Good for Japan

The End

2009-04-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hello.

This blog has officially ended. I returned from Japan in August 2008.

Please visit my current site - Legendary Good - for all future updates by me.

- Stephen

Tokyo Trip

2008-06-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, me and two others, Mr. Kelly and Mr. Ben, took a trip to Tokyo. We rode the bus for two and a half hours from Karuizawa. It was one of the funnest weekends I have had at SYME.

Just getting around in Tokyo is crazy (and also a blast). We went from Ikebukuro, to Shin-Juku, to Roppongi, to Shibuya, to Sangen-Jaya, where we spent the night at Mr. Kato's house. Mr. Kato is the head of Word of Life Japan. The basement of his house is the Tokyo Christ Mission Church. Also, his daughter, Emi, is in a relationship with David Emery. Some of you may have met her before, when she visited Canada in 2005.

Anyways, Tokyo. What a place. Everything was overwhelming and spectacular. I was able to shoot about one hour of footage. That is what I really want to share with you, but I am short on time to put a movie together now.

Riding on the subways and train was quite the experience. The morning we left the Kato's, the subway was so packed, that we were literally pressed next to the people near us. And, as Japan is so typical of, nobody says a word or complains at all. You just stand there and if you have to get off the subway, you quietly push your way through the crowd. Could you imagine that happening in, say, the United States?

Me in Shinjuku.

We ate at another Western style restaurant.

A view of Toyko, from the Tokyo Tocho tower.

We stopped at Koots, a Green Tea restaurant. This is green tea ice-cream.

Shibuya: the land of fashion, media, and shopping.

A view from the Carrot Tower in Sangenjaya.

Wow, a real bowl of ramen. This was at a ramen restaurant near the Kato's house. One of the guys who works there is a member of their church.

An authentic Japanese lunch.

Cool.

Mr. Kato drove us around for a bit the next day.

We ran through Ikebukuro to catch our bus back to Karuizawa.

Going to Tokyo was a really fun experience. I put most of my focus on filming the area, so I did not take as many pictures. But, I think I shot some really cool things. Hopefully, I will also be able to get some of the pictures that my friends took on the trip. I am thankful that we made it home safely!

SYME Continues...

2008-06-29T08:00:00.001-07:00

Well, there are two weeks left here. I am continuing to teach my classes and I enjoy spending time with the students. Two weeks ago, I was able to preach for the Sunday morning English service. My topic was marriage. The reason I chose that was because many of the students here are curious about what the Bible has to say about dating and marriage. It is so important for us to look to the Bible for answers about these matters, especially when today much of what we learn is from and through various media. I gave it my best, and I hope that the students learned much from the message.

Every once in a while, I also am given the opportunity to preach in chapel. Chapel services consist of a worship time, a scripture memory time, a personal testimony, and then a message. It is mostly student led. The messages are translated into Japanese and Korean on different days.

Every Wednesday night is Bible Club night. This is also student led. It is almost like a practice for them to prepare a Word of Life program. So there is a game time, a singing time, a teaching time and so on. Usually, the Bible Club nights are extremely well-done and the students are very creative.

I have filmed bits and pieces of the Bible Club night and perhaps soon I will be able to share that with you.

Mana-Lisa and Ladin performing a skit in chapel.

A reminder.

Really nice.

Here is a random shot of my dresser. The banner says "Business is good". I tried to think of a clever way in which this applies to me, but... maybe you can do better than me.

The teachers had yet another night out. We went to a Japanese steak house, that had a Western style to it. The steak was excellent. And we got it half-price too! A managed to get a picture with our host.

What a cool guy.

Nagano City & Shrine

2008-06-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

The teachers were able to take a day off and visit Nagano city. Nagano hosted the 1998 Olympics. There, we visited a temple and other interesting things in Nagano.

The street leading up to the temple had some very traditional architecture.

The street also had some businesses and shops.

Me in front of the temple. Again, we could not take pictures inside.

Prayers are inscribed here and offered to their god.

This is the view of the street, looking the opposite direction.

Visiting the temple was a good experience, but was also a bit depressing. Followers believe that if you visit the temple, you are guaranteed a place in heaven, so there were many elderly people there. It is sad that the place their faith in something like this. It is also a motivation to continue to properly equip those who can reach these Japanese people, here at SYME.

On a lighter note, while I was walking down the street, a lady stopped me and said "Welcome to Nagano". I was able to share with her where I was from and what I was doing in Japan. When I told her I was from Canada, the man I was with suddenly became excited and was asking me about the Toronto Blu-Jays. Baseball is very popular in Japan.

Class Trip

2008-06-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago (yikes, I am behind), all of the students and teachers went on a class trip. We first visited a stone church here in Karuizawa. It was really interesting to see. Unfortunately, we could not take pictures on the inside. But, I can show you what it looked like on the outside.

Silas, standing on the path to the church. Yes, that is the church.

Robin, Kobe, and Mickie checking out the interesting structures.

.emosdnah ruoY

After visiting the church, we climbed to a scenic view of Karuizawa and had our chapel service up there. The weather, thankfully, was beautiful that day.

Mount Asama, a volcano. An active volcano.

Mickie gave her testimony and Ladin translated in Korean.

ようし!

After visiting the scenic area, we journeyed on towards Mount Asama. At the base of the mountain (volcano) there is a lava park. This is lava that has solidified into rock. The climb was fun, and a bit tiring, but we had a blast.

A group shot. The rocks around us are hardened lava.

Mr. Ben reaching out to Joe, the King of the Mountain.

After our perilous adventure, we ended the day with a good game of mini-golf. We split into groups and challenged each other for the best (lowest) score. At the end, there was a three way tie between one American, one Korean, and one Japanese. The American just happened to be me. We had a shoot out and the Korean, Seo, ended up winning. I was close, though :)

Miss Leah, Angela, and Mickie give it their best!

Seo had to make this shot in order to tie us....

...and he got it! This was his Tiger Woods moment. Of course, he went on to win it all.

Me with my group: Skylar, May, and Alicia. It was a fun time.

This class trip was packed full. We did many things and saw many things. Most of the students (and teachers) were exhausted the next day, but hey, at least we all got to miss a day of classes!

Ginza

2008-06-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here is my documentation of our trip to the ginza. Enjoy.

Weekends Recap

2008-06-19T01:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some extra pictures of the weekends that we have had here in Japan. Students can choose to go to the local outlet mall (by bus), to the ginza (which I was able to go to this past weekend), or to Saku (every couple of weekends, we will drive there together).

Waiting at the Bus Stop. This picture has a lot of personality.

Getting ready to load up for the trip to Saku.

In front of the 100 Yen store. Three tough-guys.

Hmmm. Fifteen plates of sushi? Beats my four.

The girls stopped at Mr. Donut.

Currently, I am working on another video that documents our trip to the ginza. I was able to film many interesting things and I am looking forward to sharing them with you. Also, I will be uploading pictures of our class trip soon.

SYME Dojo

2008-06-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a little look at the fun we have in our SYME dorms. As Seo says, "this is just a skit; not real life". Enjoy.

Two Weekends in Saku

2008-06-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

Saku is the closest city to Karuizawa. For the last two weekends, I have been able to go there and enjoy the Sushi Bar, the Mall, and the Yamada Denki (Electronics Store). There is also a 100-Yen store (or, dollar store).

My eel sushi. Yes.

The sushi bar is set-up so that there is a line of different sushi plates that pass by your table. You pay based on however many plates you eat. I actually had a hard time eating more than five. But others in my group have eaten up to seventeen.

The different types of sushi.

The manga section of the bookstore.

Makudonarudo Hanbaagaa.

The ride home.

A Trip to 7-11 (or, How the Mountain Almost Defeated Me)

2008-06-12T22:37:00.001-07:00

Last Friday (June 6th), I decided to take a bike ride down the mountain to the local 7-11. I was accompanied by my Korean friend Andrew (who is a student here).

It was a beautiful day. The ride down the mountain was really enjoyable. It was nice to be able to take in Japan's beautiful countryside. At 7-11, I picked up some Japanese candy, some Ramen Noodles, and a really delicious drink called Pocari Sweat. Yes, you read that right.

Customer service is really important. For example, the staff of a store will always say "Irashai-mase" which means "welcome, please come in". Also, when you pay, you put your money in a little tray at the register. You never hand it to them directly. When you buy Ramen, they will always give you a complementary set of chopsticks.

As I said before, the ride down the mountain was very nice. The ride back up, however, is a different story. Have you ever tried riding a bike up a mountain? I was reminded of how out of shape I am. I struggled, but finally made it back to SYME. It was a really good work-out. I also got to take some nice pictures and video.

A Lecture from Werner Gitt

2008-06-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, June 4th, the students and staff of SYME, along with anybody in the Karuizawa area, were invited to hear a lecture from German scientist Werner Gitt. I was familiar with Gitt's research already, because I read parts of his book titled "Did God Use Evolution?".

Gitt spoke in a little church at the bottom of the mountain where I am staying. He spoke in English, which was then translated into Japanese by a very talented young man. Many of the English words were difficult scientific terms, so translating them to Japanese (on the spot) must have been very difficult.

Gitt's message dealt with the idea that the very nature of "information" and "matter" shows us that our world had to have come from some intelligent design. I am, of course, simplifying the whole thing, but I am sure you appreciate that. His conclusion is that evolution is not scientifically feasible and that God created the world.

The church we met at.

Students and staff before the lecture.

Werner Gitt speaking.

From Tokyo to Karuizawa

2008-05-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a video that highlights some of the dazzling sights that I have seen so far in Japan. Please note that there is not any footage of SYME classes or student life. That will come later!

Week Two

2008-05-27T02:55:00.000-07:00

My first week of teaching was a time for learning. Other staff taught my classes and I observed. At first my classes were OK, but they been steadily getting better. I really appreciate all of the students here. They are so fun to be around. They are a constant encouragement too. I am teaching a 'Life of Christ' Bible Study class, a writing class, and a conversation class. I feel that my teaching has improved in the last week, but I hope that it gets even better. I have a strong desire for helping these young people learn English. I would also like to note that I feel very close to the students and I hope to get to know them even better. This past week has been wonderful.

I also lead a daily 'Quiet Time' discussion. It is an encouragement to hear these young men share their applications of the Word to their lives.

Many people here are surprised by my "young age". (If you don't know, I am 21). For Koreans, age is a big deal. The older you are, the more 'authority' you have in your group of friends. At least half of my students are older than me, and I am humbled by their respect for me and the attention they give me even though I am a lot younger.

Today, I also spoke in chapel. It was a good experience. I only hope and pray that I can speak clearly enough to the students because there are a few here who have not yet made a decision for Christ. Pray that I can be an encouragement to those few people and pray that I can be a good teacher/leader to all the students. I know that God is shaping me to be used by Him to impact these young people's lives.

Study time. Wait a minute... some of these guys look too bored.
In this picture: Asaph, Scott, Jonah, and Doug.

I still can't get over this view. When I sit down to eat dinner, this is what I see.

Japanese people say waaaa, for wow. (Pronounced wah).

Shopping Trip in Karuizawa

2008-05-27T02:28:00.001-07:00

Karuizawa is a very popular city for Japanese tourists to visit. So you can be sure that there is plenty of shopping here. Once such place is the local outlet mall. It was my first time to visit there this past Saturday. The buildings were outdoors and indoors at the same time (if that makes any sense it all). I managed to take some really neat pictures of the place. (I also managed to film some, but I can't post that until later).

On the bus to the mall. As is customary in Japan, we had to move to the back to make way for the older aged passengers :)

A view of the mall from the bridge that connects to it.

Looking outside from the mall.

Cool clocks. There were colors everywhere.

I also got the opportunity to visit a Korean restaurant with Kelly (my room-mate) and two Korean students named Ladin and David. In this particular restaurant, the waiter will bring whatever you order, and you have to cook it right there on the table. Pretty neat!

You cook it just the way you like it!

It was a really enjoyable day. I was able to buy a soup bowl, some really nice hashi (or, chopsticks) and a wooden spoon for the bowl. I am sold on Japanese soup. It is delicious. I have also been using hashi a lot more. It's pretty much normal now! (By the way, the food at SYME is excellent! I am amazed at every meal!)

Group Photo

2008-05-20T04:04:00.001-07:00

Here is a group photo of all the students, staff and teachers at SYME.

[Transfiguration]

2008-05-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

"While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud saying, 'This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him'."

Luke 9:34-35

Lord, just as Abraham and Moses trusted you, so will I, even when I walk through the valley of darkness.

Clear Start

2008-05-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Today classes began. We had our first chapel too. The weather was finally clear enough for us to see Mount Asama in the distance. There was also a Typhoon that passed near us.

From my balcony.

Notice the heart shape in the mountain.

Kelly, my roommate, leading music in chapel.

A Closer Look at SYME

2008-05-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

I took a few more pictures of the building and general area around SYME. The weather is cloudy and crisp today.

The SYME entrance.

A wider view.

Mountains in the distance.

A nearby house.

Canada Festival in Middle Karuizawa (中軽井沢祭)

2008-05-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

Today after church, we went to a Canadian Festival in Middle Karuizawa. It was really cool to see.

Matsuri-time!

They were selling Maple Syrup.

Talented musicians.

Cute kids dancing to the music.

There were a lot of inu (dogs) today.

Kids waiting in line for snacks.

Mrs. Bev and I holding the Canadian flag (we call her "Grandma").

Afterwards we went to the local suupaa (grocery store), where I was able to get a roasted chicken sandwich from Subway. They had a lot of interesting things to get, including a shrimp & avocado sandwich, many kinds of wraps, and a teryaki chicken sandwich.

As for shopping, I was able to buy some different types of drinks and ramen to try.

Some black tea, green tea and Fanta Orange. Also, POCKY and ramen noodles. Can't wait!

Church in Karuizawa

2008-05-17T23:21:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to a Japanese church in Karuizawa. After driving down the winding-mountainside path, we pulled into a tiny church lot. In Japan, you always take your shoes off inside a house. You also take your shoes off in church. Slippers are always provided. I managed to find some that were big enough for me.

The church was nice, clean, and homely. I really enjoyed singing the songs, because I was able to read the words! The hymns were familiar tunes, but the words were obviously changed to Japanese. Next, we read scripture and prayed. Then, the young pastor gave a message based on a passage in Jeremiah.

It was a really interesting time and I was happy to be able to go to a real Japanese church. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera. Sorry about that.

Welcome to SYME

2008-05-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

Today, I got to learn a little bit about SYME and what exactly I will be doing. I have already met a few of my Japanese students (they are here early). This is going to be a really fun and meaningful summer. Classes officially start on Tuesday, so I have a few more days to be trained and to prepare myself.

SYME is a beautiful Japanese building. It is a miracle that Word of Life was able to purchase it. The building itself is worth ten million dollars, but Mr. Kato (head of Word of Life Japan) was able to buy it for two-hundred thousand dollars. The building is very nice and the rooms are all brand-new with new flooring and beds.

The location is also amazing. We have a beautiful view of Karuizawa.

Here is the room I will be staying in.

This is a view from my window.

The view from the dining hall.

This is a view of the Karuizawa countryside (from the balcony).

A few of the Japanese students.

[Arrival]

2008-05-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the land of the Rising Sun. My thirteen hour flight has passed, I have made it through customs (although I messed up my Japanese and accidentally told him that I would be in Japan until February, instead of for just two months) and I have traversed the paths of Tokyo to make it to my mountain-top home in Karuizawa.

Here are some pictures that I took. (I actually filmed more with my video camera, but I can't get the footage until later).

The fountain in the Detroit Airport terminal.

After reaching Japan.

Japan's crazy vending machines.

Eiffel Tower in Tokyo?!

This is all very rushed, as I am extremely tired. I had an amazing day. I am going through culture shock. Japan is everything I expected it would be and more. Stay-tuned for more details and more pictures. Good night!

Countdown to [departure]

2008-05-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody.

I am here in my dorm room, starting to pack my things and dreading my three final exams. In just three days, I will be leaving the United States and traveling to Japan. My flight is thirteen hours, and I will arrive in Tokyo on May 14, at 4:00 PM.

I am very excited and nervous at the same time. This summer, I want to serve to the best of my ability. This is my goal: to reach and encourage others, while at the same time being uplifted by the wonderful experiences of serving. Please Lord, lend me your strength to make this all possible.

I hope that I can update this blog regularly with photos and stories about the awesome things that are to come these next two months. Stay-tuned.

Karuizawa awaits. 軽井沢