oyasuminasai (you must take a break)

I’m sitting safely in a minshuku tonight with Eric and Dave; I finally caved after the recent typhoon soaked all of my clothing.  We just finished a big meal with some Kirin and soaking in the onsen.  I feel like a million bucks after the last week without showering.  We have very comfy-looking futons (the [...]

Read Full Post »

四国遍路道 (Shikoku Pilgrim Trail)

Sorry for my digital absence; as it would turn out, the pilgrimage (as well as much of Shikoku island) does not have very wide-spread internet access.  Also, because I have been nojyuko (lit: sleeping in the open air), I’ve been mostly away from electricity (and soap for that matter). A lot has happened since I [...]

Read Full Post »

Departure!

Ruth and I will drive up to Minneapolis this evening at 5 so that I can depart from the Minneapolis aiport tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30am.   We’ll be staying with a counseling cohort’s sister, who has graciously allowed us her living room floor for the evening. I’ll have a single layover in Seattle and then land [...]

Read Full Post »

Images of the Pilgrimage

The only large-size decent map of the Shikoku Pilgrimage is ironically in German.  Still…. looking at pictures like the one below are awe-inspiring.                  I can’t wait!

Read Full Post »

henro ni narimasu (becoming a henro)

The time is quickly slipping by, and the need to prepare myself for the trip is becoming more salient.  I’ve finished finals for coursework in vocational counseling, multicultural counseling, and a pre-practicum, and so now I have some time to sit down and reflect on all that needs to be covered to make this a [...]

Read Full Post »