Elijah, you are living your dream at 21! How fun is that at such a young age. Soak it all in, make lots of friends, go to school, don't give that up. You'll be just fine, don't sell yourself short. You're right, if you stumble a little, God is always there to help pick you back up. I've always loved your videos.
As I told my two daughters growing up while in college, the twenties are the hardest! You are trying to figure out who you are apart from you parents, what your own values, goals, morals, etc are going to be. Life is hard after twenties, but you know what you are fighting for. God bless you. It will get better and more clear where you are going.
Hi Elijah, you are very wise and inspiring. Your feelings, thoughts and fears are more common than you know and valid! Fear stops many people from living their dreams so I appreciate you sharing your journey because I believe you will inspire many to try no matter what happens. I pray that God will continue to lead, guide and direct you on your journey. Enjoy every moment! Blessings🙏🏾❤
Hang on! I know It is scary. But you only live once. Try as best as you could. No matter the result. Don’t prove anything to anyone. Just fulfill your dream. Be selfish at once. If it doesn’t work out, so what? At least you give it a try, and you can always try another path. You’re young and have family at your back that will always supporting and welcoming you. KEEP FIGHTING FOR YOUR DREAM ELIJAH. Believe in your self! God bless you
This was filled with beautiful visual shots, incredible sound, and lovely introspection, and I hope you keep making these. Your message is not cliche or cheesy, I love it so much. You are so talented.
I'm praying for Jesus and the Holy Spirit to work with you and through you to overcome the feelings of fear. We were not given a spirit of fear. What helped me was to look up the Bible verses concerning fear and to actually write down in a notebook every passage where Jesus himself speaks of fear. You've got this !! Try to only take on each day...tomorrow is on it's own path!
I've been subscribed for so long, I remember that video you showed at the beginning, I'm sure I've commented before too so it's wild to see where you've managed to get yourself! I will say, sorta related to this life being harder than it seemed, a lot of foreigners get disappointed with Japan. It's presented to the world as 'kawaii' etc but there's so many downsides (like there are in any country), but so many people who move to Japan are blindsided by it. Everything aside, I loved the colours and scenes of this video so much!!!
That’s crazy!! Thanks for watching for such a long time 😅 Yeah I think you’re right. people come expecting Japan to be perfect and when they realize that it’s not it can be somewhat discouraging. Also moving to another country is always a little difficult and we don’t always see it coming
Failure is necessary learn what you need to be successful. I failed 3 times at first, and in fact gave up 3 times. But I kept trying - and finally hit it big.
You will never be a failure Elija . You have always done your best and your beautiful family will always support you .. Well done for keeping going ❤❤❤❤
Hey, don't give up! Do what you want to do now with no regrets. We just have to pick ourselves up each time we stumble, a bruise here and there is ok, we will be ok. take care!
When I was about your age, I lived in the US and went to school there for a while (I live in Europe). 21-year old me would have related to everything you are saying here. I can assure you though that if you push through you will be absolutely fine and that the lessons you take away will stay with you, and guide you, for the rest of your life, not too mention the sense of accomplishment and gratefulness you will experience if you manage to push through your fears and feelings of loneliness. I promise it’ll be OK, sooner than you might expect.
I just discovered your videos and fell in love with them. They're just so cinematic 😮 "Is it even worth it" that's also something I ask myself all the time as I'm also saving up for language school in Japan right now. It can be really hard to save almost anything I'm earning, but similar to you I too dream of living in Japan for a longer time since I've been in my teens so it will be worth it in the end 😊 (at least I hope so 😅) I would love to see more videos about your language school in the future. (How the building looks, how much homework you get, etc.) 😊
To be a failure you would have to give up and remain in a constant state of stillness with no desire to move forward. Success means so many different things. Just because we do not become successful in a dream doesn't mean we are failures. What it means is that we took that path as far as we could. With time, age and relationships we change therefore our dreams and goals change. Failure is giving up success is continuing on a path to satisfaction for the moment we are in until the next moment becomes our new dream. Your path has been guided by baby steps leading you to moments of understanding and happiness. We always continue to learn and in learning we grow. Bless you and your path. You will be successful. 💕
My daughter went to Taiwan for a college internship, the night before she left she stayed up all night, not being able to decide what to bring. That morning, an hour before she was about to leave for the airport, she was crying and sitting in front of her suitcase, still unpacked. I picked up each item, do you want to bring this. I packed it. Finally I got her packed and she left for the airport with her dad on no sleep. She had a contact in Taiwan who she stayed with initially, but she had to find her own housing near her summer internship job. While she was only there for eight weeks, she went through an earthquake and a typhoon. She survived and thrived. Good luck to you, Elijah. Don't worry so much, give your fear over to God. Live in the present. This is the time in your life to take chances, you have nothing to tie you down right now.
Jumping into the great unknown takes lots of courage, you've done that. Now unimageable possibilities are in your path. This is the best education anyone can give themselves. Take this from an old woman- traveling is priceless. It so takes us out of the comfort zones and opportunities for growth happen, it allows you to see what you are truly made of. I'm rooting for you!
Hi Elijah, it is good to have dreams and goals and try to achieve your goals. But it is also good to fail! Failure is just another learning experience especially for those who take risks and live new experiences. Failure is learning a new skill or experience, and finding that it is not for you for whatever reason. But you definitely learned from it. You will probably get better at your prayer life too.😘 So you slowly get closer to what you are really meant to do. Just don’t stop trying new things because that is a kind of death I think. You are doing just fine at 21, you have lots of living and loving to do! Love from Ontario Canada ❤️🇨🇦🙏
I can relate with you on so many levels rn. Being 21 is a huge challenge. The road ahead is full of challenges, the same challenges that will become great stories one day. Let's keep fighting for our dreams.
How much energy do we put into worrying, sorrows, expectations... Yet, here you are, all on board of your new mission. Not to outer space this time, but into nippon vast land. A bit of worrrying helps forseeing some security, putting it aide made you book your flight and school. Bravo. Whatever may come..will have to be dealt with. Wisely or clumsily, the wonderful thing is that everything is new, always, all decisions are Unique...as One and Only You are. Bravo for not having chickened out and inviting us for a moment of reflexion.
I love how you have grown up before our eyes. I remember watching your first videos years ago, back then it was hard for you to put your thoughts together to get them across on video. You are now clear and point driven. Congratulations!!
You are awesome! Keep looking up and God will continue to guide you. Congratulations on meeting the goal of getting to Japan. With God on your side, you can do anything you put your heart to. Please continue posting videos and letting us know how you are doing.
You are SO good at doing videos now. I love the documentary feel! Also, I am truly enjoying sharing your videos with my young teen. So much to discuss and learn from your experiences and perspective.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on achieving your dreams and the stress that comes with it. Ive always watched your videos and your parents channel. My thought always was that those kids must have such an amazing life and they will continue doing great things when theyre older. Without ever doubting themselves, because they got so much experience in everything from a young age. It gives me hope that even you, who is just a year younger than me, -with that much experience- still doubts, stresses and lives just like a normal young adult. I wish we could be more honest with eachother that everybody just doesnt have it together when theyre a young adult. We still need to figure out a lot, and thats so okay!
Dream big, set attainable goals, work hard, appreciate what you do have, and keep your expectations of people, places and experiences relatively low ( bc you have no control over them!) so you aren't disappointed....and you'll be just fine. You are already doing amazing things! Be proud of yourself! Love from Montana
Yes, you are living your dream at an early age. I've been watching your folks' channel for quite a few years now, but really only discovered yours around the time you returned from your mission. And I have to say I've seen big growth in you, in these past months. You definitely are more mature and realistic, I think in understanding that good things and opportunities don't just happen. And that it's up to you, to make it happen. And as for your feelings about being in classes, rather than learning things on your own, that may be a drawback to how your previous education was conducted. Without question, when you work on your own, as you did growing up, you do have the advantage of only studying things that interest you, and you get to work at your own pace. But here's the drawback to that. The real world doesn't work that way. Often we have to work in coordination with others. And we don't get to choose the pace. I'm sure being the oldest heaps a lot on your shoulders. And you're kind of blazing the trail for your siblings, in transitioning from the pretty laid-back style your "unschooling" was, to a more traditional learning environment. Anyway. I have no question you can do this. But keep yourself open, to a lot of things being different. And drink in all you can about the culture in Japan. This is truly an experience of a lifetime. So drink in every moment of it. And keep us posted as time allows! 😊
You got this Elijah! I cannot wait to see the places you explore and the friends you will meet. Please go to the countryside and vintage stores when you can. Nice places to take videos at
Looking forward to hearing about your dream job you're starting! I've thought about moving abroad many times, and your video reminded me that's still a possibility.
I'm considering going to a japanese language school right now. Just for a month or two to see how I like it, never been to japan but can read and understand everyday japanese just fine already. So just wanted to comment that your recent videos were very inspiring to watch! Especially seeing how you're not much older than me at all. (crazy production quality, too!!)
Loving this style of editing! Great to have dreams, I too want to go to space,( being an astronaut was a childhood dream of mines) but unfortunately I have a lot stopping me from really doing it if the chance arose , claustrophobia, being afraid of heights and the dark , finances...haha man but one can dream and I am okay with that.
Failure is nothing to fear, you never fail if you endeavor to reach for the stars. In life when it doesn't work out for you the way you planned, then it is not failure but a time to change direction with new knowledge and skills. You will never live life to the fullest, or soar like an eagle, or climb the highest mountain peak, swim the deepest ocean unless you take the risk. That is living your life to the fullest. Who do you worry about with failure? For those who never get past the dream, never succeed or fail. No matter what state you are in be content. If God be for us who shall be against us, he did not give us the spirit of fear. Peace!
Curious, are you going to learn to speak, read and write Japanese? They have 3 alphabets. It seems like a daunting challenge to learn. Good luck to you! You are so mature at 21! Enjoy the adventure of it all!
It’s somewhat common for people in Tokyo to speak English (I’d say maybe 1 in 10 people have decent English ability) but outside of Tokyo it’s a lot more rare
Elijah, you are living your dream at 21! How fun is that at such a young age. Soak it all in, make lots of friends, go to school, don't give that up. You'll be just fine, don't sell yourself short. You're right, if you stumble a little, God is always there to help pick you back up. I've always loved your videos.
I am constantly surprised that you are only 21. You're doing amazing things and you should be really proud of yourself.
As I told my two daughters growing up while in college, the twenties are the hardest! You are trying to figure out who you are apart from you parents, what your own values, goals, morals, etc are going to be. Life is hard after twenties, but you know what you are fighting for. God bless you. It will get better and more clear where you are going.
I totally agree! I tell my kids the same thing!
Hi Elijah, you are very wise and inspiring. Your feelings, thoughts and fears are more common than you know and valid! Fear stops many people from living their dreams so I appreciate you sharing your journey because I believe you will inspire many to try no matter what happens. I pray that God will continue to lead, guide and direct you on your journey. Enjoy every moment! Blessings🙏🏾❤
Hang on! I know It is scary. But you only live once. Try as best as you could. No matter the result. Don’t prove anything to anyone. Just fulfill your dream. Be selfish at once. If it doesn’t work out, so what? At least you give it a try, and you can always try another path. You’re young and have family at your back that will always supporting and welcoming you. KEEP FIGHTING FOR YOUR DREAM ELIJAH. Believe in your self! God bless you
You are inspiring so many others without realizing it.
This was filled with beautiful visual shots, incredible sound, and lovely introspection, and I hope you keep making these. Your message is not cliche or cheesy, I love it so much. You are so talented.
It’s so exciting to see you grow & slowly achieve your dreams! Thank you for keeping us updated, cant wait to see the video of your new job!!
I'm praying for Jesus and the Holy Spirit to work with you and through you to overcome the feelings of fear. We were not given a spirit of fear. What helped me was to look up the Bible verses concerning fear and to actually write down in a notebook every passage where Jesus himself speaks of fear.
You've got this !! Try to only take on each day...tomorrow is on it's own path!
I've been subscribed for so long, I remember that video you showed at the beginning, I'm sure I've commented before too so it's wild to see where you've managed to get yourself! I will say, sorta related to this life being harder than it seemed, a lot of foreigners get disappointed with Japan. It's presented to the world as 'kawaii' etc but there's so many downsides (like there are in any country), but so many people who move to Japan are blindsided by it.
Everything aside, I loved the colours and scenes of this video so much!!!
That’s crazy!! Thanks for watching for such a long time 😅
Yeah I think you’re right. people come expecting Japan to be perfect and when they realize that it’s not it can be somewhat discouraging. Also moving to another country is always a little difficult and we don’t always see it coming
Prayers for you!!! I love your passion for life. You are so far beyond your physical years. You're so blessed.
Loved this…your cinematography( filming?) was great….great attitude…keep dreaming and working on your dreams…I wish you all the best
Failure is necessary learn what you need to be successful. I failed 3 times at first, and in fact gave up 3 times. But I kept trying - and finally hit it big.
Good luck Elijah in everything you do. Sending love and prayers x♥️♥️♥️
You will never be a failure Elija . You have always done your best and your beautiful family will always support you .. Well done for keeping going ❤❤❤❤
Hey, don't give up! Do what you want to do now with no regrets. We just have to pick ourselves up each time we stumble, a bruise here and there is ok, we will be ok. take care!
Follow your heart
Follow your best self - you know what you want.
When I was about your age, I lived in the US and went to school there for a while (I live in Europe). 21-year old me would have related to everything you are saying here. I can assure you though that if you push through you will be absolutely fine and that the lessons you take away will stay with you, and guide you, for the rest of your life, not too mention the sense of accomplishment and gratefulness you will experience if you manage to push through your fears and feelings of loneliness. I promise it’ll be OK, sooner than you might expect.
You got this! What an amazing young man you are. Enjoy this time in your life it goes by so quickly❤️
Thank you for sharing your journey! I wish you all the best and can't wait till next video! Prayers and blessings for you.
I just discovered your videos and fell in love with them. They're just so cinematic 😮
"Is it even worth it" that's also something I ask myself all the time as I'm also saving up for language school in Japan right now. It can be really hard to save almost anything I'm earning, but similar to you I too dream of living in Japan for a longer time since I've been in my teens so it will be worth it in the end 😊 (at least I hope so 😅)
I would love to see more videos about your language school in the future. (How the building looks, how much homework you get, etc.) 😊
To be a failure you would have to give up and remain in a constant state of stillness with no desire to move forward. Success means so many different things. Just because we do not become successful in a dream doesn't mean we are failures. What it means is that we took that path as far as we could. With time, age and relationships we change therefore our dreams and goals change. Failure is giving up success is continuing on a path to satisfaction for the moment we are in until the next moment becomes our new dream.
Your path has been guided by baby steps leading you to moments of understanding and happiness. We always continue to learn and in learning we grow.
Bless you and your path. You will be successful. 💕
My daughter went to Taiwan for a college internship, the night before she left she stayed up all night, not being able to decide what to bring. That morning, an hour before she was about to leave for the airport, she was crying and sitting in front of her suitcase, still unpacked. I picked up each item, do you want to bring this. I packed it. Finally I got her packed and she left for the airport with her dad on no sleep. She had a contact in Taiwan who she stayed with initially, but she had to find her own housing near her summer internship job. While she was only there for eight weeks, she went through an earthquake and a typhoon. She survived and thrived. Good luck to you, Elijah. Don't worry so much, give your fear over to God. Live in the present. This is the time in your life to take chances, you have nothing to tie you down right now.
Great video! It has a good flow and nice style to it. Thanks for sharing!
Jumping into the great unknown takes lots of courage, you've done that. Now unimageable possibilities are in your path. This is the best education anyone can give themselves. Take this from an old woman- traveling is priceless. It so takes us out of the comfort zones and opportunities for growth happen, it allows you to see what you are truly made of. I'm rooting for you!
Hi Elijah, it is good to have dreams and goals and try to achieve your goals. But it is also good to fail! Failure is just another learning experience especially for those who take risks and live new experiences. Failure is learning a new skill or experience, and finding that it is not for you for whatever reason. But you definitely learned from it. You will probably get better at your prayer life too.😘 So you slowly get closer to what you are really meant to do. Just don’t stop trying new things because that is a kind of death I think. You are doing just fine at 21, you have lots of living and loving to do! Love from Ontario Canada ❤️🇨🇦🙏
Great news Elijah! The best to you.
I can relate with you on so many levels rn. Being 21 is a huge challenge. The road ahead is full of challenges, the same challenges that will become great stories one day. Let's keep fighting for our dreams.
One of the best, raw videos! Thank you for sharing your story ❤️
How much energy do we put into worrying, sorrows, expectations...
Yet, here you are, all on board of your new mission. Not to outer space this time, but into nippon vast land. A bit of worrrying helps forseeing some security, putting it aide made you book your flight and school. Bravo. Whatever may come..will have to be dealt with. Wisely or clumsily, the wonderful thing is that everything is new, always, all decisions are Unique...as One and Only You are. Bravo for not having chickened out and inviting us for a moment of reflexion.
I love how you have grown up before our eyes. I remember watching your first videos years ago, back then it was hard for you to put your thoughts together to get them across on video. You are now clear and point driven. Congratulations!!
You are awesome! Keep looking up and God will continue to guide you. Congratulations on meeting the goal of getting to Japan. With God on your side, you can do anything you put your heart to. Please continue posting videos and letting us know how you are doing.
You are SO good at doing videos now. I love the documentary feel! Also, I am truly enjoying sharing your videos with my young teen. So much to discuss and learn from your experiences and perspective.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on achieving your dreams and the stress that comes with it.
Ive always watched your videos and your parents channel. My thought always was that those kids must have such an amazing life and they will continue doing great things when theyre older. Without ever doubting themselves, because they got so much experience in everything from a young age. It gives me hope that even you, who is just a year younger than me, -with that much experience- still doubts, stresses and lives just like a normal young adult. I wish we could be more honest with eachother that everybody just doesnt have it together when theyre a young adult. We still need to figure out a lot, and thats so okay!
Look at it as being a productive member of society instead of the other way around
Dream big, set attainable goals, work hard, appreciate what you do have, and keep your expectations of people, places and experiences relatively low ( bc you have no control over them!) so you aren't disappointed....and you'll be just fine. You are already doing amazing things! Be proud of yourself! Love from Montana
Great video, very cinematic and cool!
You give my 65 year old self hope in my future and to set goals
Yes, you are living your dream at an early age. I've been watching your folks' channel for quite a few years now, but really only discovered yours around the time you returned from your mission. And I have to say I've seen big growth in you, in these past months. You definitely are more mature and realistic, I think in understanding that good things and opportunities don't just happen. And that it's up to you, to make it happen. And as for your feelings about being in classes, rather than learning things on your own, that may be a drawback to how your previous education was conducted. Without question, when you work on your own, as you did growing up, you do have the advantage of only studying things that interest you, and you get to work at your own pace. But here's the drawback to that. The real world doesn't work that way. Often we have to work in coordination with others. And we don't get to choose the pace. I'm sure being the oldest heaps a lot on your shoulders. And you're kind of blazing the trail for your siblings, in transitioning from the pretty laid-back style your "unschooling" was, to a more traditional learning environment. Anyway. I have no question you can do this. But keep yourself open, to a lot of things being different. And drink in all you can about the culture in Japan. This is truly an experience of a lifetime. So drink in every moment of it. And keep us posted as time allows! 😊
You got this Elijah! I cannot wait to see the places you explore and the friends you will meet. Please go to the countryside and vintage stores when you can. Nice places to take videos at
Enjoy the ride and don’t stop dreaming and making big goals!! ❤
Wishing you the best! Looking forward to learning about your dream job. You made it!! That alone, is, a big achievement. Happy Journey, Elijah.
Great video, well done. God provides for all you need. thanks for sharing
Looking forward to hearing about your dream job you're starting! I've thought about moving abroad many times, and your video reminded me that's still a possibility.
You are the future….whew…I feel so much better🙏🏼
Happy for you,live your dreams.
Fear is normal it keeps you alert and aware .🙏
You are an amazing young man, God has incredible plans for you. Be led by the Holy Spirit and seek His Word and Guidance and you will be blessed 🙏🙏🕊🕊😊
Yes. You are inspiring. Much love to you as you explore, and learn.
You're a wise young man.
even if you wish for life is not easy in itself ,so enjoy life when it is easy....it is not always the same.
Elijah, you’re not a failure. Your young and learning what no book can teach you. Continue to work on your dreams.
I hope you are okay after the bad weather. Let’s us know. Be safe and have a plan.
I'm considering going to a japanese language school right now. Just for a month or two to see how I like it, never been to japan but can read and understand everyday japanese just fine already. So just wanted to comment that your recent videos were very inspiring to watch! Especially seeing how you're not much older than me at all. (crazy production quality, too!!)
Loving this style of editing! Great to have dreams, I too want to go to space,( being an astronaut was a childhood dream of mines) but unfortunately I have a lot stopping me from really doing it if the chance arose , claustrophobia, being afraid of heights and the dark , finances...haha man but one can dream and I am okay with that.
Loved the rythm of this video.
God has blessed you well done Elijah love hearing your stories thank you for sharing your life x😊
Best of luck on your adventures!
You are an amazing young man, you look so beautiful like your parents, love this video thank you for sharing ❤
Can’t wait to hear about your job! Will you be able to continue language school and also travel?
Failure is nothing to fear, you never fail if you endeavor to reach for the stars. In life when it doesn't work out for you the way you planned, then it is not failure but a time to change direction with new knowledge and skills. You will never live life to the fullest, or soar like an eagle, or climb the highest mountain peak, swim the deepest ocean unless you take the risk. That is living your life to the fullest. Who do you worry about with failure? For those who never get past the dream, never succeed or fail. No matter what state you are in be content. If God be for us who shall be against us, he did not give us the spirit of fear. Peace!
Elijah you are soooooooooooo talented with your film and edit skills I pray you Persue this gift ❤❤
Please do snap shots of Your area stay safe will never get Japan but would love to see it through your eyes.
Have fun ....live your dream.....
You are done with your mission
I don’t think money fears really go away. Having to much of it can cause problems too. Just be wise and invest and save. 😉
❤️🇨🇦
Proud of you!!
Pray
if my kids grow to be like you .I would be very proud ..
Continue to seek God’s will for your life. He has a plan for that will only be a blessing ❤
Great video!
God Bless!! 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏
Oh honey you’re just a lil kitten still- less pressure more self love.
Can you give us a tour of your home?
Curious, are you going to learn to speak, read and write Japanese? They have 3 alphabets. It seems like a daunting challenge to learn.
Good luck to you! You are so mature at 21! Enjoy the adventure of it all!
do you find alot of people in japan speak english or is english rare to hear there
It’s somewhat common for people in Tokyo to speak English (I’d say maybe 1 in 10 people have decent English ability) but outside of Tokyo it’s a lot more rare
Hey from San Antonio Tx
Pam 37:4 😊. Saying it all 👍🏼 good luck. You think you will marry someone from Japan 😊
🫶
God will guide you Elija ❤❤❤