tokyo sp: Week 3: Midproject retreat

Monday July 12

The beginning of week 3 was about the time the "team honeymoon" ended. We encountered some team conflicts so it put to test our ability to live out as a biblical community. It was good though. We definitely had good communication and handled the conflict resolution well. One of our team norms was to keep short accounts so that bitterness would not arise, but rather to be able to communicate with truth and grace (probably one of the biggest things I've been learning about being on a team and living in a biblical community centered on Jesus).

[Ephesians 4:31-32]

³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Nevertheless, because of how well the conflict was dealt with, (in part due to good leadership by our leaders) our team actually handled the conflict well, became more vulnerable with each other, and grew closer to each other.

On another note, Jordan and I met some really cool people earlier Monday, and just got to hang out with them and get to know their life. Here is a picture with two of our new friends: Yuka and Youske.

Thursday July 15th

From thursday morning to Saturday afternoon, our team had our

mid-project retreat. We spent three days two nights in the beautiful mountains of Hakone. Being in Hakone was just really refreshing. The change of scenery and just spending more time with God and getting to know the team was really encouraging. For me, the break was much needed. I don't think I ever really realized how much stress the first two weeks were on me. Not that I was stressed out, but just trying to be intentionally with all my conversations and trying to meet new students took a little toll on me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. So it was just nice soaking in the onsen baths, and doing a little sight seeing with the team.

Onsen baths are traditional Japanese bath houses, and our team went this fancy onsen that actually had coffee, tea, and wine baths! We also visited the Hakone Air Museum, which was filled with a bunch interactive sculptures and architecture art. Pictures below! Enjoi!