Why Japan continued...

Peanute Butter company? Coffee Company? Here's a few ideas we threw out there after too much joking, I thought seriously, why don't we? So I brought a Pb from Costco and the whole family is loving it! I decided to try making some on my own and Paul and Josh helped me shell the peanuts. Almost a success, minus no crushes but just a blender. Anyways, Josh said that the first missionaries who came about 100 years ago needed to finance themselves, and so they started a Peanute butter company and are still around today. However I haven't seen their brand in the stores, and if I find any PB, it's maybe Skippy with a ton of sugar and stuff added. They loved the simple peanuts and salt!

Yachimata where they're from is known nationwide for their peanuts; however Josh said they only sell main peanuts and nothing more. We saw the farms as it is prime season and even a factory with stacks of it. I thought, what a perfect source of protein, a fresh snack for kids, and even easy to chew protein source for the ever aging population without teeth :)

Then we've had the heart for Coffee company or coffee shops as well, and why not roast both nuts and beans? Something to think about and just me getting excited, having Paul do some PB research, he's like slow down, and let's take one day at a time. Aren't we a good balance :) Paul's right however, in desiring to have an investing firm where we buy out failing companies, and bring in love and new ideas to do what we'd like with them rather than reinventing the wheel. I'd LOVE my own PB company, and then I'd also make my chocolates, and heck why not my Decaf coffee hehe!

Monday Josh dropped us off at the train, we said our goodbyes for now to him and our dear family Momo, Raina and Ken (we'll for sure see them at Christmas) and we took off with our 4 heavy suitcases through Tokyo to Itabashi (Nishi Tokashimadaira station). First stop was at our hostel company to check in and let me tell you, I've learned my lesson in traveling, Pack LIGHT! I mean I left a few things at the Sasaoka but that was difficult as everything is so tiny! Even getting off for the orientation, this very kind young couple saw me look at this steep stair case with those pieces and helped pick them up, oh I was in such gratitude! The Japanese really are kind, such kind hearted people!

We met a young metal rocker from France at orientation, and with his bad day of his boot sole torn off, wheel on his luggage broke, we did our best to offer Paul's shoes (way too big) and even go buy him a new pair. None the less, he said he'd make it but appreciate our offer. This hostel company has over 400 houses in Tokyo!!! If we lose our key $100. The punishment in Japan seems to keep people in strict cooperation. That must be why I don't see a darn garbage can anywhere, no paper towels, etc., they just don't want trash or waste it seems.

Our room is about twice the size of Mama Shevchuk's kitchen :) Very cramped but we made it work, and at least love grows in small spaces! We have a mini fridge and we share the kitche, bathrooms, cubby for our shoes in the front door (there's a stoop at all houses where shoes with soil stay at the front, and never cross contaminates!

Already here we've met some friendly foreigners! Thos Asian nations really are very happy people as I'm noticing with 3 Tawain girls here, who I am surprised aren't Christians, and the Cambodian boys I met at the Startup Guide Tokyo last night. Also we've met Becks from Kyrgastan, studying business, not learning or liking Japan, but I guess the masters is very easy with really no grades, just research and a presentation. He was really fun to talk with as him and Paul speak Russian and we have another friend we know from his area who was saved by Jesus and we were able to share and to his shock, he was stunned with a heavy Muslim presence.

I asked Becks dream, and he said really to own his own business. His entire country and surrounding ones are all completely corrupt, and he'd even like to be in politics but not there. We could see his heart of gold that Jesus in him waiting to be revealed. Paul was excited to hear his dreams and inspire him. Which also he had the opportunity with another flatmate here, David.

David is from St. Petersburg Russia. I said hello on my way to the shower and when he said he was from Russia, I said wait! I grabbed Paul, knowing in my spirit I was bringing a spider to the fly (a heart of love to a heart in need of inspiration), and almost an hour later, Paul shared all about the real Jesus, following those passions, and lighting this boy on fire who was very hesitant obviously to religion and the world before. Paul of course was on cloud 9 afterwards, and I felt like the Lord said, it was a great warm up to get Paul's motor running for the Tokyo Startup meeting later that night, and I felt the joke between Daddy and I. ;)

Been fun trying to stop and talk, bless, pray for healing, even saying Konichiwa to most people, I get this look like, "do I know you?" They're not the most friendliest people at first, but once you crack them, they melt. But then again, people are people no matter where you go, and I had the honor of meeting Junko and Masako both yesterday.

Lord you know I've been ruminating over your words to me about ministering and loving young women, or women in general and I thought, how the heck am I going to do that and with this language barrier. I've felt stuck with only a few words I can speak, no one place to invite them to, no real phone number to give them, and no church to send them. But there's a way, oh I know!

So back to Junko, I was worshipping my way to the park and saw this woman on her bike delivering something. We passed each other a few times and she was so friendly I had to go talk to her. Her English helped out so much and we conversed and shared a bit with joy, and I felt I was keeping her from delivering Yogurt, but she insisted it was no problem! I asked her number and she wrote down her name and WhatsApp ID, and I said coffee or tea, and how I'd love a Japanese friend. She has a 3 year old boy and 8 year old girl and lives nearby. Sadly after that I found out we can't add her to our phone without her age or something like that since we don't have a number yet, but I won't give up, she said she delivers Mon-Fri and we shall meet again!!!! A person of peace, yes yes Lord!

Then at the busy park in the sunny yet Samui (cold) day, I was beaming with Joy at my encounter so easily with Junko and these young pre school kids running around the track exercising. Many elderly people out sitting in the sun, chatting, and I approached a single lady on a bench, Masako (the name of the queen). Masako responded to my friendliness instantly and I saw with her for a good half hour chatting in part Japanese and part English. She still work 2 days in an elderly care home, and I asked if I could at least volunteer but she said not without a license. Anyways, we thoroughly enjoyed each other and I of course was able to mention why Japan!
Masako walked me to the library and we hugged goodbye!

Quick funny note, our first venture this this nearby park our first night here (was like 70 degrees out) I met a kind young woman with her dog and I was petting him and started talking to her and sharing Jesus loves her, Iesu Curisto, etc., and I thought she was comprehending, but then she said, "oh yes I love Clint Eastwood!" Oh that's one for the books for sure!

In Japan, supposedly the name of Jesus has hardly been named and if it has been, it's been abused and there's a stigma against Christianity. I won't accept any of that, rather keep going and doing what I know for His name's sake!

Tuesday I had heard about YWAM doing a Living Room worship at night, so after exploring that day, meeting/praying, enjoying the restaurant own with blue hair (gave us his card to visit but we can't really read it nor find the restaurant). But we made our way easily through the train to where the worship was, and felt right at home! The lord has told me I'm not yet done with YWAM :)

We worshipped for 2 hours, and some in Japanese but mostly English. I met a young girl, similar story of giving it all up and coming here, as she pioneers the Osaka base. She came and prayed so powerful with me and I felt compelled to pray for her but not just share God's heart and backing for her to follow HIm, but show her with some money. I slipped $50 to her and she said everything the Holy Spirit prayed through me was exactly what things were going on in her life, so what power in agreeing together with the spirit to allow the word to come to pass!

We met the leader of the Tokyo base, JP from Mississippi, and another leader Mark from Wisconsin. They invited us to visit them at the base, sit in on a DTS speaker and fellowship. We decided not to since it was so far, but we would/will connect soon, possibly again this Tuesday as Mark has these incredible cards we need to evangelize. These business cards have a QR code that these techi Japanese can scan and it's all in Japanese to an English Bible online, the Jesus movie, so many resources, even contact for more support. They even track the analytics, and for us that would be such a relief to have something to leave with them with this language and interpersonal barrier that seems to happen sometimes.

Had some good Ramen with Paul afterwards, gosh they make the best broths! With that being said....

Here's my real heart and take on everything so far:
I couldn't care less truly, about the food, beautiful scenery, unique places to go and tea to drink, it all seems to mundane and pointless to me. My heart is for people. My heart is to love and love the Lord. I don't think I'd even feel right if I was here sending pictures of just scenery and food, but that's about the best we can do for now, as even Qiu didn't want her photo taken. But none of this matters, this new unique place, if it's not for people!

Paul wanted to go to these botanical gardens, yes beautiful, but as soon as we were led to the Huge Japanese Shrine, I couldn't hold back tears. I cried and cried and declared over that place for God to answer their prayers, to come into their lives, to park his angels and HS there to intercede and meet these lost people looking at statues and Givin their money! We saw the monks with brand new Mercedes Benz out front, Come ON! What a joke. With graveyards on almost every corner like a visitors viewing center, they go and I believe pay money, pay tribute to the dead What a money making system, plus a huge fat deception!

I burn to show them real truth, real life, real love and hope. after worship night, it's about 10pm and there's so many getting off work, the trains are packed it's insane, on a Tuesday night!
Engaging with this young drunk girl not he train, almost to protect her, I tried to ask her questions, and she said her dream was to go to America and study english! She openly shared it over and over and Paul even felt intercession of answering these people's pure dreams but only with the foundation of Jesus, who is the true peace, joy, happiness and hope!


One walk through some gardens that same day as the Shrine, (through the cold cold rain) I saw an obviously sick woman holding a napkin to her mouth, and I approached her and asked if she was hurting and she said yes and I prayed and realized she's pregnant! Woah so I had the joy to pray for her and her future and she said "Genki" after which means good!

We're trying to be more diligent to apply styding Japanese on free time, it's very much needed.

They Japanese truly keep admiring my white teeth, not sure what they do to make theirs look decaying, but sadly, many cover their mouths, mostly the women, when I try to engage with them.

Finally, I'll end with our first visit to the real business heartbeat of Tokyo last night for Start Up Guide Tokyo book launch, which they said out of all of them around the world, was the fastest and easiest one to kick off. It was free and all in english; in fact I'd say half were Japanese.

It was inspiring in the sense that more than 4-5 times I kept hearing this is such a prime time of change, shifting in Japan, specifically they there, meant the change in mindsets and business with younger minds coming in for change and growth with hope and liveliness to start new things. I even heard that from foreigners who have been here for many years. They realize the shift in the education spheres, culture in general and again, the business world.

In the past, Japan has truly been a closed off company, wanting to only invest in their own, their own people and own products. Their advertisements are everywhere as they really market to their own. One admiring older gentleman who was from Mistubishi shared how there was, I think, let's say 100,000 new companies or something like that and about 2-3% were foreign. But the startup scene is growing, as we could tell by all these orgs coming together to sponsor this book, event and looking for help in their nation.

After the open mic with pioneers who have started their own in Japan, we mingled and everyone swapped business cards. I felt back at Yahoo with a mix bag of partially suits, punk Retro looks with tats, and foreign attire that is very unique, but casual. We mingled and let's just say we have a stack of business cards and as I mentioned earlier, it was fun trying to tell our story and why in the world we were even there, let alone what we felt called to do :) Change the world, and start in Japan :)

I believe it was a great start, Paul got his feet wet, heard lots of new things/perspectives and took away even a free Startup Guide book, (I prayed we would be chosen for it's very useful)! We have lots to connect with, events to further ourselves in, but honestly, I sat there thinking, I used to feel ambitious in this world, but if I even tried, I'd have to go all out like these entrepreneurs and women who are pushing to be someone and do something, and I felt the Lord reassure me, that I'm right where I need to be, in His hands to love and keep the purity of his word and life to lighten places such as this. I don't need to prove myself to get their attention or start my own business just to feel I fit in; I'm not here to fit in I'm here to show Jesus. I'm confident that's what's eternal and brings eternal fruit that I can come alongside anyone of them and bring that out and bring real life!

One woman did allow me to pray with her as she said she was visiting her mother in Japan who was sick, and she joined right in like it wasn't strange! Met some boys from the Google Startup team who are pretty much begging us to come visit their cool campus (which they even allow dogs) and have lunch or dinner. Paul's pumped about that.

Today there is an Alpha meeting with Andy Gain downtown for Christians in the workplace. I said Paul, I"ll let you handle this if you don't mind me staying back. So I enjoyed a walk with Jesus, getting a few things, preparing food, and sitting here letting you all know what's going on across the world.

Thank you for your huge love, and I appreciate all the Thanksgiving videos and hellos :)

Love you, talk soon, I hope...

Noel

PS
Japan needs dryers for their clothes!

Why Japan...?

"Why Japan?"

This seems to be the constant question we're being asked (of those who can speak some english). This has created a bit of stumbling tongues for a discerning of those who have ears to hear, and also a privilege to smile and say how much God loves Japan! For those at the Startup Tokyo we attended last night, I think we brought some revelation by our conviction of a love for this nation to be great again, but definite appeal of oddness. None the less, Jesus is King, and He will always be, so we're here to make Him known and not our own agenda.


This has felt like dredging along in some ways, because we're floating around without concrete sureties, but the thrill is holding to His words and not budging. However, I'm doing my best to keep from doing the old Noel's ways, and in my own stress and efforts, try and meet everyone, do everything, reach out to every opportunity and 'make it happen'. WRONG! God's reminding me of my role, which leaves me very speechless and humble at His gentleness, to love and support Paul, pursue the Kingdom with all of my heart. Love God, Love people!


Paul has been such a trooper, I couldn't have asked for a better partner to ride the waves of the unknown, (like the trains in Tokyo), swim through the waters, (attempt at conversing and learning the culture of respect/honor), and walking through the fire without burning (our new mini room within this hostel :) My husband shines with a glow that says I know who My Father is and I will not bow the knee to another. He's unshakable and we thoroughly enjoy embracing one another, working together, reminding one another of God's words, and I honestly don't know what I would do without him. Possible panic here and there. But He's been so at rest, cool as a cucumber, even being in the Startup gathering, meeting people who spoke of nothing that had to do with what God is sharing with us (such as selling iwatches), we know our Father is moving for us and preparing the way.

Over and over we hear the facts that we read about in the news and books about what a boys club this nation is, stuck in it's old ways, saying/promising to do one this but meaning another (hypocritical). Another Gaigien, boy from Finland we met, couldn't stop talking about how much he hated his work, how much they drive him, and yet he sees the greatest potential in the nation to be great and create startups all around, he has a Japanese girl and desires to stick it out, but his facts about it's all who you know to get in the right meetings and places and it takes years, we could only look at him without agreeing to that factual, sensual logic which is apart from our belief system.

God has told us to never allow what others don't see, effect what we do see :)

Kayler, on the other hand, was a diamond in the rough! So we planned to go visit Hope Church in Funabashi as our friends mentioned them and Paul was in contact with the pastor who said it's a a strange time to come, but please by all means, do. What she meant was, after birthing and pastoring the church for 30 years, her and her husband (americans) were finally passing it off to her daughter and Japanese husband to continue. So the service, (which they rent a floor above a Pachinko gambling place) was all about their great trek of carrying this dream to start a church in Japan all the through to thier own children and passing the baton. It was a bit strange for us who know none of them, but very intimate and touching as there was much tears and praise!

What was most incredible to us, was the pastor's dad, also from Eugene, was finally retiring form missions in Japan, with his wife, after about 69 years! After the war, General Mcarther asked for 1000 missionaries to come to Japan, and he and his wife (they met in Japan) both took the pledge and went! Wow we had no clue that even after all the harsh war, Mcarther knew the value of Christ!

AS soon as we introduced outselves, Shelly the baton passer, they greeted us so warmly and asked us to come stay a few days at their place. We gladly hope to in the next few weeks once things settle down. But that old grandpa heard Paul was called to business and directed him right to Kaylor to meet! It was really special!

We sat with Kaylor for a few hours after the service and finally took our party to a Soba restaurant. A man of such great integrity at such a young age of 26, full on white boy from the south, has such a heart for Japan! He's been studying for 8 years, I believe living for maybe half that time here back and forth, studied Japanese and International business and such, because he knew he didn't want to come into this nation (as others have) all pompous, but be in bedded with their culture, language, to come along side and help lift them up, love them, help them!


There's quite a bit to his story, we were in awe of him, and how this Japanese family has even taken him in! He did say what stress and loneliness he suffered many times with even his hair falling out and crying. It's not been a cake walk, but now he is the very first foreigner, hired into this prestigious packaging company, fluently "throwing down" Japanese with the best of them, and helping market internationally and he's completely passionate about it! He says contrary to most companies, they actually treat him like family and don't want him to overwork. He's never been showy about being a Christian but they all know as they have inquired why he's there, etc. He said he's even invited many to their Christmas show and they fully received the flyers with great consideration!

We felt such grace being with kyler as he helped order new foods to try, very polite, teaching us things and yet also in awe of the things God has been saying and doing through us, he was I believe equally inspired (especially when we went out of our way to bless the waitress with a tip and huge and kindness as well as the drunk man, I think so tired from mwork on the ground in the rain, unbrella upside down. I prayed and commanded peace and he got right up). We were grateful for our encounter as Kayler is thoroughly sold out for Japan and eager to help us. I asked if he knew any other foreigners in the same position as he with the language and inside that system? He said he knew not one!


We are planning to meet Kayler's Japanese mother, who he's winning over for Jesus :) He also has connections with real estate friends and possibly English only speaking jobs. Thank you Lord for your Co workers you have planned for us!



Let me back up unto a time line since I last wrote....


So last Friday we made Taco's for the Sasaoka family and they was a constant "Oishi" (delicious) every few bites! Wow we're spoiled with Mexican food I suppose :)

Gave my pink gloves away to this little girl Yureka on the train as I felt to do something. If there's one thing I've got going on for sure, it's I look different. Paul calls me Big Bird, for I'm not hard to find here :) But with that I'm trying to utilize the difference to touch, pray, encourage and smile :) That gift allowed me to pray for her as I motioned to her mother if the mask was because she was sick? (half the people wear these masks over their face, like dad does in the shop :) It's moments like that, that I believe God will bring the increase and ripples are happening.

I started to write down people I touched, hugged or prayed for, but I think it's going to be too much; however I'll mention those who stand out.

I met Rada, a young girl from Nepal who helped us through the stations and she said he brother was a Christian here in Japan. He asked her to a Christmas service and said yes, lots of peace and joy (because I said that's what Jesus has done for me), never met anyone from there. It's funny, this reminds me of my new friend Qiu.

Qiu is 23, from China, studying here to be a nurse and is incredibly sweet. God ordained with my 'impression' while out walking at the park a few days back, to specifically talk to her. I'd been stopping and saying hello to many old folks (mostly the age in the middle of the day walking around the park for exercise), and I saw her young hanging head. I just thought I'd approach and bring some sort of compliment and hug, but as soon as I reached out with a hello how're you, it's like we hit it off! We're stumbling to speak to one another but as it began to rain and she offered her Kasa (umbrella) to walk with her to shelter, I finally found out she's really Chinese! So similar to Rada, us foreigners are using a middle ground languages of Japanese but they also speak a little english.

Qio led me to the Toshokan (library) and I saw her stuff setup there and we continued to commune via Google translate. I told her it's so incredible because Jesus (who I told her called us to Japan) led me to go talk to her, and she replied very amazed, that she was studying and felt compelled to go for a walk. So I thank the Lord for letting this love sink in, that You Lord are so real and see her!

We connected and I've since gone back yesterday to the library and visited her! She saw me reading the Bible and took it with gentleness and wonder at what it was. I'm stunned! She's so young but God has said let no age, gender, race, Nothing stand in the way of love! She, like most people (especially students) here work part time jobs as well, usually restaurants. I said maybe we can have coffee or visit her Chinese restaurant.

Back to the Sasaoka's household: So Josh the dad, has been incredibly inspired by I believe our love for the Lord (maybe it was the early morning praying and worshipping) but He's been interested in learning more about tongues and the Holy SPirit. We gave him Dave's book and he finished in less than 2 days and was rereading so slowly. He said I just love the part about, "Don't speak to God about your problem, talk to your problem about God!" :) He was eager to practice praying in tongues and so just before Saori left for her Aglow trip up north, we spend time praying and even Sunday we did the same. Josh said he feels he's getting old and wants to press in to make an impact for the kingdom, and Paul smoothly reminded him that it's not about all the great works you do, it's the great faith you have. With media and technology today you can sit in your house and even send out via media, or even just releasing faith and transform this world.

We had a blast building up our faith with Josh and his ultimate humility!


Holy Spirit, I'm trusting that we're so one that I felt let to look into tickets early Sunday morning, and we found tickets, 1 way, about $400 each, with incredible times, so we bought them! We return back home to Japan January 29th, one way!!!

Josh treated us so kindly to Gyu Niku, like a mean grilling buffet again, but all out with huge meat chunks (I personally loved the salads) and he brought along Linn Chan, and we had a ball just laughing, sharing testimonies, learning Japanese and teaching english. That girl has a hallow leg, I've never seen a 12 year old eat so much! And she gets up early in the morning for school and eats another big meal with rice and does it all over again :)

We wanted to leave something for Lynn Chan to know we value her and appreciate her love in the house, whether she wanted us there or not, (even though it was a bit difficult to communicate and I don't think she's used to hugs :) but as we snuck a letter with candy to Josh to give to her, we found she'd snuck a note in our bags for us! It was so special, as she went way out of her way to write in English the recipe for the salad we were in love with at the restaurant!

It's hard to read, but the heart is there, the "Your Love Salad" title :) What a sweetheart! BTW cabbage is actually lettuce if you're wanting to try it :)

Then she even added our names in Kanji, which we were talking about at dinner or what our name mean, as Japanese can choose how to write their names out of the 3 alphabets and mix and mingle! So for NOERU, she said the Kanji makes my name to mean plain, mercy, flow. POORU means walk, weave. I think pretty prohpetic! Thank you Lynn Chan! (Paul calls her Ring).

Peanute Butter company? Coffee Company? Here's a few ideas we threw out there after too much joking, I thought seriously, why don't we? So I brought a Pb from Costco and the whole family is loving it! I decided to try making some on my own and Paul and Josh helped me shell the peanuts. Almost a success, minus no crushes but just a blender. Anyways, Josh said that the first missionaries who came about 100 years ago needed to finance themselves, and so they started a Peanute butter company

Pics 2

Thank You...

I couldn't go to sleep without forgetting the most important part... Thank you! Being here is a miralces, that many haven't seen in the background of God's handyword. I thank Abba for being more than enough, and really humbling me in a new love I've never experienced before but so much provision through the body, YOU, in finances, prayers, words of encouragement, prophesy, and even the details that have brought us here. We absolutely would not be here without the Love of God which has been thoroughly manifested through his visible body, aka, all of you our there! My limited vocabulary and expression of love could never do justice for you and for the Father, but I look forward to knowing Him and His great love, through one another as it gets perfected more and more! We cherish being on the giving end, but it's extremely overwhelming to be on the receiving end. God has told us that we will give back so much more than we've received to those who have given so much of themselves, little or small, it shall be repaid as the kingdom flourishes for His great name! I'm even more desperately inspired to love recklessly, give and give and give some more of all of me! Thank you, we so appreciate you, and yes you too Lord!

We're Here!

"I feel like I was holding the future of Japan and it brought tears to my eyes," Paul said to teh new Luna, the new mother of Nanami (meaning 7 Seas). It was exciting to start out our love adventure by praying for her the last time we visited and she had just found out she was pregnant. She came Sunday to the Sasaoka household with Josh, Saori, Yureka, Lingchan, Paul and I for their "congregation" service at the house. She said I believe this baby hasn't come yet so that we could see you again before she enters the world. Wow we were honored, (all through an interpreter, Josh or Saori) and asked to bless and pray such an amazing delivery. God shockingly did exceeding abundantly! 40 Minutes of labor and the whole staff was even surprised! BTW very lovely birthing center, they care for them for a whole week with food service! Paul and I are thrilled to be here, despite the natural appearance of success :) We've spent the past week playing with their grandchildren, walking around the farm lands, figuring out cell phone and sim card issues, grocery shopping (learning new foods), having and preparing meals with our host family, finding a place to move to in the city center (near trains and opportunities), buying shoes for our friends, visiting a church member after her cancer surgery, practicing speaking Japanese with anyone I see, worshipping, fellowshipping , trying to touch those around me, learning Japanese from even Raina who's 4, inspiring our host family, healing, visiting a church for a prophetic conference (meeting many people and had such building up of faith), teaching English with others, laughing at Google translate conversation, teaching Lingchan, slapjack, learning so much of their customs, culture, hoops to jump and yet seeing such smiles that bring hope! A few highlights... On the plane, (highly recommend Japanese Airlines, we flew All Nippon Airways) I tried to take the opportunity to just converse with the plasticy kind stewardesses, and this one I engaged as much as I could with our limited language. As I thought I had bored or bothered her, as she directed me to the bathroom (cutting our convo short), we were shocked to embrace her kindness as she came to Paul and I with a card at the end of the flight with some candy to appreciate us for our friendliness. I was blown away at her response and wrote her a note and gave her a Lara bar :) Truly amazing what a smile, a word, a touch, an effort of love will do! Today as we took our host mama Saori (Sally Mercy) to buy her new shoes with her daughter Momo and kids Raina and Ken, (she used to work at Sketchers to big discount :) and as they stopped at the GAP I saw a man outside with a stick crutch thing, and within seconds I was on the ground with Raina praying in the name of Jesus! He didn't speak english, but as I asked him to try it out, I saw this absolute shocked look, like a deer in headlights come over him! He was amazed and I was too to see such a fast response, but I claimed Iesu Sama! His wife came over and they thanked me and Paul saw the whole things played out as the man walked away carrying his crutch in the air, still amazed all the way to the parking lot! Helping as much as we can around the house: chopping down bamboo trees, dishes, cooking meals, watching children and grandchildren, cleaning, teaching one another both English and Japanese, praising the Lord, and laundry (not as easy as in America :) We experienced an earthquake this morning early, probably 4.0 that rocked us like babies. On our way to the prophetic conference on the train, I was eager to my hands on those hopeless looking people, and one limping old man I moved next to, I offered to pray as he motioned that yes his hip was in pain, but as Saori interpreted to bless him, he laughed and said I am getting off here. Laughing, they told me, is their form of showing their embarrassment. Another woman I engaged with who worked at a shrine, through Saori's help, I was able to pray for her, share the name of Jesus and both her and my desire of peace and hope that she looks for at the shrine; we hugged and sent her on her way believing Jesus has encountered her! So on our way to Tokyo and back I tried to show some love, offering elderly seats, a pregnant young girl (whom I prayed for her baby but I think she had no idea what I was really doing but smiled and thanked me), and a few others. I'm eager to speak more Japanese! The conference wasn't really our desire to learn more, however we really enjoyed Ben Armstrong form Bethel, as this church we visited 1st Century Christ Church (in a gorgeous building with prime real_estate in the heart of Tokyo), their connected with Bethel and therefore go back and forth to edify their members. Greater part was stretching these people who were mostly first timers to stepping out and hearing God for another. The activation was fun, but we were limited to English speakers, so a lot of their Bethel team and Paul and I teamed up. So we were thrilled to encourage one another! In meeting a few who were from other nations who currently had working visas, their testimony of how God worked it all out truly in a miraculous way for them to stay and work, ignited our hope in God's words! A few ways Ben said that that God speaks: 1) Scripture 2) Creation 3) Dreams/visions 4) 5 senses 5) Feelings and impressions 6) Media, movies, music 7) Signs and symbols I encourage you all, stretch yourself to hear from God, perhaps through a smell, or when you see someone and you hear a song you head, use that to speak a work of encouragement! This could be from the Lord to you or from Him to another through you :) I felt such a revelation the other night as I was going to bed of really believing God, that if I never had to think or worry about food or clothing, where to stay (such as when we are children) then what liberty I would have to think on good things as well as others! The Father would like us to let this sink in and activate this by not being fixed on our stay, the job and the questions of in needs that could arise (lol) what horrible thoughts to carry! All is already provided in Christ and all I'm to do is follow your words. Joshua Ch. 1 has really inspired us to really trust Father, be courageous, keep the words before us constantly meditating, take the land, and know that God is for us and will never forsake us! I enjoy the Sasaoka family Spontaneous worship sessions, practicing hearing from God, and even our Sunday service with 6 adults and 2 children, it was still somewhat orderly with Josh preparing the children's book reading, worship, prophesying practice, and even communion. Such a delight to see with the limited fellowship, what the presence and words of God do for these people. I thoroughly enjoyed the deep humily for Jesus in Josh and Saori. Her tears of gratitude during communion (which emotion doesn't come so earnestly here) and the sniffles between the rest of us! Josh asked us last night after visiting Luna in the hospital, what church we were a part of and if we could send missionaries to encourage and edify the church in their area, and I'm assuming throughout Japan. Amazed I think we both were thinking, we're here, and God is moving greatly already! However we were warmly welcomed at the idea that we said, we truly feel God has called us here to pave the way for many to come and many to go. In fact God reminded of His words, He said first come to Japan, than I will send. We're pioneering for many, many of our friends and others to come and make the entrance and connection so much easier. Simple things as getting a phone and wifi, you'd think would be easy but it wasn't. A year ago on Thanksgiving, God told Paul to open up the news and look about Japan. Until we really never did, and to his surprise 2 things stuck out that God had already spoken to us about through dreams. One was about changing the visas so that more people could come to Japan to help the aging and depopulation. The second had to do with Russia opening talks with Japan after like 40 years without communation. Just a few days ago we read an article that showed the country's failure with the visa plan, as they predicted something like 50,000 visas for people to come work, and they have only had 216. That proves the system here is so difficult to get through. One friend said it's like the Japanese would like you to go from A to B, but they expect you to have B to get A :( Now is where the lord gets to shine! Back to my point about driving back and the convo with Josh, as we shared our walk with the Lord, and connected with Tulsa and praying in the spirit and sending many of our friends here to Japan who feel a huge heart here, he was greatly encouraged! We even gave him Dave Roberson book, "the walk of the spirit the walk of power" and as of last night he's almost finished ready 300 pages! He was so inspired, he said let's pray today so we started our day with an hour of prayer in and in that short time, both him and Saori his wife had powerful visions and words from God for their future, family and marriage! Saori was overly grateful at our love for them and deep care! We desire that book to be translated into Japanese and that's Josh's job! We're so thankful for God's timing and following His lead, as I felt we would leave on the 12th, Paul felt 4 months ago from November 20th that God said to be here in 4 months, and here we are, and our hosts just happen to have hardly any word and the time to fellowship and help one another in many physical and spiritual ways! Even Saori pulled me aside saying this is a very difficult time in her life with many emotional, spiritual thoughts and decisions and was afraid that our stay would be a burden, but she said it's actually been such an uplifting time that has picked her spirit up and she's so comforted, praise God!!! So what's next? We asked to say a few weeks until we could find a place near the city (Chiba or Tokyo, nearby) because out here, it takes an hour to walk to the store or a nearby train. We all know that it's not logical for making connections, figuring things out, learning, etc. Therefore we've hunted down the cheapest place we could find for the time, and that's an Airbnb hostel for about $900 for about 50 days! So grateful for this option as apartments were about 2-$3000 for about 2 months. We're located in between both of those cities and right nearby a driving school if we decided to do so (costs $3000 for a driving school which takes awhile. driving here is quite crazy). We move in Monday! (hope our luggage will fit in our little room lol ) We really don't have a clear cut plan, we just know we need to meet more of the body of Christ here, explore, learn on our own, eagerly looking to go to some events/meetings if we can find anything to do with entrepreneurs, business, tech, etc. I think however, we're going to need business attire, like really nice stuff as that's what they all wear, but we'll meet that bridge later. I'm pumped to explore, love people, see God's provision in every way possible, create as many fires as I can with the Holy Spirit, and help lift Paul up more than I ever have! Well, if you read all of this I'll be thoroughly impressed that you have such a desire to know what the Lord is doing to us, in us, and through us. We really pray the same, and ask you to continue to look at what is good, what God IS doing, what God HAS done and be filled with hope. Make people ask you, what is that hope that is in you!?!? I love you, and I'll try to cut it shorter next time :) Sayonara, Noel

Pics