Kyoto!

Its the end of my first day in Kyoto!

I spent today and the day before both freezing through snow, soaking in a hot spring, and enjoying beautiful gardens in Japan! I went to Kenrokuen, one of the most 3 most famous gardens in Japan, and then saw some awesome cherry blossoms here in Kyoto. Here are some highlights.

And me freezing because it was snowing

Anyhow, the beauty of Japan is really amazing. It's definitely pretty amazing at all the different ways God has made the world beautiful in various ways all across the globe. A true testament to His glory!

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

Psalm 19:1-4

Last day in Tokyo

So I notice my blog is named Kevin in Kyoto but by my post title, you might have inferred that I'm not actually in Kyoto. But I'm not trying to lie to you! I will be there for the most of this blog as in starting from next week. Anyhow, but tonight was my last night in Tokyo before heading off for Kyoto.

Tokyo has been pretty fun. Have eaten lots of yummy food. This is a picture of aburi-toro sushi I had at tsukiji fish market yesterday for lunch. I went there with my mom and we ate at Sushi Zanmai...which is open 24 hours a day! Totally wishing we had something like this available 24 hours around Stanford instead of Happy Doughnut or JBo.

Today though I got to go back to Tokyo Baptist Church (went tonight since I'm leaving tomorrow morning). It's a really awesome church, and actually our very own Taiei Harimoto and his family goes there! I visited TBC a couple times in the past with Mark Bocanegra and have gotten to know some of the youth group at the church and am really amazed at the ways God has been moving in Japan at TBC.

Anyhow, tonight's sermon was on Matthew 13:44-46, which is the parable of the hidden treasure and the parable of the pearl of great value. These are really great parables that speak volumes about sacrificing everything for Christ and the kingdom of heaven. TBC is currently doing a series on the parables of Jesus and the fact that tonight was on these two parables definitely struck me as God had brought up this parable earlier for me this quarter. Both of the men in the two parables gave up everything in order to gain everything. Pastor Dennis Folds emphasized the importance of sacrificing all for Christ, even our identities. And of course, we do so joyously knowing the great reward that is in store for us in having Jesus as our lord and savior!

Anyhow, it was really nostalgic to make it back to TBC. This is Mark and I last summer.

Outside TBC

the sanctuary

Quick bite at Yoshinoya before service

Aburi-Charsiu Ramen after church. Om nom nom. I think after church snacks should be upgraded to ramen.

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.

Mark 8:34-35

First Day in Japan

Hi everyone,

Welcome to my blog! Here is where you can keep track of my epic journeys in Japan this Spring and know what I have been doing, eating, and how to keep me in your prayers.

I just got into Tokyo yesterday and am in the middle of my first full day of Tokyo today. Currently I am here with my mom in the Shiodome district of Tokyo. I just had an amazing lunch at Sushi Zanmai at Tsukiji fish market. om nom nom.

Ok, check back for pictures and more meaningful posts later!

Thanks again.

Kevin