on the other side of the world

Hey everyone

All is going well in Japan, I am having a blast. We left Tsukuba Friday morning and drove to Kasatsu, a hotspring. Along the way we learned about many differnt towns and villages that we passed through and stopped at. In the evening I got to experience first hand a public bath, nude. It was great so relaxing and hot. This morning we left Kasatsu and drove to Joetsu (on the coast of the Sea of Japan). We are in a traditional Japanese inn meaning that we will be sleeping on the floor on futons with all the girls in one room and the guys in the other. The inn is situated on a man made lake that is so beautiful. Along the way to Joetsu we stopped to see Mt. Asama and went to the museum to learn about the eruption in 1789 (I think that is right). It was amazing but also slightly depressing since so many died in the eruption. Tomorrow we head down the coast to Kakagara (not spelled right at all) once we arrive there the Japanese masters students that we have been travelling with will leave us to go back to Tsukuba for class on Monday. We will then be travellling on the bullet train, so excited.

I am loving every minute that I am over here and trying to experience as much as possible. I am starting to get a little annoyed with many of the other students who seem to think that this should be a vacation and a sightseeing trip rather than a course. There are a couple with us that feel the need to complain about every little thing. So if you could pray for strength and wisdom to know how to respond to them that would be appreciated.

I am learning so much about Japan, the culture, and myself. I am very glad I am able to come on this trip. Love you all and miss you. See you soon. Take care and God bless.