a journey I didn't plan on...

So, I was planning on going to this bible study Tuesday night at Osaka International Church, when I was frantically hurrying to get there (I was late), and I disovered that something else was actually going on. A massive worship service in the main santuary. And, to my surprise, I was early. I had no idea this was happening. A billingual service, with musicians from a church in Tokyo (get this, a Hillsong church, with a number of people from Australia on the team). There was dancing, and sounds of "Our God is an Awesome God" sung in Japanese and English. Worship was thick in the air. I felt like God has prepared this for me or something. How is it that you know how to find me Lord? Even here. During the worship, I was overwhelmed with tears. I think God let me know that perhaps I have another purpose here, other than just teaching english.

The pastor who spoke was from Australia, and he spoke about dreams and what we need to be living for. As Christians, we need to have a dream. And people need to see this in us. I felt he was speaking directly to me. He spoke of Japan being the land of the rising sun, and "from the rising of the sun, to the setting of the same... the name of the Lord is too be praised." Such profound words. He also spoke about when God gives us a dream, we laugh and have joy inside (wow. again, a message for me!) Japan is a deeply spiritual country, and more than ever before, there is an openness to what God is doing here. I'm still trying to unpack the message, but I am so impacted by his words. I literally felt grabbed by the heart, and that I had just stepped into my dream.

I also met Sonia at this thing, another english teacher from Australia. While we where talking, she explained that she has felt a calling to welcome foreigners to Japan (and I just happened to be sitting next to her during the service!!!!!!!) She was so welcoming towards me, and she actually invited me to her bible study (which was tonight) in Kobe. Little did I know, that once I got off the train to meet her, she would take me to such a wonderful home, where she and 5 others meet on Wednesday afternoons at a lady Michelles house - her husband and 3 children recently moved from Taiwan 7 months ago to Japan.

First of all, Kobe is the most charming city (30 minutes outside Osaka). Way less congested than Osaka, cute coffee shops, oriental tea houses, so close to the mountains (literally, behind the homes on the hill). It was so great to finally meet in someones home! We worshipped for a bit, prayed and then had a great discussion on the prayer of Jabez. This guy Dave (who is the exact twin of Marvin Bravo, for those of you who know him, and turns out he is a drummer and plays for a couple of gospel choirs in the area, and works for a record company. Hmmm. He and Sonia where asking alot of questions about my music. No way Lord!! Is this for real?), showed me around Kobe for a bit after the study, then went back to Michelle house, where I was treated to a lovely dinner.

I felt completely overwhelmed with hospitality. Like royalty. I only met these people today, and I felt so loved. I never know what will happen from one day to the next here. Who I will be meeting, where I will be going, what I will be doing. Seriously, my head is spinning. I think God may be taking me on a journey this year that I didn't plan on. I think He needs to be the one to plan from now on. The question is, can I give up this control? Can any of us, really? Something to think about, I guess.

Jane