Earthquake

Thursday I woke up in the early morning hours with a debilitating migraine headache. I wasn't able to do anything for Russ. He made his own breakfast, put away the laundry, and even took a bag of trash outside for pick-up. Since he is paralyzed in half his body, carrying anything while grasping his cane and navigating the slope outside our front door is quite a feat!

God's timing is impeccable. He knew that the next day we would have a major earthquake and I would be stuck in the mountains far away from home. Russ would be home alone. The memory of what he was able to do without my help on Thursday assures me that God will help him manage. Since the earthquake yesterday I have had no direct contact with Russ but I'm totally confident God is caring for Russ. Russ is only theoretically alone.

Yesterday (3/11) I came up here to Karuizawa to meet with some homeschooling families. As my last consultation was coming to a close the building started shaking violently. We stood in the doorway until we heard over a megaphone that we needed to evacuate the building. Thankfully we didn't have to stand outside for long since the temperature was well below freezing. We gathered in the newest building and had roll call. All were accounted for.

I figured my 4PM Tokyo-bound bullet train would be delayed, but at that time didn't realize the extent of the earthquake damage. I went to the train station and learned that they had no idea when the trains would be running again. Cells phones weren't working so I used a pay phone to try to make calls but couldn't get through to anyone. I decided to get a refund on my ticket and try to get to my friend's house. I appreciate the Landises taking me in. The phones aren't working, but the internet is still up so I read a message on our webmail that Russ wrote to my brother saying he's okay. We don't have a TV so he is likely unaware of the extent of the damage (at this point there are 1000 people dead or missing.)

I was able to go to sleep last night but woke up at 4:30 AM to two more 6.0 earthquakes. I decided it was a good idea to be dressed and ready to evacuate if necessary (though I still don't expect to). Aftershocks continue. What I used to think of as rather strong earthquakes, are frequent.

I have no way to get home. Please pray that I'll be able to talk to Russ and the Lord willing we'll be able to be united. I am grateful to be staying at the warm home of missionaries.

Please pray that God will use this to draw people to Himself.

Flossie

Our lives in pictures

God is with us always! I love this little plate a dear friend made for me with her pottery instructor. The character "tomo" is used in the word "friend." To me the character looks like I'm cuddling up under God's arms wrapped around me. It's a wonderful thing to have Jesus as my friend. He never ever leaves us!


A few weeks ago I saw this sight outside our living room window. It's challenging for my husband and me to live with his disabilities, but there are so many bright spots in our lives–our son's engagement to a lovely young lady we love, the opportunity to share lessons I've learned about God's character at a ladies' retreat Feb.7-9, a successful Arts and Skills Day Feb. 19 for homeschooling families, encouraging interactions with those we seek to share our lives and the gospel, etc.


I am privileged to work with some amazing kids. In this picture you see us preparing lunches for the homeless downtown. I'd venture to say that I was as blessed by their earnestness as the people were happy to receive the food.

What draws people to church?

Yesterday after Bible study in our home, my friend stayed for lunch. We talked about questions Japanese have about attending church. Is it okay to attend if I'm not a Christian? How much do I have to pay the church? If I go once, does it obligate me to go forever? People have many misconceptions about what it means to attend a service.

Folks come for different reasons–curiosity, searching for acceptance, or thinking it will increase their chances of getting their child accepted in the Christian school where I work. I love it that God can draw people to Himself regardless of what their motives are in attending church or reading the Bible. My friend said, "At first I wanted to know about God. I ended up believing and now I want to tell everyone."

The people in our circle of influence are at all different stages in their walk with Christ. We are just so pleased God allows us to be a part of the process of recommending walking with Jesus.