8-21-31

It has been a bit since I last wrote - and much has happened. A slight disclaimer before I begin my account of recent events - I think something is moving me in some sort of direction - only I'm not in tuned enough to pick up what that direction is. I have never dreamt this much before, neither have I had so many odd occurences happen to me so consecutively. I say odd - and put in parenthesis (coincidental) because not all of them are. By the way - I managed to find the ' key on this keyboard, and my typing skills are gettig considerably slower. I have to find a way to keep up.

So, to begin my narrative - I climbed up Mt. Fuji since the last time I wrote in this journal. That in itself was a monumental expereince. We began the climb up to 3776m above sea level at 8 in the evening. It was already dark. It took up about 5 hours to reach the summit - also in the dark. There we waited for about 3 hours for the sun to begin rising. When that glorious globe began painting the sky the color of rose pentals and butter - the sugar covered clouds buttressing the rays, I thought I was going to cry. But the greatest moment was seeing after a huge boat of clouds passed by the summit - the brilliant red sun peak her head over the clouds and cast such radiance over all of us. The crowd on the summit let out an exlamation of delight - I then did let tears of wonderment and gratitude flow - I feel now my quest in Japan has really begun. All the attachements and complaits that seemed to hold me back before - we released as I saw that sun from atop Mt. Fuji.

Since then, I have felt refreshed - empowered - there is only me that limits the possibilities that lie before me. My five goals loom inpirationally, like the summit of Mt. Fuji, before me, and I know I can mount to the precipice.

Today I returned from Tsuruga - got my reentry permit so I can come visit loved ones in the states. On the walk back to the station I stopped by a shrine with the guys I went with. We visitied it and said a prayer. Just then a lady and her daughter passed by us - we were invited by chance to their store for dinner. What struck me during our conversation over dinner is what she said - "We are all the same humans - we must take care of each other." - By the way - my motto during Japan is "Live as if heaven were on earth." - I thought the substance of that motto slapped me in the face.

I love everyone and hold you dear in my heart as I walk each day. Thank you for being so wonderful

This is hanako signing out..