Chapter 9

So.  I'm traveling to Japan in three days.  I feel the anxiousness, but I don't think reality has hit me quite yet. I'm very excited to meet the Japanese people we'll be working with as well as the children and middle school - college age students.  The one part about this trip that has me worried is the initial interaction between myself and the Japanese.  I'm normally not the person to approach someone I don't know first.  I've always waited until they have come to me.  On this trip, I will have to be starting the conversation.  I think in my head, what am I supposed to talk about?  Should I ask them about the weather?  Or maybe what their favorite color is?  I asked my aunt how I should start conversations, break the ice, etc.  It was then that she told me I would probably have something in common with the older students.  I asked what she meant, and she explained that I could very simply break the ice by asking them if they watch dramas and if they've ever heard of my favorite one.  This particular drama (I won't go into detail here) has been so popular in Asia that it has been made not only into more than 1 version, but 5 versions!  I'm glad I now have a topic in mind to talk to them about, considering how worried I have been.  That said, even though I feel a little more comfortable, I'm still very nervous about it.  I'm also worried about the one-on-one English lessons.  I'm worried that I either won't be able to explain something well or I'll use the wrong words and therefore end up confusing the student.  I know the passing of these worries will only come with prayer to God, and I ask that anybody who reads this will pray for God to speak through me.  If I have access to internet, I'll update you all as the trip progresses.  Thank you all for your prayers and continued support.


In Him,