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.

Konbonwa from Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan -- So, I had written a blog... but apparently when I was finishing it, I accidently clicked something else and I lost everything. And so I decided at that point just to go to bed.

These last few days I've done everything from Japanese class to cooking Mexican food to play volleyball with a whole bunch of Brazillians. I've also had some good talks about culture and living here and things that the missionaries face here with Christine and have also learned a lot from Tim. That's been really helpful, along with hearing from various people their experiences and observations. I kinda see my job as listening, observing and investigating.

The Japanese class was crazy. It was taught all in Japanese and there were 2 girls from Sri Lanka who were with me. One of them spoke Japanese already, but she was accompanying the other girl. It takes a while to catch on, but eventually you do. And at the end you have to introduce yourself, tell where you are staying (the area in general) and tell where you are from. There's a lot more words to that than it sounds like. But I made it through it, and came home and was grateful to spend the afternoon with familiar stuff like making some Mexican food.

The Mexican dinner party turned out well. There were Tim and Christine and the two newbies- Ben and Joe and Kazo and Abbey (probably didn't spell that right), the associate pastors of the church and their two daughters. They're Japanese and spent 3 years living in Tasmania. I really enjoyed getting to know them; I felt a connection with them-- they're great people! Oh, and the food was good too. They ate a ton of it and as far as I've heard, no one's sick-- so that has to be good right?

Today we went to another part (I don't remember what the stop is called) and played volleyball. It was part of an outreach that the Brazillian church does-- there were 4 new people (which is pretty good)... and one of them was a Peruvian. Her name is Gianina-- which is pronounced like my name, only with an "a" at the end. How ironic is that?? I was so happy to speak to someone who spoke Spanish... But we played for a long time and it was really cool to get to know them some more... the pastors really have a heart for the people, you can tell. And the church people who were there are really sweet.

It's really hard to get people to come to things because of their work schedule. People work really hard here... and it takes a really long time to develop relationships here and see fruit. That's one of the reasons why missionaries go home from here... it's not like other places where you can see easily the fruit of the work you've been doing. Here it takes a really long time because of their schedules, because of their perspectives and way of life and because of their group mentality. But when they do decide, they do it whole-heartedly.

One of the really cool things that I got a chance to see and even participate in was the Gospel choir. I'm not a singer by any account, and Gospel isn't my genre, but I wanted to see this. It's a program going on here in the church-- Japanese people really like Gospel music. And so, it's open to the public and they can come in and sing. I went on a morning with fewer than usual people-- and it's the session that's not as much attended as the other. But, they sing the songs (in English) and there is the translation in Japanese at the bottom with some Bible verses (and they offer a time beforehand to explain the meaning) and they work hard at singing the songs.

And boy do they get into it. My mouth dropped. It was so powerful! Here are a bunch of non-believers (there were 3 believers that day) really singing powerful music and you can tell it's doing something on the inside. And people are getting saved by singing. They realize that the atmosphere is different, there's power in praise music and they want Jesus. I was really touched to see it all.

This week's favorite invention here is the carpet warmer. I haven't investigated it enough to know how it works, but it really warms up the carpet. If you're standing, you can feel that your feet are warm-- so just imagine sleeping on it... since we sleep on the floor here!And speaking of that, I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow won't be as busy as some of the other days this week, but I want to get all rested up before I head next week out to see more of Japan!!

Theoretically Speaking

Tokyo, Japan -- So my new theory is about why Japanese people are so thin. And that's because it's ridiculously expensive here.

Of course, I'm joking. Not about the expensive part though. I'm astounded at the prices of everything. ASTOUNDED. What? THREE dollars for TWO tomatoes? I went to the store just to look around yesterday and to get out by myself and just gaped at prices. $2 for a half loaf of bread. $6 for a travel size jar of peanut butter. Juice- somewhere around $5.

But some things are a bit cheaper (not much from what I can see)... Tofu is really cheap. You can get like a small block of it for less than a dollar. And you can get some stuff at CostCo which I hear makes it cheaper.

Another astound-ment is just the sheer number of rules here. There are SO many rules and ways of doing things. The Japanese are well-ordered, just-so kinda people. And high-tech. I have some cool ones that I'll just have to tell you about in person.

Which brings me to the funny story of the [yester]day. I went out with this other newbie named Ben- he's been here for like 2 months or something like that- and we went to Machida, which is where they're going to do the youth church plant. And after walking around seeing stuff and the area and all that, we were hungry and went to eat. There's this place that we went to- and what you do is order what you want from a machine and pay for it there... Think vending-machine. It prints out a ticket and you give it to the cook. And then they bring you your food when it's ready and you sit at this diner-ish bar. But it doesn't look diner-ish, so don't get confused.

So, there are a million buttons on this machine. Ok, maybe like 100. But it's only written in their language and has NO pictures. Hmm? What does Janine want to eat today?? Mmmmm.... I'll take.... THAT one.

Nicely enough there was a girl that spoke some English and really only gave us 2 options: pork soup or fish soup and then showed us the buttons. Went for the pork. It was pretty good. And I ate the noodles with chopsticks. Yeah, I know I'm pretty awesome.

Actually, the Japanese are a lot more awesome (because they can do it with style; I can do it with capability). But that's beside the point.Have you ever heard of the company that was trying to sell diapers in Africa but couldn't? The diapers weren't selling, so they did a little investigation. Most of the people in that area couldn't read, so they bought based on what the packaging looked like. The packaging that the company used had a picture of a cute blonde baby in a diaper on it. So, they wouldn't buy the diapers because they thought that what they'd be buying was a blonde baby.

But, in some respects, I feel the same way here. I bought something the other day, paid, left the store... and it was not what I thought I had bought. Going to the store, I walked around and had no idea what the stuff actually was. Well, not the obvious stuff, like octopus or bread or something like that-- but like aisles that have boxes in them... or sauces or spices... or even the difference between the creams and that kind of stuff. It'll all take some getting used to. And I'm glad to be kinda getting used to being here. I feel more comfortable now, and it's been nice to have Christine show me the ropes a bit. It was a good day, and I felt less.... lost? I feel more like-- ok, I can do this (survive) here. Of course, I knew I could, but... hmm... I don't know how to describe it.

But I had a good talk with Christine about all kinds of stuff, which I'll talk about at some point. Don't worry-- I may not know what to do or how to read here (yet), but I AM learning a lot about culture and new words and all kinds of stuff.

Today, we went to the store at another part of town called Shin-yuri-gaoka to buy some food, and Christine challenged me on which train to use. Right before that, I commented at we clipped along, "I ALMOST feel like I know what I'm doing." And I got the train right.

Ok, 2 more things before I head to bed, which I need to.

-We went to this huge building in Shinjuku to see Tokyo. You know how you see pictures of how big Tokyo is in books? Yeah, well.... I was like-- I don't even know what to do with this site! It's HUGE! And awesome, because the sun was somewhere near setting.

-I can't remember what the other part is. I'll get it tomorrow. But, I'd like to repeat, as I have a few times since being here-- it should not be this cold anywhere on earth. Oh yeah, now I remember- but I'll talk more about the language and some interesting stuff about the people later.

Adjustments

Tokyo, Japan -- So now I have like 3 days in Tokyo... and I'm still a bit culture shocking.. mostly because I don't know what to do with myself... there are so many rules and specific ways of doing things that the Japanese have and I have no idea when to bow and when to do what and so I'm just a bit confused. That and I feel kinda illiterate.

In a day or two, when I'm a bit more comfortable, I'll kick back into myself... not that I'm not me... I'm just like... uhhhh?

So, having SUCH the experience and time here in Japan, I have found that my favorite invention (because they have 'em for everything here) is the toilet seat warmer. Yep. It's warm.

The shower here is a bit schizophrenic. You turn the water on in the sink then flip a switch and it goes on in the shower. And it'll be nice and warm, and then for no reason at all, it goes cold. REALLY cold. Then, you have to shiver through it and wait for the hot to come back. It's not a big deal really, just different.

Also different is walking around in socks. In church, in the house... I've brought my shoes indoors but for a day or so, they were outside. And there are special bathroom slippers that I keep forgetting about, because I have "slippers" or flip flops that I wear especially for my house in Mexico... because it's cold! So, I'm starting to get better at remembering not to treck those things back through the house again.

One of the big differences here, and Christine was talking to me about this, is the space issue. It's so important to make use... sometimes multiple uses out of really little space. You're always bumping into things and I keep my stuff tucked inside my suitcase at all times.

I'm sleeping inside the church, which is downstairs. And since it's not their living quarters, it's nice because I can have a bit more freedom to have my stuff out (overnight) and in the morning, I pack it back in. And every morning, you fold up the covers and the sheets and the mattresses (they're like pads) and you put them back into their space. And then in the night you put it back. But during the week, for the most part, it'll be more relaxed.

The other things that Christine was talking about that can be difficult is depression... it's one of the spiritual battles here... and that I can explain more in person about it... but there is no like touching or hugging or many people smiling here... a lot of pressure and stuff.

I'm also surprised at how much English people do speak here... last night, the bilingual service was pretty cool... there was a guest speaker who had a very cool story and a good message... and we sang in Japanese and in English... there was a Hillsong song and one-- As the Deer... do you know it? It was really cool to sing that in both languages!

And last night we put together a schedule so that I could have some idea of what is going on... It's full! In it is included meetings as a group, Japanese classes, going to the Gospel Choir, helping out around the house, going out with the young people to make contacts, seeing a bit of Tokyo and that.... It's going to be a full week!Well, I'm going to head to the store real quick because I now know where it is, and I'd like to see what they have there...

So, to explore!

Tokyo Welcome

Tokyo, Japan -- I was kinda sad to leave Bali... it was a good trip! I enjoyed meeting everyone, hearing their stories, seeing Bali... feeling my toes again! It was beautiful!I got to go on the motorcycle ride! That is tradition-- and I so enjoyed it... it was the first time I rode with a helmet on... Chris, a friend from orientation, stopped suddenly at one point and I slammed right into him, which was funny.... But I was very content to go.

Have to find somewhere here in Tokyo...The only place that I would have liked to have seen is Tanah Lot... but maybe next time?? haha.

So, I went to the airport and they took about 20 or more minutes to find my ticket and since I was the only one there, I was a bit concerned. But it went well, and I found a place to sit and eat in the airport... I swear the WHOLE country of Japan was on my flight to Tokyo. There was a million of them!! And they listened to the Japanese announcements and talked during the English ones and I wanted to stand up and hush them so I could strain my ears to hear what was going on.

Tokyo welcomed me with snow... well, it was more like flurries, but I was excited. Freezing, freezing cold here... and the people I was going to meet got there on time to meet me at the stop, but my bus got there early, so I waited outside... and thought, I'll take Balinese warmth anyday over the cold cold cold.

Speaking of which, I've caught a cold from the temperature change, but I think that in a few days it should go away.Yesterday, after sleeping like a log through the afternoon (the jet lag hit me hard), we went to a Brazillian church in the evening. THAT was pretty cool. Obviously, they speak portuguese (and Japanese) and I understood! Well, about 80% of it I understood... I communicated in Spanish and they in Portuguese and we got along great. There was a Peruvian guy there who just got saved and he told me I talk like a Mexican.

Today was 2 Japanese services... and tonight there is a bilingual one...But I have to go because the bilingual church is starting... Should be great!