JapanLog

Hi everyone,

Good news! My visa has been approved and my plane ticket purchased. I am scheduled to return to Japan this Friday, September 3. Please pray with me for the last minute details, goodbyes, and a safe trip back to Japan.

Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. I look forward to sending you my next update from Japan!

robin

(posted Sept. 1 2010)

Today I recieved my Certificate of Eligibility — that all-important document I have been waiting for, that I can apply for my visa. So tomorrow I’m off to Ottawa (11-12 hour drive) to apply for my visa in person at the Japanese embassy. After that it should be about a week till I get my visa, meaning I should be able to fly to Japan the next weeked or a few days after that.

If you are the praying type, please keep me in mind for safe travel and a quick, smooth visa process. I would also appreciate your prayers for safe trip to Japan and a smooth transition back to “normal” life there.

Thanks!

(posted Wed, Aug. 25 2010)

Hi everyone,

My home ministries for this term have come to an end after several months of busy travel, ministry and support raising. I’ve lost track of just how many places I’ve been and churches I’ve connected with since January, but I’m thankful to say I’ve had safe travel and good experiences everywhere I’ve gone. I’m sure your prayers have played a big part in that — so THANK YOU!

I had been hoping to be back in Japan within the first couple of weeks of August. But it looks like it will be mid-to-late-August before I have my work visa. Please PRAY for the visa application process to go quickly and smoothly, and that God will bless this extra few weeks at home.

Meanwhile, in early August the Immanuel Church of Japan is holding couple of big events: Youth Station (Aug. 10-13) is a youth/young adults rally being held in Yokohama. Tonicam (Aug. 17-20) is our summer teen camp. People from all over Japan will be coming to these events. Please PRAY for safe travel, open hearts and changed lives.

Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support!

- robin

(posted August 2 2010)

The good news: I’m back safely from my trip to the US — all the way to Delaware and back. This brings an end to my home ministries for the year. I have had a good time catching up with many friends and supporters over the past several months. But am glad to be done, too, as it can get quite tiring traveling that much. Living out of a suitcase gets old.

The bad news: I probably won’t be able to go back to Japan for another month. I was hoping to be there in early August, in time for a couple of summer youth events. But it looks like I won’t have my visa until mid-to-late-August. It is my own fault, really, for not starting the process sooner.

At any rate, I am planning to make the most of this time of waiting — working ahead on some stuff, studying Japanese and giving God time and space to spiritually prepare me for this next chapter of my life and ministry.

(posted July 30, 2010)

Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis, pg 166 (via shanegrant)

For those of you who may be interested in my former Japanese adventures and the thoughts I had along the way, my old blog has been archived at the above link. Not all the photos and videos will work, and the non-Japan-related stuff have mostly been removed. But there it is, saved for posterity.

Cool character designs, each character highlighting a different aspect of Japanese culture.

OK, I’m not suffering… but I AM in Suffern, NY… and trying unsuccessfully to be clever, it would seem. Here’s a list-form update of recent happenings:

1. I was at Beulah Camp for about a week, where I caught up with bunches of people, heard some good preaching and music, and was ordained as a minister in the Wesleyan church. I also got to share briefly about our ministry in Japan during one of the missions moments.

2. I traveled to PA, where I spoke at a supporting church this past Sunday. My former youth paster is the pastor there now, so I had a good time catching up with him and the family. And a ministry team from Bethany Bible College did the worship music for the service. It was good hanging out with them, too.

3. Tuesday I traveled to NY, where I’m staying with friends here in Suffern before heading to Syracuse tomorrow for some ministry there on Sunday. One more night here, so we’re heading into New York City for some fun. I’m also craving some New York pizza.

4. Monday I’ll be heading to Delaware, where I’ll be hanging out for about a week. Next weekend I’ve got another camp and two churches in that area to minister and support raise at.

5. Then, around the 27th I’ll be back in NB to prepare to go back to Japan (Lord willing) in early August.

Continued prayers are much appreciated!

(posted on July 16, 2010)

Matsushima, summer 2009.