October 24-30, 2022

I'm enjoying this writing activity more than I expected. It doesn't give me the pressure to write something interesting for others. I just needed to write for myself and allow the words to come out. 

This week is another full workload. Whenever I arrive home, I have to cook dinner, do household chores, and have a little ME time. Then, I can eat, clean up, and relax with my husband, Kensho. The household chores are the same and I couldn't squeeze in some of the things that I want to do. But these five things give me joy and I am grateful.

1. Good people at work

I am really thankful that the people that I work with every day are very kind. Sometimes they leave food on my table or hand it out to me personally sometimes. They don't provide "emotional" support always but they don't discriminate either. They must be having their own idea of me when they watch me work. But I haven't heard any complaints from them. One of the Japanese Teachers of English that I work with also told me that she has not been told bad things about me either. So, I must be doing just fine. Yahoo!

2. New Home

For months after we got married in March, Kensho and I have looked for apartments and houses online, talked with agents, and visited some in person. But we couldn't find the right fit. Then one night when we were both on the brink and I was complaining to him about my frustration, he opened his phone right away and looked. A new advertisement for a pet-friendly 1LDK apartment appeared at once! What great timing! The next day, Kensho called them right away because there might be a lot of people looking for the apartment that we wanted. Our goal is to find a place close to the convenience store, supermarket, post office, etc., where we can keep a pet, and where I can commute by train to my schools. Ayabe station is just 7 minutes away. 

It's amazing when we've found the place where all of our top needs would be met, we could decide right away. We're so excited that we have been telling each other every day, "I want to move, I want to move." We've never felt this much desire to move to a new place. ((:

Last Saturday, we signed the contract and received all the papers. This is such a great blessing!

3. Leading People to Jesus

I started as a substitute leader for the International Girls Connect Group when my leader couldn't make it because she had to take care of her newborn last February to March this year. I have been joining the group since November 2019 when I first came to Lifehouse Kyoto Church and met a lot of great women of God. Since the pandemic started, the group has been meeting online. But a lot of girls have come and gone back home, moved to a different church or country, and became busy with their jobs and life in general. I couldn't blame them because a church evolves in various ways and nothing is permanent. 

I stepped up a lot this year. At first, I was so hesitant in taking the lead because I feel inadequate and far from the main church. I couldn't go to church every Sunday because Kyoto city is two hours away. The only thing I can do consistently is to be there online. So far, the groups are still meeting online and that's one thing that's never gonna disappear, I guess, due to the nature of people attending. 

I have been given this task as a way of serving God. I am excited about what He is doing and the greater things coming ahead!

4. Love

I'm really happy that I could speak to my loved ones in the Philippines, America, Hungary, Germany, and other parts of the world through social media anytime I want. I really miss my family and friends so much. There are days that I just cry and get emotional. It's tough being away from people that I've spent almost the past 35 years with. 

5. My Birthday

My husband and I woke up at midnight and noticed that there are only 7 minutes left before October 30th. We started to pray in bed and waited excitedly. Then when the clock struck 12, he said "Otanjoubi omedetou, chan-Kaye. Kansha shimasu." which means "Happy birthday, Kaye-chan. I am grateful." We finished our prayers and hugged each other. It didn't start quite well when we woke up in the morning. I was having a hormonal imbalance again. Huhu. But Kensho was so patient and kind. He tried to help me pick out something to wear even though it was really hard for me. He also listened and hugged me when I uttered my frustrations about myself. We were supposed to go to Lifehouse Kyoto church but since it was traffic, we couldn't make it and just went back in time to watch the online service. It was the right choice because we were able to listen to the preaching well and received God's Word clearly. Afterward, Kensho took a quick nap, and then we went shopping for wine, pasta sauce, and pickles at Yamasho, and went window shopping for appliances at AEON Mall. We were so amused by the different features of refrigerators and washing machines and shocked by the prices. Then, Kensho and I went to Kinugawa to buy a fruit cake. We went home, relaxed, and cooked dinner together. After taking a warm bath, I blew out my cake. Kensho even closed the lights to get a dim effect. It was very sweet! He said that he wasn't able to buy a present. But I told him that our new apartment is our gift to each other. It was a very simple but genuine celebration with no need for pretensions and fancy things. 

Last year, I also got engaged. I couldn't believe that it has only been that long. In a year, we were able to hold two weddings with our families and friends. 

God is so good! I should continue believing and being grateful for the smallest things.

Thank you so much, Lord.

I look forward to the joy that You bring to my life every day.

K

October 17-23, 2022

Lately, life has been steady but I couldn't help but feel confused and impatient about many things. My idea of making these negative vibes go away is to write. I read the book "The Happines Project" by Gretchen Rubin in 2009 and it changed my life back then. Currently, she has been doing a list of things that make her happy in her newsletter. I have been enjoying reading about hers so I want to try and do the same. 

Hopefully, I can keep up with my own weekly list of 5 Things That Give Joy. I want to be more intentional about ALL THE GOOD THINGS happening to me. Whether they are big or small, they deserve to be acknowledged and valued. They are God's blessings that can encourage me when things get off track. 

1. 7:27 train

My daily commute every day starts at 7:20 when I leave the apartment and walk to the train station for three minutes (excluding stoplights). Though the fact that I couldn't leave later than that does not make me happy, I am grateful for the chance to discipline myself and stick to a routine. Because I take a bath at night, it's eliminated from my Morning To-Do List. I could focus on washing my face, getting dressed, putting on a little make-up, organizing my room, and preparing the breakfast that I could bring to the station and eat before I go to work. In 50 minutes, I could do some of these simultaneously. 

I've been multi-tasking for as long as I could remember. But I honestly feel that waking up an hour earlier is better. If I wake up at the same time as my husband, I could be more productive and relaxed. I could even do a short yoga routine plus quiet time/meditation to start the day right. Maybe I could even add that to one of the 5 things that make me happy next week!

2. Easy online shopping

In Japan, you could easily shop online and the delivery is superb. It's so efficient that the courier companies deliver in a day or two and you can also specify the date and time that you prefer. Requesting for redelivery is very easy as well. You can easily call the assigned delivery person and state your time of availability. This is the fastest and most convenient but there are call charges. For free, you could just change your delivery requests through the online website as well. 

My recent purchase is a wooden iron stand and a good steam iron that I bought on sale. Buying things for the home really spark joy. I try to invest more in quality items even though they are pricier. I prefer good quality products that can last for many years rather than inexpensive products that could be replaced in a year or two.

3. Indoor plant companions

The touch of nature inside the hom relaxes me. When my mother came to Ayabe, Kyoto in May 2019, she helped me choose a few plants to decorate my apartment. However, they all died during winter. 

When I moved to Nishinomiya, Hyogo the following year, my first indoor plant that is still alive today is a Monstera from a nearby supermarket. I named it Monti. I'd accidentally left it out on the balcony during a hot day two summers ago but it survived. When I went to IKEA Tsuruhama, I also carried home a medium-sized ZZ plant that is still thriving in the kitchen now.  

This year, I've added a Sansevieria Cylindrica (snake plant) which is still happily surviving too. I hope to expand this family after we move to a bigger home soon. Yay!

4. Manageable schedule

My everyday workday in the Philippines had been toxic. A teaching job doesn't end at 5 p.m. It ends at 12 a.m. and sometimes materials preparation ends at 3 a.m. or no sleep at all. Because I could not be paid for my overtime work, I had to leave school on time. Thus, I worked at home. There was mostly no time for family and unwinding during weekdays. 

Here in Japan, I rarely bring work home. My first year of teaching was an exception because I was adjusting to everything. I was also Teacher 1 in most of my schools so I prepared all the lessons and materials and the Japanese Teachers of English only provide support to me and the students. The more manageable lessons started during my second and third years of teaching when the rule was implemented and more Japanese teachers were trained to lead the English lessons with or without an Assistant Language Teacher. My Japanese Teachers of English are really good teachers but they still couldn't speak English straight in class. My school days are mostly full from first period to sixth period. But lesson planning and materials preparation don't happen everyday because my JTEs have usually prepared it before I come to school. We mostly do team teaching, checking of worksheets, and lesson planning together. To be honest, I think this is not the best set-up that I like for my teaching career  because I also need growth, command in the classroom, and a sense of fulfillment. But for now, I'm just being the best Teacher 2 that I could be. 

My job schedule also allows me to arrive home about one or two hours before my husband, Kensho. I could prepare dinner and organize the home before he arrives. He wants us to eat dinner together every night so instead of working overtime, he finishes work at 5:00 p.m., organizes everything, walks his hunter dog, and drives home. 

5. Married life

Kensho and I have been married for six happy months. I couldn't believe that it has been that long! We still haven't gone through all the photos and videos of our two weddings. But we're working on it and posting soon. Lol! All thanks to God for making all these happen. 

I am really grateful that I have a husband who cares enough to come home early, relax, and spend quality time with me after work despite his hectic schedule. We also grew up differently, but we are able to work it out every day. Language is still challenging though lately, we are getting used to communicating using our own language mix. Ganbarimasu!

Living with another person again after moving to Japan has taken the loneliness away. But my "me time" has been compromised and only weekends make up for it. It is also challenging when we are both in a not-so-good state. What I am really thankful for is the love and patience that we have for each other and God guiding our hearts, minds, and actions. Kensho has been the perfect person to stand my "adult tantrums" or what our family calls "berat mode." Lol. Being quick to forgive and understand each other is something that has really saved us and we're practicing this by God's grace. 

Thank God for these 5 things! I still couldn't believe how my life turned out unexpectedly here in Japan. I remember praying in the past, traveling to places, and dreaming about the things that I have now. 

Of course, we still have a lot of unanswered prayers. But God has been really good and faithful to us and our loved ones. He has been answering prayer after prayer and telling us to wait a little more for His answers. 

Lately, He has been teaching me again to set aside quality time with Him in prayer, journalling, and worship. I feel like I've been losing my childlikeness when life keeps me busy. It is really therapeutic to slow down, reflect, and be thankful for all things big and little. 

Though there is uncertainty in this season, I am sure of one thing: Joy and peace come from God alone.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

I am excited to reflect on the next 5 things next week and literally SEE God's blessings.

With joy,

K

The first faith test happened at the beginning of the year when I resigned from my job, began a new job, and moved cities for the second time in Japan. I wrote about it in this blog, "The Art of Changing Homes," which I wasn't able to share due to life getting in the way. I really thank God for taking care of the whole process and bringing me to my new destination safely.

Like many Filipinos abroad, the pandemic brought the toughest faith test to me. Not seeing my family and baby pets for two years was very difficult. I could imagine the hearts of others who haven't gone home for more than three years. Though we had a lot of audio/video calls throughout the year, nothing beats the physical presence of loved ones. However, God surrounded me with the right people during the pandemic who became my support system in Japan. Eventually, my worry-wart nature subsided and as a result, I was able to build strong bonds and friendships with the people He placed around me. The key for me is to support others in the best way that I could and the support goes back. 

"I will save you, and you will be a blessing." Zechariah 8:13 NIV

Anticipate Healing

This pandemic has also taken a lot of beautiful things from my family such as going home for my brother's wedding, building the dream house that we love, and receiving complete healing for the sick loved ones. But God's plans are higher and beyond what we could ever imagine (Isaiah 55:8-9). Instead of focusing on the negatives, I directed myself to acceptance and recreation and I achieved mental and spiritual healing. But of course, it still broke my heart when I heard sad news from people. The best thing that I could do is pray. Despite this, I am just grateful that many of our family and friends are alive and we're fighting the good fight of faith together. 

In my new and humble hometown, I also found healing for a health problem that I have been battling for a long time. Who could have thought I would find treatment here of all places? The clinic was just a five-minute walk from my apartment. Another surprising fact was the doctor could speak and understand English. So, I was able to go alone after my first visit. The effects of the medicine made me worry at first. But then I just trusted God and found out that it suits my body after all. As for the expenses, God provided everything. 

Anticipate His Help Through Others

I also learned how to receive help from people, which was a little tough because I grew up strong and independent with "Kakayanin ko 'to" attitude. Lol. Another fact was my love language of service was depleting due to summer vacation at that time. When I received help, oftentimes I felt that there was a need to give back at once. I really don't like the concept of "utang na loob" practiced in Filipino culture. Because I'm in Japan and living alone, it's natural that people would offer more help to me than me giving to them. So, I started changing my old mindset. I must continue to think that people help or give something because it is in their hearts to do it without receiving anything in return. Though some people treat others like this, right? Huhu. But then it's not healthy for me to think of people's intentions this way. I should also be kinder to myself and allow others to help me.

Anticipate Transformation

My character was also transformed as I dealt with social situations wherein I had to practice "pakikisama" to the nth level. It was easy for me to stick to my beliefs and ways, but it was a challenge to adjust to people from a different culture. Socializing has always been awkward and difficult, especially around people that I do not know well. I could be misunderstood or disregarded which was often caused by a lack of speaking up or direct communication. But when I knew that my heart and intentions were pure, I just let go of the need to be understood and allowed people to make their own choice of action. By God's will, I believe that things come and go; people come and leave. Everything works out in the end, always for the best.

Anticipate Promises Fulfilled

In 2019, my birthday wish was to achieve permanence in my life and I had faith in God that He would fulfill it. I am sure that placement is a different story due to the nature of my job and my ever-changing plans in life. Yet, exactly a year later, God gave permanence in a form of a person--Kensho, my kareshi (boyfriend), and soon, someone I will spend the rest of my life with. In God's perfect time, I met *whoishe?*, the guy in my weird dream in high school, whom I've not spoken about for a decade or so. God is so good and faithful! I also have an idea about where I will live at least for the next couple of years. It's now legit! Japan is home. 

The verse below was the Lord's promise when I was sitting alone in Odaiba, Tokyo, and praying for God to direct my heart to the right person. Kensho was not a Christian when I met him two years ago. But he is now building an intimate relationship with God. This verse is now rhema, God's Word in action.

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

During the last night of 2021, Kensho and I found ourselves doing the Marriage Preparation workbook. We began chapter 4: Goals at the perfect time. Writing faith goals and new year's resolutions was something that I've done since high school to singlehood. It marks as a sign that from now on,  I can look forward to doing the goal-setting with God and someone beside me to build dreams, fulfill goals, and pray with. It excites me even more that there is a great future, intricately designed for us, that we can embrace.

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14 (March 12, 2021)

Passing the faith tests wouldn't be possible without God's guidance and leading. About ten years ago, a family friend prophesied, "You will see everything flash before your eyes. For this prophecy to come to pass, you need to believe and focus on God." 

Some of the things that I've been praying for then just happened last year. Truly enough, it takes anticipation, perseverance (Hebrews 10:36), and a leap of faith to believe in His promises, to keep seeking and asking, and to do His will. We need faith to look beyond what we can see and say that the Lord is good. 

Despite the saddening situation in the world, I still anticipate and decree that we can #SEE2022 with fresh eyes of faith and witness more blessings and miracles. May we taste His love pouring like wine in every area of our lives. 

Cheers to a fresh year and a great future ahead!

あけましておめでとうございます！[Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!]

Whether virtual or in person, thank you for being a memorable part of my year. <3