GT 2007 Update 8 (Susanna)

cant believe that there is only one more rally tonight and then the large group rally tomorrow and GT is over.  It is winding down fast and its getting bittersweet.

Praise God for;

His amazing work through gospel team, high schoolers continue to attend rallies and are encouraged, as we are encouraged by them. Last night 30 high schoolers attended and about 10 were new to Hi-BA!!

His protection and care of all of us. Kellie did hurt her big toe last night playing a game but all is well.

His sanctifying work in each of us as this experience has caused us all to be challenged in our walk and has humbled us in spirit.

His immense blessings through each and every relationship/friendship that we have occurred. (I want to be able to bring the entire GT team home for a visit. They are all so precious.)

Please pray for;

A super strong finish, that we keep God’s vision of the purpose behind this mission.

Continued protection as we travel.

To be able to tangibly process how God has moved each of us, to be able to put that into words as we debrief with Paul Suzuki on Sunday.

To update you:

We had a much needed rest day on Wednesday at Christian Academy Japan (CAJ). This has been our hub since Sunday. The guys are staying in the school while the gals have been bunking at the Peterson’s (they are a CAJ family that has left for vacation and has allowed us to stay in their home, about a 10 minute walk to CAJ). Most of the Hi-BA kids that are serving on the GT team are from CAJ. They were allowed to sleep in Wednesday, play ping pong etc til lunch time. Five teams were here on Wednesday. The 6th team stayed in Kansai. This was support teams’ busiest day as we cooked for 60 people for lunch and dinner. We had already prepared as much as possible the day before so it really wasnt so bad. Plus I had 3 other ladies helping me. We made spaghetti for lunch and chicken curry stew for dinner. It was so good for some of these larger guys because they have not been able to eat much throughout the week as they have been eating in restaurants with a limited budget and thus only able to eat smaller portions. The homecooked meals allowed them to get seconds and thirds, which makes me very happy. =)

The afternoon was spent in various meetings and then worship, skit rehearsal performed for all teams, and fellowship.

Much of the down time was spent cutting each others hair and coloring each others hair (get ready moms and dads..) and piercing of various parts of the ear.

Yesterday, the teams left early, 5:55 am for a 6:20 am train, to Akabane (Sonoko’s hometown) for their rally. Same thing each day but at different locations, thus the teams are getting very good at the routine. Like I said previously, 30 high schoolers attended, of which 10 were newcomers. I had a “free day” yesterday, which included laundry and then take an hour train ride to meet them at Akabane for their rally.

There were so many people in the room that a few of us had to step out for fear of violating fire code. But we spent the time in prayer over the rally. Thats what i have been doing when I attend the rallies. I stay off to the side and pray, I have been blessed by this.

We as a Lakeside team have dinner together and take the train back together.

I have been so encouraged to see our kids more and more comfortable and reaching out to many of the high schoolers. To approach them and attempt conversation with japanese speaking kids that are so shy and reserved. I have been encouraged to see our kids all get along and are supportive and loving towards each other. I have been encouraged to see each of them stretch and grow in their walk with the Lord. I cant wait to hear their testimonies of their experiences here. I trust that you too will find that God has moved and grown them.

More Snippets from Japan:

“This is the best chicken I have ever had in my whole entire life!”, Makoto’s description of his Denny’s meal last night.

“This is the best cobb salad I have ever had!”, Makoto.

“This is the best chicken club I have ever had!”, Makoto describing his taste of David’s club sandwich last night….

“The Coke Cola is better here in Japan.”, Makoto again…..(get the idea, he kinda likes the food in Japan)

“Go BIG or Go home!”, David

“Mrs. Fong, you’ve got to come shopping with me and help me pick out my shoes.”, David talking about his cool “Bathing Ape” gymshoes.

“I love you mommy!”, from David (awwwwww)

“Hola madre and padre.” from Kaitlyn

Okay thats all that I can remember for now, I’m sure there are alot more memorable quotes which I dont remember, haha.