28 August 2004

Hello. 

Well, here's my first "official" entry into this news listing. I am still sitting in Hong Kong, where I've lived for three years, waiting for the time when I will leave THIS home to go to a place where I have no home. 

It's a fun time right now, with no job (no money, too, but nevermind that)... but no job, and lots of chances to run around Hong Kong doing the things I love to do with the people that I love. 

I will really, really miss this place -- I'm sure of that. 

In the meantime, the plan is that I will leave HK on (or soon after) 21st September, 2004. I will fly directly to Japan and jump right into the thick of it. At this point, I am still applying for the visa, but I don't expect that to be a problem at all. 

The next few weeks will be FULLY occupied with various things, mostly packing up boxes, having dinner and such with millions of people who I need to say "so long" to, shutting off cable TV, mobile phone, and internet services -- all that fun stuff. 

And somehow I'm supposed to be preparing my heart for a new life. Ha.  

. . .

I did stumble across one very interesting thing, on the "diary" page of a friend of mine here in HK. It's simply a bit of makeup tips from Japan -- there's nothing WEIRD about it at ALL -- but being a guy (I am), I felt like I was seeing something I wasn't supposed to see -- and THAT made me feel weird. Isn't that funny? 

http://www.koji-honpo.co.jp/makeup/movie/eye_talk_300.html

3 September 2004

I went today to the Japanese Consulate here in Hong Kong and picked up my official, 3-year visa!

I'm so glad, and thankful to God for helping me in so many ways. 

I have not yet purchased the plane ticket, but expect to be leaving Hong Kong for Tokyo sometime the week of 21st September. 

4 September 2004

Not much "news" to report on the pre-move-to-Japan front, but I did get this photo sent from the Rev. Iwao Satoh (from the Sagamino Church). It is of the group involved in the mostly-Spanish-speaking "International Fellowship" which God seems to be planting there. 

On the right is Rev. Satoh (his wife and son are in front)

Isn't it cool that I will go to Japan to help in a Spanish-speaking church?!? 

God always has plans that are MUCH more weird and wonderful than our own... 

7 September 2004

Rev. Mac Arase from Japan Presbytery recently returned from a trip to Liberia, where he visited a refugee camp which is home to at least 50,000 people. The conditions, he reports, were unimaginable, with no water, no heat, no electricity, no sewage -- NOTHING. And yet, the faith of the people, some of whom have lived in these deplorable conditions with no improvement for 10 years, remains strong. Somehow, they still have hope. 

Here's just one photo I recently saw of Rev. Arase with some of the refugees:

 
Click for a LARGER version

15 September 2004

Latest pre-Japan news: I went on Monday and picked up my ticket. 

So now it's official, I suppose. God willing, I will fly from Hong Kong to Tokyo on Monday, 27th September. 

"Are you ready, Glenn?" -- NO, I'm not ready!!! Are you kidding?

(pray for me)

19 September 2004

Dear (insert your name here):

Hello!! I am fine. How are you? I am so happy to hear about your (insert your recent good news). That is so wonderful!

I was recently thinking about the time that you and I (insert comical episode from our past) -- can you remember the look on (insert name of witness)'s face?!? Ha ha ha, good times... good times... 

Anyway, I am moving soon. Did you know that? Yes, I'm moving to Japan. It is funny, because I've known about it for a while, but I didn't really KNOW it until recently, when it dawned on me that I am not even remotely prepared to leave Hong Kong!! I have so much to do before my plane leaves next Monday!!

Oh, well -- I sure pray God helps me... In the meantime, say "hey" to (insert name of spouse, partner, or mutual friend) for me. I can't wait until I get back to (insert name of your town) -- we'll really (insert fun leisure activity) then!!

Okay, well, I'd better go. I'll let you get back to (insert your occupation) -- your boss wouldn't like you reading e-mails on the clock!

Peace,
Glenn