Canyoning!

Several weeks ago, one of the guys from church decided he wanted to go canyoning for his birthday and invited the rest of us along. Needless to say, I didn't know what canyoning was (it is actually non-existent in the USA) and it was a good thing I didn't!!!! "What it is canyoning?" you ask. Pure insanity, I tell you, but oh so much fun!!!

Amazingly our food was both dry and hot and it took the same 8 hour trek that we did!

Getting judo tossed into the icy water!

That's me in the yellow life jacket.
Thankfully, I had no idea that I was going to have to scale a 72 foot waterfall.

Kyoto and Nara Golden Week 2011

This year, I had one week off for Golden Week. Sarah also had one week but it was at a slightly different time. Helen, on the other hand, only had the actual three days off. So we all decided to go to Kyoto for those three days. Note to self -- Kyoto is not the place to visit during Golden Week! It was sooooooo crowded. Nonetheless, we had an enjoyable time -- that was until I ate a spoiled Caesar salad and ended up with an IV up my arm at the local hospital.

Lots and lots of people....

Ginkaku-ji -- One of my new favorite spots!

One of the reasons I love Kyoto -- it maintains Japanese history!

some sakura were still blooming

as were the azaleas

two cute bunnies!!
(and obviously humble ones too ;-)

Philosophers' Path -- another new favorite spot!

Sweet's Paradise -- an all-you-can-eat cake shop!!

one of our many plates of cake

the amazing chocolate fountain

Day 2 found us in Nara (the Japanese capital before Kyoto, which was the capital before Tokyo)
Nara is known for its deer and huge Buddha -- not this guy, but an interesting combination of the two. This picture was taken by no other than one of my kids parents -- yes, we met one of my kids in on their vacation too!

If the salad hadn't nearly killed me, this crazy food-coloring snow cone contraption surely would have! But isn't it so neat!!! How tempting, but oh soooooo dangerous for this crabby tummy ;-(

Nara deer are known to usually attack people for snacks and "deer crackers."
Obviously, there were lots of people to feed this guy during Golden Week, because he wasn't even hungry!

Todai-ji
(this is the third and "modern" structure was built in 1709 -- the original was built in the 700s)

a scary looking guy if I do say so myself
(what I wish I had been able to snap, though, was the lady holding her chihuahua in a basket and taking a picture of the three of them on her cellphone)

Super-Giant Buddah and friend
(though neither actually look that big in this photo)

How 2.5 Years Can Change You....

Can you even spot the ALT?
(sorry the photo is so blurry...)

Speeches!

So I know that this post is extremely late -- my kids wrote these speeches in February after-all! But, I was so proud of them I just had to share a few of my favorites (I have edited as needed). The topic was "My Dream Trip to ~" Most of the kids followed my model speech and only changed a few words, but I really appreciated the students who thought outside of the box because creativity is not one of their strong points.

My Dream Trip to Hashimoto's Brain (note: Hashimoto is a classmate)

I want to go to Hashimoto's brain because Hashimoto is crazy. I want to know the crazy boy's brain. What is Hashimoto thinking? Hashimoto's brain has a good taste. So, I want to eat Hashimoto's brain. If I eat Hashimoto's brain, will I be crazy too?




My Dream Trip to the USA

I'd like to go to the USA. Why? Because I'd like to be a rich person. I like money very much. If I live in Japan, I can't get much money. But, the USA is different from Japan. USA holds many chances to be rich. Thank you.



My Dream Trip to Indonesia

Hello. I'm going to talk about my dream trip. I want to go to Indonesia because I want to see my father. My father is in Indonesia. He has been in Indonesia for two years. In Indonesia, I want to go shopping. I want to buy many strange things. This is a gift from my father. This changes from a sensu (fan) into a hat. I think that it is a very good idea for a hot country. But I'm afraid. Because Indonesian food is a little dangerous. My father had a stomach ache. I look forward to visiting Indonesia someday. Thank you.



My Dream Trip to Sengoku (note: a warring period in Japanese history)

Hello. I'm going to talk about my dream trip. I want to go to Sengoku because I want to help Oda (a historical figure who tried to unite Japan). In Sengoku, I want to kill Akechi (the individual who betrayed Oda and led to his death). I also want to change the world. I look forward to visiting Sengoku someday. Thank you.

Kimono!

One of the ladies at my church has a huge kimono collection and enjoys dressing the foreigners. A month or so ago, it was my turn! Notice I am once again modeling the "too short sleeves" style!

What Happens When You Can't Read Japanese...

...you might just order a piece of green pea pie!

God of this City

I first saw this video right after the earthquake and tsunami here in Japan, but subsequently lost it. I just came across it again and wanted to share it with you. This past week several different groups of people from my church went up to affected areas to assist in both serving hot food (the first rice some have received in a month) and digging out Japan from the mud (in fact as I write, Sarah is knee-deep in it working on excavating a house). Unfortunately, due to a variety of circumstances beyond my control including sinitus, food poisoning, a trip to the hospital, and work, I was unable to join in. However, I hope to be able to do so in the near future. My problems and stresses are so minuscule in comparison. Whereas the devastation is great, GOD can be glorified. Please pray for Japan -- they are such a lost people and they desperately need our prayers and support!

Maigen, Sakura, and Me!

One of the girls in the English-speaking church, Emiko, is a very talented photographer. Awhile back I asked her if she would be willing to take some pictures of me and Maigen when the sakura was in full bloom. She was really excited by the idea! About a month ago, she invited a group of people from the church to a near-by park where she took tons and tons of pictures. One of the guys, agreed to pick-up Maigen in his van so she could join in the fun! It was a gorgeous day, and I enjoyed playing outside. Those at the park seemed to enjoy it too, as I ended up gathering quite a large crowd snapping photos. I felt like a celebrity! Here are some of my favorites from Emiko's work. If you want any copies, let me know!