It's been a long time

I am so sorry for the long silence. I have been overwhelmed with so much kindness and encouragement from so many people. First off, we want to say thank you for all the words you have sent to us! They have been amazing! Second, thank you for being patient with us. We have learned so much from this tragedy, I can't imagine what the people who went through real devastation is going through. I wanted to post picturesfrom the earthquake but they don't compare to what you have seen in the news or what Wataru has seen in person. So I decided not to upload them. The day that the earthquake happened was a day that has changed my life and the lives of so many others. I know from my own experience that fear came in. There was no gas or daily essentials, toilet paper, milk, and even water. I was stressed because I thought I needed to have things in order for my family, but I was not prepared. I felt lost and inadequate. I felt like a failure and I had let my family down. I also saw many foreigners leaving Japan. I did not understand why but I have had to deal with reasons in my own heart. The nuclear plant was also on my mind but that was one situation I did not fear. Wataru and Luke were a trooper through the whole thing, because I did not show outward fear through the earthquake, Luke did not get scared at all. Wataru came home from teaching and ran through the door to ask if I was okay, I said "sure, it was a good one this time". We go through earthquake all the time. I was very thankful for the patience of God. He continue to reassure me through His Word that we would be taken care of and have our needs met. Wataru also reassured me daily not to fear or worry. I finally let go of the fear and know that Jesus continues to walk with me everyday.

I don't want to go on about the day but wanted to fill you in with what God is calling us to do through this. We have offered our home to evacuees, Wataru has gone upto Iwate (a town north of Sendai also hit by the tsunami). We have helped with other organizations with repairs and encouragement. Wataru is trying to provide translation for english speakers when they come to volunteer. We are currently seeking to go up north as a family to try and provide relief for christian church staff workers. They are exhausted from hosting volunteers and we want to be right where God wants us to be. The clean-up efforts will not be over for a LONG time. The recovery will take many years, not months. We are grateful for the financial help you and other Americans have provided for relief efforts. It is amazing! We ask that you continue to pray for the hearts of the Japanese. They are in need of a Savior. THANK YOU!