We are moving to Japan in a couple months. I never thought I would say that, but that is where our family has been led to go. We are so excited. I would be lying if I said it has been easy, at times it has been difficult and frustrating… then a few weeks ago I heard this hymn for the first time and it put some wind under my sails:

Have thine own way Lord
Have thine own way
Thou art the potter I am the clay
Mold me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting yielded and still

Have thine own way Lord
Have thine own way
Search me and try me Master today
Whiter than snow Lord wash me just now
As in thy presence humbly I bow

Have thine own way Lord
Have thine own way
Hold over my being absolute sway
Filled with thy spirit till all can see
Christ only always living in me

So off we go…

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Snapshot of Japan

– Population: At 126, 672, 000 it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. 335 people per square kilometer (compared to 33 people per square kilometer in US)
– Currency: Japanese Yen 100 to US 1 Dollar
– The founding of Japan and its first emperor was on February 11, 660 BC
– Climate & Geography: Four main islands with many smaller islands north and south with 47 prefectures in eight regions. Natural disasters include volcanoes (108 active), earthquakes, mudslides, tsunamis and typhoons. 67% of the land is uninhabitable
– Highly skilled workforce and is among the most highly educated countries in the world
– Highest life expectancy and third lowest infant mortality rate
– Close ties to the US: US major market for Japanese exports and US primary source of Japanese imports. US Committed to defending the country, with 23 US military bases in Japan
– Ethnicity: 98.5% Japanese, 0.5% Korean, 0.4% Chinese, 0.6% other
– Government: Constitutional Monarchy with Parliamentary Government. Chief of State: Emperor Akihito (1/1989). Head of Government: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (12/2012)
– Education: Minister of Education controls curriculum, textbooks, standards and requirements. Funding split equally between national, prefectural and local governments. Number of school days, 234 (165-180 per US). Number of children per class,  45. Hours per day, 7.5 (6.1-6.5 per US). High school graduation rate, 94%
– Religion: Shinto 51.82%, Buddhism 34.9%, Shinto sects 4%, Christianity 2.3%, No answer 7%

For more on what we will be doing in Japan check out our interview at church a few weeks ago. We were definitely a little nervous and second service went alot smoother, but here we are:

 

***also PLEASE check out this BOOK

 

***and this WEBSITE

https://www.scatterglobal.com/