First Trip to Malaysia (June 9th-15th, 2007)

We continued our trip to Genting Highland, Malaysia from June 9th till June 15th. We really enjoyed the cool weather here cause the hotel is located at the top of the mountain. We could sometimes see the fog in the morning or evening. The hotel which we stayed at is a five star hotels and mommy is happy cause she can use the internet service 24 hrs from the room rather than busy always looking for internet service outside. I experience taking the longest cable car in Southeast Asia and even though I couldn't feel the scariness to look down the rainforest while coming down from the top of the mountain, I'm kind of excited to have the opportunity to take it. There are so many places which we can enjoy while staying at this place. There are exciting amusement park, pools, golf courses, international shows, concerts, restaurants, shops etc. We also visited Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia and went to see one of the highest building in Asia, the twin Petronas buildings. They have a real high class shopping mall there. It took us about 1.5 hours bus trip from Genting to Kuala Lumpur and we had the chance to take the monorail as well. Mommy told me that we can visit Kota Kinabalu next time with daddy cause the beach there is real beautiful...:). Thanx mommy for bringing me to Malaysia. :)

Riki's first Star Cruise Trip (June 3rd-8th, 2007)

Mommy brought me along for the first cruise trip. I felt so excited to see grandpa and grandma again. Mommy is glad to see grandma cause she looks so much better from the last time we saw her in March. She brought along her medicine along, though and she needs to prepare the medicine by boiling it for about 30 min every morning. Uncle Ahui also joined the trip and brought along his family cause the kids in Indonesia are having summer holiday. We took the Starcruise from Singapore on June 3rd and arrived in Ho Chi Minh city two days later. Since the weather is really hot, mommy decided not to visit the city cause the journey from the port to the city takes almost 2 hours. It will be too hard for both of us. We just enjoyed our time in the cruise. On June 7th, the cruise arrived on an island called Pulau Redang. It's a really beautiful island, and we enjoyed the blue sea and many shows and games which the cruise staff has prepared on the island. Mommy takes several pictures of the island and also swam in the swimming pool. We got back to Singapore the next day. I was very popular in the cruise cause many people just love my chubbiness and a lot of people would just stop to play with me and gather around me. And everyone is so surprised to find out that I'm only 4 months old and weighs over 9 kg now. Grandpa has been a big help for mommy by carrying me most of the time. Even though I'm still too young to enjoy all the activities in the cruise, I would very much like to visit it again with daddy the next time. Thank you Mommy for taking good care of me and praying for me always. Grandma has also prepared the trip to Genting Highland from tomorrow onwards, so Mommy will upload more pictures after we complete the whole trip.

Luv, Riki

Riki's first Omatsuri (May 17th-20th, 2007)

There is a very traditional festival here in the downtown area in Tokyo every year in May. It's my first experience to join the festival. Mommy let me wear the traditional Happi and Hachimaki (tied around my head). We really enjoyed the festival very much. Mommy and I participated in the dashi and we got lots of snacks, drinks n juices. This is a rare Japanese tradition and hope that in the future, Nai2 and Ye2 in Indonesia can have the chance to see the festival. Love, Riki

First Visit to Ueno Zoo on May 18, 2007

Mommy brought me to Ueno Zoo with mommy's friends n their kids. I couldn't understand much about the animals, though, but I had the chance to see Rinrin Panda, lion, tiger, Gorilla n peacock. Pls bring me to the zoo again with Daddy the next time I get bigger, Mommy. Luv, Riki

My first time to drink juice

Aunt Yukiko has given us plenty of strawberries today. Daddy and Mommy has prepared for me strawberry juice. I think it tastes good cause I seem to enjoy drinking it. Thank you Mommy and Daddy for making the juice and thank you aunt Yukiko for the strawberries.

Love, Riki

My First Immunization (May 8th, 2007)

I have my first BCG shot on May 8th, 2007.　Mommy brought me to Taito-ku health center to have the shot. There are many babies like me at the health center. My weight and height were also taken there. Mommy was very surprised that I looked so much bigger compared to other babies. I weigh 8.3 kg and 63.8cm tall now. Thank you Mommy for taking good care of me always. I didn't cry as much as the other kid, and the nurse gave me a compliment for that :).

Love, Riki

Daddy's Birthday (May 9th, 2007)

It's Daddy's first birthday with me. Mommy and I wish for Daddy's good health and happiness always. Mommy has prepared 100pcs of gyoza for Daddy's birthday since it's Daddy's favorite food. It took mommy almost half day to prepare the materials today, but I'm sure Daddy will enjoy the food. お誕生日おめでとうパパ。

Riki's Hatsuzekku and Okuizome

Riki celebrated his first ceremony for Hatsuzekku and Okuizome here in Japan. May 5th is a children's day in Japan and is a day especially for the boy. It's a tradition here in Japan to get a warrior's helmet for their baby boy. By doing this, the family is hoping that their baby boys can grow up strong just like a warrior. We can choose the warrior which we like and get his helmet. We chose a warrior which is named Date Masamune. This helmet will be displayed throughout May and can only be displayed once a year. As for okuizome, it's a tradition when baby is encouraged to start eating normal food. This is usually celebrated when the baby is 100 days or 120 days. Since we have a party for the Hatsuzekku, we have the ceremony for Okuizome at the same time as well. It's good to celebrate all these ceremonies with the family here in Japan. We're very grateful to God that Riki has been growing well and he's been surrounded with so many nieces and nephews here in Japan.

Picnic at Sarue Park

Daddy and Mummy brought me to Sarue Park this morning. The weather was great and I really enjoyed looking at the green trees. Thank you Daddy for bringing me to many places even though I was sleeping most of the time. :) Daddy seems to be looking forward in playing with me in the park in the near future.

ま・ゆ・み ママからのプレゼント

Thank you so much for the new exciting toys :a new gym mat and a rocking chair from Aunt Masayo, Yukiko and Mieko (Mayumi). I need to try hard in learning all the tricks on the gym mat. Hopefully I could master all of them soon. The rocking chair is really comfy. It helps me to sleep really quick and I'm sure my mom is more excited about it than I do cause then she has more time to do houseworks n update this blog while I'm sleeping....zzzzzzzz

Luv, Riki

April 26th, 2007

Aunt Chikako came with her daughter, Sakura to visit me. I received a cellular phone toy n plenty of bibs n socks from her. Thank you for the present. Please come and visit me and my mom more often.

Luv, Riki :)

April 25th, 2007

It's my first birthday with Riki. I'm thankful to God that I'm given the chance to be a mom. I wish for great happiness and peace in the family. Most importantly, may God bless Riki with great health. Amen.

My Life Testimony (With Japanese Translation)

私の証文

2007年4月19日

りきはきょうでちょうど3ヶ月になります。神様がこのところずっと私とともにいてくださっていることに、私がどれだけ感謝しているか、言葉に言い表せません。時々、りきがどうしようもないほど泣いているとき、りきが落ち着きを感じないところではどこでも、私は、神様が彼をなだめてくださるようにと、お祈りします。そして毎日、りきが病気にかからず健康に育つことができるようにとお祈りするのです。とりわけ大事なのは、彼には、自分の両親だけじゃなくて神様の言うこともきく、親切で平静心を保ち、明るくてかわいい人になってほしいということです。神様の導きの下で私たちの人生を歩むことは、人生で最も祝福に満ちた時なのでしょう。このことは、私がこの過去3年間で自分の人生観がどのようにこんなにも変わったのかを思い起こさせてくれます。子どもの頃からイエス・キリストを知っていたとはいえ、彼の愛と存在をもっと多く感じられたのは、私自身がすすんで心を開き、彼の愛や恵み、そして赦しを3年前に受け入れ、2年前に洗礼を受けてからのことです。天気のいい日に乳母車を押しながら公園を歩いていると、自分の人生の全てにとても感謝したくなるのです。時には、ものごとを当たり前のように思ってはいけないこともありますし、まるで明日がないかのように、私たちの人生の一つ々々の瞬間を価値あるものとするのです。何もかもが神様の御手のうちにあり、私たちは愛する人たちとの一つ々々の時間を宝のように大切にしなければなりません。神の愛と恵みを受けてイエスを人生の救い主として受け入れることは、大概の人たちにとっては難しいことかもしれません。私は愛するその人たちもまた、いつの日か、自らの心を開いてこのすばらしい神の恵みを受け入れられるようにと、その人たちのために祈るのです。最近になってこの恵みを実際に受けるまで、「アメージング・グレース」の歌詞がまったく分かりませんでした。この歌を歌うと自然に涙が流れ落ちるようになり、この恵みをまだ受け入れていない私の愛する人たちのことを思いました。

自分はどんなに変わったのだろう？と思いました。自分の人生で最もはっきりと自覚している変化は、ものごとについて以前とは違った見方をし、大きな平安を感じるようになったことです。この平安を感じる気持ちは、自分が体験することの中で最も報いの大きいことのうちの一つだと思います。どんなにお金持ちになっても、またどんなに頭が良くても、人生に本当の幸せをもたらすのは平安なのです。私は以前、仕事での地位を獲得して願わくばお金持ちになろうと、人生を生き急いでいましたが、でもどういうわけか、それらの目標は今ではもうどうでもいいように思えるのです。もちろん、生きていくためにお金は必要だとは思います。でも確かなのは、人生で失うものをお金で何も買い戻すことなどできないということです。未来に何が起きるか予測することなどできるはずがありません。だから、私は愛する人たち、それもとりわけ自分の家族とできるだけ多くの時間を費やすようにと、最善の努力をするのです。健康や富、幸せなど、人生には大切なことがまだまだたくさんあります。でも、永遠の命を得るというイエスの約束にある平安と確証を感じる自分たちの気持ちこそが最も大切なのです。私たちがこの世に生きている間に得る物質的なものはみな一時的なものに過ぎません。私たちは裸で生まれ、そしてまた灰になって死ぬのであり、何ももたらすことなくただ自分の肉体を失うだけです。けれども、私たちの霊が永遠に生きるのだと知ることによって、私たちは死後の人生を期待しつつ、この今ある人生を最大限に生かすことができるのです。私は最近、シンガポール出身の友達を失ってしまいました。彼女はこの過去7年間、がんと闘いましたが、4月10日、彼女は平安のうちにこの世を去って、主のみもとに帰りました。彼女が6ヶ月前にここ東京を訪れた時、彼女はまだ化学療法による治療の最中で、私も妊娠5ヶ月であったとはいえ、彼女の夫と彼女を東京で案内して多くの時間を過ごす機会をもつことができて、私は本当に幸せだと感じました。彼女はその頃完全に元気でしたし、彼女がこんなにも突然私たちを置いて去ってしまうなんて、誰にも予測できないことでした。彼女が残りの人生でしようとしていたことは、できるだけ多くの種を植えることであり、その種がいつ育つかはどうでもいいこと。大切なのはそれを後でではなくいま始めることだと彼女が言っていたのを、よく憶えています。たぶん、彼女が植えたこれらの種がその人たちの人生の中で育つのは、後になってからでしょうけれども、でも少なくともそれはすでに始まったのです。彼女はできるだけ多くの人たちにその人たちの人生における救いを得てほしいと願っていました。その人たちがイエスを自らの救い主として受け入れ、永遠の命を得られるようにするためです。彼女は自分がもう余命いくばくもないことを知っていたのではないかと私は思いますし、彼女は自分の夫が救われるようにしようと自らの最善を尽くしてもきたのです。そして奇跡的なことに、彼はごく近年になって変わり、イエスを自らの救い主として受け入れもしたのでした。私は、彼がイエスを受け入れて変わることなんてまさかと思っていました。彼が以前信じていた宗教のために、長いこと牛肉を食べてこなかったことは、私も知っていました。私が一番驚いたのは、彼が『癒しの力』という題名（正確な題名は憶えていませんが、でもそれは彼がこよなく大切にしている本であることは確かです）の小さな本を持ち歩いては、その本がどれだけよいかを示そうと、熱心にそれを私に見せていることです。この本を読むことで、彼は多くの確証や力、赦し、そして愛を神様から得て強くなり、彼の妻を支えるすべを身につけてきたのだと私は思います。彼の妻の健康状態を考えると、たぶん彼は自分の心の中で、この長い旅が自分の妻と一緒に行く最後の旅になるだろうとわかっていたのでしょう。

私の母はこの1月にがんであると診断され、私の家族はその真実を受け入れるのに苦心しました。その治療の間、私の母は多くの副作用に苦しみ、吐き気や疲れ、ひどい下痢を余儀なくされました。痛みがとても耐え難いものだったので、彼女は緊急治療室に何度か入っては入院しました。私は、自分の母のためにもっと祈るようにと、彼女と家族の両方を元気づけ、うながしました。たとえ彼女が痛ましい体験をしているとはいえ、私は、自分が神様を知っていることで、また神様が私の母を見守り続けてくださることを知っていて、幸運だと思います。私は自分の母をとても愛していますし、いつまでも私の母でいてほしいのです。神様の約束に信頼を置くことによってのみ、私たちは、イエスを救い主として受け入れて永遠の命を得るのでしょうから、この世であれ、主のみもとであれ、彼女がどこにいようとも彼女と一緒なんだと私は信じています。これによって、そのお返しに、私は大きな平安を与えられるのです。

もう一つ思っているのは、お金に関することは、ふつうなら私たちの日常生活の中でより多くの問題を引き起こすだろうということです。けれども、お金をたくさん持つことは、人生に大きな平安を得られるということを直接意味するものではありません。仕事を一生懸命する必要があることは私もわかっていますが、それでも、大切なのは、私たちが生まれたときから、神様がわたしたちのために定めてくださった目的を達成することです。なぜなら神様は創造主だからです。自らの発明したものが何を達成する必要があるのかを知っているのは、発明者だけです。もしかしたら、私たちが生まれてきたのは、偉大な歌手になるためかもしれないし、あるいはすごいビジネスをする人になるためかもしれません。でも、私たちがもっているそれらの賜物には、もちろんそれ自体の目的があるのです。祈りを通して、私は自分の心配事や人生における疑いをすべて伝えています。私は神様の導きをいつも求めます。いま、ちょっと一歩踏み出すこと。いつも感謝すること。私は、運もまた神様からの恵みだと信じます。もし私たちがお金持ちになるよう意味づけられているとしたら、運は私たちの前で自然に起きることでしょう。もちろん、だからといって怠けるとか何もしないというわけではありません。私たちはそれでも、何をするにせよ一生懸命働く必要があります。でも私たちがなすことやもつものすべてを神様にゆだねることによって、私たちは、自分たちのなすことにおいて、それが仕事であれ、義務であれ、雑用であれ、もっと多くの喜びと平安を受けるのだろうと、私は信じます。これによって多くの不必要なストレスや心配事もなくなるでしょう。なぜなら神様がいつもいっしょにいてくださることを、私たちは知っているからです。たとえ問題が起きても、きっと神様は、より大きなことに備えるために、私たちにそれを体験してもらう必要があるとお考えなのでしょう。物事にはすべて目的があるのだと私は思うのです。

これを読んでくれたあなたがた皆さんとこのことをわかちあえることを、本当にうれしく思います。神様があなたの人生のすべてを祝福してくださるようお祈りします。そして、イエスがあなたの心のドアをたたくとき、どうかあなたの心を開いてください。あなたの心を開いたところで、何も失うものはありません。私たちの心を閉ざし続ければ、そのほうがもっと高くつくだろうと思います。それに、神様の愛と恵みは無償で受けられるのです。そして、イエスを受け入れて信じることに懐疑的になったり、恐れたり、避けたりすることで、私たちはより多くのことを逃すことになるのです。イエスを私たちの救い主として受け入れることで、私たちは100パーセント確実に永遠の命を得られるのです。あなたが愛する人たちとずっと一緒に過ごしたくありませんか？私たちがこの世を去る時、イエスが私たちを本当の故郷へと迎えてくださるなんて、すばらしいことではありませんか？

教会での先週の説教で、私は多くのことを考えさせられました。そうです、もしイエスが復活しなかったら、キリスト教全体が空虚なものになってしまいます。そして受難日と復活祭の祝いもまた無意味なものになってしまいます。でも、イエスは彼が死んでから3日後に実際よみがえられ、彼は死んだ後に500人以上の人々によって目撃されたのです。もし私たちが懐疑的なままでい続けるのなら、たぶんそれは遅くなるのでしょう。だって、未来がどうなるかなんて、私たちにはわかるはずもないのですから。
私たちは予想外にも事故や健康上の問題を人生のある部分において経験するかもしれません。ですから、悔い改めるのをその時まで待つことはしないでください。だって、神様の恵みと赦しを今から受けることは、人生においてもっとも報いの大きいことなのですから。神様との関係を発展させることで、末永い愛と平安がもたらされるでしょう。それは、お金やどんな物質的なものをもってしても、買うことなどできないのです。

神様の恵みがあなたがた一同にありますように。そしてあなたの心が聖霊で満たされますように。

キリストの御名によって恵みのうちに

ニーニー:)

April 19th, 2007

Riki is exactly 3 months old today. I couldn't express how thankful am I to God that He's been with me all these time. At times, when Riki is crying helplessly, I pray to God that He soothes him whereever Riki feels uncomfortable. And everyday, I pray so that Riki can grow healthily and free from diseases. Most importantly, I want him to be a kind, patient, cheerful and lovely person who not only obey to his parents but also to God. Walking our life under God's guidance would be the most blessful moment in life. This makes me recall about how my way of thinking of life has changed so much in these past three years. Even though, I've known Jesus Christ since I was kid, I could very much feel more of his love and presence after I'm willing to open up myself to accept his love, grace and forgiveness three years ago and being baptized two years ago. As I walk in the park while pushing the baby stroller in a beautiful day, I feel so thankful about everything that I have in life. Sometimes, we are not supposed to take things for granted and value every moment we have in life as though there is no tomorrow. Everything is under His hand, and we should just treasure every second we have with the people we love. Receiving God's love and grace and accepting Jesus as life's savior maybe difficult to most of the people. Everyday, I pray for those people whom I love so that one day they can also accept this wonderful Grace from God by opening their hearts. I never understood the lyrics of "Amazing Grace" till I actually receive this Grace recently. Tears would fall naturally from my eyes when I sing this song and thought about people whom I love yet haven't accepted this Grace.

I thought how have I changed? The most distinct change I've realize in my life is that I see things differently from before and feel so much peace. This feeling of peace, I'd reckon as one of the most rewarding thing that I experience. No matter how rich or how smart one is, still peace is the one that will bring real happiness in life. I used to be the people who live in rush trying to achieve career status and hopefully be rich, but somehow, those target seems to be so insignificant now. Yes, I do agree that we need money to live. But for sure, money couldn't buy back anything that we miss in life. We could never predict as to what will happen in the future, thus, I try my best to spend as much time as possible with people that I love, especially my family. There are still so many important things in life such as health, wealth, happiness etc., but the peace and assurance feeling that we have in Jesus's promises to have an eternal life is what matters the most. All the material things which we achieve while we live in this world will just be temporary. We are borned naked and also we will die as ashes, bringing nothing but losing only our physical bodies. However, knowing that our spirits will live eternally will make us to look forward in our after life and make the most in this present life. I have just lost a friend from Singapore and she has battled for cancer in these past 7 years, but on April 10th, she has returned to Lord's home by leaving this world peacefully. I felt real happy that I had the chance to spend quite some time bringing her husband and her around Tokyo when she visited us 6 months ago here in Tokyo even though she was still under chemotherapy treatment and I was 5 months pregnant. She was perfectly fine at that time and no one can predict that she will leave us so suddenly. I remembered well when she said that what she's been trying to do for the rest of her life is to sow as many seeds as possible and it doesn't matter as to when these seeds will grow, what's important is to start them now than later. Maybe these seeds that she has sown will grow later in their life but at least it has started. She wants as many people to be saved in their life so that they can accept Jesus as their savior and receive eternal life. I believe she knew that she won't live much longer, and she has also tried her best to have her husband saved. And miraculously, he has changed and accepted Jesus as his savior as well in very recent years. To me, he might the last person who could have changed in accepting Jesus. I knew that he hasn't eaten beef in the longest time due to his former belief. What surprised me the most is that he brings around with him a small book with the title of "The Power of Healing" (I don't exactly remember the title, but it's definitely the book which he treasures a lot) and showing it eagerly to me about how good the book is. I believe by reading this book, he has received lots of assurance, power, forgiveness and love from God to be strong and ways to support his wife. Maybe in his heart, he knew that this long trip will be their last trip together considering her wife's health condition.

My mom was diagnosed with cancer this January and our family struggled in accepting the truth. During the treatment, my mom has suffered a lot of side effects which made her having nausea, fatique and serious diarrhea. She entered emergency room several times and was hospitalized cause the pain was quite unbearable. I reassured and encouraged both my mom and my family to pray more for her. I feel fortunate cause I have known God and that he will continue to watch after my mom even though she's going thru painful experience. I love my mom very much and I want her to be my mom forever. Only by trusting in God's promise that we will have eternal life by accepting Jesus as our savior that I believe I will be with her wherever she will be, in this world or at Lord's Home. This, in turn, gives me a lot of great peace.

Another thought that I have is that money matter will normally cause more problem in our daily life. However, having much money doesn't directly mean that we will have great peace in life. I know that we need to work hard but still, what's important is to achieve the purpose that God has set for us since we're borned cause He's our Creator. Only inventor knows what his invention needs to accomplish. Maybe we're borned to be a great singer or a great business person, but those gifts that we have will sure have their own purposes. Thru prayer, I'm communicating all of my concerns and doubts of life. I seek for his guidance all the time. Taking one step at a time now. Be thankful all the time. I believe that fortune is also a blessing from God. If we are meant to be rich, fortune will fall naturally before us. Of course, it doesn't mean that we just be lazy and do nothing. We still need to be hardworking in whatever we do, but by surrendering all that we do and have to God, I believe that we would receive more joy and peace in doing what we do no matter if it's work, tasks or chores. This will also eliminates a lot of unnecessary stress and worries cause we know that God is with us all the time. Even though problem arises, maybe God needs us to experience it to prepare us for something bigger. I believe everything has its purpose.

I'm feeling real happy to share this with all of you who read this. I'll pray that God bless every parts of your life, and please open your hearts when Jesus knocks on your heart. There is nothing to lose to open up our hearts. I think it will be more costly if we keep our hearts close. Besides, receiving God's love and grace is free. And we will miss out more things by being skeptical and afraid or avoiding to accept and believe in Jesus. Accepting Jesus as our savior will give us 100% assurance for eternal life. Don't u want to spend with people u love forever? Isn't it great to know that Jesus is welcoming us back to our real Home when we leave this world?

Last week's sermon at the church has brought a lot of thoughts for me. Yes, if Jesus didn't resurrect, the whole Christianity is void. And the celebration for Good Friday and easter will be meaningless as well. But, Jesus did resurrect 3 days after his death and he was seen by more than 500 people after his death. If we are going to remain skeptical, maybe it's going to be late cause we never know as to what the future will hold. Unpredictably, we might experience accident, health problem at certain part of our life. Thus, please do not wait till that moment to repent, cause receiving God's grace and forgiveness from now will be the most rewarding thing in life. Developing relationship with Him will give longlasting love and peace which couldn't be bought with money or any material things.

May God bless all of you and filled your heart with Holy Spirit.

Blessings in His name,
Ninih :)

I would like to share the lyrics of Amazing Grace and Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God. And may you sing this song in your heart whenever you feel that you're in need of Him and I believe that Holy Spirit will fill your heart with peace. Close your eyes and tell God what you need him to do. Leave it up to Him and trust that He will listen to you as long as you have strong faith.

P.S. I have inserted the video clips from YouTube for the song "Amazing Grace" at the bottom of this blog. Please double clicks on any of the choices and you can enjoy the song. :)

Amazing Grace


Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail
and mortal life shall cease
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun

Amazing Grace (Japanese Translation)

素晴らしき神の慈愛　その甘い響きが
不幸な人間でさえ　救って下さる
いったんは道を見失っても　私にはもうわかる
見えていなかったものも　今ではもう見える

心に敬愛をもたらした　神のお慈悲
神のお慈悲は　恐怖をやわらげてくれた
はかり知れない素晴らしさ　神のお慈悲がわかった時
私が最初に　信じるようになった時

多くの危険や苦難や誘惑を乗り越えて
私はついに　やってきた
私に平安を　もたらしてくれた
神のお慈悲が　私をふるさとに導いてくれる

神は私に　善を約束してくださる
神の言葉で　私の希望が　満たされる
神は　私の盾となり　私の一部となる
命の続く限り　ずっと

ああ　この身とこの心が　衰えようとも
限りある命が　絶えようとする時にも
私はずっと持ち続けるだろう　神の守護のもとに
喜びと　平安に満ちた生命を

私がそこにいた　はるか昔に
太陽のように　光り輝いて
いつだって　神への感謝を歌っていた
私達が　最初にそうだったように


Seek Ye First

Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you, Allelu, alleluia!
Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find,
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you, Allelu, alleluia!

My First Experience Bibliography

My First .......(Riki's first Bibliography)
1. I was first borned on Jan. 19th, 2007 (Friday) at 9:25 a.m.
2. My umbilical cord was first and maybe last fallen off on Jan. 28th, 2007 (9 days after my birth)
3. My first Chinese Lunar Year : Feb. 18th, 2007 (Sunday)
4. My first party for 40 days celebration : March 10th, 2007 (Saturday)at Alexandrite Residence Clubhouse.
5. My first experience taking an airplane : March 14th, 2007 (Jakarta-Singapore-Tokyo)
6. My first time landed in Tokyo : March 15th, 2007
7. My first time seeing Daddy : March 15th, 2007 (at Narita Airport)
8. My first time seeing Sakura flower (Hanami at Ueno's park): April 1st, 2007 (it's April Fool day but it's true..:))
8. My first time going to the church and it's TUC (Tokyo Union Church): April 15th, 2007
9. Mommy's first birthday with me around : April 25th, 2007
10. My first golden week holiday with daddy and mommy : starting May 3rd, 2007-May 6th, 2007
11. My first Hatsuzekku and Okuizome ceremony : May 5th, 2007
12. My first immunization : BCG (May 8th, 2007)
13. Daddy's first birthday with me around : May 9th, 2007
14. My first time visiting Ueno zoo: May 18th, 2007
15. My first Omatsuri (Festival) in Iriya : May 19th, 2007
16. My first Star Cruise Experience ( 5days cruise): June 3rd-June 8th, 2007
17. My first time visiting Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam): June 5th, 2007
18. My first time visiting Pulau Redang (Malaysia): June 7th, 2007
19. My first time visiting Genting Highland (Malaysia): June 8th, 2007
20. My first time visiting Bandung City (Indonesia): June 22nd, 2007
21. My first time turning around my body: July 3rd, 2007 (5mths and 2wks old)
22. My first DPT shot: July 6th, 2007 (2nd shot: 8/24 and 3rd shot: 10/5)
23. My first Sumidagawa Fireworks experience: July 28th, 2007
24. My first time visiting Seoul, Korea: August 11th-15th, 2007
25. My first time trying to stand up : September 15th ( 7mths old and 25 days)
26. My first Polio shot :November 1st, 2007
27. My first tooth : When I was around 9 mths old
28. My first walking experience: March 3rd, 2008 (13mths n 13 days old)
29. My first MR immunization (Measles n Rubella): March 14th, 2008 at Shensoji hospital
30. My first time going to the daycare: April 2nd, 2008(Asakusabashi 保育園)
31. My first time going to Ueno zoo with daddy: April 5th, 2008
32. My first Hepatitis B immunization :August 20th, 2007, the 2nd one on September 19, 2007.
33. My first new year in Japan: Jan 1st, 2009
34. My first longest cold: Dec. 25th-Jan.1st 2009 ( I lost 2kg)


Trips:
Dec. 25th, 2007 : Went to Singapore taking UA
Dec. 26th-29th, 2007 : Went to Genting Highlands with grandpa n grandma
Dec. 30th, 2007 -Jan.3rd, 2008 : Took Star Cruise trip to Penang and Phuket
Jan. 4th, 2008 : Went to Jakarta, Indonesia
Jan. 31st, 2008 : Went to Kuala Lumpur in order to get visa extension
Feb. 15th, 2008 : Returned back to Tokyo
March 1st, 2008: First visit to Nagoya, taking Shinkansen for the first time too.
March 8th, 2008: First visit to Nagano and Yamanashi (Suwako Lake)
June 2008: Went to Jakarta, Indonesia coz mommy wanted to give birth for my younger brother, Riko.
September 2008 : Returned back to Tokyo from Indonesia

Thank you uncles n aunties for all the nice presents n contribution to show your sincere congrats for my birth. Please continue to visit this blog cause my mommy will update the progress of my growth development whenever she has the time. I'm occupying lots of her time, and try not to let her overwork, though. Enjoy n May God Bless All of You always.

Love, Riki :)

April 1st, 2007 (Riki's first Sakura Hanami)

We really enjoy the Hanami at Ueno park. The weather was really great. It's been raining for the past whole week, and the following week is expected to be cold as well. We really choose the right day to enjoy the hanami. By next year, Riki will be able to run around the park while enjoying the Sakura. :)

Riki's 40 days Celebration (March 10th, 2007)

I have organized a party for Riki to celebrate him having passed 40 days since his birth. This is a common celebration for all the new born in Indonesia as babies are proned to be weak in their first 40 days. Once they have gone thru these 40 days, it is a sign that they will continue to be a healthy baby. I have invited many of relatives and some of my friends to the party. I have pictures of my family and the cake which I've ordered especially for Riki. How I wish Yoshinori is here with us as well. Riki and I are looking forward to going back to Tokyo as well on the 14th. May God bless us with safe trip and see you soon Daddy....:)!!!

February 18th, 2007 (Chinese Lunar New Year)
Riki is about 1 month old when we're celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year in Indonesia. He was given a traditional Chinese Qibao from my best friend, Herlina. Even though it's a bit too big for him, I've decided to put it on him. He looks real adorable in Qibao. As a common tradition during the Chinese New Year, people who are unmarried are qualified to receive HongBao. Riki has received several HongBao from my close relative. A smile just naturally shown on my face when I start imagining the time when Riki is capable of saying "Gong Xi Fa Chai, Hongbao na lai" in the future or maybe by next year. It means "Happy New Year and please give me the Hongbao (red package which is normally filled with money). A lot of my relatives come to visit our house. We have reunion dinner the night before Chinese New Year. I really enjoy spending Chinese New Year with my family in Indonesia. I do wish that my family can always be united and I pray to God to provide the best of health for my family especially my parents. Living quite far away from them, I'm always concerned about their well-being. And I believe that the only I can do is to pray for them all the time, and God will give them peace and good health always.

The Birth of Riki Irie on January 19, 2007

"Give thanks with a grateful heart: Give thanks to the Holy One;
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son. (Repeat)
And now, let the weak say,"I'm strong;" Let the poor say, "I'm rich,"
because of what the Lord has done for us. (Repeat) Give Thanks!

“Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart” is the song which I sang with Mindy the moment I announced about my pregnancy 9 months ago. And the music just kept playing on my head when I first saw Riki . Yoshinori and I are most grateful now that Riki Irie is now born safely through caesarean section on January 19, 2007. Even though he’s born 2 weeks earlier than expected, he weighs normal 3295 gram and 47 cm long. Everything goes well as what we have prayed, and I am thankful to all the supports that I received from my HG Brothers and Sisters as well. They all have prayed for me especially for the safe delivery. Riki is born in Siloam Hospital in Indonesia. He would be able to hold two citizenship : both Japanese and Indonesia till he’s 18. By then, he would need to choose as to the citizenship he wishes to hold.


January 21, 2007

I was discharged from the hospital. The pain from the caesarean still remains strongly. I would need to take a good rest so that I can recover quickly. The doctor prescribed both the pain killer and antibiotic for the wounds. It takes great effort to wake up from the bed and to stand up. The pain lasted for around 7 days. Riki has been a good boy since he’s born. I breastfeed him most of the time and only giving him the formula milk occasionally. I need to watch my diet so that Riki can receive the necessary nutrition from me as well. Riki sleeps most of the time, and he only cries whenever he’s hungry. Seeing him everyday has really given me great joy and happiness. Even though he still couldn’t express his feeling except thru his cry, I keep talking with him in various languages and explain to him about the situation he’s in now. His father is still in Japan waiting for his return. Hopefully, we can be reunited as a family in the next 2 months when Riki is fit enough to travel far back to Japan from Indonesia.

December 9, 2006 (Special Farewell Dinner)
I'm extremely thrilled, cause Yoshinori has invited me to have a special dinner at Seiyoken, Ueno. It's a French Restaurant, and this restaurant has reminded him very much of his grandma, who often brought him here when he was a kid. This will be our special dinner together (only two of us) before I'm going back to Jakarta, Indonesia this Thursday. I'll be giving birth in Indonesia, and won't be returning back to Tokyo till next April. The dinner was really delicious, and we ordered a special menu which is called "ダリ”special dinner menu. The restaurant often has special menu for special occasion, such as naming after a special exhibition which is held around Ueno area, and "ダリ”is the exhibition currently held in Ueno. Yoshinori has also ordered a special crepes dessert which was made right before us (not in the kitchen). It's extremely delicious with the thick fresh orange sauce covering the crepes. Conversation just flow continuously and smoothly between us...and we laughed when we thought that maybe it will be hard to come to such a place with the kids. Maybe not till they are older. Having married for about 6 years and we feel real delighted to be blessed finally with this first pregnancy. It was a really memorable dinner for both of us, and we both really pray for safe delivery and safe trip back home. God, please bless both of us when we're being away from each other, and provide us with your warmth love and grace always to keep us close in heart. Amen.

December 06, 2006 (Baby Shower)

It's my first Baby Shower. My dearest AzabuJuban HG brothers and sisters have organized it especially for me. They have prepared many delicious sweets, cakes and fruits. We started with the normal Bible Study led by our sister, Lily. It's her first time to lead the HG, and she really did a great job. We greatly appreciate her time to prepare for the HG. Our Host, Jinhe and Christ have prepared delicious Thai curry for us :). It must be really hard for our sister, Mindy, to carry the balloon all the way from Hiroo to Kamiyacho with "It's a Boy" written boldly on it. People might be wondering if she's pregnant...:). It's our last HG for the year of 2006, and I couldn't stop thanking God on how much I really love this HG and all the prayer which I received profusely from my dearest brothers and sisters. I do continously pray for those brothers and sisters who still have troubles in their life, struggling for their work, uncertain of their future career, coping with school works and studies, as well as those who are looking for life partner. I wish them all the best and that they will be blessed soon with answered prayer. Honestly, the easiest thing we could ever do is to ask God...and Pray continously. Merry Christmas everyone, and may all of your wish come true. God Bless you always.

Luv,
Ninih :)

The weather here in Tokyo is getting pretty cold. And it was raining almost the whole day today. The weather forecast mentions that Winter season will officially begin starting next week. My dear baby is kicking more vigorously recently and I'm going to be 8 mths pregnant tomorrow (according to Japanese calculation). It's funny that we always believe that we're normally pregnant for 9 months, but in Japan, the calculation is made based on 10 mths basis. So, they divided 40 weeks by 4, and when you're 5 weeks pregnant, you're considered as 2 months pregnant and so on. I was pretty confused myself in the beginning. But now, I just need to declare my pregnancy based on Japanese system so that when I made any maternity shopping, I need to make sure I have the right months to get the right products. Well, the tummy is growing at tremendous rate. And I started to have backache. Just have to keep my posture right when I walk or sit. Every night, I think I have crams as well. I fell out of my bed once when I realize that I couldn't stand still due to the cram while trying to go to the toilet. Fortunately, there are many cushions falling off the bed at that time and I have some protection. Just have my hair cut tomorrow. I cut off around 20cm length of hair. The stylist kept asking me if it's fine to cut that much. It took me around 2 years to grow my hair. But I assured him that it's fine, cause I think my hair normally grows pretty quickly. Well, I'll post you my new look with the new hair style soon. :)Next Wednesday (Nov. 15, 2006), I will be having my next doctor's appointment. I'm going to ask for my doctor's permission for travelling back to Indonesia. Yes, I have finally decided to give birth in Indonesia instead. It's going to be really cold here in Tokyo in February, and after discussing with my hubby, we think it's best for me and the baby to deliver the baby in Indonesia since I'm not really comfortable with cold weather. Ok, will continue to keep you posted for the next progress of the baby.

1st Baptism Anniversary (Oct. 16, 2006)

I couldn't stop being so thankful for all the blessings that I have received in this past one year since I have my baptism at TUC (Tokyo Union Church) on Oct. 16,2005 with 4 other sisters. Sometimes I could be over enthusiastic when I tried to explain to those who haven't experienced receiving Chist as their savior. God is good...all the time. Despite of all the ups n downs in life, by trusting in His love, grace and mercy, we could always feel the inner peace. Thanks to all my sister n brother who celebrated with me at Mrs. Sohn's house in Shibuya. :)

I was just happened to see the list of things which I would like to accomplish in year 2006 together with my wishes. Surprisingly, 80% of them have been answered. It's amazing how powerful is the meaning of prayer. And it's best when I can share everything with my HG's brothers and sisters and having the time to pray together. I'm most thankful with this first pregnancy. Making confession is one of the things which I've done as well. God is merciful and He would never abandon us when we need Him. And everything is definitely in His timing. I strongly believe that God always has a purpose for everything that we needs to go through no matter if it's a good or bad experience. Those experiences lead us to rely more on Him and trusting that He would guide us step by step through the way.

I'm now still praying the salvation for those whom I love the most. I really hope that they receive Jesus Christ as the savior of their life. Through this, I am very much looking forward to spend time with them not only in this world but also in eternity. God, please open up the hearts of the people whom I love and that they may receive your mercy and grace and accept you as their savior. Amen.

November 18, 2006

It's amazing how time has flies. I'm now on my 25th week, and it's been about 20 weeks since I last posted about my pregnancy. Well, I've been experiencing serious nausea, and to open up the computer is the last thing I'd like to do. I've never experienced feeling so horrible in my life. Throwing up for about 3-4 times a day for the first five months of the pregnancy, and the only thing I can possibly consume is fruits. Honey and ginger also help to work reducing the nausea. But, thank God that the progress of the baby goes smoothly despite my malnutrition diet. I'm now more active in everything and feel much more enegetic even though I still need a lot of beauty sleeps. Somehow, the feeling of drowsiness just appears now and then. But I'm sure that's because the baby is encouraging me to take more rests. I'll be posting all the ultrasound picture of my baby since the first time we have them till the latest progress...guess what??....from our last USG scan, we've been so curious about which gender of baby we're expecting. It's funny that the doctor never wanted to say for sure about the gender of the baby. I wonder if it's the policy of Japanese doctor or it's just that he is really not sure. However, he has printed out about 3 USG scan pictures of the pictures that represent the little "bird" of our baby. It's really cutey. From the beginning of the pregnancy, I already have a strong feeling that I'm expecting a boy. Several symptoms have actually strengthened my perception. First, of course the seriosu nausea is the main cause...it's definitely the strong hormones of a baby boy. The hormones have also worsened the condition of my skin. However, once the nausea is over, the skin's condition has improved gradually. Now, there are still a lot of saliva production in my body; inconveniently, I always need to spit out the saliva cause it's still making me feel kind of sick when it's stored too much in my throat. And I also noticed that the skin's pigmentation on my neck has darkened as well. According to many people, when your tummy grows outward instead of sideward, most probably I'll be expecting a baby boy. So, maybe all the above symptoms have supported my perception that I'm expecting a baby boy. Honestly, I don't really mind as to which gender we're going to have for our first baby. The blessing and grace that He has shown to us have really made me to be so thankful of my present condition no matter how hard and how serious is the condition of my nausea is. This is what we have longed for, and we just keep praying that my pregnancy will go well throughout and the baby can grow healthily physically and mentally inside me. We also pray for safe delivery as well. Presently, I'm praying a lot for God's guidance as to where I should be delivering this baby, Indonesia or Japan??? Since my mom is in Indonesia, I would very much like to be close to her and needs her help cause this will be my first experience of having a baby. She can possibly come to Japan as well, however, since my expected due date is in February, it's the coldest time in Japan, and I know that she doesn't really used to the cold weather. So, God, please give me your guidance as to where you want this blessed baby to be delivered...amen.

I'm finally pregnant :)

June 7th, 2006 (Wednesday)

"Congratulation.....!," It's the word that both Yoshinori and I have been yearning for a long period of time. Having married for almost 6 years, God has finally listened to our prayer, by blessing us with my first pregnancy. His steadfast love and unlimited grace is what we have been praying for all these times. "Halleluyah..............., praise the lord and give thanks with a grateful heart!" I cried and sang with joy.

Yoshinori is extremely thrilled when he sees the ultrasound picture of our little embryos with 6.1mm in size. I was only 5 wks and 3 days pregnant. Our due date is written clearly on the picture by our doctor. We will be expecting our first-born kid on February 4, 2007. The thought of having a new family member has brought an exhilirating feeling and chills throughout my body. I couldn't express how much appreciation I have for all of my brothers and sisters at TUC, especially sister Mindy and brother James who continuously pray for me in the HomeGroup. Frankly speaking, I'm so blessed with so many answered prayers which I've received since I first joined this HG. And through this great experience, I just want to share with everyone about the greatness of God's love and grace. For many times, the following verses echoed in my mind whenever I feel discouraged :

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

"For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back."
Isaiah 54:7

"In a surge of anger, I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says Lord your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:8

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

Truly, I received enormous peace from the above verses quoted from several sections of the Bible. And indeed, when we believe and seek for His guidance in whatever troubles or difficulty that we're experiencing, we'll be led to a righteous path.

Bless all of you, and please continue to visit this blog to receive all the update about the progress of my pregnancy.

Love,
Ninih