July 22, 2026 · Goi, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

This morning I woke up, spent time in prayer, and thanked God for another day. After praying, I sat quietly looking through all the pictures we have taken since arriving in Japan—Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and the many beautiful places we have explored together. Looking back through those memories made me realize that travel is so much more than visiting new places. It changes the way you think. It gives you the opportunity to see life through someone else’s eyes.

Travel has a way of challenging your perspective. It causes you to examine your lifestyle, habits, priorities, and even your heart. Sometimes it confirms the way you live, and other times it gently asks, “Is there a better way?” It makes you question whether we collect too much, buy too much, own too much, or fill our lives with things that don’t truly matter.

One of the first things I noticed in Tokyo was the sheer number of people. Everywhere I looked, there were crowds, yet there was so much quiet. On the trains, almost everyone was focused on their phones or simply keeping to themselves. Unlike many places in the United States, where strangers often greet one another or start conversations, I rarely saw people interacting with each other.

Yet something beautiful happened whenever my sister Evelyn and I approached someone to ask for directions or ask a question. Every Japanese person we spoke with was incredibly kind, respectful, patient, and willing to help. It reminded me that kindness isn’t always loud. Sometimes it is expressed through quiet respect rather than constant conversation. That was an important lesson for me: not every culture expresses warmth in the same way.

Another experience deeply touched my heart. Twice while riding the train, we noticed elderly women standing while younger passengers remained seated. Both times, Evelyn and I stood up and offered our seats. The women bowed with gratitude, and we bowed back. In my heart, I could never remain seated while an elderly person stood before me. I pray that when I reach that age, someone will show me the same kindness. Those moments reminded me that compassion is something we should never lose, regardless of where we are in the world.

At the same time, I was amazed by the strength and activity of the elderly people here. They walk long distances, ride bicycles, use public transportation, and remain active in everyday life. It was inspiring to witness. It made me realize how movement, simplicity, and daily activity contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Another lesson that continues to stay with me is the way people use space. Homes in Japan are often much smaller than many homes in America, yet every square foot has a purpose. Nothing seems wasted.

I found myself reflecting on seasons in my own life when I lived in a large house. There were entire rooms I rarely entered. Most of my life happened in the kitchen, my bedroom, the bathroom, or the family room. The extra rooms simply existed without serving much purpose.

That realization challenged me. Perhaps having more is not always living better. Perhaps stewardship is not about how much we own, but how well we use what God has entrusted to us. Excess can sometimes create neglect. Simplicity often creates appreciation.

This journey has awakened something inside me. I want to travel more—not simply to see beautiful places, but to understand people. I want to respect different cultures without comparing them. I want to take the good I observe, learn from it, and allow it to shape me into a wiser, more compassionate woman.

Above all, I thank God for giving me this opportunity. I thank Him for my sister Evelyn, who invited me to share this journey with her. This trip has become more than a vacation. It has become a season of transformation.

I truly believe I am walking into a new beginning—a season of trusting God more deeply, surrendering more completely, and allowing Him to align every area of my life with His purpose.

Today I was reminded of one of my favorite Scriptures:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5–6

There was a moment during our travels when my internet stopped working. Evelyn and I were trying to find the train station, but we had no navigation. Instead of panicking, I simply prayed, “Holy Spirit, lead us.”

As we walked, I honestly did not know where we were going. Then I noticed a woman walking ahead of us. Deep in my spirit, I felt prompted to simply follow her. Every turn she made, we made. Street after street, we continued behind her until suddenly the train station came into view.

The amazing part was that she wasn’t even going to the station. After unknowingly leading us exactly where we needed to be, she continued walking in another direction.

At that moment, I smiled because I knew what had happened. The Holy Spirit had directed our path.

That experience became a personal testimony that God still leads His children, even in the smallest moments. Sometimes He doesn’t give us a map. Sometimes He simply gives us enough direction for the next step.

Today my heart is full of gratitude.

Thank You, Lord, for leading me. Thank You for opening my eyes to new ways of thinking. Thank You for teaching me through another culture. Thank You for every lesson, every conversation, every step, every mountain, every train ride, and every moment.

This journey is changing me, and I pray I never return home the same person who left.

Amen.