Andrew's assertations

it's been a few months, at least from the tallying and recording of days and nights that I've done. I'm writing this account on some parchment, exchanged for some crops yielded by my flock.
I would never keep a personal item like this, but I did need something to record my experiences here, amongst these kind people who put so much faith in not only me, but a loving God whom listens to their prayers.
It wasn't easy, earning the trust and community that I've cultivated here.
One has to listen, to hear and to emphasize with others on a level that one would consider a profession all on its own!
But I don't mind.
The fact this group has swelled to such numbers, to trust in me and the glory of Jesus Christ, shows the power of his glory and love.
Ever since I began preaching I knew I couldn't commit to this undetaking alone.
I needed a few to save many.
That's why my laymen or lay preachers or laity as however one would describe, has gone out deeper into this region locally known as the 'Spines' as well as those fog enshrouded temple and shrines further north.
Through their courage and willingness, I've been able to understand the greater world at large. That's why I'm scribing this work, to remember and to inform, but also to warn.
If what I've heard from my laity is correct, this work will tell my flock of what to know, what to consider, and what to avoid.

When I first got here, the most striking thing about the lands of fog and...well, essentially graves and memorials was how quiet it was, unsettlingly so.
No animals, not even the falling of leaves outside the occasional wind that slowly crept through the trees and sounded like the soft exhales of a forlorn soul.
It was around this time I met a girl, at least that's what I assumed from the appearance.
She wore extravagant robes (at least compared to I, only in a simple longsleeve of black, matching much of the rest of my garments.) but also more oddly a masque shaped as an imitation of an animal.
For a short while no words were spoken, until with much trepidation I asked what would more obviously be on anyone's mind upon such a experience as being...reincarnated?
I asked where I was.
She responded in simple terms to a simple question. "the Spirit Chateaus" she said.
"Where I have always been."
Where you have been?
I dared not inquire more, I knew not.
My fear was like a tyrant in this time, I only gave a nod and my thanks under my breath, though I feel after the fact I should return and apologize if it seemed I did not give proper gratitude.
She seemed young, her hair being a well groomed and her appearance being near pristine.
Now that I think of it, I was rather... un-nerved by more the fact she seemed almost not real...like I had gone mad and she was but a illusion of my mind.
Maybe I am mad, I believe in a gracious Lord that almost near none share in his grace and presence, the few I've gathered being seemingly all there is or possibly, will be.
But regardless, she seemed... benevolent.
I will return soon to that place, my laity has done plenty a pilgrimage to that land and I would be not a true servant of God if I showed cowardice over a feeling.
I shall apologize in clear plain words, and maybe I shall know more of her.
Possibly as well, try my best to see if she too would become a sister in Christ.

Now this, this particularly bewildered me.
Weeks after I had brought my small gathering to establish my new church of Christ, I am informed by some local woodsmen who've now joined us that there's, a blood cult?
A blood cult! But a walk away from this temple.
I cannot in full confidence say this will not arise conflict amongst my congregation and this...whatever this group exists to do, but I will try to keep it from becoming violent.
Blessed are the peacemakers, after all.
Once when I was returning to the fog-plagued shrines, I saw this child but just a few steps to the side of the dirt path that spanned for oh, say several thousands of feet, leading only God knows.
She's holding some metal staff, with an odd box at the end of it.
She's constantly mentioning this mantra or person, 'chat'. "..and there's my neighbour, chat! Say hello to the weird neighbor chat!"
She points the tool in a way that seems to be meant towards me in some way.
I give an admittedly half-hearted greeting, but then I realized I could inquire about the cult.
I asked plainly if she knew about it.
"Oh yeah! I run it! My name's Kiyomi by the way, you can find me on Twitch!"
twitch? she runs a cult!? a child!
She skipped away back towards another path that was the entrance to another property, a look of shock upon my face at the information that reached my ears.
what did even half of that mean?

during one of my pilgrimages to the misty miasma of the temple and shrinelands, I came upon a small residence that for some reason was clear and fair from the natural ills of the land.
I could see clearly at a lake or mire that held a placid temperament.
The home was no bigger then a shed, possibly a fishing hut.
But as I approached, I could feel the sense of being watched, or monitored.
As my eyes slowly scanned the mists and trees, I noticed a figure that stood still as many of the human-like statues that lined the pathways and stone walkabouts that flowed through the forests like rivers.
It was a woman, with flowing robes of white and red, reminding me of that other girl.
It was eerie, but I gave a curt nod in the case I was intruding, then with immediacy left back on the paths, towards other locales not yet known.
However, I soon noticed that this same woman was ahead of me on the path, sleeves brought together and a gaze of neutrality that consequently had a mix of judgement and intensity.
I approached and introduced myself, and she did as well.
Iku, her name was.
A woman of small stature who nonetheless commanded an enormous amount of respect.
Iku wished to know about my existence, my reason for being here as well as what my faith was in greater detail.
As we walked, I explained myself in full.
She kept that near pristine complexion during the entirety of me letting my soul be poured out.
It was, rather difficult not to be unnerved by it.
Eventually she gave thanks, she was very curt during the exchange.
I'm of the mind she was doing more contemplation then wishing to engage in dialogue.
Something tells me there was purpose in doing so, as if she has a goal or agenda in mind with what knowledge she had parsed from my words.
She said she would need me again for further particulars about Kirishitanity.
I made a promise of that, possibly in the hopes that maybe, I could come to eventually make her a sister in Christ.
None were beyond the light of God.
I did not ask of what she was or of whom she belonged to, it was a question that was usually asked firstly, instead of being followed after a length of answering.
Iku was the one that asked me, so when the time comes I will be the one to ask and not answer.