God is beautiful!

Recently God has been showing me his beauty here in Japan. Prior to that, culture shock had kept me from enjoying the beauty in God's creation here, and had just made me long for the flat, wide open prairie that I miss back in Nebraska. Not only am I seeing God's beauty in the land here, but also in the relationships he has blessed me with. Praise Jesus for his awesome creation!


Our staff teams recently met in Tokyo to welcome this year's summer teams. About 30 American college students are spending their summers with 5 different BEST Clubs throughout Japan. We are excited to have them here!
Fellow staff members: Ruth Ann, Joanna, Me & Jennifer.

Joanna recently finished her term in Japan and is now back in the States. I miss her greatly, as God blessed us with a very fun friendship these past 8 months. I am excited for Jo as she begins to minister now in California. I love you Jo!!

Freshmen Camp was a great place to continue getting to know our new freshmen friends in BEST Club, as well as having fun with the old gang.


The sophomores presented me and Elbert with our very own jerseys. At sports activities we're now one of them, which is pretty fun! Elbert and I both teared up, agreeing this is the best gift we've received in a long time!


Playing Princess Monopoly with Brianne & Sarah while babysitting. Who knew Princess Monopoly could be so much fun!!!

Introducing: Aki, my newest roommate! Aki and I were close friends three years ago during my summer trip to Japan. She recently returned from studying abroad in the U.S. We had a great reunion after being apart for 3 years!

Saturday the BEST students gathered at the beach for a BBQ and games all afternoon. What a beautiful place to have so much fun!



Sarah Butler came to visit last week. What an encouragement she was! She was a mid-term worker just like me three years ago, and helped lead my summer team in Japan. We enjoyed karaoke, a visit to the onsen, and Starbucks while she was here. Thanks for visiting, Sarah!!

Eating dessert with the freshmen girls in my Friday English class.

Two of my favorite friends here: Jamie & Jones!


Dinner with Elbert, Wakki & Misa. My favorite: this chocolate cake!