Monday Morning Coffee-Fueled Brain Dump

It’s a new day and a new week. It’s also a holiday week here in Japan, but despite that I’m not taking any vacation time or going anywhere. I have a big test on Thursday to prepare for — the final exam for the full-time language course I’ve been in these past 6 months — and these three days off are a perfect opportunity to put in some long hours of review. As I start my day, though, my mind is full of distracting thoughts, so I decided to come online and dump them out for all of your enjoyment…

1. Last week was a pretty busy study week, too, being the last week of the full-time course and full of tests. Glad it’s over. Also, did I mention that the part-time course I’m starting kind-of overlaps with the full-time class I’m finishing? Yeah. So after my interview test the other day I attended the first class of the part-time course, and then missed Friday’s part-time class because of a unit review test in the full-time course. And this week, after the final exam on Thursday, there’s no break because of the part-time course… which I’ll be behind on because of the full-time course. I’ll be looking forward to the weekend…

2. Speaking of weekends, this one was a good one. After last week’s busyness, it was nice to have a bit of a break. Friday night I did some drawing and watched a movie at home. Saturday I got to go to a concert in Gifu. It was not my normally preferred style — of a classical/gospel mix — but it was good nonetheless, and I got the ticket for free.

3. Yesterday was a really good day at church. I played guitar on the worship team in the morning, helped out with the youth Sunday school class, and then in the afternoon did my usual English class, which was well-attended and a lot of fun. Then in the evening, our church hosted an interdenominational missions prayer meeting / worship service. It was really great to see people from various churches getting together for a common purpose and vision, praying and worshiping together. Japan needs more of these.

4. One of the presenters last night talked about New Life League’s Manga Bible series. One of the artists who worked on this project was also there, and I got chat with her for a few minutes after the service. I’m pretty sure the first thing I said when I introduced myself (in Japanese) was “My name is Robin. I’m otaku (a geek).” I think she got a kick of that, and thinking back, it may have been an odd way to start a conversation; but it was a good way to get to the point of why I was talking to her. It was cool to meet her, though, to tell her that I think this is an important ministry, and say thanks.

5. Speaking of manga (for the uninitiated, that means comics), I’ve met some friends during this two-year term in Japan who share my vision for that kind of ministry. One particular friend and I have been dreaming together and exchanging ideas for over a year now. I’m pretty excited about where this is heading, and hopefully within a few months we can share something more specific…

6. Getting back to the subject of interdenominational gatherings in Japan, this week is the 5th Japan Conference on Evangelism, up in Hokkaido. If it wasn’t for this final exam, I’d be there for sure. This a rare nation-wide interdenominational event, and a great opportunity for our leaders to learn and grow together, network, and pray. If you are a pray-er, please pray for this important event.

I’d also appreciate your prayers for my studies this week — which, now that I’ve dumped my brain out, I should get started on…

Saturday Night Brain Dump

It’s a quiet Saturday night and I’m winding down for the night. After being away and not blogging most of this month, I thought I’d post something quick tonight before winding all the way down. Here are some thoughts.

1. I had a great time at Chukyo Seikai (Chukyo Area Holiness Meetings) and Tonican (youth camp) these past two weeks. I’ll give a more full report when I’m ready for a more “official” update. But in short: both events were fun, I got to spend some quality time with some friends, and it was great to be out doing ministry stuff for days on end instead of going to Japanese class for a change. Also, lots of chance to use the Japanese I’ve been learning, which is kind of important, right?

2. Unfortunately I accidentally deleted half of the photos I shot at youth camp.

3. It’s been good to be away so much this month and have a change of pace. But it’s good to be back in Nagoya now, too. This really does feel like home now.

4. I’m glad to still have about 10 more days before language school’s back in session, and I’m hoping to make good use of the extra time — both catching up and working ahead on studies and work stuff both.

5. The reality hit me today that I’ve only got about 4 months left of my current missionary term here in Japan. Suddenly the end seems very close. And while I look forward to seeing folks back home, I’m not so keen to leave Japan for an as-yet-undetermined amount of time. I feel like I’m just getting started. I’m afraid of taking too long to get back here, and forgetting a lot of what I’ve learned. And, like I said, this really does feel like home now.

6. But… a lot can happen in four months. So instead of worrying too much about what’s next, I’m hoping to make the best of the next few months I am here. I wonder what God has in store…

To be continued…

Tuesday Night Post-Vacation Brain Dump

Random thoughts and recent happenings, unloaded from my brain to your computer monitor for convenient digestion:

1. Yes, there was an earthquake today, but not strong enough to do any serious damage to people or property. So for those of you wondering, I’m OK. Having said that, it was strong enough to wake me up at about 5 AM, lasted a good minute or so, and knocked some stuff off my shelf; so it was kind of scary. But again, no worries; I’m OK.

2. I just got back Sunday night from vacation. I spent most of last week with friends in a small cabin at a camp ground near the ocean, not too far from the city of Sendai. But I was also in Fukushima and Tokyo at other points during the break. It was very relaxing and fun.

3. It was good to get away. But it’s good to be back home in Nagoya now, too. And really cool to feel “at home” even though I’m so far from my home-home.

4. I’m going away again this Thursday, this time for ministry purposes. I’ll be taking part in our area’s holiness meetings. I’ve been asked to do some music and a testimony. I’m going to attempt to do the testimony in Japanese, which means it will be very short. It also means that I’d appreciate any extra prayers you want to pray on my behalf.

5. I don’t go back to school ’till September. It’s nice to be away from the daily grind of language school. But I’m hoping to use the time productively in terms of study, work and ministry stuff. Today was a good start to that. Also looking forward to spending more time with my Church Family at upcoming ministry stuff. Should be a fun rest-of-month.

Bye for now.

Brain Dump

It’s been a quiet week or so on the blog, so I wanted to write a quick update. This will be pretty random, though, as I’ve got limited time — big test tomorrow that I need to get back to studying for. So, here are some thoughts and stuff in no particular order, but numbered for easy reading.

1. Sunday’s Canada Day Party went really well. We had around 36 people attend, a good handful of whom were new people, first-time visitors and the like. A good time was had by all, and my voice was hoarse from talking over the crowd. I wore a funny hat. If you’re lucky I’ll post photos someday.

2. The recent Ice Cream Party / kids’ festival outreach thing was also really well-attended, with over 40 people, most of whom were visitors. Good things are happening at the Nagoya Church.

3. Next week is the last week of Japanese classes for me for the summer. In August we go on summer break, part of which I’ll be vacationing and part of which I’ll be doing ministry stuff.

4. I think the rainy season came late this year. I thought it was supposed to be in June, but July has been pretty wet. Today’s nice, though.

5. I thought I had more to say but I guess I don’t.

Brain: dumped. Now to re-fill it with Japanese.

A "Because I Can't Sleep" Brain Dump

Tried to go to sleep early tonight. Like 10:30. It didn’t work. So here it is, 11:20, and I’m blogging for a change of pace from that. Some thoughts:

1. Just finished a great week with a couple of Canadian friends visiting me here in Japan for some travel and ministry. It was really tiring… but at the same time refreshing. We shared a lot of laughs, had some great ministry experiences, and learned some stuff too. I felt blessed by the experience.

2. I’m really in love with my church here. They made me proud with the hospitality they showed by Canadian Brothers, and with how they stepped up to the plate to partner with us in some ministries this past week. Sometimes I think I could stay here in Nagoya with them forever.

3. Meanwhile (on a more superficial note) back in the West, the season finale of Lost aired this week. I’m not all caught up yet, so don’t tell me how it ends. It’s been an interesting season, though, with some really good writing. I wasn’t sure when this year’s started, but it’s turned out to have been a good ride. I’m hoping it ended on a good note. Only one season left after this.

4. I have some catching up to do: on studies, on work stuff, and on the personal/creative front, too. No time to get bored these days… and lots of reason to work on my time management skills. Which always need work. I’m easily distracted. What was I saying?

5. I have way too many photos to sort through, edit and share. Like 400+ from the past week alone (including some I got from others, not just my own). And like a zillion (that’s right, a zillion) from the previous few months. I need like a month off just for that. But instead it’ll probably end up being a “a little at a time” project…

6. Speaking of projects, the Doodze webcomic has been put on hiatus due to my recent bout of busyness. I do hope to get back to it soon, when I have some free time, but I probably won’t start posting right away. Instead I’ll work on building a buffer, some lettering fixes on previous pages, and getting the official site ready to launch.

Wednesday Night Before-Bed Brain Dump

I’m becoming such a slogger (slacker+blogger=slogger; thanks, Brew) lately. Seems like all I post are photos and toons… and I even missed this week’s Photo of the Week. My bad. I’ll try to write more of my actual thoughts and experiences soon. In the meantime, another brain dump before I retire for the night…

1. I’ve had a headache all day. It’s not fun.

2. I’ve also been struggling with mornings all week. I think the 2 1/2 weeks without language classes threw my internal clock out of whack. Maybe by next week I’ll be back to normal.

3. My Sister is blogging again after like a year’s hiatus: Go HERE to read her new blog. (Note: Kelly may not actually be related to me.)

4. I’ve really been enjoying the warmer, spring weather this week. The sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom now, too. Spring seems to have come late this year, but now it’s here in full force.

5. I had to write a short essay for Japanese class today, and decided to write about U2. It brought back memories of when I was in junior high school and had to do a speech in French class, and I talked about my then-favourite band Stryper. I posted this to my Twitter/Facebook feed, and my brother (note: he’s actually related to me) replied that Stryper is doing a 25th anniversary reunion tour. I feel old.

6. I showed up a half hour early for prayer meeting tonight because I thought it was at 7 when it’s actually at 7:30 every week. Hmm, maybe I really am getting old. Or this headache is worse than I thought.

7. Still thinking and praying about what’s next. Sometimes it feels like my heart is pulling me in multiple directions at the same time. There’s so much I could do, so much I would like to do, and so many question marks about what actual opportunities I’ll be able to pursue.

8. Imitation Frosted Flakes + banana + strawberries = a good, late supper. My bowl is now empty and my stomach is happy.

And with that, I bid you good night. おやすみなさい。

Sunday Morning Brain Dump

I woke up at like 6 this morning, and couldn’t get back to sleep. Too much on my mind, too much light and noise outside. So it turns out I have time to blog before taking off for the morning. My lack of sleep is your gain… If you consider reading my brain dumpings a gain…. Hurm…

1. Thinking a lot about the future lately. I’m at that point in my 2-year term here where I have to start planning. So I’m dreaming, praying, talking to people… and needing direction. It’s exciting and scary at the same time.

2. Last week I was away at the Immanual Church’s national annual conference thing (Nenkai) up in Yokohama. It was good catching up with some friends and connections. Heard some preaching in English (in person) for a change. Had some good conversations with fellow missionaries. Went into Tokyo and hung out in Shibuya. Ate some really good Turkish food. It was good for the most part, but it was good to get back home to Nagoya. I was pretty tired from some long, all-Japanese “business” meetings, and glad to get out of my suit after 4 days straight.

3. I go back to school on Wednesday. I’ve been trying to do lots of review the past two weeks, and did OK the first week off, but being away last week kind through me out of the routine. I’ve told myself to pretend I have a test on Wednesday and study accordingly. I really want to do better this term.

4. I’m hosting a two-man mission “team” here in May. It’s gonna’ be a lot of fun, but I’ve got a pile of stuff to get ready before they get here, and their visit is going to through my study routine off again. Hopefully I can stay on top of everything; it’ll be worth it when they’re here.

5. I’m eating breakfast as I type this. It looks a lot like last night’s super late supper. Strawberries + banana slices + imitation Frosted Flakes = Yummy. And good for you, too.

Well, I need to get going, and on with my day. Consider my brain dumped.

Saturday Night Brain Dump

1. I am officially on spring break from school. However, I decided not to take off somewhere and use up my vacation time. Instead, I’ve been using the time to do some much-need Japanese review. It’s great to have the extra time to study alone and to focus on the things that I have the most trouble with.

2. I’ve also been cleaning house, planning for a visiting short-term mission team (and by “team” I mean two people) and generally just getting caught up on stuff, while at the same time taking it slower than usual. It’s great when you can be productive but not feel rushed all the time, eh?

3. Tonight I’ve been pre-posting some stuff here on the blog. I’ve got weekly SkitZo MaN posts lined up from now ’till June. That’s right — June. Of course it helps that this is stuff I’m re-running…

4. This coming week I’m going to be in Yokohama for the church’s annual conference (nenkai). That means four days in a row wearing a suit. But it also means a good time of connecting with Believers from across Japan, as with some fellow-missionaries who will be there.

5. I’m getting sleepy…

Brain dumped. Good night.

Friday Afternoon Brain Dump

Here’s what’s on my scattered brain this Friday afternoon…

1. I’ve recently instituted an “office day”… actually more of a “desk day” since I don’t really have an office exactly. But I’ve set aside a chunk of time each week to get work-stuff done that’s hard to focus on during the week because of Japanese studies. I chose Friday afternoons because there’s no pressure to get homework and stuff done for the next day. However, Friday afternoon is a hard time to work… because, you know, it’s Friday. In fact, part of the reason I’m blogging right now is to try to get my brain in gear doing something that at least feels productive.

2. Tomorrow I’m going strawberry picking with a group from my church. Weather permitting, of course. Today’s been rainy all day. But even without the rain it still feels way to early for strawberries. It’s technically spring here now but it doesn’t feel like it… well, maybe a Canadian spring…

3. My buddy AJ is blogging again after a short hiatus. This is a happy thing.

4. Doodze may be late or not-at-all this week. I have a big to-do list I’m supposed to be working on at this moment, and the aforementioned strawberry picking going on tomorrow. And next week is a crazy test-full week at school, so…

5. Speaking of school, I did my speech today, and it went pretty well. Didn’t win any prizes or anything but I remembered most of what I’d written, more or less.

6. Not looking forward to the multiple tests next week. Totally looking forward to the couple of weeks after that without any classes at all.

7. My grades have been way less than stellar, but I had dinner at the home of a family from our church last night. The pastors were there too. And none of them speak English. But I had a good time, and though I didn’t understand every word they said, I did manage to communicate and understand when the conversation was coming in my direction. So, that’s one sign of progress anyway. School can be discouraging sometimes, to be honest, but it’s real life where the language skills matter. I have a long long way to go, but I’m thankful for the progress I’ve made, and for nights like last night that remind me of that.

Brain dumped. Back to work now…

Sunday Night Brain Dump

Here’s what’s going on in my life and what’s on my mind… At least what’s worth sharing. Numbered for your convenience. Special thanks to Kevin, from whom I stole the term “Brain Dump” and plan to use on a regular basis now.

1. As I write this I’m listening to my latest iTunes music store purchase: Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison (Legacy Edition). Folsom Prison was already a classic album. This version includes basically all the stuff they recorded during his two shows in the prison; 51 tracks (including some intros and stuff) for only about 11 bucks. Not bad.

2. I posted a new prayer letter to my missions blog, and you can go there to read it if you’re interested.

3. Do you all back up your hard drives? I do, and I’m glad, because with my previous computer I had a hard drive die on me. I think a lot of people put it off until it’s too late. Why do most of us wait until there’s a crisis before we think of such things? Of course I’m talking about life as well as computer use. I think too many followers of Christ wait until they’re at a crisis point before they ask for help — from God or anyone else. Maybe that’s why there are so many cases of spiritual leaders failing and losing their ministry. Fellow-Believers, let’s not wait till we’re in trouble to seek the Lord, read the Word, or pray for each other.

4. The new U2 albums hits this week. Ask me if I’m excited.

5. I am.

6. Apparently I inspired the next episode of JaviLand with my previous post about my artistic philosophy. I consider this a pretty big honor, ’cause I’m a fan of the show. Check it out if you’re an artsy type, especially a comic creator.

Wednesday Evening Brain Dump

1. I’m not feeling very energetic right now. Three hours of Japanese class just saps my strength some days.

2. I’ve re-discovered my Palm pilot. Actually it’s a Treo, which makes it a smart phone, only they don’t use the same cell phone system here, so in effect it’s just a a Palm pilot. But anyway, I found some Japanese-language apps and games online and have been making good use of it again for a change.

3. I’m trying to eat out less. And happily I found a taco-making kit at the import shop the other day. Mmmm, tacos… Not to be confused with “tako”, the Japanese word for octopus — which is also good, but probably not inside a tortilla shell with cheese and salsa.

4. I enjoy Japanese stationary.

5. I ordered a couple of CDs from the Japanese Amazon site Friday night, and had them by Sunday afternoon. Using the standard shipping option. This has never ever happened to me in all the times I’ve ordered stuff from the Canadian site. I’m not sure I’d get it that fast with express shipping even. I’m impressed.

6. I have more videos and photos on my cell phone to be posted online, but I can’t seem to beam them to my computer anymore. It worked before but now it won’t. Wakarimasen!

7. Prayer meeting is tonight at 7:30. I usually like prayer meeting, especially the praying part. But sitting through the Japanese teaching time can be tough, especially if I’m tired. Like now. Maybe I should make some tea…