Dec/Jan Sycamore Tree

Dear Sycamore Family,
I can’t believe it’s been a year since I returned from IHP and, in less than two months, I will be leaving the country yet again. This trip will not only be a little longer than the last but is also much more personal to me as I will be representing Sycamore and the UCC in Japan.

As a Global Mission Intern, I will be assisting the director, Jeffrey Mensendiek, of the Kyodan Emmaus Student Center in Sendai, Japan. The Emmaus Center is a place for university students from the 15 college campuses in town to gather with their friends and take part in classes in a variety of subjects such as piano, guitar, English, Korean, Chinese, Ikebana, cooking, Social Issues, etc. The students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and religions. Jeffrey has said that many of the students are still searching for what they want to do but there is great pressure to get a job upon graduation and may jump into something before they know what they are truly called to do. An emerging pattern in Japan is for young people to quit their job within three years, he attributes this to a lack of maturity and sense of personal identity. I can see that I will learn a lot not only from staff but especially students.

The position is for one year with the possibility of extending for another year at the end of that time. My job will include leading and participating in classes, coordinating with staff and volunteers, planning activities, and connecting the center with the international community through you here at Sycamore. I am incredibly excited to start this new position but I still need to brush up on my Japanese and figure out all the logistics of moving to Japan. I will be keeping in regular contact through newsletter articles, e-mails, as well as updating my blog. If you are interested in learning more, I have recently posted some information about my position as well as links to other websites.

I was touched by the e-mails and messages I received while I was travelling and I am so grateful for your support for all of my endeavors. Of course, please let me know if you are ever in Sendai because I would love to visit with you. I hope that you will continue to keep in touch and send me news from the U.S.

With Love,
SKLT