My first solitary trip abroad made me feel released and gave me enjoyment. I never experienced in my life that I was thinking only recreation for one month long. Actually, I was a kind of person who always works hard but never plays.

While I was traveling, I sensed something new inside me and my heart was filled with joy welling up like a spring water by Jesus who brought me to Europe. I never dreamed that I could go abroad in January, 1996. When I talked with S (one of my ex-German teachers) over the phone in December, I told her that whether I could go or not depended upon time and money. Three things (no boss in January, cheap airticket and S in Kiel) enabled me to go to Europe.

When I prayed to Jesus to know if this is His will or not, then I was filled with joy and peace given by Him in my heart. I was pleased to receive His reply and believed the trip would be very meaningful/fruitful to me. We tend to misunderstand that we can do anything only by ourselves but, in fact, I came to reconsider that we are always supported and helped by others. Although the weather was so cold in Europe, I felt something warm from people whom I met in Europe. Mr. T, S Airlines' Advisor is so kind that he secretly changed my economy seat to business one. It was a happy surprise to me.

Most wonderful/unforgettable experience is that I spent and talked with S and her mother in Kiel. S' mother B drove us around Kiel and we had a very wonderful time talking about many things. I spoke with B in German and S in English. I like S and B very much. They really are attractive people. They took me to a prestigious coffee shop in Kiel. We had a nice time there while chatting and having delicious cakes. An accident happened to me when we were about to leave the shop. My coat hanging together with others' coats in the corner has been stolen. I was a bit surprised first but I had peace in mind when I found that the 7-year-old coat disappeared but S and Mother were almost in panic and very angry about this.

I said to S, "OK, I don't care. I haven't fixed on that old coat. I will buy a new coat in Kiel. We had a great time, didn't we? I am very happy now with you and your mother." They seemed that they could not believe this happening in Kiel where they regard as a peaceful place. S was so shocked and said, "We had a very nice time but I don't know why our time ended like this. Why did it happen to Hideko, not to us?! Why does Hideko have to get a punishment?" I said to her, "This is not a punishment, S. That's simple. Satan did this. He is jealous because we are having a very happy time. I have no problem because I know I am loved and blessed by Jesus at any time. Let's think everything positive. I'm very happy to buy a new coat." S told me with surprise that I had a different idea but I was able to think like that, for I do know even a bad thing to me will always end in a good result by Jesus. I was wondering if what kind of nice coat would be given to me.

It was not so easy to find a suitable coat: German size 38 is too big for me, mine is 34. At the second department store we visited, S found a very pretty red coat whose size is 34. Firstly I was a bit hesitant to wear it because I had never wore red clothes and I thougt red did not fit me. S said to me, "It's time you wear red clothes, Hideko!" I said, "Yeah... I don't know if it fits me but I like this color." After I bought it, I was getting happier and happier in the new German coat having memory with S and her mother. They became happy again because I like the coat much better than the previous one. The new one costs \14,000 and the old one, \50,000.

We Christians must be very careful to Satan who is looking for a chance to destroy us. I was completely sure that I won his challenge. This accident gave me a good opportunity to tell about God to S. How blessing! The more we talked, the more we knew we have very similar sense of values. We talked and talked about various topics until late midnight and we felt we have become much closer. I have known her nearly five years but I had less chance to talk with her in English. I wish I could have talked with her much more during her stay in Japan.

A few days later after I came back to Japan, I happened to learn that one of my international credit cards is insured against theft. I got insurance money from the company, with which I was able to buy a lovely new watch (How lucky I am!). I remember the words in the Bible that we should rejoice and show thanks to the Lord at any time. I praised the Lord who wonderfully had done for my good and also others'. S told me that she went to the department store again the next day and bought the same type of my coat. How interesting S and I, big and small, are wearing same red coats!