for that.   It was really late, so we couldn't talk to them further about the movie.   As we continue to meet with them,  we hope we can talk about the movie and transition to the Gospel. 


Sunday:
Went to church as usual ^^   The churches here are different.  In their sermons, they are "non Christian" friendly.  i think their goal is to attract Japanese to the lifestyle of Christianity, then in small groups they go in-depth into the Gospel.    Even then, its still a different approach.   
Christianity is still new here, so i can see how evangelism has to be approached differently.




EMOTIONS:   The last few days of campus time have been difficult.  Just filled with discouragements and drained from all physical/emotional work.  I think i reached the "lowest-dip" on this missions trip.   I think everything is starting to weigh down on me.  The more things i have to, the more Ive realized the need to be more in prayer and reading the Word.  It reminds me of this Charles Spurgeon quote  "I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”  Yes,  the more things i have in the day,  the more i should set aside time for prayer.  I think thats the main reason why I've been so drained.   I must change this by being more in prayer and listening to sermons/articles/blogs.   
But being alone on Thursday and Friday really refreshed me.   I think i needed a full day alone with the Lord to really get my act together and process my emotions.    Im such a woman with emotional problems lol


WHAT IVE BEEN LEARNING:
Im learning so much here.    Its mainly my sinful tendencies.   being around a group of 11 people 24/7....it really opens up your eyes to your self and sins.   Many things i need to pray about and even battle against.    LIke I have many open wounds that are festering.  Its smell is like leaking out into the air around me.....its that time to really confess it to the Lord and allow God to do surgery on me.
One thing i know for sure is that my eyes can see that God is bigger and mightier than i once perceived.   Before, i thought i knew a lot but i definitely know now I don't haha.    He has gotten bigger and I've gotten smaller.
Ill actually start putting up some of my devotional stuff on here!

6 七月 2012

I failed at making a video blog!!!!! lol  ill update this past week with good ol fashion WRITTEN blog entry ::sigh::

31 六月, 2012

MINISTRY: On Saturday,  we had our first family time together.   Which is the day of the week where the whole team gathers and we talk about things and then do something fun/new together.

So for the talk, we just talked about the importance of confrontation and how it brings our family/team closer together ^^   We studied  Leviticus 19:36-38 on why confrontation is important and biblical.
Leading family timres is actually my main responsibility, besides discipleship.   Discipleship starts this coming week, so im stoked about that.    Me and Kimberley (director of SP)  meet up with each other, kinda like discipleship but we help each other process things and encourage/exhort one another.  I like how she is honest and real about things, including things that bother her.   

Last Sunday, we met this woman from New Hope Church and she invited us over for dinner yesterday.    Her and her husband allow students to live in their house, that is their ministry.  She was really happy to have us over.  Her hospitality was amazing, its made me realize that i have a lot to learn about true hospitality.  She made us brownies, soup, ribs, chicken, bread, salad...all homemade and presented well.   We got to share our testimonies and she introduced us to another japanese missionary.  She emphasized that Japanese don't like to talk about religion, but its all about building relationships.  Through that relationship, they will see the difference in your lifestyle.   Japanese culture is all about harmony and building relationships.  LIke her,  her swimming coach invited her to church every sunday for 7 years.    It was his lifestyle and love for her that finally made her curious about Jesus.  the 7th year, he left Japan to go to seminary.  IT was then that they searched the Bible and wanted to know the truth. 

At night, we tried to look for a karaoke place for fun night.   But we couldn't find a good deal.    So we ended up going to (????? i forgot the name)  , which is a strip of stores.  Its known for its various fashion styles  but also can be dangerous.    So we had to pair up guy, girl at all times.    

We ate our first japanese crepe....it was good ^^

MOOD: Im not homesick!   But I do miss my bed and being able to talk to people.  Most of the time, i end up missing people's IM's or have no time to talk or the time difference (people get ready for work, im sleeping  and vice versa).     So, i miss the accessibility to talk to people ><;;

WHAT IVE BEEN LEARNING: Other than that, im really happy im here.   Learning a lot about myself...quirks are popping up.....how i deal with certain situations...sins that pop up that I never knew i had.   I know more than ever that im a big pile of beautiful mess haha
Many of you know that Ive been active in Korean ministry and even expressed that i have a heart for Koreans.  Ive had many doubts that this is true, because i shouldn't isolate myself to one race.  But this past 1-2 years, ive had several confirmations that i should be in it.  In my head, its all denial, denial, denial haha.
Obviously, God called me to Japan this summer.   I thought i would be all in Japanese culture and blah blah.   but Ive learned a lot about korea just by being here and my heart continues to be drawn and ache for Korea/korean americans.     Im just stubborn like Jonah and trying to run away.  but its apparent where God wants me to be.
Im loving Japan of course!  but my heart aches differently for koreans.     ::shrugg:: all where God wants me to be.      When i come back to the states, my heart will be delved deeper into korean ministry and maybe look into missions in Korea.    Im sure some of you are not surprised by this haha
God has a funny way of communicating things

30 六月, 2012

Wow....its been a while since i blogged huh?

**** sorry there are no pictures =0(     My camera won't work here.  I took pictures on my phone, but i can't transfer the pictures without Wifi!    sadness.   but when i come back, ill have pictures haha******


On Wednesday, I went to Nichon (Nicheedae) University .  Me and Jeremy met these group of guys and had lunch with them.  At first, it was difficult because their english was very limited.  But they brought some friends over and one of them new english very well.  he was our translator ^^  We talked to them for about almost 3 hours but they had to go class.    We should be meeting them again this coming week.  Im praying that somehow we will beable to share the Gospel at some point.
I also met these 2 girls.  They had limited english, but i loved how they tried anyway.   It will be hard to get deeper, but i hope she will be curious to atleast go to Student Impact (japan CRU).
That night, we also had our first mens and womens night.     The women got to go eat  okinomeyaki.  It looks like a taco from taco bell.  Its a pancake, then lettuce, then pork/squid/shrimp, then egg, then this delicious sauce.  So good!  apparently, its very popular in Japan.     Then we went to a bakery and started our study ^^   It was nice getting to know the other girls in a deeper level.

On Thursday,  I went to a staff meeting.  It was nice to just relax and touch base with the other staff members and just have fun!  THe students still went to campus and continued to meet other Japanese students.
Later on that night,   we just relaxed.    We got to try Honey Toast.   AHHH so heavenly delicious!    Its sweet bread, with ice cream and condensed milk and fruit.

On Friday,  it was our day off.   At 6AM, the girls and Ariel went to the market and fish market.  Its just rows and rows of  stores with all these delicious foods and trinkets.    We had sushi for breakfest too haha.     So it was just a bowl of rice with assorted fish on top.
Then we went to the fish market.  Tourists can go there, but its not tourist friendly.  THey had lift forks and trucks speeding through and it was just hectic.  But it was cool seeing all the fish being cut.   We saw this HUGE tuna head,  like less than half of my body. I can't imagine the rest of its body 0.o

This was optional:  Friday night, some of us went to this English club over at  Wasade University .   Its equivalent to Stanford university in the US.   We basically conversed with all sorts of people.   It was easier because all of them were pretty good at english.    One discussion question was "how do you deal with stress", the most popular answers were partying,  waiting until it goes away,  sleeping.  Me and my group were bold and put out we pray to God to relieve our stres.  They were so surprised, like in I never heard of that before kind of way.  Even though we didn't get to share the Gospel,  the shock factor of us talking about praying to God, was enough to maybe plant a seed.     This coming Fall, other missionaries from CRU will be stationed there for a whole year.  perhaps there will be break throughs!
I met these 2 guys.  One of them was soooo funny, i had a lot of fun joking around with him.  He taught me a phrase but it ended up being very bad ><;  AWKWARD after that.  He also taught me to say where is the bathroom?  I taught him  swag and shmexy...so we kept  saying "you're shmexy" and "you have swag"  all night lol.  He goes to church, but for social reasons only. He said he isn't a Christian.  He changed the subject before i could go any deeper but I do pray that he finds comfort and salvation through that church.  He was willing to hang out with the group sometime, so hopefully one of the guys can delve in deeper ^^
I met another guy,  who was a physics major in graduate school.  It was nice talking to him because we got nerdy and talked about science stuff. hahah, he actually understood me and didn't get bored lol
He isn't Christian, but he was willing to talk about religion.   I asked him what he thought the purpose of life was,  but he said "i think a better question is what is happiness."     Before he could answer, he had to go.  Next week or sometime, we will meet up again and hopefully we will have a conversation about the Gospel.
Coming to Wasade University was actually my first discouragement.   I know i layed out some highlights,  but in general it was just hard.   Some people dodged or had that "i wanna leave but dont' wanna be rude" look when I talked.  It was different from Nihon University.  They may have limited english,  but they were more curious and want to know more since we come from America.  Wasade University is an international school and they meet many foreigners.  So it wasn't as enthusiastic,  it was harder to start conversations.  When we finally made conversations, it was very shallow and stand offish.    Even though that was the case,  i sitll had a lot of fun joking around with them.
We had debriefing at a tempura restaurant. I had tempura over rice with  soba noodles.  SOOO good.  better than in America

Today, we have another full day!  but ill save the details for my next blog entry  ^^

Team

lol....my team  (minus 1) ^^ Gotta love'em     

27 六月, 2012

*****sorry if this blog entry is choppy.  Im in a rush and i want to go back to sleep LOL.  Let me know if u have questions <3

On monday,  I set foot at   Nihon (Nicheedae) University.  We were suppose to pray and decode the campus.    Me and my partner were eating at the local cafeteria and these 3 japanese students sat next to us.   I decided to ask where we should put our  trays and dishes.   It seemed like he didn't want to talk, so i decided not to further the conversation.  A few minutes later, he asked us if we were from America and we had a 30 minute conversation with them and we were all just laughing and laughing. hilarious 3 guys!   we were able to get their names and information.    Later on today, we are suppose to meet up with them for lunch again.  They seemed so excited to have an American to talk to and were willing to meet and hang with us.

On Tuesday,  we went to a high school about 1 hour away.    It is a Christian school, but only about 20% of the students and staff are Christian.   So the very few Chrisitians there are trying to set a loving example in hopes that others will convert.
WHen we arrived, they helped students define and talk about what it means to be a leader.   FOr me, it was difficult at first because my group didn't know english very well.  So having conversation about leadership was hard.  I had one of the students translate, but it was still a challenge.  By the end though, we were all laughing and we formed a bond ^^    They recommended  a try  okonomiyaki , which is like a pancake with ham, etc inside.  Apparently, veryyyyy good and must have before i leave.

Next, we went to a junior high class and sang  Heart of Worship for them.   Then we went to a preschool class and there we sang  kid Christian songs and played with them.  They were so excited to see us.

During lunch, all of us shared our personal testimonies with highschool students.  So many students wanted to come in but only about 50 were able to squeeze in.  My team and I pray that  it planted a seed or touched their hearts.     We were able to talk to the students again and just have fun with them.  Even though it was limited english,  we were able to get know and laugh with each other.

Lastly,   we got to tour a over 100 year old house where samurai lived.   It was so awesome to see the various rooms and how Japanese culture was before.    Great cultural experience.    i still smell the house, it smelled good but also ancient haha.

One thing that i learned these last few days, is how honoring and respectful japanese people are.  their hospitality and their gift giving and their treatment of us......is really exceptional.    I see what it means to be loving and being servant to the church and to others.    its transformed what it truly means to respect and honor and love someone.   If the church back in the US can show the same love, AH so many people would be touched and appalled.


Talking to Japanese people have been such a blessing these last few days.   Its really opened my eyes to this country and giving me more reason to pray for them and meet them.
Even hardships have occurred in the team....and I'm glad that it has brought my team closer and more intimate ^^  It already feels like a family

::sigh::  so far so great!!
Ill have pictures up soon

25 六月, 2012

Im feeling so much better now.  thank you all for your prayers!   

Yesterday, I had my first church service in Japan.    The praise and worship was so passionate and genuine.  You can tell everyone in that room was so on fire for God and really worshipping him.  It was great.  I got to meet some of the congregation members and a lot of the volunteers were from around asia.     All the Japanese congregation members were so friendly.  We got invited to one of their houses for BBQ.     

TOday, in about 1 hour, we will step foot on campus for the first time.  Today, we will be walking around and praying for the campus.  We are going to    Nesheedae (Nihon) University.    Noone has stepped foot on this campus.    One missionary said  "you are not starting at 0, but starting at -10.    Satan has a foothold on this campus and he has won.   You will experience persecution, trials, and hardships.  He will try anything to stop you in progressing on that campus"

Knowing that, just puts a whole new perspective on reaching out to these students.   It'll be more reason to lean on each other and unto God for strength and encouragement.  

I guess, i always had this mentality that it will be hard, but not that hard.   But training these last few days,  i realize how much more i need the Armor of God on and more diligent in prayer.   

Tomorrow, we will go to a Japanese Highschool, where we will share our Testimonies and help the students think about leadership.    

Please pray for the team!   we are finally going out and sharing Jesus =0)

22 六月, 2012

EMOTION: I feel so sick and terrible =0(
My symptoms are queasy/nausea, major headache, fatigue, bloated

I had to stay home and miss training the whole day today.  The only thing i can do is drink a lot of fluid and pray that I get better by tomorrow.  I think I either have a cold,  dehydrated or majorly jet lagged?? Im not sure what it is, i just know I feel like BLAHH

I miss home!!!!  but I'm really glad I'm here ^^  no homesick....yet lol


TRAINING: These last few days have been intense training.  When I say intense, i mean 9 hours of training and constructive criticisms on activities.     Yesterday, we were asked the question  "why are you in Japan?".  This will be a common question Japanese students would ask.  THe goal is to answer truthfully yet grab their attention.   It sounds easy, but its surprising how the JCCC staff would give us feedback on how our answers will be interpreted by them.    Our common response  was "to learn about japanese culture and gain friends"....but that will be seen as a lie or something.   We were told to be specific and truthful, like "My heart led me to Japan".  It is honest and will make them curious what you mean.

Today,  which i missed =0(,  we shared our 3 minute testimonies and were given much feedback.  Ways of clearly stating our testimony in a solid, thorough, clear manner.
Tomorrow will be our last day of training.  
This coming Monday will be our first day at Japan University.   The JCCC staff have never shared the Gospel there, so this is new territory!   All Japanese have learned 6 years of written English.  So they are really good at reading English but have a hard time speaking english.    One way of communication/evangelism is to draw pictures or write down words.  I'm excited    to step unto campus ^^

Our goal is to be friend them...so through out the week, we will be hanging out and getting to know them.  I pray for those students we are about to meet.


LIFE in JAPAN:

• Imagine the Vienna Metro Station but quiet.    Seriously,  the Japanese are such a quiet, peaceful people.    It is literally quiet everywhere.  
• In VA, there is chaos to get into the public bus or going up an elevator during rush hour.   In Japan,  these  people form LINES!   There was a huge flood of people going up the stairs,  but they formed a line and people even went to the back of the line to go up the stairs.  If this was VA, people would be cutting and pushing to go up the stairs.
• Noone ever "bumps" into you.   Japanese are so aware of respecting other people,  they really watch their steps.
• At the cross-walk, they actually wait for the green light to walk even when there are no cars!   Im like "we could go now......."  but i wait for the green light lol

• Its so clean!  They don't drop their trash on the floor.  I saw this one guy  put out his cigarette and took the bud with him.
• In America, we throw our trash into one bin.  In Japan, you have to separate all the trash

I've probably passed by hundreds of Japanese these last few days and probably only 50 or 80 (including my team and JCCC staff) know Christ.   It pains me to sit in the subway train and know hundreds of them are crying out for purpose and freedom.

20 六月, 2012

Arrived in Tokyo  at about 7:30, but didn't get to the apartment until about 11:30Pm  ><;;  so tired.  Here is an update!!

CULTURE:

1.  You cannot eat and walk at the same time.  That is considered rude

2.   There are different slippers for each room of the house

3.   Everywhere, is pretty quiet.   Even with a bunch of people, its pretty quiet for a large crowd

4.  Japanese people are very hospitable and willing to serve.   They are very organized and very honoring/respectful of people.  I think this is a great example of what it means to "serve your brothers and sisters".      They don't' do that in America.

EMOTION:  Im so tired and uncertain of whats to come.  Im also excited yet timid.    A strange duo of emotions haha

MY APARTMENT:   https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10101140793932292

CONVICTIONS: Point blank truth but such an encouragement . Ive been going through a lot of personal, emotional problems and its been affecting how i view my missions trip.  Im taking my mission trip as my own....when it should be God's.  Here, my cousin lovingly exhorted me:

"It's about DEMAND and SUPPLY.

It's either we demand of ourselves and others, righteousness which none of us can achieve OR we can look unto Jesus and the finish work of the cross as our Supply of Righteousness and that He just pours out on us all that we need as we are willing to receive from Him. What we do is response to the grace that He supplies!The important thing is not to give anyone the right to control you or how you think or feel... Only Jesus!"

I must totally surrender to God <3

19 六月

Hi!

I've finally created my first blog entry!    Ill give a quick recap of the weekend

BRIEFING: The last few days,  ive been staying in California at one of the universities for briefing. Briefing is basically one weekend where all the mission teams come together and train and prepare for their trips.     On Friday, the leaders and I met up to discuss some last minute details for our trip.   Saturday through Monday, I met all the students and did a lot of team-building exercises, established team-norms, ways of communication, training stuff and traveling informations and much more.  Its been so much fun getting to know them and already we’ve created a bond and many inside jokes ^^

I guess unto personals.  Ive come to this mission trip with a lot of excitement and zeal but Ive also realized, through this briefing, that ive brought with me a lot of unwanted baggage.  Its just a lot of wounds and hurt that ive received from individuals this past year and Ive hauled it along with me.   I noticed that it has affected my view, communication and trust with my fellow co-leaders. 

In one meeting,  one of the staff members gave this verse and it really affected me.  2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes  of Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

I realized that this baggage has also affected my relationship with God.  I pray that the Lord brings to me more awareness any area in my life that is holding me back from being completely and totally His.  Im scared to know what else he will reveal..lol

 FLIGHT UPDATE:  I was informed that there is typhoon going on in Japan. The pilot may need to take a different route or have a delay.  Im not sure what will happen, but pray that we will have an uneventful landing!

MOOD: Iam so excited, yet really nervous and anxious.   Why??  I think its more of going to unknown territory and having to stay strong for the students.   I have this complex that they can’t see me vulnerable or discouraged, i have to be strong for them.     But one of the leaders told me that she felt the same way.   She encouraged me to think differently,  that it’ll be good to show the students my vulnerability.  It’ll show that im still human and still have the ability to encourage them and together fight the good fight ^^

ive also been discouraged how “difficult” it is to minister to the japanese people.   In one of my devotionals, God gave me these verses:

Deuteronomy 31:8:  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Isaiah 45:2: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron

Such great encouragement that the Lord is going before us and paving the way.   The victory is not in me, but in the Lord alone.

Anyway, Im leaving in a few hours.   AHHHHHH!!!   I’ll talk to you all again soon!