[旅行、信仰與教會] Travel, faith and church

今天是出發前最後一個上教會的週日，乾脆就趁勢來寫寫我對於旅行、信仰與教會的想法。
Today was my last day attending church services before the trip, so I thought travel, faith and church can be a good topic to write about.

（English edition available below)

在開頭先澄清一下：我並沒有打算要需要發展出一套「旅行神學」，或者開一門「聖經與旅行」的專題課程，把我的旅行講得有多麽神聖，或多麼「符合聖經」（biblical）。對我來說，在這個時間點選擇去旅行而非繼續在辦公室工作，就如同晚餐決定吃日式拉麵而不選擇吃韓式豆腐鍋一樣，是一個自由意志下平凡的選擇。(原諒我用這麼奇怪的例子，因為我正好肚子餓了XD)

不過，對我來說旅行和信仰還是有一點關係的，我常常覺得規劃旅行需要足夠的信心——我指的當然不是自信，而是對別人的信心。舉個最近碰到的例子：烏茲別克的落地簽證需要事先申請邀請函，因此一個月前我就要先請了烏茲別克的青年旅館幫我申請，且先付給了他們一筆服務費。這個過程中當然會有些懷疑，像是這家青年旅社真的存在嗎？把錢和個人資料給了他們就一定會拿到簽證嗎？這一切會不會都是一場騙局？雖然對方聽起來來非常可靠，我還是直到兩週前收到了邀請函才完全確定這是真的。從這個角度來說，旅行和信仰是有點像的，都需要先「相信」某個人事物（不管是幫我辦邀請函的青年旅社、trip advisor、lonely planet或是網路論壇）是真實且可信的，然後根據得到的資訊進行規劃，即使要去的是一個從未去過也從未見過的地方。或許旅行這件事，本質上就有一點信仰的成份吧。

除此之外，這趟旅行也不得不和我的教會扯上關係，畢竟我的事前準備工作其中很大一部份是用在和教會溝通協調上。

我在教會帶領一個每週聚會的小組，而且地點就在我家，因此當我決定要去旅行兩個月，首當其衝的就是這個小組；為了讓這個小組可以繼續運作，我用了整整一個月的時間準備：先找好可以暫時帶領小組的人，然後考慮行政事項如何分配（在誰家聚會？誰負責發email？如果有問題要找誰？），也在做這個決定的第一時間就先知會大家，過程中就是不斷的溝通溝通溝通，直到所有人都沒有疑慮為止。除了小組之外，我平常在教會裡的其他任務（樂團鍵盤手、兒童主日學助教）也會受到影響，因此也得付出額外的心力去溝通。很讓人感恩的是，到了今天準備出發時，該交接任務的都交接完成，教會朋友都知道我要去旅行兩個月的計畫，也都非常開心的祝福我一路平安，並且表示願意一路為我禱告，即使我說穿了就是去放假旅行罷了，還有很多人是比我更需要禱告支持的呀。

總之，今晚要出發了，教會的事情也都不用我擔心，很期待一路上可以無後顧之憂的好好享受，也可以透過所看到的人事物與自然景色，對背後的造物者有新的認識。至於現在仍然帶有一點焦慮的心情，以及我對這種感覺的回應，很意外的被一句平常沒有特別喜歡也不太有感覺的歌詞給精確描述了：

“You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail.
And there I find You in the mystery. In oceans deep, my faith will stand.”

(English edition)

First of all, I have no intent to develop something called “travel theology”, or a “bible and travel” seminar, to make my trip sound more holy or biblical. In my opinion, choosing to travel instead of working at this moment is a decision out of the free will given by God, just like choosing Japanese ramen for dinner instead of Korean tofu soup.

Nevertheless, travel and faith still have some commonality. They both require some confidence - not the confidence in oneself, but the confidence in someone or something else. For example, to get visa on arrival for Uzbekistan, I had to ask a hostel there to provide the pre-approved letter of invitation (LOI), and pay then some commision before getting the letter. I inevitably had doubts in the process: is this an actual hostel? Am I going to get a visa just by giving them my documents and commision? What if everything is just part of a treachery? Even if the hostel owner sounded quite trustworthy, I couldn’t be fully certain until two weeks ago when getting the approved LOI. To some extent, travel and faith are similar: both require you to believe something/someone is true, no matter it’s a hostel, lonely planet, trip advisor or web forums.

This trip is also related to my church. As a leader and host of a small group, my absence definitely has impact on the group. Therefore, some efforts, a temporary place to meet, etc. In addition, other ministries that I’m part of (worship team, Sunday school) are also affected. Thankfully, most things are now all set. Most church friends now know about my trip, gave me their wishes and offered to pray for me - even if this trip is simply a vacation, not a short-term mission.

Anyway, now I’m officially on the way, and temporarily away from my church duties. Hope I can enjoy the trip, and know the Creator through the world and things He created. Part of me still feels the anxiety of going into unknown places, but the lyrics from church services affirm my take against this feeling:

“You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail.
And there I find You in the mystery. In oceans deep, my faith will stand.”

隔了三年，居然每次提到《沒關係，是愛情啊！》都會引起非常多討論，我也很常很常想起『Sleepless Night 』這首歌。全韓語翻譯的英文歌詞如下，大家應該會好懂很多。

I am in love with you, can’t you see my heart?
Please don’t go far away because my tears are about to fall

I am waiting for you
I’m at the same spot, at the same place
Just like how spring comes after the winter (with you)

Feelings rush over me like waves
Tears fall like the star light
It crushes into my heart

Why don’t you love me? (Why?)
Why are you in my head? (Love you)
I can’t say anything but (I don’t wanna cry)

The green roof in front of my house
Are you living there?
All night, I’m staring at that house

I am in love with you, can’t you see my heart?
Please don’t go far away because my tears are about to fall

The coat you always wore, the worn out, brown ruler
The bus that goes home, the restaurant you always went to
These are all memories of you, I remember you

The indie songs that played in your favorite bar
Your old sweater, your red scarf
These are all memories of you, you know?

Like finding shelter when it rains
Like resting when things get hard
I would always protect you from behind (with you)

It’s already past evening
The world silently closes its eyes
Only I have insomnia because of you

Am I the only deserted island?
Or did I set up a prison in my heart?
This is too cruel to be a punishment for love
I hate my heart
I know it love is pain

The crumpled up letter in my blue coat
It’s my true heart that I couldn’t tell you
In my lonely empty room, I confess alone on this sad night
I love you

I am in love with you, can’t you see my heart?
Please don’t go far away because my tears are about to fall

Tonight I wanna cry oh lady tell me why
On this sleepless and lonely night

Tonight I wanna cry oh lady tell me why
A lonely night at thoughts of you

今日はGReeeeNの新曲「beautiful days」を英語でお届けします♪
ドラマ『家売るオンナ』の主題歌になっています。
英語版を気に入っていただけると嬉しいです(^O^)
Enjoy!

English cover of "beautiful days" by Japanese band GReeeeN.
It is the theme song for TV drama "Ie Uru Onna" (The Woman Who Sells Houses).
Enjoy the English version!

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曲情報 / SONG INFO
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GReeeeN / beautiful days
Released 2016
Theme song for TV drama "Ie Uru Onna"
Music/Lyrics: GReeeeN
English Lyrics: Rebecca Butler Watanabe

■Official MV
Lyric Video: https://youtu.be/PTq9CWxhpQw
Drama Preview: https://youtu.be/te8c6-4jt2k

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リンク / LINKS
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■HP⇒ http://BlueEyedUtaUtai.jimdo.com
■Facebook⇒ http://facebook.com/blueeyedutautai
■Twitter⇒ @BlueEyedUtaUtai

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歌詞 / LYRICS
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On the day you left, my heart stopped keeping time
And I’ve been standing in the same place watching life go by
Never did imagine I’d standing here alone
Without the kindness of your words to shield me from the cold

Photographs where we’re smiling together
Reading back what you wrote in your letter
Finally, I understand, but it’s too late, I realize
Now that you’ll never come back this place
How can we say the things we want to say?
All I ever wanted was to be with you forever

I love you still today
And I still long to see your face
I am always searching for your shadow in corners near and far
So, baby, please come back to me
'Cause I’m ready to be
What you needed me to be from the very start

I remember when we were so young and free
When we could take or deal a hurtful blow so callously
When we thought we’d have it all for all eternity
Back before I ever knew the true meaning of misery

From the nights when we talked ‘til the morning
To the days we spent angry and warring
Every single moment that I spent with you was beautiful
If I could make a wish that would come true
I would wish I could say all this to you
I’d wish I could go to you wherever you may be

As days keep passing by
I get swept up in the tide
And the sky above stains me in the colors of the setting sun
Reflected in my eyes
As I stand here tonight
Just a shadow looking so lonesomely above

I release the words into the sky, hoping they reach your ears
As I let the feelings I’ve been keeping inside free
Oh, I miss you…

How I long to touch you one more time
Want to feel your hand entwined with mine
I reach out with all of me

I love you still today
I love you still today
And my heart keeps breaking over and over again
Wish I could go back to before
Align my shadow with yours
Like the beautiful days I thought would never end
Somehow I wish I could make you smile again

今日はミスチルの「しるし」を英語で歌ってみました♪
今回は英語にするのがちょっと難しかったです！
色々考えて作った英語バージョンを気に入っていただけると嬉しいですヾ(≧∇≦*)ノ

作詞作曲した桜井さんによると、歌詞は恋愛真っ只中の二人の物語、又は別れた二人の物語のどちらにも取れるように書いたそうです。

ちなみにこの「しるし」は、私が一番最初に見た日本のドラマ『１４才の母』の主題歌でした♪

Cover of "Shirushi" by Japanese band Mr.Children.
The title means "symbol" or "proof." According to the band, the lyrics can reflect either a couple in love or a couple who has broken up.

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曲情報 / SONG INFO
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Mr.Children / Shirushi
Theme Song for TV Drama "14-sai no Haha" (14-Year-Old Mother)
Album: HOME (2007); Single released 2006
Music/Lyrics: Kazutoshi Sakurai
English Lyrics: Rebecca Butler Watanabe

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リンク / LINKS
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■HP⇒ http://BlueEyedUtaUtai.jimdo.com
■Facebook⇒ http://facebook.com/blueeyedutautai
■Twitter⇒ @BlueEyedUtaUtai

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歌詞 / LYRICS
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I think I knew it was meant to turn out this way
Since I first felt you drawing near
The way our hearts beat out of time
A tempo just the two of us could hear

No matter what pretty words I may try to say
They all come out sounding like lies
So I will crumple up the letter
To my left brain that I’ve been trying to write

I let my heart’s voice speak
Seeking out your ears, but will it reach?
As it rides along on a silent song…

Darling, darling
There are so many sides of you I’ve come to see
All of them are beautiful and special
Helping me see what true love really means
And now, darling, you’re trying to show me
With such a subtle nuance:
"Uncertainty is only a defense against a broken heart"

Somebody laughed at a photo of us and said,
“Your faces look exactly the same”
I wonder, were we always alike?
Or did we grow alike along the way?

Now that I see how much earnestness I put in
It almost seems crazy to me
Enough to feel a little bit jealous
Of the old, thoughtless me I used to be

I let my heart’s voice speak
Though not a soul will ever hear a peep
But that is okay, it’s better that way

Darling, darling
The you I know has so many faces to show
No matter what I’m doing, I think of you
And feel an ache I never used to know
More than all of the anniversaries
Marked on my calendar page
It’s that part of you filling my mind
One memory at a time, clear as day

Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry
And sometimes we’re just overwhelmed
But all that is proof of us two and our love

Darling, darling
There are so many sides of you I’ve come to see
And even if one day we can’t be together
I think I’d still love you forever
Darling, darling… oh, my darling
You fill up my mind with memories
So clear that they make me go crazy

Darling, darling

今日は西野カナさんの「トリセツ」を英語でお届けします♪
この曲は「女性の取扱証明書」という面白いコンセプトになっています。
たくさんの女性が共感できると思いますので、男性の方は勉強してくださいね(笑)

Here is an English version of female Japanese singer-songwriter Kana Nishino's "Torisetsu" (Instruction Manual). I found the lyrics quite interesting, since they read as an instruction manual for how to treat a girl. Men, please take note :)

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曲情報 / SONG INFO
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Kana Nishino / Torisetsu (Instruction Manual)
Released 2015 (single)
Lyrics: Kana Nishino
Music: DJ Mass（VIVID Neon*), Shoko Matsuyama, etsuco
English Lyrics: Rebecca Butler Watanabe

■公式MV
https://youtu.be/aPHGClLjZWk

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リンク / LINKS
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■HP⇒ http://BlueEyedUtaUtai.jimdo.com
■Facebook⇒ http://facebook.com/blueeyedutautai
■Twitter⇒ @BlueEyedUtaUtai

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歌詞 / LYRICS
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I’d like to take this opportunity
to say thank you for choosing me
to be the partner by your side.
Before we start I will read out to you
the manual for how to use
me best and how to treat me right.

First off, always treat me like you need me
with respect and warmth.
Don’t forget that I’m a one-time-offer
with no exchanges or returns.
I’ll be yours forever more.

Well, there may be times when I am broken down or raise a fuss
but when you ask me why,
don’t expect an answer, but ignoring me will make it even worse.
For this, I apologize.
So I hope that you don’t let that discourage you
‘cause I’ll be counting on your love to see me through.

I’ll have longer durability with frequent compliments,
like saying my nails look good.
And if you notice all the little changes. I will be content.
Pay attention like you should.
Honey, but there are some things you don’t need to say.
You can keep it to yourself if you think I’m gaining weight.

When I get a little older and my hair turns to gray
and the magic is starting to fade,
just close your eyes and think of how we met that day
and all of the precious memories we made.

I look forward to being with you for quite a while.
I’m a mess but please take me as I am
with forgiveness and smile.
And if you always take good care of me,
my love will last forever with a lifetime guarantee.

Well, you may be surprised to hear a single flower that I don’t expect
is sure to make my heartbeat race
and little gifts from time to time will have a positive effect
if they’re chosen in good taste.
But if you want to know the best way to my heart,
writing me a short love letter is the best way to start.

And when I am drowning in sorrow and tears cover my face,
wipe them gently ‘til they’ve gone away.
Wrap your arms around me in a tight embrace,
‘cause no one else but you can make me feel okay.

I look forward to being with you for quite a while.
I’m a mess but please take me the way I am
with a nod and a smile.
And if you always take good care of me,
my love will last forever with a lifetime guarantee.

I’d like it if sometimes you would take me traveling
And for a fancy dinner on our anniversary
Without saying it’s not our scene
Take my arm so I feel like a queen.
Open your heart up wide and love me true and deeply
Take every single part of me

これからもどうぞよろしくね。
kore kara mo douzo yoroshiku ne.
こんな私だけど笑って許してね。
konna watashi dakedo waratte yurushite ne.
ずっと大切にしてね。
zutto taisetsu ni shite ne.
永久保証の私だから。
eikyuu hoshou no watashi dakara.