October 24-30: Sendai, Japan
Many of my former students have scattered all over Japan and I was only able to talk with them via phone. However, it was nice getting updates on their lives and families.
I was able to have time with Midori, even got to watch one of her concerts. I had some quick gatherings with Keiko, Makiko, Joy Murchie, and Izumi. I wish I could explain how special it was to have time with old friends. Everyone seems to be doing well.
Aside from meeting with folks, we took a few extra side trips. Matsushima and Hiraizumi were two of them. It was beautiful but the rain poured on us throughout the day. A nice man gave us an umbrella, I think he must have been worried about us. Both towns are great for exploring and getting a taste for Japanese culture. All of our trips were made special by having a homemade obento(lunchbox) provided by Kumiko.
Another day, Hanae-sensei took us on a trip to Akiu falls to see the changing leaves. We had great weather and have some incredible pictures from the day. We ended with tonkatsu, one of my favorite Japanese foods. Almost forgot, before this day started we made a friend at the subway station. She hung out with us while we waited for Hanae and asked us lots of questions about our trip.
I also had the opportunity, at Taitomi & Nankodai churches, to share an update of what God has been teaching me. I did this update in Japanese, quiet a challenge, thanks Yuchan for the translation.
All in all the last two weeks were incredible, thanks everyone. A special thanks to the Itous for taking such great care of us!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Week 23
October 30- November 3:
San Francisco, CA
If you are thinking I made a mistake about the date, you are wrong. We left Sendai, Japan at 8:55am on the 30th and arrived in California at 11am on the 30th. After a long trip, almost completing our trip around the world, we arrived in San Francisco to meet my cousin, Teresa.
It is nice to be back in the states.
We have watched some football and attended a halloween party, although I think we were both still half asleep. We went as backpackers.
My friend and former Japanese teacher, Kumiko, is in the area. We met her for lunch Sunday. Today I met with Kimberly, friend from BCM days at JSU. She and Fred moved here to Pastor a church. .
Yesterday we took a ride to San Francisco and took a walk down by the piers. We saw the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatrez, and Ghiradelli chocolate factory.
San Francisco is a charming city with trolley cars and rolling hills. They also have a rather large sea lion population. They are entertaining to watch.
I think we are both ready to head home and get started on new phases of our lives. We will have another post later on some overall thoughts from the trip.
San Francisco, CA
If you are thinking I made a mistake about the date, you are wrong. We left Sendai, Japan at 8:55am on the 30th and arrived in California at 11am on the 30th. After a long trip, almost completing our trip around the world, we arrived in San Francisco to meet my cousin, Teresa.
It is nice to be back in the states.
We have watched some football and attended a halloween party, although I think we were both still half asleep. We went as backpackers.
My friend and former Japanese teacher, Kumiko, is in the area. We met her for lunch Sunday. Today I met with Kimberly, friend from BCM days at JSU. She and Fred moved here to Pastor a church. .
Yesterday we took a ride to San Francisco and took a walk down by the piers. We saw the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatrez, and Ghiradelli chocolate factory.
San Francisco is a charming city with trolley cars and rolling hills. They also have a rather large sea lion population. They are entertaining to watch.
I think we are both ready to head home and get started on new phases of our lives. We will have another post later on some overall thoughts from the trip.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Week 21
Japan: October 16-23
Tokyo:
It was so good to finally be back in Japan after several years. The first few days we spent in Tokyo. I introduced Lisa to the many sights of the city including Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjiku, and etc. We had some wonderful food and watched football with Kent.
Sunday I got to see some friends, Atsi & Naoko, we attended church with them and I met their daughter. It was nice to see them as a family, last time I was here they were on the road to marriage.
Kofu:
We took a road trip to see Mt. Fuji and explore this small town or suburb. We had a picnic near the castle and enjoyed the view.
Before heading to Sendai we caught up with another friend, Yuki. He has come to TN once, I was introduced to him through TN BCM summer missionaries, Amanda and Jen, on a prior trip to Japan.
Sendai:
Home Sweet Home, or at least it was for 3 years of my life. We are staying with my Japanese family and enjoying some of the best food ever. I told Kumiko tonight that she should open a restaurant.
We've attended a kids English class and prayer meeting with the Itous, where I was able to visit with old friends.
I have seen one of the new church buildings and taken Lisa on a tour of the city. There is now a Starbuck's in Sendai. That would have been nice years ago!
Lisa likes the 100¥ shops ($1 store). I find myself waiting on a lot of benches!!
Today we took a day trip to Kakunodate, known for its Samurai houses. We had a picnic by the river, made by Kumiko, and walked around town looking at the houses.
We have another week here in Sendai. It will be a busy one but we are so excited to be here and so grateful for the Itous and our time together thus far.
Tokyo:
It was so good to finally be back in Japan after several years. The first few days we spent in Tokyo. I introduced Lisa to the many sights of the city including Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjiku, and etc. We had some wonderful food and watched football with Kent.
Sunday I got to see some friends, Atsi & Naoko, we attended church with them and I met their daughter. It was nice to see them as a family, last time I was here they were on the road to marriage.
Kofu:
We took a road trip to see Mt. Fuji and explore this small town or suburb. We had a picnic near the castle and enjoyed the view.
Before heading to Sendai we caught up with another friend, Yuki. He has come to TN once, I was introduced to him through TN BCM summer missionaries, Amanda and Jen, on a prior trip to Japan.
Sendai:
Home Sweet Home, or at least it was for 3 years of my life. We are staying with my Japanese family and enjoying some of the best food ever. I told Kumiko tonight that she should open a restaurant.
We've attended a kids English class and prayer meeting with the Itous, where I was able to visit with old friends.
I have seen one of the new church buildings and taken Lisa on a tour of the city. There is now a Starbuck's in Sendai. That would have been nice years ago!
Lisa likes the 100¥ shops ($1 store). I find myself waiting on a lot of benches!!
Today we took a day trip to Kakunodate, known for its Samurai houses. We had a picnic by the river, made by Kumiko, and walked around town looking at the houses.
We have another week here in Sendai. It will be a busy one but we are so excited to be here and so grateful for the Itous and our time together thus far.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Week 20
October 9-15: Taiwan
As we continue to make our way through Asia we are having a great time meeting up with friends. In Taipei, we stayed with Lisa's family Oliver & Jan Lee, parents of Saul.
Our first days were packed with a ferris wheel ride, a trip to the fisherman's wharf, a ride through a national park, and a trip to the beach. We had great timing with the beach visit, just in time for a kite festival on a windy day. Another interesting thing, we saw a shrimp farm..???, not sure what to call it. Basically, lots of shrimp throw into a murky pool of water with people gathered around with fishing poles, kind of like fishing in a fish tank.
We spent lots of time at Taipei 101, tallest building in the world, apparently soon to be surpassd by Dubai. We finally had a clear day and made it to the top to get the view of the city.
A highlight for Lisa was getting to meet Melody's parents. We had a great time talking to her mom about various mission trips and experiences.
The week ended with the national museum, a trip to the countryside and freedom square.
Thanks for everything Oliver and Jan!!
As we continue to make our way through Asia we are having a great time meeting up with friends. In Taipei, we stayed with Lisa's family Oliver & Jan Lee, parents of Saul.
Our first days were packed with a ferris wheel ride, a trip to the fisherman's wharf, a ride through a national park, and a trip to the beach. We had great timing with the beach visit, just in time for a kite festival on a windy day. Another interesting thing, we saw a shrimp farm..???, not sure what to call it. Basically, lots of shrimp throw into a murky pool of water with people gathered around with fishing poles, kind of like fishing in a fish tank.
We spent lots of time at Taipei 101, tallest building in the world, apparently soon to be surpassd by Dubai. We finally had a clear day and made it to the top to get the view of the city.
A highlight for Lisa was getting to meet Melody's parents. We had a great time talking to her mom about various mission trips and experiences.
The week ended with the national museum, a trip to the countryside and freedom square.
Thanks for everything Oliver and Jan!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)