always the "foreigner"

Our oldest son's latest creative outlet has been designing and making t-shirts with fabric markters. Here is one of his latest. It is the Japanese word for foreigner. The Japanese word contains the Chinese character for "outside". And that's just exactly what you are as a foreigner in Japan, an outsider.

No matter how long we have lived in Japan, no matter how well we speak Japanese or how well we understand the Japanese customs...we are still foreigners. And we are constantly reminded of our outside status by others audibly proclaiming "Ah, gijin!" by pointing, surprised children...and yes, even adults.

We quickly weary of being the center of attention and being stared as soon as we step out of our front door. I often think, "Ohh, to blend in and be inconspicuous..."but such is missionary life as a white faced - fair headed - tall person in an all Asian country.

But, really that reminds us of what we are...no matter where we are.
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Phillipians 3:20