Or, "Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu" as they say in Japan. You can wipe it off your chin now if you tried to say that out loud!

Aileen and I have a four year old New Year's "tradition" -- going to see Mt. Fuji on New Year's Day. Japan's most famous mountain is about two hours away by car. Four years ago we went on a spur of the moment lark and barely made it, arriving at the foot of Fuji well after sunset, just in time to watch the mountain dissolve into the inky winter sky.

We had such fun that we did it again the next year. And the next. And the next.

This year we found a nice viewing spot at Lake Motosu, on the side of Mt. Fuji that faces away from Tokyo. Fuji nicely caught the pink of the setting sun. Also, Mt. Fuji is depicted on the back of Japan's 1,000 yen bill -- and we were at the spot where that original picture was made. made me feel rich, somehow!

In the car on the way home, in addition to talking about the day, we also got to talking about the coming year ministry-wise. TEAM starts its "Everyone One Hundred" campaign, BJapan and Family Forum Japan are in dire financial straits, PBA is short-handed as usual. Lots to pray for, but also lots to look forward to the Lord doing in 2010. Pray with us for a real advance in the work of all these ministries in the year ahead!

Happy New Year!