Oldest Man Has Climbed Mt. Everest

Elderly Japanese people! I'm telling you, they are so genki (full of life)! A 71-year-old retired Japanese schoolteacher has climbed Mt. Everest, and is in Kathmandu now to register his achievement. What a stud!

Walk for the Cure

One of my dearest friends is coming out on the other side of breast cancer, and recently (sporting pink hair!) participated in the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure in Ohio. It's a great way to spread the word and raise money for the cause.

Green Taxis

Hey guys! I'm back. There's been lots of good news lately but I've been a bit busy...so...no posts for a while hey.

Well, here's an interesting one: New York City taxis will go completely hybrid in the next five years.

I think I'm turning green (with envy) because I'd love to have a hybrid car...someday...

Oldy But Goody

This report is from the beginning of April, but World Vision workers were relieved and encouraged to find a baby among the rubble of the earthquake in the Solomon Islands. He was gasping for air but very happy to be rescued!

Ban the Bags

Some American cities have already banned the use of nonbiodegradable plastic shopping bags, and others are considering it. As a result, there has been an outbreak of fashion bags appearing on the market. I can't imagine paying $960 for a Hermes silk grocery bag, but hey, the idea of banning all that plastic waste is a great one.

Kidney Miracle

A couple in Pennsylvania were planning on divorcing, but read here how a kidney transplant changed their minds.

Creatures of the Deep

Scientists have discovered more than 700 new species of creatures living in the deep waters near Antarctica. There is a very cool picture series you can troll through, and the underwater array of animules is amazing! Such diversity in our world. Absolutely phenomenal.

Hats Off to China the Cat

"China" the cat has survived thirty-five days in a box of motorcycle helmets aboard a cargo ship from the Orient to the US. Amazing! Bad news mixed in with the good, though: She now has to live through six months of quarantine. But that is one tough cookie-cat, and I think she'll be just feline-fine, if her around-the-world voyage is anything to go by.

Do any of you blog readers out there in Cyberland have any cool animal stories to share?

More Bloomin' Azalea Pics

My mother-in-law's gorgeous potted azaleas in England...

Mini-azaleas on Rokko Mountain here in Japan.

Doesn't the fact that God created such beauty just for us blow your mind? It does mine! Every season is good news to me because it points to the One who gives us every good and perfect gift.

Wallet Returned 55 Years Later

You know, a lot of people mope about the world going to h*** in a handbasket, but check out this story of a wallet returned to its original owner, Mr. Goodlove, fifty-five years after he lost it in the backseat of his car (apparently that's another good love story)!

Great News for Northern Ireland

Devolution is working, and the DUP and Sinn Fein's new peace agreement has the backing of loads of politicians in the area and around the world. They think it will stick this time...get some of the politicians' responses here.

Shrek Strikes Back

I know this is not on a serious par with yesterday's post about more religious freedom in Vietnam, but the fact that Shrek the Third is coming out in theaters is definitely good news! Donkey's my fave...

Vietnam Allowing More Religious Freedom

Since the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the Constitution of that country has guaranteed the right to choose or not choose religion. On paper.

In reality it has been very different, but The Institute for Global Engagement has seen some very promising strides forward lately. Good news indeed for Christians in Vietnam who have feared for their lives and their families.

Peace Cycling

Jafar and Naseem Edrisi from Iran are cycling around the world for peace. 20,000 km sounds like a lot of work to me, but the couple enjoy traveling and are looking forward to the trip.

Miracle!

Check out this cool true miracle story from my other blog.

Bloomin' Azaleas

One thing I remember from my childhood are the magenta-colored azaleas in front of my parents' home, right outside my bedroom window. Here in Japan the blossoms are out now, along with irises, roses, and wisteria, and I have a deep feeling of nostalgia blooming in my heart!

Premature Twins Both Survive

Nicole Ryman in Sydney was told by doctors that she had to deliver her twins at twenty-nine weeks. They had a rare disorder where one was losing blood to the other, and when they were born, Byron was three times larger than Lincoln. Both boys are still in the hospital but apparently doing well, and their mother is so thankful that she has both babies. Click the above link to read more and see a cute pic of the brothers.

Adopt A Platoon

No matter your stance on the war in Iraq, the soldiers there desperately need your support. Read more here about how you can help boost their spirits! The Adopt A Platoon Web site also has some encouraging reports of how others have pitched in and helped.

Amazing Adoption

61-year-old man adopts 41-one-year-old woman. You have to read this beautiful story to believe it!

Graduating Granny

Nola Ochs is a 95-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother from Kansas who can clearly remember the 1930s Dust Bowl (which my husband jokes is a famous football game). Nola is graduating from college after taking classes here and there since her husband passed away in 1972. Her 21-year-old granddaughter will be graduating along with her, and Nola is proving popular among her classmates.

Go, Granny, go! What an inspiration.