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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'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.