Bookends

It took a while but here it is. I made a video to commemorate the ending of my time in Japan. Makes me want to cry.

Steph Part 二

Since I'm not in Japan anymore and I won't be returning any known time I thought Steph in Japan wasn't an appropriate title for my blog; therefore, I have made a new blog, Steph Part 二. So ya, this one will be an archive of my time in Japan. I'll only be making new posts on the new blog so no need to keep checking this one. Ya, I have no idea how to end this post... I guess, thanks for reading and keep on reading!

さくら Sakura

A few pictures I took of the sakura (cherry blossoms) this season. They were so beautiful! Hope you enjoy it. (^^)

Being Home

So far being home has been great. Yesterday I went to service and we had a great time playing a game that was a weird, but fun, mix of dodge ball and sherades... We had balls of socks to throw at each other and when we were hit with a sock we took it and sat down. Then when it was our turn we acted out the scene that was stuffed inside our particular ball of socks. It was quite a lot of fun. My favorite scene was "You are trapped in an elevator with a hungry pit bull, and he is starting to look at you funny!".

Today I went with Sasha to her Japanese class where I was able to visit with my Japanese teacher who actually took me to Japan for the first time last June as well as some friends from class and that trip. It was good times. I felt a little retarded when I couldn't answer some of the questions but that's okay...

After that we took a little trip to Grand Ave. downtown and went to His Place coffee shop that my church runs. Took a little walk around Grand after getting out drinks and ended up at a magic shop where we were filmed as an audience of two for this guy doing magic tricks. He calls himself Smoothini, the Ghetto Houdini. It was interesting and fun. Apparently this guy lived in Okinawa doing his magic for three years. No matter where I go Japan will always follow me! I'm okay with that.

Enough with the text, time for some pictures!

The other team for Dodgeball/Sherades. We won!

My Sasha being gansta

Alicia, Lauren and Chante with their Oreos.

Nick. He's a lot bigger than the last time I say him...

At Palomar with my "Choose Me!" notebook from the 100 yen shop

His Place Coffee House

Me with Smoothini and the magic shop owner

It's so nice to be home!

Bubba Pup

We have a new puppy! He is so cute! Just see for yourself...















Isn't he the cutest?! We (my family) came by him because a friend of the family, mainly my sister, found a bull terrier at a gas station and took her home. She ended up being pregnant and having seven puppies. Then this friend joined the Army and went away to boot camp last Monday so we now have baby Bubba, the runt of the litter. Yes Bubbs, my sister named him... Anyway, he is beautiful and cute and sweet. Not exactly potty trained but we're working on that. We're still not exactly sure on his future with us but one thing is for sure: he's not leaving without a fight! (^_^)

Home Again!

Yes it is true... I'm HOME!

My flight went well. I actually got some semblance of sleep and watched a few good movies, Blood Diamonds and The Holiday. First an informative, intense movie about conflict in Africa and then a happy-go-lucky chick flick. Go figure. Only in America, right? (>.>)...(<.<)...(>.>)

Being able to see my family and friends was amazing. I'm still running on an Oh My Gosh I'm Home! high. Soon to wear out I'm sure. My body is already telling me to get some sleep so I think I'll follow its advice. Usually turns out to be the best advice to follow. So now, sleep...(-_-)zzz...

One More Day

Okay, so I was just kidding about the whole picture thing... I had a full day today with my last final (yes!) and then Shinjuku where Kimi, Matt and I had a little Starbucks before we saw Kimi off on her bus to Fukuoka. It was a sad time but we will see each other again soon.

Tomorrow is my last full day in Japan and it will be a busy one. I still have to repack my suitcases while trying to see everyone to say good-bye. I think I will most likely cry in the next few days. If not tomorrow then while I'm boarding the plane I'm sure. I still haven't fully processed everything yet. Oy... We'll see how it all goes.

Last Sunday

Today was my last Sunday in Japan and it was great. I got to see most everyone and get pictures and some cool gifts and cards. Geigy got Mister Donut too! \(^_^)/ Woohoo! We (Kimi and I) also got a very generous money gift that made my day. I lead worship for both services and it went well. After service Kimi and I went to dinner with Jeremiah and Geigy and their family. It was a great day and I'm glad it went the way it did seeing as it was my last Sunday in Japan. *sigh* Only 3 more days!

I'll post some pictures tomorrow.