I leave in four days…wow where did the time go?! This past month I continued to put off everything I was suppose to do, like packing, saying goodbyes, canceling phone plans, etc., until this week hit and all of a sudden I realized that I’m actually leaving…crazy thought. I’m moving to a foreign country for a few years: that statement is packed with anxiety, fear, joy, and the knowledge that I’m leaving behind some of my best friends physically, but they will sure be in contact thanks to the power of technology. But I also have friends who are anxiously waiting for me to arrive in Japan which is really neat. There is a whole community of people praying for me, preparing for my arrival, a friend who is anxiously waiting to go sight seeing with me once I get there, and a new church family to welcome me with open arms, and for that I am excited and thankful.
This past Sunday I had my commissioning service at my church, I spoke at all of our services and inform the congregation of the new adventure I’m about to embark upon. It is exciting to share my calling with those I am close to, but even more exciting to open up the eyes of others who may not have known much about global missions. I am really excited to share everything I’ve been going through with my church family and all my mission supporters. I was commissioned by my interim Pastor who seemed very excited to hear all about my journey, as we worked together on the service. We sang Hymn #808 (Thank you Mark Nygard!) which is a very inspiring hymn for me to think about and all the implications that I will soon understand. I was sent off with the blessing of the church and the knowledge that I will be representing the ELCA to my new community, to which I plan on sharing my experiences with. The commissioning really marked for me a transitioned; I am being sent by the church to go somewhere.
This is no longer just a trip for me, but it is truly a calling and a need to fulfill. I am going to Japan with a full heart and a willing attitude to do whatever it is they are calling me to do. I am prepared that the move with be different and challenging at times, and would ask that you all keep me in your prayers as I embark on this journey this weekend. I am sure the next few days will fly by, and hopefully I will get everything done I need to and still have time to spend with my friends and family before I hop on that plane at O’Hare. Please pray for my strength and energy, as the trip there is going to be a long one, pray for patience and understanding in a new surrounding and pray for those I am leaving behind and those I have yet to meet. Next time I post something on here I will be in Japan, CRAZY!
Also for those of you who have been asking my new address is:
Dana Dutcher
#303 LeoPalace Koemon-1
1-21-3 Chuo-honcho, Adachi-ku
Tokyo 120-0011 Japan
This is good from September 28th until sometime in March, I'll keep you updated on my move!
