Matthew 6:33

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Back in June, I had tricked myself into believing that I was in a happy place. Or maybe I used certain excuses to cover up potential pain and uncertainties. Choosing gossip and pleasing words from human beings over the truth of God, I soon fell under temptation and sinful desires.

Then in July I chose to focus on my new job to keep my mind busy. Ignoring this temporary unstable foundation, I fell deeper into wrongful desires. When opportunities came my way, I even considered controlling the situation by my own hands. Let's be real....never works.

But God is so good.

He is so gracious on my little heart.

I've probably shared this multiple times by now...but God really reveals Himself to me through timing. Listening to just the right sermon podcast, friends asking the necessary questions that may be hard to hear, or just simply digging into the Word... just a few examples of how God answered my questions last week. Not only so, He answered me step by step, addressing one issue at a time through the illustration of a surgery!

Sometimes we just need a lot of examinations, or let God examine our hearts

Two Sundays ago, I had a sudden pain and was misdiagnosed at an emergency weekend clinic. The following day, my colleagues were so concerned that they took me to a specialist to get examined. From the ultrasound results, the doctor said I needed to go to the hospital ASAP. With a referral in hand, I made it to the closest hospital near home. At the hospital, they quickly had me go through six different types of examinations (which was so cool)! Long story short, had a cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery. 

It might take two or more people to try 8+ times to help me get plugged in to the Lord

During my time in the hospital, God sent so many of my brothers and sisters to comfort me. I didn't realize how lonely it got until the nurses (due to shift rotations) kept asking me "Where's your family?"  Every. Single. Day.

Fasting and praying, another way to get cleaned out good and refocus on God

Of course, I played it cool and my pride got in the way. To be honest, after watching many many MANY medical dramas and TV shows, I was actually pretty excited for my surgery.....that is until we enter the day before the surgery....

or when we get stuck/unplugged, again....

I was getting really worked up over bitterness that was deep down in my heart. Anxiety that was building itself on top of piles of anger and disappointment....and all the emotional sadness and physical pain gathered itself....and to God's good humor, all these terrible manifestations were revealing themselves just like all my gallstones!

Next day, had the surgery. SO MANY STONES!

When God removes things that doesn't belong...

During my recovery time, I spent the first night writing out my prayers for each feeling, action, focus, repent, and desire. The next morning, same long list, but a more thorough prayer. Then, I listened to a sermon that was next on my Ekko list....which Pastor B talks about what to do during this PRECIOUS time of SINGLENESS: Seek God. Seek God. Seek God. 

1. The sermon highlights on the gardens that God is asking me to tend during this season. With many people coming to see me, that was affirmation of what God has called me to do here.

2. PB also teaches on the importance of drawing closer to God. The closer I get to God, the closer he gets to God, we'll meet later at God's time. "If it's him, it's him, he ain't going anywhere." says PB.

3. Studying. This is the perfect time to grow and develop my skills. Is there something God is asking me to work on? Yes! A lot!

A sign of fruit from one of the gardens that I've been tending

On Sunday while I was worshiping, God softened my heart and showed me how stagnant my spiritual growth was. I felt a little down, but Pastor J's message shares how we shouldn't dwell on the disappointment of our sins (thanks to Jesus).

That precious first meal, victory

From hospitalization until the day I was discharged, God removed temptation from me to make a point. I was physically unable to reach temptation. How powerful is that?!?!? Most of the disappointment only came from over analyzing and putting hope in the wrong place.

I would love to have a family, would love to have children and adopt, would love to stay in Japan, would love to keep serving through music education.... but most importantly....

I need to, want to, and choose to seek Him first.  :)

"Get well" from my team at SB ^^;

Prayers, thoughts, updates for September 5, 2019:

-  Praises for a successful surgery!
-  Pray for last Japanese Language test in December (Level N1)
-  Pray for my heart to seek God and establish a firm foundation in this intimacy with Christ
-  Pray for my small group for spiritual growth
-  Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in my new workplace

Isaiah 40:31

"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

During park time today, I got thrown off guard by a three year old. 

With a serious stare, she asked, "Ingy bye bye?" 

To which I responded, "Yes, next week Ingy bye bye."

She followed with a "no Ingy?"

"Yah, no Ingy....I'm sorry..." I said as a teardrop fell from her shocked face.

She starts bawling and jumps into my arms....then I too cried with her.

This girl who graduated from my Caterpillar class last April, surprised me with her heartfelt understanding. So much that I had no words to comfort her. Like many other students, watching them go from barely walking straight to having this simple yet meaningful 'closure' conversation...once again, reminds me how much I learn from them.

Leaving teaching, something I love so much, to take yet another faith leap into the desert.... Isaiah 40:31 have done nothing but reminds me to keep putting my hope in the Lord regardless of outcome. In times when I'm exhausted from work, running to prepare home ministries, and studying two languages simultaneously,  this verse brings rest to my soul. I've been quite anxious about my new job that God gave me. Actually....I keep getting jobs that I feel so under qualified for, I don't understand this mystery.

Teaching orchestra with an instrumental band degree? Directing a 450 kids music program with one year of experience when they asked for five? Starting a K-12 program with no experience in elementary? And now working as a translator in a Japanese company?

Not gonna lie, I've been studying Chinese, Taiwanese, and Pinyin for the past month....but let's be real, I honestly need supernatural powers to just explode from the heavens. Don't get me wrong! I'm super excited to finally enter into the Japanese company working society. Not only so, I finally get to use more Japanese daily.

Despite my parents' objections, increased working hours, and a huge pay cut, I am blessed. 

Mom's confusion is that I'm 'quitting' teaching....no no no....I'm just taking some time to sharpen some required skills in order to teach music in Japan. These unexpected paths don't always look nor turn out the way we want. 

Dad doesn't understand why I want to make less income...lol, me neither! Just kidding. Well, after four years of living in Japan, I'm estimating maybe only 30% of this time was spent making conversations in Japanese. That's ridiculous. That being said, I can barely contain my joy about entering into a big Japanese company.

I have learned this past year to stay open to God's plans and the path He paves. In fact, I was so open to that concept that I considered and tried (through many various/failed attempts) to stay in Japan as a full time missionary. Well, you already know the outcome. But! God worked amazingly in my heart and changed desires left and right. I now no longer fear the title of being a missionary if He calls me and also at His timing. 

My vision has always been the same: work with suicidal students through music education. This can be done in so many forms! I've just been very stubborn up until now. I much rather soar in His kingdom, run into the arms of Jesus, and walk side by side with the Holy Spirit.

Prayers, thoughts, updates for June 21, 2019:

-  Praises for a new job and God's continual provisions
-  Praises for a budding Chinese community at my church
-  Praises for finally getting to improve my Japanese (at a much faster rate!)
-  Pray for smooth working relationships with new colleagues and boss; and of course to be salt and light
-  Pray for clarity as I study Chinese while preparing for the Japanese JLPT N1 test (in December)

Exodus 31:3-5

"...and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts."

God continues to amaze me by his provision of knowledge, skills, encounters, and opportunities in my life. Some will call it coincidence, but as for me, it's too good to be true. I choose to believe that God diligently designed a path for me.

God allowed me to get into Indiana University, which that alone was a miracle. Attending IU opened doors to so many connections and gain numerous experiences to build my skills as a music educator. After graduation, my first job landed in a middle school orchestra classroom. I majored in instrumental band.... what???

Guess what? The skills I learned from teaching strings enabled me to help the string students at my following position in Hong Kong! 

Accidental? I think not! But wait! There's more!

While teaching in HK, I started writing music curriculums and lessons for grades 4-12, started a choir, pep band, and string ensemble, helped with the school mission trips to(GID), took swing dance lessons, and started learning how to lead worship from a great brother at Solomon's Porch.

Had I not received that teaching position, I would not have been able to build a K-12 music program at ICAN in Nagakute, Japan. Had I not took swing classes with my friend Maggie, Alf, Alfie, Ivan, and Sam, I would not have been able to be a part of the Nagoya Swings. Had I not served at SP, I would not have known what servant leadership looks like in worship and small group.

But oh. It does not stop there.

Teaching little ones at ICAN and serving in the toddlers room on Sundays at various churches has prepared me for my current awesome job: teaching 2 year olds. Yet, a new challenge arrived.... Mandarin Chinese.... ugh. The past two years, I have talked to so many Chinese families at our school. Not only so, I now know three ladies at church that are Mandarin speakers. I don't know why I have to practice Chinese while working my butt off in Japanese.... but I'm sure God has His reasons.

Chinese speaking ladies 

On top of that, I started meeting with a Korean friend for medical interpretation practice. She brings a medical study in English, then we discuss it in Japanese. It helps both of us because she wants to learn English and I want to practice medical interpretation. Fun side is learning a few Korean words each time we meet.  ^.^

Medical Interpretation Practice

My pastor in HK once said (something along these lines...) "if God has gifted you with a skill, then you better get good at it, and use it to serve His kingdom."  This has always encouraged me on days I don't want to study or don't want to attend meetings.

My first time translating at English Cafe Night 

I'm very thankful for how God has planted each skill and opportunity in my life at such perfect timing.

My friends Ashley and Sayaka (practicing for a live next month) 

It's nice to pause and look back at how God stringed everything together. 

Of course there's more, but, I don't want to bore you.  :)

Standard Aki picture. Throwback Indianapolis days.... 

Have a great one!

Prayers, thoughts, updates for March 23, 2019:

-  Praises for opportunities to practice various languages, musical skills, and a chance to serve
-  Praises for God’s favor on my church ANF as we keep growing
-  Praises for God's perfect timing and how He has prepared me up until now
-  Pray for my VISA (I need a sponsor or might qualify for a Highly Skilled Professional Visa!)
-  Pray over my school as we start a new school year in April

Psalm 92:4-5

“For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts!”

This verse made my heart feel so warm as I reflect on God’s good deeds last month. Witnessing His great works through my tiny little apartment brought so much affirmation to my living location. Also, just downloading His profound thoughts to make peaceful faith leaps.


My Apartment....
One of the saddest moments of my life thus far is downsizing my living space. The biggest reason is I love hosting events and cooking for people. When I had to move, due to a series of complications, God led me to my current one room apartment. The location itself is not bad, but I’m still ‘out there’. I could not understand for a long time why God placed me here.

But of course, sometimes God speaks through His blessings to answer our WHY’s.

Throughout the past month or so, I was finally able to reorganize my home a bit. Enough to host 7-8 people! Like the sermon yesterday from John 6, my five loaves and two fish seems so small....but not for Jesus, na’ mean? Not only so, these “Nabe Ministries” have become some of my favorite nights! (The nabe pot is so useful and not just for nabe!!!)






I have categorized my hostings in order to stay in my budget and give wisely ^^;

Heart to heart: 1-2 people, small enough to dig deeper, I love these, people really start to open up their hearts and share their struggles (usually movies or ice cream involved)

Yaki-Niku+Nabe: 4-8 people, an excuse to eat tons of food, celebrate someone, welcome new people, support younger brothers and sisters, host church small group nights, feed some college students (birthdays have been a huge hit)

On-call Gatherings: unknown, random people come, random people bring more random people, friends bring their friends, friends suggests meals they want to eat, very casual, I never know what to expect but it somehow ends well (praise God)

And as always, an Aki for you today. 

Prayers, thoughts, updates for March 4, 2019:

-  Praises for a friend who decided to come to Christ! I’ve known her for 3 years and it was not an easy journey. Please pray for her heart as she prepares for her baptism.
-  Praises for God’s favor on my small group. We got to see answered prayers to one of the reasons why we started the small group. At the same time, please pray over me and several small group leaders as we start a book study together this week. Pray for servant leadership to take place deep in our hearts and serve like Jesus.
-  Praises for God’s provisions and multiplying my bread and fish
-  Pray for my VISA and passport to go smoothly this year!!!
-  Pray for my friend with mental illness to have the courage and trust in Christ, also for healing in broken relationships
-  Pray over my adorable students as many of them are either graduating or transitioning to the next level. For the families to gather and truly celebrate their children’s growth this school year. 

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 Last October, I went through a fairly rough season in terms of calling and vision. Being challenged and faced my first couple barriers. Around that time, I felt led to start a reading plan. I decided to attempt reading the entire Bible in one year.

Soon after that, I came across an emotional bump in November . The combination of disappointment, fear, loneliness, and sadness directed me to hours and days and nights of desperation. I decided to start 7 different devotionals on singleness in my Bible app. None of them had anything new for me... but rather, it was like taking a shower of God’s promises.

Then I studied like mad for the JLPT N2 exam. It wasn’t a healthy way to remove pain. The heart doesn’t work that way. Replacing pain with numbing busy work or studying is just prolonging the pain.

Fast forward to now. I’m still on track in my 365 Bible devotional (a true miracle for those who don’t know about me and reading in general). Not only so, I’m on the last few chapters of Joshua. Fascinating. I’m appalled at myself for taking Joshua 1:9 so lightly in the past. Reevaluating these words from the context of the book of Joshua changes everything.

Not that the problems are solved, but the courage that rushed through me and the extra new light really helps. New perspectives on the situations, more grace all around, a calm heart to reconsider options, and a boost of strength in Christ.




For the strength and courage is an outcome of God being with me. I focused so much on asking for tactics to fight the battles... meanwhile, I missed out on the most important part....being with God.

Where will this take me? 

Prayers, thoughts, updates for February 4, 2019:

-  Praises for a friend/younger brother figure who decided to come to Christ! Please pray for his heart as he prepares for his baptism.
-  Praises for passing JLPT N2!!!!! Please pray for good studying habits as I study for the final level, N1!
-  Praises for a really wonderful workplace where everyone works well together.
-  Pray for renewal of my VISA and passport to go smoothly this year!!!
-  Pray for my friend with mental illness to have the opportunities and options that will allow her to receive continual treatment and inner healing
-  Pray for my small group and that our time would be intentional and revealing things that God has to share.

Thanks friends :)