Acts 1:7

"He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.'"

In my life, God often reveals His perfection to me through timing. Some situations might appear awful at first, but it always ends in one of three ways....

1) it was for someone else's sake
2) it was for my own sake
3) unknown, not for me to know, not yet, or will never know

Whenever I think I'm ready for something (be it work, grad school, or relationship), God usually has other preparations in mind. Of course I have some scare moments where I'm not sure if I'm following the vision correctly. At times of failure, I'm nervous that I'm not doing enough. When I hit a wall, it feels like I made the wrong decision.

Thankfully.  God is perfect.

In October, many doors have been opened/re-opened. At the same time, some doors have been closed.

And that's okay  :)


Announcement: April~July 2018, I will be back in the Midwest. I'm sorry I can't share the full details. It was a very sudden series of events that led to the decision. As frustrating as it was to re-adjust various plans, I have been blessed with the option to remain in Nagoya with a wonderful job and very little change. There are a lot of complications regarding Apr~Jul as far as apartment and Aki-chan goes. Please pray for God's provision next year as I approach this process of temporary transition. 


Prayers and thoughts for November 14, 2017:

- Thankful that God is using me to reach out to a university student (she has openly shared her hatred for Christianity and foreigners); please pray that I can continue to love her, listen to the hurt she has faced, embrace and learn about her needs, and give whenever I can
- Praise for a wonderful job with many new students and also many supportive staff members
- Prayers for Japanese Language Test N3 in less than a month; specifically for good use of time to study and memorization of the material (N3 is quite a jump from N4)
- Prayers for 1) someone to house/pet sit for three months or, 2) someone to foster Aki for three months while another person could sublet my apartment

A glimpse of Nagoya City in Autumn

Psalms 118:24

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

I never did well on ACTs....

I fell asleep during SATs....

I struggled all the time in school....

Sometimes I wonder if I made the wrong decision in wanting to serve in Japan, take up challenges, or push myself to study study study.... yet there are days when I get nice confirmations and surprises in the mail :)

First, I passed my N4 test! The picture will say all A's but it's actually a 71%.... oh well, I passed! Thanks for the prayers and thoughts ^^

Next, I received a lovely package from JMES (Japan Music Education Society)! After getting a solid recommendation from a professor in Miyazaki, I'm in! Not only so, their next conference is next month here in Aichi!!! Oh my gosh! I love educational conferences!!!
(But there's so much Japanese to read...) -_-

***days like today was another step closer to His vision***

Prayers, thoughts, updates for September 6, 2017:

-  Praises for passing N4 test
-  Praises for joining JMES
-  Pray for N3 test in December and that I maintain the knowledge from my lessons
-  For God to work through me and stay humble at work
- Prayers for physical endurance to keep up with the energy of my young students
- Prayers for JMES conference preparation

JMES related reading materials

 and JLPT N4 Certificate

James 1:2-3

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."

Last month, I finished my time at ICAN (International Christian Academy of Nagoya). I then spent 10 days in Michigan at a wonderful conducting workshop (which I will probably make a separate blog post). When I came back to Nagoya, I started my new job within 12 hours post-arrival.

My new job... is quite a change! After teaching music in all sorts of settings (Kinder-12th grade, orchestra, choir, band, general, history, theory, etc.).... I decided to accept a position at an international preschool, teaching two year olds.

As I kick off my 6th year of teaching, I'm completely humbled by the other teachers, staff, and assistants. I am learning SO SO MUCH! Early childhood is a different game, yo. The classroom management, the timing, the awareness, and the energy is on a whole new level for me.

Everyone at work is very helpful and  parents are happy with me even though I started late (Japanese school calendar starts in April, so the timing was hard coming out of an American school calendar). The other two teachers are very patient with me and always answering my questions in gentleness. Students had trouble having a consistent teacher again but getting better! I sing everything to them (greetings, instructions, etc.) and it's like a musical everyday. ^^;  

This is indeed a challenge, but it's a great one. Thanks again for praying :)

Prayers, thoughts, updates for July 25, 2017:

-  Praises and thankful for finishing N4 test
-  Studying Japanese N3, pray for quicker understanding (N3 test is in December)
-  For God to work through me and to show kindness towards others at work
- Praises for a new job
- Praises for financial support during a rough transition from one job to another

Test went smoothly~

(Results in Aug/Sept?) 

Hebrews 11:10

"For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."

Last summer, my school faced some budget issues due to natural reasons any small international school would face. Just like most schools, it often leads to the risk of laying off electives teachers. Long story short, I thought I was going to get layed off thus decided to move out of the school's apartment.

I downsized to a nice one room apartment. Moving was very difficult in terms of needing a Japanese guarantor, signing many pages to prove I am not in the Yakuza, etc. Needless to say, I need to thank Michiyo-sensei who went far and beyond in helping me. From driving me to the shop, to spending hours on paperwork, and finally having her husband agree to being my guarantor...without meeting me... I have no words but only gratitude in my heart.

Nagakute reminds me of Gahanna. The seasons, the way it's spread out, the locations of the supermarkets, the hills in the neighborhoods, and even the kindness of the community. I don't think it's by accident that God placed me in this town. There's a sense of comfort and security that I get in this area. I feel at ease.  :)

My apartment is small, but it's been great! I stopped using wifi at home and water is unlimited each month (within reason). With limited space, my purchases have gone from 'what I want' to 'what I need'. I'm finally able to start saving for graduate school ^^

Prayers, thoughts, updates for June 4, 2017:

- Praises for my friend Michiyo and thankful in how God placed her in my life to support me
- Praises in God's financial provisions for me
- Pray for one of my Japanese friends: God finally softened her heart to share her hatred for Christianity and the church; she wants to go to church if it's with me because she said I'm different from other Christians she has met so far
- Pray for the family of the person who committed suicide today around 8am on the Tokai train line, also for the train conductor who had to face this trauma

With Michiyo-sensei :) 

Philippians 2:3

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or veil conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."


Being an only child for 21+ years, I have developed quite a selfish habit. I hated sharing.
I only cared about myself. I could care less about others.

Immediately after my arrival in 2015, I was blessed with three loving communities in Nagoya. Each community changed me a lot and pushed me to become more patient and aware of others' needs. I can't say I'm completely changed, but by grace, I'm getting better about sharing.

Two favorites: Aquariums and students

At work, I'm challenged by other great and thoughtful teachers. They always inspire me to think deeper and to teach better.

*ICAN (International Christian Academy at Nagoya)
- amazing, intelligent, wise, experienced, and helpful co-workers
- genuine, funny, energetic, and creative students
- understanding, supportive, and caring parents and families
- peaceful, quiet, safe, and convenient environment in Nagakute
- very sweet office staff

ANF Women's Fellowship Night

At church, I learn to serve others before my selfish desires (still a struggle). Many brothers and sisters seem to do it so naturally.

*ANF (All Nations Fellowship, Downtown Nagoya and Nagakute)
- Biblically based messages
- bilingual worship and small groups
- patient leaders and elders
- many families with young children
- post service gatherings/meals

2016 Nagoya Swings Anniversary

At swing, the senior members (and many others) demonstrates dedication and passion by volunteering. Their pure joy in giving to the swing dance group motivates me to be more generous.

*Nagoya Swings
- fun and comfortable environment
- very international and always have new comers
- safe and healthy way to meet new friends
- an amazing group of senior members who take care of each other
- a wonderful friend who generously gives his time from the start of NS many years ago
- getting to teach basics has been a very humbling experience





Prayers, thoughts, and updates for May 19,2017:

- Praise for God's love shown through community
- Praise for the change in my heart, how my patience for people have grown
- Pray for the ANF church to blossom and be the salt and light in Nagoya
- Pray for ICAN teachers and staff, for energy and rest as the year wraps up
- Pray for my time at Nagoya Swings, that I may show the love of Christ through kindness and in joy

Ephesians 1:11-12

"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory."


Who? Middle or high school age students

What? To teach through music

When?  At God's timing

Where? Japanese local schools

Why? Student suicides, Child suicides, Seppuku history, School children, Junior high

How? Attend music university in Japan for masters in music education, then take exam for Japan's teaching license



After being in Japan for two years, I've had numerous people who easily dismissed my passion when shared (...reason why I haven't shared publicly). It was quite discouraging at first, but I was soon affirmed by various incidents. I got more serious last Spring. What was once only feelings of grief and sadness, transformed into research and weekly Japanese lessons. Last year, my determination helped me study more about depression, teen suicides, life line preparation/training, and Japanese school environments.

I believe God has a way of placing the right people in my journey at the perfect time.  He sent a professional counselor who shared resources and case studies, a friend who was a life line volunteer, friends opening up about their years of struggle with depression, and people who faced suicidal attempts. All of this was very humbling and I needed to put actions to my words.  There's still so much for me to look into and I need to gain more understanding to the situation here in Japan. I have provided several links to explain more about the seriousness of this matter (above-look at Why?). 



Prayers, thoughts, and updates for May 12,2017:

-  Praises for my Japanese teachers and friends who instruct/correct me in gentleness
-  Faith in God's plan for me and rebuke any fear of uncertainty
-  For God to strengthen the missionaries already in Japan and those who are preparing to come
-  To increase awareness and the seriousness of student suicides; for hearts to be softened

~God's blessing of music in my life~

Proverbs 16:9

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

Since 2007, I knew that I wanted to teach music in Japan someday...but many questions remained.  To this very day, the same mysterious passion for this country overwhelms my heart. On top of which, my curiosity for the culture and the people are mutual to my passion. Many other factors guided me along the way in the past 10 years (Next Stop Nagoya).

I have been very hesitant in sharing my personal ministry/reason for coming to Japan....mainly due to my doubt and lack of faith.  Nonetheless, the past two years have been filled with blessings, growth, and affirmations.

With encouragement from teachers, students, sisters and brothers in Christ, friends, and family, I have decided to reflect on all the blessings and challenges I encountered thus far.  At the same time, I'm hoping to use this as a platform for prayers, thoughts, and/or updates.

Thanks :)

Prayers, thoughts, updates for May 10, 2017:

-  Praises and thankful for being able to live in Japan
-  Studying the Japanese language (currently N4, N1 is the highest)
-  For God to work through me and love the people here in Nagoya

Aki's comfort level in Japan: 100%