This FB memory gave me the chills.

I remember it like it happened yesterday. It was a lazy Saturday, and I travelled to Yatsushiro to explore it because it was the second largest city after Kumamoto City (the place where I had been posted to).

Yatsushiro City wasn’t as happening as I had hoped. But Yatsushiro Shrine must have made an impression because I made the following post on FB.

Note that it was made in jest. I was single. More importantly, having accumulated Thai and Laotian classroom experiences under my belt, I envisioned myself as a global-savvy Sensei, hopping from one country to another, inspiring the masses, being the most approachable EFL teacher ever.

The Gods at Yatsushiro Shrine must have heard me, though. They sent me a pretty maiden from their town. 14 years later, I am back in their territory with two children - blessed with one boy and one girl. What’s more, the elder son will be donned in an exquisite kimono for his Shichi-Go-San ceremony later this month.

Sounds like the power of manifestation. I should make a trip to the shrine and say my thanks.

Would it be too greedy for me to state that I hope to make it big as a blogger one day. That I would be mentioned in the same breath as giants like Henrik Karlsson https://substack.com/@henrikkarlsson