Thursday, April 21, 2011

Ireland Bound!

We have been experiencing a real resistance when it comes to getting back to Ireland as we’ve felt God has directed us.  We’ve held onto it for some time now but the time was getting closer and closer and we still couldn’t afford tickets to go.  Rising prices have become like a plague and airline tickets have been effected by this.  Daily we looked seeing if we  could find a good deal and daily we walked away hearing that the prices had risen terribly.  Yesterday we decided to look again and found a deal that we could afford.  This doesn’t include living expenses at all nor does it cover the expenses here at home when we leave…there’s much to believe for still but we have seen God move before and will continue to believe…please remember us in your prayer!  We did buy the tickets and will leave on the 12th of May.  We will return on the 31st of May.  We are very excited though we know the battle is far from over.  Even though we have this trip now there is a far bigger trip to the Philippines in August that will last until October…so much needs to be done but our God is able!  These are thrilling times!

 

I will post a few more pictures of Japan as I can because I expect once we return from Ireland I’ll have pictures from there to share.  Graves fascinate me and this shot has symmetry and sadness about it that is contrasted by the bright sunny day that really appeals to me…notice the empty flower or incense holder.  The beautiful rolling hills where they have tea growing filled me with wonder .  The golden pavilion was a tremendous wonder to behold in the idyllic surroundings where it sits.  I expected to see bamboo forestsbut not so much pine.  Japan is blessed with pine, bamboo and amazing places to see.  It could rain quite heavily at times but the wonder of it thrilled me still…it even made for shots like this where the rain left beautiful jewels on some large leaves.  The canopy of trees left shadows on the ground that reminded me of the beautiful Japanese writing.  Above all it was the people we traveled with that made the trip.  Kazu and Gabby were great friends…and she doesn’t just take to everyone.  Kazu and Gabby decided to have a nice march that day…I think that they did a wonderful job together…I could weep still seeing these pictures…I miss those guys so much!  I know my little girl had a wonderful time too!  My goodness I love this picture!  We must go back someday.  Being there with the team and showing this amazing place to others was a crowning glory in my life.  Thank God for my wife who wouldn’t let it go until it happened!  Here is my son and RD hanging out in the bamboo forest of Kyoto.  This is one of my favorite places in all the world!  Here are Anna and Kazu who are more than friends, they are family.  Gabby took it upon herself to lead this Japanese tour.  I think Gabby felt quite at home.  Lovely and Anna.  I wish I was standing there right now!  My little girl followed in her older brother and sister’s footsteps and was an excellent traveller even then.  I couldn’t walk forever in Kyoto…always something new to me yet ancient in age. More graves.  Gabby poses with an old man who was selling mushrooms that he made from tissue paper.  It was a place touched by both new and old…you can still find people wearing the traditional kimono…so beautiful to see.  I think this is about it for now so I bid you farewell until next time.

18 comments:

  1. I pray all goes smoothly for your travels. I heard a minister say the other day (it stays in my mind) That God is wayyy bigger than we think (forget) he is. It maybe overwhelming to us but not to him.
    Loved your post. I would love to be in a bamboo forest. I cannot imagine it but your photos gives some.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your pictures always astonish me. Such a beautiful place to be having so much trouble right now. Praying all works our to make your trip easier.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The photos are beautiful I really enjoyed to look at them all.Thank you for sharing us.
    Hope you have a safety trips.
    I wish a Happy Easter to you and your family.
    Michiko

    ReplyDelete
  4. I could just weep for those in Japan they have been through so much lately..I do know though that they are so very resillient and will come back strong. Your pictures show your true love of the country and the people there. Prayers to them and to you and your new travel adventures. : )

    ReplyDelete
  5. The photos are superb. They always are, Joe. I take my time when looking t them. There are two reasons, and the foremost is, they are so lovely. The second is, I will never see these sights in my life time although I would love to. It would mean traveling by myself which is not an option. So I will enjoy the trip to Japan through your photos and experiences.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have faith that all will work out for you and your family.I will be looking forward to seeing the pics you post from both your upcoming trips.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love coming here and experiencing your travels through your lens, Joe. As for the trips, you know He will provide and if it turns out you can't make a trip it's because He has need of your skills elsewhere. As we used to say in the days of my misspent youth "Keep the faith, bro!"

    ReplyDelete
  8. hey joe! i have been spening more time at word press, but neglecting my blog here. thats going to change. i know, i always say that ... but i do want to post more here. i need to ...
    good to catch up on your journeys. Godspeed!
    k☼

    ReplyDelete
  9. Joe , I pray your trip overseas is blessed beyond anything. I cant wait see the view thought your words and lens.
    And again in August. Wow. Seeing Japan though you and your family has bee beautiful beyond words. Thank you for sharing.
    Happy Easter my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Funny how a simple leaf with drops and sun filtered light in the trees can bring so much comfort and beauty . Just Beautiful Joe

    ReplyDelete
  11. Joe, I am delighted that you were able to find tickets at a reasonable price for your visit to Ireland. I am sure the rest will all fall into place. I will pray for that.
    The photos are lovely, I enjoy following your travels in pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The total cost for traveling on an airplane is going up, and will continue to go up in 2011. Airlines have had such success with added fees for baggage, seating, snacks and blankets, that they're not yet done imagining other things to charge you extra. This is quite unfortunate. They could put many more bums in those seats if they wouldn’t be so focused on just making huge profits verses satisfying travelers needs, thus having more return frequent flyers… all while making some profit. I understand the need to make a fast buck, but come on… enough already. There will be no money to be made if people can’t afford to purchase the seats. Business travelers certainly will not be able to support the airlines alone.
    Fortunately for you… you were able to find some decent ticket prices after all and I happy for you. And so you should be excited and you be sure to take plenty of photos and write down some notes so that you can come back… bang away on your keyboard and update us all to your Ireland adventure. Where abouts in Ireland will you be traveling too?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Once again, your pictures of Japan are truly splendid and I personally enjoyed them very much. Japan certainly appears to be blessed with Nature’s admirable beauties and rich in cultural treasures. Now I see that Japan will be a place that I probably will visit… at least put her on the top of my ‘bucket list’. Thanks again for another enjoyable tour of Japan from the comfort of my own chair. Cheers to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  14. My visit this evening is to bring to you some extra special Easter Greetings along with Best Wishes for a Happy Springtime too!
    http://i53.tinypic.com/2nvdk7b.gif
    Let this joy of Easter fill up your heart today and forever. Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
  15. As always Joe, you have provided a wonderful post in word, and your beautiful photographs of your journey. God will make a way, and provide according to His Will. Even a shipwreck couldn't keep Paul from his journey, when God had a plan and purpose for his life here on earth. God will make a way Joe.
    Happy Easter to you and your family.
    Dianne :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy Easter Joe and to your family. The sun is shining here at the ranch again and it is a beautiful day. Just trying to catch up a bit with everyone. Haven't had time for any new blogging. My last one is still a repost for Spaces. I still have a few I haven't got here yet. Life has been soo busy. I can see by your photos you really love Japan. You have such an eye for those little details that make it so unique. Praying that all goes well for your trip. You have become quite the traveling man. It's been hard visiting everyone here for the last year since my speed was decreased last summer. I will be upgrading in a couple months when my contract is up. This has just been the pits the last year trying to visit everyone. Anyway better end as it just cliched for a few minutes and wouldn't do anything. Hugs Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm on it Joe. How about BRICKS!!!???

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey Joe, my first time here, I guess you know, my name is ADE. I like blog page, the music and the pictures all fantastic. Keep it up man, looking to receiving you in Ireland. Have a good day!

    ReplyDelete