So creative

LB2 is special because we have grown to love one another. Our friendship is not at all natural, but rather learned as we walk together. Sometimes it does feel awkward to me, but I would not give it up.

District council elections aka the referendum on the protests

Yellow Wave. The people have spoken.

Thankful to be outside again

Finally made it to the Instagram pier. It was nicer than I thought actually. I didn't take pictures of the pier itself. It actually looked industrial but nice because so many locals and expats were hanging out with friends, family, pets, or just alone.

Saturday break from the City

God and his very, very mysterious ways

I've been struggling the last few days, and I asked God to speak to me in a special way because I felt distant from Him. I know it's not His fault, but I still felt quite upset and sad. This morning, I received this email. The person who wrote it was an admissions officer at my college and was one of the first two people to welcome me to campus and make me feel better during my first horrible 9 months. Because he was so impressed with my badminton, he introduced me to the squash coach who taught me how to play squash and then put me on the varsity team. I traveled to many different New England colleges to play for the team and that's how I visited many parts of the East Coast (for free!). I remember the conversation in the computer lab that he described, but I don't remember writing the email at all. God set up the different pieces of the puzzle a little over twenty years ago so that He could give me some encouragement today. He has really set the bar high for my future expectations!

This came late, but it couldn't have been more timely.

Apple from Korea

Human kindness reminding me that Christ has not forgotten me or my family.

Nov 4, 2019

In one day, everything changed. 

I praise you, Lord, for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night,
Your teachings fill my mind.
I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.

Psalm 16: 7-9 

A personal record

7.2km ... But I didn't keep track of time. Certainly not under an hour. But it's the longest I have run in my life.

As seen on campus....

I hope they don't erase it.

Trying new things

Not sure I like it but it's worth trying once. Practice is manageable so far.

#10k

Jasper

I've never been able to get a slot to meet the library therapy dog and happened to have a conversation about it with Charles and the music librarian in the elevator yesterday. When I got into the office, the music librarian called me and told me that Jasper was in this morning for a photo shoot at the library. So I ran up, of course.

His legs are so long he doesn't know what to do with them. And he has his own library card.

Back to normal life

Mom was the last to leave and I dropped her off at the train station yesterday. Now it's recover from the trip and get back to the grind. It has not been a normal year here by any stretch. There's a sense of fatigue.

But I'm excited about the lessons God will be teaching me and how He will transform me.

Aquarium

I don't think I will go back after watching the dolphins swim in circles in a little tank. It was amazing to see how muscular and gracious they are up close. But I think God will hold us accountable for how we treat His creation.

No more.

(Shark, not dolphin but just as bad.)

I don't think I am a fan of soba noodles.

Mmmm

I'm glad mom wanted to sit at the first restaurant we saw because we got to try this yummy beef dish which I had never had before.

Karuizawa

Father, please protect the people of this city

I did less

Perfect junk boat weather

Dreams

I was ordering a bowl of ramen in my sleep when my alarm rang. I must be more excited about my trip next month than I knew.

things that are said

Colleague: Sign it, sign it! Come on!

Me: Nooo......

Also me: Don't read it!

Colleague: Don't read it?!!

Me: Well, you might find errors ....

#doneanddusted

My friend's cat after a bath

Huh

Sunny days after the storm.

This is the prayer that the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them

Numbers 6:24-26 New International Version (NIV)

24 “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’