Death Defying Experiences

Altotonga, Mexico -- QUE FRIO!!!! is one of my most common sayings. It means "how cold!" and we say it all the time around here.Well, this week has been a bit more "normal"... and I'm finally back on a North American sleep schedule.

Tonight I met with two girls... they'll be getting baptized on Saturday and so we sat down to have one final meeting to talk about "what's gonna go down" (ha, them!) on Saturday up at the river. And, thank Jesus, it looks like it's going to be warm that day, so I don't have to say, Que Frio!!!

Anyhow, they're pretty excited, and of course, you'll have pics to come up in a newsletter.

Other than that, I've been stalking Japan online. Reading, reading, reading. AND I looked up language schools and found one that another missionary had gone to that is working with the missionaries I stayed with when in Japan. Tim, the team leader, said that if I'm looking long term in Japan, that it's very recommendable to spend the first two years in full-time study of the language. And that's expensive (you may get used to me saying that... I probably will not).

But, really, it's not as expensive as what you'd pay in a university in the States, which a friend pointed out to me. So, anyway, I'm looking (more) and planning (more) and asking for God's guidance. At least I have a good idea in my head now of how things "are" and a better understanding of things, a kind of "mental picture" in my head, a lot of questions answered and a good... "plan of action".

One thing I'm SUPER thankful is the opportunity that I had to stay with Tim and Christine and get to know them. How kind they are! They have an awesome history and a huge heart for evangelism and discipleship, which of course is what I'm all about. It's exciting what God's done and doing. I'm VERY thankful for everything they did for me, and helping me to see and understand and answering my ten million questions.

SO, for the totally unrelated thing... I killed a man-eating spider the other day. I was contently walking up my narrow spiral staircase to collect my laundry, and I look over, and about a foot away is a really large spider. One of those that you can see across the room. I quickly stumbled backward down the stairs (which takes talent on a narrow spiral staircase). I stood downstairs and was like, AHHHH!

So, I decided, ok- be brave, you HAVE to go up to get your laundry. And I started back up the stairs, only to come right back down.

No, that's just TOO big.

SO, I decided to do what usually kills them. Bleach spray. Yep.

Only I was out.

So I went to look for some more... Minty Bathroom Cleaner! Wait... non-toxic?? Well, that's what has to work. And it did. So, it crawled with its creepy unusually large and thick legs upstairs to a place that I could get to it, and I ran up the stairs and killed it with a broom. Had I had tried with my shoe, it would have eaten my shoe off, and probably my foot as well. I think. Don't mess with my logic there. Leave it be.

But the fact is...Your super agent 233 killed a man-eating LARGE hairy spider and lived to tell about it. And now my staircase smells minty fresh.

Another side note.... I keep seeing commecials about Japan here in Mexico. Well, it's for Nissan, but it's all about Japan. And I remember the first time I saw it and I was like... hmmm.... And JUST now, the commercial came on again.

Well, I should probably get to bed. My momma and grandma are comin in tomorrow and I need to go get them, which means I need to get up in less than 6 hours. And I've been yawning this whole time!

So, see ya'll people later!

The Swing of Things

Altotonga, Mexico -- Well, I'm not back to normal yet. But I'm getting there.

Changing 15 hours of difference really messes with your head! The first day I got back I just slept for a crazy amount of time, but I think that has helped me some. But I still often find myself awake at 5 (either already up or waking up) and so I've taken advantage of that to get back into morning running. I've seen a few of the kids so far who were very happy to see me, one greeting me in pitches I don't that dogs can even hear. But it's been cute. I'll see some more throughout this week.

Today I dropped off some laundry that I brought back and did some shopping so there would be food in the house. The price of vegetables has gone down. Other things have gone up. But still, I'm amazed at how much I can buy. I feel like it's a steal after Japan!

In a bit, I'll finish the rest of the laundry that I didn't drop off at the laundromat, maybe visit someone and take another nap! I'm tired!It's a beautiful day out and as I opened the laundry/roof door, I stepped outside and thought, I forgot how beautiful it is here. The countryside really is nice.It is a bit strange being back, especially in Mexico, where it seems to be the opposite of Japan. So, I'm kinda trying to get used to it all.

Alright, well, I need to go do that laundry before I fall asleep here!

Back

Altotonga, Mexico --

14 Feb. 2009 11:55am CST I think I know the Dallas airport like the back of my hand. I've been here wayyyyy too many times. But the upside of that is the fact that I know where's the nearest Starbucks and to be able to make it awake to board my next flight, I think I'm gonna need some.So, I'm doing a first today. I've never flown into the US and out on the same day (within just a few hours) and not even touched the soil. So, I have a first. Actually, there are several firsts on this trip, but this is the one I noted todayI won't comment on the flights much beyond saying that they are just as they normally are. It was beautiful though flying into the sunrise and seeing the sun come over the clouds.

I think I forgot to mention when flying through Tokyo the first time that the people who help back the plane out with their little wands and reflective jackets wave you goodbye. They stand there until the whole plane passes and wave you goodbye. It made me smile.

The guys going through security were very friendly concerning Valentines day. I think it's just the fact of the day of today that puts everyone in a better mood. Also kindly enough, my airline "selected" me for special security screening. Like I won some kind of prize or something. I was wondering what all those S's were on my boarding pass. But they give you the pat down and check your carry on and wipe it with something... But there wasn't hardly anyone in line and really there are few people here today in the airport.

Well, I'm just kinda blanking out... According to my body clock it's somewhere around 3am. So, I'm gonna go get me some Starbucks. Caramel Macchiato, please…

15 Feb 2009 2:31am CST So, yesterday was the longest Vday I’ve had… It was… like 39 hours long? Which would be nice if I were flying with a loved one... but as it was, just a bunch of strangers.

Everything went fine with customs and immigration in both the US and Mexiland… (I think I stole that term from someone??) I waited in the bus terminal for about 2 hours to catch my bus back and was fighting it SO hard to keep my eyes open. The guy across the row from me just kept staring at me, I think just wanting to see if I’d fall asleep or not. But, I’ve learned—Do NOT fall asleep in Mexico City. The bus ride is normally a good time for me to get rest and spend some time with God. Seriously, those are some really good times. But, apparently I drank too much water and as there was no bathroom on the bus… I spent the last 2.5 hours thinking about nothing much beside how much my bladder hurt and praying dearly that the driver would go a little faster. And now I’m back… still awake… I got back at 11pm and now I am completely unpacked, organized and still awake. I won’t be repetitive and tell you how incredible the trip was. It was, and I’m sure you’ve read it a few times by now.

However, I was thinking on the plane that if someone offered me a ticket to pack my bags real quick and go back, I definitely would. But, I need to wait to see what He says. Soon it’ll be clear. Anywho, maybe I should start thinking about getting to bed... even though by now it's only about 6pm on my body clock.

Well, this project was fun, I hope you’ve enjoyed the trip with me… and once again, thank you for all your support! It wouldn’t have been possible without you all!

En Fin

Tokyo, Japan -- So, it's my last night in Japan, and that's kinda pretty sad. It's been a great trip and I've had so many experiences, so much to observe and learn and hear and see and... I don't even know if I can come up with a key word or a good way to describe it. So, the next step is to analyze, evaluate, and pray. A lot of that-- and we had a good prayer night tonight. They have a meeting every week on Friday evenings and at the beginning, it was just so sweet to just shut up and be silent before God... not asking or wondering, just being with Him.

Also among nice things today has been the meeting with Tim and Christine. We talked about the trip, about future possibilities (God willing) and I asked all the questions that I hadn't gotten an answer to and ran by my observations to see if I was on track or not.

It was a very productive meeting... and a productive trip as well.So, I said I would write some fun things and that I shall do. So, here we go.

Most "ehh??" thing about Japan:

The bathrooms. I don't like to do bathroom talks really. But, they are just so odd. And each one is different. Many times I have asked myself... Hmm... Ok, so how do you flush this one? Some are squatty style, some are Western style. Some have these machines that make running water sounds. Some of them flush automatically (like, the flush handle moves by itself, which freaked me out the first time). On one of them, Fumiko told me that she walked in and the toilet seat rose up automatically. She looked at it quizzically and said, "I can do that myself. Why do they make that?" And then there are the toilet seat warmers. And some toilet seats have buttons so you can choose if you want the water stuff, how warm you want the seat... it's insane.

Three foods I didn't particularly care for:- Uni. You read about that one in the last blog. It tastes like what open sewers smell like.
- Nato. It's fermented soy beans, if I remember correctly. Actually, the taste isn't too bad-- it just looks really, really gross. And supposedly doesn't smell too well either.

- Actually, I can't think of anything else that I didn't like. Some things I didn't mind, but didn't care for the texture. But, all in all, everything was pretty good.

Three places you should definitely see if visiting Japan:

- Kyoto. Obviously. There is a lot of history there, it's beautiful, the people are friendly (well, not overly friendly). I recommend Kinkakuji. Don't go to Kyoto without seeing it!

-Shinjuku. The view from the observatory towers is amazing.

-I'm vieing for either Harajuku or Himeji. Himeji is a nice city too, and the castle is amazing-- but Harajuku has the cosplay, which is just interesting to see. (These suggestions are based only on my visit... not for all of Japan. If you're super serious and have money... well, do some more research).

Three Difficult things to Adjust to:

- Not being able to read. Feeling illiterate really makes you feel out of place and kinda unsure of yourself at first. After that it can be fun. Learning Hiragana will help.

- Making sure to follow the rules. There are rules for everything in Japan. And often they are clearly marked. Walk up this side of the stairs and down that. Stand at the yellow arrows to wait in line for the train. Don't eat and walk (that one's not written). At first, it's a bit overwhelming, but before you know it, you're already catching on and just doing it.

- Space. It's all SO small here, and you really have to take advantage of every inch of space you have and multi-use everything. That's efficiency-- but sometimes you feel like you're banging into everything.

Most important word in Japanese:
I'm choosing 2:
-Sumimasen-- excuse me. You can and should use it for everything.

-Arigatou Gozaimasu- Thank you. Again, use it repeatedly all the time.

Three Things I will miss about the house here:

- Breakfasts. Toasted rye bread with strawberry jam and granola with soy milk. Breakfasts were good!- Sleeping on the floor on my little bed.

- The atmosphere. I just liked it.

Three People who Impacted me the most:

- Tim and Christine. Their story is amazing and just seeing their dedication and commitment to the people and to God has been inspiring. I was also just impressed by their dedication to prayer.

- Yasu and Abbie. I really liked them-- they are quiet, firm and generous. They have just a real sweet spirt about them and are very sincere, you can see.

- Marcelo and Erika. They are the pastors of the Brazillian church. Wow, incredible people with a passion for God and real concern and care for the people.

Three Reasons why I want to come back:

- The need. Less than .4% of the population are evangelical Christians.

- The people. Even though they are shy and it takes a long time to develop relationships with them, I still really like the Japanese people! I really want to just show them Jesus!

- A vision. I have a heart to see Japan come to Jesus. I love the place and being here, but how I want to see them have Jesus. I want to see young people, dressed like goths or all pink and frilly or on the high end of Tokyo fashion coming together with a fire for God! Woo-hoo!

Of course, that is subject to God's will. So, we'll wait and see what He says.I've been trying to write this, and I find myself sitting here with my eyes closed and dozing off. So, that's probably a good clue to get to bed. If you remember, please pray for me while I'm travelling... for safe travels, and the works. Thank you for being a part of this trip. It's been incredible. But I couldn't have done it without your support. Thank you SO much.

Don't Order This One

Tokyo, Japan -- So, I should probably be in bed now... but as I've been putting off those important things on my to-do list for the last several days, I finally get fed up with myself and decided to get them all done. And I will regret it in a few hours.That's life.

SO, I am very happy that I got this project done that's been on my list for about 2 weeks. I haven't been procrastinating... Ok, well, I have been. But I've been waiting for inspiration. And I got it tonight (kinda had to pull it out of me... but it was there).

Anyway, I also want to Mister Donut's to have some coffee and "be by myself" (I know, I'm in Tokyo) and just at least try to process the last few days. I haven't even started with the trip in general.There have been a MILLION lines of thought going through my head, and as someone wisely suggested, a good cup of coffee (well...), a notebook, and bar stool at a thin table in low lighting definitely helped.

I've spent a good part of this trip trying to be silent, sometimes lost in my own observations... often contemplating and waiting.

A few days ago I got to hang out with Fumiko, which I think I wrote about. Yesterday I hung out with Naomi. Well, in the morning I had a meeting with Susan from Chi Alpha Ministries here in Tokyo to find out more about what's going on, get to know her, and see what God's doing. It was a good conversation and I really enjoyed talking to her-- she was very helpful!

In the afternoon, I went to Ueno by train (an hour and a transfer away) to meet Naomi, who I had met in Nara. We went to the Ueno Art Museum (I love those places) and saw some amazing things. Then we walked for a long time. Had some dinner at market style restaurant and then had Starbucks and got to know her a lot better. So, I was pretty excited about it! I sat there and thought-- yup, this is what it's about.

And today we went to a fish market with Izumi and Christine-- which was pretty cool. We ate at this sushi place and I had Uni. It went in my mouth and came right back out. In haste. Sea urchin-- it's the grossest thing I have EVER eaten in my ENTIRE life. Horrid.

Also got to see a few different apartments and what it would be like to live there. OH. Took a bike to one of them. Bikes and small spaces are, I repeat, not a good idea. This time my wreck did more damage to my ego. I think I'll leave it there.

And that brings me back to coffee and then a late night on the project.

Tomorrow's my last day in Japan, and I head back for Meki-shko (I've tried to repeat how they call Mexico here...)... and I'm sad to go. But I'm praying that I come back soon. As it is, there is a lot of change coming up in the next few months, but I feel like I'm just really getting into the swing of things here.

OH- and, I'm pretty excited about this-- I could kinda follow a conversation today that Christine and Izumi were having... Well, I'd catch several words and could kinda piece it together. That was pretty exciting. Of course, there were other times that I had absolutely no idea what was going on. But, that's not the point. Woo-hoo! Japanese!

Alright, my yawns are getting pretty big now. Tomorrow I have a meeting and some last minute errands to run. And maybe coming up are some inventions that are... well... maybe not my favorite here. And of course- things I'll miss. So, stay tuned.

Furrowed-Brow Day

Tokyo, Japan -- So I woke up in a not so great mood... I think maybe just having a lot on my mind lately. You know it's one of those times when you wake up and before you can really blink a few times, your mind is already flooded.

It's not to say it was a bad day, it was a decent day actually. Maybe it was the shock from last night. I got shocked in the shower turning the water faucet off. Like seriously-- there was a current running through and it shook the junk out of me. So, maybe that was it.It got off to a rough start... burned my hand on the toaster oven, I think a spider or something bit me at night, and just random little things... but we did have a nice breakfast with all the people who are working here and then I went to hang out with Fumiko to get to know her better.

It was a nice, sunny day and she took me to Asakusa and to Shibuya and Harajuku. Asakusa has a famous temple in Tokyo and we got stopped by every group of the elementary class that was trying to learn English. They gave little origami gifts and now I have enough to fill a suitcase. Anyway-- if you've seen any videos of Tokyo of an intersection that fills with people when the pedestrian light turns green- well, that's in Shibuya. It's a very expensive, very, very modern area. Harajuku has a lot of people dressed up, apparently called cosplay, but there weren't a lot of them around. We were pretty tired after all that walking (and standing a lot on the trains/subways). Oh, and we ate fried eel, shrimp and some other fish and eggplant today with her. It was cool to talk about differences between Japan and America and culture (she's done homestays in the States).So I leave Saturday and I'm pretty bummed about that. I've really enjoyed it here and am now kinda getting into the flow of things. It was a bit of culture shock at first-- though you would think being missionary that you would get over that. But I find I love Japan and her people more and more everyday. Which, obviously, makes leaving seem not fun. I'm still waiting on the Lord to see what He says... I just want to do what He wants.So, we had talked last Sunday about getting an English/Japanese Bible, one that has the hiragana readings above the kanji... which if you don't know what that means, don't worry... just know that it's nicer and easier on the brain. They're pretty expensive so I was kinda waiting on it (about $65 and a bit bulky)... and anyway, tonight I came home from hanging out with Fumiko and there was a gift that had apparently been waiting for me since last night.

Abbie had picked up for me a New Testament like the one I was describing above, with a nice little note. I was sooo blessed-- because it's not as expensive as the one above-- but it still is an expensive gift! I almost wanted to cry, because, well, I felt a bit chillona today (even though I didn't)... but I called her and thanked her so much. What a blessing! And, how cool??

So I've been meditating a bit on Psalm 86:11 that says Teach me Your way, Oh Lord, and I will walk in your truth; Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.Obviously we're always learning from God what are His ways, and that's something that I've been anxious to learn lately. And to learn, you have to have humility and be submitted to the teacher.

But I've been focusing on the divided heart thing. When we have a heart completely subjected to Him, completely committed to Him- we can fear His name. And the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom... sooo... just think on all that in reverse. So, if our heart is divided, we're not fearing Him properly (I'm hesitant to be strong in my statements), and we can't have wisdom that comes from Him if we have other things we have set before Him.

So, anyway. The verse that came into my mind this morning was Proverbs 3:5-6... which is oft-quoted, but I decided to look it up anyway just to look over it. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (the teaching part of the Lord-- be submitted, obedient, trusting)... In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. In all your ways-- like the undivided heart thing. Acknowledge Him- when that word is used, I think of the brief paragraph they put at the beginning of a book that acknowledges people who have helped, etc. Not much to be said. But I think here it means a lot more than just acknowledgment. Put Him first in everything you do and your paths will be straight.

Which is what I want and need. I don't really care what happens or where I go or whatever (well, I do, obviously, and I know what I want)... But I guess what I want to say more than anything is that I want to do what He wants. In the end, it's the best plan for me anyhow. So, sometimes it's hard to submit the will and be guided, but that's what I do want.I don't mean to be preachy-- I don't like to be. But it's what I've been thinking about throughout the day and waiting, straining even, to hear an answer. He's not speaking in the way that He usually speaks to me, which I'm sure I need to learn something new... I hear so many "come back to Japan" and that's what I really, really want-- but I have to wait for Him to shoot the starting race gun. And until I hear the crack of the pistol, I can't run.

VBall and a GB Party

Tokyo, Japan -- So, it's been a few full days since I've last written and I hoped to have some stories, and I do... which I'll tell a bit later.

Oh, speaking of which-- my new favorite invention... well.. favorite may not be the word-- but rather- appreciated invention (I found another one that has to do with warmth-- But it doesn't count.) The appreciated invention is the door-touch-opener. They have automatic everything here in Japan, and I'm constantly amazed at the technology they have for everything. But- the door-touch-opener thing is a flat, small rectangular... thing, for lack of better words, that goes on a clear glass door. And when you want to get go in or out, you just barely touch it and it opens the doors. Why is that impressive? Why wouldn't the automatic one be more useful? Because, when it's cold or hot outside, and you have the opposide inside, and you're waiting for someone outside, but you can't see-- well, then it's useful, because you can stand near the door. This came in handy tonight when waiting for the express train while we were in the slightly warmer waiting glass box. Apart from that... well... it was appreciated for a moment.

I kinda like the million vending machines that sell everything... they're pretty convenient.

So, this weekend I gave my testimony at the Brazillian church and then on Sunday at 2 Japanese services and one bilingual services. I had my mom send me "olden day" pics, which the people really liked. A lot of them were touched and they felt more confident, I guess, to talk with me afterward. The Japanese are kinda a shy people.

I went out to lunch with Abbie, the associate pastor's wife, and her daughter and another mom and son, and with Christine for lunch. It was a nice time to chat and talk more about stuff.

Today I slept in, and really needed it. Got up... did some laundry (in a machine) and then we headed to play volleyball again with the Brazillian church. They had a good turn out-- so much that we had 3 teams, besides all the kids.

Afterward, we went to the Oshiro family's house for dinner-- it was a really nice little apartment. I would recommend it as a starting house for a single person-- but not for a family! But here, you learn to make use out of all your space. The food was good and it was nice to be with them. I understand a good portion of Portuguese, but I have to really concentrate on it. But, Christine also did some translation when I wasn't understanding. While there, I also got a back adjustment- since the husband has a degree in massage therapy or something like that. So, hey, why not. He adjusted our backs and we left feeling limber. :)

So, apparently, this was a goodbye party for me. I got 2 things-- a recuerdo from Brasilia and a sweater, which was really kind of them. I was all like, awh... I love Latin culture and then on the way home the pastor told us the party was for me. I was like, oh? really??? Then even more like awhhhh.... I didn't hardly know these people, but I really liked them, even before I knew there was a party for me. Ha!

So the other night when I was coming home from Himeji, the whole country of Japan again got on my train. At every stop, 20 more people crammed in, and I don't know how it worked, but it did. Anyhow, we were all squished in there with no moving room, but there was a little girl of about 1.5 years that I was wondering if her mom would notice if I stole her away with me. The cutest little girl. Anyhow, she was there in her little stroller, undoubtedly the most comfortable person on the train, and there was a businessman of about 30 who, from his very cramped position, was standing there making cute faces at the little girl. With everyone else zoned into their cel phones or ipods, I think i was the only one watching and it made me smile.

Well, I just realized what time it is and I have a long time day tomorrow so I should probably get to bed.

Tokyo Returns

Tokyo, Japan -- I'm pretty excited guys. I got back from Kyoto/Nara/Himeji a few hours ago and loaded my pics onto my comp, and the quality is amazing. I was a bit worried.. sometimes I haven't been happy with the quality, but the pics are great. There are several that are postcard worthy... and that's not to remark on me or anything-- I'm just content that you guys get to see what I saw.

I'm content to be back... I'm pretty tired and my feet are a bit blistered and sore, but it's nothing really to complain about. It was an enlightening trip... I learned a lot... it was good to spend time alone and with God as well, to see... it was worth the expense that it was.

Today I took the last minute side trip to Himeji, since I didn't want to spend the day in Nara-- and it was beautiful. The city was pretty cool, and the castle and the grounds there were picturesque. Beside that, then I felt like I got my money's worth out of that pass! The castle took about 2 hours to explore... I was one of the only tourists who read everything there was to read-- and then I sat for about an hour by the moat with hillsong on my mp3 and talking to God.

All in all, it was a good experience.Himeji was beautiful; Nara was ok; but Kyoto... Kyoto is to me what Paris is to some. Perhaps not all may find it that way but I was enamored, in my own way.I was kinda proud of myself for navigating the train stations (with the handy dandy map Christine lent me) and for successfully not getting lost. I took the wrong road once biking to Fushimi Inari, but I realized it almost immediately and turned around as soon as possible. As amazing as this journey has been, I'm glad to be "home" in Tokyo and with Tim and Christine again and talk about what I saw and experienced and just be back at the house. And converse! Sure, I was able to talk somewhat, but freely is a different thing.

Well, will write more maybe tomorrow with some small on-dits, etc., about small moments... but for now, I'm getting some rest!

Thank you for all your prayers and for your support and encouragement!

Change of Plans

Nara, Japan -- I can't even remember when I last wrote and what had happened, because SO much have I seen and experienced and learned that I'm still taking it all in. And I'm really not exaggerating.

Yesterday, I had a lot of fun biking to Fushimi Inari (the place that has the million tori gates-- if you've seen Memoirs of a Geisha, it's from the scene when she's a little girl running to the temple and there are a million gates)... and walking through there, there is also a side cut that takes you through a bamboo forest. I was completely by myself and no one was near, and it was great to worship God like that. I also observed people at their own worship at the temple there (and throughout Kyoto) and it's a heavy work to watch. After biking there... oh speaking of biking... which I haven't done in some ten years, I'm sure, I learned a few things... bikes go on the left side of the road... because that's the side cars drive on. After not having biked for years, it's probably NOT a good idea to try to look all around you and appreciate the beautiful scenery. Also, small, small gated areas probably aren't a good idea either. Don't worry, I only have a little gash out of my finger, but I got a lot of laughs. I'm sure I made other people laugh too (it's really not as bad as it sounds, and no, I didn't crash and burn or forget how to ride a bike or anything... whatever, I'm shutting up now).

But, after I went to Fushimi Inari (which is 20-25 minutes away, if you take the right road) then I looked at the handy dandy map and thought, hmm... Nijo Castle comes highly recommended... it can't be THAT far away.

And I was wrong.

It took about an hour to get there on bike (and I'm glad I had the bike!) and though I didn't want to pay the entrance fee, I did and I was glad-- a very historical site, it shows a lot of the culture and ways of doing things that make the Japanese who they are today. It was very, very interesting, very beautiful, and even though I took the route backward, I still learned a lot.

Well, afterward the journey took me to Nara, about 40 minutes away by train, and I made my way to the youth hostel. It was ok, though I prefer the one in Kyoto a lot better. I kinda chilled that evening and went for a walk...Nara. Nara is like Kyoto, but smaller and stronger. I had read that you kinda just trip over the shrines and temples because they are everything. And they are. It's so much stronger here. It's also not as English friendly. But nonetheless, today I made my way around and saw everything that I needed to see in a few hours... I didn't go in any of the temples because... well... once you go in one, you kinda know what they all are gonna look like... and now having seen several temples, I wanted to see more historical stuff and learn more in that realm... and by learning from history, you can begin to understand current culture a lot better...

So, I went back to Kyoto this afternoon by train (fell asleep and when I woke up, I thought I had missed my stop) and went to a close place. I really wanted to go to the Imperial Palace, but my feet weren't in agreement, and they won.

Anyway, it's been a good experience this travelling. I've been able to think a lot, pray a lot, meet some people (like the girl I roomed with last night, who's from Tokyo, and I think we'll hang out next week!) and wait on God. And, obviously learn.

But, because I like to get the value's worth out of something, and since I don't head back to Tokyo til tomorrow evening, I decided that I'd take another free side trip on the pass that I have instead of spending the day in Nara.

So, tomorrow I'm going to Himeji, which has a castle that was completed in 1609 by Ieyasu Tokugawa and hasn't been destroyed by many earthquakes and fire. It's also built out of wood, which is pretty interesting.

But afterward, I'll feel more content that I've gotten my money's worth out of this pass that I got and will head back to Tokyo.

This weekend I'll be giving my testimony at the Brazillian church and maybe on the Sunday evening bilingual service too?? I don't know, but I'll go with the flow. Anyway, I need to find a cheap place to eat (Nara is pretty expensive) and work on my power point (pics of the fam, etc) for this weekend and get to bed, because I've gotta get out of here early tomorrow!

*Also, on the list of interesting: A kimono I saw at a shop was 399,000 Yen ($4865, roughly) and I also found a pair of $25 pair of silk socks. I've been looking for a new favorite invention, but am challenging myself to find one that doesn't have to do with heat or being warm (ex: the toilet seat warmers, the rug warmers, the seat and calf warmers on the train, which are wonderful)... and so I'm keeping an eye out for non-heat inventions. Will keep you apprised.

Visual Overload

Kyoto, Japan -- Well, the lights are on very low and people are sleeping in my room in the hostel and I am so very, very tired. Mostly the feet...Well, after travelling by bullet train through the beautiful country side of Japan, I arrived in Kyoto last night and walked the city exploring as much as I could in a few hours... which the only real notable things I saw were the Kyoto Tower and the Toji Temple. I also found a Presbyterian church when I was walking along... I saw a cross in the distance so I followed the streets till I got there. It was dark and closed up, so I didn't go in and see people or check it out.

Today I got up at 8... and headed out at 9 and came back tonight at 9... well, I stopped back by here like twice, but once was only for less than an hour and the other time just to use the restroom.

So, first, went to see Kinkakuji temple... the golden one... it was ethereally beautiful. Gorgeous. I could have just sat there all day. Incredible... and I'm afraid that the pics won't be able to show it well, but even what they show is beautiful.

So, afterward I went back to the Toji Temple and went in (since it was closed last night)... It's gigantic and going in to the various temples to see the gigantic golden buddhas and people bowing to them was heavy. So, I listened to worship music on my mp3 player and praised God and prayed.

By this time it was already raining and pretty cold.... but I had borrowed an umbrella from the hostel, so it wasn't too bad... Ok, then to Gion... which is the famous geisha district. I went there and walked the alley ways and saw the shops and it was like... what you think of Japan and the alleys and wooden panelling and fancy rooftops... that's Gion. I wish I had gone a little earlier to see it in the light, but still it was exotic (even though that always give an impress of warm, and warm I was not) and maybe romantic? I can't choose the right word right now.

So, I stalked the streets and walked into a million shops but I kept my eye out for the geisha. I saw one and then 2 more as my bus was about to head back to the hostel area. I couldn't get any pictures though! There was a girl though in a beautiful kimono who was coming back from doing tea ceremony. She was really nice and we chit chatted and I got a pic of her.

I don't know if I've ever been so happy to sit down after walking for like 3 hours straight (after walking all day) when I got on the bus... Came back, found a Ramen shop close to the hostel, got some stuff from the convenience store for breakfast for tomorrow and came back to shower.

So, I'm kinda taking in now everything that I saw and experienced today... it was incredible... Buddhism is obviously a lot stronger here than in Tokyo... And the impression I get of Kyoto is completely different from that of Tokyo...So, mostly I travelled by bus and foot today. The youth hostel is great, one of the cheapest around and they can tell you how to get anywhere, and have anything you could possibly think of and a million pics of people who have stayed here and their travels. From where I sit in the bed, I can see the Kyoto Tower and... well.. a million buildings.

Anyway, that's an update on what I've done... I've had a lot of time to think today and so I'm still trying to process all that's gone on in that brain up there and all that my eyes have taken in today. It was a great day, not even the rain or the cold could take away from it...But! tomorrow I heard there will be sun... in which case I'll bike (you can rent a bike here at the hostel) down to Fushimi Inari, which has the tori gates that go on for forever and ever and if I get time, will go to the Nijojo Castle which has a lot of history behind it... Tim recommended that one to me, and I can get there on bike. And then on to Nara I'll head...So, it might be a day or 2 before I make it back to blogging... I really want to take advantage of this time to pray for direction and the future and just learn and see... and it's a good time for me to try to hear and wait on God. I know what I would like and what I see and feel and all- but I won't move without confirmation-- and knowing it for myself for sure first. :)

I'm going to bed. My legs are still ache-y from the miles I've walked today, but it was worth it. Boy was it worth it.

Productivity

Tokyo, Japan -- It's been a productive couple of days, full of new experiences... one of them being going to the sushi place with a few new people and the newbies here- Ben-san and Joe-san.

So, everything I tried I liked-- the eel was the best though. Also had tuna and squid. The squid wasn't bad, except that you're supposed to eat it all in one bite, and it was a really big bite and that makes me gag (having a lot in my mouth)... and since it was chewy... but, like I said, it wasn't bad.

I'll leave the other kinds for another go another day. By that time I was pretty full.

Today I went to Yokohama to visit a Vineyard church plant here. The pastors were really nice-- a Japanese guy married to a lady from Colorado and 3 kids who are really sweet and innocent seeming. There was translation, which is always nice, at least for me. Afterward we walked to go out to eat and I talked to the pastor- Kaz- about what they're doing, what works there, doesn't work, advantages of being a "gaijin" (foreigner), about their own history... it was a nice time.

Afterward-- I had gone with Ben- I said I wanted to stop by a Buddhist temple-- to observe and to pray as well. It was a beautiful place, and smoke filled the air from the incense, and inside they were doing prayers. The chanting was loud and with drums beating and I was just really impressed (I hope you get the right meaning I want to use) at the sight. Impacted maybe is a better word. But the prayer was good (ours, that is). Anyway, I don't think I'll forget that particular experience, nor the feeling of being there... nor the sounds, the smells... and the overall picture of it. I think it just gave me a picture of blindness (which sounds rather like an oxymoron)... but it did. Hope and trust in something which they made themselves. Yet, I do have the life and peace that they're looking for.

Selah.

In a very non-sacrilege way.

Anyway, got my Japan Rail Pass exchanged... which was an experiment in cross-language communication. He talked in Japanese and I stared blankly at him. Then I talked in English and he stared back blankly at me. But eventually we got it (one word conversations are incredibly useful) and I got my tickets for Kyoto and back (I think at least)...And then came back for the bi-lingual service here... that was pretty good as well, but I was so tired. I enjoyed the teaching, and some of it I had even shared with my dad from a quiet time I had had earlier in the week, which was cool.

Afterward met Fumiko, which was pretty cool. She speaks great English and is very nice-- as well as Miyuki, who is also a sweet lady.Tonight I got everything ready for the trip tomorrow to Kyoto, which I'm pretty excited about. I had been a little nervous, but I don't think I am anymore... I have a brief sketch of what I have to do to get there and with that I'm content. I'll wing the rest. It'll be a great time for me to be alone, be with God, see Japan's history and the rich culture that they have, and just wait.

I also had a good talk with Tim about Japanese history... we compared Brazil and Mexico and laughed a lot. It was over all a nice evening.I'm excited. And tired.

So, having finished all I set out to do today, I'm getting to bed.