Our New Car, Being Stopped by Japanese Police and Casting Your Cares

Guess who now has a car... Praise the Lord great things He has done. A car to take us around, giving us so much more independence and comfort... :) :)


So, on our very first 'trip' in our car (hubby came to pick me up from work), we were subjected to questioning from the police. According to them, they were curious... the license plate is from another city. (We just purchased the vehicle; the paperwork to change license etc. have not been dealt with yet). But I say, their so-called reason is rubbish.

Had it not been two (black) foreigners in the car, they wouldn't have bothered us. We could have been tourists. I thought to myself that what if we had driven to some other place in Japan for a visit? Am I then supposed to be nervous about being stopped because our license plate is different? Can you see how it doesn't make any sense?! And hubby said that they did it quite often, stop the black man riding his bicycle.

May this anger not stay with me. Lord, please help me not to remain upset. When I'm driving in the vehicle that You have blessed me with, I shouldn't have to feel nervous and uncomfortable. It's not fair and it's not right.... It makes me think about the persons in a certain country, a name I will not call, who have to face this sort of thing and worse because of the color of their skin. People should not have to live in that state of fear!

In all fairness, this sort of thing happens in Jamaica all the time. People are stopped by the police for insane reasons and made to even pay tickets which are quite questionable...

In other 'news', I'm sort of in one of those seasons where the expenses are more than what is available to take care of them. Ever been in one of those? I have been feeling overwhelmed as a result. But I have been remembering a preacher (Joyce Meyers is her name) who spoke about the rough years in her life - years when she had to depend on God to meet their monthly needs. She spoke about how she would sit and worry about their bills; while her husband would simply 'cast his cares'. I thought to myself, how I could develop that 'cast your cares attitude'. I decided to say a prayer:

Dear Lord. I am really overwhelmed by the expenses ahead. I feel angry too. I have faithfully saved. And even as I note that, I am reminded that I have faithfully tithed too. And according to your word, I am to receive an outpouring of blessings that I will not have room to contain. Lord let this anxiety, worry and fear not stay with me. I am imagining looking back at this time and saying to myself, see how I was worrying for nothing. Thank you for your provision, mercy, favor and grace. This I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Well, I prayed that prayer in simple, child-like faith. Perhaps you need to say a prayer of your own for whatever thing you may be facing in your life right now. Prayer is the easiest thing to do, but sometimes we don't really do it. I guess it seems too simple for the 'big' problem we seem to be facing. But it is the best thing we can do, and really should be our first line of action.

Thanks as always for reading. See you next time.

Meet SimmyBoom: A Jamaican Dancer in Japan

I have been away for so long. Just one of those things, you know. You get busy or otherwise distracted and you don't quite get to working on those things that you'd like to. Anyway, I'm back with another awesome story from a Jamaican who is making her mark here in Japan. Ladies and gentlemen, say hi to SimmyBoom.

Hi, Simmy! Please tell us about yourself and what brought you to Japan.

My name is Simone Symister-Salmon and I'm from Kingston, Jamaica. I'm happily married to a Jamaican and we have been living in Japan for over 4 years. My hobbies include dancing, socializing and traveling.

I came to Japan because I wanted to experience a culture different from mine; so when I was offered the opportunity to live and work here as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), I gladly accepted it and I'm tremendously happy that I did.

How long have you been dancing?

Well I have been dancing since I was 10 years old in High School; so, 18 years. But professionally, approximately 4 years.

You have been having dance workshops here in Japan. I'd love to know about them; like how you got started.

Fortunately I was asked to conduct a dance workshop for a Jamaican dancer who came to Japan. Although I was a dance teacher, I knew nothing about dance workshops. However, after doing some research, I was able to pull it off. After that, many other requests came for me to do workshops for international dancers but because of my busy work schedule I had to decline most of those requests.

A lot of friends encouraged me to open my own dance school, but I was hesitant due to the fact that my Japanese level is very basic; and as well as the fact that I think I still have a lot to learn as a dance teacher.

However, because I'm truly passionate about dance, I took my friends' advice as well as followed my heart and started my own dance workshops and collaborated with other dancers/dance teachers. Based on the turn out of those workshops and constant requests to continue organizing workshops, I would say the workshops were a success and I'm truly happy that persons benefited from them.

Simmy with her dance partner and a student getting down.

Simmy (in the yellow T-shirt) with her dance partner and some of her students.

I'm on a maternity leave from dancing now but will surely continue right after, by God's will.

Oh! Congratulations on your pregnancy! Any advice for someone who has a talent that they can share and capitalize on?

Thank you. The most important thing is to never give up on your dreams. Try your best to achieve your goals. One way this this can be done is by networking. You'll be surprised at how helpful some persons who you meet can be and the impact they can have on your career/talent. Associate yourself with professionals in the field you are trying to master and learn from them. You are never too talented or educated to learn.

Last but not least, be humble yet confident! If you're shy try to work on that because shyness/ nervousness can be a roadblock to your opportunity to shine!!

I can definitely relate to the shyness/nervousness part! It really is something I have to try to overcome. Any other thing you'd like to add, Simmy?

Don't be afraid to make mistakes because that's the only way you'll learn. There are many of you with potential so don't hesitate to maximize your potential by taking any opportunity you get to do so.

Love God and he will lead you in the right direction.

Big smiles from Simmy (in orange) with her students. Two of her co-teachers are also in the group.

Thanks, girl! And all the very best to you and your hubby as you bring new life into the world.

There you have it, guys! These stories are really inspiring to me; I hope they are inspiring you, too. Hope you can take something from what our Jamaican dancer has said, act on it, and realize your dream.

Be blessed :)

The Case of Abigail: A Godly Woman

I wrote this in my diary some time ago. I wanted to share it here but didn't. I think it wouldn't be a long enough post. Blog posts are supposed to be lengthy, right? But one of the reasons I started this blog was to share things on my heart. So I guess even if it's a few lines, I shouldn't let that stop me. So here goes...

Since reading about Abigail in the Bible, I've been quite fascinated by her. Her story can be found in 1 Samuel 25. She was married to a mean man, a churlish man, as the Bible puts it. But if her husband was so mean, why did she stay with him? 

Perhaps she stayed out of respect for God. Perhaps she wasn't even a happy wife. Perhaps she didn't even love her husband, at least not in a romantic way, but in a reverential way. Perhaps she was a wife who did all her widely duties because it was the right thing to do. What a woman! Could you do that?

Somehow, I think it was a case of deliverance for her when her husband died from his 'meanness'. Of course, she must have felt sad and mourned in some way. But she was perhaps happy to be free from such a churlish husband. 

What do you think?

Another reason I admire her is the fact she was referred to as, "a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance". Those are wonderful traits to have. Don't you think so? 

Until next time :)

Oh, the Wisdom of Animals!

You know, I can't help but think how much more sensible animals are, more than us humans.

Image retrieved from https://twitter.com/fabulousanimals

• They hunt to satisfy their hunger and feed their young; not to store up wealth or because of greed.

• They hunt and eat, then rest and play. They are not constantly on the go!

• They build their homes using the resources around them. They don't go into debt doing so!

• They have and care for their young the way that nature so established. They dont have to depend on doctors and midwives, medical technology stuff and baby formula. Good ole' breastmilk is the way to go!

Oh, why do we humans complicate things so? Sometimes I think we are too intelligent! We are so bright that we can't seem to appreciate good ole' common sense! We know too much, and unfortunately, the more we know, it is the dumber we seem to become.

And on another note, why are we humans so wicked? Animals kill on instinct, for food and for survival. But as for us humans, it's a whole different story! The brutality of humans sometimes makes you wonder, a weh wi heart deh? How could Slavery or the Holocaust exist? I sat and listened to the story of a survivor of the Holocaust, and my mouth was wide open throughout her story. How could human beings treat other human beings so? Oh, the wickedness of man! We can often be not only dumber than animals, but more savage, too!

Can you think of any other ways that we humans complicate life, when compared to how animals live?

Image retrieved from http://forum.xcitefun.net/funny-animal-life-t50092.html

When God Won't Allow You To Quit

Yesterday I just felt like shouting, "Why won't God make me quit!"

Sometimes you want to do something so badly, but you just know deep down that is not what God wants you to do, and it's so frustrating! Why won't God make me quit!

You know, these days people like to talk about living life on your own terms. Well, I don't think that for the Christian man or woman it is that simple. God gave us desires, yes. But once we've gone down the pathway of surrendering to His will, it brings us to the point of having to give up those things that we'd prefer, to holding on to those things that we believe He would have us hold on to. As hard as that sometimes is!

I remember a minister shared that she didn't want anything that God didn't want for her. I remember that I have also asked God the same thing. Even if it's going to make my flesh miserable, if God doesn't want something for me, I don't want it. I mean, "I" do want it! The "fleshly me" wants it. But the "Spirit of God in me" doesn't want to have it if it is not to be. Scream!

Can you tell that I am frustrated? Sigh. Oh, well. Surrendering to the will of God is no easy thing. When you've successfully made it thorough each day however, knowing that you did what you felt was the right thing to do, as hard as it was doing it, I suppose that that is reason to rejoice.

Meet Angie Taylor: An American Entrepreneur in Japan

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It almost doesn't feel real. Can you believe it? 2014 has passed and we are now in a new year.

How was 2014 for you? Whatever happened or didn't happen, we can be grateful that we are still here. Yes, we've lived to see another year!

To kick off the new year, we will hear the wonderful story of Angie Taylor, a successful black woman from America, who is making her mark here in Japan.

Funny how time flies when you are having fun! 

I first came to Japan in August of 1992. I had entertained dreams of coming here ever since I was in elementary school....maybe it had to do with the impact that Godzilla left on me at that early age. Or maybe it was the effect of one of my favorite childhood songs, the "Sukiyaki Song."  After studying for a semester at an American university in the mountains of Niigata, I was hooked. I returned to the States, applied for a job through the JET Program and never looked back. That officially started my 21-year "journey" with Japan.

I taught English for seven years, then decided to return to America in order to pursue graduate study. By chance, I happened to sing a few songs at the wedding of a friend's relative. The owner of the wedding company heard my stage and offered me a job on the spot. In the 13 years that I worked as a professional wedding singer and bridal planner, I participated in over 5,500 weddings. Yes....from meeting Chaka Khan (and cooking macaroni and cheese for her!!) to singing a few times on national tv...to having the honor of singing for the Japanese Emperor's daughter and Magic Johnson when he came to Niigata, I have been blessed with numerous opportunities to express myself through music. It doesn't stop with just "me," either. One of my former music students signed with SONY Japan and became a part of one of the hippest hip-hoppers in Japanese music.  It is very clear that the ripples we create while here are often amazing!

Oh, and speaking of cooking, I started my own country "kitchen"...an expression of my love of pies, pastries, cookies, cheesecakes and other sweets. Lol!

A truly elegant Strawberry Creme-White Chocolate cheesecake! Melt in your mouth goodness!

a chocolate chestnut pound cake

A fall favorite: a fig pie. A whole fig, plucked from the tree, sprinkled with cinnamon and a touch of sugar....wrapped in phyllo sheets! Then baked until golden brown!! So simple (the most difficult part is fighting the crows off the trees for the best figs!!)

So, how did it all start you ask? My friends asked me to open a bakery after I surprised them by making all of the desserts at a Christmas party.  It took three days for me to bake everything, but it was so worth it! I will never forget the happiness and excitement that my kitchen-skills brought!! Though I stopped baking professionally a few years ago so that I can focus my energy on creating a healthier version of myself, my friends still ask for goodies every now and again. I delight them, of course, but with a much healthier versions of those comfort food originals!

a pumpkin cheesecake, with layers separated

As mentioned, my latest focus has been on health. I have successfully dropped about 100 pounds over the past 4 years and I feel amazing. I am not quite where my body needs me to be, but we are well on our way. In an effort to help spread my love of a plant-based lifestyle, I have challenged local chefs to create a new kind of menu for a series of exclusive dinner parties. The rules are simple: no oil, no butter, no meat, no added sugar, no dairy....and no eggs. The dinners and brunches have all been major hits; I am truly moved by all the interest.  Honestly, there is something really wonderful about sharing the wealth of health with others.  Recently, in addition to coaching others who are interested in losing weight and getting healthy, I have been focusing my efforts on promoting healthier foods for children.  As a result of the interest in my restaurant challenges, cooking classes and seminars, I am currently working on a debut cookbook that focuses on kids and nutrition.

Six months ago, I moved to the Tohoku area to help motivate and guide the kids and communities that were affected by the 3/11 disasters. Yes, I left everything behind in Niigata because I felt that it was my duty to share some of my many blessings, happiness and expertise with those who are still going through extremely difficult times. Many of my friends thought I had lost my mind, leaving such stability back in the rear-view mirror. Actually, it was, by far, one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. Just knowing that I am living my idea of life with true meaning and empathy has filled my heart with a level of happiness I can barely describe. Where I first thought that I would be leaving my love of food and music behind, I find that those interests have followed me here. I have joined a local band AND connected with a local restaurant interested in changing its menu to promote healthier dishes.  Yes, new opportunities, including talk of a full scholarship for my doctorate degree in wellness tourism are in the works. My grandmother always said that those who give fully of themselves will be refilled with a cup that flows over.  My goodness! How does it get much better than this!?

Life in Japan has not always represented the smoothest of rides.  Many of my opportunities have come without warning....with the transitions being very unpredictable and often times chaotic. Even so, I trust that I am already where I need to be...for even the words "crisis" and "opportunity" share the same kanji.  The minute I let go, and "let God" (as my mother often said), things magically fell into place. The road carrying my success has been full of many, potholes, roadblocks, crazy turns and selfish "road hogs" on the verge of road rage. Still I accept it all very graciously, thanking Japan daily for the gift of this amazing, life-changing journey. Yep....taking my feet off the brakes, enjoying every second of the ride!!

Anyone interested in coming here would benefit from keeping an open mind as to what Japan might offer. Sure, we can listen to and appreciate the adventures of others. That being said, we might want to think twice about allowing their experiences to serve as a final indicator of what Japan "is" to us. To really experience it, one must witness it with his own eyes, heart and collection of attitudes, values and beliefs. I strongly believe that in the same way we each bring unique gifts to Japan, it gifts us with unique moments and stories in return!

 Stay healthy, happy and blessed. 

Thanks so much Angie! Your story has definitely inspired me. I hope it sparks something in my readers and that they too can know that their dreams are possible.

My Favorite Japanese Words

While listening to the people around me or while listening to TV programs, I regularly hear some interesting sounding Japanese words. 

Some time ago, I learned that these words have become increasingly popular in Japan. They are called onomatopoeias. 

Onomato  - What?

According to Taylor (2014), "Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which the sound of the word is used to deliberately echo or underline the meaning". They are, in other words, words that actually sound like the object, feeling or occurrence they are seeking to describe. 

Japanese Onomatopoeias 

If you're an English teacher in Japan, there are times when you say something that draws laughter from your students. Or you find them mimicking you. Sometimes I'm annoyed when it happens but then I catch myself doing the same thing when I hear the words below! Oops! LOL. For some reason they have a funny sound to them. 

Here are 10 of my favorite Japanese words: 

1. バラバラ (barabara) - I learned this one in the classroom. The kids or teachers often use it to mean things are scattered around. It might also be used if we're playing a game involving the use of cards and the cards need to be spread out on the table. 

2. ギリギリ (girigiri) - I was a few minutes late one morning and found myself using this one. The morning anxiety coupled with the fact that I had caught a cold, resulted in the morning being all rushed and confusing. The word indicated that, "I barely made it to work". 

3. ふわふわ (fuwafuwa) - I really like this one. It's winter time now so all the furry coats and fluffy blankets are out. If your new blanket is all soft and nice, this is the word to describe that feeling. 

4. ガラガラ (garagara) - I think I usually hear this one on the news. If there was an earthquake or landslide or explosion, people use it to describe a rattling sound they may have heard. 

5. パラパラ (parapara) - I hear this one on a rainy day. If it's raining lightly, this is the one to use to describe that. 

6. ピカピカ (pikapika) - I really like this one as well. It's Christmas time with lots of illumination around. In Jamaica, all the floors are clean and shiny with wax! LOL. The sparkling lights and shiny floors can be described using this one. 

7. ドンドン (dondon) - Who's that at the door? If you want to talk about the knocking on the door, this is the one to use. 

8. ワクワク (wakuwaku) - How exciting! If you use this one, you'll be sure to express how exciting something is/was. 

9. ニコニコ (nikoniko) - Can't stop smiling at the fact in a few days it'll be the holidays? Your smile can be expressed as nikoniko. 

10. ゴロゴロ (gorogoro) - I think I usually hear this one on the news as well. It's used to express a thundering sound. 

There are a whole lot more of these words, but these are the ones I've heard before and hear the most. 

If you're interested in knowing more about these words, you might like this post, http://www.tofugu.com/guides-old/japanese-onomatopoeia-guide/ 

バイバイ! Baibai! 

Reference

Taylor, R. (2014). Retrieved Monday December 8, 2014. http://www.humanities360.com/index.php/onomatopoeia-may-be-the-linguistic-remnant-of-the-beginnings-of-human-speech-1688/