I just got home from the holiday party for my Japanese class at the city hall. The teachers there are incredibly nice, they all volunteer to teach, and we had a great time. When I arrived they had set up the tables so that there was one huge long table we all sat around and there was lots of delicious Japanese food. Sushi, tempura, soba, pocky...yum.
Each week I go to lessons, I meet with the same teacher, Wada Seinsei. We go through a text and every so often she will try to just have a conversation with me, but she does best with the text. She's a very nice lady. There is also another teacher, Fukashima Sensei, who has been Ashley and Drew's teacher for a while. I've had her teach me a couple times and her method is basically talking to you with lots of charades and repetition until you know what she's saying and can answer her question. The two teachers are good friends and a lot of fun. Fukashima Sensei has a lot of energy and doesn't hesitate to give Drew a good shove if he's being ornery or continuing to use bad grammar. She's also been know to jump over or climb under the table to get to the other side.
Now that you have a little picture of our teachers, let me tell you that I did the Macarena with Fukashima Sensei tonight. She is always trying to break me out of my shyness in Japanese language and will enthusiastically try to converse with me. Tonight she was asking me questions about singing and some other things because she saw me with the church at the city festival and I sang with them. I also danced, and I think seeing me do these things let her know that I'm not so shy overall, just with Japanese and new people. Anyway, she wanted me to sing for the group, which I kindly refused. Then someone turned on music. It happened to be the Macarena and Fukashima Sensei started doing the dance in her chair. Then she looked to me and said something, and then looked to Ashley to help me understand what she was saying. Ashley informed me that she really wanted me to get up and dance with her. And so I did. We danced the whole song in front of the class. It is LONG. She enjoyed every minute of it and really got into it, and I enjoyed it as well, mostly because I was dancing the Macarena with my super cool Sensei. A few others joined in and we had quite the fun time.
The night was completed with some BINGO and prizes for all. Oh and I forgot to mention introductions. Haha. I have a new appreciation for when teachers make the new kids stand up and introduce themselves when they don't really know English. I felt like an idiot. All I really said was, "My name is Sara." I didn't know how to say anything interesting and was too flustered to say the phrase for nice to meet you. And so I stood there mortified having said my name and not having a clue what else to say. They are all so kind though and they asked me my hobbies and where I was from. Fukashima Sensei helped me and so did Ashley, so it turned out ok.
It was a fun night. I ended up speaking Spanish more than Japanese, sitting by a Peruvian man who attends our church. Sometimes I talk to his son in Spanish...well I try, and so he knows I know a little and we small talked in Spanish. It's very odd to feel relieved when the Peruvian comes and sits by you and you think, "oh phew, someone I can kind of talk to."
This coming week I'm headed to Hamamatsu. The thought behind this is to have a cultural Christmas and New Years, and to be around people that can't speak English so I can listen and learn more Japanese. I'll be there for about 2 1/2 weeks so hopefully I can pick up on a few things and have some time to study my Japanese.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
coffee shop culture, department store conspiracy, the gift of education, and other news
Coffee Shop Culture
So for the four months or so I've lived here, I can't say I've ever really felt homesick. I've certainly missed people in the states, but I haven't really missed the place. So today for the first time I wished I could just transport myself to the US for a couple hours. The root of this desire? Starbucks. I don't even like Starbucks all that much, but Ashley and I were doing a bit of shopping today and took a little break in Starbucks. Aside from all the Asian people surrounding me and the menu in Japanese, I felt like I was in the States. English Christmas music playing, warm aroma of coffee, familiar red Starbucks holiday cups, it even looked like the states outside the doors of Starbucks looking onto the cosmetic counters of a department store. For just a short moment I wished I were sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops in the States...I'm now back at my house and quite content to be here, but I will report that my first feeling of homesickness was the result of a visit to a coffee shop. haha.
Department Store Conspiracy
Shops in Japan tend to close at 8:00pm which seems a bit early. This depratment store Starbucks looked onto, Ashley and I ventured into it. Turns out there wasn't a thing there that was anywhere near what we could afford. I've never been in a department store so trendy they have Prada and Tiffany's. Anyway we continued to meander through the expensive goods until about 8:10 when Ashley mentioned how it seemed we weren't really supposed to be there. Looking around and realizing that indeed we were the only customers among a number of business suited workers I agreed that it seemed it was time to go. It felt a bit like we were in some sort of conspiracy where at any moment the dark suited people would move in us and take us captive. Thankfully that is not what happened but we did quickly make our way down to the ground floor where we were directed toward the exit.
The Gift of Education
The last couple of days I have been thoroughly enjoying being a teacher. I have a Language Arts class of four high schoolers. None of them are native English speakers so Language Arts is a bit of a challenge for them. I realized not too long ago that I had a lot of background work to do to enable them to write decent persuasive essays. They turned in the final copy yesterday and I was so proud of them. They worked hard and did quite well! Now we are going to tackle oral presentations of their papers. For being such a small class, and considering they are all friends, they are very shy. So I decided we would work on breaking them out of their shells. I know about the shell of shyness because I was rather shy when I was in school as well, and hated giving presentations. I have since realized that the fear of that type of public speaking is really quite silly and unneccessary, no one is going to judge you based on your class presentation, and I was trying to share this with my students. I'm not a huge fan of public speaking for large groups, but I don't mind it, and in smaller groups of people I know, I find it to be rather fun. So I was trying to convey these ideas to my students and told them that we are going to work on overcoming their fears. This means I am coming up with ridiculous little exercises to loosen em up. Today I had them have an imaginary sword fight with a partner in front of the other two in the class for thirty seconds. Yesterday I had them each say a phrase with various tones to show meanings like fear, amusement, or surprise. I hope to get them comfortable with each other and really more with themselves. It's a fun challenge.
My two sixth graders are also a lot of fun. They always have interesting things to share with me, and they catch on pretty quickly to the work we do in class.
Other News
Last week was thanksgiving. I ate a thanksgiving meal three times which is more than I do in the States, and I'm in Japan. The first round was at my friend and vice principal's house and began with tea and Sumo Wrestling, followed by Thanksgiving dinner and the movie Narnia. It was quite fun. The second round was a family's house from church. Also enjoyable, but I had to leave early to go teach English. The third round followed an outreach at church. They invited people to come enjoy an American holiday and we served them dinner and entertained them with music and such. It turned out very well. Lots of people showed up and got to experience Thanksgiving and hear a bit about Jesus. I served food and was part of the musical entertainment...I wanted to throw some interpretive dance into the mix, but I didn't think the guy in charge of the program would have appreciated it :). After the guests left all the helpers got to eat. So Thanksgiving in Japan really was very nice. Aside from all the food, I really have a lot to be thankful for. To name a few in no particular order: my family, God's grace, a nice place to live, God's financial and relational provisions, my job, my friends back in the states, my friends in Japan, long underwear to keep me warm, a cool bike, coffee, living in Japan.......etc. etc.
Went in to Tokyo last weekend to hang out and go to a Bible study. Had a good time in Tokyo seeing a few sights and spending time with my friends, and the Bible study was good. It's really for Japanese people that are unfamiliar with but interested in Jesus. My friend leads it and it's a really cool relaxed place for people to hear a bit about the Bible. Jelly beans were involved after the study and it turns out they aren't very common here and were quite fascinating to the Japanese people there which I found a bit funny. They didn't really seem to like them.
Pray With Me
People keep asking me what I'm doing next year, and I don't have a clue. Pray that God would give me guidance. I want to be where God wants me, I just don't yet know where that is.
Me and my friend Josh by some famous dog statue. Apparently there was a dog who always waited for his master at the train station, even after his master died. So it was such a touching story the dog was made a memorial.
I made Aunt Onnie's pie filling with an oatmeal topping so I could eat a yummy gluten free dessert. Turned out pretty I though.
Ashley in Starbucks.
If it weren't for the menu in Japanese, you'd never know it was Japan.
So for the four months or so I've lived here, I can't say I've ever really felt homesick. I've certainly missed people in the states, but I haven't really missed the place. So today for the first time I wished I could just transport myself to the US for a couple hours. The root of this desire? Starbucks. I don't even like Starbucks all that much, but Ashley and I were doing a bit of shopping today and took a little break in Starbucks. Aside from all the Asian people surrounding me and the menu in Japanese, I felt like I was in the States. English Christmas music playing, warm aroma of coffee, familiar red Starbucks holiday cups, it even looked like the states outside the doors of Starbucks looking onto the cosmetic counters of a department store. For just a short moment I wished I were sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops in the States...I'm now back at my house and quite content to be here, but I will report that my first feeling of homesickness was the result of a visit to a coffee shop. haha.
Department Store Conspiracy
Shops in Japan tend to close at 8:00pm which seems a bit early. This depratment store Starbucks looked onto, Ashley and I ventured into it. Turns out there wasn't a thing there that was anywhere near what we could afford. I've never been in a department store so trendy they have Prada and Tiffany's. Anyway we continued to meander through the expensive goods until about 8:10 when Ashley mentioned how it seemed we weren't really supposed to be there. Looking around and realizing that indeed we were the only customers among a number of business suited workers I agreed that it seemed it was time to go. It felt a bit like we were in some sort of conspiracy where at any moment the dark suited people would move in us and take us captive. Thankfully that is not what happened but we did quickly make our way down to the ground floor where we were directed toward the exit.
The Gift of Education
The last couple of days I have been thoroughly enjoying being a teacher. I have a Language Arts class of four high schoolers. None of them are native English speakers so Language Arts is a bit of a challenge for them. I realized not too long ago that I had a lot of background work to do to enable them to write decent persuasive essays. They turned in the final copy yesterday and I was so proud of them. They worked hard and did quite well! Now we are going to tackle oral presentations of their papers. For being such a small class, and considering they are all friends, they are very shy. So I decided we would work on breaking them out of their shells. I know about the shell of shyness because I was rather shy when I was in school as well, and hated giving presentations. I have since realized that the fear of that type of public speaking is really quite silly and unneccessary, no one is going to judge you based on your class presentation, and I was trying to share this with my students. I'm not a huge fan of public speaking for large groups, but I don't mind it, and in smaller groups of people I know, I find it to be rather fun. So I was trying to convey these ideas to my students and told them that we are going to work on overcoming their fears. This means I am coming up with ridiculous little exercises to loosen em up. Today I had them have an imaginary sword fight with a partner in front of the other two in the class for thirty seconds. Yesterday I had them each say a phrase with various tones to show meanings like fear, amusement, or surprise. I hope to get them comfortable with each other and really more with themselves. It's a fun challenge.
My two sixth graders are also a lot of fun. They always have interesting things to share with me, and they catch on pretty quickly to the work we do in class.
Other News
Last week was thanksgiving. I ate a thanksgiving meal three times which is more than I do in the States, and I'm in Japan. The first round was at my friend and vice principal's house and began with tea and Sumo Wrestling, followed by Thanksgiving dinner and the movie Narnia. It was quite fun. The second round was a family's house from church. Also enjoyable, but I had to leave early to go teach English. The third round followed an outreach at church. They invited people to come enjoy an American holiday and we served them dinner and entertained them with music and such. It turned out very well. Lots of people showed up and got to experience Thanksgiving and hear a bit about Jesus. I served food and was part of the musical entertainment...I wanted to throw some interpretive dance into the mix, but I didn't think the guy in charge of the program would have appreciated it :). After the guests left all the helpers got to eat. So Thanksgiving in Japan really was very nice. Aside from all the food, I really have a lot to be thankful for. To name a few in no particular order: my family, God's grace, a nice place to live, God's financial and relational provisions, my job, my friends back in the states, my friends in Japan, long underwear to keep me warm, a cool bike, coffee, living in Japan.......etc. etc.
Went in to Tokyo last weekend to hang out and go to a Bible study. Had a good time in Tokyo seeing a few sights and spending time with my friends, and the Bible study was good. It's really for Japanese people that are unfamiliar with but interested in Jesus. My friend leads it and it's a really cool relaxed place for people to hear a bit about the Bible. Jelly beans were involved after the study and it turns out they aren't very common here and were quite fascinating to the Japanese people there which I found a bit funny. They didn't really seem to like them.
Pray With Me
People keep asking me what I'm doing next year, and I don't have a clue. Pray that God would give me guidance. I want to be where God wants me, I just don't yet know where that is.
Me and my friend Josh by some famous dog statue. Apparently there was a dog who always waited for his master at the train station, even after his master died. So it was such a touching story the dog was made a memorial.
I made Aunt Onnie's pie filling with an oatmeal topping so I could eat a yummy gluten free dessert. Turned out pretty I though.
Ashley in Starbucks.
If it weren't for the menu in Japanese, you'd never know it was Japan.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Random Ruminations
Lately one word to sum up my emotional state would probably be confused. Questions like, "Why does God have me here?" "How much time does God desire I spend on learning Japanese and ministering to those in the community, and how much am I to devote to my students and the church and ministering to them?" "What is my role as a woman in the church?" "How can I best honor God in the relationships I have formed here?" have been swirling in my mind for weeks, and there came a point a few days ago when they just felt heavy.
Really I'm a bit of a hypocrite. I always am telling people not to worry, but simply to live following what you do know about what Jesus has called you to. I believe that in Christ there is freedom and I desire for others to realize that, really really realize what that means. But somehow I lost sight of that. I allowed myself to get weighed down by worry that I'm not doing or understanding what Christ has called me to. Part of me still knew that really I just need to trust that as I seek to follow God he will lead, but there was something in me that was telling me I needed to figure it out and that if I didn't I might miss what God is calling me to.
So yesterday I decided to email a professor I had while I was at Biola. One of the things that was holding my thoughts so tightly was this idea that as a women, I needed to figure out what my role was in the church. What do those verses really mean that talk about women in the church? So I email this professor knowing that he studies the Bible in such depth, and really seeks to understand what it means within the context it was written. So I emailed and asked his thoughts. I really kind of thought he would give some sort of really conservative Christian answer, but what he said to me was, that the most important label we have is "Servant of God." That is how we are to live. We are to use the gifts God gave us in whatever way God asks us. The rest falls to the side. I really needed to be reminded of this. We love to label things, and put people in boxes, but that's not how God works.
My current goal, is to stop worrying and just to live as a Servant of God each day.
Really I'm a bit of a hypocrite. I always am telling people not to worry, but simply to live following what you do know about what Jesus has called you to. I believe that in Christ there is freedom and I desire for others to realize that, really really realize what that means. But somehow I lost sight of that. I allowed myself to get weighed down by worry that I'm not doing or understanding what Christ has called me to. Part of me still knew that really I just need to trust that as I seek to follow God he will lead, but there was something in me that was telling me I needed to figure it out and that if I didn't I might miss what God is calling me to.
So yesterday I decided to email a professor I had while I was at Biola. One of the things that was holding my thoughts so tightly was this idea that as a women, I needed to figure out what my role was in the church. What do those verses really mean that talk about women in the church? So I email this professor knowing that he studies the Bible in such depth, and really seeks to understand what it means within the context it was written. So I emailed and asked his thoughts. I really kind of thought he would give some sort of really conservative Christian answer, but what he said to me was, that the most important label we have is "Servant of God." That is how we are to live. We are to use the gifts God gave us in whatever way God asks us. The rest falls to the side. I really needed to be reminded of this. We love to label things, and put people in boxes, but that's not how God works.
My current goal, is to stop worrying and just to live as a Servant of God each day.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
"Baby, I was born ready...."
I biked to Haneda Airport....here's me at the finish line (though actually the half way point, had to bike home) and here are our bikes by the trail as we took a brief rest.
My dear Aunti, whenever asked if she's ready, always responds, "I was born ready," and that's a mentality that I tend to have. I'm always ready for an adventure. Yesterday this kicked me in the butt. A while ago my friend Drew mentioned that he thought it'd be fun to bike to Sendai sometime and camp along the way. I like biking and I like camping so I thought it sounded like a great idea and promptly told him this. Ever since then we've been dreaming of a fun bike ride and trying to rally a group of people to join the adventure.
Sendai is about 300km from where we live. This means that we need some serious training before we go and now that we both have decent bikes we thought we should give a longer bike ride a shot. So yesterday we had the bright idea of biking down a trail by the river to Haneda Airport. We took some snacks and beverages and hit the road at about 9am. Well Haneda Airport is quite the treck. Turns out it's about 50Km each way. Oh my word! I hurt! But the worst part was not being sore today...it was the ride home. We made it to Haneda just fine, and really the trip was pretty enjoyable, we saw some interesting things along the way like a baseball team of old Japanese men, a guy riding one of the bikes that has a really big front tire and a really little back one, and of course people practicing various instruments in the park. We even got a wave and a konichiwa from a the baseball coach of some young boys, all riding past on their bikes while we had stopped to eat lunch. But after 5 hours to Haneda we weren't exactly itching to hop back on our bikes and ride home. However we had no choice so we climbed back onto our bikes and began the long ride back.
The first hour or two wasn't terrible and we then stopped for a good dinner at Denny's. This was a Denny's like you've never been to. They may have had french toast, but other than that it was fully Japanese, haha. Rice, miso, udon...Anyway the hardest part of the ride, and the part where I thought to myself, "what the hell were you thinking?!" was after that when it was dark, about 6:30 and we still had a good three hours ahead of us. My rear hurt like you wouldn't believe...my bike's saddle is HARD! And my legs were feeling a bit fatigued. Really the worst of it was the time we had left ahead of us and my uncomfortable bike seat. I also now understand why cyclists wear the funny looking clothes. The spandex would have been nice and breathable and easy to move in, not to mention the behind usually has a little extra padding that I would have appreciated.
Anyway, we did make it back at about 10pm. Learned that there are some things you simply were not born ready to do. Taking a 100km bike ride without working your way up to it, is a very bad idea. Although I am thankful that by the grace of God, when I'm really stressed or tired things become very funny, so while my body has been hating me since about half way through the day yesterday, up until the moment I am writing this, there came a point yesterday where I just found everything funny. And really, it was a fun advenute at many points.
I am currently reevaluating the potental 300km bike ride that would also require 300km home and at least six days of what we did yesterday. Maybe once I recover I will be up for training for it. We'll see.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Today was my birthday, still is in the states actually. I felt so incredibly blessed. This morning I was kind of wishing that I was in the states and could celebrate with my friends there, and while I still wish I was close enough to spend time with them, God has provided me with wonderful people in my life here.
The day began wonderfully with God's gift of sunshine (something I do not take for granted....yesterday was raining and freezing cold....so it was a lovely birthday gift). Then at lunch time I was presented with a berry dessert that Belinda, our vice principal, had made for me, taking care to avoid the many foods I cannot eat. After school I went on a bike ride in the sunshine on my new bike with my good friend, and then a large group of us went to dinner. Then....yes the excitement continues, I had fireworks show by the river for my birthday, followed by gifts. You know there are times when you just feel so undeserving. Today was one of the those days, and I am overwhelmed by the love of God and the love of those he's placed in my life.
The day began wonderfully with God's gift of sunshine (something I do not take for granted....yesterday was raining and freezing cold....so it was a lovely birthday gift). Then at lunch time I was presented with a berry dessert that Belinda, our vice principal, had made for me, taking care to avoid the many foods I cannot eat. After school I went on a bike ride in the sunshine on my new bike with my good friend, and then a large group of us went to dinner. Then....yes the excitement continues, I had fireworks show by the river for my birthday, followed by gifts. You know there are times when you just feel so undeserving. Today was one of the those days, and I am overwhelmed by the love of God and the love of those he's placed in my life.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
More Pictures
This is my house.
Me seeing some sights.
One of the sights was a very large Buddha.
I got to hang out with my Japanese brother, Shota.
Me seeing some sights.
One of the sights was a very large Buddha.
I got to hang out with my Japanese brother, Shota.
Pictures
The river...
Someone's garden along a hike we went on.
Two of the other teachers, Josh and Erin, two hiking buddies.
Housemates. Me, Ashley, and Erin.
This is just a little along the walk to the river.
Someone's garden along a hike we went on.
Two of the other teachers, Josh and Erin, two hiking buddies.
Housemates. Me, Ashley, and Erin.
This is just a little along the walk to the river.
Today I played the piano for the first time in somewhere near seven years. Not sure how I got talked into it, but a few of my friends here want to play some worship stuff and when it was mentioned that I used to play the piano, I was then designated. So today one of the guys thought we should start practicing, handed me some sheet music and was like, alright let's go, so not only did I play the piano for the first time in a long time, but I was trying to sight read the music and play along with my friend as he played the drums or guitar. I must say, I was thankful for his gracious spirit because I'm going to really need some practice, but he didn't make me feel like a fool as I tried to keep up. Actually, lately I've been finding that my music background may be put to use here. I love to sing, although usually just for myself, or as one of many voices in a choir, but people here know I love to sing and I've been asked more than once to help with worship. Not sure what to do with it. I used to really want to do that kind of thing, but there was always someone better who could do it instead, and now I'm not so sure it's something I really want to do, but on the other hand there seems to be a need and I don't not want to do it. I don't know, it's just been odd the way music keeps coming up.
Tomorrow we have a day off for a holiday and I'm looking forward to it. I'm not sure how it is possible that I feel like there is a lot to do for school when I have so few students, but I find that I'm still very busy with making sure I have things ready for class. Last week we had an unexpected holiday because there was a typhoon. It turned out that our area wasn't hit very hard, and the typhoon had pretty much passed by 11:30, but school was canceled and we had the day free. It turned out to be a beautiful day, quite warm and sunny, and after taking some time to just relax and read I decided a bike ride would be nice in the warm weather. So I got a friend to come along and we went on a nice long bike ride by the river. It was really pretty and just what I needed. Sometimes I just need to get away from things and be in God's creation on a bike with the breeze blowing past. It was a lovely release and left me feeling quite peaceful and exhausted.
I also had a Japanese cultural experience this week when I decided to hit the Onsen with one of my housemates, Erin. The Onsen is a hot spring and the Japanese go to bath and sit in the hot spring. The men and women are separate and you go in the nude. Turned out it was quite nice, very relaxing and creates a nice time to just chat. Much like a hot tub without the bathing suit. I really don't know why American's seem to have such a fear of nakedness. The ladies at the Onsen seemed to just come to relax and talk with their friends or family. Anyway that was my cultural experience of the week.
Tomorrow we have a day off for a holiday and I'm looking forward to it. I'm not sure how it is possible that I feel like there is a lot to do for school when I have so few students, but I find that I'm still very busy with making sure I have things ready for class. Last week we had an unexpected holiday because there was a typhoon. It turned out that our area wasn't hit very hard, and the typhoon had pretty much passed by 11:30, but school was canceled and we had the day free. It turned out to be a beautiful day, quite warm and sunny, and after taking some time to just relax and read I decided a bike ride would be nice in the warm weather. So I got a friend to come along and we went on a nice long bike ride by the river. It was really pretty and just what I needed. Sometimes I just need to get away from things and be in God's creation on a bike with the breeze blowing past. It was a lovely release and left me feeling quite peaceful and exhausted.
I also had a Japanese cultural experience this week when I decided to hit the Onsen with one of my housemates, Erin. The Onsen is a hot spring and the Japanese go to bath and sit in the hot spring. The men and women are separate and you go in the nude. Turned out it was quite nice, very relaxing and creates a nice time to just chat. Much like a hot tub without the bathing suit. I really don't know why American's seem to have such a fear of nakedness. The ladies at the Onsen seemed to just come to relax and talk with their friends or family. Anyway that was my cultural experience of the week.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tonight a very sweet, and very little, old man came to our door with gifts of bread. I was the only one home and felt badly that the only thing I could say to him, was thank you so very much, over and over, and I'm sorry because I couldn't understand him. Ashley had told me before that there was a little man that would sometimes bring things to her and Anna, so at least I knew about him. I've noticed that Japanese people tend to be very sweet and very understanding when I can't speak to or understand them. I've also noticed there are quite a few elderly people in our neighborhood, and at times some of them look very lonely. I hope that I get to a point in my language ability to be able to have little conversations with them, I wish I knew enough Japanese to really sit down with them and get to know them and love on them.
Today was our third day of school. I have 5 students right now and a 6th coming on Monday. I find myself stumbling as I try to figure out what it is to teach such small classes. Some of the things you do in a large class become silly and unnecessary, but that's what I'm used to so this is an adjustment. My students are very sweet though. I have 4 high schoolers and initially found them a little intimidating, but really they are very kind and they really do put effort into class. They are also very quiet. Today was exciting because when I asked a question that was directed at a specific person I they started to speak up more than they had been the last two days. I also have one sixth grader and she is great. She is very willing to ask questions and she puts her own thoughts into the lessons which is cool. Today we talked about elements of plot and I drew Freytag's pyramid and she made a whole little analogy for herself. When the other sixth grader comes I will have to get creative because she is just learning English. I'm going to have to figure out how to keep the one girl challenged and provide a lot of support for the other.
Another tidbit about my life right now, I started a dance class at church last night. I've never really been fantastic at dance, I haven't really done it much, but there is something about music and dancing that I'm really drawn to. It's a such an expression of freedom. Anyway I was excited when I heard my roommate mention wanting to try out the dance class at church, and last night we tried it out. The woman who is the main instructor was very kind to us and patient and encouraging. I definitely didn't get all the moves, but it was a lot of fun, and I was surprised at how some of the exercises we did were similar to the ones in the rhythm and movement class I took in College.
It's been a good first week, but I'm already tired, and I'm looking forward to the weekend.
Today was our third day of school. I have 5 students right now and a 6th coming on Monday. I find myself stumbling as I try to figure out what it is to teach such small classes. Some of the things you do in a large class become silly and unnecessary, but that's what I'm used to so this is an adjustment. My students are very sweet though. I have 4 high schoolers and initially found them a little intimidating, but really they are very kind and they really do put effort into class. They are also very quiet. Today was exciting because when I asked a question that was directed at a specific person I they started to speak up more than they had been the last two days. I also have one sixth grader and she is great. She is very willing to ask questions and she puts her own thoughts into the lessons which is cool. Today we talked about elements of plot and I drew Freytag's pyramid and she made a whole little analogy for herself. When the other sixth grader comes I will have to get creative because she is just learning English. I'm going to have to figure out how to keep the one girl challenged and provide a lot of support for the other.
Another tidbit about my life right now, I started a dance class at church last night. I've never really been fantastic at dance, I haven't really done it much, but there is something about music and dancing that I'm really drawn to. It's a such an expression of freedom. Anyway I was excited when I heard my roommate mention wanting to try out the dance class at church, and last night we tried it out. The woman who is the main instructor was very kind to us and patient and encouraging. I definitely didn't get all the moves, but it was a lot of fun, and I was surprised at how some of the exercises we did were similar to the ones in the rhythm and movement class I took in College.
It's been a good first week, but I'm already tired, and I'm looking forward to the weekend.
Monday, August 31, 2009
It raining! Feels a bit like home (Portland home, not SoCal home) in the rain... Actually I'm enjoying the cooler rainy weather because the last couple weeks have been pretty warm and sticky. Although I'm told that this has been a mild summer.
Tomorrow school starts. Preparing for the school year has been quite odd. I made copies for my 6th grade class today and realized that rather than making the 140 copies I used to make while teaching in the states, I now only have to make about 3 and that includes 1 for me. My high school class is a bit larger with 5 students. It's also different because I have a lot more freedom to teach my classes how I feel comfortable teaching, rather than following district guidelines. I found myself getting pretty excited as I began to plan out the year realizing that I can be creative in teaching, and I can incorporate character development and biblical truths in my classes. I had never though I wanted to teach in a Christian school (I'm still not thinking that's what I want to do long term), but there are definite benefits of being in this environment.
Aside from school, I'm enjoying this country. I find myself exceedingly frustrated when I can't communicate with people because I don't speak Japanese, but I'm trying to learn. It feels like I have such a long road ahead, probably because I do. It's not like my only problem is learning knew words and phrases in Japanese, I must first learn the Japanese syllables, and then I must learn how Japanese grammar works. I appreciate being with English speakers to help keep me from becoming lonely, but I also know that if I were with only Japanese speakers, I'd learn the language much more quickly. At the rate I'm going, I have a fear that I will return to the states having acquired very little Japanese. The other thing is that living in a place where you don't know the language is different from visiting one where you don't know the language. When you only visit, you can get by with charades and a few handy phrases, but when you live some where and want to really build relationships with people, and have meaningful conversations with them, charades don't suffice. So frustrating!
Despite my frustrations, it's not hard to see how God has blessed me here. I doubt that I will get very lonely. At this point I find it more difficult to find time to spend alone than I do to find time to spend with other people. The other teachers are very friendly and willing to hang out. A few days ago I went to the Zoo with one of the other teachers, a few Japanese girls and a Korean girl. It was fun hanging out and seeing some animals that I've never seen before like water buffalo, flamingos, and ostriches. I've also hung out with the other interns just walking around, or going to the grocery store and learning a little about each other. It's pretty cool because I can see how God has placed each of them here, each with very different gifts and personalities.
Tomorrow school starts. Preparing for the school year has been quite odd. I made copies for my 6th grade class today and realized that rather than making the 140 copies I used to make while teaching in the states, I now only have to make about 3 and that includes 1 for me. My high school class is a bit larger with 5 students. It's also different because I have a lot more freedom to teach my classes how I feel comfortable teaching, rather than following district guidelines. I found myself getting pretty excited as I began to plan out the year realizing that I can be creative in teaching, and I can incorporate character development and biblical truths in my classes. I had never though I wanted to teach in a Christian school (I'm still not thinking that's what I want to do long term), but there are definite benefits of being in this environment.
Aside from school, I'm enjoying this country. I find myself exceedingly frustrated when I can't communicate with people because I don't speak Japanese, but I'm trying to learn. It feels like I have such a long road ahead, probably because I do. It's not like my only problem is learning knew words and phrases in Japanese, I must first learn the Japanese syllables, and then I must learn how Japanese grammar works. I appreciate being with English speakers to help keep me from becoming lonely, but I also know that if I were with only Japanese speakers, I'd learn the language much more quickly. At the rate I'm going, I have a fear that I will return to the states having acquired very little Japanese. The other thing is that living in a place where you don't know the language is different from visiting one where you don't know the language. When you only visit, you can get by with charades and a few handy phrases, but when you live some where and want to really build relationships with people, and have meaningful conversations with them, charades don't suffice. So frustrating!
Despite my frustrations, it's not hard to see how God has blessed me here. I doubt that I will get very lonely. At this point I find it more difficult to find time to spend alone than I do to find time to spend with other people. The other teachers are very friendly and willing to hang out. A few days ago I went to the Zoo with one of the other teachers, a few Japanese girls and a Korean girl. It was fun hanging out and seeing some animals that I've never seen before like water buffalo, flamingos, and ostriches. I've also hung out with the other interns just walking around, or going to the grocery store and learning a little about each other. It's pretty cool because I can see how God has placed each of them here, each with very different gifts and personalities.
Friday, August 21, 2009
beginning
I have now been in Japan for about a week. My visa finally came through about two weeks before I was supposed to leave and I'm finally in Japan. The experience still feels a bit surreal as if I'm not really in Japan at all, or I'm not going to be living here for a year. However, I'm enjoying this place and trying to figure out what it looks like to live here. It actually doesn't feel too different from the States aside from not being able to communicate with anyone in the community. I had never thought I could speak much Spanish if I had to use what I learned in school with actual Spanish speakers, but I can't tell you how many times I wish I new even that much Japanese. Today I learned to count in Japanese. I've also been working on one of three Japanese alphabets. I still need work on that and I need to spend some serious time learning various words in Japaneses.
During this past week I've met most of the American teachers that I will be teaching with at Grace. The other newer teachers have been hanging out a lot. They are a lot of fun and have been great sports when it comes to venturing into the area, even those that have lived here a year and know a lot about it. They are very willing to share with us newbies and give us pointers. Most of my time though has been spent with the two other new teachers. Teacher orientation doesn't start until this coming Tues so being new to the area we really don't have anything scheduled and have a lot of free time. This has resulted in walks around the neighborhood and wandering through stores trying to figure out what they sell and what the packaged items actually are, walks to the nearby river, and today my first train ride and a hike in the mountains. It's been fun exploring.
Once I know more about what the actual school year will look like I will write more. At this point I've just been trying to settle in and get to know the other staff and the area we live in. They are all great people and have quickly welcomed in us newbies. I already feel like I have friends here that I can just hangout with and chat with which is a huge blessing.
During this past week I've met most of the American teachers that I will be teaching with at Grace. The other newer teachers have been hanging out a lot. They are a lot of fun and have been great sports when it comes to venturing into the area, even those that have lived here a year and know a lot about it. They are very willing to share with us newbies and give us pointers. Most of my time though has been spent with the two other new teachers. Teacher orientation doesn't start until this coming Tues so being new to the area we really don't have anything scheduled and have a lot of free time. This has resulted in walks around the neighborhood and wandering through stores trying to figure out what they sell and what the packaged items actually are, walks to the nearby river, and today my first train ride and a hike in the mountains. It's been fun exploring.
Once I know more about what the actual school year will look like I will write more. At this point I've just been trying to settle in and get to know the other staff and the area we live in. They are all great people and have quickly welcomed in us newbies. I already feel like I have friends here that I can just hangout with and chat with which is a huge blessing.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
My planned departure date for Japan is in less than three weeks! I can't believe how quickly time has passed. Unfortunately my visa has not gone through yet so I'm still waiting on buying my plane ticket. Please pray that my visa comes very soon. I'm not really worried about it because I trust that if the Lord want me in Japan he will provide the visa, but it would be nice to have things a little more concrete.
I said my California good-byes about a month and a half ago. I find myself thinking of my friends there quite often, wishing they were closer to just hang out with. I certainly haven't lacked things to keep my busy while I'm in Oregon though. In addition to trying to see a few old friends while I'm here and spend a bit of time with my family, I have also spent time with some old neighbor kids that are my adopted niece and nephews. My parents had them visit from Colorado for a little over two weeks which was a lot of fun playing with them, but a ton of work. My dear Auntie Onnie has also occupied my families attention as she went through surgery and had a lot of complications landing her in ICU, a general post op hospital floor, and now a rehab center. It was hard seeing her so very sick for so long because she's such a spunky person but she's doing much better and has a great attitude in the midst of it all. It's been a blessing being able to be here to support her an my family in all that has gone on.
A couple weeks ago I went to counsel at Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp for foster kids, and as always it was a highlight of my time in Oregon. I've had the same camper for five years now and each year she lets me in just a little more. It's so hard to see so many kids that have so much brokenness, but amazing to see God's faithfulness amongst it. I found myself leaving with a feeling of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.
The lastest has been a visit from my Auntie Daria from OH, finishing an online class, and spending a few days at my favorite beach. Auntie Dar always adds a spark to our family, and the beach always refreshes me. It's been a long time since I've just sat and read for pleasure, and spent hours just walking on the beach contemplating all that's gone on and talking to God. I needed it. One book that I'm currently reading was written by a guy in 1991 who went to teach in Japan. It's really fascinating, but also a bit overwhelming. I almost feel like I'd rather go to Japan blind, and without much knowledge of the cultural differences. I know that when I'm faced with the challenges of a new culture I will learn how to deal with them and be just fine, but anticipating them is a bit stressful. I'm trying to just read the book for it's enjoyment and let whatever sinks in about Japan, sink in. I've traveled all over Western Europe, a bit in Russia, and a bit in Israel, but I'm begining to realize that while the knowledge I have about being flexible and adjusting will do me well, this is a culture that is quite different from any that I've experienced. There are so many social norms that are totally different form what I'm used to.
I can say that I'm excited for the adventure. For a while I've been feeling the need to do something totally outside my comfort zone and I do believe this will satisfy that need.
I said my California good-byes about a month and a half ago. I find myself thinking of my friends there quite often, wishing they were closer to just hang out with. I certainly haven't lacked things to keep my busy while I'm in Oregon though. In addition to trying to see a few old friends while I'm here and spend a bit of time with my family, I have also spent time with some old neighbor kids that are my adopted niece and nephews. My parents had them visit from Colorado for a little over two weeks which was a lot of fun playing with them, but a ton of work. My dear Auntie Onnie has also occupied my families attention as she went through surgery and had a lot of complications landing her in ICU, a general post op hospital floor, and now a rehab center. It was hard seeing her so very sick for so long because she's such a spunky person but she's doing much better and has a great attitude in the midst of it all. It's been a blessing being able to be here to support her an my family in all that has gone on.
A couple weeks ago I went to counsel at Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp for foster kids, and as always it was a highlight of my time in Oregon. I've had the same camper for five years now and each year she lets me in just a little more. It's so hard to see so many kids that have so much brokenness, but amazing to see God's faithfulness amongst it. I found myself leaving with a feeling of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.
The lastest has been a visit from my Auntie Daria from OH, finishing an online class, and spending a few days at my favorite beach. Auntie Dar always adds a spark to our family, and the beach always refreshes me. It's been a long time since I've just sat and read for pleasure, and spent hours just walking on the beach contemplating all that's gone on and talking to God. I needed it. One book that I'm currently reading was written by a guy in 1991 who went to teach in Japan. It's really fascinating, but also a bit overwhelming. I almost feel like I'd rather go to Japan blind, and without much knowledge of the cultural differences. I know that when I'm faced with the challenges of a new culture I will learn how to deal with them and be just fine, but anticipating them is a bit stressful. I'm trying to just read the book for it's enjoyment and let whatever sinks in about Japan, sink in. I've traveled all over Western Europe, a bit in Russia, and a bit in Israel, but I'm begining to realize that while the knowledge I have about being flexible and adjusting will do me well, this is a culture that is quite different from any that I've experienced. There are so many social norms that are totally different form what I'm used to.
I can say that I'm excited for the adventure. For a while I've been feeling the need to do something totally outside my comfort zone and I do believe this will satisfy that need.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I'm sitting in one of my favorite study/relax places right now have a cup of coffee. The last three weeks have been crazy trying to get everything done. I'm thankful for the work that God's been provided (sub jobs aren't so easy to come by anymore), but between working everyday, moving out of my house of two years, taking a condensed summer class, and trying to fit in as much time as possible with my friends here before I go, I'm exhausted. God has been so very good to me though. I decided that people would be on the top of the priorities and so sleep has taken a major hit....averaging around 4-5 hours :(. I'm not sick, and I'm getting A's on papers that I found myself with my eyes close mid sentence as I was writing them, or I realized that I'd left part out after I wrote it and just threw in a couple sentences on that part here and there. I'm telling you they were not A quality...I'm a teacher, I know...but I've got the grace of God resting on me right now. I even got pulled over for text messaging this week (I was in a neighborhood...not on the main road...I wasn't been that rebellious), but the officer let me off even though when he asked me if I had justification I just shrugged and mutter..um, yeah, nope... God is so good to me.
In the midst of the craziness, I'm saying goodbyes and realizing how blessed I am to have such wonderful supportive people in my life. I will miss my friends here so much, but am grateful that they are sending me off with excitement for my new adventure, and will welcome me back when I return. The last two weeks I've had the blessing of living with my dear friend Meg, and it has been so good to spend some time with her before I leave.
On Saturday I head back to the great Northwest to spend some time with my family before I go. It's hard saying goodbye to this place that has become home for the last five years, but I'm so confident that God's taking me to Japan. I will have about a month and a half to prepare to leave for the next year. Right now I'm still waiting on my visa to come through, but I'm starting to get excited for the adventure. A couple weeks ago I found out that I will be teaching Language Arts for the sixth grade and high school students at Grace, and I'm really excited for that. I also discovered that I have about three contacts not too far from where I'll be. A high school friend is teaching not far from Tokyo, a college friend is moving back to Tokyo, and Shota, my Japanese exchange brother is in the area. God's already provided people for me.
Keep me in your prayers as I say my goodbyes and prepare for a year in a place I've never been. It'd also be great if my visa would go through so I could get my plane ticket.
In the midst of the craziness, I'm saying goodbyes and realizing how blessed I am to have such wonderful supportive people in my life. I will miss my friends here so much, but am grateful that they are sending me off with excitement for my new adventure, and will welcome me back when I return. The last two weeks I've had the blessing of living with my dear friend Meg, and it has been so good to spend some time with her before I leave.
On Saturday I head back to the great Northwest to spend some time with my family before I go. It's hard saying goodbye to this place that has become home for the last five years, but I'm so confident that God's taking me to Japan. I will have about a month and a half to prepare to leave for the next year. Right now I'm still waiting on my visa to come through, but I'm starting to get excited for the adventure. A couple weeks ago I found out that I will be teaching Language Arts for the sixth grade and high school students at Grace, and I'm really excited for that. I also discovered that I have about three contacts not too far from where I'll be. A high school friend is teaching not far from Tokyo, a college friend is moving back to Tokyo, and Shota, my Japanese exchange brother is in the area. God's already provided people for me.
Keep me in your prayers as I say my goodbyes and prepare for a year in a place I've never been. It'd also be great if my visa would go through so I could get my plane ticket.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Journey Begins
About 4 months ago I was given an opportunity to venture off this August and teach in Japan for a year. In all respects the opportunity came from God as I had been itching to do something out of the ordinary and was trying to figure out what I should be doing with my newly received teaching credential. After about a month of praying about the opportunity and asking for advice I told the school that I'd like to come join them for this coming year. Since committing to go everything has been falling into place and at this point I am just waiting to get a visa. As the adventure draws nearer I decided I ought to jump on the blogging bandwagon and create one of this lovely little things. I might even throw in a few blogs pre Japan that are entirely unrelated to it.
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