Happy Little Vegemite

On my way to work today, I decided to stop in at World Market - a new (6 months ago) store to the Memphis area. It's basically in the same parking lot as my office and I was running a few minutes early. As I drove by there this morning, the thought crossed my mind that they just might have Vegemite. As I mentioned on a previous post...I have been in search of Vegemite for the last week but had pretty much resolved to waiting until our visit in July.

I searched the aisles of imported food and came across TIM TAMS, Cadbury Flakes, Time Outs, Curly Wurlys and other Cadbury Gems. Ahh...the mouth waters. Alas, no Vegemite. On my way out, the store clerk asked if I found everything I needed. (she could probably tell by my face that I did not!) I asked her if they stocked Vegemite. I expected a blank, 'never heard of it' stare. Instead she said, 'oh yeah, right this way'. She led me to the 'Product of AustRIA' aisle (go figure...Australia..Austria...) and lo and behold...there sat my Vegemite.

She knew I was happy. Trying not to be too giddy, I politely told her how she had made my day, and went on and paid my $2.99 plus tax for the goods.

I'm still pretty pumped about my find. It's very timely - since today is ANZAC day and all, and since I've had about all the peanut butter and honey, and jelly on toast that I can handle for some time. And to think it's been right there all this time.

'Australians all let us rejoice....' Memphis has Vegemite!

Reunion

It has been such a joy to be reunited with Katsuyuki, Akiko and Tomoka. Even though Akiko told us that Tomoka could say our names and identify us from a picture...my heart was filled with an unexpected joy and warmth when I heard her say 'Niko' and 'Jason doko?'...'Where's Jason?' It was the sweetest thing. She is now 2 1/2 and can speak and in full sentences - in Japanese - and it makes our interactions with her so full and rich.

Of course we greatly enjoy her Mum and Dad, too. They are strong people - they went through some trials while living in the US but persevered through each of them with a happy disposition. We look forward to our time together over the next few weeks. And hope we can visit them in Okazaki some time soon.

Good Morning!

We're both feeling much better...in spite of not being able to get my hands on any Vegemite. Thanks to my kind friends in Japan who offered to order and send me some, though!

It is a really stormy morning here in Memphis. One benefit of being sick and having slept alot, is that this morning I woke up and bounced out of bed...not my usual morning ritual...let's just say I am not really a morning person. But with so much sleep under my belt, I was glad to get up this morning. I was also helped by a morning call from Jason's family.

This weekend our friends from Japan, the Kanedas arrive. I had their arrival one week too soon... Saturday morning is HUGSR's annual 5k Run for the Son. If you're in Memphis, join us at 7:30am for registration for an 8am run. Jason will be 31 this weekend....

That's about it for 'news'. Just checking in...
Be blessed!

In search of comfort...

Last night I (Nicole) came down with a terrible stomach bug. I honestly don't think I've ever gotten sick this fast before. Jason took good care of me throughout the night as I moved between the bedroom and living room trying to get comfortable. This morning I called the office saying I would not work today. Their response was 'Are you pregnant?' I assured them that since I had fever and an aching body that this was indeed just a nasty bug! Besides, I would hope that this was not 'morning sickness'....if THIS is what morning sickness is like...then I am up for adopting!

As a child, whenever I was sick, I would eat Vegemite on toast or crackers. It has grown to be such a comfort food and as I began to get my wits about me this afternoon, I could not think of anything else. So...I went on a mission to Wild Oats only to find out that they no longer carry Vegemite. I'm very devastated....all I want is a little comfort...and I can't get it.... I had to settle for some soup from McAlisters deli..... Please feel very sorry for me! And if you have Vegemite on hand...give me a call.

Naturalization

We're pleased to announce that the final stage of my Naturalization process(Justin - please note 'proper US spelling for naturaliZation), is just around the corner. We received 'orders' for me to appear Downtown Memphis on May 1st for my Oath Ceremony. On this day I will officially become a citizen of the United States of America. I will have the priviledge of being a Dual Citizen of Australia and the US.



We started our file in Tokyo, Japan back in 2002. Overall - our dealings with the Embassies, Consulates, INS and now the department of Homeland Security have been very pleasant and smooth. There were occassional setbacks and frustrations but God provided us with endurance, patience and funds to get this taken care of.

If you would like to witness a Naturalization Oath Ceremony (really...how often does a chance like this come up???)...let me know...I'd be honoured for you to be there. (And yes...Justin...I spelled honoUred 'Aussie style' - just for you - and in honour of my roots!)

Visitors from Japan...coming soon

Our friends from Aichi, Japan will be back in Memphis is just a few days! We met them while they were here on a research grant at UT. We studied the Bible together and developed a wonderful friendship. We can't wait to see how they are doing - especially their daughter, Tomoka. Tomoka was born while the Kaneda family lived in Memphis. We were priviledged to baby sit Tomoka on a number of occasions. Her Mom and Dad even allowed her to spend the night with us. She is one of the sweetest little girls we have ever known. Jason says she is his favourite. I remember the first time Tomoka ever really laughed. We had just finished a meal together; Jason was singing her name to the tune of a well known Japanese folk song and she thought it was the funniest thing ever. She busted out in fits of laughter over and over again until it became a game. I think it surprised both her and her parents to hear her laugh like that. I don't think I will ever forget that.

I wonder if she will remember 'Jason and Nicole'? Her parents have been showing her our picture and said she can say our names. That will be sweet to hear! They have asked that we make her bilingual during their three week visit (one of which we will be in California). We'll have to get busy on that....good think my degree is in Linguistics. Surely that will help.



Some other special people are arriving from Japan just before them. Jared and Jenny have been on a freight liner for about 10 days. They are scheduled to hit Los Angeles some time tomorrow. We can't wait to hear that they have arrived safely. What an experience to cross the Pacific this way - and they have done this twice! They plan to come our way some time in May or June. Jason and Jared are yet to meet. I can't wait for them to get to know each other and for Jenny and I to get reaquainted. Jenny is like a sister to me. Talking, tea, knitting, laughing...these and more are well overdue.

Thank you God for the blessing of friendship.

Discover with us

I wanted to post this link to some information about Wollongong.
Click on the title of this post and you will be transported to New South Wales!

Wollongong, NSW Survey Trip

We're excited to share with you that we will survey the city of Wollongong, New South Wales (NSW) in July - in anticipation that this growing city might be our future home and place of ministry. Wollongong is about 45 minutes south of Sydney. It is the 3rd largest city in the state of NSW and the 10th largest in Australia. Mountains to the west...ocean to the east...families...a university...a diverse population...some 275,000 people searching for some meaning to life.

'May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.' - Psalm 67:1-5

And there was much rejoicing...Part II

I have finally figured out how to put links on our blog!!! So...welcome to those of you who are linked. I am not done yet. If you would like us to put a link to your website on ours...let me know. Um...for those of you who are already linked that I did NOT ask...let me know if you want to be removed!

As you can see...things are still a little shakey. My font for 'links' does not match my other fonts. I would like to add a few other features - but my progress seems to be very slow! First words...then pictures...now links. Wow!

I am always open to hints and tips for better blog features.

Spring Thing 2006

Saturday night was the Grad school's Spring Thing. The weather was perfect - we enjoyed a BBQ and devotional outside. Thanks, Justin for reminding us of the special friendships and community we have here. We can testify how the relationships we have developed and continue to develop here, have really shaped us and blessed us.


Thanks for stopping by our website. We hope you'll have time to post a comment and let us know you've 'dropped in' on us.

Good times in Ada

Jason and Jun - Ada, Oklahoma, March 2006

Happenings...

Life is good. God is good. God is not good just because life is good. Recently I can really sense God's goodness in life. He is good and faithful to His promises and I delight in His love more and more.

Amidst work and studies, we have enjoyed some special events during the past two weeks. We took another road trip to Oklahoma. This time to Ada where we were reunited with Jun Nakazato from Japan. If you've spent even a short time with my husband, it is very likley that you have heard about 'Jun'. It was great to catch up with him after almost 4 years and to encourage each other in our faith. Jun is a perserverer...no doubt about it! I enjoyed a visit from Billie Hesselrode who was visiting from Missouri this past week. Bob and Billie moved from Memphis to Kennett last summer. We miss their presence in Memphis, but they are still a bright spot in our lives through email and phone communication and an occassional face-to-face visit.

Our team has made a monumental step forward. We have agreed on a location to survey this summer. Let me post this news in a week or so. In the meantime, let me share with your our photo. We covet your prayers for each member - Jason, Nicole, Shawn, Kendra, Darian and Brenna. And for the hearts of those we trust that God is already preparing to hear of His love, mercy and goodness!