Life is different, living in a big city. We are used to suburban living: having a little space between neighbors, having our car parked right outside our dwelling, driving a few minutes away to buy groceries. Now, we look out the window of our second floor apartment and see other second story apartments, clothes hanging out on balconies a few feet away, electrical lines at eye level, and of course the neighborhood cats perched on top of fences and even roofs. Our car is parked a twenty minute walk away, so we don’t use it much. But I can walk to a grocery store or pharmacy within five minutes.

Another difference is the sheer number of people in the space of one city block. You can’t walk five paces before running into someone. I noticed, too, that people in the city are less likely to look you in the eye or acknowledge your existence. I was almost shocked when I visited Kikuyo (the suburb where we used to live). A little girl was walking past on her way to school, and she looked at me and said, “Ohayo gozaimasu!” (good morning). Her parents were some distance away, yet they greeted me without encouragement, as well. So friendly!

We have a small window of time in which to decide whether to continue renting or find a place to buy. We looked at a property to buy last week and are waiting to hear from the owners if they will accept our price. If they accept, we’re in for some major remodeling on this “fixer-upper.” Our entire family is praying that God would clearly lead us in this venture. Would you join us?

We have been in Japan for about two days now, and are still waking up around 5:30 a.m. (which would be 2:30 p.m. EDT). Our days seem very long! Our brains are mush today.

Norman has been running around meeting with realtors, old friends who know people who are selling land or have apartments for rent, and doing errands. He is exhausted.

The kids and I hang out around home more since we have no car. But since we live in downtown Kumamoto, we can walk for groceries, shopping, or just to get out. And after being confined with three hopping, energetic kids in a small apartment, those walks are mandatory! Whew! I’m looking forward to our co-worker watching them tomorrow for most of the day. It’s time for me to find a laundromat and some sanity. (I never noticed how loud one child can be. We live on the 2nd floor, and I’m afraid we stomp, laugh, and drop heavy objects way too much for anyone living below us.)

Norman is looking at a rental house tonight. Also, he is in contact with a man who has land to sell. So many things are up in the air for now, but we know that God has it all figured out already. We just have to wait for His timing and keep on following Him.

We are now back in Japan! We were concerned when a stomach bug started passing through our family just days before our departure date. As it turned out, we had all recovered in time to fly overseas. Unfortunately, only two of us made it to my brother’s wedding. I am very glad that one of them was me!

So, we endured the 15 hour flight to Hong Kong, spent the night in a Chinese hotel, flew the 3 hours to Japan, caught a ride to Kumamoto with our co-worker Sue, and got . . . home?

We found a temporary one bedroom apartment in downtown Kumamoto. You can not even imagine trying to lug even one suitcase through the tiny alleyway, up a flight of steps, down a crowded street that barely allows a car and a pedestrian to pass at the same time. The nearest parking spot is 150 yards from the apartment. Sue and Keiko kindly brought up heavy futons, bedding, a bunch of foodstuffs, etc.through the challenging maze in preparation for us being here.

Needless to say, we are on the lookout for another place. Norman spoke to two realtors today putting in our requests. Pray that God would direct us to where He wants us to be.

Thank you for your prayers! We are very glad to be back here and are eager to see what God will do this year.