Three weeks in … and I somehow can’t imagine life before this. My heart bursts with gratitude daily at the opportunity to do what I love. How is it that I get to love children into deeper life with the Lord and serve His kingdom as my profession? I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully express my gratitude toward Him — my love only continues to grow more fervently for my Great Shepherd.
An update on what God is teaching me and testimony of His goodness:
A few weeks before leaving for Japan, I was notified that my apartment would not be ready for move-in by the time I landed. Graciously, one of the missionary couples who teach at the school, Joy and Ivan, opened their home to me for a week. I’ll be honest, I was apprehensive about staying with them. Not because I didn’t know them, but out of fear of overstaying my welcome or being a burden (silly, I know). But the very first night I arrived, all my coworkers stayed up to greet me at Joy and Ivan’s apartment, and I immediately felt welcomed and loved. They even left handwritten notes of encouragement, and I knew these new faces would soon become family.
As the week went on, I was smothered in accommodations and kindness — the perfect recipe for a true homecoming. Joy and Ivan even cooked American breakfast for me many mornings (they’re Filipino, so it meant so much that they went out of their way!)
Two revelations the Lord placed before me in that first week:
1. Joy and Ivan are a living example of practicing the Way — Being His hands and feet, loving unconditionally, and leading a life that honors the One.
2. Our Father is a Good one, indeed. He knows better than I do, and His timing is always perfect.
Had I not spent a week acclimating to Japan in the comfort of Joy and Ivan’s home, I believe I would have run into waves of isolation and loneliness. But God provided abundantly more than I could have asked for.
When my apartment was finally ready, I quickly unpacked and settled in within a matter of days — Ready to begin the next chapter of uncertainty: teaching.
Stepping into the classroom:
Students came back to school on September 1st after a long summer holiday — excited to meet a new teacher. I’m teaching 1st and 2nd graders, assisting alongside Joy for now, but I’ll soon take over as lead teacher in November. Joy and Ivan are expecting a baby boy in January, and I’ll be covering as they prepare to welcome new life into this world!
As excited as I am for the opportunity, I am equally as nervous. I find comfort in knowing the Lord has prepared and equipped me for a time such as this. The curriculum and lesson plans stretch me outside my comfort zone, but honestly what’s most challenging is patience.
The other morning on my walk to school, I was praying for my students to have open ears inclined to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to truly listen to my instructions. Then it struck me — I was praying into a mirror. The very thing I was asking for them was what God so often asks of me. I’ll repeat directions 2, 3, maybe even 4 times, only to have students ask me the same question five minutes later. It’s one of those grit-your-teeth, take-a-deep-breath, call-on-the-Lord, and start-again moments, lol! And then I remind myself — they’re just children.
But the Lord showed me … how many times have I been that child to Him? Asking the same thing again and again after He’s already answered me. Yet instead of frustration, He meets me with patience and grace. That revelation made me realize His goodness in a whole new way, and reminded me that He Himself is my instruction — the example of how to love my students into deeper life with Him. Every day my patience is stretched, and every day my love for these children and this place grows even further. I’m right where I’m supposed to be!
What God is doing in Japan:
On September 1st, our church began a 40-day fast. Together, we’re agreeing with Heaven’s plans for Japan and believing for Kingdom expansion. We’re uniting as we practice what we call “Normal Christianity for Normal People” — contending for an Acts 2 movement:
“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
If you feel led to fast with us, I invite you to jump in and come into agreement with what God is doing here!
Prayer requests:
- Unity and deep intimacy with the Father over the nation of Japan
- Greater patience, wisdom, and grace as I navigate this new world of teaching
- Supernatural acquisition of Japanese language and culture as I build relationships here
- Divine health, peace, and protection over our students, staff, and church family
Thank you so much for praying with me, agreeing with me, giving generously, and standing beside me in this work. Your partnership is making a real difference here in Japan, and I’m beyond grateful! Together, we’re carrying His love to the next generation. If you feel led to keep walking with me in prayer or support, know that every seed you sow is touching lives here and building the Kingdom in ways we may not even see yet!
Blessings to all,
Malayna
Malayna on Mission 