yesterday and today

Yesterday, I woke up to Ben's waking himself from a dream and getting a drink of water. I partially sat up and he said, "Happy, happy-happy-happy birthday, happy-happy birthday-birthday!" I smiled, said thanks and laid back down. We both went back to sleep, until the phone rang when my sister called to wish me a happy birthday.

Throughout the day, each person made attempts to make me feel appreciated and loved. Crim and Ben were very attentive, and Crimsen made raspberry pancakes for breakfast. They both treated me to a curry dinner and gave me some nice gifts. Michiko tried to have the baby on my birthday, but it was a false alarm. I just felt appreciative of the fact that she tried (smile). She and Jon also gave me a nice gift and the five of us, Judith and Makiko (Michiko's friend) went bowling. The funniest part was that I not only lost but bowled one of the worst games. But I didn't care - I was just happy to be with everyone. Judith made me butter tarts, which served as the cake on which were placed the candles I received in my mountain of gifts from my girlfriend, Debi. Other friends in Japan and North America sent email, cards and warm wishes. I finished the day by talking with my parents and hearing about the day I came into the world, and then talking with beautiful Debi. (I even got to talk to Debi's mom for a few minutes for the first time.)

I also reflected about my birthday last year. The Hosois made a big deal about it and invited us to their home for a meal which I know Kiyomi spent hours preparing. That was one of the last extended periods of time I spent with Megumi before she was killed in May this year. I felt sort of melancholy, but tried not to show it to everyone else.

Today is New Year's Eve. Every year we have a tradition of greeting the New Year with the Saito family. They are not christians, but they are like our relatives with whom we spend time. They have been very good to us and caring for us since our move to Japan. Crimsen has been busily preparing a lasagna, Ben is making some chili and I have been baking pumpkin bread to take along. Without a doubt, they are busily preparing for our arrival, too, and we'll probably start eating as soon as we arrive and won't stop until we leave at 1:30 or so in the morning.

It's the end of 2005. It's time to say goodbye to one year, and just as quickly greet a new year. What will the Lord accomplish this year? What will be our joys? Our sorrows? How will each of us grow and change? I want to love people more. I want to love God more. I want to learn to receive God's love more. Happy New Year, everyone.