Scissors a la Dameon

Tonight I did one of the most bizarrely stupid things I've ever done. I had picked up a pair of scissors at the store because I don't have any, and I figure I might need scissors in Japan (rational line of thought, right?). They were really cheap, so I wasn't expecting them to be of very high quality. Imagine my surprise when I took them out of the package and cut at the air with them and found that they were very nice scissors. I cut at the air and said, "Hey! These are sharp!" At approximately that moment I felt a sting and realized that I had cut my thumb! I chopped off the very tip of my thumb!!!!!! Thankfully it was mostly nail and only the top couple of layers of skin. No permanent damage! :) What kind of person cuts their own thumb with scissors?! I don't know, but my sister, who was sitting in the room with me, was freaking out because she saw it happen but didn't see how much damage I had done, and I was holding my thumb and screaming over and over because I was afraid I'd taken off like, half an inch. Good times in the White house. :)
Then not five minutes later I was actually cutting something with the aforementioned scissors, and the handles pinched my finger on the other hand and gave me a blood blister. At that point I put the scissors away. They are not going to Japan with me.
If any of my Bible major friends would like to exorcise this demon, please contact my family.
ps- I had to ask my mom how to spell "scissors." English is so messed up. :)

A re-enactment. Do not try this at home. :)
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Uprooting and the Amazing Race

Today as we were driving to visit my grandparents, I started thinking about the fact that they have pretty much lived in the same place their entire lives. They know who lives in every house, the three people who lived there before them, what job their dad did and why the black sheep of the family was outcast. This fascinates me, mainly because I don't know if I'll ever be anywhere long enough to sink my roots in that far. It's so tempting... to stay with everything familiar and live life where you can speak the language and understand how everything works. I think that is a great plan and probably what God intends for the majority of people, but I'm really feeling called elsewhere. Who knows, now that I say all of this that soccer mom comment I made in my last post will probably come true. :) Yeah well, we'll see...
Since you'd probably like to hear about other things rather than just "how Ann feels about moving to Japan", I will offer you this. I formally renounce my support of Collin and Christie on the Amazing Race. After Collin's repeated displays of rage and psychoticism. I think I'm going to have to go with Chip and Kim for the long haul. I'm just not feeling the Bowling Moms, the "Christian models" and twins are really irritating. I can't wait to see who has to shave their hair off. I hope the models. :) I'm going to get my mom to tape the remaining shows for me and send them to me. I love this show. I would LOVE to compete on it one day. I may not do very well, but boy I'd have fun doing it. Just think-- even if you get eliminated in the first round you still get to go somewhere really cool. I hope they come to Japan while I'm there. I'd totally help them out so I could get on TV. And I'd try to meet the host, Phil! He seems super-nice.

Fast Forward

The past two months have felt like suspended animation-- I have been in limbo while I waited for paperwork. That's not a great feeling. Now suddenly everything is going like it should have two months ago, except it feels 10 times faster, so I've gone from living life on pause to living in fast forward. I kind of like it, though. For a while I've been feeling apprehensive about this whole Japan thing, but when I saw the FedEx on the porch the first emotion that ran through me was excitement, not apprehension. That makes me think that my primary emotion towards this whole thing is positive rather than negative, which is a relief.
Now I'm trying to think about logistical issues: organizing stuff for my mom to ship to me (books and cold weather clothes), finishing up writing those thank you notes for various things, cleaning my room, making final selections for what goes into the suitcase and what stays here, figuring out when I need to sleep on the plane if I want to avoid jet lag, misc misc.
But I'm excited. I can't wait to have all of these adventures. One day I am going to be the cool soccer mom who speaks several languages and has all kinds of exotic trinkets in her house. :)

On my way...

My visa arrived. My plane ticket's bought. Friday I am going to Japan.

10 Things About Brazil

In the spirit of the Olympics and globalization and all things cultural, your favorite sensei is once again here to broaden your mind and education with what I will call:

10 Things You Should Know About Brazil

1. Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish.
2. Brazilians are possibly the warmest and most hospitable people in the world.
3. Brazil is huge! It is over half of South America.
4. Brazil is the only country to win the World Cup championship 5 times. Penta!
5. There is more to Brazilian culture than Carnival-- they have distinctive martial arts (capoeira), festivals (Festa Juninha), dancing (samba), music (bossa nova) and food.
6. Brazil is actually home to the true father of flight.
7. Brazil is home to the largest population of Japanese living outside of Japan.
8. Brazil is not one big rain forest with natives running around in loin cloths throwing spears. Most of its population is very urban and advanced.
9. Brazilians do not call their country "Brasilia." Brasilia is actually the name of the capitol city. They reference their country as "Brasil."
10. There are amazing things to see in Brazil, from Foz do Iguacu (a park with over 300 waterfalls in one place) to amazing beaches to rainforest to modern cities.

Foz do Iguacu
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Postscript

I wrote this post in 2004 based on three summers I spent in Brazil. In 2006 I moved to the city of Itu for six months. It was one of the best experiences of my life and the country of Brazil is very dear to my heart!

That said, there are so many other things I'd say about Brazil now, 5 years later. It seems silly to sum up this beautiful, diverse, complex country in 10 points. But congratulations to Rio. I look forward to seeing que delicia the 2016 olympics will be! Deus e Brasileiro, ne? ;)

Below- proof of my love for Brazil. I almost got suffocated by a huge Brazilian flag at a national volleyball game in Brasilia. :)

Hiatus Over

Sorry for the blogging hiatus. I've been kind of busy. Since I haven't updated in a while, this will be a somewhat scatterbrained post.
First of all, I went to Houston and came back to apply for my Visa at the Consulate General of Japan. That was a funny experience. It first required my maneuvering my way through downtown Houston (which is really cool, by the way), then maneuvering my way through the Wells Fargo building downtown. It was a pretty bizarre building. You had to go up to the 36th floor on the elevator to go back down to the 23rd floor. But I figured it out. I did embarrass myself thoroughly once at the office, though. I couldn't get the door open, then I saw a doorbell to the side and thought maybe for security reasons you had to be rung in or something. So I rang the bell and then the Japanese military guy inside was yelling at me that you just have to pull open the door. I was trying to push, I guess. But I got all of that taken care of, and they said it should be mailed to me Monday or Tuesday. So Lord willing I will get it before Friday, which is when I think I'm going to leave.
Houston was fun. I spent the rest of Thursday and Friday morning/afternoon with my dear friends Jessica and David. Jess was my lifesaver in T-town and really made this place bearable. I love her so much and miss her dearly, but I know she and her hubby are doing great things down in Houston.
I had a genius idea. Some web master mind should write a program that combines mapquest.com and weather.com so you can enter in your departure time and find out what the weather will be like along your route. If someone else wants to take this idea and get rich off of it, go for it. I would appreciate the service.
I love watching the Olympics. It's really cool that they can get all the best bodies in the world and have them scantily clad in one place. :) That's just a joke... kind of. I think that overall swimming has the best looking people. If I were suddenly going to be given the ability to perform at Olympic level in any event, I would choose long distance running. It seems so therapeutic. I've always loved running, but the past year or so my health has really put a kink in my exercising ability.
I also love watching the Amazing Race. I am so glad that the Mirna and Schmirna were eliminated this week. Charla always claimed that she was racing to show the world that little people can do anything big people can do, but I think that she instead played off of her small personness to get sympathy and special favors. Oh well. I personally am rooting for Collin and Christie and Chip and Kim. Go teams!
I got my hair cut today, and it actually looks different than before. Shorter and sassier. :) I love it.
I am still a plethora of emotions. I keep thinking about all of the people and places and things I'm going to miss. I just need to suck it up and be brave.

Jess and David

Japan Update!

Just to let everybody know, my paperwork for Japan arrived in the mail today! Tomorrow (Lord willing) I will go to Houston to apply for my Visa, then next week I'm up up and away (again Lord willing)!

My secure state of denial is slipping away. :)

What is this thing called a sojochick?

I realize that my screen name is probably not self-explanatory, and I've heard some erroneous assumptions about it's origins in the past, so I thought maybe I should take the time to explain where I got my handle.
First is "sojo". Sojo is not a Spanish word, as one of my friends once pronounced it "soho," which I thought was a funny and logical assumption. Nope, instead sojo is short for sojourner. A sojourner is a traveler or temporary resident. I figure that was a good self-description on both superficial and deep levels. I like to travel, and so far in my life I've just been a temporary resident wherever I am, and ultimately we're all just temporary residents of this world.
Then "chick." I just like the word chick. I think it's cute. But I don't suggest anyone out there calls me a chick. I like it more as a self-description than a nickname or term of endearment.
So there ya go. I'm just a little sojochick, trying to make my way through this world. :)

A Grateful Heart

O Thou who has given us so much, mercifully grant us one thing more- a grateful heart. --George Herbert

I could not end this day without sharing and giving thanks for the blessings the Lord has given me today: a good medical report for a friend, a reminder of good times in a country I love, a message in a blog written for someone else, but was exactly what I needed to hear, and a movie night with my family.

Jehovah-jireh- God provides.

Cyrus Manning on Worship

An example of why I love Leaving Ruin, a novel by Jeff Berryman (although I cannot vouch for the grammar).

Exposition: Cyrus Manning, a preacher at a small town Christian church, is on the verge of getting fired and is explaining why some of what he believes makes people nervous.

And there’s other stuff, worship “issues”-- issues is a word that raises the ridiculous to a serious level of debate-- but I can’t get too worked up over this one. I like the old gospel hymns and the new praise songs, and again, I don’t care really cause I figure God likes music and variety, and praise is in the heart, and Jesus can change channels when he gets bored with one style or another. Worship styles 101. In spirit and in truth, and walk humbly, and I want justice and mercy rather than sacrifice, and maybe Evangelicals and Mystics and Charismatics and the High Liturgicals should just trade places once a month. I look at the entrails of my body, and the ecosystems of the planet, and I get diversity, but I also get truth, and the great evidence of God’s presence, and if he’d wanted to cross the t’s and dot the i’s he could’ve and would’ve, and on and on I go, just talking, talking, and a person starts to get the picture after a while.
I get in trouble all the time.

Don’t be surprised if more quotes from this novel pop up on my blog.

Good times with packing up my life

Since my departure date for Japan is nearing, I decided to get on the ball and begin to pack. I was doing really well, I thought. As you can see, I have one bag pretty full already and mentally I had alloted room to all of my remaining clothing and personal items in my other check-in and carry-on bag and was satisfied that I had just enough room for everything. Then I noticed something was missing. Something substancial. My underwear. Yes, that's right, as of right now I have no where to put the underwear. :) I guess that means some more re-arranging and shifting and gleaning will be taking place in my future. The time has come to separate the grain from the chaff, the sheep from the goats, the necessities from the luxury items. Wish me luck! If anyone has any packing tips, please share! :)



Most of my Japan wardrobe will go in this bag.

There is no emoticon to describe how I feel...

I've heard it said that emotions rarely come only one at a time, and now more than ever I'm feeling the truth of that.

I feel:
excited at the prospect of meeting new people and entering a new world of experiences
sad at the thought of putting so much physical distance between those I love and me
grateful to be given this opportunity and such a wonderful job that will give me a lot of material things that many people in the world don't have
nervous about jumping into a world I know nothing about in a language I don't speak
blessed that God would trust me with an opportunity so large
unsure about the future or the direction my life will take now
overwhelmed by the bigness of this all
confidant that the Lord has brought me this far and will continue to provide

So if my blogs are erratic, my emails seem scattered, or I just appear to be dazed and confused when you see me, this may be why. Please keep me in your prayers.

Clearance

Oh yes, I should tell everyone that the Japanese government has officially (finally) cleared me to enter into and work in their fine country. My paperwork is in the mail and my expected departure date is between August 24 and 28. It's all becoming reality.

Quote of the Moment

"If you don't like saying goodbyes to people, you are in the wrong business." --TB

Yes, this is true, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.

Johnson Family Reunion

Today I went to my first family reunion. Those who know me are probably thinking, what? She's not a Johnson! That's very true. In fact I am only 1/16 Johnson, which made me part of the fringe at the reunion, but it was still fun. Before you write your own jokes about an Arkansas family reunion, let me just tell you a funny conversation that happened.
As my sister and I were in line to eat, I was like, "Now Molly, you can't flirt with any of the guys here; they're your kin!" (I say words like "kin" when I'm around those parts) Just as I said that, a drop dead gorgeous guy entered the room. Molly and I both looked at each other and I was like, "Well... ya' know this is an Arkansas family reunion, after all." :) No worries, people. We did not flirt with our 6th or whatever cousin, the hottie. We figured that might get us uninvited to any more future family reunions. My personal policy is that you probably shouldn't marry anyone who you can connect yourself to on a family tree.
People of Arkansas, please be not offended. I am one of you, too, and I mean this all only in good fun. :)

My sister, grandparents and me

A technical misnomer

Today I noticed something while I was cleaning out our "recycle bin" on our computer. Why is it called a recycle bin? First of all, shouldn't it be a "recycling bin"? Second of all, isn't it really just a trash can? You're not really looking to re-use the stuff you delete, are you? No, you're trashing it. Deleting it forever. Putting it in the preterite, as Doctora Miller would say. Maybe one of you smart folks out there knows why it's called a "recycle bin" rather than a trash can.
Thus ends this random rant.

Don't look at me in that tone of voice!

Today Dr. Phil said that only 7% of communication is verbal; 93% is non-verbal. What does this say for things like email and instant messaging? I love email; I have several friends with whom the vast majority of our communication is through email. I have one dear friend who I communicate with exclusively through instant messanger, and we've been doing that for the past 6 years. However, I do believe that with some relationships, instant messaging/emailing can be from the devil. Miscommunications thrive in those media. Unfortunately, I'm entering a lifestyle through with non-verbal communication is going to be my only way to stay in touch with most people. I figure if you have a true connection with people built on solid foundations, you can communicate through things like email and IM. I'm hoping so, at least. :)

My Encounter with the Honduran Mafia

The following is a segment from the epic email I am writing of my adventures in Honduras. I call this, "My Encounter with the Honduran Mafia." Enjoy!

We finished our lunch and made a game plan for finding a hotel. We thought that it would be best if we decided upfront to visit at least 3 hotels and decide where to stay after looking at all of them. We picked some out of the holy handbook that met our standards (private room for four and bathroom) and we were off. We started trekking down the street and suddenly there was a woman standing in front of a very nice hotel calling to us. We walked over to speak with her, then suddenly she switched from speaking in Spanish to speaking in English. We realized that she must be the Dutch owner of a hotel there in Omoa, which we had seen mentioned in our book. She was very kind and was very eager to show us her hotel. However, she shared a lot of information that was quite disconcerting. She began her speech:

Yes, you should stay here with me. I have very nice rooms that you can come up and look at. But, you cannot tell people that you are staying in my hotel. You need to tell everyone that you are my friends and you are staying here with me for free. But you will not stay for free, you will pay. You see, it 's all Roli (the Swiss owner of another hotel in town). Roli is working with the Honduran mafia, and he wants to buy my house because it is on the beach, so he had the Honduran government take my husband's hotel license away, so right now we do not have a license. Please don't tell Roli that you are my customers. Just tell him you are my friends.

Now, let me just tell you some of the key things going through my mind at this point. First of all, do I want to get involved with anything having to do with the Honduran mafia? Second of all, do I really want to tell an active member of the Honduran mafia that I am friends with one of their enemies? Third of all, am I going to be arrested and thrown in a Honduran prison for aiding and abetting someone looking to run an illegal motel?
At this point, I truly thought that I was the only member of my little foursome that saw anything wrong with this. Amber piped in and said, "Well can we go see the room?" Pia (the hotel owner woman) had taken us up the balcony of her hotel and left us out there while she went inside to open the door. While we were waiting, we heard a voice with another thick (Swiss) accent yelling from behind, "Hey!" We all turned around, and as we did we saw a European looking man on a bicycle taking our picture. Roli. He shouted, "I take your picture because she is keeping you illegally!" Then he rode off on his bicycle. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
At about that time Pia came back to the door and let us in. She showed us the rooms, that were really exceptionally nice. Amber told her that we liked what we saw, but we wanted to look around first. Alarmed that we were going to check out Roli's Place, Pia quickly dropped her price. We assured her that it wasn't the price and that we weren't going to go snitch to Roli; we just wanted to look around. She believed us, and wished us well on our journey in case she didn't see us again. As we walked off the grounds, my eyes wide as saucers, I was like, "Guys, I do not want to stay there. I will not wakeup with a horse-head in my bed." Thankfully, the rest of my group had the same idea and we quickly went off to find another hotel.

27 Years Today

That's right-- in the year of our Lord, 1977, in Prescott, Arkansas, the people who were to become my mother and father entered into holy matrimony. So here's a salute to my parents, who through their relationship have done the world much good-- especially by bringing me into it. ;) Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!

Because sometimes you need reminding...

Tips for Conflict Resolution

courtesy of Dr. Mike Landon

Remember the power of words--

• The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. --Proverbs 15:4
• A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. -- Proverbs 17:27
• When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. -- James 3: 3-12
• Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!" -- Proverbs 26:18-19

Conflict is not innately bad; the response determines whether it's sinful or not.

• Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. -- Ephesians 4:25-27

Construct a BCF (behavior, consequence, feelings) statement. The behavior should state what the other person did to make you angry. In the consequence include it's ramifications on you or other people. And obviously, in the feelings portion state how it made you feel.

• When describing behavior, describe it in such a way that they cannot deny they did it (avoiding always, never, all)
• Describe what they did, not what you think they meant.
• Do not include a solution to the problem.
• Focus on talking about the problem
• Control the voice level
• Listen to what the other person is saying.

Remember forgiveness-- it is the art of re-interpreting the past.

• Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. --Colossians 3:12-14

Blogging from the other White House

CIA Asks Bush to Discontinue Blog

A view of Dubya's blog.

:) I heart The Onion.

Sayonara Ann!

Tonight was a "Sayonara Ann" party that the ladies at church hosted for me. It was a wonderful time with good visits and good food. I appreciate so much the effort that they went to to try to find Asian/Japanese themed decorations to set the mood! Domo arigato to everyone who helped!

Richly Dwelling

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:1-17

A Successful Hunt

In olden days, men proved their masculinity through killing wild beasts to feed the family. Today in a similar ritual, women prove their skill through finding cute things for low prices. Today I had one of my most successful "hunts" ever.
First, I found the purse. Some of you know that I have a major thing for cute purses. I had spied this purse at the JC Penney at Quail Springs Mall in Edmond, Oklahoma several months ago. I fell in love with it then, but wanted to hold out to see if I could find a better sale. Here in Texarkana they had the black and fuscia versions of it, but I really liked the green and was holding out for it. Then today, low and behold, they had a green one in stock. The only one in the store and it's mine all mine now.
Originally: $20.oo. Ann's Price: $9.51. Woo hoo!
Then the necklace. for my junior prom I bought a beautiful black beaded necklace that I adored and wore many times after that. However, sadly, last year it broke and fell all to pieces. Since then I have been looking for a replacement. Then today I found it sitting there waiting for me.
Originally: $12.50. Ann's Price: $6.37.
I am very happy to have found these wonderful items I have searched so long for and very proud that I got them at such a bargain! Thank you JC Penneys! (I told you I'd miss their sales!)

Very Random

Since I have nothing clever to blog about, I hope this will suffice.

1: Grab the book nearest to you. turn to page 18, find line 4. write down here what it says: "...it is important to be humble and courteous while in Japan."
2: Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. what do you touch first?: the desk
3: What is the last thing you watched on TV?: America's Funniest Home Videos... I love that show!
4: WITHOUT LOOKING, guess what the time is: 12:40am
5: Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?: 12:37am. boy I'm good.
6: With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?: the fan
7: When did you last step outside? What were you doing?: about 10:00pm, coming home from my grandad's house
8: Before you came to this website, what did you look at?: http://wvs.topleftpixel.com/
9: What are you wearing?: khaki shorts and my pastel striped shirt
10: Did you dream last night? What about?: I think I dreamt about going to a Stephenville High School band reunion, except we were all expected to still be able to play our instruments
11: When did you last laugh? Why?: America's Funniest Home Videos! The clip that won was hilarious.
12: What is on the walls of the room you are in?: flowery wall paper
13: Seen anything weird lately?: I saw gas for $1.56 in Hope, Arkansas!
14: What do you think of this quiz?: blog filler
15: What is the last film you saw?: film? Well I'm halfway through "The Two Towers", which I am loving!
16: If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?: charity first, then pay off school loans
17: Tell me something about you that I don't know: I have posters of Jeff Gordon and The Rock hanging in my closet
18: If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?: provide basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, affection) for everyone.
19: Do you like to dance?: actually, yes
20: George Bush: is he a power-crazy nutcase or some one who is finally doing something that has needed to be done for years?: I plead the fifth. They're probably monitoring my blog.
21: Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?: These questions are silly, but some names I like are Morgan, Faith, Grace, Joy, Maria and Abigail.
22: Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?: Morgan, Joshua, Jonathan, David... I like Bible names. I also like names that can go easily from one language to another, but I guess that all depends on what languages you're talking about.
23: Would you ever consider living abroad?: Yep! :)

Sensei desu!

 Time for a Japanese lesson from your favorite sensei.  I'm not trying to brag, but although my knowledge of Japanese may not be as large as I'd like, I do know quite a variety of words.  So for your benefit and information, here is the majority of the Japanese that I know.

• Watashi wa _____ des.  This means "I am ____."  Such as, watashi wa Ann des.  I am Ann!  I will show you another way to use this phrase later.
• Umaletah.  This is the verb for "to give birth."  I learned this thanks to my dear ex-roommate whose sister was pregnant in Japan.  This was the key word her family would use if she had her baby and Tomoko was not at home.  I used to think it meant baby-- but not so!
• Hen.  This means "weird".  (It also means "behold" in Hebrew!  Ben and I would say, "behold the weird hen" to help us remember!)  So now you can say, "I am weird" in Japanese.  Watashi wa hen des.
• Ringo.  This means "apple."  But "r"s are pronounced kind of like "l"s, so it almost sounds like lingo.
• Shiro.  This means white, which is a very important word for me.  So my name is kind of "Shiro Ann", which happens to be the same name as a popular food dish in Japan, so I'm told.  That should entertain the Japanese for about 2 minutes.
• Atama.  This is head.  It's the first word in my little hiragana teaching book, so I've read it about a million times. 
• In case this extensive list of useful vocabulary fails you when you're in Japan, you can always use the handy, wakarimasen.  This means, "I don't understand." 

There you go.  Sensei Ann-san has done her best to teach you all she knows. 

If anyone else out there knows any more useful vocab they'd like to share, please post a comment! 

PS-  I'd like to thank Tomoko, Ben, and Jimi's Book of Japanese for teaching me the words I've mentioned here. 

Singing Night

Tonight was singing night at church.  I will admit that I was not enthused when I first heard this, because oftentimes singing night entails people fighting tooth and nail to get their very favorite song in the whole wide world sung.  People wave their hands inthe air frantically and numbers are shout out from every corner of the auditorium.  Requested song singing nights bring out the worst in a lot of folks!  And I don't think it's just like that here-- I've seen it at many places and in different countries-- so this is definitely not a localized occurance.
But instead, tonight different men just got up and led their favorite songs.  I think it's telling to hear people request a song, because it usually means that it has some kind of special meaning or signifigance to them.  One song that has special meaning to me is "I Am A Sheep" by Dennis Jernigan.  The 23rd Psalm has a special place in my heart; I love the message of God as our shepherd watching over us, guiding us, protecting us, and providing for us.  

What songs have special meanings to you guys?
 
I am a sheep and the Lord is my Shepherd watching over my soul
My soul to keep guarding over me ever, watching wherever I go
And when the winds blow He is my shelter
When I'm lost and alone He rescues me
When the lion comes He is my victory
Constantly watching over me

One more thing!

How could I forget my baby? Of course I'm going to miss my truck while I'm in Japan!!! 

Mental Preparation

Some of the things I'll miss in Japan: 

1. My family and friends
2. KLOVE on the radio
3. The Amazing Race
4. Duncan Hines chocolate chip cookie mix
5. English
6. Beef
7. The Simpsons
8. Central heat and air
9. Biosilk hair products (the silk therapy leave on conditioner is to die for)
10. JC Penney sales and the associate discount

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Today was a good day. My dad and I went to Kirby, Arkansas to visit my grandparents and other extended family all day, which resulted in many good visits and much good food. Then tonight was my dad's grand finale as a church league softball coach. Let me tell ya-- church league softball ain't for the faint of heart. :) I would love to play on a team one day, but that would require me to stay in the country long enough to commit to a full season, and it doesn't look like that'll happen anytime soon!  What a nice summer day.  

"What Christian Theologian Are You?"

"We reject the false doctrine that the church could have permission to hand over the form of its message and of its order to whatever it itself might wish or to the vicissitudes of the prevailing ideological and political convictions of the day."

You are Karl Barth! You like your freedom, and are pretty stubborn against authority! You don't care much for other people's opinions either. You can come up with your own fun, and often enough you have too much fun. You are pretty popular because you let people have their way, even when you have things figured out better than them.

What theologian are you?

 

Okay, now everyone has to take this quiz and post which theologian they are! 

Amen, Brother!

Ah, Sunday.  Such an interesting day of the week-- especially here in T-town.  The church here began a new college class today.  It was interesting, and I'm sure it will prove to be an educational experience for all involved.  That's a diplomatic and optimistic way of putting things, I think. :)  Let's just say that I had to go quoting some sermon on the mount.  One of my friends once inspired me to try and memorize the entire sermon on the mount, just in case one day I'm ever thrown into a Chinese prison and not allowed to have a Bible. ;) 
But what really touched me today was a prayer that one of the newer members led.  His family placed membership while I was in another country, I believe, so I haven't really gotten the chance to know him.  As he began, one of the first things he prayed for was protection for our troops overseas.  I'm all for praying for the troops, but it makes me sad when people stop there.  I think it is very important to pray for the innocent victims of war, as well.  So I anxiously waited to see if anything would follow this brother's comment on the troops, and I was pleasantly surprised!  He added, "And Lord, you teach us to pray for our enemies, so I want to pray that those people who want to do us harm.  Maybe this fighting will end and we can all get along."  That did my heart a lot of good.  I very much needed to hear that at that point this morning. 
Sometimes I think Christians don't take Jesus seriously enough.  One of the major points mentioned in Mere Discipleship is that Christians today oftentimes don't think Jesus really means what He says-- that His ways are not applicable to reality.  That is tragic and all too typical.  But I am encouraged to know and see that there are some who keep the ideal in mind and aren't satisfied with settling for less. 

Father-Daughter Bonding

Tonight began an event that will probably change my family forever: we began watching Shogun. Ever since I began having anything to do with Japan-- roommates or a future career or whatever-- my father has been pressing me to see this movie. Well, I shouldn't call it a movie. It is a 10 hour epic event. For those of you born before this was made, this is a mini-series staring Richard Chamberlain which was made in 1980. My dad even went so far as to buy the entire 5 DVD set so that I could be sure to have this experience before I went to Japan. So far, so good. I think this will really help my Japanese. Hey-- after a 10 hour movie I think I could have the langauge down pretty well! :) Anybody else out there seen it and would like to comment on it? 

Summer Reading

Uncommited, over-ambitious, and unfocused aren’t words I’d usually allow anyone to use in description of me-- except when it comes to my reading habits. As mentioned in my 100 things list, I have a very bad habit of reading more than one book at a time. This has reached a head this summer, when I realized that I am in the midst of reading 9 books! It was 10, but I actually just finished one two days ago.

1.  The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand– started about 4 years ago because I intended on entering an essay contest about the book. I go through long spans of not reading this book, because I’m not really into the whole Objectivism thing. I just wonder what happens to the people.
2.  Brave New World by Aldous Huxley– I began this last summer I think. The main reason I haven’t finished it is because school began and I got too busy. I am really enjoying it so far, though.
3.  Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien– I began this last Christmas and am over halfway through with The Two Towers. I absolutely love these books, but other books just seem to crowd it out. I am also not watching the movies until I read the book– for example, I have only seen "The Fellowship of the Ring" movie because that is the only book I have finished.
4.  The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams– I began this right after graduation and am really enjoying this book so far, but I definitely have to be in a certain mood while reading to really appreciate the humor.
5.  The Life of Pi by Yann Martel– I began reading this in Brazil when I wasn’t in my funny Hitchhiker’s Guide mood. I really need to focus more time on this book.
6.  Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury– I began this after returning from Brazil because I wanted to see why Michael Moore took a spinoff of the title for his movie. Also good, but a little dark.
7.  The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks– I began this a week or so ago after going to see The Notebook with a friend, who then insisted that I must read this (the sequel). It was pure fluff, mushy gushy reading, but sometimes that’s what you’re looking for. :) I finished it two days ago.
8.  Fear and Trembling by Soren Kierkegaard– I started this after returning from Honduras. I am enjoying it, but it is really dense reading and very philosophical, so it is hard for me to read a lot in a big stretch.
9.  Myths America Lives By by Richard Hughes– I just got this one in OKC. My interest in this began after reading a review of it by one of my old professors in the Christian Chronicle. So far, I think I’m really going to like it. It is also very intellectual and dense so far.
10.  Mere Discipleship by Lee Camp– I also got this one in OKC after having it come highly recommended from a friend of mine.

So there’s my summer reading list. I think the only books I have read and finished this summer are The Wedding and Blue Like Jazz (which I will probably re-read).  Feel free to make any suggestions as to which ones I should prioritize!

I've Been Everywhere, Man

Well, I haven't been everywhere, but it is sure starting to feel like it. I look forward to a couple of weeks of not living out of a suitcase. Being in OKC was wonderful. It was a whirlwind of visiting people I love dearly. One of my friends put it best when they said that I will probably always remember these four days, and now when I get lonely in Japan I'll be able to look back on them with fondness. So many thanks to everyone who hosted me or took me out or just took the time to talk with me. It was such a blessing to get to see you all, and I look forward to the time that we will meet again!
They say home is where the heart is, and I realized recently that although I will always be a Texan, I have many places in my heart now. Home is with those you love, I think. Wherever that may be.  

For the Sake of the Call

I know I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I ought to say something.  I'm in OKC right now and will probably write about that after I get home, but just now as I was driving down Memorial Road a song came on KLOVE that always touches and chokes me up.  It's called "For the Sake of the Call" by Steven Curtis Chapman, who is a fabulous singer/song-writer.  Here are the lyrics: 
 
Nobody stood and applauded them
So they knew from the start
This road would not lead to fame
All they really knew for sure
Was Jesus had called to them
He said "come follow Me" and they came
With reckless abandon, they came
 
Empty nets lying there at the water's edge
Told a story that few could believe
And none could explain
How some crazy fishermen agreed to go where Jesus lead
With no thought to what they would gain
For Jesus had called them by name
And they answered...
 
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
 
Drawn like the rivers are drawn to the sea
There's no turning back, for the water cannot help but flow
Once we hear the Savior's call, we'll follow wherever He leads
Because of the love He has shown
And because He has called us to go
We will answer...
 
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die
Not for the sake of a creed or a cause
Not for a dream or a promise
Simply because it is Jesus who called
And if we believe we'll obey
 
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
 
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all
We will abandon it all
 
It touches me because that's the kind of "reckless abandon" I want to have in my life. It reminds me of my friends who have given up family, home, prominence, importances, and power to follow the call of God in their lives.  I get chill bumps even now as I think about it.  It's never to late to feel the hand of God leading you where He wants you to be, and I pray that all you out there will have the courage to follow.  I might elaborate on this post later when I have more time, because I feel a sermon coming on. :) 

Honduras Pictures Online!

Pictures from the Honduras trip are now online at http://community.webshots.com/user/anninjapan under "Honduran Adventure." The epic email is coming-- just give me some time to write! :)

Story of the Day

Man Exposes Self During Airport Screening

Wed Jul 14, 9:07 AM ET
By The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - Daryl Miller didn't make it through airport security because he couldn't keep his pants on.

Airport police said a security screener was waving a metal-detecting wand over Miller's pants area on Friday when Miller pulled his shorts down to his ankles. He wasn't wearing any underwear.

Miller then said, "There, how do you like your job," thus ending the screening, according to the police report. He was charged with indecent exposure and released on $300 bail.

"We've never had anybody do that before," said airport police Lt. Matt Christenson. "But it's not abnormal for people to become frustrated with the screening process."

Miller also became belligerent during the screening, Transportation Security Administration officers told police. One TSA employee also told police that Miller had a note inside a magazine in his bag with an expletive, and told a TSA employee "Oh yeah, it's for you" when asked who the note was directed at.

"This person exposed themself in a public area, a clear violation of the law, and we needed to take some action on that, otherwise everybody would be dropping their pants," Christenson said.

Ann's Note: This story is in honor of the fact that I was specially selected with all of the suspicious looking foreigners to be extensively super-searched at the Miami International Airport on the way to Honduras. :)

Blog Recommendation

I made it back from Honduras, and am in the process of chronicling it. I will post that as soon as I'm through with it. In the meantime, I want you to check out one of the best blogs you're not reading (probably). There are only 3 blogs I read regularly, and this is one of them. It is called Praying Mantis. I stumbled on it quite accidentally, but loved it and have been checking it ever since. Instead of trying to tell you all about this guy (I don't know anything about him, really), I'll just let you check it out. He posts a lot of spiritual poetry, and here is one of my recent faves:

This is me,

insecure,
full of faults,
cracking the confidence
of who he is making me to be,
even though I am so far away
and so in debt to him.

dependent,
on her love,
their friendship,
His life,
communion and liberty.

sad,
because I've paused
from breathing life,
and forgot the source,
of my breath and life.

unwavering,
in my loyalty
to His cause,
even if I am
side-tracked
along the way.

sure,
of all that I can't leave behind
hopeful,
of all I've never seen,
idealistic,
for all that I still haven't found,
dreaming,
of a love like no other.

bent,
in need of straightening...
laid flat,
in need of the bell to sound...
empty,
in need of his filling...
in love,
with all that they are.

I am the body of Christ,
I am the saint and the sinner,
I am the servant of the King,
I am the postman with the message,
the preacher with the balm of Gilead,
the watchman,
the town crier,
the joker,
and the fool,
the singer in the court,
the prisoner who was pardoned,
the lost put in the place of honor.

I am the undeserving,
the hopeless wanderer,
and the son of
the right hand of God.

Ann in Honduras!

Yay for blogging from Central America! I am having a blast and a half in Honduras, and will write the mother of all hilarious backpacking stories (from my life at least) as soon as I get back. Wild times here in Honduras. :) Hasta la vista, babies!

Off I go!

Well folks, I leave for Honduras in about 4 hours. I'll be back in about a week. See ya later! :)

Happy Independence Day for Ann!

Hello friends! Guess what today is... it's Ann's Independence Day! Yes, one year ago today, on July 2, 2003, I was released from the hospital after a 33 day stay. Granted, it was not the best day. But I do remember how I thought everything on "the outside" was so green! And hot! Boy was it hot.
It's nice to see how far I've come since that time. Kind of an Ebenezer of sorts.

I just figured out how to put pictures on my blog, so I'll be having fun with this for a while. In the meantime, and to help me test this out, here is a picture of what the skies have looked like around Texarkana for pretty much the past three weeks.  

A Doctor's Visit

Today I went to the doctor. Although I will not divulge details which are too personal, I must record some of this experience, since it is so typical of the past year of my life.

Step 1: Arrive 10 minutes early for my 9:00am appointment, because there is always paperwork to fill out before the doctor will see you.
Step 2: Sign in using the highly sophisticated new method of protecting patient information, which involves drawing a thin pen line through your name after you have gone in to see the doctor. After signing in I am given my paperwork which includes at least 5 pages of filling out my and my family's entire medical history. No, it doesn't matter that I've done this every time I've seen the doctor. Just do it. Don't ask questions.
Step 3: Receptionist asks for my insurance card. What? I didn't bring your insurance card since you've been going to this doctor for the past 6 years and they should have it on record by now? Sucks to be me! No no, it's okay. I'll just have to pay the doctor's fee up front. Sure, they'll reimburse me when I bring my insurance card up to the office later in the day. Sure. Wink wink.
Step 4: Wait 45 minutes in the waiting room. Luckily, they have 3 copies of Self magazine. Luckily, I like Self magazine. No crying children, yet. But one 70 year old man asleep and snoring like a beast.
Step 5: Called back to the office! Victory! Yeah, right... First I must pass the scale of doom, which I swear always reads at least 8 pounds more than my scale at home.
Step 6: Spend another 30 minutes sitting on the examination table in the examination room. Don't even try to get up and move to the comfortable looking chair, because as soon as I do a nurse will come in and remind me to sit on the table. To help calm my nerves, the room has been designed to be as serene as possible, from completely lacking reading material (unless I want to read the chart on contraceptive information) to the artwork on the walls. No, wait, the artwork on the walls depict 4 different battle scenes from World War II. They're all aviation battles, so you can't see any people, thankfully. Except for that one guy falling out of his airplane. Yes, very calming.
Step 7: Doctor arrives! She is very kind and nice once she gets to me. She listens to everything and answers all my questions. Due to my lengthy list of concerns and symptoms, she has ordered several tests, which will begin immediately.
Step 8: Wait for 20 minutes.
Step 9: The EKG! I'm given a paper, midriff-showing tank top to wear as the nurse sticks on 8 little electrodes. After attaching the wires to all these electrodes, the nurse turns the machine on. 5 seconds, I swear 5 seconds later the test is over. Rip all the electrodes off.
Step 10: Wait 15 minutes for the doctor to come back and examine the results and tell me they're normal.
Step 11: Chest x-ray! The radiology room smells like a high school chemistry class gone terribly wrong, and I get to put on another paper tank top. This was quick and easy.
Step 12: I think I'm done for the day, but the radiology tech sends me to the lab. The lab?! What?! My doctor never mentioned bloodwork! Oh she didn't? Well she ordered it! So off I trot, trying to be as brave as possible. The nurse was the most amazing bloodworker I've ever had, and I applaud her. It was quick and easy and relatively painless! Amazing woman! Yaaaaay!
Step 13: Queasily head back up to my doctor's office where I wait for another 25 minutes.
Step 14: Doctor comes to tell me that my x-ray looks good. She has ordered another x-ray for tomorrow. I am free to go!

So there was my day at the doctor. And this is very typical. So goes my life. Another round tomorrow. Wish me luck.

*note: most waiting times are guestimated, although I do know that I was at the clinic for a total of 3.5 hours today.

Picture Perfect

A shot of the shelves I installed! I also hand-stamped the border and painted the walls (6 years ago).  

What a Stud!

Tonight I am feeling very tired but empowered thanks to a home improvement project I did (with much guidance from my father). I have been wanting wall shelves in my room for a long time, and today I finally just went to the garage, got the measuring tape and the stud finder, and went to work. I then went to Home Depot to buy my wood and brackets. It boggles my mind to go in that place! You could build a rocket ship or a catapult or anything you could want from a store like that! Amazing. You could smell the testosterone in that place. :) So I came home and used the cordless drill (mostly by myself), and installed those suckers! They are up and they are beautiful, and I am so so proud of myself. But I have to give a shout out to my dad, who taught me to measure twice and drill once. :)
PS- I hope someone caught my incredibly clever title. ;)

Random Things You May or May Not Care About

Hello all. Long time no post, I know. A few random things to blog about tonight.
First of all, I put some of my Brazil pictures online. They're very low quality on the web because I was going for fast upload time, so if for some reason you want to see good copies just talk to me and we'll figure something out.
Second of all, I am tired. I am tired of bickering and prejudice and hate. I don't care whether it's republicans hating democrats or democrats hating republicans or Iraqis hating Americans or church of Christ hating everyone else or any other combination under the sun. I shouldn't be surprised, I know. For as long as there was time there were people hating other people who didn't agree with them. It just makes me tired. I think it made Jesus tired, too. But He kept on loving. He also brought down woes on people who thought they were hot stuff (which is definitely one of my favorite Jesus moments), but He kept on loving. But you'll notice that Jesus mostly loved on the "unlovable" who were oppressed. It's not the healthy who need a doctor, right? Hmm... too much to think about.
Thirdly, I am having a garage sale this week. That is, if the clouds will ever part. It has rained here everyday for at least the last week, and I'm not talking about any baby rain. Big time buckets of rain. Too much rain will drive a person crazy, I think.
Fourthly, well, I don't really have a fourthly, I don't think.

Heartsongs

I read with sadness that today Mattie Stepanek, author of several books of poetry and Muscular Dystrophy advocate, died today at the age of 13. I had heard of him many years ago, but a while back I was visiting a friend who had one of his books so I read through it. Mattie had incredible depth and insight for such a young age. Despite all the turmoil of his young life, whenever I saw him interviewed on TV he always seemed to have such a peace and warmth about him. "The earth is a little poorer tonight, but heaven is richer." (taken from a eulogy written by Max Lucado for Allen Dutton Sr.)

Days of my Life...

It's been a while since I've posted, mostly because I really don't have much to say. Lately my time has been spent getting ready for a garage sale, tying up Brazilian loose ends, unpacking/cleaning, and spending time with the fam. I have been making many many lists to help me organize my thoughts and actions. I'll post again when I have something exciting to share.

Nothing to Say...

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

--MercyMe

100 Things About Ann- Part 2 of 2

51. I can juggle.
52. I’m not afraid of flying, but I really don’t like it.
53. The only jokes I can remember are inappropriate.
54. I like quiet.
55. I have been skiing twice and am very very terrible.
56. I don’t pray like I should.
57. I am not a fan of church camps or home schooling.
58. My name is an indirect object, which I think is very strange.
59. My name is derived from Hannah, a fact that I love.
60. I have a chicken pox scar on the end of my nose.
61. I have a massively overactive conscience, which is probably a good thing and what makes me do “the right thing” most of the time.
62. Knowing that I am inhaling bad fumes (cigarette smoke, pollution, nail polish remover, paint) almost makes me sick.
63. I sleep with earplugs.
64. I have a tendency to do things that I say I’ll never do.
65. I like to write much more than I like to speak, because when I write I can choose my words deliberately and think long and hard about them, whereas when I speak once they’re out, they’re out.
66. Chocolate calms my nerves.
67. I used to have my hair permed when I was in elementary school.
68. Very few people intimidate me.
69. I am hardest on people who display weaknesses that I know I have.
70. My prom dress my senior year cost $20, and it was very pretty.
71. I haven’t “planned” anything about how my wedding will be, except that it will not have a unity candle.
72. I very much believe that it is impossible to separate spiritual, physical, and emotional health.
73. Coke Icees make me very very happy.
74. I don’t like ice cream very much.
75. The last time I was tested I could type 80 wpm with no errors.
76. I don’t read my horoscope because I am afraid that some part of my subconscious will buy into it.
77. Pharmaceutical reps who take up my doctor’s time when I am waiting for my appointment anger me. And it should be also noted that they contribute to the outrageous medicine prices.
78. I think it is silly to trust anyone in politics. Except maybe Jimmy Carter.
79. When people ask me where my hometown is, I don’t know what to say.
80. I think that the “I just want you to be happy/God just wants me to be happy/Well at least I’m happy” mentality is one of the absolute stupidest things ever.
81. My hands are disproportionately small.
82. I can see myself being a very strict parent, which is ironic because my parents were not, and I think I turned out pretty well.
83. I don’t understand people who think that the past doesn’t effect the present.
84. I think I’m probably too serious.
85. I like to have relationships that are independent of each other, which is probably why most of my good friends come from different circles.
86. I still have good relationships with all of my ex-roommates, except one, but she was only my roommate for a few weeks.
87. I am glad that I didn’t join a “social service” club at OC.
88. Chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven are gifts from God.
89. Driving in any kind of bad weather terrifies me. I used to be completely unafraid of it.
90. I have translated the books of Jonah and Ruth from Hebrew to English.
91. Chris Rice is my absolute favorite song writer.
92. I love to make lists. I am a very visually oriented person, and making a list of things to do or what to pack or books to read or people to email helps me tremendously.
93. I like to touch people while I talk to them, i.e. having a hand on their shoulder or something.
94. I think I handle conflict very well.
95. When I am hungry, I cry easily.
96. I have given up something for Lent for the past 6 years. It is usually cokes.
97. I floss and use Listerine daily. Perhaps I should add that to my “pre-requisite for a husband” entry.
98. I love sending and receiving correspondence of any kind: cards, letters, emails, IMs, etc.
99. I collect old, black and white pictures.
100. I don’t watch war movies.

100 Things About Ann– Part 1 of 2

1. I write with my right hand, but I do several leftie things, such as wearing my watch on the right hand and batting left handed. I blame this on the fact that my dad is a rightie and my mom is a leftie.
2. When I was 4, I fell into a fountain at the mall while throwing in a coin. I still remember my dad pulling me out by the hair.
3. I have spent 11 weeks of my life in the hospital and 17 weeks in Brazil.
4. My mascots through the years have moved up the flying food chain: honeybee, yellow jacket, hawk, and eagle.
5. I think my greatest fault is that I am semi-obsessed with being right.
6. I think my greatest strength is that I am semi-obsessed with being right. :)
7. I have owned many fish, my favorite being Gil, who was my companion for 2.5 years in college. He was named after the mythic hero Gilgamesh. RIP Gil.
8. I was voted “most dependable” in third grade– a title I hated then but would be proud of now.
9. I don’t think Paul (the apostle) and I would have gotten along.
10. I hate favorite questions. I am pretty sure I don’t have a favorite anything.
11. I think most people who don’t like the Simpsons just don’t get the jokes.
12. Most of my ancestors were Welsh and German.
13. If I could choose to have one language implanted in my brain, it would be Latin.
14. I love OC and wouldn’t trade my time there for anything.
15. I think people who say they have no regrets are stupid or lying.
16. I have dreams about things that stress me out.
17. Virtually no one can draw a conclusive answer to what color my eyes are. On legal documents I say blue.
18. I think that the naming of children deserves more depth and thought than most people give it.
19. The basic three prerequisites I have for a husband are that he’s 1) a Christian, 2) wiser than me, and 3) stronger than me.
20. Cell phones are my nemesis.
21. Foz do Iguassu is the most shockingly beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in nature.
22. The only reality show I’d go on is the Amazing Race, and I’m pretty sure there are only 2 people in the world I could partner with.
23. I am very much a product of the post-modern era.
24. I probably don’t give people enough credit.
25. I want to live in Brazil for at least 5 years.
26. The people who drive me craziest are usually those I love the most.
27. I think the words “hero,” “friend,” “love,” and “hate” are overused.
28. I cry every time I talk about being sick last summer in more than passing.
29. After flying, I stay very vulnerable to motion sickness for about a week.
30. I am extremely introverted, in that I draw energy from being alone.
31. I still sleep with my teddy bear, Teddy, that I’ve had since I was 1 year old.
32. I think I have 12 scars on my body, ranging from 10 inches to 2 cm.
33. I despise the word “shall” and think it should be banned from modern English.
34. I think it’s funny when people try to explain salvation or why God does what He does.
35. In high school, I wrote down what I wore everyday, so I wouldn’t re-wear clothes “too soon.”
36. I think NASA is either a gigantic conspiracy or the biggest waste of money ever.
37. I’ve worn the same lipstick color, Jane’s “Kiss of Caramel” for over 4 years.
38. I have a bad habit of reading more than one book at a time.
39. I already have 2 lullabies picked out for my kids: “Now the Day is Over” and “No Sanctuario” (a Brazilian hymn).
40. I love grammar. Give me a verb conjugation chart and I’m a happy girl.
41. Shots (injections) don’t bother me.
42. My earliest memory is eating spaghetti at the dinner table when I was between 2 and 3.
43. I don’t drink coffee because it’s gross and I don’t like the idea of being addicted to anything. I’m a social drinker in Brazil.
44. God has blessed me more than I could ever deserve or ask for through my friends.
45. I was anti-Harry Potter until I saw the movie.
46. Throughout my life, the following shifts have taken place in my desired profession: mail carrier, florist, band director, geometry teacher, accountant, literature professor, English teacher, Bible professor... now what?
47. Brazilian supermarkets send me into culture shock.
48. Going to Target agitates me because of all the red.
49. I am allergic to bananas, dilaudid (pain medicine), and phenergin (nausea medicine).
50. I don’t make wishes.

Part 2

Back at Home

Hello friends!
Well I'm back in Texarkana again. Where did those four weeks go? Our time in Campinas, Itu, and Sao Joao da Boa Vista was wonderful. I had the opportunity to meet many new people and rekindle friendships. I had the opportunity to see many types of churches in Brazil, one fairly new one that has a strong American presence (Campinas), one well established one that has maturity and Brazilian leadership (Itu), and another that is completely self-supporting and growing (Sao Joao).
We had the opportunity to establish friendships with different schools in the different towns through visits at English and public schools, we did physical labor such as passing out flyers and painting church buildings, we sang for the different lectures that were given, and many more things. Ultimately, we simply tried to praise and glorify God in whatever we did. I pray that God will grow the seed inside the peoples' hearts that we came in contact with.
How can I sum up in a simple email how much this trip meant to me? I thought before I left that this would be sort of my farewell trip to Brazil-- one last time to say goodbye. But instead it renewed the fire in my heart that I have for that country and the people there. I don't know what God has in store for me, but I know that Brazil will always hold a part of my heart.
Thank you for your support, whether it was financial, emotional, or spiritual. Thank you for your emails and your prayers. I love each of you so much, and pray that God reflects to you the blessing you've been to me. Always remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.
much love-
ann

Hi from Sao Joao!

Hi Friends!
Just wanted to drop a quick note to say hi and let you know that we arrived in our last town-- São João da Boa Vista. It is a beautiful small Brazilian town up in the hill country. BTW- a small Brazilian town is still 80,000 people. Anyway, we have spent a lot of our time handing out flyers and advertising for theology courses they are having here. If you´ve been to Brazil, you might have noticed those crazy people who stand in the middle of busy intersections handing out flyers to passing traffic. Yeah, I was definitely one of those people. However, miraculously, we all survived and I think we had a lot of interest in the classes. The church here is so different from anywhere else I´ve been. There is no missionary/American presence here; it is completely Brazilian. Their last campaign was in 1998. I am staying with the local evangelist, Jose Domingos, and his wife Alessandra and their four year old son Lucas. They are adorable and I love them sooooo much. Today we had lunch with a man named Claudio and his family. He is a 7th day adventist, but a strong seeker and very wise man. Pray for God to guide him to wherever he should be. Okay, I need to go, but I´ll be home very soon. We leave here Monday morning, spend the afternoon at the São Paulo airport, then fly out at 10:00pm. I´ll arrive at DFW airport at 10:00 am on Monday.
Love you guys and miss you dearly, but I´ll miss this place, too.
Beijos e abraços-
ann

Hello Again from Itu!

Hello my friends!
I just wanted to write again and share with all you guys how things are going here. Have I mentioned how much I love this town and this country? :) Being here has really worked up the fire in my heart for Brazil. We have continued to visit many English schools. I think we have probably been to 7 or 8 by now. This afternoon we are going to a youth rally being held by the jovens (youth group) of the Igreja de Cristo in Itu. I have to tell you about how amazing this youth group is. First of all, the joven group in Brazil isn´t just for high schoolers, it´s pretty much where you stay until you get married. :) Also, usually campaign groups are guided and scheduled and directed as to what to do by the local missionaries. But not here! There are 4 people, Ivan, Vanessa, Jandira, and Marusa, who are leading us. They are all 22 or younger, and have arranged their work schedules and their lives to devote this week to us. I love them all sooooo much. So let this be a lesson to all us jovens in the US as to what we could be doing.
Last night I talked to Antenor Gonçalves, the missionary here, about how much I loved it here. He was like, "well then why are you going to Japan instead of here?", so I told him a short version of the story, and he went on to tell me that they are currently planning to open a vocational school here in Itu that will be run by the church, and one of their primary subjects will be English! So guess who will need an English teacher! And guess when they will probably be ready to open the school! :) Yep... around 2 years. So who knows, maybe I´ll end up here after all. Antenor sure was excited. And so am I! But don´t worry-- I am still going to Japan. God went to great lengths to show me that´s where I need to be, so I´m going.
Oh, I think you can tell how much I´m glowing through this email. I had almost forgotten how much I love this place, but now I know it´s definitely in my blood. Who knows... I am really starting to see the benefits of this campaign, too. I can´t remember if I told you guys this, but after we sang for several nights in Artur Norgeira, 6 families began Bible studies with their evangelist.
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. I miss you all, but I´m having a great time. Thank you all for your love, support, and encouragement.
God bless!
ann

Update from Itu

Hey guys-
Not much time, but just wanted you guys to know I am in Itu, Brazil and loving it. Itu is where Allen Sr. and Maria Dutton lived (if that means something to yáll). Umm.. we are hopping busy. I love it here. I love th people and the church-- they have such a great personality. I think we´ve already visited 5 English schools, then one more today and I think 3 tomorrow. The people here love us, and we sure do love them. Again, the church is so amazing. I wish I had known to do the HIM program here. Not much else for now, and I´ll probably write again from our next town, São João da Boa Vista. We´ll arrive there next Tuesday. Love you all and your emails. God bless each of you!
love-
ann