I know a place

Have you heard this song before? If I remember correctly, it runs like this: I know a place, where no one ever goes, there’s peace and quiet, beauty and repose. It’s hidden in a valley beside a mountain stream, And lying there beside the stream I find that I can dream. Only of things of beauty to the eye, snow-peaked mountains towering to the skies. Now I know that God made this world for me…

This song came to mind as soon as I saw the scenery before me from the 8th floor of the hotel at the National Women’s Education Center (NWEC) located in Higashi-Matsuyama, Japan.

From that height, one could see the mountain ranges from afar, then a nearby stream that flowed from one of those mountains, the valley that boasted of very bright green rice fields and which was lined here and there by green trees which served as home for various types of birds.

It is not often that one finds oneself at a height above the trees or above some hills even. It is also a special occasion to get the feeling that one is so close to the clouds or one is like a bird, able to get an overview of a wider world. It is also a grand occasion to be able to absorb, at a glance, so much space and color, width, height and length of this earth. How I wish I can find the words to fully capture the joy and rapture of seeing a very beautiful place such as the one before me last Monday afternoon!

In the evening, there was thunder, followed by lightning and again, that was an extra blessing, seeing that spectacle from a privileged location. And then again, the early morning scenario was another beautiful heavenly display and blessing!

As August is still summer here in Japan, the mountains remain brown or appears gray depending on whether the sun is out or the mountains are covered by the clouds and fog. Surely though, in winter, just like the song, snow-peaked mountains towering to the skies would greet the viewer from that same privileged height!

I am sure many of you have had this privileged view and indescribable experience?

Even in the Philippines, this song always came to mind as we travelled to Marikina from Kanto Katipunan. Except for the snow, the valley could be viewed very clearly with the mountains at the background.

Years ago in Marikina and now, just days ago in Japan, God gave us the privilege to once again see the rare and very beautiful scenery. And like before, the beautiful natural display also brought out the song and the prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for giving us, for sharing with us this beautiful world that He created for us all.

His creation truly proclaims the love and grandeur of the Lord! And His creation really makes us realize how much He loves us, blessing us with this beautiful, bountiful world!

 Being at the National Women’s Education Center was also meaningful on another level. The place was constructed to serve as a home, a refuge, a center for women, especially the victims of domestic violence.

 Imagine a place where women are welcomed to stay comfortably within a hotel-like setting. There is a nursery for women with children and even a cooking area for them. Of course, those who wish to avail of restaurant food but at subsidized prices may do so.

There are free spaces throughout several floors which the women can use for interacting with other guests. If they wish to read and research, there is a special library with rich materials about women and gender issues. If they wish to relax, there are public baths or a huge pool, or several tennis courts, not to mention the very beautiful restful Japanese garden within the very huge compound.

The Japanese government has allotted funds for this special center for women but which has long been open to all, regardless of age, gender, nationality. Being at this center, at NWEC, allows one to grow in confidence, in pride, in knowledge, about being a woman, about gender, about oneself, about one’s earth, about one’s God. What a blessing to know such a place as this. What a greater blessing for all to have the privilege to know and to be brought to a place such as this!

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