I've travelled from Hirosaki to Mutsu today, albeit by train because official walking starts from the less dangerous region of Hachinohe. However I've got a chance to take train rides till my butt may have permanently changed shape, enjoy the running scenery of snow forests and white farmlands.

I stayed over at the Sisters of Ottawa in Hirosaki yesterday and then had Mass at the Hirosaki Church yesterday. I think at the top of what moved me so far is a picture of Sister Aogi paying for dinner for me. That back hunched over, as she reached over the counter made me feel unexpectedly move. I'm staying over at their convent without paying, be provided with food, and even had my dinner paid for. She even came all the way in snowy weather to pick me up and showed me around Hirosaki, and I can do nothing but pray for her and everyone else along the way. Like God's love, the care of the sisters is gratuitous-- something done without expectation of repayment. And there's an even more amazing tidbit, the house that they are living in will be given over to an association of elderly with disabilities, without asking the group for any payment at all. It will be given, entirely, without charge. Sister said it is because their founder, Mother Elisabeth Bruyere had started the Congregation for the purpose of serving the poor. And therefore, even if the convents are not exactly corporate giants hoarding mountains of money, the Ottawa Sisters will follow their founder's way in remembering that their purpose is in caring for the needy. I too will have to try to do my little, little part in making everyone's day brighter, wherever I go.