Jeph, Courtney and Amberly outside of our apartment! Welcome!
It's hard to believe that Amberly's trip here has already come and gone! We sure enjoyed having her here and miss her now more than ever! We did, however, have a great time and it was fun watching Amberly enjoy being back "home" in Japan. (her Japanese was amazing too! most impressive!) Highlights of our time together included several days here in Osaka, a Shinkansen ride down to Hiroshima and MiyaJima (and a visit with the Lange family!), two day visits to Kyoto and an overnight trip to a small onsen village in Kinosaki.
We greatly enjoyed Amberly's VU friend and sorority sister, Courtney, who joined us before her return to the states. She spent the past nine months teaching English here in Japan. What a treat that we could spend these days together before they both had to head back to 'real' life!
In front of Osaka International School
Yep, we had some rainy days, but here's Ambie on the famous Ebisu-Bridge in front of the Glico man (who's been running for the past 90 years!)
Ambie and Courtney trying out some samuri outfits inside the Osaka Castle- lovely, eh?
In front of the MOST visited castle in Japan! People say that it's the most visited because there is so little else to see in Osaka. We disagree as there is a ton to see and do, but... guess it may be true as far as castles go?!
The following pics were all taken in Kyoto. (sorry we haven't figured out how to get the slideshow to work.. we only have a zillion pics and it's hard to just pick out a few!)
One of the famous zen gardens at our very favorite Tofukuji Temple (home to Roshi-san, a dear friend of a friend who we have had the privilege of meeting!)
The fox prayer cards at the Fushimi Inari Shrine... still makes me sad when i think of the folks who put their faith in these false gods....
Llooking at the hinges that were placed in the floorboards at the Nijo Castle to warn folks of intruders (ninjas) who would be attempting to harm the shoguns. The sound resembled the gentle twirp sound of the Japanese nightingale.
One of our favorite adventures included renting a car (always an interesting experience!) and driving to Amanohashidate (see earlier post about the hawk dive-bombing story) and then on to the small Kinosaki Onsen-Village.
The streets of Kinosaki in the daytime. Notice the sakura in the background! Beautiful!
The same street at night- it was almost magical! Felt like we were on a movie set! So quaint!
Here we are, dressed in our yakatas (we have wooden sandals on too). We had just finished onsen #4 and were ready to call it a night! We stayed at a local Japanese Inn (ryokan) and by doing so, we were given tickets that could be used at the famous onsens in town. Following dinner, everyone throws on their yakatas and heads out to onsen-hop! It really was fun AND it was great having Amberly and Courtney. We were the only foreigners there (this area is a well-kept secret) and everyone was thrilled to be able to speak to them in Japanese. (I just smiled alot!)
Here we are at dinner, before heading out to the onsens. Dinner was incredible- fresh crab right out of the Sea of Japan. I was actually surprised we could even move after all that we ate!
Ambie back at the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I'm having trouble with this blog and when i try to move pics i lose them, so sorry for the random and disconnected order!
More zen gardens from the -Tofukuji Temple.
The meaning of these rocks is up to the individual to decide...
The story behind these rocks.. you are suppose to make a wish and then try to pick up the rock. If it appears light and is easy to pick up, your wish will be granted. If it feels heavy.... better luck next time! (I think Amberly might have to try that one again!)
Some of the first real sakura (cherry blossoms) that we saw in bloom. We were probably about one week early before the peak season! So close..... but it was still very beautiful.
Again, back in Kyoto. Here we are in front of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple)
Here we are in Hiroshima. Jeph, Amberly and Courtney in front of the A-BombDomb- one of the few buildings left after the bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945
Some of the thousands of strands of origami cranes, folded and sent to Hiroshima with the hopes and prayers for peace-
The view from the Flame of Peace looking down the mall area to the A-Bomb Domb.
In between the visits to Hiroshima and Miyajima, we ran down to Iwakuni to see the Langes! Special friends from our Sendai days! (thanks again for the great dinner Yuka!)
The famous bridge in Iwakuni... Mark dropped us off on one side and we ran up and down and across the bridge and were picked up on the other side!
Preparing to ride the ropeway up to the top of Mt. Misen on the island of MiyaJima
We actually did see a bunch of real monkeys! But these two are cute!
In front of the famous torii gates at MiyaJima. It was fun to be here with the tide out.. we walked right up to the gate and stood underneath it- it's huge!
MiyaJima and Hiroshima are famous for their okonomiaki.
Of course, we HAD to try it and ... it really was good!
This last pic is taken from the top of the Umeda Sky Garden here in Osaka. We really do cherish the time that we shared. Amberly and Courtney, we miss you guys! Thanks for the fun. Everyone else- please come and visit!!!
On May 16 and 17th, Jeph will be preaching at our church here in Osaka! Every year, there is a special English Worship Service celebrated as an outreach to the community. Tons of flyers are being distributed to invite folks to attend. What a fun privilege for Jeph to be able to preach the sermon. Please do pray for him! 
Here's a close up view of the flyer. Jeph will be giving the sermon and our friend, another Jeff, will be giving his testimony. I know both J's will appreciate your prayers! 
Even the octopus are super-sized!
It's so nice being able to buy one pack of hamburger instead of three or four smaller ones! And at a great price too. Shopping and eating has become much more fun since finding this store! I have yet to figure out why they include what looks like a marijana leaf and why not every pack has one...???
Although it's nice that steaks can be found... and I suppose this is a good price... still can't bring myself to spend $43 on four steaks! Not having a grill helps to make it not quite as tempting!
Once I get the groceries home and unloaded, i head off to my next favorite stop: the coin laundry! (thanks to Amberly and Courtney for helping me to find this place!) I hop back on the scooter and this time, I ride with my old Discovery Toys luggage bag stuffed between the seat and the front of the scooter. My legs straddle the bag and I assume I look a bit 'interesting' as I notice people staring at me as I ride by! Oh, the fun of being a foreigner in Japan!
Not sure if these are popular in the States yet, but... they are awesome. A washer and dryer all in one. No need to worry about laundry detergent, it's included in the wash cycle. Now if they could only figure out how to fold the clothes....
the directions... they look fairly simple, but I did have to ask someone for help the first time! 
Not sure why, but more often than not, you have to pay for something at a different place than where you eventually make your purchase. The laundromat is no different. You put your money in this machine and get a small card that you then insert into the wash/dry machine. The advantage is that if you buy the card, you get an extra 200 yen credit.
If I had a cell phone, I could punch in the number and get a text message when the load was finished! 
Although I've never used this, I think it's a great idea.
While my clothes were washing/drying (the whole process takes one hour and costs 1,000 yen per machine), I run to the Lawson's convenience store to pay a utility bill! An interesting set up but this where you pay! While there, I had the pleasant surprise of meeting a cashier who had studied in England! Her English was great and we enjoyed a fun conversation. I was so excited, I bought a fun waffle/cake to celebrate!
the waffle/cake treat
Once back at the laundromat, I ate my little dessert treat and enjoyed getting my calendar organized and reading a chapter of Bad Girls from the Bible (fun book, I recommend it!)
There are flowers everywhere- spring has definitely arrived!
Well, I admit to feeling a tad guilty for the years I sent our kids to school with simple brown paper bags filled with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a few apple slices and a cookie (or 2!). I should add, however, that we did upgrade to insulated lunch boxes when the kids were learning about environmental issues. Wow, Japanese moms are nothing less than artists... the only down side is that there is tremendous pressure to keep up with the Miyagi's! Pictured below are a few examples from a friend! (thanks, Denise! She's one of those 'wonder moms' that makes these kinds of lunches for her kids! amazing....)
I wonder what time moms have to wake up in order to prepare these creations? I forgot to add the one rule for all bentos is that they must contain something red, orange and green! And, they have to be cute!
Jeph, Courtney and Amberly outside of our apartment! Welcome!
In front of Osaka International School
Yep, we had some rainy days, but here's Ambie on the famous Ebisu-Bridge in front of the Glico man (who's been running for the past 90 years!)
Ambie and Courtney trying out some samuri outfits inside the Osaka Castle- lovely, eh?
In front of the MOST visited castle in Japan! People say that it's the most visited because there is so little else to see in Osaka. We disagree as there is a ton to see and do, but... guess it may be true as far as castles go?!
One of the famous zen gardens at our very favorite Tofukuji Temple (home to Roshi-san, a dear friend of a friend who we have had the privilege of meeting!)
The fox prayer cards at the Fushimi Inari Shrine... still makes me sad when i think of the folks who put their faith in these false gods....
Llooking at the hinges that were placed in the floorboards at the Nijo Castle to warn folks of intruders (ninjas) who would be attempting to harm the shoguns. The sound resembled the gentle twirp sound of the Japanese nightingale. 
The streets of Kinosaki in the daytime. Notice the sakura in the background! Beautiful!
The same street at night- it was almost magical! Felt like we were on a movie set! So quaint!
Here we are, dressed in our yakatas (we have wooden sandals on too). We had just finished onsen #4 and were ready to call it a night! We stayed at a local Japanese Inn (ryokan) and by doing so, we were given tickets that could be used at the famous onsens in town. Following dinner, everyone throws on their yakatas and heads out to onsen-hop! It really was fun AND it was great having Amberly and Courtney. We were the only foreigners there (this area is a well-kept secret) and everyone was thrilled to be able to speak to them in Japanese. (I just smiled alot!)
Here we are at dinner, before heading out to the onsens. Dinner was incredible- fresh crab right out of the Sea of Japan. I was actually surprised we could even move after all that we ate!
Ambie back at the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I'm having trouble with this blog and when i try to move pics i lose them, so sorry for the random and disconnected order!
More zen gardens from the -Tofukuji Temple. 
The story behind these rocks.. you are suppose to make a wish and then try to pick up the rock. If it appears light and is easy to pick up, your wish will be granted. If it feels heavy.... better luck next time! (I think Amberly might have to try that one again!)
Some of the first real sakura (cherry blossoms) that we saw in bloom. We were probably about one week early before the peak season! So close..... but it was still very beautiful.
Again, back in Kyoto. Here we are in front of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple)
The view from the Flame of Peace looking down the mall area to the A-Bomb Domb.
In between the visits to Hiroshima and Miyajima, we ran down to Iwakuni to see the Langes! Special friends from our Sendai days! (thanks again for the great dinner Yuka!)
The famous bridge in Iwakuni... Mark dropped us off on one side and we ran up and down and across the bridge and were picked up on the other side!
Preparing to ride the ropeway up to the top of Mt. Misen on the island of MiyaJima
We actually did see a bunch of real monkeys! But these two are cute!
In front of the famous torii gates at MiyaJima. It was fun to be here with the tide out.. we walked right up to the gate and stood underneath it- it's huge!
MiyaJima and Hiroshima are famous for their okonomiaki. 
