Dear Friends and Family,

It’s Time to stop Travelling so much When

1. You’re disappointed because your favourite restaurant in terminal one  (Narita i.e. Tokyo) closed.
2. You start watching a movie with only 1 hr. left in the flight knowing you can watch the rest of it on your next flight.
3. You know which meal you’re having before they give you the options (the eggs – not the Japanese porridge).
4. You know who sells the cheapest water once you get through security (Tim Hortons).
5. You want to live in the same country as your boyfriend more than ½ the time.

I’m Moving Back to Canada

I have decided to move back to Canada.  I didn’t renew my contract with the church nor my visa in Japan.  This season of being a missionary in Japan is coming to a close.  I’m very sad to leave Japan, the country I love and the people I love.  It has truly become home to me.

I am looking forward to what God has for me in Canada.  I will continue supply teaching and will probably take over a class from March – June (there’s always plenty of pregnant women in the Toronto District School Board – thank you Jesus!)  I’m looking forward to being involved in my home church again.

Thank You

Thank you so much for reading my newsletters, praying for me, supporting me and believing in me.  I want you to know what a HUGE difference you’ve made in the lives of so many here in Japan.  You have truly helped the light of God shine in such a dark place.  You have also changed me.  I am so honoured to have so many of you sacrifice so I can have the best job ever!

When I first became a missionary and couldn’t save for retirement anymore, I was worried.  Then God asked me, “So, you’re going to live by faith as a missionary and then when you retire you’re not going to live by faith anymore?”

Although I will no longer be a missionary in Japan, I will continue to live by faith.

Luv,

Amanda

p.s. Pictures are of the Young Adults Fellowship Group and Andre and I.

Dear Friends and Family,

In Honour of my Dad turning 75,

My Dad has 75…

1. Rolls of toilet paper in the back (he shops at Costco).
2. Airplane magazines in the bathroom (no wonder he’s there so frequently).
3. Jokes that make my mom say, “Is this a joke?”

Speaking about Japan in Churches

In November, I was able to speak at a morning women’s meeting at a church in Unionville about Japan.  They invited everyone and so it was all women with the one sound guy.  I’m always amazed when I’m invited to speak in these women’s meetings that it’s mostly less than 20 women mostly over 60 and they take up a freewill offering and it’s almost double what I would receive if I preached in a church!!  Of course, the food is always good too and the women are friendly and have lots of questions (usually only one or two doze off).  I highly recommend speaking in women’s meetings weekday mornings if you are invited!

Supply/Substitute Teaching

As always, I supply teach when I am in Canada.  The students call me, “Ms. Yuill” or “Mrs. Yuill” or “Ms. Y’all” or “Ms. Y” or “Ms. U” or “Ms. Candy” or “Whats-your-name-again” or “Hey-I-remember-you”.  The week before Christmas, I taught a grade one class and I got 3 Christmas presents!! We had a Christmas party complete with break dancing to Christmas songs.  I really do enjoy helping the students have a good time and still learn things when their teacher is away.  (The money is good too – especially when some teachers have a double preparation period some days!)

Home again home again jiggity-jig

I  came home to Canada in the middle of November.  I will go home to Japan on Jan. 16.  If you would like anything from Japan, please let me know (or from Canada for those in Japan).  I was reminded that Japan is also home this past week when I was given Thai spring rolls with a knife and fork and had to ask for chop sticks so I could eat them.

Prayer Requests

1. Favour with the tax/health insurance office in Japan.
2. Time/opportunity to see everyone this time in Japan.
3. Wisdom for 2013.
4. Luv,

Amanda

p.s. Pictures are of Christmas lights in Tokyo and Toronto.