For Brooke. :) A long time in coming, but better late than never.

Friday morning, 9/1 (now 10 days ago. crazy. I started this right after she left and it's taken me forever to finish it.), Brooke left for the States. And I miss her. :) Here's a very brief history (and mostly in pictures because I love them so much and I don't have time to write a ton) of our last couple of weeks together in Japan... and was it fun! And crazy! :) Full of God's blessings. Japan won't be the same without her. She's definitely been one of his great gifts to me...

First is our day hike (9hrs) on Mt. Chokkai (called Chokkai san). The most beautiful, awing hike I've ever been on. The kind of hike that makes you praise God with all of your senses (except maybe taste... grins).


The Gate to Chokkai (after 2 hrs of hiking)

In the midst of clouds and rocks and sea.

On the Heights (2236 meters)
Playing around. I LOVE playing on rocks!!

Japanese Thistle. One of my favorite flowers. Stairway to heaven.
Chokkai's older crater and the Japan Sea. Japanese flora.


Wanko Soba. All you can eat soba noodles. A competition to see who can eat the most. Salmon fish eggs. Appetizing, eh?

Girl's Night out - Tomoko's Birthday. Mutsuko, Brooke, me, Tomoko, Emi. Crazy English teachers (Honey, Brooke, me).

Brooke's going away party at Shimohama Beach.

I've got you baby!
Youuuuuuuu!
Sakura (cherry blossoms) song. Aretha Franklin's R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Karaoke with our friend Masahiko. Oh-so-much fun.

On the train to Senjyoujiki (1000 tatami mat place).
At Senjyoujiki. Starfish and Seashells.
See no evil. Speak no evil. Hear no evil. A lovely sunset. Cool rocks.
Good friends.


Celebrating Brooke's last night in Japan. Honey, Juri, Brooke, Glen, me.

Our last morning together at Starbucks, downtown Akita.

Miss you Brooke! Kampai!! (cheers) grins