Takin' it easy in Tokyo

So yes, we finally made it!  Nothing short of glad to know that we supposedly "survived" a brief earthquake shake this morning...hmm...8.4 on the scale? really?  Barely felt it on yet another long ride, this time on a bus to Tokyo. Speaking of rides, that 20+ hour ordeal of a plane ride from May 5-6 to Osaka, was probably my longest plane ride since well...1989...when I was headed the other way to Canada, and I was only 7 years old. :)  Glad to know I can still survive sleeping in a seated position!

Shortly after our arrival to Osaka, I got to experience some real Japanese food, sleep in my first hostel room, and take in the sights and sounds, and shopping centres of Osaka.  That was an experience on it's own.  The day was quick, but I did get my camera out for some nice shots, until my battery died, and I pouted until I got it charged :)  Oh well. Lesson learned.  Moving on...

Anyway, for those tuning in, I just wanted to take this chance to say hello and thanks to all my friends from hockey, St. Joe's, T-dot, Carter, UW, Homechurch, my family and friends, and especially to my wonderful and very supportive boyfriend, Jon, who has been with me since the start of this journey, and continues to do so via the internet and random long distance calls I'm still able to make.  Thanks everyone for all your support and prayers.  I continue to ask for them for myself and the team as we venture on with our trip!

Funny, I didn't know exactly what I was in for when I joined this group, but more and more, I can see and I'm yet to discover what God has in store.  Whatever it may be, I'm welcoming the challenge and I'm quite as excited as I am scared.  

I'll keep everyone posted! For now, enjoy the photos I've put on my facebook.  For now, take care! 

Chantal: btw, I found you some manga!

we made it!

we made it! arrived on tuesday afternoon.. spent the night in osaka and are now up in tokyo.... it's been a long few days of travel and we're taking the day to rest and catch up on the sleep we haven't been able to get until now! here's a pic of our team taking photos around osaka :) more to come soon...

may has arrived!

may has finally arrived! after months of preparations, our time to go has arrived! this weekend, hundreds of leaders and students from across canada will be going through global's orientation.... monday morning will see these hundreds flying out around the world for a life altering experience!

thank you for joining us on this incredible journey! for your financial support, your prayers and for your encouragement - we could not have done this without you :)

the japan team

bookmark us!

it's ALMOST time to leave for japan!!! stay tuned as we're going to keep you updated on this blog throughout our trip with photos and thoughts by our whole team!

to donate

there are 2 ways to donate: online or by mail.

[online donations - canadahelps takes 3% off your donation.]

TO DONATE ONLINE TO A TEAM MEMBER:

1. Click on DONATE NOW image above.

2. Enter your donation amount

3. FUND/DESIGNATION : choose "JAPAN TEAM - BROCK"

3. DEDICATIONS and GIFT OPTIONS: choose "yes, as a gift in honour/on behalf of"

4. Type in the Team Member's name.

5. "Continue" to complete the transaction.

FOR DONATIONS ONLINE & IN HONOUR OF REGIONAL/TEAM LEADERS,  NATHAN & TASHA HAKEEM*

1. Enter your donation amount

2. FUND/DESIGNATION: choose "GLOBAL YOUTH NETWORK - GENERAL"

3. DEDICATIONS and GIFT OPTIONS: choose "yes, as a gift in honour/on behalf of"

4. Type "NATHAN & TASHA HAKEEM"

5. "Continue" to complete the transaction.

TO DONATE BY MAIL:

1. download a DONOR SLIP (click).

2. Fill it in.

3. MAIL IT!

* Nathan & Tasha Hakeem are ongoing Regional Leaders for Global Youth Network. 

Your support is greatly appreciated throughout the year!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

rock the red : featuring RAGNI

click - HERE - to download your invite!

saturday 5 april : 8pm
STREGA CAFE : 19 King St : St. Catharines
.wear red.

revised : key dates to remember

[***click on the title to download a copy of the timeline]

jan '08: there is still space on our team for YOU if you would like to apply!!!

: applications and interviews completed

jan - apr: 2 team meetings per month : tba

4-6 jan: gyn leadership retreat (nate, tasha, christine)
6 jan: first team meeting : tba

: registration fee DUE ($150)

15 feb: team's 1/2 fees due ($1900)

4 apr: team's final fees due ($1900)

2-4 may: gyn orientation (for everyone going on this trip!)
5 may - 2 jun: JAPAN!!!