Step 1: Close Your Eyes ~ in Prayer and Thanksgiving
Part 1.
“Your face is radiant…” my mom told me this morning...
photo (used with permission) courtesy of Raising Ecstasy
Closing
my eyes, I saw, smelled, heard, tasted and touched Japan...
...its 'meditative' ambience captivated my heart...
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| Road to the Imperial Palace |
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| It's the first time I've seen swans! |
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brother fish welcomed us...
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Some places were familiar ~ my brother and I lingered here taking cups of coffee as we enjoyed the cool breeze nighttime brought...
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across McDonald's overlooking Hotel Mets Komagome where we stayed for four days |
I often slipped outside during breaktime at the Bunkyo Green Court which was just beside the venue of the conference ~ immersed in God's beauty in nature.
Everything carried an admirable and surprising finesse...
...from simple food preparation
...to complex subway and railway systems...
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| *photo courtesy of my brother, aot iii |
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| photo courtesy of my brother, aot iii |
...to this...
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| Truly fascinating! |
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| Road to Asakusa |
...very creative...
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| Okachimachi restaurant ~ with plates on conveyor belt
...with Italian influence...
beside Japan Medical Association, within the grounds of Bunkyo Green Court
Our last day was graced with a Eucharistic celebration. I saw many people of different nationalities (including Filipinos) there... we were 'one!'
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| Saint Ignatius Church at Yotsuya |
As I concluded my prayer, I recalled all the beautiful people I met. The heart has its ways of communicating amidst the seeming language barrier...
As I spent time admiring the artistry and fine details of Japan's exterior plane, I was moved to reflect on the ways these things were manifested ~ they cultivated an 'interior life.'
It was almost like saying, "This is what we have... because this is what we are..."
"Che cos'e' l'interiorita'?
E' desiderio, e' cuore, e' attenzione a tutto quello che si vive dentro..." ~ P. Bini
We were there for a purpose...
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| *photo courtesy of Cecile Maramba-Lazarte, MD
The Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies, where I worked, was formally included in the list of the journals of the Western Pacific Region Index Medicus (WPRIM)!
These were glimpses of Christ's Transfiguration... the Lord has manifested His ways beyond my imagination...
I am humbled in many ways by His great great love...
God placed me there for a purpose...
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Taking a peek at Part 2 on Vision Board with Ms. Linda Lee...
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Sometimes all we need is a getaway. The pictures are beautiful and glad that Japan rejuvenated you. You deserve it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Janu. Yes, I agree with what you wrote :) ~ it was like an eternal retreat in Japan. I am truly grateful to God and all the people who made this possible.
DeleteLots of love!
THanks for sharing these wonderful photos. You could become a travel blogger.
ReplyDeleteFood looks delicious and simple to make. The transportation looks complex like you say but I'm sure it's very easy to get around the whole place. And very convenient for people who have been taking the transport system most of their lives. One thing I miss is not having public transport where I live.
This 'visioning' stuff really works. lol I wonder what else God has in store for you this year:) And say a prayer for me too!
You're so right about the food Vishnu ~ it's delicious ~ and food preparation is a work of art :D Well, we didn't get lost and we had the map, so I guess we did make it right :D
DeleteI remember what you said about God having something GREAT in store for me ~ could you see that in the VB too? ooo, surprises! surprises! And I do pray with you :D
Thanks and lots of love.
Your photos and reflection are simply beautiful, Melissa! I love that you all shared in the Eucharist together - God's precious symbol that we are all one in Him.
ReplyDeleteGlad you trip was so blessed!
Much love, my dear!
Thank you so much Martha dear friend :) The highlight was the Mass and yes, I love how you put it ~ we are all one!
DeleteThanks God. It is really a very humbling experience. How much the Lord loves us ~ very generous.
Love you too!
Melissa - I've always associated Japan with calm and beauty and attention to detail - you captured it so well.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that we can visit any part of the world and still feel at 'home' when we participate in the Eucharist - even when we may not understand the language. I've experienced that in the Philippines (Mass in Tagalog) and in Hong Kong at a Chinese Mass. We are blessed to be a part of the Universal Church!
So true BS! And the great part of the story is they have maintained that all throughout these years. And I agree with the Eucharistic celebration although the celebration was in English. I saw many people coming from all parts of the world celebrating it with us. We are truly one.
DeleteThank you for sharing this joy with me BS and lots of love!
I recall one trip overseas where we rode the Japan Airlines. The Japanese cabin crew were extremely polite and were very kind and courteous. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of Japanese food! Now I miss eating sushi and sashimi! Hmmm...
And yes, God did bring you there for a purpose, Melissa, and He spoke to you once more. The Voice of the Spirit can be found in your words. Thank you for sharing. <3 God bless :-)
It was a real treat Irene and I'm glad that you have encountered them even in a short while. So if ever we meet here in Manila or elsewhere, I'm sure where I'll take you for a treat :D
DeleteThank you for believing that I was there for a purpose. Lots of love Irene. I pray you're doing well!
Ohhh it's looking so lovely, Melissa! I've never been to Japan, but I'd love to go soon. I've always had a love for Japan and their art. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs! Xox
Wow, Tahira! Thanks for the surprise :) I'm so happy to see you here. We'll definitely have different experiences in Japan but I'm very sure you'll admire their art and culture and the people as well :D
DeleteLots of love! You made me so happy ;)
Very nice collection
ReplyDeleteAssalmu alaykum. Thank you very much for your compliment and for visiting my blog.
Delete*Do we know each other?
Wish I took a lot of pictures too when I was in Korea. Haha. Anyway, I'll be graduating soon so there will be another chance for me to go abroad.
ReplyDeleteHope I/ could visit Japan too. :)