First days in Chiba

So I’m not coming home.

Sorry family and friends, the Japanese way of life is way too cool to ever leave. They are so efficient and so clean it’s incredible. Their 7/11 gas stations have the most amazing Japanese food for very reasonable prices, and I was able to have coffee at least 3 times today. I think I’ve found where I belong. I got to take a great bike ride on these paths that run through parks and all around the suburbs. They are so beautiful and loaded with little children walking to school or moms walking their dogs; the Japanese are very active people. I sat in on some English classes today that I will be teaching for the next two weeks, had some orientation training and dinner, and then played Settlers with some very awesome people. I am so thankful to be here. Fortunately, I got plenty of sleep last night, almost 10 hours, so I’m hoping my jet lag won’t be too terrible. I didn’t get too sleep much on the flight over here, but I did have a nice long chat with an Air Force F-16 pilot, so that was lots of fun. We have team dinner tomorrow and then college ministry on Thursdays, so tons of new things to look forward to. God is definitely at work here, I can’t wait to see his Kingdom advanced more and more. Everyone has been so welcoming, so friendly, and so polite. I am overwhelmed by their kindness and hospitality. The language thing is definitely an issue, but I’m going to try my best to learn at least the essential phrases as soon as possible. It’s a complicated language with many layers, and I look forward to familiarizing myself with it as best I can in two months. Thanks again for your prayers, keep ‘em coming!