Monday, July 7, 2014

A Birthday in Japan

Birthdays in Japan are always a bit strange, especially now that I'm 19 hours ahead of Hawaii, where a good portion of my friends are located. On the plus side, I get birthday wishes for 2 days straight, and I can kind of justify celebrating both days, on Japan time and one America time.

26 feels very similar to 25, just older. It honestly doesn't even quite feel real. Maybe it's because I'm in Japan. Maybe it's because this year, I'm directing a Summer Project, so I'm more focused on my students and making sure they don't get lost in Kyoto. Maybe I'm just getting old, so birthdays aren't as exciting? That's kind of a sad thought - I like birthdays, and I like celebrating. Maybe it just starts to look different now.

It was a good birthday, regardless. Skyped with my parents, then went to church with my Summer Project team, then got some lunch and took a much needed nap. Then I went to Starbucks for some journalling and quiet time (accompanied by some tiramisu cake and coffee). Then went over to the guys' house, where they had cooked dinner for us and had a cake and a handmade Happy Birthday banner for me. They also presented me with a book filled with birthday notes from each person on our team. My heart was so full, and I was so blessed to be able to share my birthday with my team.

I always set goals on my birthday, but I think this year is pretty open-ended.

I want to make every moment count.
I want to waste less time online or doing useless things, and spend more time on adventures and investing in people.
I want to learn something new.
I want to make more time for reading, drawing and dancing.
I want to stay in touch better with old friends, and make many new ones.
I want to stay more in touch with my family.
I want to eat healthy and exercise daily.
I want to delve more fully into what it looks like to truly find my identity in Christ and experience the love of God.

Here's to a year of love, laughter and adventure!
Here's to Year 26!

Surprise Starbucks latte and note from my girls 

Handmade Birthday sign at the guys' house

Handmade book of notes from all my teammates!

Cake!

Such a blessed day with my teammates! 


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