It's time to share more stories from our concert tour here in Japan! π―π΅β€οΈ
There's something I forgot to mention in my last blog. We were told that it had been raining here for six weeks before we arrived, and that some areas had even experienced severe flooding.
But on the very first day of our tour, when I was about to give my first concert at Narita Church, we woke up to blue skies and sunshine! Something our Japanese friends had been longing for. And since then, we have been blessed with beautiful weather throughout our journey. βοΈ
Right now, we're in Osaka, and so much has happened since I last wrote!
Travelling through Japan by train π
One of the easiest ways to travel in Japan is by train. And the amazing thing is that they run right on time!
It's such a wonderful way to travel. We move from city to city, meet new people and experience so much along the way.
Fuji – A very special reunion β€οΈ
After Tokyo, we continued to Fuji, where I had the joy of singing at Takaoka Chapel.
This was truly one of the highlights of the tour!
My dear friends Bosse and Kerstin Dellming built a church in Takaoka, at the foot of Mount Fuji. Bosse passed away ten years ago, but Kerstin, now 85 years old, continues to serve as the pastor of the congregation.
Both Bosse and Kerstin have meant so much to me over the years. Being able to return, sing in their church and meet their congregation was something truly special.
I felt so blessed! β€οΈ
Kyoto – Sharing an important message with young girls πΈ
On Thursday, we continued to Kyoto, where I visited a girls' high school together with my pianist, Shinichiro Yamamoto.
I had the opportunity to sing and share my life story with so many teenage girls.
We so often compare ourselves with others, but when we do, we tend to make ourselves feel smaller and less valuable.
Instead, I believe we should focus on the gifts and talents God has given each one of us. Enjoy life and discover all the good things our Heavenly Father wants to give us every day!
When we learn to live with that perspective, life becomes so much easier and more joyful. β€οΈ
Osaka – Music and a reunion after nine years πΆ
Yesterday, we visited Minami Osaka Church, where my dear friend Sakai-sensei had organised the concert.
Sakai is a pianist and music arranger who is blind. It had been nine years since we last worked together, so it was such a joy to see each other again!
This time, I also had the pleasure of singing one of Sakai's own songs together with high school students and an adult choir.
What a joy to be reunited through music!
My dear friend Rutsuko-san was there to interpret for me!
And after the concert, I sat down to sign CDs while Mayumi-san, from my record company, kindly helped with the sales.
Of course, there were also many lovely conversations and encounters with people afterwards.
I love Japan! π―π΅β€οΈ
When I look back on these days, it is above all the people who stay in my heart.
Old friends I get to see again after many years. New people I have the privilege of meeting. And all those wonderful moments when music becomes a bridge between us.
I feel so grateful to be here and to continue sharing my music, my faith and my life experiences.
I truly love being in Japan!
And the tour isn't over yet. More concerts and new encounters are waiting just around the corner!
πΆ Music • Hope • Love
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