Hello Seattle

Here's a video of my brother dancing to "I Whip my Hair" on the xbox...we had a good time that night! :)

Thank you Lord for a chance to go home, catch up with family and friends, and tell others about the wonderful things you're doing in London. About two weeks ago, I boarded the long flight from London to Chicago, then finally Seattle. The whole trip took about 15 hours, but it was so worth it to see my parents after 9 months! This is the longest I've been away from them.

We had beautiful weather in Seattle the first couple days...I was surprised it wasn't raining! The funny thing is, I felt like I had never left...7 months have gone by fast! Everything felt the same, but I have become a different person and changed since September.

Highlights of my trip included:
-Family/friend reunion at Ivar's restaurant on a beautiful sunny day
-Sharing stories and a video about my time in London
-Hearing my Aunt and Uncle speak about missions and tsunami impact in Japan
-Celebrating my Grandpa Mori who's 95 years old and Grandma Mori
-Spending time with my mom on her birthday
-Home-made sushi and Japanese food (I was getting quite sick of shepherd's pie and fish and chips)
-My best friend's graduation party and fellowship with old church friends
-Hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest
-Celebrating my 23rd birthday at Wild Ginger, Yogurtland, and a sleepover
-Going to Lighthouse and Mars Hill church
-English tea and scones...showing my family how to drink proper tea!
-Catching up with my old community group
-Quality time with family

I am so thankful! I really needed the time to get away and reflect on the year. God has blessed me with so much. He is always there for me. My mentor shared this Psalm right before I left and has been so encouraging:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from? 
 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber; 

indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 

the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;  

the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

^{-Psalm 121}