Day 3 – Sunday 17 September

Fushimi Inari Jingu

Embracing Kyoto’s Splendors and Spiritual Moments

Kyoto’s allure graced us with a day brimming with enchantment. An early breakfast and departure we ventured to Fushimi Inari Temple, where a path lined with a thousand torii gates led the team in a hike; many made it to the top but many others decided to enjoy the calm beauty.

Even through the heat was very we indulged in local delicacies from nearby food stalls as we ate on the walk back to the train to travel back to centra Kyoto. Frozen fruit ice cups were popular along with Takoyaki (octopus fritters)

Takoyaki

After a quick hotel pit stop to change to suitable attire, and shower off the effort of the hill hike,we found spiritual kinship at Mustard Seed Church during the Sunday service. This sharing of our Christian faith reinforced our universal connections. Meeting and connecting with the people at the church was a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect. Baxter have a warm thank you to the head pastor.

With the our next activity in the same area as the church we walked the few kilometers through the very busy area full of traditional shops and modern outlets. Arriving at the vintage and restored 1920s theater for the mesmerizing “GEAR” show, an artistic fusion of traditional performance and modern innovation. The students were inspired.

Something special for our upcoming birthday girl!

Returning back to Kyoto Station’s, where we relished diverse dinners in the company of friend groups. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, we reflected on the day’s vivid tapestry of experiences.

Grateful for the day’s blend of cultural immersion, connection with our Lord and fellow believers and enjoying an artistic wonder, we rest our hearts.

Join us as we continue to uncover new horizons in the old capital of Nara tomorrow.

Oyasuminasai

8 comments

  1. Hi Anna H. What an amazing time you are having and memories for a lifetime. Take care. Love Grandpa xxx

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  2. Hi Schy,
    It looks like another great food and beautiful sights and experiences!
    Love lots from the family!

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  3. How amazing ! Thank you Learna for all the wonderful reflections on all you are experiencing. It really does feel like we get a little glimpse of the atmosphere. It’s delightful to hear that the kids are living in the moment and connecting with people around them. They will come back enriched by what they have learned. Can’t wait for the next update 🇯🇵❤️.
    How was church Levi? Did you they sing the same songs as us?

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  4. Hi Casey-Lee, Sounds like you’re having a fabulous time. Great to see all the photo’s. I would love to know how the octopus fritters tasted? Lots of love Mum, Dani, Neo and Lola

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    1. Wow!!! These experiences are once in a lifetime!! Hope you’re having such a great time Elijah!! And holding all these great memories in your heart xx
      Yes thank you Learna for making all those amazing connections so our kids can share those memories xxxx

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  5. Thanks Learna Shimizu for all the photos you capture and the stories you so artistically write. That way we can all feel like we are part of this experience and are able to journey together with our children. We really appreciate it and the care you are all taking in watching over them.

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    1. Thank you; it’s been wonderful watching the students learn to be more inclusive of each other and to focus on their surroundings instead of a screen. Their real time conversations are delightful and they make the smile with their questions and comments!

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