captivated

::: with its simplicity, spirituality, and scenery (above: these three strands are evident in "the path of philosophy," a 30-minute walkway near the kiyomizu temple), the city of kyoto captures the essence and expressions of the japanese people...once this nation's capital during its lengthy feudal period, kyoto in springtime makes mesmerizing beauty seem almost mundane...

...with the hotel granvia as our base, who could ask for a better setting to deepen our friendship and talk about ministry...

...oh, and of course, try all the yummy food (kyoto is known for its green tea, mochi (rice cakes), and tofu, among other things)...

...guided by laura's super itinerary (what would we have done without your planning, laura!), we found ourselves captivated by the sights and smells of kyoto...

...sol's eos-use, paparazzi-style no less, impressed even the japanese...

...with all the talk about shutter speed, even claire got into the act...

...enjoy the following short gallery of kyoto taken and processed by solomon...

...kiyomizu temple at night...

...a geisha posing for temple visitors...

...zen garden @ nijo castle...

...the serene lake on the grounds of the golden pavilion (kinkakuji temple)...

::: the past two days we've enjoyed each other's company against the canvas of kyoto's captivating simplicity, spirituality, and scenery...yet kyoto -- and all that it represents -- stands as a vivid symbol to keep praying for the unreached nation of japan (1 peter 1:24-25)...how we long to see the essence and expressions of kyoto framed -- and fulfilled -- by the light and love of christ...a city so captivating, captivated by christ...that's worth praying for :::