Friends visiting from the states

 Visiting the Aquarium in Nago

 Easter!

 Visiting Ginowan while Eder's mom and sister were in Okinawa.

 Pineapple Park trip!

 

And another trip to the aquarium~

 Take your shoes off to tour the Okinawan houses.

 Elena got her Taiko-drum on!

 Getting ready for an outing.

 Making cups at the Okinawan Glass place.

 Ice cream with grandma at the mini-mall Justco.

 Last day in Nago after church (we headed down south for the last few days of their trip).

 Summer fun with the kids from church in Nago.

 Doing a "cool pose" at my request.

 Picture day for Daddy~

 One of the first days after we moved.

 On the trolly ride in Disneyland! She didn't know what to expect.

 Spinning our drawings around (you could watch them move in the mirrors!).

 The library from Beauty and the Beast.

 Enjoying Mickey Mouse Club House Theater!

 Lunch break!

 End of the night Strawberry Milkshake with Daddy.

 Lauren and Jose's wedding~

 A little upset that they weren't Mommy and Daddy.

 Another one from Disneyland (it was seriously so much fun with the kids, even Philip liked it).

 Back in Okinawa, playing with her friends (this is Riku)

 Practicing their "peace" signs.

 Sunday morning kid's ministry.

 Eder teaching Wednesday night!

 Elena's friend Max. His Dad is from Brazil, and his aunt is going to the bible college right now.

 Eating clams! She loves them.

 At Calvary Chapel Okinawa's Harvest Carnival in October. She was "Super Girl".

 Philip and Eder were "Batman" and "Robin" (can't really see the logos on their shirts).

 Helping him stand (he can walk now, but this was the start of it).

 At a friends Monster Birthday party.

 My sister had her second son, Oliver!

 Our Thanksgiving Day family photo.

 Enjoying Thanksgiving with her friend, Jax.

 Lounging after the big meal.

 Teaching kids ministry Elementary class (craft time!)

 Enjoying our Christmas tree (Philip's way to experience it is to kick it...)

 Women's Christmas Tea!

 I sat at my friend Jessica's table! And this is Alison, her friend she invited.

 Taliya and Yuu-san performed a Christmas Hula dance for us all. It was beautiful.

 Our tree Christmas morning!

 They had a blast, they were so blessed. We were blessed to be able to buy them some nice gifts, and their family in the states blessed their socks off too! Thank you guys all so much, they are so loved.

 First picture of the New Year! (the kids don't look thrilled though)

 This is a snap shot of the shrine in our area, where everyone goes to say prayers for the new year. There was a line of cars all down the street of people waiting just to park. And it there for almost a week.

Almost 30 weeks in this picture, almost there!

                                                   

These were taken a few days before his 1st birthday. He is such an awesome little boy, he is really so sweet.

                                                   

 Celebrating Alice's birthday! She is one of Elena's closest friends (they LOVE to play together).

The most recent thing that we had going on was the Coming of Age ceremony. These are the people from our church that turned 20 this year! We are really proud of them, they are growing into beautiful and kind adults.

2015 into 2016!

Okay, it happened again. The blog got neglected! We are so sorry once again for everyone who keeps up with us through the blog. It's hard to remember that this needs updating when facebook and skype takes care of so much of our communications back in the states.

Again, sorry guys!

So here is what has happened since last time. We had been praying for a long time about what our future steps would be entering into 2014. Not far into spring we made the steps to move from Nago back to Ginowan (where we had served at the church and college before we were married). We set the date to move in June. Things ended up falling right into place, which was more assurance for our hearts that we were taking a step in the right direction (pretty scaring moving from our first home!).

We would be taking over classes at preschool's the church had contracts with, and serving in kids and worship at the church. It was perfect timing, in that the family (our good friends the Wunderliche's!) previously living in the apartment above the girl's d-house were moving to pastor a church in mainland Japan. More than serving, we felt that we needed to be ministered to and trained up in areas here. We feel like this was a step in preparation for whatever God has for us in the future as a more permanent ministry. We are still not sure what that is, but we are following God in faith one step at a time.

Before the move, in March, Eder's mom and sister were able to make a trip out. They were the first to meet Philip! And it was the first time for his sister to see Japan, so it was a blast to show them around, eat lots of food, and enjoy some family time.

We also got to see some of our close friends/English students graduate from high school! It's always neat watching the different celebrations they have here, like the mini parade after they receive their diplomas. Everyone runs out and showers them with gifts, and they have to carry them until the end. Sometimes you can't even tell who it is walking past because they are so loaded up with balloons, snacks, gift bags, and other crazy things.

We threw a baby shower for Mayu at the church, she had a little boy (he is super cute!) not long after we moved in the summer. Not a lot else happened, just some nice times hanging out with the church family in Nago and Joel on weekends. It was a blessing to have him over often for dinner and hang out nights.

So when it did come time to move, we junked a lot of things, and packed up the rest. It took a few cars and a truck we borrowed from a friend, but we were able to get us and all our things down south safely (right before it rained!). The kids adjusted great, they missed their friends but were happy about the new ones here. Elena is especially happy that all the girl's live right down stairs, she is always visiting them.

Less than a month after we moved, we made a trip to the states! It was crazy getting ready to leave so soon after moving, but it worked out! Eder's close cousin was getting married, and everyone needed to meet Philip. It was very fun and we had a lot of family time, and Eder was able to teach for Pastor Wayne at the church, and we both helped with kids.

One of the highlights of the trip was our friend blessing us to get in to Disneyland. Elena had SO much fun, she got to meet all her favorite characters and it was great to watch Eder's family enjoy it right along with them. It's something i never thought we would be able to do, so it was even more amazing that we were able to make it. And i have to say, the employee's there work hard to make it special for kids. We met a guy who was ushering groups in to meet the princesses, and while waiting we talked and found out he had been born in Okinawa when his parents were stationed here. While we were waiting, Eder's brother asked if one of the princesses would be Cinderella (Elena's favorite), but he was pretty sure it wouldn 't be and apologized. No biggie.
So we went in, and Elena was excited but nervous, we started meeting the princesses. And after we met a few, we turned a corner and - There was Cinderella! Elena couldn't believe it. She leaned toward her, and whispered "...cinderella?" and the girl started laughing she thought it was so cute! Elena even gave her a big hug (total mom-melting-heart moment).
When they were taking pictures, one of the workers told Eder's sister that they specifically went out and got Cinderella so Elena could meet her. It was just so kind and sweet of them, they didn't have to do that for one kid, but they did. It just makes me feel so blessed to know the God of love. I don't know if those workers were Christian, but they showed our family love and it blessed us.

When we returned back to Okinawa, we were met with a big surprise: baby #3! We were both shocked and excited! We have now found out that we will have another little boy joining our family in April. Elena is just as excited about this brother as she was about Philip.

Some of the things we have been doing besides baby-prep are: Eder started a Young Adults Bible Study with some of the interns here, they meet at least once a month for study, and try to plan other nights to hang out and fellowship. They had a fun bowling night, and a Christmas Nabe (soup) party. God is really blessing it, the young adults in the church and school had really been feeling a need to hang out and it is evident in how the friendships are growing. Everyone is a great encouragement to eachother.
I also started a Moms' Study in English only, two times a month. There was a need that me and Joanna saw in the English speaking moms and married women in the church. They really desired deeper fellowship, but found it hard with the language barrier. It's been a challenge to me, because i don't feel like i am gifted to teach, but its growing me and its been a blessing for all the women who come. It makes it easier when we see eachother at church to jump in and fellowship.

The holidays were busy but so fun. We had a lot of events with the church, but Eder had a lot of time off from Christmas into January, so we had a lot of family time. Everyone has now returned (except for a few people) from visiting the states, so it feels full again at the cafe.
Now we are just getting back into the swing of work and ministry flowing like usual. Semester will be starting in a few weeks, and in just two months (About) we will be welcoming our 3rd little munchkin! So there is a lot to look forward to.
We also found out recently that our good friends will be stationing here this summer, so we are stoked to see them again! They have such big hearts for the Japanese people.

Here are some prayer requests that we have:

-New car (one with more seats for the kids!)
-Car seat for Philip
-Washing machine (ours has been broken for awhile now)
-Provision for trip to the states (Winter trip)
-Health (everyone has been getting sick)
-Health of baby/momma (fast and safe labor)
-To be guided by the Spirit in our choices for future
-Protection Physical/Spiritual
-Grow in our walks and desire for Jesus

(pictures in the next post!)

2015

Here's a update of the fall and winter leading into the New Year.

In October we celebrated Elena's 2nd birthday. We are so amazed to look back at these two years with her and see just how blessed we really are. She is an amazing, caring, crazy, loving, goofy, loud, and kind little girl. She loves to make us laugh, and even more to love us. I don't know how we cold ever be worthy of such a little blessing to cherish and take care of. God You are too good to us! Thank you! Let the years pass slow. We love her.

We got to perform with Hakugaijin and help out at the yearly Harvest Carnival down south with Calvary Chapel Okinawa. It was Elena's first year she could play games, she had a blast (and got a bag full of candy!). Every year it gets bigger, and it's more and more of the kids and families from the neighborhood. Really cool to see, and really awesome to be able to share Jesus and God's love with them so freely.

In November we had our first official (second time, but first with more than just church family) Thanksgiving meal!

We made a turkey and everything! It is always fun to share this holiday with Japanese people, one reason being that most of them have never seen a turkey before. It was a blessed and full (belly wise and building) event.

We also had our Women's bible study, which Amanda got to share something that had been on her heart a lot. When one of the Kings of Israel had trusted in God for his help, he went up against a huge army with very little men and won. But later in life he faced an army again (smaller than before), but trusted in fellow kingdoms to help. He stopped trusting that God could do this.

What we took from the study was that we need to remember what God has done for us.

God doesn't change depending on the situation. If I can trust God with my money and providing food for my family, then I can trust God with the safety of my kids in this dark world, or with our future or with anything that might strike fear into my heart. My God is mighty, and unchanging. He saved me, He can handle my fears.

In December we had a lot of events. We had a Christmas party at the church at the beginning of the month. We shared the Word and played some Christmas songs, and had a dessert potluck.

The following Sunday, we planned to have a movie night with the church and watch the Christmas movie "Elf". When we got there, we were surprised with a surprise-baby shower! Everyone was wearing fake mustaches, it was really fun and we were so blessed!

After that, the next event Pastor Tim and his wife went with the other local churches to share the Word and sing Christmas carols around town. We watched their boys and had a fun time staying warm (it does get cold here!).

The Sunday before Christmas we did a special service and had a cookie decorating competition after. The kids really enjoyed it (Elena just wanted to eat hers, though she did like drawing on it with frosting). The adults got super creative!

Christmas Eve we had a potluck dinner with just the church family. It was really nice and relaxed, we all just enjoyed talking and eating together.

Christmas Day we had Joel over and we made French toast and quiche for a late breakfast, opened gifts, and relaxed watching Christmas movies.

We got a chance to skype with our familes too, it was fun to watch Elena sharing what she received.

After that we were just waiting for our new little kiddo to join us. The due date was New Year's Day, but we ended up meeting him a few days early!

December 29th at 9 pm Philip arrived!

We are SO happy to have him with us, he is already the handsomest little boy!

God really does have the perfect timing, even in the little things. Eder had the whole week off that I was in the hospital, and there weren't any other babies being delivered when we went in (the next day they were busy though!). It was a really good experience for us, Eder was even able to stay in the hospital overnight too as much as he wanted.

So 2014 ended really awesome! And starting the New Year is so exciting and our hearts feel so full.

Here are some things we would like to praise God for and some prayer requests if you would like to pray for them:

-for a healthy pregnancy and fast and safe labor/birth

-Philip :)

-God's provision the whole past year and on (He knows exactly what we need)

-our health (flu is going around)

-trip to the states this summer

-Led by Spirit in future choices/plans

Also, Eder has been asked to start teaching again on Wednesdays twice a month in Japanese. Please pray for guidance and endurance through it (preparing and translating).

Summer update

Time slips by so fast. Our last post was after the winter holidays!

We will try to get you caught up to date in case you aren't able to follow us on facebook.

Since last time, we had the church dedication, our summer trip to the states, and are now on to our summer outreaches and events.

The dedication was a very hot day but a very fun day. Friends from all over came to be there and just rejoice and thank the Lord for providing us this building, and to be there to support us in just dedicating it to whatever God wants to use it for. It has already been a huge blessing to our small but growing church family here, everyone really feels at home here. In a few weeks we will be recieving the ac units for the main room (only have it in the kids room right now), and everyone will be blessed by that!

We also have a few new things happening. We have a new missionary moving up here to Nago, Joel Coronado, who is also Eder's best friend from college. We are excited! We are hoping to get some bible classes started so the locals can come and study the Word in depth.

Also, we have a friemd from the states who is heading up here to do some ministry with us for a few weeks. We are doing a kids VBS and then a youth outreach, and taking him around the island.

We ALSO have another joining us, but not until the new year. Diaz kid #2 is due to arrive January 1st!!! We are so excited!!!

We also can't believe how fast this year has gone, because Elena is turning 2 in October. It goes by in a blink. We feel so blessed and are trying to just enjoy and cherish every second we get with her.

On Wednesday nights we are going through the book of Exodus, where the children of Israel have left their captivity in Egypt and are traveling through the desert. They don't have awesome circumstances (in a dry desert with no food or water), and they start worrying and then start complaining. But what they kept forgetting (even though God provided everything they needed) was that God was so much bigger than what was around them. He gave them water from a rock, He gave them quail in the evenings and manna in the mornings, every day without fail.

It's encouraging to know that God takes care of His people. He takes care of those who follow Him.

Sometimes, we don't know how we are going to pay our rent. Or we don't know what we will be able to eat for dinner because we are out of money and are eating the last of the food in the house.

But, every time, every day; God provides. Not once have we skipped a meal. Every time we couldn't pay something, we recieved money from out of no where.

Money is a hard thing not to worry about, especially with a family to take care of. And we have worried about things. And when we did, we got stressed, even sick. But everytime we took it to God and said "okay Lord, we trust You. We KNOW you are good, we KNOW You are big. Take care of us, provide for us. We will trust You to do what we cannot." He came through.

We just do what we can, and let God take care of the rest.

Our prayer requests:

-health (stay healthy/not get sick)

-relationships with friends/people at church

-preparing Elena to be a big sister

-baby's health/amanda to have healthy pregnancy/easy and quick labor

-new missionary (find apartment/work and ministry)

-growth in language

-vision for ministry