As we made our pilgrim's way from Osaka to Koya yesterday (three trains, two taxis and a bus), we were rushing through one station to get onto a bus (track work - it made it seem just like home and SEPTA) when Hank called back, "It's St. Ignatius!" Sure enough, there is the Jesuit seal and a Jesuit gazing up at a cross. Given the rest of the stuff on the poster, we actually think it's St. Francis Xavier, who came to Japan in the 16th century.
We are staying in a very old monastery here. No central heating, though there are space heaters. It was 10 C (50 F) in my room last night, 14 C now (57 F). The hot bath last night felt amazing, I shared it with 4 older Japanense women, who spoke no English and enjoyed my "wakarimasen" (I don't understand) to their overtures. They worried the bath might be too hot and very hospitabilty offered to add cold water. Thankfully, I like the water hot.
Read about the adventures of the crew traveling here.
Isn't it amazing how intensely grateful we can be for a hot bath?
ReplyDeleteI love your travels - you make me feel much less anxious as I approach a trip of my own. Sort of a pilgrimage ... I've been invited to a retreat in Ogden, UT to tell my story. Very humbling.
catching up here. may your journey go well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a journey; I 've been holding you in prayer!
ReplyDeleteYes, that's definitely Francis Xavier - it's rather a famous image of him, painted in Japan.
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