I wish I could tell you that the reason I’m going to Japan is because I’d had a revelation that this is what the Lord wants me to do.  Sadly, I’m not that profound nor spiritual.  Two key people are responsible.  First, there’s Tommy Dyo.  He’s the director of Epic Movement, part of Campus Crusade for Christ.  He’s a gifted leader whose leadership and ministry skills amaze me.  Talented too…he spent an afternoon with me under my house a few years ago installing insulation.  A topic for another day.

I remember asking Tommy when we first started meeting to form JapanRebuild whether he’d travel to Japan himself.  He said “maybe,” which later became “probably.”  I thought that’d be cool — I could see Tommy bringing his leadership gifts to do some really great work. 

What was unexpected was when he called me to day “hey — I need you to go with me!” Huh?  I’d no plans to go to Japan — well, I do vaguely remember a prayer in which I said I’d go to Japan only if I were asked.  OK, I’ve been asked.

Then there’s Donna, we just celebrated our marriage of 12 years last weekend.  She said I should seriously consider Tommy’s offer.  That was a day before she tore her Achilles, this time the right side (yes, the left one was injured 11 years ago).  She was playing with our hyperactive puppy when she felt something go “pop” as she fell to the ground. 

(Sidebar comment: When people saw Donna and her crutches, they’d ask what happened. I, of course, said “that’s what she gets for kicking me around instead of simply slapping me into submission.”  Sadly, I think a couple of people believed that story more than what really happened.  But I digress.)

I’d assumed going to Japan was now a non-starter, though she said “I won’t stop you from going” even before her surgery.  Fast forward to a couple of weeks later.  As she sat on the bed with her foot elevated, encased in an orthopedic boot, she said I should go.  She thought it was just too good an opportunity.  I learned a long time ago to listen to my wife.  I wouldn’t even have considered this if she hadn’t given me the proverbial “green light.”

(OK, one more sidebar comment: I’ve learned that unless there’s a restraining order between spouses, I’d advise all husbands to listen to their wives.  She does want what’s best for you.  Seriously.)

Yes my degrees are in Psychology, no I’m not a therapist.  I nonetheless hope that I can provide some encouragement to both the evacuees and the aid workers.  The “long haul” is still ahead, there’s years forthcoming on their journey.  My Japanese is marginal at best (so much for all the years in Japanese School), yet I’ll do whatever I can to bring a message of healing.  Whatever happens, it’s going to be a stretch for me…a big stretch that I’m not likely to forget anytime soon.  I don’t think I possess any obvious gifts that I can rely on, yet I hope that I can be helpful.

There’s a line from The Blues Brothers, a movie from 1980 (!) that comes to mind, I quote Elwood Blues (Dan Akroyd): “…we are on a mission.  From God.”  I’m hoping that sentiment applies to us.  And especially me.

Oh yeah, maybe it’s time to start packing.