Hisashiburi desu ne!!!!

Most of you probably know that I lived in Japan two summers.

2002 & 2003.

Both of those summers were life-changing.

Both of those summers brought me friendships that are most dear.

Both of those summers I shopped at Right On.

Now, people, you can't understand how much I loved Right On.

If you've known me a while,

you're bound to remember my pancake shirt, &, perhaps,

my tank top that has a girl's face on it. A simple face, but a cute one.

My sweet friend Judith, who is the reason I ever went to Japan in the first place,

was with me both summers, & we said our goodbyes at the end of that last summer

at the airport-- she stayed there & I came back to the states. Since, she has been a

beautiful blessing to those sweet people in Hitachi-- witnessing countless miracles &

touching hearts for Jesus with each breath she breathes. She has been living in that

cool, colorful, generous & just awesome place & I have had my days of feeling jealous about it--

but thankfully got to share it w/Dave when we went to see her in 2006.

I would move to Japan tomorrow if it made any sense... & will definitely go ANY chance I get for the rest of my life.

BUT, Judith, in all her generosity & thoughtfulness, has sent me the most amazing gift-- & in the process of a move, even!!

Britney & Darla, if you'll give me a drumroll....

A replacement. A wonderful sentimental complete-surprise replacement.

When Mother came to help out right after Emmett was born, we went through a box of clothes that I was holding on to, but no longer wearing. My original tank was in this box... & we decided it was time to let it go. Little did I know that I would be getting a new one so soon!!! I told Judith, silly as it sounds (& yes, I know this couldn't be on a more superficial level), isn't it just like God to be so fun & sweet? It was hard for me to let go of that tank, lame, but hard--

& here I sit w/a brand new one.

He wants us to let go of things that burden us so that

He can give us His good gifts.

I believe it.

I'm happy to experience it on this level,

so that I can recognize it on deeper levels as I know

there are things I must let go of that-- for whatever reason--

I can't or just haven't.

So, thank you, Judith-san!!! Not just for the tank, but for the blessing of the lesson learned.

We will now stand & sing 728B.

HAHA if you get that joke.

But on a lighter note, I was also gifted w/another cool shirt from my sweet husband upon his return from Germany!!! She is some German royalty, but I forget the whole story-- a wife of Leopold or something??This one came w/out a spiritual lesson for me, but I do LOVE it.

Have a happy Wednesday!!! Blessings on your move, Judith-- you deserve a beautiful start to a new chapter of your life. I love you!!