Fun, Friends, and Praise (Day 13)

With Natsuki at Chili's

Yesterday was a pretty full day. We were up at about 6:30 a.m. so that we could meet Juan at 8:30 a.m. Trust and believe that Juan is always on time, so we couldn't be late! As Tamika recently blogged about, Juan surprised us with a scenic flight around Tokyo and Yokohama. I've never been much for surprises, but I've become more apt to them now as I've gotten good ones. Yesterday's surprise was so awesome I can't even put it into words! I always saw the scenic flights on t.v., but never thought I'd take one. I don't call Juan my best friend for nothing ;-)

Afterwards, we headed into the city. Tamika and I went to dinner, and met Juan and Tisha later on that night to go bowling. For some strange reason, my bowling game is not as good as it used to be, and Juan ended up winning the game.

Today was a pretty restful day. I slept in pretty late (9 a.m.), while Tamika slept in even later! After heading to the fitness room, washing clothes, and mulling around the hotel room, Tamika and I got ready for our dinner date with our new friend Tisha.

After dinner, the three of us headed to bible study at Juan and Tisha's church. The group spoke about praying boldly to God, and how we should ask Him to guide our steps. We studied Hebrews 4:16, and how we should rely on God to supply all of our needs, but that we should also go boldly to Him and pray fervently. We must strive to make prayer a constant action in our lives, and feed our faith by studying the word of God. Interestingly enough, it was discussed that one can tell a Christian by the way they live their lives, and that they don't have to proclaim it to the world. This is something that I was discussing with Tisha and Tamika two days ago. God speaks to us in many ways--we just have to listen...

I have been very blessed to have a friend like Juan. Even in our silence we understand each other, and there is a commonality between us. Tamika and I are extremely blessed to have met Tisha and formed a new and beautiful friendship. I know that anyone that is a friend of Juan's is a beautiful person.

A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.

- Arabian Proverb

Store Hopping and Dinner Plus Dessert (Day 10)

In the restroom

Shermika and Tisha

AnJuan and I

Yesterday, Shermika and I stayed in for the most part to rest until we were escorted to the mall later on that night. Earlier that day, we ate lunch, took a walk around the Air Force base, and surfed the net. We went to Aeon Mall where I was in search of a cute purse and a reasonably priced hat. In Japan, flowers are popular on everything from hats, to shoes, purses, and clothes. This country has some of the nicest restrooms I have ever seen!!

After doing a little shopping, Tisha and Juan took us to Koni Steakhouse, where you will pay anywhere from ¥1,600 to ¥6,600 (roughly $20-$70 USD) for a steak depending on the cut. Afterwards, we had dessert at Cold Stone Creamery and headed back to the hotel. Today, we plan on visiting some of the few places left on our itinerary. We practically completed our list of places to visit in a week! Tomorrow, AnJuan is suppose to take us somewhere top secret so, check back later to see where we visited!!

In the restroom...isn't it nice?

Welcome to Tokyo! (Day 1 & 2)

At Sensoji Temple

Tamika reading her fortune

At Ueno Park--rain and all!

Sensoji temple with our new friends and tour guides!

After 16.5 hours in the air and 3 hours by bus, we made it to Tokyo on Friday! My best friend, Juan, told us that we would have a hard time adjusting to the time zone (Tokyo is 15 hours ahead of us), but fortunately, we've awaken at around 7 a.m. each morning.

Yesterday, Juan took Tamika and I around Ginza (the most expensive district in Tokyo) and taught us about Japan's very punctual and efficient subway system. I must admit, it is difficult, but we're gradually getting the hang of it. I managed to lead Tamika and I to three different places by absorbing Juan's handy tips and utilizing a map. Everyone that knows me knows that I am handicapped when it comes to directions, so it was quite a feat ;-)

Today, we went to Asakusa and saw Sensoji Shrine. We tried wagashi--a traditional Japanese sweet. I had the green tea version, and Tamika had the plain one. They were delicious. We also tried rice cakes and another sort of sweet (both of which weren't as good). We met a great group of volunteer guides on our way to meet some other volunteer guides that we could not find. The beauty of getting lost! The guides were college students, and were super informative. One has even offered to guide us when we go to Kyoto.

We also visited Ueno Park, walked around the Ueno area, and went back to Ginza to see Kabuki theatre, but it was standing room only. We will try again another day....

After getting lost on the train, we found our way back to the base. AnJuan took us to a friend's home for a cookout, which was fun. Pics are below....

Nissan in Ginza

5 storied pagonda near Sensoji temple