One Year
While we experienced our first snowfall in Japan in February (not much stuck), the weather has recently started to get warmer. Spring is drawing near, the ume (plum) blossoms are out, and the sakura (cherry) blossoms are just around the corner! We find ourselves saying this often, but we cannot believe that this month we have now been in Japan for one year! So much has happened, many ups and downs, but through it all, God's blessings remain. His promises hold true. And it's wonderful to see God at work in Japan, to see the seeds of the Gospel being sown, and to see Japanese believers worshiping the Lord!
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20
Our sweet baby Elijah is now almost 4 months old as well! He is very vocal and will let you know when he wants something! Mason and Kaili have been a big help with taking care of Elijah too, from helping to push his stroller to helping him keep his pacifier. We are so thankful for the blessings of our children that God has given and entrusted to us.
Praise:
Praise God for starts to ministy! Malia is helping teach an English class for adults, and will lead a new parent/child "Big Little" English circle time that will start next month. Jeff is helping with set-up/tech on Sunday mornings, and beginning to meet with other men at Denen.
Praise God for a great time celebrating Kaili's 7th birthday! She is such a blessing to our family and we know God has big plans for her!
Praise God that Malia has been doing really well in her first Japanese class! Jeff has also gotten back into the rhythm of language learning with restarting his Japanese class.
Praise God that our visa extensions were approved, and for 3 more years! Our initial visa was only for 1 year.
Prayer:
Please pray for the ministries ahead this year, that they would bring God all the glory.
Please pray for Mason and Kaili, as they will be going to a 3-night camp (without Jeff or Malia) with their school during spring break. Mason and Kaili are really looking forward to it!
Please pray for our colleagues, the Chang family. They are moving to a different area of Tokyo so will be leaving the Cross Project. They have been a huge blessing to our family and we will miss them, but we also know God will bless them and use them in wonderful ways in their new area! Especially with transition, please pray for unity for our Cross Project team.
Happy Birthday Kaili!
Birthday cake for Kaili! // Someone here isn't as happy // Family trip to nearby Enoshima
Kaili with birthday presents // Elijah happily playing // Laughing up a storm!
Mason playing soccer // Kaili running down the ball
We would love to hear from you, whether it be to share your prayer requests or to simply catch up. Please know that we think of you and pray for you often.
Thanks and blessings,
The Walkers
Jeff, Malia, Mason, Kaili, and Elijah