Church in Osaka - afternoon in Kyoto

Our time in Japan has been a highlight of our year of travel.  We met one brave knight from France who helped us in such a thoughtful way.  When we were all thanking him profusely he said, "My wife and I have been traveling in Japan for more than seven weeks now.  Before this trip, I would have acted indifferent, more in keeping with my culture, but I have had the benefit of so many wonderful Japanese people so willing to help and serve that it has changed me."  We have had the same experience of feeling of the warmth and kindness of the Japanese people.  Our French friend hit on the very reason for our travel -- to learn from other people and cultures and to become better for having done so.  The people of Japan have certainly helped us draw closer to this goal.  We leave here with thankful hearts and priceless lessons and memories.

Our last day in Japan.  We attended church this morning at the Sekime Ward in Osaka.  It was ward conference and the Stake President and Bishop were outside greeting guests as they arrived.  They were so welcoming, we immediately felt at home.  


We soon felt more at home when we met the missionaries.  No shock what comes next, one of them is dear friends of an adopted sibling in our home who moved to Colorado!


After church, we headed to the train station to catch yet another bullet train.  This time our destination was Kyoto.  


In Kyoto, we headed to the Kiyomizudera temple.  We entered through these beautiful gates.


Much of the temple is undergoing renovation so access was difficult and many parts were closed, but the building and grounds were still amazing.


We wandered through the beautiful gardens and found these beautiful girls.



NoFear wasn't feeling well today, but we still took a little time to stroll back through the Higashiyama district.  This area is filled with wonderful shops in historic buildings.  The Optimist bought some ninja stars and we found a hair ornament for Sissy.  


We also had some delicious ice cream and a dumpling!  Yum!





1 comment:

  1. Amazing! The relationships you are creating with people around the world, so cool!!

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