Christmas Eve and summary.

It's Christmas Eve. It has been around 4 months since our trip. I didn't finish this blog. In last week of our trip we gained another wonderful memories. UniCamp was the best experience for me personally. Not only I had chance to talk with Yumi for 2 hours about God, jump for joy in God's presence, see the place I want to be in my future ministry, but also I could feel like bird. Flying from one group to another, spending time with them even though most of the time I didn't understand any word at all. After UniCamp we stayed at Ayako's place. And we did placki ziemniaczane there!!!!!!!!! They still don't know that it was actually our first time to cook them^^ ....... But anyway they're delicious,nee?:D:P:P

We could experience typhoo. I had small adventure of walking through the streets without shoes^^ They're soaking wet^^ One old man worried about me and showed shoe shop, it was so sweet! He almost fell off his bike, just to help me! Japanese care is so touching. I had memorable meeting with Jongsub.

I'll never forget that, I was so happy to meet him again. We had more time for each other. Even though it was typhoo day.... We had awesome talk in Starbucks. Oh he's soo similar to me! We talked about our bithday dates, they're the same^^ About Polish and Korean history, about religion and many other stuff. He sung Mirotic with moves^^ and Sorry Sorry^^ it was soooooooooo sweet aaaa, when I recall it in my mind it gives refreshing and joyful feeling:)) His smile, he taking photos, aaa his handsome pics!!!!!!! Small talk in elevator and farewall....... His perfect height^^ Last hug:))) So memorable and awesome!!!! I'll never forget it and I really really want to see him again. Our meeting was God's planned miracle:)) In last week we also tried natto once again^^

We had adventurous Streetband^^ We meet with Yasutaka!!!!!!!

Oh it was a wonderful day!!! We went to the best museum I've ever been! Edo period museum, we played there as children^^ We're on Tokyo Tower^^

We ate very unique dish^^ We walked together around Shibuya and Harajuku, it was awesome to meet him again in Japan, have small Japanese lesson and just experience God's grace and faithfulness:)) Last time we met in Warsaw, second in Tokyo, GREAT nee??:D:))
We could share our thoughts and felllowship during EnglishClub (talking about New Generation, really interesting!).

We ate ramen last time with Aki.

We went to Chinese restaurant and had chance to share last words:)) Last Sunday was really touching, not only because of God speaking, but also by people's words. I miss them sooo much, it was an uncountable blessing to meet them all and learn so much from their hearts.

Also in last day I could were yukata, thanks to Sayako, Satomi n other friends:))

I was extremely happy!!! And Japanese guys liked me more:P:D:D:D This trip was absolutly a life-changing experience.
And today at Christmas Eve I can say that God opened totally new and different period in my life. After such miraculous experience He lead me to a new, hard way. It would be a long story, but today He showed me how much I've learnt since this trip. I've never grown so much in Him like I did through last 4 months. I'm getting more and more in love with Him and His word. I learn what does it mean to trust Him, to enjoy evryday life, to look for Him in every circumstances. I'm not in a time of my personal successes or in a time when everything goes perfect or the way I want it to be. I'm in a time when my love to God grows bigger and stronger, I'm in a time when He tries me and makes my character better. I'm here to learn how to depend on God wholly and totally, how to make Him number one in my life, for real and everyday. And He'll never give me more than I can take:)))
Mission trip to Japan in 2010 23thAug - 13thSept was not a spectacular fulfillment and proof of God's faithfulness. It was a beginning. Beginnig for me, beginning of loving Him with all my heart and giving Him my whole life. All for His glory:))))
Dear reader, be blessed!!!!!!!:)) Just love Him and look for Him everyday!!!!!!!:))) He's an AWESOME and GOOD GOD:))
PS sorry for mistakes in my English, hope my dear English-speaking friends will correct me:D yes Ben it's for you:P:D:)))

Best best best. Young people all around!

It was hot at night, but I got used to heat, so I slept well. Futon was comfortable too^^ We got dressed (of course:D) and went around dining room. Many people were waiting for breakfest^^ I guess because yesterday we needed to provide dinner by ourselves and hmm you can imagine how was it^^ Some ate it already at train, some took not enough and so on^^ Anyway there was wide range of tasty food. And aaaa I was soooooooo happy, because there were maaaaaaany kinds of cereals!!!!

I'm addicted to it. That time I could eat cereals all day^^ So to my delight I could create cereal-mix^^ haha
After eating we had some free time.

So we played badminton with guys, chatted and walk around chalet.

From the very begining I was extremely excited and happy. I love being around people, love talking with them, spending time etc. And I love camps! At UniCamp I had chance to join my two passions: Japan and working among young people.
Morning meeting started with a play^^ We were walking around chairs and when music was turned off we needed to find a place and immediately sit. Haha it was soo funny! Each person carefully observing seats! Guys with serious faces, everyone concetrated and great music^^ Mostly soundtracks^^ I was dancing sometimes and maybe that's why I didn't win....... Yeah I'm disappointed too... Hahaha, tanoshikatta:))
Then we had AWESOME worship time. During it I realised this is the place I want to be, this are the things I want to do, serving among young Japanese. I knew this is it! UniCamp, young people, God. I thought I was going to cry with happiness. It was my intmate experiance with God, it was deep in my heart, this feeling "I am in a place I want to stay for whole my life" I remembered I went to the bathroom that time and I just said to God (crying with joy): God thank you for showing me the place you're calling me to, thank you for showing me deep in my heart that THIS IS IT. You can imagine my happiness:)
Then Noboru had message. As far as I remember it was about our lives, our plans and do we see potential in our lives. Of course it was also about Jesus:)) Things Noboru said were also in my heart, I was soo glad to hear what he was sharing with students. This is also my passion to see young Japanese saved. Noboru also asked if there's anybody who wants to give his life to God. And we heard there were hands lifted up. He prayed, I was rejoicing in my heart. After prayer I opened my eyes and accidentaly I saw two guys (Yusuke invited them on a camp) lifting their hands (they were actually puting them down). This way I knew also accepted Jesus:))
After the message, we split into our small groups and talked about it. Yuko was our leader. I remember we had great talk, getting to know our dreams and points of view. We also had chance to share our testimonys! And it was the first time I could talk with Yumi about God. All members of our group explained and shared with her about God. I was amazed when she asked so many questions, it was awesome how honest and open she was. I was soo encouraged and happy that I had chance to talk so much about God:)) I love it! And I love Yumi's honesty:)) I could also encourage Yuko and help her in explaining some matters. It was awesome! To fellowship with Japanese:))

Ariving at Okutama Bible Chalet.

During the trip we begun to meet new people. We were also observing boys, who were going to be with us on a Camp (don't laugh! it's important:D:P) We changed trains many times, but we all had great fun:)) And girl kept taking photos:P:D In the picture above you can see (from right side) Josh, Yumi, Midori, standing one friend, whose name I don't remember(sorry!!) and Iza^^

As you can see from the very begining everybody had fun^^ Tanoshikatta!!!!:D:)) Can't understand why they're always cheerful... Maybe it's Jesus? ....:P:D Aaaaaaa just knowing Him and His grace makes me excited too^^ He's good and funny and wonderful^^ Ok, I'me cheerful now too:P:D

When we finally arrived we needed to walk a while. We had one suitcase for three of us and it was not only for camp but for another 3 days. So you can imagine how heavy it was^^ Japanese countryside is filled with mountains^^ So walking meant carring this extra heavy kaban up to the moutain, where Chalet was placed. We all were surprised, because none of guys offered us help. Even christians! We thought: yeah this is an aspect of Japanese culture that we don't like^^ None of them thought about helping us. We just decided to ask by ourselves^^ The guy was so shocked that I was even worried what he might think about us and our motivations^^ (but with time we all became friends:P) anyway, he helped and we gained another experience with Japanese culture^^

 Of course Noboru was our main leader^^

In the chalet we had meting with our host(veeery nice American men!:)) ) He welcomed us and gave some necessary information about rules and a place we were staying. Unfortunatly he said all in Japanese and nobody translated him. So we were sitting for about 20 minutes understanding nothing^^ That time it was a bit annoying for me. But I think I shouldn't be so selfish, it doesn't hurt when you wait patiently or trust everything is going to be ok:P There were 60 people on this camp and only 3 of us didn't at all understand Japanese. We could understand this situation:)) and all our Japanese friends were ready to help us:)) So no need to worry or complain:) Oh I forgot to mention I stank, because of the heat and effort to carry the suitcase^^ That time I dreamt about the shower^^
We were divided into groups and rooms, we went to our rooms... Left luggage...

 The thing girl are laying on is not an average mattress, not at all. It's futon^^ sounds proudly, nee? Japanese futon^^ ^^ ^^(yeah we're awesome, we slept on them)(feel free to congratulate us) ^^ :P:D:D:D

I took a shower (oh it was like salvation!!! haha:D) and then we had chill out time in a common room downstairs:)) Aaaaaa finally spending time with young Japanese!!!! Our age!!! Students!!!!! And so many guys!!!! (eeee it was also good,ne? hahaha:)) ) For me I was just happy having chance to observe them and exchange simple greetings:)) Haha sometimes I was feeling like we were celebrities^^ Almost nobody had courage to talk with us, but everybody wanted to^^ Funny^^ but difficult at the same time:)) We needed to take first step all the time:) With me it was fine:)) because my personality is like that. I talked with Josh, guy with an amazing heart:)) chou ureshii to meet him:)) chatted with other people.. ]Monika went earlier to bed, she was tired:)) As you can see.....

 Haha love this pic:P:D

Iza went last to bed, oh I'm sorry! Laid on futon^^ Nevertheless, new day was before us... :)))

Sunday before UniCamp!!!!!!!

Wise from past experience, we woke up to attend second service. So we weren't soo sleepy^^ Messages were, as always, great and powerful. New song - Our God is love! Kami wa aaaaaa aaaaaaaaii. Oh I loved singing and dancing with all of them. They were soo passionate in it. It was for God, they were free, free to move, express their love, give thanks, give glory to God. With soo much JOY!!!!! It was honest and powerful:)) Before trip, I made a promise with God, that I'll dance for Him during worship in Japan even though nobody would be doing it^^ But to my surprise almost everybody was dancing! It was subarashii!!!!!!!! Oh I felt soo good in it. And I must tell you, when I wanted to start worshipping, I knew immidiately who should I apologise, what should leave before God to be clean and honest before Him:)) It was awesome. I could stay purified and honest before Him:) Just experiencing His subrashii presence:))
So this Sunday you could oberve many people with kaban and suitcases. I kept asking people: are you going on UniCamp? Yes? Me too!! So excited!!! Haha, we couldn't wait to finally go on this camp. We were extremely happy having chance to spend time with young Japanese. Personally I was also ureshii, because this year I haven't been to any youth conference in Poland. I used to attend almost every conference, but this year I was collectiong money for Japan. But God had better plan for me. I wasn't at any camp in Poland, buuut I went to one in Japan!!! Amazing, nee? God has always better things for us:)) chou ureshiii:))
So after 4th service we run quickly to buy some food and then went all together to station:)) Absolutly the best was yet to come:))

Futsal!!!!!!!!!!!

We were preparing for this event in Poland... Because we needed to take sportswear!:P We met together at station and walked to the school were matches were supposed to take place. Me, Iza and Monika we had no idea what we should expect^^ For us it was like: hm it's going to be a great fun, because we haven't played for a loooong time^^ So me and Monika a bit afraid and discourage by the heat, but with fighting spirit we changed our clothes. And then went on field. Guys were first to play..

 To be honest they didn't play extremely good so we felt encouraged^^ :P:P 

Sun was too strong.... So we came out with an idea of soaking our small towels in cold water and cool our bodies with them^^ Afterwards half of my suit was wet^^ But it helped!

We were chatting with Eugene^^

Eating some snacks and soon it was our turn^^ Heat was awful!!!! But play - GREAT!!!!!!!! For the first time during our stay I could play some sports!!!! I was excited^^

Even though it was tiring...^^

During break I had chance to talk with a French guy^^ I thought he was from church, hehe^^ I explained him simply why I'm here in Tokyo. Church work, love God, love Japan. He said that he was in Warsaw for some time too. I was happy to hear that^^ Then we had around 2 more matches. My team won!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Dancing taimu^^ ^^ ^^

 Lovely players!!!

 Tanoshikatta:))

Sometimes I felt like girls are scared of me, I felt like I play too agressivly. But Sarah played similar to me:D White power!:D Hehehe, anyway it paid iff, we won!!!!!!!^^ Wonderful time, team work, running, trying to hit the ball, funny and enjoyable:))

After matches watashi to Monika no atama itai! Because of the heat.. So Satomi gave us special plaster against fever and it helped a looot! For the first time we had it^^ It was blue on one side and white on the other... When you watch dramas you can observe it^^ (it seems I'm very fascinated about this plaster...hmm..:P:P:P)

So after play we decided to go to the sento and girls went home. I waited for my Japanese friends (love them!) We went to sento, Yukorin thank you for your big heart!!!!!! She paid for me... They're too good for me. I just didn't know what to say.. Didn't know...
Sento hm..Different version of onsen:P I was a bit surprised when a man who ows this place could observe both sides, for men and women^^ But in Japan body culture is different:)) So I felt ok:))
I remember that Yukorin and girls said I'm real Japanese, I can go with them to sento, eat Japanese food and do everything they do. It was sooooooo nice to hear it, I felt extremely honoured... Moments of happiness all the time..:)) God.. God you fill every moment with joy and peace:))
Then we were with other people from futsal in italian restaurant. I ate soup and oysters. To tell you the truth after this meal for the first time I had problems with my stomach^^ Japanese food - ok, Korean food- ok, Chinese food - ok, Italian - mmm not good^^ Funny, nee?:D I think it's oysters fault..:D But the taste was ok^^ In restaurant we could seat near French guy I met and talk also with his Japanese friend. It turned out they're not from church, just christian friend invited them. I was glad to hear that, so we had nice chat together and most importantly they decided to go with us on Remix!!! Ureshii:))
After the service we went with Yuko to Ootoya!!!! And girls could try for the first time natto^^

They liked it^^ As I said, we have ugglier food in Poland:P:D

Hehe and we had fun with a dish in a box^^ 

 Usually food is on the plate... Or in a bowl... But this time.... BOX!!! Subarashii, nee?:D:D:D

It was a wonderful day.. We could encourage two boys to visit church, we played together football, I could try sento, girls tried natto... God's peace and joy around:))

Shizuoka ona day trip - continuation.

Monika and Ken were playing around like twins^^ Some jokes^^ Doing crazy things^^ I love them! So funny!!!!!! I could keep my smile all th time:)) Observing them, Satomi, Yuko, Shuhei. Heh he was amazing! Our driver! Japanese never complain.... It's unusual in Poland.. Even for christians! Polish culture has some bad customs.. Eg complaining... People do this to share their difficulties, to feel they are the same etc. But it's bad! Negative! God gace us wonderful lives! We ALWAYS have things to grateful for! Even if you don't believe in God.. You have eyes to seeyou have ears to hear you can taste you can walk you can touch you can feel... We are blessed everyday, because we can live. So I was enjoying every minute of one day trip and learning good customs from my lovely Japanese friends:))

 After eating... Our friends were discussing to which should choose... And we.... Were waiting... In the car..................

Yep. You can see the results.

Btw whenever I watch this movie I feel better^^ :P Shishyo dance... Lovely time^^

Ok, so we drove to an exclusive place.. Only for rich people... Hehehehe:D:D We took some phoootos...

Pirates of the Onsen zone:P

This was the only red one boat and it was pirates' boat:P Then we went to onsen. Mmmmmmmmm.......

Satomi and Yuko took care of us. Of course we needed to be naked.. For me and Monika it was ok. For Iza not so. Just few people. We washed ourselves.. But it's not like in the swimming pool in Poland! When you have special cabins and you just take a shower, nope! You have a row of mirrors and taps, you take special bucket, you can use shampoo, conditioner, soap which are already in this place and you become clean^^ Then you can use onsen... Mmmmm hoooot water....... Sooo relaxing........ The best fun is when you change places. Cold water, hot water, cold water, hot water. Woooow great fuuuun!!!!!!:D Tanoshikatta!!!!!!!! Masage.... And sauna^^ 92 degrees^^ Difficult to breathe, but I really like it! Really^^ Hehe we went there with Monika and then immediately submerge (or sink I don't know which word is better:P) in cold water^^ Our muscles felt it^^ It was soo relaxing and funny....... Time run so fast...

After it my body really wanted to sleep.. Hehe..

So we were coming back... We even stopped for a while, to see the view of Tokyo by night^^ Outstanding^^ But my phone didn't make good photos of it:( Kinisinaide^^ When other cars were coming up, the lights looked like angels coming^^ It was funny^^

We decide we'll visit Yokohama, see China Town and eat dinner there. I was already very tired, but very happy at the same time. Yokohama looked like the one I knew from the pictures.. I was amazed.. And thankful, I could see things I knew only from guidebooks and internet! Merciful God:) He likes to bless us! He really like it^^

China town!

I found out there, that honestly I'm not really into Chinese culture. It's too bright, colorful, so many decorations. I felt all those were kinda agressive. Too much. Japanese culture is more delicate^^ I prefer it to Chinese culture^^ But it's just my taste^^ We walked through looking for restaurant. It was late,so it wasn't easy to find good one. I hoped for ramen. But we finally found one. They ordered for us many dishes (as it should be in Chinese reastaurant:D you order many and eat all together) and we ate. It was delicious! Hehe except for one piece of meat I met in soup^^ Raw one! But still I enjoyed the meal. And they paid for us!!!!! Our lovely frieeeends:* God is soo good!!!!!! He takes care of us!!!!! He really does!!! :))

We had great talk in a car,coming back to Tokyo. We were sooo blessed to spend this day with Yuko, Satomi, Shuhei and Ken. It was the day I felt: God it's too much, too much happiness at once. I didn't deserve it and I will never deserve His blessings:)) It's grace!!!!!

:))))))))))))))))))))))

Shizuoka!!!!!!!!! One day trip. :)

We met at Mizonoguchi. They lent a car, we pop into convenie, they bought some snacks and our journey begun... Satomi shared snacks... We laughed, talked but quickly calmed.... Satomi went to sleep..

Iza too... Yuko typing messages... Ken chatting, Shuhei driving.. We ride... And me? This time I felt it's too much for me. Too much happiness. I felt I don't deserve it at all, it's too much. View from car was outstanding... It took my breath... I was looking through the window with delighted face and dreamy smile... Taking photos..

Constantly worshipping God... For beautiful Japan, for giving me opportunity to experience it... Green.. Nature.. Sun... Mountains... I praised Him naturally.. It was pure undeserved happiness. God in the car. God outside. God in the view and next to me. God. I love Him.

Sea taimu!!!!!!!!!

View? Breathtaking. Feelings? Joy, excitement, happiness. Just.. Kamisama arigatou..

We were supposed to see Mt.Fuji, but it was too cloudy. In this way we have another reasone to visit Japan again. See Fuji!!!!!!
We went to another place, to eat lunch.

 

 Yukorin looks beautiful here, nee? Artisitc photo.. Hehehe^^

We sat, ordered, and Satomi, Yuko and Monika gained interest in children behind us. Observe results^^

 The girl behind is a sister of a baby, and their mother is showing her back:D

PS Monika I envy you!!!!!

Anyway.. Kodomo daisuki!!!!!! That time I was cutely screaming and behaving a bit silly just because I saw children... Nihonno kodomo^^ 

And then we had our delicious dishes!!!!!!!!! Sashimi daisuki! I like it even more then sushi^^ This one was awesome^^ 

It looks and it tastes chou oishii!!!!:))

To be continued...

"The first person you need to lead is yourself."

Big Wed!!! Leadership series started:)) Be leaders all the time in every relationships you have, Be the person who initiate. Don't follow the crowd! Have followers! Be example! Of God:) All the time:))
SUSHI TAIMU!!!!!!!!!!
Mmmmmm, fresh fish, so crispy, sushi daisukidayo!!!!!!!!!

We hesitated with Monika: should we take another plate.. We might not have enough money in the end etc...
But God is merciful! Kana!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doumo arigatou!!!!!!!!! She paid for us:))

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)))!!!!!!!

TUTORIAL: How to make okonomiyaki?

First steo:
You take Saki or any other wonderful Japanese friends to okonomiyaki restaurant.

Second:
She helps you order. Or you pretend you know kanji and this shrimpsomethingseafoodetc stuff and you order.
Third:
You wait and TAKE PHOTOS! There is no okonomiyaki without photos....
Fourth:
You receive bowl with shrimpsomethingseafoodetc stuff.............. (don't cry, you have Saki,remember) You make photos(it's very important as I said before). Then you look at Saki. <cute, teary eyes> Then she feels sorry for you... She explains and you (it's diffciult) MIX ingredients.

Fifth: (you are pretty far^^ you can congratulate yourself, but ONCE!):
You don't know how, but this black something in the middle of the table is warm. Then Saki tells you to put everything from your precious bowl on this black area. You have mixed feelings, but you're determinate, you leave it.

Sixth:
(ok it's also difficult,are you ready?) You left shrimpsomethingseafoodetc stuff on the black area, but there is one more thing you need to do now. Flatten it with gentle moves... Like stroking the cat (or dog if you are dog person)..

 Ok.
Seventh:
You wait. You can TAKE PHOTOS.

Eighth:
This one is easy. You just change sides of your okonomiyaki pancake. Using special shoulder - łopatka. Pancake is really heavy, you need to do it quickly, it fells apart very easily and you can't burn yourself, buuuut as I said, it's very easy. <irony>
Nineth:
(In the meantime Saki described for you all weird souces standing on the table) and now she says: YOU CAN EAT. Because your plate is not so huge, you can divide your okonomiyaki and eat first half of it.
BUUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!!!!
Tenth:
Decorate your pancake. If you won't do this... It's worse than taking ONLY 100000 photos in one restaurant...(yeah I know horrible). So please decorate it with sauces and other somthingfishy stuff Saki showed you before.

Ok! Now you can finally eat.....
Oh! And don't forget! TAKE PHOTOS.