The Adventure Begins
Greetings from Japan -
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse — a time of renewal, bold movement, and deep personal growth. It’s an energy that calls us to step into our own leadership, to trust our independence, and to pursue what lights us up with courage and enthusiasm.
I didn’t know any of this when I felt led to take a sabbatical and travel. But looking back, it makes perfect sense. For the first time in my adult life, I’m not responsible for caring for anyone else but me. I’m learning what it feels like to move through the world with freedom — to listen, to follow, and to trust the guidance God places on my heart.
Scripture reminds us of this in
Hebrews 11:1 as faith is described as “the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” It’s a reminder that faith isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting God’s character even when the path ahead is unclear.
This is what it means to embrace the unknown: believing that something new is already unfolding, even before we can see it. And stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean you won’t feel fear. I feel it often (especially when I realized I was on the wrong train halfway across the world).
But just remember - fear isn’t a signal to retreat — it’s evidence that you’re awake, growing, and living life fully alive!
On February 11th, I began my journey through Asia. My first stops were the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan — places that felt completely unfamiliar.
I learned that Japan is a country shaped by order, respect, and mindfulness — a place where visitors are treated like honored guests, and where bows and soft sing‑song thank‑yous are heard constantly. The cities I visited are two of the largest here, which means they’re packed with people and constantly moving and for a girl from Arizona, used to wide‑open spaces, that was definitely culture shock.
I was also nervous about the train system at first, but it turned out to be incredibly intuitive — color‑coded, clearly marked, and easy to follow. Their shrines & temples were immaculately cared for, and the streets & shops were whimsical and full of life: bright with ads and loud music/anime but no shouting, honking horns or crossing without a walk light, just a steady flow of movement.
Some foods were familiar (ramen and sushi), while others were complete mysteries. But I was brave and tried so many things without even knowing what they were. And the desserts… each one looked like a tiny piece of art, wrapped so beautifully it almost felt wrong to eat it. Almost. This was definitely not the time to be dieting.
One of the most meaningful moments of the trip was a traditional matcha tea ceremony — slow, intentional, and deeply meditative. I learned that every moment is treated as sacred because it will never happen again (ichi‑go ichi‑e), and that beauty is found in imperfection (wabi‑sabi).
Another unforgettable experience was the four‑mile hike through the 10,000+ torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. It was both invigorating and spiritual, you see each gate symbolizes a passage from the ordinary into the sacred. As I walked beneath them, I couldnt help but see a parallel to my own Christian faith: every step felt like moving deeper into relationship with Jesus Christ. At the summit I twisted my ankle and for a split second I thought "my trip is over as my feet are my biggest asset when traveling". But then I sat down and prayed, massaged my ankle and trusted that God was healing me. I not only hiked back down but I walked the 2 miles to my hotel. With some soaking, massage and K-tape I was back in business for the Bamboo Forest hike the next day. Thank you Jesus, my healer!
Arigatou gozaimasu for coming along on this adventure with me, I’m attaching some photos and more are posted to my Instagram page (click on the symbol at the bottom). Next stop: Thailand and Vietnam — and whatever God has waiting there.
All my love,
Hanan
