Mary Bell in Japan

Truth...

2008-09-04T03:00:00.003-04:00

This song has been stuck in my head the last few days, I hope it is encouraging! This is the gospel explained in a nutshell!

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above I have a strong, a perfect plea

A great High Priest whose name is Love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

When Satan tempts me to despair and

tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there,

Who made an end to all my sin

Because the sinless Savior died

my sinful soul is counted free

For God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me

Before the throne of God,

I comeBefore the throne of God,

I come
Behold Him there,

the risen Lamb my perfect spotless righteousness

The great unchangeable I Am, the King of glory and of grace

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in Heaven, He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart
One with Himself I cannot die

My soul is purchased with His blood

My life is hid with Christ on high

With Christ my Savior and my GodWith Christ my Savior and my God

Creation all around...

2008-08-23T08:00:00.009-04:00

Beautiful Japan!! Had a chance to go to the mountains up in Nagano. Here are a few pictures. It is so pretty here. Psalm 19:1
"The heavens declare....

Coolest meal I have experienced....

2008-08-06T02:57:00.003-04:00

At first glance, you might wonder, why everyone is standing up to eat? This is a fun summer tradition. Eating cold somen noodles sounds good, but the way we eat them is even better. The cold boiled noodles are dropped down a gutter shaped piece of bamboo filled with water. As the noodles whiz by you must stop them, catch them, so you can eat them. Once you catch them, you dip them in a cold broth and enjoy! Perfect on a hot summer day! It is a lot harder than it looks!! Working for your supper has never tasted so good though. Highly Recommend!!

Back in Japan!!!

2008-07-28T20:57:00.012-04:00

It is good to be back! Here are a few pics--most of these I got from my new roommate-Danielle! Thanks D. Enjoy! More to come later.

Matt and Caroline were here helping for the summer!

Hopefully will be back full-time in a few years!

Korean Dramas!! Gotta love em!!

Tofu-shaped pillows displayed in the mall near my apt.

Sumo-wrestling season is almost finished, it is on t.v. all the time

right now!

Summer kimonos (yukatas) on sale!

Back to the subway! I am the last stop on the yellow-line

My wonderful new roommate, Danielle!

High fashion! Man bag is in, especially metallic pink.

Fun English shirts!

Friends at church

More friends! Aichan, Megumi, me, and Chika

2008-05-13T22:51:00.003-04:00

This picture was taken a week ago, after Katie's graduation. It was a great time to see a lot of family. I had just arrived back in the States from Japan. This picture is special because it both sets of parents ( my mom and Randy and my dad and Cynthia) and our step-brother Matthew. Little did we know that a week later, our Papa Randy would pass away.

Today was his funeral and the last few days have seemed like a bad dream.

Randy had just come home from work and I was talking to him one minute and the next minute I was calling 911. His heart attack was sudden and shocking. I am glad I was able to be here from Japan as well as be with him that day. He is with the Lord now, which gives us hope. But for now it still feels unreal. Please pray for my mom as she grieves for her husband that she loves dearly. Pray for us as we grieve too. He treated us like his own kids and I am very thankful for him having been in our lives. Papa Randy will be missed terribly.

A few from spring...

2008-05-03T22:52:00.010-04:00

The idols at the temple near my apartment

Update

2008-04-15T03:07:00.003-04:00

It is so beautiful in Japan right now. The cherry blossom trees alone, make it worth a trip here in the spring time. I recommend it, if you ever get the chance. The cherry blossoms are spectacular, however their peek blooming time only lasts about 3 days—so the beauty is here and gone just like that. It reminds me of the verse in Isaiah 40 that says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of God stands forever.” (Is. 40:8 NASB)
Thank you for your prayers and many emails during my recent back surgery. It was quite an experience having surgery and staying in the hospital in a foreign country. But, it was an overall good experience and the doctor says I am healing nicely! I have to admit, that 15 days in the hospital is my limit though. The church family here was incredible during my stay. The hospital was 2 hours away, in another city, but everyday, church members and friends made the trek to come visit and keep me company. It was overwhelming to see the love of Christ being demonstrated through His people here.
I have loved being in Japan working along side of the church-planting team here in Nagoya. Easter time was very encouraging for the church. We had 9 people baptized, some of them new Christians! So it is exciting to see people with fresh faith anxious to share with others about the love of God. Also being able to teach English and build relationships with other ladies in the Bible study groups has been wonderful and I really see the Lord doing great things here in Japan. Time has flown by, hard to believe I have been here for a year. Thank you so much for your continued prayer and financial support. It would not be possible to be here without those 2 things.
On that note, I want to continue serving here for another year, but more financial support is needed to continue the ministry here. I will be headed to the States at the end of April to work on raising the necessary funds needed to come back to Japan. I will not be able to come back unless the needed funds are raised. I trust God will provide everything that I need, because He has always been faithful. Please do not feel pressure to give, but please pray for the funds to be provided for.
The total need is $19,986 (one-time gifts) or $1500 more in monthly. My goal/prayer is to have the support by the end of June, so that I can return to Japan before the summer is over. God is great, so I am confident that He will provide. This letter is to make you aware of my plans and for you to pray for this need. Please feel free to ask any questions if you have any. I love being here and wish to continue serving in Japan if that is what God wants me to do. If you would like to give a one-time or pledge monthly, anything will be helpful and appreciated. Please send donations to the address below:
Donation Address:

Mission to the World

P.O. Box 116284

Atlanta, GA 30368-6284
All donations are tax deductible.

If you send a check please write (Mary Bell or 10659) on the memo line.

Thank you so much for your prayers and your willingness to go through this exciting time of ministry with me. Continue to pray for the Church here in Japan. Pray that God will raise up leaders in the Church and that the believers will continue to hunger after the Lord and desire to grow in their relationship with God. Pray for my time in the States. It will be refreshing to see my family and I am especially excited to be able to attend my sister Katie’s college graduation! I will be dividing my time between Chattanooga TN and Anderson, SC, so I hope to see a lot of you while I am there. Thank you so much for your time, encouragement, and support!

His by grace alone,

Mary Bell

Hospital/Surgery in Japan

2008-03-26T08:24:00.005-04:00

Dear Friends,

The last month has been quite interesting and definitely unexpected, but

God has been faithful and provided in so many ways. Many of you know that I have had several back surgeries over the last 8 years and it was time for another one. Hopefully, this will be the last one. The Lord provided a great doctor here in Japan who has had a lot of experience with this type surgery. It is also much cheaper here to do an extended stay in the hospital. The surgery went well. I was planning on going home after a week in the hospital, but I busted a small artery and lost quite a bit of blood, so ended up staying for a total of 15 days. All the excitement aside, overall it was a great expererience and very thankful to have done the surgery here in Japan. The entire staff, from nurses to cleaning ladies, everyone was very kind and generous to me. The hospital is about 2 hours away from Nagoya, so the staff too good care of me while I was away from my home in Japan. My friend/teammate Amy stayed with me for 3 days, so she could help with translation the first few days immediately after surgery. The church family here has been wonderful throught this whole ordeal. I had visitors every day, which meant 4 hour roundtrip for them. Overwhelmed with the love and support received from the church body here. The hospital experience was quite different than anything in the States, one small thing, was all the patients eat together in the cafeteria. Which was nice, it gave us a chance to meet and mingle. As a rule, people stay longer in the hospital, so you really form quite a little community with the other patients and hospital staff. I was def. the

only foreigner/English speaker so I had a good time attempting to practice my limited Japanese.

I could tell you much more about my time there, but just wanted to share that everything is okay and that I am very thankful to God for working out every little detail. He knows exactly what we need and we can trust Him. Enjoy a few pictures.

My friend Hiromi, helped me find/research for the right hospital.

My room

A few friends that came to visit.

Off to surgery

The food was good, sushi!! Very fresh!!

My name in Japanese on my bed.

More of Japan

2008-01-24T09:44:00.001-05:00

More pics of visit with Katie, enjoy!

Singing with Keiko, a Celine Dion song at karaoke.
Here in Japan
you rent individual rooms for a few hours, so fun!!

Katie and Keiko

A feast of rice, fried oysters, radishes, miso soup,
raw shrimp, salad, egg pudding, etc. yum!!

My friend Keiko's mom treated us to quite a lunch!

We took the bullet train home from Kyoto,
fastest in the world!

Kyoto tower, and the moon

Geisha house in Kyoto

Kyomisu Temple in Kyoto

Acting like tourists outside the Nagoya castle

Ringing the bell in temple for "good luck"

Prayers, tied to the pole at the temple

2008-01-12T03:49:00.001-05:00

More Christmas pictures

2008-01-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

More pics from Christmas break with sister Katie! Enjoy!

Katie eating keitan sushi for the first time--just
grab something from the conveyor belt and enjoy!

Osaka Castle!

Eating tako-yaki with my friend Erin (college
roomie, she had her husband live in Osaka now!)

The guys making our fresh tako-yaki (octupus)

Osaka! Dontobori, one of my favorite places in Japan

Playing Japanese drums in the arcade

Christmas with the team at the Oh's!

Katie with Amy!

Our little tree--perfect size for Japan

Osaka castle again

Visit with sister!

2008-01-02T09:44:00.001-05:00

So thankful my sister Katie got
to come visit during Christmas. The
time went by too fast. But it was neat
to show her what the Lord is doing here
and to have fun meeting my friends
and teammates in Japan!
Thanks Katie for making the trek! More
pics to come!

Katie admiring her dessert

My friend Keiko and I in Gifu.

We went to make sample wax food one day,
this was our teacher and this was my lettuce I made!

Katie and Keiko showing off the candles we were making.

Little Christmas cakes (chestnut and strawberry flavored)

We were invited to dinner one night to the Fujise's house
so fun! Katie wearing her Japanese robe that she was given
while we were there! So warm!

Having dinner with friends one night
downtown.

Oasis 21 downtown, one of my favorite spots in the city

Oasis 21 from the ground

Karaoke! Was invented here, so the best place
to enjoy is Japan!!

Having lunch with one of my English classes

The Beware of Monkeys sign we kept passing on the
interstate!

Merry CHRISTmas!!

2007-12-09T08:18:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!
It is a common saying in Japan "The nail that sticks up is pounded down."
To put it a little more tenderly--being different is a negative.
So counting the cost is something I am becoming increasingly
aware of the longer I am here. What is the cost of following
Christ here in Japan? What does it look like? In a country
with less than .25% of the population professing to be a Christian,
there is a great cost to having a personal relationship with
Christ. It is very common to have huge opposition from family,
friends, professors, and even co-workers. Not only opposition
but often physical abuse is prevalent.
It is so "un-Japanese" to be a Christian, people seem to
think that if one becomes a Christian it then means they
are no longer Japanese. Which we know is not true, but often
times that is how they are treated.
It has been wonderful working here and seeing what
God is doing, but this field is a difficult one.
So I covet your prayers more than I can express.

One of the exciting parts of the gospel that I
love sharing with my Japanese friends is that God
did come to save people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
The reactions from my friends when they hear this good news
is one of pleasant shock. They tend to generally think that
Christianity is only for Europeans or Americans, because
it is so steeped in our history. The truth is that a loving
Creator did create them, does love them, and did send
His only Son to pour out mercy and grace on them.
“For God so loved, the world…” (John 3:16)
Japan is included in that! Most of the people I have met,
are hearing this good news for the first time!
So please pray for the Holy Spirit to give them understanding
of His grace.
Update:
English Ministry: This area of my life here is constantly
surprising me with how much I enjoy it. Just started a
one-on-one Bible study with a student from one of my classes,
so pray for her as we go through the Bible together.

Singles Ministry: This is growing every month it seems,
which is a huge praise! The existing Ladies` Bible study is going
well.
Have also had a few guys join the group at church
on Sundays, so pray for a leader to teach them and fold them
into the church family. Pray for the other ladies in the study
to get connected to the church body too.

Kid-Ministry: Recently started a study-hall for some of
the missionary kids on our team. They come once a
week to my apartment and bring their homework
with them! It has been fun to get to know them and
spend time with them. Plus, they all speak English,
so it is not stressful! It is like having lots of little siblings!

Language: This area of life is getting harder and harder.
Japanese is broken up into 3 alphabets. I am attempting
to tackle the one alphabet made up of Chinese
characters (kanji). The average Japanese person
knows around 6,000-10,000 characters. I know 6.
My goal of course is not to learn 6,000, but I would
like to learn enough to at least help read every day
signs, etc. So pray as I begin a new language class in January.
Learning kanji will help me to read, but speaking is what
I am mainly targeting now. My only hope is knowing that
God created the language and He will help me understand
it as I continue to study.

So thank you again for your continued prayers, support, and
encouragement. It is hard to believe that I have been here for
7 months. God certainly has been faithful the entire time,
even when it has been difficult. I started this update
thinking about counting the cost, wondering what my
brothers and sisters here give up for the sake of Christ.
They give up much but I have a feeling they do not regret it!

If you would like to give a Christmas gift for end
of year giving Please send to the following address
in the States: Mission to the World
PO Box 116284
Atlanta, GA 30368-6284
Thanks again! His, Mary Bell

Culture Corner Bonus (this issue only) Now for a little extra
culture education….Many folks have asked me about
Christmas here, how do people celebrate it, do they have
Christmas trees, etc? The quick answer is yes, they do
celebrate it. It is not seen as a religious holiday at all though.
December is the “bounekai” (which means forget the year
party) so often many people get really drunk, to attempt
to forget the past. It is also a romantic holiday for couples,
a lot like Valentine`s Day. So Christmas time is a huge
time of outreach here at the church, so pray for our many
Christmas services, etc. That the students and others we
come in contact with will understand the true meaning of
Christmas. Here are a few pictures of what the typical
decorations around the city look like! Enjoy

P.S. To my family, I sure did miss you at Thanksgiving, and
will miss you again at Christmas! Love you!

November in a nutshell...

2007-11-14T23:16:00.000-05:00

November has been busy. Here are some pictures! Enjoy!

Mt. Fuji! Tallest mountain here!

Lunch with one of my classes! I love this class!

One of my students is almost 84, but I am

not telling which one!

One of the 5 lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji!

Fried shrimp, eyes and all!!

When I try on winter hats,

my head is so big, the end up looking

like swimming caps!

Amy pointing at me, not sure why?!

Big origami dragon in the mall near my

house, to celebrate the Dragons baseball

team National victory!

My friend Ai. It was good to see her again

at the church-planting conference. We went

to Covenant together! She was my first

Japanese friend in America.

One of my favorites, ton-katsu! (fried pork)

One of my roommates from college Erin, lives here in

Japan now!! yay!

My friend Tomoyo! Go Dragons!

My roomie Emi, with the biggest

Asian pear (nashi) I have ever seen!

Delicious!!

2007-11-10T06:06:00.001-05:00

How much is too much?

2007-11-05T06:01:00.001-05:00

You cannot help but notice there are

a plethora of vending machines here.

Not only are there a gazillion, but you

can buy almost anything in a vending

machine. You can buy soft drinks,

coffee, tea (hot or cold),

cigarettes, beer, fishing tackle,

food, etc. I read on one website that

for every 22 people in Japan, there is

a vending machine. Another way to

put it, there are over 51 million

machines on the streets here.

With Japan being about 80% mountainous,

that is a lot in a little amount of space!! (thanks to photomann.com for the pics)

This one sells hot dogs, french fries, etc.

This one is selling "fresh" eggs!

This one lets you charge your

cell phone for a small fee!

This one sells umbrellas! (dont get caught in the

rain, these are expensive from the machines)

Of course, they have some that sell rice!

Dragons are the best in Japan!!

2007-11-01T09:42:00.000-04:00

Go Dragons!

The Dragons celebrating they won at home
in Nagoya!! So exciting! Plus all the shops here
will be having big sales!! I love baseball!!

Cheering 1st basemen Tyrone Woods!

Baseball, not just an American favorite!

2007-10-31T03:49:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Boston for winning! Not a shocker there! But who knew that baseball was also so popular here in Japan?! In fact the news was talking about the American World Series because it was the first time that 2 Japanese players have played against each other in a World Series. The pitcher for the Sox team is from Japan! Anyway, the Dragons are the in the Japan Series! Like the States, Japan has a world series in baseball every year. This year the Nagoya team is duking it out with a team from Sapporo. Baseball is quite popular here.

I got to many Braves games growing up so have always enjoyed baseball. Not to mention my aunt Ruby is in the Baseball Hall of Fame! So having my "new home" team in the Japan series is exciting and another little way that I can feel like I am settling in here! So the Dragons are ahead of the Fighters in teh series 2 games to 1. Will keep you updated! By the way, it will be even more exciting if they win because they have not won the Japan Series since 1956!

This guy is obviously not Japanese, but from FL!

Go Tyrone! (His last name is Woods, so his jersey

says T. Woods, like Tiger! funny!)

Fall Festival ...Japanese style

2007-10-22T03:26:00.001-04:00

From R to L: Yisel, Sara, Jess, Sheep, Emily, and me

Traditional festival clothes
from Okinawa

Downtown in the city. One of my favorite places to come.

Nice ride! More traditional clothes from Okinawa.

Fall is here!

This guys plays a Samurai on t.v. here,
very popular series.

Not sure what this costume is about?
But she was nice enough to pose
for the camera!

Even the Samurai warriors posed for
a picture!

This represents two very special places to me!

Update and Ninjas!!

2007-10-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Being a Southerner really has some advantages here in Japan, believe it or not. The other day after class, a student came up to me and said, “Thank you so much for talking slowly to our class. I can understand your English very well because you speak so slowly.” It was hard to admit to the student that I was not speaking slowly for the benefit of the class but in fact everyone in my family and the people where I am from in the States also speak slowly.
Needless to say, it is going well here in Japan. God uses even my weaknesses as a foreigner to communicate despite my many differences with the people around me. Japan’s population is made up of 99% Japanese people, so sticking out in a crowd is inevitable. One would think that I have gotten used to it by now, but sorry to say that even after I think I have learned a few of the cultural norms, language, etc, there is still so much to learn. At my cross-cultural training, the instructors advised us to always put ourselves in the position of learners in any field. Why is that such a hard lesson to remember? Like I said earlier, even in the little things God is teaching me to be the learner and to rely on Him and others to help me. I can think of at least 100 examples He has shown me, but one in particular I will share. Just last week I was getting on a bus. Now this is a familiar bus, I ride it often to get to work if it is raining or if I am running late. I felt very confident getting on, especially with my fancy bus card (what the locals carry.) However, my confidence in myself dropped a little as the bus passed my stop without even slowing down. I figured the bus was going to make a simple loop around and we would eventually return to that part of town. But the longer I rode it; my surroundings were less and less familiar. If I had been able to read more Japanese, I could have read that because it was a special holiday, I needed to take a different bus. (Really did not appreciate being literate until I came here!) So God is graciously humbling me over and over, sometimes with a humorous situation, other times can be more painful. But even in the painful times He is with me the whole way! So thank you all for your continued support and encouragement! Could not make it without them!

Update:
English Ministry: This aspect of ministry is going very well. Most of my students are upper level conversation students, so it is fun to teach them. Since they are more advanced, the Bible time we have after each class is going well too. The Lord has provided a church member/fellow believer in each class, so they really help with translating some of the doctrinal words that I do not know in Japanese. So please pray for the students to continue studying God’s Word as well getting connected to the church here.
Single-Ladies Ministry: This is going very well too. Was able to start a new Bible study with 6 ladies! We meet in the city after work, so we have dinner together and then go to coffee shop for Bible study. My translator is a Christian and a good friend, so God has provided many details for this Bible study to be possible. The ladies are asking very good questions and they seem genuinely interested in learning more about who God is and what the Bible says about us as people. Will be starting a cooking exchange as well, where they teach me Japanese dishes and I teach them American (Southern!) dishes! This is great opportunity for the ladies moms to come as well. So pray that God not only works in the single ladies lives but the whole families!
College Ministry: Praise the Lord for the 2 girls in our college group received that Christ last week!
Both had been involved in different Bible studies over the last year, so we have 2 new believers! It is exciting to see them so excited about who they have become in Christ! Pray that they continue to grow and get further involved with a local church. Also very thankful that my apt. is relatively close to the university so students feel free to stop by when they have free time!
Team Finances: This is a new aspect of ministry that I recently was asked to help with. Our teammate who handles all the finances for the church/team is in the States for the next several months. So I will be trying to help a little with team finances. Many of you know business, organization, math, etc are not my strong points, so please pray that I will be a help to the team and not a burden!

Prayer Requests:
I listed a few already, here are some specifics.
1) Pray for the ladies in the Bible study that I meet with one-on-one for more Bible time. Pray that God opens their eyes and hearts to see Him and to know His love more and more.

2) Praise for good health and minimum homesickness. (Wish you all could come visit!)

3) Pray for God to raise up church leaders for the church-plant here!

4) Praise that my sister Katie gets to come visit at Christmas!

5) Pray for financial support: God has already provided in so many ways through you all, however monthly giving is down. I am confident that God will provide everything needed!
If you would like to give: Here is the address:

Mission to the World P.O. Box 116284 Atlanta, GA 30368-6284 *(Please put Mary E. Bell) on the memo line of anything that might be sent in, so it will be credited to the right acct.)
Please feel free to email any questions! I love to hear what is going on in the States! Thank you again for your encouragement and support. Good to know that we serve a God who “made known His salvation and has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.” (Psalm 98:2)

A look at September

2007-10-01T07:18:00.001-04:00

A few pictures for the month of September.
Busy with classes, Bible studies, etc, but
had some time for hanging out too!!
More updates to come this week.

Kathy, me, Mami, and Emily having dinner
at the apartment.

My room

Our entrance/pantry

Kitchen/Dining area (Notice the little oven on top
of the fridge) I miss having an oven!

Went to a festival downtown
Traditional Japanese drums--really cool, drummers
on both sides. Other players hop in and out without missing
a beat!!

Playing around in the book store!

Watching a dad teach martial arts to his son

Yikes!! This guy was giving out candy believe it or not!

Traditional Japanese instruments

This lady was selling apples. My friend Mandy Watanabe
came down for the weekend to visit.

Malaysia cont...

2007-09-25T00:43:00.001-04:00

Here are a few more pics from Malaysia
last week.

Enjoy!

Chinatown!

My friend Dana Z. serving in Thailand.
We went to Covenant together so
it was good to see a familiar face!

Malaysian "Patriotik" Parade.
(yes, that is how they spell "patriotic"
(Is it just me, or does the
Malaysian flag look oddly familiar?)

Hindu Temple
(Small number of Indians/Hindus in Malaysia)

"No Smoking" written in Malay.

Squishing into the taxi with the
Oh Family and Darlene was really fun!

Becky (and her husband Andrew, not on the pic) serve
on the Thailand team, but we were together
last summer in NYC for training!

Playing a video game with Evan.
(His parents are on my team)
I had no idea what I was doing,
but it was fun.

Several shops had bird cages hanging outside.

I didn't know they spoke "Southern"
in Malaysia!

A few pics from Malaysia...

2007-09-20T20:55:00.000-04:00

Tallest twin towers in the world.

Kuala Lumpur! We were in Malaysia the last week
for our Asia area retreat. Nice to hear what God is
doing in other countries in Asia and it was nice
to be able to getaway and rest, but also nice
to be back in Japan. Malaysia was great, everyone
speaks English there, but very different than Japan. If you get a
chance to visit Kuala Lumpur you should! People were great! There
are three main groups of people: Malay, Chinese, and some Indian.
It is a Muslim country (98%) and that is embedded in everything
in the culture. For example at most public places like malls, etc
there were prayer rooms so people could stop shopping, eating, etc
to pray 5 times a day. While we were there it was Ramadan
which is 40 days of fasting, big holiday for them. So during the day
they were not eating or drinking, but when the sun goes down they can feast!
Our hotel was actually located across from the largest mosque in Malaysia,
so we heard the prayers every night and every morning over the loud speaker.
It really gave me a burden for other Arab countries. It is an open
country and other religions are allowed: Hinduism and Christianity as well, but
small numbers. So please be praying for our brothers and sisters that live there
for the Church to grow! Like I said it was good to catch up with other friends
I have not seen in a while and hear what God is doing all over Asia! Enjoy
some of these pics, will post more later.

The big Blue Mosque, view from our hotel window.
Can hold up to 24,000 people at once.

Watching Dr. Oh bargain with the taxi drivers. (He is the
best negotiator I have ever seen, besides my sister Katie)

Chestnuts roasting in Chinatown.

Stop sign in Malay

Eating dinner with some folks on the team
and my friend Dana (in red) who is serving
in Thailand. It was fun to see her, had not seen
her since college.

Pearl with her handy kitchen scissors cutting up
meat for her 4 kids at dinner! Genius! I nominated
her for Most Prepared Mother of the Year!

Lady police officers, still wearing their head coverings.
Most of the women we saw were wearing head coverings.

Happy Birthday Amanda. My roomie at the conference
serving in Taiwan! Good to see her again, also a Covenant
grad! Go Scots! We celebrated at Starbucks!

Hanging out with Matt (serves in Tokyo,Japan) and Claudia and Jim
Jung serve in Australia! Good to catch up with other MTW folks.

My grandfather and a family friend are being remembered....

2007-09-09T19:08:00.000-04:00

Bell, Bynum will long be remembered

Dog attack victim, 11, develops infection

Hospital unveils women's center named in doctor's honor

PREP FOOTBALL SCORES

Barons hold off TSA 21-10

It's illegal, but video poker stays

SATURDAY SNAPSHOT

Two Sumter men who made an impact on people's lives were honored and remembered Thursday in dedication ceremonies and a funeral.

They were the late Dr. James E. Bell Jr. and Clarke Bynum. Dr. Bell, a revered gynecologist and obstetrician whose career spanned almost 50 years, brought into this world some 19,000 newborns; Bynum was instrumental in saving 398 lives in 2000 during a flight over Africa, and much, much more. Dr. Bell's contributions were honored with the dedication by Tuomey Regional Medical Center of the $23.6 million Bell Women and Infants Pavilion; Bynum was remembered at funeral services attended by over 1,000 mourners, one of the largest ever seen in Sumter.

Jimmy Bell, who died of cancer at the age of 80 in 2002, was not only a distinguished physician but a man whose warm and magnetic personality punctuated by a keen wit attracted scores of friends and admirers. A native of McCormick, Dr. Bell received many accolades in the course of his career that began in Sumter in 1953 with Sumter OB-GYN, later to become The Woman's Clinic, P.A. On a professional level, he was a former chief of staff at Tuomey; founding chairman of the Utilization Review Committee for Tuomey; South Carolina's first volunteer Physician of the Year; past president of the South Carolina OB-GYN Society; and past president of the South Central OB-GYN Association of OB-GYN, to name a few. He was also very active in civic endeavors, serving as president of the Sumter Rotary Club and a board member of the Bank of America. He was a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto prior to his death.

Throughout his career, Jimmy Bell set a high standard of professionalism in the field of medicine. To the thousands of women in his care whose babies he delivered, he brought compassion and comfort no matter how difficult were the circumstances at the crucial moment of birth. Generations of healthy babies who grew into healthy adulthood were the result of his skill.

It was altogether fitting and richly deserved that Tuomey memorialized Dr. Bell's name by naming the Women and Infants Pavilion for him, which will provide superior care for mothers and children in a state of the art facility. It recognizes that Jimmy Bell made a positive impact in his lifetime on the lives of his patients and their children as well as contributing immensely to improved medical care in our community.

Clarke Bynum, like Jimmy Bell, died of cancer, but at the young age of 45. His life was cut short in his prime, a journey that held so much promise for the future but was still one in which he made every day count. As one of the ministers said at his funeral, Clarke Bynum lived a purpose-filled life. It was a life not defined by his extraordinary heroism on that December 2000 flight over Sudan while he was on a Christian mission trip to Uganda when he helped overcome a crazed hijacker who tried to bring the plane down by attacking the pilot. Nor was it defined by his exceptional athletic accomplishments as a star basketball player at Wilson Hall and later at Clemson University. Neither was it defined by his success in his family's insurance business.

His life was defined by his faith. He saved innocent lives on that flight seven years ago, but that was only a prelude to what he really wanted to accomplish, and that was to save souls. He was studying at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte to become a minister at the time of his death. He had severed his ties with Bynum Insurance Co. to pursue his dream of being a witness to his Christian faith in the pulpit of a church. He would have been a success in that calling as he was in every endeavor he pursued, whether on the basketball court or in the business world. He was a dynamic speaker who brought passion and commitment to his faith-based message. After his near-death experience in 2000, he spoke before many audiences who were moved and transfixed by his eloquence and his reluctance to portray himself as a hero when he recounted what happened on that flight. He was modest to a fault and never regarded himself as special. But to those who were exposed to him, he was, because he was ready and willing to be a counselor and friend to anyone in need.

Two fine men were memorialized on Thursday: one who left us five years ago and the other who left us too soon. Each made their mark in their own way. Both served others unselfishly and with purpose. To say they will be remembered would be an understatement.

Some good things to think about...

2007-09-03T08:11:00.000-04:00

The last couple of weeks I have been trying to catch up on some reading on my days off. (Crazy huh, me reading!)

So here are some things that have really struck me over the last few weeks, mostly from good ole' C.S. or Clive Staples as I like to call him. Enjoy!

"The Christian way is different; harder and easier. Christ says, Give me all. I don't want so much of your time and money and so much of your work; I want you. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. Hand over the natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked--the whole outfit. I will give you new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours. " (Joyful Christian pg 179)

"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. But it immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit..." (talking about eternity--Joyful Christian pg 197)

"They (churches) all regard divorce as something like cutting up a living body, as a kind of surgical operation so violent that it cannot be permitted at all. Others (churches) it as a desperate remedy in extreme cases." (Joyful Christian pg 200)

"Therefore, i urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)

New roommate, new food, ladies Bible study...

2007-08-31T04:40:00.000-04:00

Introducing Miss Kitamura! This is my
new roommate Emily. I am so thankful
for her! She is the 3rd grade teacher at
the International Christian School here
in Nagoya (ICAN). She has already
been a huge encouragement with my
ministry here plus she speaks Japanese!! I look forward
to becoming better friends with her and serving
together in Japan.

Okinawa cuisine. Tofu stir fry and raw egg! Yum!

Pork and noodles in fish broth! Also from Okinawa.

Can you guess what this is?? A fig! My first one ever, thanks Emily!
You just split it down the middle and scoop it out and enjoy.

Thursday night Bible study enjoying the
cuisine from Okinawa.

Update

2007-08-22T21:44:00.001-04:00















Dear Friends and Family,

You know you are living in Japan when:
1)you hang your laundry out to dry,
2) you can hear fireworks almost every night during the summer
3)and when
you don’t mind sleeping on the floor in the living room
because it is the
only room in the apartment that is air conditioned.

The time here is going by quickly. It has been over 4 months
since I arrived which is hard to believe.
God is continually reminding me to trust Him in
everyday situations as well as in His overall
plan for His Church here in Japan. They tell us
before we get to the field that we can train all we want
for different scenarios but you can never be totally
prepared for what the Lord has in store for you
once you get there. So I am being reminded daily
to be FLEXIBLE which can be difficult but rewarding too.


Prayer requests:
1) My roommate moves in tomorrow! So pray that
we will get along well and encourage each other.

2) Continue to pray for my language learning.
(My roommate is Japanese, so she will help me a lot!!)

3) Our Ladies Bible study on Thursday nights.
Pray for the women to understand God’s word and
to want to know Christ more and more.

4) Our team will be going to a conference in a few weeks
for an MTW conference so please pray for safety.

5)Pray for wisdom with scheduling/balancing several different areas of
ministry. It can get busy very quickly.

Thank you so much for your continued financial and prayer support!
The longer I am here the more I am convinced at how
important it is to have “my team” of supporters continuously
lifting us up in prayer and with words of
encouragement. Know that I am praying for you as well!

"For it by grace you have been saved, this not of yourselves,
it is a gift of God..." Eph 2:8

Love, Mary Bell









My friend Keiko and I went
to Osaka
for 2 days, so here are
some pictures!



Keiko and I heading for Osaka on the train!
















Keiko trying to figure out how to use
chopsticks, I had to show her, embarrassing!
Just kidding. We enjoyed our Tako-yakki balls,
octupus! (Osaka is famous for them)





















Universal Studios Japan!

















I don't like cats
















Even the trains in Japan are beautiful!
















We found this little gem of a restaurant in a section
in Osaka called "American Village" but they have
them everywhere here!

















Keiko's first milk shake! Seriously, she had
never had one!
















The local store owners loved us!!
















Hello Kitty, a Japanese creation!

















Dotonbori, a street in Osaka!
















On the train home, so tired. The day we went to
Universal it was about 103! Hot! But we had fun!

A day of fun...

2007-08-12T08:53:00.001-04:00

Darlene (teammate) and I had a free day a
few weeks ago, so we decided
to go the Nagoya Aquarium. It was funny visiting
the aquarium. Almost at every tank I would
hear someone say "Oh, that one looks
good, oh that one makes me hungry. Yum,
that fish looks good." Only in Japan!
Enjoy!
More updates later!

"Don't jump!!!"

They had a cool dolphin show.
This lady was surfing on the dolphin.

There is a "Little Italy" near the aquarium
so we perused around. Even took a gondola ride
through "Venice"

our gondola

We found Nemo, who knew he was in Japan!

Even the dolphins here bow! so polite!
That dolphin caught a frisbee, not kidding!

I think this is a sign from a food court?

Nagoya Port, where the aquarium is located

Jellies

Thanks Darlene for taking this pic of me napping
on the subway. I am trying to fit in with the culture!

Resting on God

2007-08-10T09:51:00.000-04:00

Found this today in Valley of Vision (book of Puritan Prayers) Hope it is encouraging!

O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.

Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me, gracious God.

Summer fun!!!

2007-08-04T04:50:00.001-04:00

Summer schedule here is a little different
than summer in the States. The summer
vacation for students starts at the end of July
and school begins again at the end of September.
So having a little more free time I have been able
to experience a little bit of the Japanese culture.
Hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for your prayers! Keep them coming!!

(From Home: Elliott and Ethan wearing the yukatas
I sent) Miss you guys!!

Tomoyo and I went and enjoyed the "hanabi" festival in Gifu
on the river. Japan knows how to put on good fireworks, they lasted
an hour and 1/2!! ("Hanabi"--means fire-flower)

Tomoyo's friend Miho also came. We were eating
pineapples dipped in chocolate! Yum!

I saw my friends on the train coming home.
Ryota looks worried, bc we are sitting in the special
seats for older/handicapped people.

Tomoyo decided to wear her sunglasses because
the hanabi were so bright!!

Very common to see Japanese traditional
clothing at the summer festivals. ("Yukata"--summer kimono)

Having dinner with Keiko, Amy (teammate) and Keiko's mom-(Becky)
I gave her an American name! Keiko's American name is Joy!
My Japanese name is Yumiko. Amy's Japanese name
is Myumi.

We had elections last week and these vans would
ride up and down the streets asking people
to vote for the rep. they were supporting. So loud!

More photos...

2007-07-26T10:43:00.001-04:00

July is going by quickly.
One good thing is that means rainy season is over! For the university students it means they are out for summer vacation and don't have classes again til end of September.
But I am planning some
summer activities and a summer Bible study
to stay connected with the college group.
Enjoy the pics!! Hope everyone is doing well.

Yuka, me, and Megumi at the Friday Night Live
Coffee house for the university students!

Masa, Carrie, Mike, and Chica eating lunch
after church!

Terrance trying to look like an accountant figuring up
the bill for lunch.

A lot of school playgrounds here do not have
grass, not sure why, but it looks sad.

The signs at the train station have spikes on top
to keep the pigeons off, or any bird for that matter.

The biggest wedge of cheese I have ever seen. (Italian restaurant)

(From L to R) Carrie, Emily, Yoko, and Matsumi
at the coffee house at church. (Emily will be my
roommate starting next month!)

Writing on the grass--I think it says Big City!
I passed it on the train.

I saw these characters at the grocery store. They
were the mascots for the world expo in 2005, so they
are kind of mascots for Nagoya

Lunch! Chicken and rice with some egg and noodles
and Darlene got some tempura and cold noodles.

News from home...

2007-07-25T19:32:00.000-04:00

Please welcome my newest cousin Katharine Alexis Willette (Kate)!! She was born last week to my cousin Anne and her husband Bruce! So proud of them, they will be great parents! Already seem to be great parents. Love you guys! The Lord has really blessed my family with 5 little healthy baby cousins on both sides of the family within the last year! I only wish I was a little closer to see them. (To help with the Ratterree/Willette kids college fund please go eat at your local Salsaritas!)

Little Kate (Katharine was our great-grandmother's name
and Anne's mom's name and my sister's name (but she
is not named after Katie, so don't listen to those
claims if Katie says that!

My cousin Anne and her new daughter! (Anne looking pretty good!!)

Kate being held by Uncle Ben

Sights from July in Japan

2007-07-19T10:29:00.001-04:00

Cooking class! Some ladies from the Tuesday
class had a cooking class at the church.
A lot of fun hanging out with them.

They taught me how to make
rolls with the Vietnamese rice paper!

Our finished product! Inside: noodles, lettuce, raw
tuna and avocado. Then you dip them in sesame (goma)
dressing. Quite good!

A few of the students at Gaidai International.
(The lady in the turquoise shirt is not a student
but actually one of my Japanese teachers. )

I took this to show how much bikes are ridden here.
There are many of these bike garages around,
usually close to the train stations.

A few of my favorite things...

2007-07-12T11:55:00.000-04:00

Orchid Gardens!

My friend Tomoyo! "Tomoyo is here!" We were friends 4 years
ago when I was here and she came to Chattanooga
to study for a year so we got to hangout while I was
still attending Covenant! It was so good to see her again.

Darlene and Miwasan outside Subway! So thankful for
a little taste of "home" every once in a while.

Some of the university students came over and showed
me how to make 2 traditional Japanese meals. The main dish
is made up of carrots, pork, potatoes, onions, soy sauce, sake, and sugar.
Very good! The soup is miso soup. Very common to have almost with every meal.
This kind was made with tofu and seaweed, very good!

Midori, Keiko, and Yuka showing off the food!
Great cooks/teachers!!

Had a BBQ with the church members, Matt (summer intern)
gave his testimony.

Nothing like good hot squid right off the grill!!! and
chicken wings!

Some of the men set up a nice tarp to grill under!!
It was a good time of fellowship with the folks
from church!

A little tour

2007-07-04T05:05:00.000-04:00

This is the Linimo, I take it to get to the subway, because it runs right in front of my apartment. If you would like to see my neighborhood, fast forward it to the last 3 minutes to the end. Enjoy the tour of this section of Nagoya!!!

Happy Birthday Mommie!!

2007-07-02T09:12:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Mom!! I miss you. Thank you for your constant support and encouragement. I am thankful God made you my mom. Love you!

Mom and Randy

Mom and Katie on the Staten Island Ferry

Mom with the guard at FAO Scwartz toy store in NYC

In NYC 34th Street (I think)

Mom and Susie (friend in Anderson)

Katie tickling mom with a branch!!

We love you mom!! (Big 3)

More pics...

2007-07-01T10:18:00.001-04:00

I thought about opening my own store, but it looks like
somebody took the name I was going to use, oh well.

Had a good time in Chita with Jane (teammate)
and a few of the young folks from her church
came for Bible study. Good time
of fellowship. I am glad I got to meet
them.

While I was in Chita, I got to help with 3 English classes.
All children ages 2-5!! It was very fun. This is a pic of
one of the kids "feeding" the hungry dinosaur. It was
so much fun.

Went to Gifu last week to watch the Ukai. (Cormorant bird
fishing) It was fascinating. It is a sport
that has been around over 1300 years.
The birds are trained to
dive down and catch fish and then the fishermen
retrieve the fish from the birds.

Before the fishing started, we ate dinner on the boat
and this entertainment boat went back and forth in
front of our boats and the ladies did some
traditional Japanese dances.

So thankful to see the refreshment boat pull up
beside our boat. We did not order dinner, so everyone
was hungry and she pulled right up beside us. She
was selling little snacks and fireworks!

The fish the birds caught!! (No we did not get eat them)

Me as one of the boat captains!! For those of you
who know me well, you know I would not make
a good boat captain or at least not a very safe one!

Happy Birthday!!!

2007-06-25T12:20:00.001-04:00

Had the privilege of celebrating Jane's birthday tonight with Jane and Darlene! Jane is a fellow team member and it is always so great to be around her. Don't get to see her as often as I would like bc she lives further away, but every time we do get together I always come away feeling encouraged about what the Lord is doing here in Japan! So thankful to be on the same team!!
(Thankful too, that we were able to go to Outback Steakhouse, reminded me of home a little!) :-)
Happy Birthday Jane!

The Girls: Jane, Darlene and me

People, Places, and Things

2007-06-22T03:42:00.001-04:00

Wow! Been over a month living here. Time is flying. I love being here and so thankful that the Lord has brought me here. Here are a few pics from the last 2 weeks of various things I have been involved in with the church here. Enjoy!

Miwasan and me at the church. (Miwasan works in the
church office and is a member of our church as well.
I always enjoy seeing her when I go into work, bc
she is so encouraging, very thankful for her.

View of downtown Nagoya. (Nice Coach store huh!!)

Ferris wheel ("sky boat") in downtown Nagoya. My friend
Keiko and I rode it the other night after dinner. Nice, cheap
way to see the city.

Darlene (teammate) and I helped with a ladies cooking class
this week. Most of the women are students in our
English program and may be involved in other
Bible studies, etc with the church. We baked
Southern Baked Chicken!

We are going to try to have a Live Music Night at
the church once a month for the college students
to come fellowship and hangout at! The first one
went very well!

Yum! Got invited to dinner one night with a Japanese
couple. Mrs. Fujise made a feast for us! This is just
one of the dishes, a type of sushi. (Shrimp, ginger,
egg, rice, asparagus) Very good!

The Fujises! Dr. Fujiseh is a prof. here at one of the
local universities and is one of my English students.
Mrs. Fujiseh (also Dr. Fujiseh) is a member at
our church. It was fun going to their house.

More food! Breakfast at one of the restaurants close to my apt.
A little sausage, bacon, salad, and of course rice!

Some of the college girls came over for dinner.
Aya, Sawako, and Jasmine (from Singapore).

New apartment. I moved again! I will be here for the next month
until I can move into my apartment in August!

Another glimpse of life here in Nagoya...

2007-06-13T10:06:00.001-04:00

Trying to figure out where I need to go can be
a little tricky, but I am getting the hang of it.

Pepsi's new Cucumber flavored drink, not that bad!!

Eating at "Pepper Lunch" --you cook it when it comes to your
table.

Went to my friend Keiko's for dinner

Suzukisan (She asked me to give her an American name, so we
call her Becky now!) Keiko's family was really sweet to invite
me to dinner. Looking forward to hanging out again.

My friend Jess and I trying on sun hats in the 100 yen store!

Hanging out with some of the college group
on Friday night at church

Helping in the kitchen for Friday night fellowship.

University crowd listening to the team from Singapore share about
why they are in Japan.

More pics...

2007-06-04T20:35:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more pics! Enjoy! More update to come soon. Look at Katie's blog when you get a chance, she is serving in Peru this summer. Proud of you sister!!!

The group of college students from some of the local universities.
We had a good time of fellowship at the BBQ lunch.

Serene, Jasmine (Singapore) and Keiko hanging out, playing a mean game of Uno.

Having a team meeting over lunch! Darlene, Annette (here for the summer) little Charissa, and Amy (team leader)

More team members (Wayne--team leader, Katelyn--oldest daughter
of Wayne and Amy) Miwasan--church receptionist)

Serene and Jasmine visiting from Singapore with Campus Crusade for
the next 2 weeks. Been very helpful with the college ministry! They are
staying with me, so it has been really fun.

Another thing I love about Japan. Almost every
restaurant has a display of their menu so you can see if you
want to eat there! Very nice!

Was able to attend a gospel choir concert. Four area churches came
together to form a big choir.

Fun times in Nagoya

2007-05-30T09:29:00.001-04:00

It has been a good last few days. I can't shake the feeling that I do not fit in here though. Don't get me wrong, I love being here and cannot imagine being anywhere else right now, bc I know the Lord has me here for a reason. But normally almost every time, I am the only white person anytime I go anywhere. On the bus, on the train, to the store, etc. Funny not seeing anyone who does not look like me when I walk down the street. Not to mention the stares that I receive from total strangers anytime I enter a room. But thinking about it this week, it is a good reminder that we are not called to fit in. We are called to be different and being physically different than most people around is a good reminder. And even though we all look very different, the need for Christ's grace and mercy is still the same.
Have had several English classes this week and all have gone well praise the Lord. Last night we had fun bc a group of us went to take swing dance lessons. Very fun!

Hanna and Inori hand-dancing, showing us the moves!
("Inori" is the Japanese word for prayer--very cool name! They both go
to my church here)

Paul and I trying to dance, we were definitely the "best" in the class!

Peter and Su Jung posing for the camera!

Su dancing with one of the instructors--is it just me,
or is she mesmerized?

A tradition I love! Taking your shoes off when you go inside.
This is inside the church and you place your outside shoes in one
of the cubby holes and put a pair of slippers (on left) on to wear inside.
Never have to worry about what shoes to wear to church!!

A few more pics

2007-05-27T07:29:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more pics from the last few days. Today was a restful day, which it should be since it is Sunday! Enjoy! Hope everything in the States is going well! Long weekend for a lot of people. Hope it was good.

Some friends Su Jung and Hanna enjoying our
dinner at a nice Indian restaurant!

We attended a worship concert last night.
Wanted to go support our friend Peter in the band.

Technology here is unbelievable! Here is my new phone
(Rob, you would love it!) Yes, it has a tv on it!
This was the free phone I got when I signed up for my plan!
Can you believe that?!!

New Sights, New Sounds, Some More Familiar than Others

2007-05-23T03:48:00.000-04:00

It has been a week since arriving here. A lot of new smells, sounds, and sights. Some are definitely more familiar than others. It is funny how smelling one scent can bring back a memory that was stored away from 4 years ago when I was here before.
Being at church this past Sunday was so refreshing. Good to see people I have not seen in a while and good to meet new people. Although the service is conducted all in Japanese, the pastor gives me a copy of the sermon in English so I can follow along. The text was II Tim. 4. Good reminder that God's Word is good for reproof, rebuking, and exhortation. Also was reminding us that there will be hardships. Paul was writing this book from prison and it was somewhat discouraged bc people from the church had deserted him but he says, "But the Lord stood with me..." (vs 16) People will let us down and I will let people down as well. But God is always faithful!
Enjoy the pics!

Little stream close by my apartment. Nice to see some nature in the middle of the big city.

Darlene (MTW team member) and Prof. Cochran taking the subway on the way to Nagoya Station. Prof. Cochran teaches "espanol" at Covenant and was here visiting, so it was nice to see a familiar face!

The cop inside the subway station, stands a head above everyone else to get a better look at the crowd! Plus it makes it easier for people to find him if they need assistance.

My red bike I am using for now. (Although, I realized that after taking this picture, this was not in fact my bike, mine was another red one a few spots down--oops.)

Rice! Just planted a few weeks ago, will be harvested in August. (Tip: if you are riding your bike in Japan, it is good to find the rice fields, bc it means the roads are typically flat, no hills to go up!!! )

More rice!

Went to lunch after English class with some of the ladies from the class! Really fun. The little bakery we went to was called "Yeast Paradise", some of the translations are funny!

The church! So thankful for the building. Last time I was here, we met in a tiny, tiny office building. So this is much better. A lot more opportunities for outreach.

Sanctuary

A picture of Nagoya from Nagoya Tower at the train station

Off to Llama Land!!

2007-05-22T00:11:00.000-04:00

Please pray for my sister Katie Bell as she is flying to Trujillo, Peru to serve there for the summer.

Loving it here in Japan

2007-05-19T06:49:00.001-04:00

My dear friend Keiko. It has been 4 years since I last saw her, but hanging out this past week it is like no time has passed.

Gotta love that name! This is one of my favorite beverages here in Japan, tastes like gatorade.

Mezon Yamada (Name of apt. complex)

Shower room (The white box with the lid on top is the bathtub, we keep it covered bc it is really small)

Toilet room! When it is flushed, the water comes out the top, so it makes washing your hands convenient.

The tatami room, where I sleep on my futon on the floor.

This is not Japan, but the valley in Chattanooga at Cloudland Canyon. Just thought it was a great pic!!

Just a few of the people I will miss...

2007-05-03T14:23:00.000-04:00

Okay...I don't know this guy, so I will not miss him, but cool picture anyway! (Will def. miss the Chattanooga Valley in the background)

Enjoy!!! Will definitely miss you all more than I can say

2007-04-26T21:45:00.000-04:00

My friend Marie made this video as a going away gift. Most of the pictures are from the last few years with the Girl's Bible study with RUF group here in Anderson. Enjoy! Thanks Marie, I will definitely miss you.

Leaving on a jet plane!!

2007-03-29T14:28:00.000-04:00

(Nagoya Castle)

Leaving on May 15th for Nagoya! It feels like it has been a long process, but everything I have been doing the last 2 years has led up to this point! The Lord has been so faithful in providing so much already.

There are a few things to pray for:
1) The team in Japan to continue to serve and love the people in Japan
2) A few loose ends to tie up here in the States (pray for Visa process to go smoothly and timely
3) For hearts to be open to hearing the gospel
4) For safety in travel

5) That the Lord would encourage my family, especially my mom after I leave

Will give more of an update right before I leave!

In Kyoto, during my days as a geisha.

View of Nagoya, pretty big city--around 4 million people

A few more pics from NYC

2007-03-23T18:57:00.000-04:00

Katie at MoMA in front of one of Pollack's paintings. One of my favorite exhibits there was the photography exhibit (Jeff Wall) they have going on now, highly recommend!!! Free Friday nights 4pm-8pm.

One of my favorites...Van Gogh's Olive Trees. This photo of the painting definitely does not do it justice. Standing in front of it, you can see how closesly he was able to put contrasting colors right beside each other without them blending, amazing!

This is a photo from one of the exhibits (Gursky) from a few years ago. I saw a poster of this in the gift shop, it was actually one of the favorite pieces I saw (even though it was just a poster of the original.)

Another Gursky photo I really like. (Hotel in Shanghai) I have been thinking about taking another photography class and this definitely inspires me to want to study it more.

NYSE !

A wall outside the World Trade Center site.

The main lobby in Empire State Building, it was too windy to go on the observation deck, maybe next time.

Are we in Japan? Everytime I see Hello Kitty, it reminds me of Japan, they are everywhere there!

Mom and Katie outside Central Park. Beautiful snowy day.

The Bells Go Cross-Cultural!!

2007-03-22T14:24:00.000-04:00

My sister Katie has a new blog www.katiebellinperu.blogspot.com so check it out when you get a chance!!! Worth the stop. Who knows, you may even learn some Spanish!!

People and places I love...

2007-03-14T13:08:00.000-04:00

Quick Update on heading to Japan:Will be wrapping up my support-raising at the end of the month and then preparing to leave shortly there after (hopefully by May--Lord willing!) Please keep the prayers coming! (ps for those of you who ordered t-shirts, I will be ordering them next week! Thanks so much!)

Now for the post...There are two things I am sure of...my heart beats for 2 reasons 1) To glorify God and enjoy Him forever and 2) To love, serve, and fellowship with people He has placed in my life. I love being with my friends and family and it was such a blessing to get to spend a long weekend taking a mother/daughter trip before leaving for Japan soon. It was so delightful to see Mom and Katie get to experience NYC for the first time. (Katie's face the first time on the subway was priceless. ) One dream vacation down, next on our list are the Greek Isles and Italy. We will have to wait for those two places so for now enjoy the pics of the city.

A work of art and the Statue of Liberty in the background.

Mom trying to figure out what song she can play with only 2 feet. (I thought we would never get her off that piano, she was in her element!)

Trying not to laugh when mom asked me if was sure that Times Square did not close at 10pm.

Any girl's dream store! Tiffany's was great and yes they have a layaway plan--I asked. (Just a sidenote, the yellow jasmine on display on the counters is the state flower of SC!!) We ran into some Covenant students there as well, small world.

My friend Ken was nice enough to meet us for lunch one day, we thought it would be a great idea to take a picture in front of this famous George Washington statue. (Too bad mom did not actually get the statue--but those are George's feet, promise!)

Had lunch one day at Mesa Grill (Bobby Flay's restaurant). The atmosphere was great, definitely recommend it!

The Mesa Burger! Yes, Katie actually could fit it in her mouth.

After seeing this bus advertisement, Katie decided to spend her summer in Peru with a missions team. (Not really, she was already planning to go!)

M&M store in Times Square, every color you could imagine, sort of like being in a Sherwin Williams store, but non-toxic!

M&M for every occasion, they all taste the same though

We met my friend Kim for dinner one night at Otto Enottecaa Pizzeria(Mario Batali's restaurant). Great Italian food. Italian is my favorite, so this was definitely my favorite place we ate at while we there this time. The word "otto" (pronounced with a long "oh" sound) is the number 8 in Italian but the phrase "Otto Enotecaa" actually means "wine bar".

We ventured over to one of my favorite sections in NYC and perused the Chelsea Markets. We stopped in at Eleni's, great cookie/cupcake bakery. We ordered a few Oscar nominee cookies, my Peter O'Toole was delicious.

Taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry is so relaxing, great view of the city, plus it doesn't cost anything.

Don't worry PETA, not real fur.

Get your T-shirt, red-hot t-shirt!!!

2007-02-26T12:22:00.000-05:00

Got the great idea from my sister Katie to sell t-shirts to help with some of my support for Japan! All proceeds go to Mission to the World (MTW)--toward my mission trip to Japan. So please let me know if you would like one. (email address below)

The cost: is $20 and sizes are: S-3XL (Hanes 100% cotton, only available in white). Just in case you cannot see what the shirt says (Front: "Where in the world is Mary Bell?" Back: Nagoya, Japan (I helped send her there.)

How do you get one?? email me at marylizbell@hotmail.com and let me know how many you need and what sizes you need as well. The deadline for orders is Thursday, March 8th. Thanks for your encouragement and prayers. Have a great week!

More than a pet...a friend too

2007-02-15T20:08:00.000-05:00

Sushi Maybelline Bell (2005-2007)

She was my faithful roommate for the last 2 years

She was there through 3 different moves

She was a family favorite

She cheered many people up

She will be missed.

Bye friend.

Otters are cute, but did you know they bite???

2007-01-30T18:55:00.000-05:00

Had fun the last few days because my friend Marie came to visit with her two little boys--Elliott and Ethan!! It was great to see some familiar faces and to have them around!! So glad they wanted to make the trek from SC to here in Chattanooga. (So glad ya'll came, it went by too fast!!!) We took the boys to the Tennessee Aquarium today, so enjoy the pics!!!

(Sidenote: this might be the last post for a while, February is extremely hectic, with my support deadline coming up (March)!!! Please keep praying!!! The Lord always provides!!!)

It was fun showing everyone around Covenant's campus!!! (Marie, next time we will have to go to Auburn!) Great weather, could actually see fromthe lookout, but it was a little chilly!!

Marie and Ethan admiring all the sea life!!! (That tank had 618,000 gallons of salt water.)

The biggest crab!! That creature could snap off a toe, no doubt! Yikes! (bet it would make good crab legs---my friend Annie would really like those!!)

Scuba diver Tom telling the crowd about the exhibit. The lady beside him was a safety diver, she was holding a "bump" stick to bump the sharks away in case they got too close to Tom.

Marie "inside" the tank with Elliott and Ethan---they were pointing to "Nemo" and "Dori."

Me and the boys playing around in downtown Chattanooga!

Not sure if the carousel was as exciting as the aquarium, but Ethan seemed to enjoy it!!

Happy Birthday to my favorite brother!!!

2007-01-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Michael!!! I can't believe my little brother is 23!! So proud of you!! I would not pick any other brother to have!! Love you and miss you. Hope to hangout with you soon!!!!

Katie says: "Hey Brother, your favorite sister wishes she could give a big hug for your birthday. I am thankful for your life. love, Katie

Love is....a very special thing (The Bell Trio)

Birthday Memories

2007-01-19T15:13:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures from my birthday a few weeks ago.

Mom made a great dinner!!! It was fun to have a few friends there too! (Bailey, Laura, Ashley, Dusty (step-brother), Randy, Mom, and Rachel.

Laura S. and me. Laura and I graduated together from Covenant and she is living in Chattanooga! Glad you could come Laura!!

Bailey and Rach came all the way from Anderson to spend the weekend!!! Great to have them here! We spent one day in downtown Chattanooga! Here is Bailey at the fountain on the river walk.

We found this cute little shop "Nuts and Such" down by the river!

While we were checking out at the store there was a jar of peanuts and if you guessed the number you got a free sucker. Rachel guessed 601(gave away the answer) and she was right!!! The cashier said that nobody had ever guessed correctly in 3 years!!! way to go--definitely a highlight of the trip!! so funny, the look on the cashier's face was priceless. I think Rach should have gotten a shirt or something.

Had to take my friends to Clumpys! Best ice cream ever!!! Even if it is January!!! Homemade cones and everything!

We even payed $1.00 to ride the carousel by the river!!!

My favorite place to get coffee--Rembrandt's--in the art district, highly recommend!

My sister Katie, admiring one of the sculptures outside Rembrandt's.

The Hunter Art Museum! Great American art. It was a great birthday, fun to be with my family and so glad to have some friends come for the weekend!!!

Charlie's Here!!!

2007-01-15T13:52:00.000-05:00

Very proud to say "Welcome to the world" to my new baby cousin Charles Wilson Ratterree. He was born last week to my cousins Chad and Alice and everyone is so delighted to finally see him. I have a hunch this guy is going to be a wonderful person because his parents are so great!!! Love you all!!! Miss you guys!

love, mary

Thought of the day...

2007-01-08T15:31:00.000-05:00

What would it help me if Christ were born a thousand times and this was sung to me every day with wonderful music, if I did not understand that His death was for me and that I should make it my own? Martin Luther

2007 Already!!!!??

2007-01-03T17:08:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year!! It was good to be with most of my family (although I did not get to see my brother and some other members of the family). It was a little different being in Chattanooga and not SC, but it was still really goood. The day after Christmas, Katie and I headed to Anderson to hangout with our long-time friends who were all in town for the holidays. Since my freshman year in highschool, there have been 7 of us girls who have gotten together at Christmas to hangout every year and this year it was great once again to see everyone. The Lord has us all in different directions now, but it is still sweet to see His faithfulness in all our lives. Every year we always watch Rudolph the movie too--a classic. Sounds corny, but it is a tradition that I would not change. Here are a few photos from hanging out with everyone. (ps--Happy Birthday to me tomorrow!!! 25!!)

No, I was not in Times Sqare, took this pic off the t.v.!! Turned out really well I thought!!

All the girls! Back: Hope, me, Katie, Rach, Front: Susannah, Carol and Aubrey

Any party is a dud if there is not pinata!! Can you believe my sister and I found this!! It was definitely a hit! (no pun intended!)

Rudolph, dancing, (I think?)

This is when that dentist elf gets squirt by the jelly gun, and he never saw it comin'! Classic! I love clay-mation!!

Hanging out with Bailey, Katie and Erin P. at the Whitfields!!!

"Poppy" (aka: Brett Whitfield) opening some Christmas bubbly for our New Year's toast!

Home Sweet Home---at least til I head to Japan!!

2006-12-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pics of the new place, thought ya'll might like to see!!!! Merry Christmas!!! (More updates later!)

View from the loft

Stairs up to the loft

The bathroom I share with Katie!

My room

My room (finally nice to have a room with windows!!!)

Belle---our border collie, she loves being able to run around!!!

I made it to Chatta-Vegas!

2006-12-20T15:11:00.000-05:00

It has been a long week in some regards, but flown by in other ways. I made the move to Chattanooga this past weekend, to spend time with my family and to finish up my support-raising before heading out to Japan. I will update more later, with pics of the new place!! Thanks for everyone for your prayers during the transition. (My phone is out of commission, so should be in touch after Christmas).
Here are some pics of the week before I left, hanging out with friends in Anderson!! Miss you already!!

Me at Target!!!

Bailey and me at Rob and Marie's for The Office Christmas party.

Rob, Marie, and me (getting cued up to watch the show!!) Miss you both!

Timothy, Momma Rountree, and B hanging out before I left!!

Pastor and Mrs. Rountree at church!

Susannah at Target!

Rachel Wines and me saying goodbye.

Rachel F. at target.

What I will miss the most....

2006-12-09T11:26:00.000-05:00

The Lord has always provided friends and fellowship everywhere I have "landed", which has been incredible. But definitely makes it harder leaving. This time next week will be my last day at my office job, then Saturday I will be moving all my stuff to Chattanooga, TN where I will be staying with my mom and step-dad,Randy while I am in Japan. Still have a little more monthly pledges to raise, so will be finishing up my support from Chattanooga and leaving from there--March is the absolute deadline to have 100%--so please pray for that. Let me know if you are interested in partnering with me in this.
Thinking about leaving is one thing, but actually doing it is another. If I did not have such great friends and a church family here, it would make leaving a lot easier. But heading to Chattanooga is one-step closer to leaving for Japan. Bittersweet. Not going to say much else right now, don't want to start crying now, I need to pack a little. The Lord has abundantly done more than I can ask or imagine and He has done through my His Church, my friends here.

2006-12-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

So you have a blog too?

This commercial is great too!!! I can't believe that lady is making fun of him for having a blog!!! Enjoy! (Aub, funny fridays, better late than never.)

2006-12-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

Sonic 2 Guys

Thought this was funny!! I might be partial to these advertisments because my dad has a Sonic, but I think these guys are great. They made an appearance in the new movie Stranger than Fiction with Will Ferrell.

More pics...

2006-11-30T18:42:00.000-05:00

So the parade was not the only thing I got to see while in NYC last week. The best part was definitely seeing friends. It was great to see my best buddy Meg (friend from middle/high school), Rachel Collins (roommate from college), Kim Collins (Rachel's sister), and of course my friends from Living Faith Community Church (LFCC). A few highlights that I would highly recommend if you are ever in the city:
1) Go visit Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) Free on Fridays between 5-8. One of my favorite exhibits that I saw was a photography exhibit (currently showing New Photography 2006--3 European photographers---this exhibit rotates out, but the 3rd floor is the photography gallery---Highly recommend (yep, that is Van Gogh's Starry Night above!!!) I think if I lived in NYC, I would try to go once a month, loved being there.

2) Go eat at Morimoto's (famous Iron Chef) ( restaurant) My friend Ken and I went to lunch there, definitely the best food I have ever eaten (sorry Mom and Dad) What to get: Kobe beef bento box---amazing!! Might be a little expensive, but you get what you pay for, worth every penny. (On a sidenote--the restaurant has the coolest bathroom I have ever seen too)

3) Go shop at Macy's on 34th street (this might be a given, but I had never been to a Macy's before, great deals, very festive at Christmas time too!!)

4) Go eat at Canyon Road---went with my friend Meg and her sister Kate!! Great Tex Mex, great margaritas, great prices. (Interesting fact: if you order guacamole sauce they make it fresh at your table, chop up fresh avocados and everything!!!)

A sign at MoMA---I liked what it said.

A fun exhibit I saw, old furniture covered and stuffed with egg shells. Very intriguing. (Chad and Alice, I want your insight on this piece)

Famous Warhol Campbell Soup collection. I have always wanted to see this in person!!!!

My favorite flavor of Campbell's!!!!

Another pic inside MoMA, had a neat exhibit on modern furniture and lighting--Mom you would have appreciated the lighting section!!!!

Outside Morimoto's!!!

Inside Morimoto's---loved the decor, very pleasant.

Rach and me standing outside of Macy's

Macy's decked out for Christmas!!!

Macy's!!!!

Kim, Rach, me, & Ken in the lobby of the Empire State Building!!!

Parade Pics

2006-11-28T23:13:00.000-05:00

Macy's 80th Parade...Enjoy the pics....it was so fun to be there, even though it was cold, rainy, cold and did I mention rainy. We had a great spot on 63rd and Central Park West. More pics to follow later.

Not sure who these ladies were, but I thought their dresses were funny.

Debut of the new Snoopy Flying Ace balloon.

This guys head was so big, he had to have someone guide him around.

This pic is for my sister---Katie you would loved it!

The famous Macy's balloons

My personal favorite----if this had been the only float I saw, I would have left a happy customer!!

Meg, her sister Kate (came up from SC), and me at the parade, not a glamour shot, but it was fun to be there with them!! Thanks ya'll for braving the elements with me!!!

Santa bringing up the caboose!!!!

Happy Happy Birthday

2006-11-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Sister!!!!!

Have a lot to write about regarding Thanksgiving break, but today is my sister Katie's 21st Birthday (so Thanksgiving post can wait), I wanted to wish her a happy day!!!

A few reasons why I love Katie:
*Places others above herself
*Has a servant's heart
*Actually studies for classes (very inspiring)
*Prayer warrior
*Great encouragement to me and our whole family
*Points me and others around her to Christ

Katie was actually born on Thanksgiving Day so I am truly thankful not only that she is my sister by birth but sister in Christ as well. Wish I could be there to give you birthday hug! Love you to the moon and back Pip!!!

Above pic:Katie and Bethany (roommate) at Covenant soccer game!! (like the headband sister!!)

Katie on the far right (so cute!!!)

Katie and Dad in Chattanooga

Katie and me at Covenant--Go Scots!!

Thanksgiving!!!

2006-11-20T15:56:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving has always been a very big deal in the Bell family, so it will be a little sad to not be there with them this Thanksgiving. But I get to see 3 of my best friends, hangout with friends from LFCC (church I went to this summer during training with MTW) and on top of that go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. We have watched it every since I can remember. The turkey with the batting eyelashes was always our favorite and something we always watched for, almost as if Thanksgiving had not officially begun til we saw that float. (Weird, I know) Thanksgiving is also special because my sister was born on Thanksgiving----hard to believe Katie will be 21 this year!!!

Here are a few facts I found while reading up on the best spots to view the parade...Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The first parade in 1924 was called the "Macy's Christmas Day Parade" although it took place on Thanksgiving Day. Live animals including camels, goats, elephants, and donkeys, were a part of the parade that inaugural year.

The original parade route was from 145th Street and Convent Avenue to 34th Street and Herald Square. The floats were pulled by horses.

In the first parade a white steed that was to aid in the Ben-Hur float disappeared at the last minute before the start of the parade.

In 1925 and 1926, bears, lions, and tigers were added to the live animals used, but the use of these animals had to be discontinued because they scared children.

In 1927, Macy's introduces the world famous giant helium balloons. The first balloons included Felix the Cat and Toy Soldier 1928 saw the first release of the giant balloons into the air at the end of the line of march. The balloons promptly exploded after reaching a certain altitude. The balloons were redesigned and again released. Equipped with a return address label, Macy's offered a prize for their return.

In 1932, Clarence Chamberlain, an aviator flying above New York City, catches the Pig Balloon in mid air in order to claim the prize money. Santa Claus has ended the parade every year except 1933, the only year in which he led the parade.

The parade was cancelled in 1942, 1943, and 1944 due to World War II

In 1955, the parade telecast returns to NBC after a two year tun on CBS.

Due to a helium shortage in 1958, the balloons are brought down Broadway on cranes.

In 1969 the Macy's Parade Studio moves to its current home in Hoboken, New Jersey in a former Tootsie Roll factory.

The Dino the Dinosaur balloon was inducted into the American Museum of Natural History in 1975 as an honorary member.

In 1977, the "Parade Lady" Jean McFaddin takes the helm of the parade, which she leads for the next 24 years.

In the 1980s, the smaller "novelty" balloons were introduced, including the Macy's stars and the 30 foot triple-scoop ice cream cone. "Falloons" were also introduced at this time. A combination of float and cold air balloon, this is a highlight of the creativity of the Macy's Parade Studio.

In 1989, the parade marches on through its very first snowstorm.

The 1990s saw the parade balloons adding new characters from the internet, video games, and contemporary cartoons. Sonic the Hedgehog, Ask Jeeves, and the Rugrats were just a few of these balloons. The parade has attracted a sea of celebrities. The years have seen Harpo Marx, Jackie Gleason, Diana Ross, Sammy Davis, Jr., Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, NSYNC, Shania Twain, and Christina Aguilera.

Macy's is the world's second largest consumer of helium. The United States government is the first.

More than 50,000 clowns have delighted millions of children along the parade route. (maybe this year there will not be clowns in the parade, not a big fan of clowns)

I love Fridays

2006-11-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

More funny classic quotes from Jack Handy---enjoy Jeanne!!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

I remember that one fateful day when Coach took me aside. I knew what was coming. "You don't have to tell me," I said. "I'm off the team, aren't I?" "Well," said Coach, "you never were really ON the team. You made that uniform you're wearing out of rags and towels, and your helmet is a toy space helmet. You show up at practice and then either steal the ball and make us chase you to get it back, or you try to tackle people at inappropriate times." It was all true what he was saying. And yet, I thought something is brewing inside the head of this Coach. He sees something in me, some kind of raw talent that he can mold. But that's when I felt the handcuffs go on.

I scrambled to the top of the precipice where Nick was waiting. "That was fun," I said. "You bet it was," said Nick. "Let's climb higher." "No," I said. "I think we should be heading back now." "We have time," Nick insisted. I said we didn't, and Nick said we did. We argued back and forth like that for about 20 minutes, then finally decided to head back. I didn't say it was an interesting story.

Many people think that history is a dull subject. Dull? Is it "dull" that Jesse James once got bitten on the forehead by an ant, and at first it didn't seem like anything, but then the bite got worse and worse, so he went to a doctor in town, and the secretary told him to wait, so he sat down and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and then finally he got to see the doctor, and the doctor put some salve on it? You call that dull?

A funny thing to do is, if you're out hiking and your friend gets bitten by a poisonous snake, tell him you're going to go for help, then go about ten feet and pretend that *you* got bit by a snake. Then start an argument with him about who's going to go get help. A lot of guys will start crying. That's why it makes you feel good when you tell them it was just a joke.

I wish I lived back in the old west days, because I'd save up my money for about twenty years so I could buy a solid-gold pick. Then I'd go out West and start digging for gold. When someone came up and asked what I was doing, I'd say, "Looking for gold, ya durn fool." He'd say, "Your pick is gold," and I'd say, "Well, that was easy." Good joke, huh.

2006-11-15T11:59:00.000-05:00

I know I say all the time to people, "How are you doing?" Most of the time I mean it, but sometimes it is just part of the conversation, social norm, habit. The Lord has been really teaching me that it is okay to invest in people, that we should even if it "upsets" our everyday schedules. God definitely made time for us, and much more beyond that.
I read this little article this morning in my Mission to the World newsletter, really encouraging. It reminded me of the verse in Hebrews 1:3, "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact represenatation of His nature, and uphold all things by the word of His power." I think instead of asking "How are you doing? and getting the unpredictable "Fine" in response, I will start asking, "How are you living?" Sounds corny, but something to think about.

by: Paul Kooistra:
There is an experience I dislike almost as much as having a root canal. It’s buying a car. You know how it works. The back and forth counter offers—and never knowing what a fair price is for the vehicle. I just bought a car, and the salesman’s name was Emmanuel. I mentioned that it was an unusual name for a car salesman, and then I asked him if he was going to live up to his name. He laughed at that, ut I then said, “I know what your name means—‘God with us.”
The more I thought about the fat that I know what the Incarnation means, the more I have been made to ponder the issue. It is not enough to beleve in the virgin birth and celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. Instead of asking the salesman if he is going to lie up to his name, I need to be asking myself whether or not I live each day in the reality of the Incarnation. Is my life about the living Lord or is it about myself? Do I face each experience? Is my life about the living Lord is it about myself? Do I face each experience, including buying a car, believing that Christ is present?
The message we share with the world is that God loves the world that He created. The became part of this creation is proof positive that He is concerned with all creation and He is restoring it to its original perfect beauty. God loves the beauty of creation more than we do; all that seems so wrong will be made right. As the hymn says, “Jesus who died shall be glorified and heaven and earth be one.”
The gospel is also a message for all of life. There is not one part of our human existence that is not important to God. In fact, Christ fully entered into the human condition in order to redeem all of human life. Think of the doors this opens up for evangelism. No matter what area of a person’s life is open to us, we can share Christ. He is the answer and the Savior of family, work, dating, art, etc.
The Incarnation ought also to empower our worship. Christ said, “I am the living bread. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” In worship we are to be nourished by the living Christ, who is present by His Spirit with us. This is especially true of the Lord’s supper.
The reality of God with us is central to the mission activity of the church. We are commissioned by a resurrected Christ to tell others that He lives—that He is now at the right hand of the Father in heaven, that He is coming again, and that when he does He will bodily raise us from the dead. He has conquered death. If I believe in the Incarnation, then my ministry in this world must be incarnational. Others must be able to see the reality of “God with us” in my life. I need to live up to His name. Paul Kooistra

Friday Fun....little revelations...

2006-11-10T14:08:00.000-05:00

Aub--you might be the only one that looks forward to this on Fridays, so thanks!!! Marie you too!!! My 2 loyal fans!!! I thought it would be funny to put a few things I used to think were true when I was younger...only when I was older were these "myths" dispelled. Have a good weekend, nothing big planned for me--a lot of support raising!!!

When I was younger, I thought the moon and the sun were the same thing, I thought the moon just flipped over in the morning and became the sun (happens a lot on cartoons)

When I was younger, I thought the same Saul in the Old Testament was the same Saul in the NT (that was converted to Paul) Only a few thousand years separate them.

When I was younger (15) trying to learn to drive I wanted to use both feet, right foot for gas, left for brakes. Not a good idea

When I was younger, I never really believed in Santa, but definitely the Easter Bunny.

When I was younger I used to get mad when my mom sang "How Great Thou Art" in church bc I thought she was singing "How great Thou aren't and I refused to participate.

When I was younger, I thought a person's athletic jersey had their age on it. (My first YMCA basketball game was on my 8th birthday and I was #8 on my jersey--I thought there were people on our team lying about our age.)

When I was younger, I really thought I was adopted, bc my mom had red hair and my dad had black/gray hair and I had blonde. I used to tell my mom it was alright to go ahead and tell me if I was, that I did not want to know when I was 18 or 21. (yeah, she thought I was psycho)

When I was younger I thought the people inside the TV could see us on the other side so I would get really disappointed when the news anchors never waved back. My nana told me they were working and could not wave while working --so I believed that one for a long time!!!

When I was younger I thought that people could see out of their glass eyes.

Those are just a few quirky things...do you have any funny ones to share!!??

More pics...

2006-11-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

Had fun at my first Clemson game. Can't believe I have lived in Anderson for 15 years and never been to a Clemson game (maybe bc deep down I am a Carolina girl) but it was really fun to go with my friends the Wrights!!! Thanks guys! ( Too bad the Tigers lost)

Marie, Ethan and me during half-time!!

Beautiful to see fall closing in on Death Valley

All the orange balloons float away at the start of the game!

Pictures from Reformation Party

2006-11-08T01:22:00.000-05:00

Every year since I can remember, our church
has done a Reformation Party every year instead of celebrating halloween. The sanctuary is converted into the Town Square and there are 10 different booths set up for the kids to go around and play the variety of games and collect candy of course. Dressing up is still part of the festivities. When I was younger the most embarrassing costume I can recall was the year my sister Katie and I were the rainbow from Noah's flood. That's right, I was half the rainbow, she was the other half, so she was convinced that we had to stayed "glued" to each other all night. At the time it was a little annoying, but looking back it was a good idea and my only regret now is that we did not take pictures of it.

Marie as the boys #1 fan!! (War Eagle!)

My favorite game--pin the 95 theses on the door--forget pin the tail on the donkey.

Josh and Aubrey helping out---lady bug and fearless knight.

I was trying on Rob's pumpkin hat he carved---that thing was heavy.

On a side note
Election Results:
S.C. Gov--Mark Sanford (glad he defeated Sen Moore)
Lt. Gov--Still to be decided
Treasurer--Thomas Ravenel (good thing I put that sticker on my car, it would have looked stupid if he lost)
Marriage Amendment (Amendment 1) 78% said yes!