Mike’s New Song/Video–Though Dwelling With Strangers Around

Back in November, I discovered a poem in my daily devotional by William Jay (published in 1828) called “Though Dwelling With Strangers Around” . The words were so powerful, I decided to see if anyone had ever put it to music. To my surprise, I found nothing; this wonderful poem had simply faded into obscurity. So taking a cue from the Indelible Grace project (www.igracemusic.com), I decided to write my own tune, in the hopes that more … Continue Reading →

Mike’s Christmas Tree

For the most part, opportunities to talk about God or share one’s faith are rare in the job of an ALT. The reason has less to do with religion in public schools (many students have Shinto charms on their bags or pencases) than it does with the fact that everyone is so busy and there are so few times to share your heart with anyone. But it’s Christmas, and Christmas is the best season for outreach in … Continue Reading →

You Are Special

Today was the day of the big Kindergarten Christmas program — and my acting debut. :0) Our team mimed the picture book story “You Are Special” by author Max Lucado.  Mike did the narration all in Japanese too.  It went really well — Yay!  Here are some pictures of our rehearsal and all the different characters we pulled together to tell the story.  Enjoy! –Jen

Our Granny Eileen

This past weekend, Mike’s Granny Eileen died.  We were not expecting it at all, but we also know that she was 81 years old, and had lived a very full life.  It was our hope to be able to see her on our way home from Japan this coming spring (make a stop by the west coast), but we realize now that our time visiting with her just before coming to Japan was to be … Continue Reading →