So as not to interrupt...

[2Green]

Dana, I just have to say what an incredible undertaking and contribution both your trip and your journal, with insights, are to those of us who know about Okinawa but have never been.
Your journal is just awesome.
Not just your recollections, but your way of explaining their relevance and how you experienced them.
I just couldn't interrupt the thread itself (which I have printed off to give to Sensei), but wanted to express how much your insights and memories are appreciated.
You went to a lot of work to lay that all out for us, and I have to say I'm enriched just reading it. I wish I'd been there.
You're a jewel.

NM

[Dana Sheets]

Thank you so much. Your words mean alot to me. I'm going to keep plowing through the first pass of this journal and get all the information out there. Then I'll be able to open up on specific points for discussions and questions. One of my goals in writing the journal is for folks to be able to see the richness within the Uechi community, and to enjoy the depth, diversity, and variety of ways people train in Uechi.

And what' really missing from my journal so far are all the wonderful moments shared with the other women on the tour. The songs we sang on the bus, the meals we shared, the parties in the rooms after-hours, and knowing just who was the neglectful woman that left her water cup on the floor of the Okikukai HQ.

There are just so many memories of what this tour was really about - reaching out and making connections and friendships - among ourselves and among the kind people we met in Okinawa.

[RACastanet]

Ditto what 2 green said.

Rich

[Mary Chant]

Yes, thank you, Dana. I look for updates at least twice a day, enjoy each one, and reread many. Your trip must have been an incredible and inspiring experience.

Thanks to 2Green for the idea of a separate thread. I didn't want it to look like it wasn't being read, but also didn't think continually posting "WOW!" would be a real contribution to Dana's journaling of the trip.

Mary

[gmattson]

the memories Dana.

Like so many others, I didn't wish to interrupt the flow of your memories on the main thread. But I've been reading and enjoying.

[Dana Sheets]

Thanks Rich & GEM,

Believe me - the only person interrupting my journal is me. (and my work, friends, family etc.). Everyone is being very kind by holding their thoughts, reactions, suggestions, ideas, and feedback to a moderate level. Small questions I can answer. Big questions I'll answer soon.

And mostly I don't have the answers - just more questions.

OK - time to write about Shinjo...

Dana