God sends me many wonderful people. I am forever thankful for that.
Some of them are meant to share joy, some grieving, and others struggles.
With so many that have come and go, here are some highlights of those who have sharpened me.
ATM: sharing similar struggles in life and able to empathize with one another, being able to encourage each other through many trials, she doesn't hide her fears and openly shares her sins, doors are continuously opened for accountability, we like to go on interesting ATMICQ winter adventures, Ally inspires me to keep my faith strong in prayers
House Church Leader Mary: led me through many internal healing process, asked all the right questions in meekness, willing to do cheap stay-cations, she was not afraid to speak words that might sting a little, I learned how to present firm loving words to others when necessary
Birthday Buddy: from many laundry days during Blue Stars 09 to eating fruits and drinking juice, watching each other take higher steps throughout our career paths, recognizing each other's new phase in life, enjoying #runandtravel as much as me, I learn so much from Alex's endless kindness towards others
Steph eonni: putting the best detail into every card and gift, her care and love for others inspires me to be more thoughtful of people around me, and her ability to encourage me through prayerful letters brought comfort at times I needed them most
Matt Matt: with an outgoing personality (yes, surprisingly more outgoing than me), he has the ability to say hi to just about anyone he bumps into, his openness about his personal struggles have encouraged many to not be shameful about their own sins, I have gained much courage about facing my own sins thanks to him
Buckeye R: not knowing we were in the same room 12 years ago, serving in the same city and church, her gift of hospitality knows no boundaries, I learn so much about how to care for others through all her actions, God shows me how He works through different people by displaying Rachel's ministry in Japan
Of course there are many more who have greatly contributed to my life, and I will share about them through other stories later on. :)
Prayers, thoughts, updates for May 26, 2018:
- Praises and pray for all the people mentioned above and how they have changed me
- Praises for my university friend in which we've been praying for; she decided to follow Christ!
- Pray for this new believer as she will continue to face many trials as a Christian in Japan.
- Pray for my Japanese friend with mental illness who struggles with depression and self-esteem; please pray for confidence to rise in her heart, and also for her to have the courage to apply what her counselors have recommended
- Praises for my university friend in which we've been praying for; she decided to follow Christ!
- Pray for this new believer as she will continue to face many trials as a Christian in Japan.
- Pray for my Japanese friend with mental illness who struggles with depression and self-esteem; please pray for confidence to rise in her heart, and also for her to have the courage to apply what her counselors have recommended
