As we flipped the calendars to December today we also opened our blinds to a few flurries in Portland. It was pretty exciting! It was a bit strange to see little white snowflakes showing up against the green grass and trees but so it goes. A friend from California was outside watching the snow. This was her first time ever seeing snow fall from the sky! She was out in it, making the most of the photo opp.

I called home to Minnesota to see what the weather was like there. They were way past the flurry stage and into more blizzard conditions. Apparently it was coming down pretty hard when I called and visibility on the roads wasn't that great. Maybe it'll be a white Christmas for me! It's been a couple of years since I've experiences one of those.

I can't believe that it is the end of November already. Where has the time gone? School has been going well. I'm definitely staying busy and learning lots. It's been good, challenging and stretching. I have two more weeks of classes and finals and then I'll be flying home for Christmas. I am super excited about being home and spending the holidays with family.

Last weekend, I was in Washington with my brother Ryan. It was nice to spend Thanksgiving and his birthday with him. I was able to see Mt. Baker a couple of days while I was in the area. It was a much needed break and I did tons of relaxing and sleeping. It was just what I needed. During that time I was also able to meet up with some friends from Alaska. We hadn't seen each other in about eight years, so it was fun to catch-up again and just pick up where we left off.

Above is a sampling of pictures from Thanksgiving Break.

Here are a few pictures from my fall. People have said that it has been less more mild and less rainy than usual for Portland. It has been a lovely fall.

Pumpkin time!

Two weekends ago it was fall break. One day nine of us from the seminary went to Canon Beach. It is about an hour and a half drive from Portland. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! It was wonderful to enjoy the beach, hiking, being with friends, enjoying God's creation, etc. It was a refreshing day, exactly what I needed!

Last weekend, I took a break from studying and took the train from Portland to Seattle. It was a nice ride but different from Japanese trains. For one, I can read all the signs and understand all of the directions. However, I definitely miss the speed of Japanese trains.

I headed north to see my brother and college friend, Amanda. I had so much fun with both of them! It was great to see where Amanda works and meet some of her friends. I enjoyed watching Ryan play guitar on Sunday and seeing the area that he's in. Amanda and I were even able to meet up with two other Northwestern College friends while we were in the area. There's something rejuvenating about being around people that know and understand you.

Portland is called "The City of Roses." One evening I went to the rose garden with my classmates. The roses here are gorgeous and fragrant. On my way to class I can still smell some of the roses.

My parents and brothers brought me out to school. We had a fun time crossing the country, enjoying the scenery, and having good conversations. The day before I was able to move into my apartment we took time to travel down the Oregon coast. It was beautiful!

I am always surprised at how fast time flies in the midst of changes. I have been back in the States for almost 1.5 months and am now at seminary. Things have been going well, and I am deep into classes and studying once again. I am living in on campus apartments with two other girls, one is from Wisconsin and one is from Illinois. We are the Midwest apartment:) It has been a blessing to continue my education and to dig deeper into the Word. All of my professors are passionate about studying the Bible and living it out. It's been an inspiration. Below are a few pictures of where I'm at now.

From July 24-31, I was back in Japan to finish teaching. Students are technically on summer vacation at this time, but many of them take extra classes during the summer. We tried to make the classes extra fun. It was sad to leave and not know if I'll ever see or hear from my students and co-workers again. However, at the same time I know that I'm where I'm supposed to be.

After two years of developing relationships with so many wonderful people, it was hard to say goodbyes. People I have met have shaped me. Everyone has been extremely gracious and generous. During the last week, people came over to help me clean my apartment, dropped off a meal, gave me gifts and notes, etc. I definitely felt loved and continue to feel their love. I praise God for the lessons He has taught me and for the people He has brought into my life. I pray that God was able to use me. I pray that He will continue to bring people to Japan, Shimonoseki, and Baiko who love the Lord and will be light in darkness.