by Sayako So

This summer, my husband and I had the wonderful blessing of taking our three children to the Children’s Pilgrimage to Ojiba a.k.a Kodomo Ojiba Gaeri (KOG).  Representing our church, Taitan Church, together with other family members and church followers, we set out to join the America/Canada/Hawaii group for the first time.  There was some nervousness before the trip knowing how some from our group would be visiting Ojiba for their first time and we deeply hoped that everyone would enjoy their time in Ojiba amidst the notorious summer heat in Tenri.  

Upon arrival at 38-Moya, where the America/Canada/Hawaii group stayed during the KOG week, our nervousness quickly melted away at the level of attention and care that the staff members gave to our group.  They welcomed us with bright smiles, introduced our group to everyone else and made sure we had everything we needed.  Literally within minutes of arriving, our children were playing tag and hide-and-seek with kids they just met and were running and laughing together.  

The actual KOG activities were thoughtfully planned out with a great mix of indoor and outdoor activities including engaging performances and obstacle courses with some water play.  There were also great hands-on opportunities for the children to learn about the teachings by doing hinokishin like corridor-wiping and practicing the musical instruments alongside their new friends.  And every time we stopped at a new location, the staff members were there to provide ice cold towels, hydrating drinks, and fan the group to make sure everybody was doing well in the heat.

Our children had returned to Ojiba a few times before this trip and enjoyed returning each time, but we knew this pilgrimage was different – on our drive to the airport to go home, they started sobbing saying they don’t want to leave Ojiba.  We believe that due to the outpouring of sincerity by the America/Canada/Hawaii staff members, Oyasama blessed our children with a newly sparked yearning for Ojiba - a treasure that I pray will last a lifetime.  Seeing their tears, my husband and I quickly promised them and came to a firm resolution that we will return for KOG every year that they’re in the Boys & Girls Association.  We hope to see everyone next summer during the year of the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama!