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.