† THROUGH THE VALLEY ¢

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”

– Psalm 23

Join us as world-renown author and literary representative for the U.S.,

Sharon Draper, leads us on a healing journey of hope through the valley.

THE WOMEN’S CONFERENCEAMAGI SANSO

JAN. 31 - FEB. 2, 2014

The Journey:

By Train: The nearest railway station to Amagi Sanso is Shuzenji. The nearest Shinkansen station is Mishima. The ride from Mishima to Shuzenji takes 37 minutes on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo line. Visit http://www.hyperdia.com to work out your route. From Tokyo or Yokohama the easiest route is to take the JR “Odoriko” which travels along the Tokaido line direct to Shuzenji.

From Shuzenji station to Amagi Sanso: Tokai bus to Amagi Sanso (30min/¥800). Buy ticket in Bus office. Bus stand #4. Takes around 30 minutes, and stops just outside the sanso. If you are late and miss the bus you can take a taxi. Ask at Izu Hakone Taxi at the left of station.

By Car: Tomei Expressway to Numazu I.C., exit straight ahead on Route 161 to Route 1 (follow signs to Shimoda all the way), continuing onto Route 136. Turn right at ‘GOTO’ onto Izu Chuo Toll Road (fast route); OR Straight ahead past Shuzenji (about 1 hour). Take Route 414. Amagi Sanso is about 20 minutes beyond, (climbing up mountain) on right. (Numazu I.C. to Amagi Sanso 37 km.)

The Women’s Conference

Begun in 1957 by missionary wives, the annual Women’s Conference is now in its 57th Year!

Women of faith from all over Japan and other parts of the world meet every year for an uplifting time of spiritual renewal and reflection. The Women’s Conference has no parent organization, but is instead an ecumenical and collaborative program that focuses on Christian love and encouragement.

Speakers at the Women’s Conference have included: Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Madeleine L’Engle, Dr. Marva Dawn, Diana Butler Bass, Koko Kondo and Lorelei Johnson Ver Lee.

What to Bring:Bring a Bible, casual clothes, warm socks and slippers, PJs, towel & washcloth, pen & notebook, and a mug for beverages. If desired, you may also bring extra money for the Sunday offering and for gift purchases. You may bring snacks to share.

Amagi SansoRetreat Center

Sharon Draper, professional educator and award-winning author has been honored at

the White House many times and has recently visited China as a representative for

the State Department.

“Who am I? I’m a creator, a visionary, a poet. I approach the world with the eyes of an artist,  the ears of a musician, and the soul of a writer. I see rainbows where others see only rain, and possibilities when others see only problems. I love spring flowers, summer’s heat on my body, and the beauty of the dying leaves in the fall. Classical music, art museums, and ballet are sources of inspiration, as well as blues music and dim cafes.”

“I love to write; words flow easily from my fingertips, and my heart beats rapidly with excitement as an idea becomes a reality on the paper in front of me. I smile often,  laugh easily, and I weep at pain and cruelty. I'm a learner and a seeker of knowledge, and I try to take my readers along on my journey. I am passionate about what I do.”

“I learned to dream through reading, learned to create dreams through writing, and learned to develop dreamers through teaching. I shall always be a dreamer. Come dream with me.” – Sharon Draper

CONFERENCE SCHEDULEJan. 31 - Feb. 2

FRIDAY14:00-16:15 Registration Before dinner Welcome After dinner Session in Chapel

SATURDAYMorning Session in ChapelFollowed by Workshops Early evening Onsen / Free Time Evening Session in Chapel

SUNDAYMorning Worship w/ CommunionLunch Bento provided

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that as there is no childcare available, only nursing infants may come with you. The conference will be conducted in English. And yes, ice cream will be served.

Photo by Jules Hargreaves

REGISTRATION INFORMATION& CONFERENCE COSTS

EARLY BIRD or GROUP RATE (6 or more) (payment postmarked by Friday, November 29, 2013)¥19,000 – shared Japanese-style room for 4¥24,000 – Western-style room for 2 with bath

REGULAR (payment postmarked from December 1 through 31, 2013)¥23,000 – shared Japanese-style room¥28,000 – Western-style room for 2 with bath

LATE (payment postmarked in January of 2014)¥29,000 – shared Japanese-style room¥34,000 – Western-style room for 2 with bath

This per person fee covers lodging, six meals, conference program, ice cream cone, and a free onsen bath.

Bring your daughter at reduced rate:(Age 14+)¥19,000 – shared Japanese-style room¥24,000 – Western-style room for 2 with bath

Note: All western rooms include 2 twin-size beds and a small fridge.

HOW TO REGISTER1.Register online at: http://wocon.net2. Payment: FURIKOMIAvailable at any post office. Send to the following address:

Acct# 00240-3-29031Acct Name: Women’s Conference

Please remember to allow 5 - 7 days for the money to reach our treasurer and be recorded. Write your name and address in ROMAN LETTERS.

Co-Chairs: Ruth Ingulsrud and Sarah ObaRegistrar: Kelley Davidson at: 080-3426-0335

If you have a great idea for a workshop, or if you have questions, contact us at: woconjapan@gmail.com or call Sarah Oba at: 090-6548-1982

Cover illustration by Elsa Ingulsrud