Monday, September 28, 2009
So funny story...
I went running last night at this park that is really close by... turns out that when you don't take the proper turn you can get lost! but I was able to turn around and found my way back eventually. Funny part is that I checked google earth to see where I ended up... it was less than a block from where i lived, I have just never been on the street before.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Trains, planes... or more trains, and ... well... even more trains.
Public Transportation= Best Thing in the Entire World
These last few days have been crazy busy, but really great. Yesterday I went with another VYMer, Matt, and he showed me around some of the districts which are near by to mine, Tama. The cool part is that each district has a train station (Eki)in it which bears the same name as the district... pretty handy. We started out heading just north 5 minutes to a place called Musashi-Sakai. There he showed me around where the grocery store was, the drug store, the hospital (should I need it), and even the more international food store. We also stopped and ate lunch there which was... finally... sushi. I was beginning to get worried as I had been in Tokyo a few days and I hadn't really even seen a sushi place yet. It was great though, really good quality sushi and the best part... only 138 yen a plate ($1.50). Eat your heart out expensive sushi in Austin!!! After that we headed to another station just down the line called Kichijoji. This place was pretty great as well. Out door kinda mall thing with any shop you could possibly want in it. For all you craft lovers out there... there was a store called Yuzawaya. Think you like the scrapbooking isle at Hobby Lobby... what about the bins with yarn at... a store that sells yarn? Well how about an entire floor devoted to... each.different.hobby. This place was huge. The same went for the electronics store.. it was pretty great. Sometime I need to go back and peruse the headphones department.
Today I was able to go to church at what is called Center Church. This is where the Lutheran Center is which I has taken pictures of and posted the other day. It was really great to have both an English service and a Japanese service. Hymns in a language you are just learning to read are great... it is like an endless flashcard. After the service I also had the privilege of traveling way north-east to attend a special short service at the church grave site. It was very beautiful and a great way to honor those brother's and sister's in Christ who have gone before us. That is what I would like to leave you with today. Please just think about those in your life that influenced you and led you and helped you in your walk with God. Think about those who may have influenced those that helped you, and on and on. There is a tremendous network of believers who stand together, some living, some gone, but all of whom are remembered and all of whom we will see again. And thank God for that!
These last few days have been crazy busy, but really great. Yesterday I went with another VYMer, Matt, and he showed me around some of the districts which are near by to mine, Tama. The cool part is that each district has a train station (Eki)in it which bears the same name as the district... pretty handy. We started out heading just north 5 minutes to a place called Musashi-Sakai. There he showed me around where the grocery store was, the drug store, the hospital (should I need it), and even the more international food store. We also stopped and ate lunch there which was... finally... sushi. I was beginning to get worried as I had been in Tokyo a few days and I hadn't really even seen a sushi place yet. It was great though, really good quality sushi and the best part... only 138 yen a plate ($1.50). Eat your heart out expensive sushi in Austin!!! After that we headed to another station just down the line called Kichijoji. This place was pretty great as well. Out door kinda mall thing with any shop you could possibly want in it. For all you craft lovers out there... there was a store called Yuzawaya. Think you like the scrapbooking isle at Hobby Lobby... what about the bins with yarn at... a store that sells yarn? Well how about an entire floor devoted to... each.different.hobby. This place was huge. The same went for the electronics store.. it was pretty great. Sometime I need to go back and peruse the headphones department.
Today I was able to go to church at what is called Center Church. This is where the Lutheran Center is which I has taken pictures of and posted the other day. It was really great to have both an English service and a Japanese service. Hymns in a language you are just learning to read are great... it is like an endless flashcard. After the service I also had the privilege of traveling way north-east to attend a special short service at the church grave site. It was very beautiful and a great way to honor those brother's and sister's in Christ who have gone before us. That is what I would like to leave you with today. Please just think about those in your life that influenced you and led you and helped you in your walk with God. Think about those who may have influenced those that helped you, and on and on. There is a tremendous network of believers who stand together, some living, some gone, but all of whom are remembered and all of whom we will see again. And thank God for that!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Fun in Japan!
Today has been quite eventful! I rode the train today an hour downtown, which is an hour and two train switches, solo. Right now I feel pretty accomplished about that. I only almost got my nose caught in the door once, but it was a good learning experience! Some other fun things include changes in websites.. for instance now instead of the button to "log in" to blogspot is says, "ログイン" which directly translated means... logu in.
My initial impression of Tokyo is that it is a far far quieter and greener city than I was expecting. In fact the only thing that I have really heard other than trains is children. Even on the train the only thing one can hear is the rhythmic clicking of the tracks and the occasional quiet conversation between people on the other side of the train. It really is quite peaceful. Friendly people, good food, God is good. I promise pictures will be up soon! be looking for them
My initial impression of Tokyo is that it is a far far quieter and greener city than I was expecting. In fact the only thing that I have really heard other than trains is children. Even on the train the only thing one can hear is the rhythmic clicking of the tracks and the occasional quiet conversation between people on the other side of the train. It really is quite peaceful. Friendly people, good food, God is good. I promise pictures will be up soon! be looking for them
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
In Japan
Hello,
Well, I am not safely in Japan, and now just unpacking and getting settled in. Things are going well though, enjoying my 500ml dr. pepper I got for only 100 yen. I promise pictures of my new place will be up soon. It is called Luther House, and is the dorm housing for the seminary students of the NRK (Japan Lutheran Church).
Well, I am not safely in Japan, and now just unpacking and getting settled in. Things are going well though, enjoying my 500ml dr. pepper I got for only 100 yen. I promise pictures of my new place will be up soon. It is called Luther House, and is the dorm housing for the seminary students of the NRK (Japan Lutheran Church).
Friday, September 18, 2009
Second Newsletter is here!
Here is a link to the second newsletter...
Peter Pfaff September Newsletter Part 1
It isn't very long, just an update on leaving. Once I am in Japan though I will be taking lots of pictures and thinking of things to share with yall, so be looking for those.
Peter Pfaff September Newsletter Part 1
It isn't very long, just an update on leaving. Once I am in Japan though I will be taking lots of pictures and thinking of things to share with yall, so be looking for those.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Soon and very soon...
6 Days, 11 hours, 40 minutes, and 25 seconds until my departure for Japan as of right... now. Everything is 100% cleared and I am for sure leaving the morning of September 22nd. So please wish me well and pray for a safe fight over to Narita International.
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