Author Archives: Norman

We’re Baacckk!!!!

We arrived in Chicago on Tuesday, January 24 and have been tired and cranky ever since. Not that different from the usual I suppose. We are visiting Susan’s family in WI until mid February when we will head south to … Continue reading

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Meaningful Conversations

We don’t have as many as we would like but I have had a few this past week. I meet with Joel once a week for mutual accountability and encouragement, one of my Japanese friends as seen our relationship and … Continue reading

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Hmm, Somebody has been avoiding the computer

I have been doing a terrible job of keeping this updated. My apologies! I do not promise to do better…. However, we have had a busy summer and have recently met several people who have some small level of spiritual … Continue reading

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Obiyama discipleship training this weekend

We will be at the Obiyama church on Sunday, teaching a discipleship training course on Sunday afternoon. Should be fun! Daniel Son has arrived for a 3 month internship. He is from TN and attended GRIT in 2009. We have … Continue reading

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Riding weather arrives

It is finally warming up enough to want to ride a motorcycle for fun. I have ridden on and off all winter because it is cheap and quick to get around on but now I actually WANT to ride. Takuya … Continue reading

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Tom Carr in Jail!

Our coworkers, Tom and Paula Carr working in Miyakonojo, are going through a bit of a trial as Tom was arrested Saturday night. He is falsely accused and is awaiting the end of an investigation to clear him. I won’t … Continue reading

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Earthquake and Nuclear power plant

We are far enough away to be safe from the effects of the earthquake but some of our neighbors are concerned about the possibility of a nuclear meltdown and wind carrying radiation to our area. Thanks for your prayers for … Continue reading

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March Discipleship Retreat this weekend.

We are heading off to camp for a few days, ending in the March retreat. I think the numbers will be low this time, partly because the Obiyama church has started the discipleship training at their church. I am really … Continue reading

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January is a cold one!

We are staying around the heater at the Smith house these days. It is too cold inside and outside to do much away from one. We have had snow on several days in December and January, that’s unusual for our … Continue reading

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Fall changes in store for Smiths

Andrew Murray has been a part of our family for the past 20 months or so. He is leaving December 15th to return to Iowa. We will all miss him as he has provided a lot of fellowship, support and … Continue reading

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