Uprooted & Replanted

I don’t even know where to begin.. maybe I’ll start this newsletter update with a thank you. I’m truly so blessed and honored to have such a supportive group of friends and family. This journey wouldn’t be the same without you all!

Throughout my life, I have had many seasons of being uprooted and replanted. The constant change of friends, schools, and daily routine life isn’t new to me. If anything it brings peace and reassurance when things are always changing.

However, this past month was filled with a rollercoaster of emotions- from excitement, to tears being shed with friends and family. I can confidently say that for once in my life, my roots were deeply deeply rooted in San Clemente, California. 

It has now been over two weeks since I officially moved to Japan. My heart continues to ache and yet rejoice, even as a write this, as I’m now being replanted in a new country, a new culture, and a new language.

I have to constantly pinch myself and remind myself that by God’s grace I’m here- He has a purpose for me, He is with me and He will sustain me. It still feels surreal, but I’m definitely missing all of you. 

Drawing Them Close

From Women’s Bible Study, to Friday night group, to Kids English classes, Macey and I quickly jumped right into the swing of things.

The first Saturday we went over to my friend Chihiro’s house who also hosts a women’s bible study once a month. During this time, we had the opportunity to share our testimonies with her friends. The sisters, Marina-san and Elina-san, have an interest to know more of Jesus and a desire to read His Word. Although they have yet to profess Jesus as Lord, it is sweet to see their heart for Him and to know Him more. 

As we opened the Bible, I noticed their kids were also listening quietly. Marina-san shared a time where she was worried and stressed while riding her bike and it started to rain. She thought she heard a voice but the rain was loud, so she kept on riding.

Once she arrived at her home, she asked her son if he had heard a voice as well. He then confessed that he was praying to God in that moment asking Him for His peace as he noticed his mom was nervous. Wow! I can see the Lord moving in their family and drawing them close. 

As my friend Chihiro moves to Tokyo, I will be moving into her apartment, praise God! He is so faithful in providing everything so far and Lord willingly I will continue to lead the women in the Word. Please pray for the time, for their hearts, and for their salvation! 

Totally Unplanned

For these past two and a half weeks we have been staying outside the city in a town called Izumi. One of the lovely ladies from the church, Yuko-san, opened her home to us. It has been such a blessing and I was excited to explore and see different parts of Japan. It was totally God ordained!

During our first week, Yuko-san’s neighbors came over to introduce themselves. They had heard of our stay and were excited to meet us. A couple days later, we invited the family, the mom and her four kids, over for dinner and cooked Mexican food for them.

They had never had tacos before and I was interested to see if they would like them (mind you, I had to improvise without corn flour and made sweet potato tacos). I showed them how to make the taco- how to add guacamole and salsa to it, and roll it up. They tried it and they loved it! 

Before we ate Yuko-san started the dinner by giving thanks to God in prayer. I’m grateful she was there because she was able to translate our conversations and we got to know the family better. Her daughter, Yuki-chan, randomly brought out the ukulele and we started singing some worship songs together in Japanese. This was totally unplanned, but it was sweet to see Miu-san singing along in the end with the words, “thy Word is a lamp unto my feet.” 

The following week, by the grace of God, Miu-san invited us over to her house. This is a miracle, as Yuko-san has lived in that house for many years and had yet to enter their home. Japanese culture is very intimate and inviting someone over to their house is a sign of trust and friendship. What a blessing! It was an honor to enter her home and enjoy another dinner together with her family.

Please join us in praying for the Kawashima family- may they see there is a God that loves them very much and has always been there protecting the whole family. 

Face painting at the park for Cyrus’s going away party

Let Your Light So Shine- Missions Night 2025

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Friday night fellowship + Sunday morning prayer group

❤

Overall, these past couple of weeks have had it’s challenges. Yet, Jesus continues to remind me of His love not only for the Japanese people, but He is also so kind in showing me His loving hand everywhere I go. 

Before leaving I had counted the cost- I knew what was to be expected. I knew it would be challenging to leave behind everything I know. And yet, I’m constantly reminded of your love and support on this journey. I know I’m not alone. I truly and sincerely am so grateful for you all! 

May the Lord continue to give us His heart. His heart for ALL the nations and may we faithfully serve Him where He has us planted while there is still time! 

In His unfailing love,

-Mayra Alejandra