Family Nuptials

Why is it that the only time we visit distant relatives is when a marriage or death occurs?

This past weekend the four Miyabe's packed up and flew Southeast into Pensacola, FL. for our cousin Jereme's wedding. It was more of a Willis family reunion as all cousins ( + girlfriends) auntie's and uncle's came out in support. It was fun, quick, and beautiful. Here are a few highlights:

Welcome to the South...Read what's happening on the 24th closely.

Flounders and Family!

My favorite. What would I do without her?

Private beach. Only grannies and their grandbabies were there. It was great.

Jereme and TK's wedding

It was short and tiring, but completely worth it. Note to self: Never have a beach wedding... :p

Finally, something Bill and I agree on

Okay, last Bill Simmons quote before I stop forever:

On Thursday, I broke my longstanding "Never drive to Anaheim for any reason" rule to catch four first-round games with my friend Lewis. Anaheim might only be 35 miles from L.A., but it usually takes between two and five hours to get there thanks to a hideous deathtrap called the "5," the interstate everyone is forced to take from Los Angeles when you're driving to Disneyland, Angels games, Ducks games, Commerce Casino or the Center of Hell. You couldn't even call it "traffic" on the I-5. It's more like a meandering, overheated crawl, only with the remnants of major accidents every two or three miles and the added bonus that a truck might just decide to drive over your car. Remember the abandoned, bomb-infested highway that Snake Plissken navigated at the end of "Escape From New York"? That highway was less dangerous and more scenic than the I-5. I hate the I-5. Have I mentioned that I hate the I-5?

Hope you're having a hoot about this. If you live off the 5, I'm sorry. Not sorry for the comment, but sorry because you live off the 5.

Sports Gal Rocks!

Josh's all time favorite sports columnist is Bill Simmons, of ESPN. He'll tell you that he's been a fan since before he moved up in the world and got first page on ESPN.com. If Josh isn't doing something for me, sleeping, studying, or working on his toned muskles, he's spending time with Bill. At first I found myself a little slighted that my opinion didn't usurp the next paragraph's content. But I'm learning to pick my battles.

In my futile quest to completely understand & be apart of everything Josh loves (some of you may know my #1 goal of all time), I have recently attempted to read up on Bill. Unfortunately I was so lost after the first three words I nearly gave up, until I read this:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080318

the most AWESOME part of the ENTIRE blog was the Editor's Note, at the top. To all you women trying to identify with your man on some level when it comes to sports...this is for you!

26.2

I will never forget Sunday, March 2,2008 because it was the day that Josh and I ran the Los Angeles Marathon.

A few thoughts:

1. Finishing
I couldn't believe we finished. 7 hours! During our lax training (to say the least) in the months leading up to the Marathon we had only run a total of 12 miles ONCE. the training schedule has you training to 20 miles. Needless to say our expectations for ourselves was pretty low. We did pretty well actually...we finished. :0)

2. The Strategy
We decided to run to the mile markers (every mile had a water station which had port-a-potties, gatorade, water, and certain ones had first aid stations), walk through all the congestion, and then run. It actually worked pretty well. That strategy took us to Mile 21...and then my body shut down. My knees and feet were in so much pain I think I actually shed a tear at mile 24...I didn't think I could finish. My partner didn't let me quit. We ran the last mile and crossed together.

3. The Route
The Route took us through Universal, Beverly Hills, Compton, USC, the Coliseum, East LA, and ended in Downtown. It was neat to see the city through the eyes of a runner on a closed course. The city has some areas that need cleaning and others that are beautiful...You wonder about the quality of life from people who only live two blocks away...one in a mansion on clean streets, the other sharing an apartment with 6 other people. LA is so diverse, different, and imperfect. It's not cookie cutter like Orange County or average like the Valley. It's eclectic, filled with so many unique people and cultures and it's absolutely beautiful.

4. The People
The biggest surprise about the entire Marathon was the support from the community. The entire course was filled with random people cheering on people they didn't even know. Strangers with handmade signs that said, "Keep running! You can do it!" ...the people with water stations set up in front of their houses, the one man bands that came out to play music for you while you ran, the many bands, the praise team, the traditionally clothed Korean women clapping to the rap station set up next door, the many volunteers at the water stations, the people handing you hand cut oranges, bananas, and pretzels, and the many people who didn't even know you-encouraging and helping you along...It was unbelievable. I have never seen LA like that before and it was utterly amazing.

5. The Memories
I will never forget the "Students Run LA", the Veteran going the whole way with two American flags, the girl who, on her back, had a picture of a man and a sign that said, "For my dad", the pain, mom and blane for finding us and providing encouragement and much needed nourishment, the two older ladies from Georgia (who I met waiting for a bathroom to open up), who came for their very first marathon, and most of all Josh, for being the best encourager, running partner, high five pal at every mile, and teammate that I have ever had.

For everyone who thinks they can't run the Marathon, let me encourage you. More than half of the people there weren't in the best shape and in their 20's. The people were people...just like you and I. I would guess that half of the people walked. It's worth it...to be in our community, and to see the love from random strangers. It gives you hope that Jesus is alive and real in Los Angeles...and that there is still an abundance of good all around.

Go For It!

The beginning...

Here we go...

We did it!!!

Thanks guys!

Thailand 2007

With the help of my trusty BFF's A and Melis, I have published a book detailing our short term missions trip to Thailand in November 2007. All proceeds go to Zoe International. Check it out!

Thailand 2007

By Julianna Miyabe

Book Preview

2007 and 2008!

This past year was filled with the usual trials and big decisions. For me it was a change in lifestyle...jobs, move, back to school, etc. It was the Year of Change. Change is not something that comes easily in the Miyabe family. It's hard to deal with the hidden difficulties that come with change. In years past, I probably would have rated this as one of the toughest years I have gone through. But as I look back on the path I see God's finger in each instance.

I see Him in my decision to go back to school, I see Him in the reason I work where I work, I see Him in my struggle with Aimee, I see him in my relationship with Josh, I see Him in EVERYTHING.

I do not see this past year as the toughest year, I see that God has been changing me; changing my heart, my emotions, my desires, my thoughts, my needs, my selfishness.

As I look forward to 2008 I brace myself, put on my armor of God so that as each new life circumstance happens, I handle it with the Holy Spirit - I want to grow in Christ. I desire to seek His life in EVERYTHING I do. It has to be a conscious effort to put myself aside and to see what Christ is trying to do.

2008 The Year of CHRIST!
My goal, my focus, my desire is purposeful steps is to serve Him, to become more Christlike in every interaction, every situation, every public and private situation.

"What happens today - let us be assured of this - is meant, in the purpose of our loving Father, to make us Holy in every part. One of the things that slows us down is our tendency to react tot he happenings instead of responding to the Holder of the happenings. He is at work! He knows what he is doing. He asks us to believe in His thoroughly loving purpose." Elizabeth Elliot

God has those things happen in our lives on purpose. Are you missing what he is trying to teach you, by just dealing with the problems!? See it for what it is and join me in opening our eyes to what Christ is trying to do. Allow Him to make you holy and let us turn our ear to Him!

In the Spirit of the Season

This year isn't an ordinary year. It feels different. It feels like Christmas to me, joyous - full of family, love, thanksgiving, and God. O, so much of God.

Every year doesn't always feel this way to me. This appreciative. This excited. Maybe it's because it's been a tough year, and I feel the fullness of God's grace and ultimate provisions for my life. Maybe it's because I'm where God wants me to be. Maybe it's because of Thailand. Maybe it's because I feel so safe and secure.

Whatever the reason, I am abundantly thankful for this season, this chance to celebrate the awesome birth and moreso the coming of a Savior - one who always forgives, always loves, and always wins.

I hope you too are experiencing the greatness of this season.

Snowing on Mainstreet in Disneyland.

Josh and I are determined to hit every ride/attraction D-land has to offer. Here's us checking out "Honey I Shrunk the Audience".

Thailand

I wish i had time to REALLY go into detail but I'm so behind in school I can't. Here's a taste of the trip in picture form. God was amazing. I feel so blessed I was able to be apart of it. Between Aimee and I we had 1200 photos. The following is just a nibble. Enjoy!

The first village we visited we went to an elementary school to share the gospel. The kids saw us and all lined up, excited to see what the "foreigners" were here for. :p That day about 50 kids or so accepted Christ. Maybe even some of these precious boys here...


Our 5 Star accommodations for our overnight stay in the Hilltribe Village. Yes, those are mosquitos nets, yes, those are open windows, and yes, that is the ground. :) It was such a memorable experience that I wouldn't have traded that memory for anything.


In the village on Sunday mornings, there's an early prayer service before the real church service. Here are some children heading back home until church starts in a few minutes. It was a cold, beautiful morning. Mist and fog covered the mountains and a sense of peace rested on the place.

Some of the kids sang a song for us. This little boy carried the melody for the entire group! He was amazing! They are dressed up for service, wearing traditional clothing.


We also got to ride elephants! Here is Aimee and Cori on top of Poo Kau, a 37 year old male elephant. It was scary! :) It was a blessing to hang out with the Tang kids. They are amazing and I love each one for their special gifts and tender hearts.


More to come later. I've got to go back to work. Love, J