The End

This is my LAST entry on this blog. This blog has been a wonderful chance to share my journey in Japan and returning home. I have loved it. And now, in this new stage of life-marriage-where two become one, this involves blogging, too.
So, from now on, if you want to get the 4-1-1 and some funny life stories, too (believe me, there will be some), then visit our blog at

www.graydenandshiona.blogspot.com

All About Eve

Okay, I am totally in love with a Korean drama I discovered called All About Eve. It's a love story about a news station and the people who work there. I love it!!! It's on AZN television so if you get a chance, you should check it out. But be careful...it is addicting

The HeArT of the matter is...

What an amazing weekend! I just got back from Seattle yesterday and what a trip. Great friends, great fellowship, great worship, great teaching, a Great God! Let me start off by telling you how my weekend began. First, I drove downtown to the rental car place where we were all meeting. I turned off my car and when I went to start it up again- no esta workiendo! It wouldn't start! So, I had to get it towed back to my house where it is sitting now, sad and sick. Despite what seemed like a setback, we headed out, luggage and snacks in hand.
We got there and checked into our fabulous hotel and the next day we got up and headed into downtown Seattle for some serious Starbucks and shopping!


AND...I took a bus to the international district and went to Uwajimaya, a Japanese store and bought so many Japanese snacks that I have missed since I left Japan. I could have spent hours in that store. I am so happy!!

That night we attended the conference in Redmond. The worship was amazing
I felt like I had the smallest taste of what worshipping God in heaven might be like...just the smallest taste. 5,000 women standing and praising God, it was overwhelming. And then Beth stood up to speak. She spoke on the heart, from Proverbs. "Above all else guard your heart, for from it springs the issues of life." It was
great to be under her teaching and I felt like God spoke directly to me. I feel refreshed and excited for what God has next for me.

Road Trip

I am heading off to Seattle tomorrow in a car full of girlfriends to see Beth Moore. I am totally excited! I love Seattle! I love the girls I'm going with! And I love Beth Moore and am excited to see what God will say through her. Here I go, road trip!

still going strong

It's pretty hard to believe that it is already January and I have 2 months and 11 days until I walk down the aisle and say "I do." That's 64 days! Right now the biggest thing on my mind is inviations. Only a couple of weeks before they go out. The closer the date gets the more I feel ready to be married, even if I don't know exactly what married life will look like. I am incredibly blessed.

I watched an incredible movie the other day. It's called Freedom Writers . If you are a teacher or have ever thought about teaching, it is an inspiring true story that reminds you about what true teaching means. I encourage you to watch it.

Well, that's it for now.

A gReAt year

Looking back at this past year I was reminded of how full and blessed it has been. Here's a small list of all that has happened in 2006.

-I began my second year teaching English in Japan.
-one of my dear friends became a Christian.
-I started dating a wonderful guy named Grayden.
-I went to my first Hanshin Tigers game and we won!!!
-I started saying goodbye to my friends and preparing to come back to the U.S.
-I went on a year end camp with my English Club.
-I was named MVP in dodgeball!
-I went to the Sea of Japan with a group of wonderful friends.
-I said goodbye, boarded a plane and returned to the U.S.
-I reconnected with friends I hadn't seen in over 2 years.
-I got engaged to the same wonderful guy I was dating.
-I had my first Thanksgiving home in 2 years.
-I started driving an El Camino.
-I was given a Volvo.
-I spent New Year's Eve with great friends.

Happy 2007 everyone! I hope this year is even better than last. And I was reminded in church this morning, I hope we will spend this year growing closer to Christ and more ready for our return. Let us not be found unprepared.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! I drove home last night so I could spend Christmas with my family. It is a bit weird because the last two Christmases I was in Japan and spent it with my friends. But this Christmas is a little different. I get to experience a real Christmas tree that is bigger than 1 foot and can fit more than 4 ornaments. All of my presents did not come in a brown cardboard box. And I am talking and listening to only English. I do however miss my gift exchange with friends and our annual (2nd annual) Japanese dinner at my house. But wherever I spend this holiday and whoever I spend it with I am thankful that I can still celebrate the birth of Christ unashamedly.
"And He shall be called Emmanuel"

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas wherever you are!