Hey there! I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since we have been active in this blog space.. and so much has happened over the past 12 months! Here are a handful of the highlights of 2024..
My husband opened a church in July 2024! As of last summer, my husband Masashi is pastor of a small, non-denominational Christian church in a mountainous area of Hyogo. It is named “Highland Christ Church“, since it is located in Takanosu, which means Hawk’s Nest, or more historically, “Highland”.
Masashi began learning organic rice farming! He has been working together with a neighbor to farm our fields, and this year the rice that we eat is from the 2024 harvest. It is such a blessing having homegrown rice! Masashi and I have gradually become more interested in homesteading, and have slowly been preparing our land for a bigger garden space. We are also considering getting chickens in the near future.
The renovation on our fixer-upper home is complete! You might remember that a few years ago we purchased an old akiya (unoccupied house) and 2 acres of property in rural Japan. When we first moved in, there was a LOT to be done, and some rooms were unlivable due to extensive rain damage. Although there are still little things that need attention (like some rooms needing new curtains), all of the major repairs are now finished. It is such a relief that it is finally done!
We are expecting our 3rd baby!! I am due on May 30th of this year, and we are looking forward to finding out baby’s gender very soon! We currently have 2 living sons and 3 babies in heaven, and are so grateful for the blessing of our growing family and a healthy pregnancy.
We are coming toward the end of 2024-2025 year of preschool at home with our oldest son! We have had so much fun, and he has started reading in both Japanese and English. I will probably write about our experience with gentle, play-based preschool at home in a later post. (:
2024 was not without its challenges.
I dealt with autoimmune flare ups at the start of the year, and struggled with skin issues that resulted in having to completely switch out all of my makeup and skincare products. We also lost a friend, and the winter flu season was not kind to us. Also, let’s be real – being pregnant is hard! Nausea has been difficult for me with all of my pregnancies (long after the first trimester).
Through all of the ups and downs, I am so thankful for this beautiful life!! I’m excited to see what’s to come in 2025, and look forward to hearing more from you all as well.
(Feel free to say hi on Instagram! @happilyeverharuna)
Happy New Year!!
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