We had lots of fun and a productive time during our first weekend in Osaka, and it was our desire to continue to get to know the church members, the area, and the culture!
According to the judgment of our wonderful, esteemed, and humble team leader Eric, we took Monday a little bit slower in the morning to make sure we were full of energy for the week ahead. After spending a restful morning at our homestays, we all met at the church to discuss the schedule and pray together for the rest of the week.
Eric started our time together with a devotional to prepare our hearts, using the text of 1 Thessalonians 5:14 to encourage us for the week. He pointed out the various ministries Paul lists based on the specific needs of our brothers and sisters, and we discussed different aspects of how we can faithfully “admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” Our team desires to strengthen Hamadera as a body and to be faithful with the service God has provided for us.
After lunch, we spent the rest of the day traveling and spending time with members of Hope (the college ministry at Hamadera): Tamie and Mako, as well as with our amazing friend Kat. We got to go sightseeing at Osaka Castle (!!!) and we walked around the beautiful surrounding park area. There was a SUPER long slide in the park (by American standards), which we got to go down a couple of times and we got to watch a man create gigantic soap bubbles before going up to the castle.
When we arrived at the castle, we got to go to the very top and enjoy a very nice view of the city and enjoy talking amongst each other in the cool breeze on a beautiful day. Then, we went downstairs to the museums and learned about the history of Japan from around the 16th and 17th centuries. Carissa was trying to be a pro journalist and sneak pictures where it was restricted, while Lindsey and Sophia were committed to watch as many of the holograph videos of the history of the area as possible. Meanwhile, Seichi and Eric were digesting all of the history they could with the help of Mako and Tamie.
After enjoying our time in the castle, we spent a lot of good time on the train continuing to build our friendships and get to know each other better. Fortunately, we were able to meet another Hope member, Amy Kondo, at one of the train stations! We ate dinner together and enjoyed some ice cream cones for dessert. After a great day together, we all returned to our homestays and prepared for the week ahead of us.
Thanks so much for reading about us and we ask for continued prayer to strengthen us in our efforts to love students with the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ!
According to the judgment of our wonderful, esteemed, and humble team leader Eric, we took Monday a little bit slower in the morning to make sure we were full of energy for the week ahead. After spending a restful morning at our homestays, we all met at the church to discuss the schedule and pray together for the rest of the week.
Eric started our time together with a devotional to prepare our hearts, using the text of 1 Thessalonians 5:14 to encourage us for the week. He pointed out the various ministries Paul lists based on the specific needs of our brothers and sisters, and we discussed different aspects of how we can faithfully “admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” Our team desires to strengthen Hamadera as a body and to be faithful with the service God has provided for us.
After lunch, we spent the rest of the day traveling and spending time with members of Hope (the college ministry at Hamadera): Tamie and Mako, as well as with our amazing friend Kat. We got to go sightseeing at Osaka Castle (!!!) and we walked around the beautiful surrounding park area. There was a SUPER long slide in the park (by American standards), which we got to go down a couple of times and we got to watch a man create gigantic soap bubbles before going up to the castle.
When we arrived at the castle, we got to go to the very top and enjoy a very nice view of the city and enjoy talking amongst each other in the cool breeze on a beautiful day. Then, we went downstairs to the museums and learned about the history of Japan from around the 16th and 17th centuries. Carissa was trying to be a pro journalist and sneak pictures where it was restricted, while Lindsey and Sophia were committed to watch as many of the holograph videos of the history of the area as possible. Meanwhile, Seichi and Eric were digesting all of the history they could with the help of Mako and Tamie.
After enjoying our time in the castle, we spent a lot of good time on the train continuing to build our friendships and get to know each other better. Fortunately, we were able to meet another Hope member, Amy Kondo, at one of the train stations! We ate dinner together and enjoyed some ice cream cones for dessert. After a great day together, we all returned to our homestays and prepared for the week ahead of us.
Thanks so much for reading about us and we ask for continued prayer to strengthen us in our efforts to love students with the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ!
"praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ"
Colossians 4:3