8-15 June

For some time, I have been considering travelling to the Netherlands this autumn. During these five years of the pandemic and wars, I have longed to be there and see loving people again. I have dreamed at many nights of being in my favourite forests, historical buildings, and streets, which are the essential parts of my heart and my being.

In reality, the travel expenses to Europe have become much too expensive for the Japanese. Besides, many acquaintances and friends died, and others were changed by the burden of suffering they had to face. I could not help feeling that the thread between the country and me was disappearing. I kept saying to myself I should accept it.

However, two weeks ago, I got an email from an Augustinian sister in Utrecht. She told me I may stay in her cloister for some days. I feel a deep connection with this cloister, the sisters, and myself. Sadly, this cloister is gradually ending, as all the sisters are in their 90s, and I had thought they did not like to contact me anymore.

This invitation has significant meaning of hope. It taught me that people still have not forgotten me: I am still alive within them. Together with three invitations from acquaintances to stay at their houses, the trip became a real story last weekend.

God has allowed me to spend some time with those people and be in my favourite places again. I offer my sincere gratitude to God.

And what a surprise extra gift I have received: Jan and Annemarie Verschoor of Dankbaar Leven invited me to stay overnight in their house! We never met in person, but I got to know them by becoming a Grateful Gathering host. I thank each of you in Grateful Living sincerely from my heart.

4 June

I am grateful for this month, June, my birth month. I have been blessed to be born twice in these 30 days— on my birthday and baptism day. The lush greenery infuses me with the spirit of rebirth and hope and tenderly comforts me as I walk on the journey in harmony.