01/03/2026
Present from Ukraine
A few months ago, two ladies from Ukraine 🇺🇦 stayed at our guesthouse.
The name of their country written on their guest card was Ukraine!
Tears naturally welled up in my eyes when I thought about how they had come all the way from Ukraine.
So much tragic news flashed through my mind, but I was completely speechless.
I couldn't even say, "Welcome," or "Thank you for coming to Nara." Looking at their daughters' faces, tears welled up in my eyes. I simply nodded over and over again, held their hands, and said, "Please stay warm and have a good rest."
That was all I could say.
And yet, they gave me this adorable, handmade traditional Ukrainian doll.
And now the tears won't stop.
When I think of the hearts of those people who pray every day for a peaceful life,
and who are living their lives to the limit, hoping, "Please, please, live each day."
It really touched my heart.