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

What happens when someone moves to a new home? How does one's life changes? How does one's relationships grow through the years? And what is the easiest way to get used to and adjust to the unknown environment? 

I've thought about these questions every time my family and I moved houses in the Philippines. As a family, we have moved five times due to numerous reasons. The earliest memory that I have is our apartment unit in Paco, Manila where we lived in the same building as my mother's sister, her husband, and cousins. Then, we moved to crowded neighborhoods nearby, San Andres Bukid and Aurora A. The next house was a big move from Manila to Quezon City because my father's office was and still is in UP Diliman. I also passed the UP entrance examination so we were really destined to go. We lived in Hardin ng Rosas until 1999. Most of my childhood were spent around off-white concrete apartment buildings with a relaxing view of rice fields. I played all sorts of Filipino games with my friends outside. I got scolded by my parents numerous times for not coming home on time or sneaking out of the house without their permission. But throughout my childhood, I was able to enjoy playing outside which I am now very grateful for. When our family moved to a bigger house in a quiet neighborhood in Area 2, I thought it was the end of all the good friendships I've had. I missed my fun childhood in Hardin ng Rosas. But eventually, I fell in love with the new home and peaceful environment. It was closer to my school, the university shopping center, and other places we went to frequently. I invited friends to our home and my parents were able to get to know them. I also grew closer to my family, storing a mixture of happy and sad memories in 20 years in this beautiful home. 

When I left the Philippines in 2019, I knew that leaving Manila and moving to Japan would be challenging. If I had the final say in my job placement in Japan, I wanted to work in a big metropolitan city like Manila. My first choice was Tokyo and my second choice was Osaka for these cities were the most familiar to me. In Tokyo, I could attend Dad's former church, Tokyo Baptist Church in Shibuya, and I've made friends with some of them in 2017. Living in Osaka would be convenient since it's close to the airport. It's easy to explore other places in Japan as well. It sounded so perfect. However, God has planned something else. I was placed in Ayabe city in northern Kyoto prefecture where I experienced God's turn-around years. 

During my first year of teaching in Ayabe, I couldn't deny that the thought of moving to Tokyo never came to my mind. Unexpectedly, a lot of events happened in the latter part of the school year. The pandemic began. So I decided to stay in the countryside to be safer and away from covid-19. Despite this, I was relocated to teach in Nishinomiya city in Hyogo prefecture not because of my performance but due to decisions by the Board of Education that were out of our control. I enjoyed the ambiance and convenience of this suburban city located near Amagasaki and Ashiya, all sandwiched in the middle of Kobe and Osaka. It was also easier to meet friends who lived in nearby cities. Kansai airport was only an hour away by train. However, due to the pandemic, I couldn't travel anyway. Shopping and exploration also got more exciting because I could visit various stores on my way home or on weekends. But I felt no sense of community in Nishinomiya that attaches me in a special way.

When I was about to make up my mind to stay for another year in the city, another surprise came from my former employer. Two months before the end of my contract, I was assigned to teach in Osaka for the following school year. I actually saw it as a good opportunity because I knew that Osaka was the assignment offered to me before I came to Japan. In 2017, I also dreamt of my Dad telling me that I am going to Osaka. I knew that working there would provide greater opportunities because I could teach in the company's biggest contracting schools and the contract could be more stable. It could also have been so exciting to live closer to the airport, meet a new Filipino community, and experience a busy city lifestyle too.

However, I was worried about the worsening pandemic and greater distance from the good community that I have in Kyoto. It was a risk that I had to prepare myself to take. Another challenge was the long distance relationship with my boyfriend. He supported my decision to move to Osaka despite the two-hour drive one-way. It was not because distance mattered that much in love, but time and money could be saved.

God must have heard our innermost prayers. I listened to God's voice that prodded me to send an email to a company that I applied to last year. The placement was Fukuchiyama city, a 20-minute or less drive from Ayabe. I couldn't get a placement without a driver's license then. But since I was already hired last year, my application process went smoothly for the second time, and the email exchanges and Skype final interview only happened in three days. Though I still didn't possess a driver's license, I was assigned to schools that could easily be accessed by train, bus, or bicycle. It was God's divine intervention. The job set-up matches my schedule and lifestyle well. The people at my schools were also kind and generous. It felt good to be back in northern Kyoto and live a laid-back lifestyle once again. 

Moving into my new apartment was really tedious. Who would have thought that I could accumulate a lot of stuff in a span of two years? With the help of my boyfriend and his family, I was able to move successfully. My Leo Palace apartment was just what I needed during this crazy pandemic. It was big enough for me, located in a peaceful neighborhood, and just a three-minute walk from the station. It also has a bigger kitchen that is located at the back of the main room near the sliding doors to the balcony. I'm not a fan of the small Japanese kitchens located right in front of the genkan or the main hallway. The layout is nice except for a sink in the main room near the closet. But it's very convenient to use. The rent is in the mid-range type, a little higher than my apartment in Nishinomiya but way lower than my apartment in Ayabe. I could save more money if I choose the older Leo Palace apartments but they are smaller. I still chose to live in a Leo Palace because of the appliances included in the rent. I don't want to spend on appliances that I will not use after I move out. Also, if I live in the city center, I will see my co-workers and students more which is a little weird for me. So, I'm really happy with my choice.

Now, the idea of moving seems to be less fearful and more therapeutic. I find art and joy in it. Whenever I move, I am packed with a lot of learnings and experiences. Let me start with this learning:

Moving makes you fearless.

People who move often appear to be less fearful about life. They take risks and embrace the unknown future with more courage and confidence.

Basically, I had no choice but to brave out and face the pandemic when it had struck Japan. I was able to contain my fears and pain of being away from my family and friends in the Philippines for almost two years. I also could not see my friends in Japan because of fear of getting the virus. I had to almost everything and move to a new place on my own.

I was moved by moving. 

Moving is tiring! Sometimes, it can cause breakdown and stress, especially if time is running out. As a single individual, it is daunting to do all the packing by myself. But I also realized that I was not alone at all. There were people who empathized and offered help to ease my burdens. 

When I was preparing for my big move to Japan, my family and friends helped me a lot in packing and getting everything I need. I also received help from people in Ayabe when I moved to Nishinomiya. People came over, put tapes on boxes, cooked dinner for me, carried the boxes to the moving van, got rid of my garbage, and took it to the recycling center or gave them to someone else who needed them. 

When I moved from Nishinomiya, one Japanese teacher helped me in accomplishing my medical requirements for my next job. It came in the process of packing so having someone to meet and release the stress with was helpful. On my moving day, my boyfriend drove his truck, carried my boxes, some furniture, and a mamachari bicycle. At first, we thought that everything wouldn't fit but he was able to be a McGyver and made all things intact. Whew!

The kindness and generosity of people have moved me.

Home is where God is.

When I first moved into my new apartment in Ayabe, it took a little time to get used to the different environment and community. Namamahay nga, ika sa atin. But I realized right away that we don't make our homes, God does. We can live anywhere for a short time, and for others, it takes forever. But God brought us to these places for great purposes beyond our imagination. Only by living in various homes could make us discover them. 

Some of my friends have told me that I'm already an expert at moving. But it's never the case. Each city that I lived in Japan portrayed a season of learning. Ayabe was full of adjustments and cultural immersion. Nishinomiya was about seeking and finding direction. Now, in Fukuchiyama, I am excited to continue braving out and begin a new chapter.

Through the years, I settled in homes with my family. I also moved out of our family home, out of the country, and into a foreign land by myself. The result was I found God more. I could trust Him that He would guide me to beautiful homes in the future. I could carry all the memories of homes that I've lived in, the relationships that I've built in it, and the learnings I've kept in my mind and by heart.

I thank God for always being with me wherever I go.

The dream houses that I drew for my directions and maps English lesson. <3

The beautiful art in changing homes is created through God's amazing work in us, the people that He has placed near us, and the amazing purpose that He has given us to fulfill.

May 13, 2020

I have always believed that this year will be full of the unexpected. I just didn't expect that I would find the entire world in a whirlwind of events. Numerous catastrophes have happened before but in my lifetime they were not as big as this pandemic. Now, fear and anxiety are shared by not only one person, city, or country. The same unnerving experiences are shared by everyone.

March 3, 2020

On my way to school, I walked with a first-grade student named Hanyu, who was as tired as I was. The new schedule due to nCoV, COVID-19, or the ウィルス was our topic. All the other students we passed by were tired too. But their good mornings gave a smile on my face.

Not knowing whether this would be the last day of the year gave me mixed emotions. When I entered the kyoinshitsu (teachers' room), the teachers gave me a look that I couldn't describe. It has been weeks since I last came here to teach. "Did she miss the memo?" was painted on an administrative staff member's face. Let's call him Mr. Friendly.

I wanted to tell him that I have been told to come to school regardless of the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's announcement on class cancellations for the remaining days of the year. The Ayabe Board of Education decided to close school for two weeks. Then we all had to wait for further instructions. That was the part we were all confused about.

I said my cheery "Ohayou gozaimasu" to everyone. I listened and pretended to understand the third-grade teachers' morning meeting. The first morning bell rang and all the teachers who had classes disappeared to their respective classrooms.

After five minutes, the second morning bell rang. I stood up along with the administration staff, the koucho-sensei (principal) and kyoto-sensei (vice principal), said their usual あいさつ (greetings) and all of us greeted and bowed in return.

I had an empty schedule today. "Should I join other teacher's classes? I must accomplish something. I would need to stay here until the last period. What will a good teacher do? Should I firtle?" I thought. I learned the word 'firtle' from a friend. It was not even in the dictionary. It simply means to look busy despite doing very little, which completely described me during my free periods at school. Go figure.

A few seconds later, I figured out that this would be a good day to write.

Ayabe--the city where I slowed down in a good way. There were dull moments. But I often see them as a pause in the busy lifestyle that I had gotten used to in the past years of teaching. The slowness of the countryside was beneficial to my growth not only as a teacher but as an individual.The closest school to Kanbayashi is located in a town called Yamaga. I wonder why I never took the train to this school. The bus was more convenient though it only arrives in a station every hour. I enjoyed teaching the students with special needs who come from a nearby school dormitory to attend English, Physical Education, and Computer classes. When it comes to the regular students, the individual oral tests were great opportunities to build rapport with them and the most enjoyable for me.

On my birthday last October 30th, I wrote a gratitude list. I do not usually write one but recalling everything God has done for me in the past years is a great way to jumpstart another year.

I decreed that 2019 is a year of transcendence--living out in faith, seeing beyond, and traversing the world's borders. I aimed to rise above the limitations and restrictions in life and experience the unimaginable gifts God has in store. It involved many acts of surrender and trust in Him, believing that the good work He has started in me and my loved ones will be completed because He is faithful (Philippians 1:6). In the process, I have learned to develop a grateful and patient heart. 

Last last Sunday's preaching in my home church was all about gratefulness. It was also the same thing that God was teaching me throughout the year. I started to reflect about the past year/s on my birthday last October. A friend suggested that I create a gratitude list. As my way of saying goodbye to 2019, I wanted to share my "Thank You"s to God and hopefully, whoever's reading will also think of their own and be in a spirit of thanksgiving. 

"Thank you for giving me wings."

At an altar call during last year's prayer and fasting, I stood up from my seat and walked towards the stage to stand in faith that I am called to go to the nations. For the very first time in my life, I was sure. On March, I embarked on a journey towards Japan, the country that I have loved dearly since I was born. I experienced a lot of firsts--first time to be separated from my family for a long time, first time to set foot on Kyoto, first time to live independently, including renting an apartment, paying for my bills and expenses, doing all the cleaning, groceries, cooking, and laundry all by myself. I even invested on cultivating my green thumb. Living independently was extremely challenging. But I learned a lot about adulting that made me become a better version of myself. In God, I found wisdom and strength amidst the hardships and homesickness. It was like living out Isaiah 40:31:

"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (NLT)

"Thank you for the gift of teaching and sending me to Japan."

God is now reminding me of the promises and purposes for me in Japan. Many times I wonder how this journey will turn out. Sometimes I wonder about my home country. Is it okay to leave the Philippines? Am I using what I have learned in special education, reading education, and MA extensively? Then I always find myself going back to Abram's story when he said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that later became his home:

"Now the Lord had said to Abram (Kaye)
'Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father's house,
To a land that I will show you,
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"
Genesis 12:1-3

I may just be a foreigner and stranger in Japan (Genesis 17:8) but He can use me wherever He has placed me. I am teaching in a new environment where I could learn, relearn, and unlearn things. Nothing is wasted because all will make sense in the end. I love being a Filipino in Japan and I love the Philippines. I believe God has a greater purpose why He brought me out of it and He sees my obedience to Him.

I believe that the place of calling is not limited to where a person was born or raised. In fact, God brings us to new places where He transforms our lives and uses us to manifest His glory. When He has given us a land to possess, whether in a form of a new workplace, business, or home, take the great leap of faith and claim it. This is a rare opportunity in a timely season to grow and be used by God.

"Thank you for making the world small."

I appreciate technology more when I moved abroad. My family, friends, and I communicated through different social networking sites and apps. Nothing beats talking in person. But the timely audio and video calls helped ease the loneliness and fear-of-missing-out (FOMO). 

I am really thankful for the short distance between Japan and the Philippines. I didn't expect that I would be able to go home twice this year. God surprised me with cheap flights last summer. Take note: July to August is a perfect time to search for low fares to and from Japan. It's also another way to escape the scorching summer heat. Another blessing is when my parents were also able to visit me. Though they visited separately, we were able to spend quality time. They were able to see my apartment and the community I lived in, visited some tourist spots, and met my new friends. All God-ordained.

"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him," 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

"Thank you for the divine appointments."

The divine appointments throughout the year were all laid out beautifully. I met people from different parts of the world, became involved in organisations within the community, and developed good relationships with my co-teachers and students. 

During my eight months here in Japan, one of the beautiful things that God has done is that He has given me a new spiritual family in Kyoto. I first discovered a Protestant church in Ayabe. Though the preachings were entirely in Japanese, the church members are really kind and generous. Early November, I was able to attend a church in Kyoto, one that I found online before I came to Japan. The vision and mission of the church is quite similar to my home church in Manila. The people are also very friendly. I could freely speak about my faith in God with them. The only problem is the location which was 1.5-2 hours away from Ayabe. Sharing breakthroughs with people face to face is really essential to my spiritual growth. So I aim to visit the church once or twice a month. I entrust God the expensive and long train rides. I also wish to improve my Japanese so I could speak with more Japanese people.

These churches were answered prayers. I am grateful that God not only connected me to one church but two. I am so excited to build friendships with the people, grow, and serve Him through the church.

And last but not the least...

"Thank you for your presence always."

I know that I am not alone because I have God. I am not lonely because I can easily talk to Him wherever I go. I see His steadfast love and faithfulness in all things. 

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13, NKJV

Transcending 2019 doesn't happen in a year. In fact, my transcendent phase in Japan has only just begun. I look forward to more growth and change. I also claim that this year is a time to reap the seeds we have sown in the past decade--deeper intimacy with God, love shared in the family, friendships built through the years, passions cultivated, health restored, career and mission paths chosen, personalities and hearts shaped. At the end of every year, we strive for things that are eternal rather than temporary.

To be honest, I am entering this new year without any clear steps. I don't know what will happen. I am not sure of anything. But I trust God. I have faith in Him. Though He will lead me to the unknown, He will lay out an #Unimaginable2020 before my eyes.

I decree that an abundant harvest is waiting for us. Let's reap with faith and joy!

Happy New Year!

Transcending and Grateful,

K



"Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust Him along the way you'll find He pulled it off perfectly." Psalm 37:5 (The Passion Translation)